Not Your Ordinary “Cabin in the Woods”
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CONTENTS JULY 2018
30 HOME:
Step inside the beautiful "cabin in the woods" that the Bryans, owners of Old Waverly Golf Club and Mossy Oak, call home..
82 ENTERTAINING:
It’s a paw-ty you won’t want to miss! When Gus the pup turned one event designer Angela Mazanti hosted the paw-fect birthday extravaganza at Shelby Farms Park. 8 | At Home Memphis & Mid South • July 2018
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CONTENTS J U LY 2 0 1 8
58. F O R YO U 26 healthy you My Story
50.
84.
98 on a good note Blues City Animal Rescue
HOME & DESIGN 16 at home with Author, Lisa Patton 30 home feature The Bryan family's West Point, MS paradise 46 home trends Garden Maintenance
T R AV E L & C U L T U R E 50
getaway Atlanta, Georgia
58
travel Libson, a Jewel Rediscovered
68
experience this Summer in the City
46.
74 social Mid South Happenings 80 wedding Hughes/Bland
FOOD & DRINK 82 entertaining Gus's Paw-fect 1st Birthday Party 90 dining out Sleep Out Louie's 92 happy hour Nitpicker 94 in the kitchen Panzanella Salad 10 | At Home Memphis & Mid South • July 2018
IN EVERY ISSUE 14 | PUBLISHER'S NOTE 97 | SOURCES
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JULY 2018 • VOL. 17 NO. 4 PUBLISHER / EDITORIAL DIRECTOR MARGARET MONGER | mmonger@athomemms.com
ART DIRECTOR ANNA HALEY | aleppert@athomemms.com
EDITORIAL AND PRODUCTION MANAGER GINNI JONES | gjones@athomemms.com
COPY EDITOR TERRI GLAZER
INTERN LAUREN DECEMBRINO
IMAGING COLOR MANAGEMENT CHARLES REYNOLDS | cr@colorretouching.com
ADVERTISING SENIOR ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE HILARY FRANKEL | hafrankel@comcast.net
ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES MEGAN EIDT | meidt@gmail.com BRITTANY MCDONALD | brmcdonald45@gmail.com GAIL HARRELL | gharrell@athomemms.com
BUSINESS DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS TRIP MONGER | tmonger@athomemms.com
MARKETING AND CIRCULATION HARRIET W. DEATON | hdeaton@athomemms.com
HOW TO REACH US 320 South Walnut Bend, Suite 11 | Cordova, TN 38018 901.684.4155 | FAX 901.684.4156 WEBSITE: athomemms.com
At Home Memphis & Mid South doesn't accept unsolicited manuscripts. To inquire about freelance opportunities, send a letter, resume and three writing samples to—Editor, At Home Memphis & Mid South: 320 South Walnut Bend, Suite 11, Cordova, TN 38018.
SUBSCRIPTIONS Call 901.684.4155 or subscribe at athomemms. com. Annual subscription rate: $19.95. Single copy price: $4.99. At Home Memphis & Mid South is published 12 times a year. Postmaster: Send address changes to At Home Memphis & Mid South, 320 South Walnut Bend, Suite 11, Cordova, TN 38018. We make every effort to correct factual mistakes or omissions in a timely and candid manner. Information can be forwarded to Trip Monger; At Home Memphis & Mid South, 320 South Walnut Bend, Suite 11, Cordova, TN 38018 or to tmonger@athomemms.com.
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publisher’s note As usual, we went from winter and me whining about the cold, to summer and me whining about the heat. We had our typical Southern spring that lasted a day and a half. July has arrived and has brought with it a 107˚ heat index and mosquitos that mimic the behavior of The Birds in the Alfred Hitchcock movie. My glasses fog up anytime I step outside and there is not enough Keratin on the planet to tame this frizzy hair of mine, but that is the price I pay to live in the South. We are truly blessed to live in such a beautiful part of our country. We have plentiful lakes and rivers to cool off in and great nature trails and parks, particularly here in Memphis with Shelby Farms and its 4,500 acres of beauty, making it one of the 20 largest urban parks in the United States. It actually covers more than five times the area of Central Park and it is right in our backyard. We recently threw a birthday party there for our own Angela Mazanti’s fur baby, Gus. Your can see the festivities for yourself in our Entertaining section this month. Gus was surrounded by some close pals, and a few of his favorite humans were also allowed. It was a “dog-gone great paw-ty.” Our featured home this month is not only breathtaking, it is a true gem for special birthday celebrations, as well. On the Fourth of July, thousands of friends, family and visitors will gather at Old Waverly to enjoy food, fireworks and fun times celebrating our country’s birthday and paying respect to our veterans who ensured we have the ability to celebrate our freedom. Whether we spend Independence Day at a grand place like Old Waverly with thousands, or in our own backyard with a few friends, I hope we all remember that although the BBQ, fireworks and libations are great, the reason we gather is to celebrate the birthday of OUR United States of America, and maybe one day we can remember it is not about the Democrats or Republicans, but the Americans who made our freedom possible.
— Margaret
Publisher
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at home with
At Home With
Lisa Patton,Best-selling Author Text by Ginni Jones Photos courtesy of Lisa Patton
At Home Memphis & Mid South had the opportunity to sit down with best-selling author Lisa Patton. Patton was featured as a 2010 Target Emerging Author and has written award-winning novels including Whistlin’ Dixie in a Nor’Easter and Yankee Doodle Dixie. Her fourth novel, Rush, will hit bookshelves next month. Set in Oxford, Mississippi, Rush provides a glance into the exclusive process of Greek recruitment at Ole Miss and the relationships made between the sisters and the staff of the sorority houses. Currently living in Nashville with her family, Patton still calls Memphis her heart’s home.
Q&A
At Home Memphis & Mid South: Tell us a little about your background, both personally and professionally. Lisa Patton: Oh gosh, we don’t have enough paper in the magazine! I was fortunate enough to attend the Hutchison School from kindergarten through my senior year in high school, then the University of Alabama for college. Both prepared me for a cornucopia of exciting jobs. From my first—a secretary at Plough, Inc., back in the early 80s—to a waitress at Paulette’s, then manager of the Orpheum Theatre, to promotions at both FM 100 and Channel 5, I felt like a cat with multiple lives. Then I became a southern belle innkeeper in Vermont, a personal assistant to a rock star, a Yamaha talent manager, an events director at a historic home in Franklin, TN, and finally a novelist; now I can confidently call myself a life CEO! None of my professional jobs compares to the privilege of mothering two lively little boys who have matured into wonderful young men. AHMMS: What inspires you? LP: Authenticity inspires me. Real, trustworthy people, without an agenda. The older I get I fall more and more in love with honesty, sincerity and godliness. My other inspiration is humor—real, un-raunchy everyday comedy. We can usually find the funniness in a situation if we’re willing to look. 16 | At Home Memphis & Mid South • July 2018
AHMMS: What’s your favorite thing about your job? LP: I’d say the rare times when the perfect line or paragraph or even a chapter flies out of my head and onto the page. That gives me a natural high and I find myself rereading it over and over... until I’m tempted to change it. Then I have to force myself to stop because I’m in danger of ruining the whole thing. AHMMS: What advice would you give to people who want to succeed in their dreams? LP: You’ve asked about my favorite topic. Tenacity. Never, ever give up, despite the odds. You might, well, you will work your tail off to succeed, but it will be worth it. Believe in your dreams no matter your situation or what anyone says. Unfortunately, there are naysayers in life, but we must block out their voices. AHMMS: What do you like to do when you aren’t working? LP: This question made me laugh a little because lately I’ve been working more than I ever thought possible! But in my downtime I love doing things that relax my mind: Walking through an antique store, reading a book, decorating my home, visiting with old friends, yoga, walking my dog. Something new for me is baking bread. I’ve finally learned how to do it, and I love baking extra loaves for people who need a smile. AHMMS: What are your favorite places in the Mid South? LP: I have lots of old favorites: Dinstuhl’s, Pete and Sam’s, Top’s Bar-B-Q, Audubon Park lake, the Memphis Zoo, the top of the Pyramid view of the Mighty Mississippi, the Orpheum, Pancho’s cheese dip (that’s not a place anymore, I don’t think, but it’s a taste I start craving whenever I cross the Shelby County line.) Although I’m living in Nashville now, my heart still lives in Memphis. It always will.
