September 2019

A classic, refreshed

Updated, traditional style in Germantown

Fall Fairs + Festivals Fun for the whole family

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CONTENTS SEPTEMBER 2019

30| HOME FEATURE: Ashley Toney refreshes her classic Germantown home with signature First Fruit Collection updated traditional style.

44| DESIGN: Burrus Company master craftsman Wade Burrus shares

how wood accents can give a nondescript room a healthy dose of character.

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C SOE PN T E N T S TEMBER 2019

HOME & DESIGN 16 at home with Terry Brimhall 30 home feature A Classic, Refreshed 44 design Handcrafted Wood Accents

70

30

82

48

TRAVEL + CULTURE 50 getaway Detroit, MI 58 travel Sunny Cabo

FOOD + DRINK 82 entertaining Pitchfork Farm 92 dining out Julles Posh Foods

70 experience this Fairs + Festivals 94 in the kitchen Fried Green Tomatoes 48 in the garden Dahlias: Friendship Flowers 76 social Mid South Happenings 80 wedding Mitchell/Ossorio FOR YOU IN EVERY ISSUE 26 healthy you Childhood Cancer Awareness 14 publisher's note 98 on a good note Memphis Inner City Rugby 97 sources 10 | At Home Memphis & Mid South • September 2019

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SEPTEMBER 2019 • VOL. 18 NO. 6 PUBLISHER / EDITORIAL DIRECTOR MARGARET MONGER | mmonger@athomemms.com

ART DIRECTOR ANNA HALEY | aleppert@athomemms.com

MANAGING EDITOR AUBREY ANN MONGER | aamonger@athomemms.com

COPY EDITOR TERRI GLAZER

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 SANDERS | 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

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.

FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA!

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P U B L I S H E R ’S NOTE Welcome to the fall season! It’s hard to believe our September issue is already here! We love this time of the year because we are welcoming new students, football season and, hopefully, some cooler temperatures!

At this point most of us have given up on worrying about frizzy hair and foggy windows as we Margaret Monger, Publisher are just trying to make it during the humid, chaotic time that is late summer. While we wrap up September’s issue, our publisher, Margaret, is spending a week in Bangkok, Thailand. Extravagant meals and palace tours are on her itinerary, but back here the staff from At Home Memphis & Mid South are rounding out an issue sure to carry you into cooler weather.

This month’s Home Feature shows how Ashley Toney, owner of First Fruit Collection in Collierville, revamped her classic home to reflect a more modern design that will be cherished by her family for years to come. You’ll be sure to draw inspiration for your fall gardening plans from our segment on dahlias by Dale Skaggs, the director of horticulture at the Dixon Gallery & Gardens. After your garden is in order, turn to our Experience This section, where you’ll find a listing of all the great family-friendly fairs and festivals happening in the Mid South over the next few weeks. Should you need inspiration for your next gathering, our Entertaining spread should jumpstart your approach to hosting a fall celebration.

We hope you enjoy this issue of At Home, and thank you, Margaret, for trusting us while you are away! Welcome back, everyone!

Anna Haley, Creative Director + Aubrey Ann Monger, Managing Editor

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at home with

Owner and Creator of Brim's

Terry

Snack Foods

Brimhall

Story: Michelle Johns

Photos: Courtesy of Brim's Snack Foods

At Home Memphis & Mid South: Tell us a little about your background, both personally and professionally.

Terry Brimhall: I’ve been married to my wife Becki for 38 years. We have two sons; one is married with four children and the other is engaged. I’m a lifelong resident of the Memphis area. I grew up in Bartlett, graduated from Bartlett High School and still live in Bartlett. I got a degree in finance, insurance and real estate from the University of Memphis. I am a follower of Jesus Christ and I attend Faith Baptist Church.

AHMMS: What inspired you to start Brim’s?

TB: I started selling snacks part-time while I was still a student at the U of M. It developed into a full-time job by the time I graduated in 1980. I sold snacks and then began manufacturing in 1982 in the old Liscomb’s Country Ham building on Hwy. 70. My dad worked in the snack industry when I was growing up, so I knew a little about it.

AHMMS: What advice would you give to someone who wants to start their own business?

TB: Have a viable idea, plan to get paid last while building your business, learn to communicate well verbally and in writing. Have an idea or product that people will buy. Read the book CEO Toolbox.