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healthy you
My Story Text by Michelle Johns
The tragedy of several celebrity deaths has brought mental illness and suicide to the forefront of the national news lately. More and more people are openly sharing their struggles with mental illness. The following statistics come from the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI). One in five adults suffers from some form of mental illness. Half of chronic mental illness begins by the age of 14. 3/4 of chronic mental illness begins by the age of 25. Suicide is the 10th leading cause of death in the U.S. Suicide is the second leading cause of death for those aged 10 to 24. Approximately 10.2 million adults living with mental illness also have an addiction problem. Approximately 26 percent of homeless people living in shelters are mentally ill. Information regarding mental illness and suicide is widely available, as is encouragement for people who suffer to get help. However, support is scant for caregivers of mental patients and for those who are cared for by a person suffering from a mental illness. I grew up with a severely mentally ill parent. My mother was diagnosed manic depressive in the 70s. Today, her illness is typically diagnosed as bipolar. I spent much of my childhood not understanding or knowing what was wrong, feeling isolated, alone and unloved. I basically raised myself; my parents were divorced and for much of my life, my mother was my primary caregiver. My story is similar to any child living with a mentally ill parent. Out of respect for those suffering with mental illness, I will not reveal in this article the emotions I experienced. However, I will share some thoughts and tips based on my personal experience: For the suffering mentally ill: •
Mental illness is not a choice or something a person has akin to a cold; it is a part of the person’s constitution. It will not go away in a short time on its own.
•
Mental illness symptoms can be mitigated with therapy, medication and exercise. (This is based on research.)
• Those suffering with mental illness know they need help but often when in the midst of an episode (which can last hours to days to months to years) cannot be coerced or convinced to get help. I see many pleas on social media sites for those suffering to get help and while they are kind and thoughtful, they are not necessarily effective. The mentally ill need the people closest to them to act on their behalf during a time of crisis. All of the adults in my life criticized my mother. Some went as far as telling my siblings and me that we were not loved and that we had a crazy mother. My teachers at school often penalized me for my mother’s outbursts. No one explained her illness to me until I was 17 years old. I spent all of my developmental years not knowing or understanding my mother’s situation. She was very difficult, particularly toward me; I am strong-willed and resilient so I was often her target. My mother was institutionalized when I was seven years old. She disappeared from my life for three years. My siblings and I had no idea where she was and spent many nights crying ourselves to sleep because we felt abandoned. This was not a time in which mental illness was discussed or understood as it is today. 26 | At Home Memphis & Mid South • July 2018
The adults in my life thought I either shouldn’t know or wouldn’t understand. Regardless of my early years, I am very thankful for the gift of life. In hindsight (it’s always 20/20), I think the following may have helped me, so I offer these suggestions to help those caring for children of a mentally ill parent. • Adults should be compassionate. I think children should be told of their parent’s mental illness so they won’t think there is something wrong with them. • Children should be told they are loved by their parent and should be taught to love their parent. • Children should have a safe zone or place in which they can stay during times of crisis. This requires a supportive adult. • Boundaries should be set and discussed with children so they understand the severity and how they can help their situation by acknowledging a crisis situation and removing themselves from the situation by calling their “safe” or supportive adult. Mental illness is complex. It is personal, it is deep, it is wide, it is intimate, it is challenging. There are no simple answers or solutions. Every day is a new day and every crisis is unique. As people, we need to support one another. We need to set boundaries—they are necessary for everyone, but we need to act with compassion, honesty and love. A good counselor can offer guidance and should be employed for all involved. Even if the person suffering with the illness won’t go to counseling, those around and affected by their illness should. This is a personal article and it is based on my personal story. If you have questions, email me, mjohns@transforming-wellness.com.
Michelle Johns is a corporate onsite health promotion specialist, integrative health and wellness educator, yoga teacher, food literacy educator and a green smoothie connoisseur. She graduated from the University of Memphis with a B.S. in psychology, is a certified health coach from the Institute of Integrated Nutrition and an RYT 200 yoga teacher. Her approach to well being and living your best life every day focuses on the foundations of selfawareness, self-care and self-discovery through whole mind, body and spirit nutrition. Johns educates clients through a journey focused on the way the whole self is nourished through food, career, relationships, exercise and spirituality. Her ultimate goal is to help clients discover not only how to live longer, but to live better by honoring the unique individual with compassion and selflove as they were created.
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home feature
NOT YOUR ORDINARY "CABIN IN THE WOODS" Marcia and George Bryan’s golf course haven in West Point, MS
Text by Jordana White | Photos by Steve Roberts 30 | At Home Memphis & Mid South • July 2018
home feature If you’re serious about golf, chances are you’ve heard of the Old Waverly club; after all, it will be the site of the 2019 U.S. Women’s Amateur (marking the third time a USGA Championship has been held at the club since it opened in 1988). But chances are, even if you’ve watched (or played) a round or two at the storied club, you don’t know the whole story. Marcia and George Bryan acquired the 385-acre property in 1985 and opened Old Waverly three years later. Today, it not only serves as a golf club, it is also the site of 150 permanent homes, as well as rental accommodations for up to 175 guests. At the same time, the couple acquired Mossy Oak, a non-residential golf club with lodging for around 40 guests. The couple was not interested in being absentee landlords, however—not by a long shot! The Bryans' new properties came with a 10-acre house site that was served by its own natural spring. After deciding that they would live on the plot, Marcia says, they designed their current home with the original structure in mind. “Our existing log home, referred to as ‘the cabin in the woods,’ was designed by Roger Pryor and Steve Bengel with the original house in mind. It appears to have been here forever, but was actually constructed in 2002,” she says. As a further homage to the early days of the property, Marcia says, “We installed a rock fountain representing the original spring. This fountain was the brainchild of Steve Bengel and was fabricated by Columbus Marble Works from a large granite slab. It is always in sight from all areas of the house.”
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home feature
"There’s nothing fancy about it; everything has just been collected through the years, and it’s a home built for friends, grandchildren and dogs.”
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home feature
After furnishing the home, the Bryans were ready to start displaying pieces from their vast and impressive art collection. As Marcia explains, they began collecting after purchasing a home in Peoa, Utah, (just outside Salt Lake City) as a second residence. The couple owns a particularly distinctive collection of Native American art, housed in the log cabin’s wine cellar, as well as pieces by artists including Richard Murray, Michael Schriek, Claire Stone Houston, Deborah Mansfield, Galust Berian and Michael Coleman, hung in positions of prominence across several structures on the two properties. July 2018 • athomemms.com | 37
home feature
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Of course, at 3,800 square feet, with an additional 400-square-foot wine cellar, the log home’s interior lives up to the elaborate fountain at its forefront. Designed with rich, natural materials—plenty of stone, exposed wood beams and earth-toned tiles throughout—as the backdrop, the cozy furnishings give a nod to cabin life, while upgrades like built-in stainless steel appliances allow for the best of modern living.
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home feature
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The main home is not the only dwelling the Bryans maintain in West Point. To keep family comfortable during visits, the property’s Campbell Cottage (also known as “the red cabin in the woods,” Marica says) serves as a second home for the Bryans' daughter and her family when they come in from their main residence in Oxford. It is also used as a guesthouse when their daughter is not in town.
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design home home feature feature
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home homefeature trends El Cosmico
“We use them all the time.... school parties, birthday parties, family retreats…they’re always busy." Trolley Tour
The Bryans also constructed five tree houses for use by their 15 grandchildren. Scattered throughout the woods behind the log house, these outcroppings are hubs of life on the property. “We use them all the time,” Marcia says. “School parties, birthday parties, family retreats…they’re always busy. We even run yoga classes in one of the houses that has a raised deck.” Noting that they were also intended as architectural features for the property, Marcia adds, “One tree house is reached by a swinging bridge, one by a series of circular steps and one by walking down a pine pathway to a creek at the back of the property.” There’s no chance of boredom setting in when kids are anywhere near the tree houses. “There is a sand pile, a fireman’s pole, monkey bars, a climbing wall and swinging hammocks. We even have a zipline that is regularly used by all the children who pass by,” Marcia says. July 2018 • athomemms.com | 43
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home feature
While future golfers are well taken care of during visits to Old Waverly, the Bryans were also careful to pay tribute to the past. “We moved an original smokehouse from Tennessee to the property,” Marcia says. “These smokehouses were used to cure meat before the age of refrigeration and are still used today to obtain an original cured, smoky flavor in meat. This was particularly meaningful to George, as his father and brother were the founders of Bryan Foods, which later became one of the meat companies owned by Sara Lee Corporation.” The Bryans sought to honor military veterans in an enduring way. “After visiting many of the great Scottish golf courses, all of which had monuments to American and British soldiers from the World Wars, we got the idea for the Veterans’ Monument at Old Waverly. It is a 25,000-pound rock. Eighty families who live at Old Waverly have their names or the names of their ancestors engraved on the monument, honoring veterans from World Wars I and II, the Korean War and the Vietnam War,” Marcia says. With nods to the past, present and future weaving together in one vibrant tapestry, the Bryans have built much more than a golf course at Old Waverly and Mossy Oak—they’ve created a richly layered community. As Marcia says, “Some of the people who work here have been here since the very beginning. We’ve all done this together with the people who have made Old Waverly their home and live here full time. George and I appreciate that this home is so unpretentious. There’s nothing fancy about it; everything has just been collected through the years, and it’s a home built for friends, grandchildren and dogs.” July 2018 • athomemms.com | 45
home trends
A little extra attention can help keep the perennial garden fresh and blooming all summer long.
Garden Maintenance Text by P. Allen Smith | Photography by Mark Fonville
I find that the spring garden can put on a glorious show almost without my help. I have a few favorite perennials and some companion shrubs that never disappoint in my zone 8A garden. Hostas, peonies, iris, reblooming hydrangeas and double-flowering peony daylilies provide elements of textural contrast and pops of color that are hard to beat. Peonies, lilacs, daffodils and tulips easily make a spectacle of themselves. I do my best to offer a little direction and advice, but those early plants are scene stealers that do a good job of shining bright on their own. Then comes summer—a different gardening experience altogether. Hotter temperatures, spent flowers, insects and disease reassure me that I do play an important role in the health and beauty of the plants. A little garden maintenance and a few key chores can make the difference between a good summer garden and a great one.
For me, the best summer gardening approach revolves around five main strategies: deadheading, fertilizing, disease and insect control, weeding, and watering. Deadhead flowers for more blooms
Deadheading is key to keeping your perennials (and annuals, too) blooming for as long as possible. Once a flower is spent, the plant begins to develop seeds for future reproduction. But that drains a lot of energy from the plant and its roots. By using a hand pruner to remove the spent flower head, energy is redirected into creating new flower buds. And it makes the plant look a lot better, too! Some perennials that benefit from deadheading and will likely rebloom include shasta daisies, coneflowers, salvias, coreopsis, bee balm, tall garden phlox and black-eyed Susans. 46 | At Home Memphis & Mid South • July 2018
And while spring-flowering plants like peonies will not rebloom with deadheading, removing spent flowers (and preventing seed development) will provide more energy for building and maintaining healthy roots. Midsummer is also a great time to cut back fall-blooming perennials that may be starting to set early flower buds, like mums and asters. This is sometimes referred to as “pinching back.” Cut the plant back by about a third. A nice bonus to this chore is that in addition to delaying bloom time, it also results in a fuller plant. For example, I cut Russian sage back by half after the first heavy bloom, resulting in a beautiful rebloomed plant in October.
home getaway trends Fertilizer can provide a boost of energy to flagging flowers. I work from the premise that a healthy garden starts with healthy soil. If your soil is in good shape, it might not be necessary to add fertilizer; let your plants tell you if they need it. If you notice yellowing leaves or a general failure to perform, consider enriching your existing soil by topdressing the plant’s roots with compost. Lucky for me, the chickens at Moss Mountain Farm provide us with a steady supply of manure and compost. You can also supplement plants with a slow-release granular fertilizer like Osmocote. A balanced 14-1414 fertilizer will boost roots, green foliage and flower production. Kellogg Garden Organics All Purpose Fertilizer is a great choice for gardeners who prefer organic solutions.
Insects and disease are a constant in every garden. I like to think that if gardening were too easy, I wouldn’t enjoy it half as much. So when I’m faced with obvious damage to a plant, whether it’s black spot on a rose, powdery mildew on tall garden phlox, or aphids on milkweed, I’m ready for the challenge. For diseases like black spot and powdery mildew, consider whether your plant is positioned so that it’s getting proper air circulation. You’ll be battling disease constantly if plants are too crowded; it creates an environment that holds moisture and lets disease thrive. Take precautionary measures to prevent this—avoid watering at night or from above the plant. Hand watering or a gentle drip is best for healthy and disease-free plants. If you’re still having disease issues, consider using an environmentally friendly product like Neem oil or insecticidal soap. Neem oil is created using an extract from the neem tree (Azadirachta indica), which is native to India. It is an effective treatment for common plant diseases and to control insects. Because it must be ingested by insects to be effective, it will not harm pollinators like bees, butterflies and ladybugs. In addition, Neem oil can prevent diseases such as black spot, rust and powdery mildew. It’s also biodegradable and, if used correctly, safe for animals, which makes it a good first choice for gardeners looking for a kinder, gentler way to maintain healthy plants. Insecticidal soap is effective for treating aphids, scale, thrips, sawfly, spider mites, whiteflies and many more insects. It works on contact so it needs to be sprayed
directly on the invaders. Residual spray on the leaf will have no impact. Genetics also play a role in the disease resistance of plants. Filling your garden with re-blooming perennials such as daylilies and tall bearded iris provides a naturally diseaseresistant solution to your gardening woes.
There’s no getting around it—weeding is a necessary evil. Weeding is probably the most unpopular strategy in my arsenal of garden maintenance tips and tricks, but there’s no avoiding it. Weeds compete with desirable plants in the garden by stealing valuable soil nutrients and moisture, so they must go. To avoid the spread of more weeds, getting to them before they go to seed is crucial. You can minimize this dreaded chore by using a goodquality mulch like leaf compost in your flower bed. Not only does mulch help retain moisture in the soil, but also it helps smother existing weeds and prevent weed seeds from taking root. This is a case where defense, in the form of mulch, is your best offense. If you do find yourself having to pull up or hoe weeds, try to first target those that are preparing to go to seed, and beat them to the punch.
When it’s 95 degrees and there’s no rain in sight...water In most of my gardens at the farm I don’t have the luxury of an extensive watering system. The majority of my perennial plants have had to learn to fend for themselves, which is not a bad way to approach gardening. Water is a valuable natural resource, and the less supplemental watering done the better. But all gardens have experienced periods of extended drought with the temperature hovering around the 100-degree mark. That creates an environment that is not only tough on gardeners, but also on their plants. If you can, consider watering once a week with a deep soak (30-45 minutes) versus a little bit of water every day. Deep watering supports deeper, stronger plant roots which, in turn, require even less watering. Soaker hoses are more efficient and waste less water than sprinklers, but there’s no substitute for a good downpour from Mother Nature. I hope I’ve convinced you of the benefits your garden will experience when you spend a little extra time on plant maintenance and gardening chores. The summer perennial garden may not come with the same ease as the spring garden, but it can definitely produce the same pageantry and fanfare—with a little help from you. July 2018 • athomemms.com | 47
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getaway
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getaway
Atlanta,
Text by Ginni Jones 50 | At Home Memphis & Mid South • July 2018
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Georgia
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getaway
Atlanta, the metropolis of the South, is a hot, HOT destination for a getaway this summer! Long known as a hotbed of adventures and attractions, Atlanta now has some exciting new spots up its sleeve. From food halls to a rooftop attraction park and an amazing array of museums and urban parks, Atlanta is the perfect city to enjoy this season.
Play
Fox Theatre
If you have never visited Atlanta make your first stop Centennial Olympic Park. Around this area you will find some of the city’s most popular attractions: World of Coca-Cola, the Center for Civil and Human Rights and the Georgia Aquarium. Also in Centennial Park is Skyview Atlanta, a 20-story ferris wheel that provides scenic views of the city in gondola-like cars. Next, make your way to the Buckhead area for a visit to the Atlanta History Center, a museum and research center focused on history, knowledge and adventure. Also on the property is the famous Swan House. This fabulous mansion is often chosen as an event or wedding venue, and has been seen in the Hunger Games films as well as on The Amazing Race television series. Before leaving Buckhead, make sure to stop at Lenox Square for some serious shopping. This upscale indoor shopping mall has everything to offer from Cartier and Neiman Marcus to Williams Sonoma and Sprinkles Cupcakes. Head to Midtown and explore the city’s art district. The High Museum of Art boasts a collection that features over 16,000 artworks across multiple galleries. For Broadway productions to ballet and a summer film series visit the Fox Theatre. Originally conceived as a Shrine temple, the historic building features elaborate mosque-like architecture and furnishings. 52 | At Home Memphis & Mid South • July 2018
World of Coca-Cola
Located between Midtown and the Virginia Highlands neighborhood is Piedmont Park. This 185-acre urban oasis has much to explore. On Saturdays peruse the Green Market for fresh produce from local farmers. During the summer, enjoy the public resort-style pool or take a stroll to picturesque Lake Clara Meer. The park is also home to basketball and tennis courts, a running track, softball and baseball fields, volleyball courts and bocce ball courts. Before leaving the Piedmont area stop and explore the beautiful Atlanta Botanical Garden. Another must do is Ponce City Market housed in the redeveloped historic Sears, Roebuck & Co. building. The market is home to an award-winning food hall as well as upscale stores such as Anthropologie, Madewell and more. If you visit on the weekend make sure to head upstairs to the Skyline Park. This rooftop attraction has every old-school amusement you can dream of, from miniature golf to skee ball and even a beer garden, the Nine Mile Station. The view of Atlanta’s skyline from the park is the best in the city.
SunTrust Stadium
Originally a railway corridor, The BeltLine multi-use trail runs through the core of the city. With four trails currently open and two under construction, the development also includes seven parks, an urban farm, a linear arboretum and the largest temporary public art exhibit in the South. Along the trails find restaurants, outdoor bars and more! Before heading back home, take the family to the ballpark. SunTrust Stadium is home to the MLB Atlanta Braves. Before the first pitch take time to check out the Battery right behind the stadium. With shopping, food and more, it’s another Atlanta attraction you can’t leave without exploring. July 2018 • athomemms.com | 53
get away getaway
Dine & Drink Sublime Doughnuts
Getting to know Georgia’s capital city can work up quite an appetite! Atlanta does not lack when it comes to dining venues. When it’s time for breakfast visit Sublime Doughnuts for gourmet doughnuts and their version of “burgers,” a donut sliced in half and stuffed with housemade gelato. Bread & Butterfly cafe and bistro serves all day. Known for French-inspired fare made with local ingredients, the cuisine will not disappoint. For a casual yet gourmet lunch in a beautiful environment, Miller Union is the place. Featuring local ingredients on a Southern accented menu, this new American eatery is housed in a modernyet-rustic space. Don’t leave without trying a handmade ice cream sandwich; they are only available during lunch. Another great breakfast and lunch spot is Poncey Highland Cafe & Coffeehouse. Serving pastries and coffee as well as a creative menu of toasts and sandwiches, the eatery is open daily from 7:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Miller Union Bread & Butterfly
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getaway For Buckhead dining, head to Mission + Market in the Three Alliance Center. Open for lunch, snacks and dinner, the menu features an array of fresh-yet-classic shareable plates. Buckhead is also home to Chai Yo, an upscale Thai restaurant, known for classic Thai favorites with a contemporary and modern twist. Make sure to sample one of the Thai cocktails on the beverage menu. Still thirsty? Make the Ivy your next stop. In a converted Buckhead mansion, the casual-yet-classy bar features an extensive cocktail menu along with classic American fare. Â For a bite on the BeltLine stop in at LadyBird Grove and Mess Hall, a new American bar and restaurant with an interesting lodging/camping/outdoor vibe. Serving brunch, lunch and dinner, menus change frequently depending on in-season produce and ingredients. Make sure to check out the libations menu and sample some local beers. A sure bet for a pre-game meal near SunTrust Stadium is the new Garden & Gun Club at the Battery. The recently opened restaurant and cocktail bar by the familiar magazine of the same name serves everything from light appetizers to Southern entrees and dessert. Garden & Gun Club
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getaway St. Regis
Stay As a large metropolis, Atlanta offers a wide range of lodgings scattered throughout the city, but perhaps the most opulent is the St. Regis in Buckhead. The five-star facility oozes elegance and boasts loads of amenities including a pool, poolside cafe and waterfall, a full-service spa and a restaurant, tea room, lounge and wine room. The Mandarin Oriental is another luxurious option; its peaceful yet elegant atmosphere is an oasis from the hustle and bustle of the city. The hotel features a spa, garden, indoor pool and fitness center as well as a cafe and bar. Located near Piedmont Park and the Atlanta Botanical Garden is the Four Seasons. With a noteworthy restaurant and bar, this hotel also offers a spa, indoor pool and fitness center. Close to the city’s top attractions is the Ritz-Carlton. The hotel’s name is synonymous with luxury and the Atlanta location does not disappoint. One of Atlanta’s best boutique lodgings is the Ellis Hotel. Situated downtown, the 1913 brick building features alfresco dining as well as luxurious rooms and amenities.
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LadyBird Grove
High Museum
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travel getaway
Rossio Square 58 | At Home Memphis & Mid South • July 2018
travel
LISBON A REDISCOVERED JEWEL Text by Michael Bevis | Photos courtesy of Regency Travel, Inc.
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travel Lisbon
Lisbon, the vibrant capital city of Portugal, is located near the mouth of the Tagus River and has a glorious year-round climate. With settlements dating back to the Stone Age, it is one of the oldest cities in Western Europe. Lisbon straddles seven hills and is crowned by the storybook St. George’s Castle. This charismatic city effortlessly blends traditional heritage with striking modernism and progressive thinking. Here are some of its distinctive neighborhoods and their points of interest:
St. George's Castle
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Alfama
wedding
The oldest and one of the most interesting districts in Lisbon is Alfama. An absolute must do for all visitors is wandering through this Moorish quarter with its maze-like alleyways and lanes. The narrow, cobbled streets are full of small shops, al fresco restaurants and friendly neighborhood bars offering intimate views of life in Lisbon. Important sites to include during your visit of this intriguing area are the Sé Cathedral and St. George’s Castle. The iconic 12th century Sé Cathedral was built by Portugal’s first king on the site of the city’s main mosque. As one views the cathedral from the outside with two imposing bell towers and a splendid rose window, it resembles a massive medieval fortress. By contrast, the inside is Romanesque and Gothic in style. Ongoing archaeological excavations in the 14thcentury cloisters have revealed traces of ancient Roman and Visigothic remains. Walk up the hill (or take a death-defying tuk tuk ride) to St. George’s Castle. Stroll along the stone ramparts and enjoy breathtaking views of the waterfront and the April 25 Bridge, the longest suspension bridge in Europe. This landmark is often compared to the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco and it is painted the same iconic color, International Orange. Greenville Zoo
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travel
Baixa
Baixa, the central neighborhood in Lisbon, boasts large classical avenues and the most emblematic squares in the capital. Packed with stores and restaurants, Baixa is very busy during the day. Avenida da Liberdade, called the Champs Elysees of Lisbon, is a beautiful avenue about half a mile long connecting the Park Eduardo VII and Rossio Square. The imposing boulevard is shaded by trees and lined with monuments, high-end boutiques, cafes with covered terraces, and hotels. In addition, this is where you will find all the well-known designer shops. Park Eduardo VII is named for the English King Edward VII, who visited Lisbon to celebrate the Anglo-Portuguese Alliance in 1903. Laid out in a former stone quarry and adorned with formal box hedges, statuary and ornamental ponds, this park is Baixa the largest urban oasis in Lisbon.
In Baixa, you’ll find a curious tourist attraction called the Santa Justa Lift (Elevador de Santa Justa), which is also a useful means of transportation. The 19th-century mechanism transports passengers up the steep hill from the Baixa district to the historic and picturesque square, Largo do Carmo and the fascinating ruins of the Carmo Church. The lift dates from an era when wrought iron was both a construction material and an art form. The structure is adorned with glorious neo-gothic arches and geometric patterns. Inside, two sumptuous polished wood carriages whisk passengers up in style. Historically the Elevador de Santa Justa provided an invaluable service by eliminating the steep slog up Carmo Hill. At the top of the lift is a newly opened viewing platform which provides dramatic vistas over the center of Lisbon.
Carmo Church Ruins
Chiado
Chiado 62 | At Home Memphis & Mid South • July 2018
Visitors should explore this elegant and Bohemian neighborhood located between Bairro Alto and Baixa Pombalina. It is frequently compared to the Montmartre district in Paris. After being destroyed by a fire, it was rebuilt in 1998. Specialty stores lining Rue Garrett offer kid leather gloves in all colors, fine linens, tawny port, handmade shoes, cork handbags, and tinned sardines. The square and its surrounding streets are full of famous cafes, theatres and museums. Bairro Alto, which is adjacent to Chiado, is rather alternative and is probably the best part of the city to find good fado restaurants. Fado is traditional folk music that is popular in this area of Portugal. Musicians play instruments like guitars and mandolins while one Fadista sings poetic lyrics.
Belem
Tower of Belem Take a taxi or bus to the neighborhood of Belem to explore the impressive 16thcentury Jeronimos Monastery, and see the National Coach Museum, and the Tower of Belem. Down by the river, Jeronimos Monastery’s fantastically ornate Manueline cloisters whisk you back to Portugal’s Age of Discovery and the glorious wealth the exploration brought back to the empire. The great world explorer, Vasco da Gama, is buried here. The famous dessert known as Pasteis de nata was first produced in a building adjoining the monastery in 1837. At that time, monks there found themselves with an abundance of egg yolks after using the whites to starch their cassocks. So as not to waste the yolks, they created a creamy custard with sugar, vanilla and milk in a crisp puffed pastry. After the monastery was secularized and the monks expelled, a businessman named Domingo Rafael Alves purchased the recipe from a monk and eventually passed it on to an elder in the Clarinha family. Historic Belem Tower, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, was built in 1515 as a defensive fortress to guard the entrance to Lisbon’s harbor. As a ceremonial gateway, it was the starting point for many of the voyages of discovery, and for the sailors it was the last sight of their homeland, and the first sight upon their return. The tower has five floors which lead to a rooftop terrace with wide-open panorama views. July 2018 • athomemms.com | 63
Jeronimos Monastery
Jeronimos Monastery
The Museu Nacional dos Coches (National Coach Museum) is set in a surprisingly modern building overlooking the Afonso de Albuquerque gardens in Belem, next to the railway station. Completed in May 2015, the structure is reputed to hold one of the finest and the most valuable collections of historical carriages in the world, with many examples dating from the 16th to the 19th century. Over 40 beautifully crafted and extravagantly decorated carriages are on display. While the attention to detail and beauty displayed by the artisan manufacturers made each coach stand out from the crowd, the evolution of the suspension systems also is worth close inspection.
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DAY TRIPS FROM LISBON SINTRA, a wonderful resort town nestled in the foothills of Portugal’s Sintra Mountains, is a quick and easy day trip from Lisbon. A longtime royal sanctuary, its forested terrain is studded with pastel-colored villas and ornate palaces. The poet Lord Byron called it “glorious Eden.” The Moorish and Manuelinestyle Sintra National Palace is distinguished by dramatic twin chimneys and elaborate tilework. The hilltop 19th-century Pena National Palace is one of the finest tourist attractions in all of Portugal and exemplifies the Romantic style of architecture. The palace is well known for its whimsical design that includes vividly painted terraces, decorative battlements and statues of mythological creatures, as well as its sweeping views of the forests that encircle Sintra. Estoril
CASCAIS AND ESTORIL are two beach resort towns near Lisbon. Cascais is known as “the Town of Kings and Fishes” because it was originally a small fishing town that found favor with Portuguese nobility, who came here for their summer retreat. Thanks to this fact, the village is uncommonly rich in beautiful architecture, free museums and carefully maintained parks. The area is surrounded by a varied coastline of impressive cliffs and picturesque, intimate sandy coves. Estoril has long been established as the cosmopolitan holiday destination of the rich and famous on the Portuguese Riviera. Its casino is one of Europe’s largest, and was the inspiration for the first of Ian Fleming’s James Bond books, Casino Royale. Estoril’s warm, sunny summers, mild winters and location only 20 miles outside Lisbon make it a perfect beach town. For information on a trip to Lisbon, call the travel advisors at Regency Travel, Inc., at 901.682.9065 or visit www.regencytravel.net. July 2018 • athomemms.com | 65
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experience this
SUMMER MID SOUTH in the
Text by Lee McAlister
Dixon Gallery and Gardens The Dixon has fun and exciting events planned all summer long for the whole family. Little ones will find their inner artist at weekly Mini Master (ages 2-4) and Kaleidoscope Club (ages 5-9) classes. Yoga enthusiasts can begin their Wednesdays on the right foot with Sunrise Yoga in the garden at 6:15 a.m. Bring a brown bag and take your lunch break with the Dixon’s Munch and Learn weekly lecture series, Wednesdays at noon in the Winegardner Auditorium. Docents will lead Saturday morning tours focusing on the Memphis Garden Club Cutting Garden. Check out the Dixon’s website and Facebook page to keep up with all the exciting events. For more information about Africa and safaris, Food Truck Fridays: Every Friday this summer the Dixon will host a variety of food trucks. Enjoy local call the travel advisors at favorites like Central BBQ, MEMPopS and Fresh Gulf Shrimp. Food Truck Friday 11:30 to 1:30 p.m. Regencyruns Travel, Inc., a.m. at 901.682.9065 or every Friday through September; admission to gardens is free during the event. visit www.regencytravel.net. 68 | At Home Memphis & Mid South • July 2018
Shelby Farms Park Shelby Farms Park is a 4,500-acre urban park with activities and attractions for all ages to enjoy. Stroll or ride bikes along the Shelby Farms Greenline or fish in one of the many ponds and lakes. (A valid Tennessee fishing license is required for those age 13 and over.) Shelby Farms is also home to the top-ranked Woodland Playground and the Water Play Sprayground. Four-legged friends can enjoy the park in the Outback Off-Leash Dog Park. After the sun sets, go stargazing in the park on July 18. The Memphis Astronomical Society will be on hand with telescopes and will help attendees view constellations, planets and star clusters. Raise some funds for Shelby Farms and experience a beautiful summer sunset while on a guided evening paddle on Hyde Lake during Canoes and Cocktails on July 19 and 26. After a trip around the lake enjoy libations and farm-to-table treats on the AutoZone Front Porch. Bring your own canoe or kayak or rent one from the Hyde Lake Boathouse. Register online at shelbyfarmspark.org/on-the-water. Pack up the blankets and lawn chairs for Shelby Farms’ Summer Movie Series, a great time to rewatch classic films from the past 40 years. Bring a picnic or grab grub from one of the food trucks that will be on site. All movies begin at 7:30 p.m. Parking is $10 per car; free for park members. Schedule July 21: Jaws July 28: Top Gun Aug. 4: Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Aug. 11: Pirates of the Caribbean
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Memphis Botanic Garden Every Monday morning through August little ones can have good, not-so-clean fun during Mudpie Mondays. From 10 a.m. until noon in the Little Garden Patio of My Big Backyard children can use provided dishes, spoons and nature’s decorations to make their own pie creations, then leave them to bake in the sun. Overnight they will magically disappear. Could the garden fairies be enjoying them as a midnight snack? Admission to this drop-in activity is free to members or with paid Garden admission. Call 636.4100 for information. The Botanic Garden hosts a series of special events called 30 Thursdays on Thursday evenings during Daylight Savings Time. On July 5 Zen and Zinfandel will feature a yoga session led by a local instructor, with a glass of wine afterwards. A great way to get an early start on the weekend! Participants need to bring their own yoga mat and beverage. Admission is free for garden members, $10 for non-members. For more information, visit memphisbotanicgarden.com/30thursdays. Does a porcupine shoot its quills? Are bats blind? Is there a dark side of the moon? This summer during Mythbusters Camp young naturalists will learn the truth behind commonly held notions, using scientific investigation, exploration, crafts and games to determine if they are verified or busted. Camp hours are 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. and fees are $150 for MBG members, $200 for non-members. Register online at memphisbotanicgarden. com/camps.
Memphis Farmers Market Something about summer in the South brings out a craving for fresh produce. The best place to satisfy all those seasonal fruit and veggie hankerings is the Memphis Farmers Market. Located at Central Station Pavilion, South Front Street at GE Patterson in downtown’s Historic South Main District, you’ll find all the best produce local farms have to offer. Shoppers can also browse locally handmade items such as pottery and artwork and sample the cuisine from Memphis’ favorite food trucks. The Farmers Market is open Saturdays through October, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., rain or shine.
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Memphis Redbirds Have a grand old time at a Redbirds game. There’s plenty of exciting baseball, topped off by fun weekly promotions like $2 Beer Nights, All-You-Can-Eat Thursdays and fireworks every Saturday. Don’t miss July’s special events including the Redbirds’ Fourth of July celebration, Wrestling Night and Harry Potter Night. Check out the team’s website for a game schedule and to buy tickets.
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experience this
Orpheum Summer Movies
Classic movie favorites come alive again on the Orpheum’s big screen every summer. This year’s schedule includes Independence Day, The Wizard of Oz and Love & Basketball. The Orpheum’s annual summer film series runs through Aug. 24. For more information and the complete schedule go to orpheum-memphis.com.
Movie Mania at Central Park, Carriage Crossing
The Shops at Carriage Crossing are hosting a free movie night this summer every Friday at dusk in the lifestyle center’s Central Park area. Bring lawn chairs and a picnic basket or pick up dinner from one of the many restaurants at Carriage Crossing and settle down for a fun evening with the family. Check www.facebook.com/ shopcarriagecrossing/ to see what movies will be playing.
Collierville Summer Concert Series
Thursday nights in July catch a free concert at Town Square Park in Collierville. It’s BYO seating, food and drinks for a relaxing evening under the stars, 7 to 9 p.m., enjoying tunes from local bands. Schedule July 12: Seeing Red July 19: Under the Radar July 26: Bluff City Bandits 72 | At Home Memphis & Mid South • July 2018
Jones Orchard
Nothing says summer like fresh fruit. Pick your own produce at Jones Orchard in Millington for the absolute freshest in peaches, blackberries, nectarines, pears and apples. Don’t forget Jones’ homemade jams, jellies and preserves, also available at the farm. To see what’s in season go to jonesorchard.com/index.php.
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social
LIVE AT THE GARDEN PRESENTS: CARLY PEARCE & RASCAL FLATTS On June 1, country music’s Carly Pearce and the Rascal Flatts kicked off the 2018 season of Live at the Garden. Whether it was enjoyed from a white linen-covered table or in folding chairs onthe lawn, the concert did not disappoint! Now in its 18th year, Live at the Garden is held on the beautiful grounds of the Memphis Botanic Garden in East Memphis. Photography by Steve Roberts
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wedding
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social
THE 2018 ITALIAN FESTIVAL Memphians celebrated all things Italian the weekend of May 30 - June 1. Presented by Holy Rosary Catholic WChurch, this family-friendly event is held every year at Marquette Park in East Memphis. The Memphis Italian Festival reflects the values of family, faith and fellowship in an Italian-American tradition. Games, music and delicious food make this truly a festive event to benefit the children of Holy Rosary Church School. Photography by Noel Pennington
Text and photo courtesy of Brad Pitts 76 | At Home Memphis & Mid South • July 2018
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social
LE BON APPETIT 2018 On June 9 Chef Kelly English and the Le Bonheur Club hosted Le Bon Appetit. The fourth biannual event was an extraordinary celebration of food and wine benefiting Le Bonheur Children’s Hospital. Guests enjoyed innovative cuisine from 45 nationally and locally renowned chefs as well as specialty cocktails from resident mixologists. More than 1,100 guests attended the party at its new home, Crosstown Concourse. Since 2012, Le Bon Appetit has raised more than $1 million to help the kids at Le Bonheur. Courtesy of Anne Glankler, Le Bonheur
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wedding
Mary Catherine
Jordan March 24, 2018 New York, NY
Parents of the Bride: Laurie Barnett Hughes & Allen Holt Hughes, Jr. Parents of the Groom: Leigh Anne Diaz & Gregory Mark Bland 80 | At Home Memphis & Mid South • July 2018
wedding
SOURCES Event Planner: Willow & Wine
Wedding: West End Presbyterian Reception: Columbia University Faculty House
Post Rehearsal Cocktail Party: 5th & Mad Photographer: Hannah Beth Photography Videographer: East Cherry Florist: Buds of Brooklyn Caterer: Columbia University Faculty House Baker: Ron-Ben Israel The Dress: Christos Paisley-Kleinfeld Bridal Veil: Antique Lace, Originally Worn by Bride's Great Great Grandmother Bridesmaids' Dresses: Katie May, Vionnett Hair & Makeup: Savor Beauty Rings: Dear Rae Jewellery (Cape Town, South Africa) Invitations: Fresh Ink (Jackson, MS) Band: Red Hot Rhythm
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Event Design by Angela Mazanti | Text and Photos by Ginni Jones 82 | At Home Memphis & Mid South • July 2018
IT’S A
entertaining
Birthday
PAW-TY!
Happy Birthday to Gus! Event designer Angela Mazanti celebrates her puppy’s first birthday with a “pawsome” party at Shelby Farms Park. July 2018 • athomemms.com | 83
entertaining
The Inspiration
The inspiration behind this event was Angela Mazanti’s puppy, Gus. For his first birthday she wanted to celebrate his life and the joy he brings to everyone who meets him. She also wanted to spotlight one of the many wonderful nonprofit animal rescues in the Mid-South. “There are so many that are in the trenches, fighting on a daily and even hourly basis to give relief to unwanted, abused, neglected and dying animals, it was hard to choose just one. We have decided to continue to put on events throughout the year to bring awareness and support of these selfless and amazing groups. We chose the Mid-South Animal Rescue League to benefit from Gus’s birthday party this year. This non-profit is run by a true animal loving, self sacrificing, tireless human being named Linda Money. Linda takes in dogs that have been abandoned and that nobody wants; a lot of them are in need of hospice care. She spends every waking minute with these animals, loving on them, feeding them, playing with them, transporting them to and from countless vet visits and trying to make their lives as loving and ‘pack-like’ as possible. Linda is also involved with other organizations that are doing great work. They all seem to network together and support each other based on an unspoken bond of a deep and committed love, to be stewards over helpless animals,” Mazanti says.
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The Decor
entertaining
Since the party was at Shelby Farms Park, the decor was simple but fun and true to Gus’s personality. Mazanti enlisted the help of two of her favorite vendors, who worked their magic. Mrs. Post Stationery created the invitation, complete with cute poodle art to reflect Gus’s poodle/Yorkie heritage. Sarah Beth Cohen-Wilcox with Zazu Designs created a custom birthday milestone board that highlighted some of Gus’s accomplishments in his first year. Mazanti placed signs with clever dog references around the food and gift tables, and finished the decor with balloons and a happy birthday banner. Scrapbook paper with pawprints served as a runner/placemats and a simple gray striped linen throw covered the picnic table. She kept flowers to a minimum and extremely simple. “I used blue and green hydrangeas and put them in the cutest little dog garden vessel,” Mazanti explains.
The Menu
“The menu was one of my favorite aspects of the party,” says Mazanti. “My very good friend and publisher of this magazine gets all of the credit for the cute menu ideas. We had ‘pawsta’ salad with dog-bone shaped pasta served in (clean and brand new) dog dishes and hand-cut, boneshaped mini ‘pupparoni’ pizzas. The hot dog bar featured all the fixings served in plastic, double-sided dog dishes so guests could create custom dogs like the Weiner Dog, the Chihuahua, the Golden Retriever and the Great Dane. She found a perfect tiered fire hydrant stand for cupcakes and the cupcake wrappers even had fire hydrants and puppy paws on them.” The beverage station featured freshsqueezed lemonade labeled “toilet water.” Gus's canine guests were treated to dog bowls with peanut butter “pupcakes,” mini “pup cones,” dog cookies and bones. Small Cakes in Bartlett provided the treats for the birthday boy’s furry friends.
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entertaining
Tips from the Pro Mazanti recommends getting the guest of honor all pampered up for the big day. Gus’s stylist, Miss Leighann at the Wolfchase location of Petsmart, had the birthday boy party ready for his big bash. Invite your closest furry friends and plan on having fun treats for them and for their humans. Consider using your dog’s celebration to draw awareness to your favorite non-profit pet rescue. Ask guests to bring items to be donated to the group.
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Create Your Own The first step in throwing your own pet party is to decide on the location. You may want to do it in your own backyard or opt to go to a park, says Mazanti. Next, finalize the guest list. Get creative with treat bags for guests. Mazanti used brown paper bags inscribed with “Treats from Gus” and filled with toys and delicious, healthy treats from Hollywood Feed. “Obviously, you can make the party as simple or elaborate as you want, but it should be stress-free and tons of fun while celebrating your furry soul mate and bringing love and attention to your favorite non-profit!” Mazanti says.
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entertaining
Emmie
She adds that Gus would be excited to know that he inspired readers to donate money, food or supplies in his name to the MidSouth Animal Rescue League. Connect with them at (901) 503-0162, on social media @ midsouthanimalrescueleague, email midsouthpets@aol. com, or on their website, midsouthanimalrescue.petfinder. com. Tell them Gus sent you!
Belle
Eloise
Dobbie
Bootsie Mae
Ringo
Cooper
Rudy
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dining out
Sleep Out Louies Text by Lee McAlister Photos courtesy of Sleep Out Louies
Sleep Out Louies, a longtime mainstay of the Downtown restaurant scene, is back, in a new space and with an exciting new menu. With the move of ServiceMaster’s headquarters into Peabody Place, the legendary Louie has returned with a new twist to his story. As stated on the menu at the venue that bears his name, Louie was a lawyer who gave up his tie and wingtip shoes to live the life of a loveable vagabond. He’s back in Memphis, free of marital fetters and out of rehab to get acquainted with the up-and-coming South Main district, the Grizzlies and ServiceMaster. Those who are familiar with Louie’s story will be thrilled about the return of the framed ties, not to mention the great food and drinks. The new Sleep Out Louies is located at 150 Peabody Place, in the ServiceMaster headquarters, next door to Texas de Brazil. The interior is sleek and modern with a curved bar in the back perfect for happy hour. Framed neckties, a nod to the original Louies, provide a welcome bit of nostalgia. Former patrons will find the smaller menu freshened up and fine-tuned. Front and center are the oysters, offered in nine preparations including Rockefeller, Louie and fried. Louie’s wide array of sandwiches includes something for everyone, from the signature Louie Burger to the tasty Fried Chicken Goodness which features a chicken breast hand breaded with secret house breading, served on a brioche bun and topped with peppered maple bacon and cheddar cheese. Louie’s twist on the classic Reuben, the Pabst Blue Reuben, comes with house-made PBR kraut. Homemade desserts vary daily and make the perfect finale to any meal. At its heart, Sleep Out Louies is place to relax and forget about work for a little while—the ideal spot to unwind for happy hour or on the weekend. The full bar serves up favorite local beers, hand-crafted cocktails and even prosecco on tap. The address might be different and the goldfish races are a thing of the past, but the spirit of Louies is alive and well, and the staff is waiting for you to come and make new memories.
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dining out
Sleep Out Louies 150 Peabody Place, Suite 111 Open every day from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.
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happy hour
The Nitpicker
Do you love whiskey? Do you love Manhattans? When I stood behind a bar full time I had many requests for Manhattans and variants of the time-honored favorite. The burning question for many people was, “How you can make my Manhattan different from all the rest?” Classic cocktails are classic for a reason, but sometimes they can get boring and need a little boost. Enter the Boulevardier. This riff on the Manhattan and cousin to the Negroni is a great way to break out of the ordinary. I always referred to my version as “the Nitpicker” because enthusiasts and critics liked to pick apart the ingredients I would implement in its creation. The basic equation for a Boulevardier is always Whiskey/Bitters/Vermouth, and with some practice you can find the balance and taste that suit you. Cheers!
Recipe and photography by Brad Pitts
Ingredients
Directions
• 1 ½ oz. Sazerac Rye Whiskey
• Combine all ingredients in a mixing glass with ice and stir until cold.
• 1 oz. Peychaud’s Aperitivo Liqueur • 1 oz. Dolin Sweet Vermouth • Dash Angostura or other bitters for balance 92 | At Home Memphis & Mid South • June 2018
• Strain into a chilled cocktail coupe and garnish with orange peel or Luxardo cherry.
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in the kitchen
Panzanella Salad
Now that tomatoes and cucumbers are at their summertime peak, panzanella should be your go-to salad. Originally invented by the Italians as a way to use up day-old bread, this salad is delicious no matter how old—or not—the bread is! By Jennifer Chandler | Excerpted from Simply Grilling by Jennifer Chandler Photo by Justin Fox Burks | Food Styling by Jennifer Chandler 94 | At Home Memphis & Mid South • June 2018
in the kitchen Ingredients
Recipe
For the croutons: • Vegetable oil, for the grates • ½ small loaf of French or Italian country bread (15 ounces), sliced 1 inch thick • 2 Tbsp. olive oil • Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
For the croutons: Preheat a clean grill to medium-high with the lid closed for 8 to 10 minutes. Lightly brush the grates with oil. Brush the bread with the olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Grill on both sides until golden brown, about 2 minutes per side. Remove from the grill and cut each slice into 1-inch cubes.
For the red wine-garlic vinaigrette: • ½ small garlic clove, minced • 2 Tbsp. red wine vinegar • 6 Tbsp. extra virgin olive oil • Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
For the red wine-garlic vinaigrette: In a small bowl whisk together the garlic and vinegar. Slowly add the oil in a steady stream, whisking to emulsify. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
For the salad: • 1 large ripe tomato, cut into 1-inch pieces • 1 small cucumber, halved, seeded and cut into ½-inch pieces • 1 cup diced red bell pepper (1 large pepper) • 1 cup diced yellow bell pepper (1 large pepper) • ½ cup thinly sliced red onion (1 small onion) • 10 large basil leaves, sliced into thin strips
For the salad: In a large salad bowl toss together the tomato, cucumber, red bell pepper, yellow bell pepper, onion and basil. Add the croutons and the vinaigrette to taste. Toss gently. Set aside to allow the croutons to soak up the vinaigrette, 10 to 20 minutes. Serves 4 to 6. Cooking Tip: A quick trick to cut basil into thin strips, also known as a chiffonade, is to place clean leaves in a pile, roll the leaves lengthwise, and thinly slice the roll crosswise.
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Sources 16 | AT HOME WITH Special thanks - Lisa Patton www.lisapatton.com 26 | HEALTHY YOU Special thanks - Michelle Johns mjohns@transformingwellness.com 30 | HOME FEATURE Special thanks Marcia & George Bryan 82 | ENTERTAINING Special thanks Angela Mazanti Angela Mazanti Event Design www.angelamazantidesign.com 90 | DINING OUT Special thanks - Sleep Out Louies 150 Peabody Place, Suite 111 Memphis, TN 38103 901.707.7180 www.sleepoutlouies.com 92 | HAPPY HOUR Special thanks - Brad Pitts 98 | ON A GOOD NOTE Special thanks - Blues City Animal Rescue Memphis, TN www.bluescityanimalrescue.net
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on a good note
Blues City Animal Rescue
Text by Lee McAlister
W
hen native Memphian Beth Aversa returned to Memphis after living in Chicago for nine years she was inspired to begin her own non-profit. The effort that eventually became Blues City Animal Rescue was born when she noticed the need for animal rescue groups in the area and in the South in general. “We set out to save them all, like so many [rescue groups] do,” Aversa says. “Although we can’t save them all, we can surely do our best to save as many as possible.” Seven years ago, Aversa started small with just her family to help her. They would take the stray animals in and rehabilitate them until they were ready to be adopted. At first Aversa herself transported the rescues twice a month to states across the Midwest including Illinois, Minnesota and Wisconsin, where she says the vast majority of their adopters were. As both the rescue operation and her family commitments grew, Aversa began using a paid transport to get the pets to their new forever homes. “We now average approximately 200-300 pets a year,” she says. “Over the years we have grown our foster program and we now have an associate, Ellie Aldridge, who shares our same vision and is a great complement to my way of running the rescue.” Initially, Aversa pulled pets primarily from Memphis Animal Services, where she also volunteered. Blues City now has a relationship with shelters across the Midsouth. Aversa’s group helps smaller shelters that don’t have the name recognition and social media presence of larger, county-run animal services departments. The group also gets calls and requests from individuals. “We receive phone calls, emails and texts daily from individuals who have found unwanted litters, injured and abandoned pets,” Aversa says. “We try to help the general public as much as possible and encourage them to continue helping animals in need.” As is the case with many in animal welfare, spaying and neutering is a very important aspect of Aversa’s work. Her group’s policy requires that individuals who surrender a litter allow Bluff City’s vets to spay the mom and/or neuter the dad. By ending the cycle of unwanted pets they’re taking steps toward solving one of the biggest problems they face— not being able to help some animals in need. Aversa says, “We stay full and the most frustrating part is having to turn people away because we simply do not have the resources to help them all.” The rescue takes in animals in mental and physical distress 98 | At Home Memphis & Mid South • June 2018
and has intervened in cases of neglect and abuse. Aversa says she’s seen the gambit of physical conditions from amputated limbs to starvation, mange, pregnancy and heartworms. While most physical ailments can be cured, Aversa admits the hardest thing to heal are emotional scars. “In those cases where the pet had some emotional insecurities that called for an experienced trainer [we used] Meredith Cox. She’s the lead trainer with Off Leash Canine Training Memphis.” Many of the pets Blues City rescues have gone through harrowing experiences. One example Aversa mentions is George, who was emaciated and had a severe case of mange. Volunteers took George to Utopia Veterinary Clinic, where he underwent an intensive care routine for three weeks. “George transformed into the most beautiful, loving, trusting and well-adjusted of any dog I’ve known,” Aversa says. “He truly taught me how forgiving and strong and resilient a dog can be. George will always have a little piece of my heart and will never be forgotten.” The program is entirely dependent on foster families to house and care for the pets while they await adoption. Aversa says the foster homes provide the perfect space for her organization to provide care and assess a pet’s needs in order to determine its ideal environment for a forever home. Although the effort has grown from the days when Aversa’s house was the only foster home to over 50 current foster families, the group is always looking for new volunteers. “Becoming a foster family is so rewarding and the process is quite simple. We provide everything for the pet, including kennels and food, vetting etc.,” Aversa says. “The foster family provides love and social interaction for the pets until they are adopted.” Once the pets are ready, the rescue sets them up with the perfect family in the Midwest or Northeast. Potential adopters fill out an application; once it’s reviewed and approved the pet is scheduled for transport by Alpha Dog Transport. Aversa says that while the group is not opposed to local adoptions, the majority of its pets are adopted into homes outside the local area. “We find an abundance of amazing homes in the Northeast because they do not have the number of dogs there that we do here,” Aversa says. “Approximately 95 percent of our adoptions are not local, however we have done more local adoptions in recent years.” Blues City Animal Rescue is always in need of supplies and monetary support. For more information about volunteer opportunities, a list of supplies, and applications to foster or adopt, go to bluescityanimalrescue.net.
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100 | At Home Memphis & Mid South • June 2018