Photos: Courtesy of Blake Dubinski and GenTeal Apparel 16 | At Home Memphis & Mid South • September 2019

at home with AHMMS: What are your favorite places or things in the Mid South?

TB: Libertyland was fun, Graceland, Faith Baptist Church, the Grove at Red Oak Lake, the National Civil Rights Museum, all the great BBQ restaurants, Pickwick, the Pink Palace, the Memphis Zoo, the Redbirds, Memphis Tigers, St. Jude and the FedEx St. Jude Invitational, and the great music that comes out of Memphis!

AHMMS: What is your favorite part about your job?

TB: Developing friendships with coworkers, suppliers and customers. Taking an idea and developing that idea into a product that people like and continue to buy.

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spotlight at home with

Photos: Courtesy of Blake Dubinski and GenTeal Apparel 18 | At Home Memphis & Mid South • September 2019

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healthy you

Childhood Cancer Awareness Month Story: Michelle Johns

September is Childhood Cancer Awareness Month.

For most of my adult life I have supported St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in some form or fashion.

I started with a license plate on my car, then a small monthly donation, then I decided to run a half marathon and raise money through my sphere of influence. For the past three years, I have been a part of the St. Jude Walk/Run to End Childhood Cancer as committee chair. It seems appropriate this month to highlight the incredible work done at St. Jude, right here in Memphis.

such as sickle cell and Down syndrome. As such, St. Jude is home to the world’s leading researchers and technology that has led to the discovery of treatments and cures for diseases beyond cancer. I am most excited about the hospital’s study of Alzheimer’s treatment. While researching immune responses against cancer, St. Jude researchers discovered the pathways that prevent the buildup of toxic proteins associated with Alzheimer’s. This far-reaching work defies boundaries and makes the world a better place for everyone.

I am often so overwhelmed by both the sense of love and the life-saving work done at St. Jude that I find it hard to communicate it in writing. St. Jude Hospital is in the business of saving the lives of children.

Imagine the words, “your child has cancer.” It’s truly unimaginable. In 1962, when Danny Thomas opened the doors of St. Jude, the overall childhood cancer survival rate was 20 percent; today the survival rate is over 80 percent. Even still, close to one in five children diagnosed with cancer will NOT survive.

Traditionally, when a child was diagnosed with cancer, they had to be flown to St. Jude for treatment, thus the family had to relocate. With affiliations in eight hospitals domestically and alliances with 24 hospitals in 17 low- and middle-income countries, St. Jude’s reach is now far, wide and global. The partnerships and alliances make it possible for researchers to easily share access to treatment protocols and cures without displacing families and causing additional financial and emotional burden. It’s truly amazing the way St. Jude has used technology to expand the mission of saving the lives of children.

What makes St. Jude so special?

• A majority of funding comes from donations.

Generous donors provide 75 percent of the funds necessary to operate St. Jude.

• Families never receive a bill from the hospital for any expenses. Treatment, travel, housing, food, amenities – all are covered by St. Jude. At St. Jude all a family should ever worry about or focus on is helping save their child’s life.

• St. Jude’s reach is global, saving children everywhere. Once a treatment protocol is shown to be successful, St. Jude shares its discoveries FREELY with doctors and scientists around the world.

• St. Jude’s research lab creates more clinical trials for cancer than any other entity.

The work at St Jude is focused on childhood cancer, but because people often have genetic disorders, the doctors and researchers must consider the effects of treatment in cases of people with disorders 26 | At Home Memphis & Mid South • September 2019

My role at St. Jude is that of a volunteer, though I am often asked if I work there. Just take a tour of the hospital or participate in an event at St. Jude and I’ll bet your heart will be won forever. Experiencing the work firsthand and meeting patients and their families have certainly changed my life for the better. It has given meaning to the phrase “shared humanity.” When we share each other’s burdens, we become connected to one another in a loving and compassionate manner and that is one of the most important threads of health.

Please join me in the fight against cancer—all the work you have just read about is made possible because of people donating a few dollars. No amount is too small. Danny Thomas, the founder of St. Jude, said he’d rather a million people give $1 than one person give a million because he knew the life-giving force to sustain such a wide-reaching venture could only be made possible by the support of many.

The 5K St. Jude Walk/Run will take place Sat., Sept.

28 on the St. Jude campus.

The details of the event can be found at fundraising. stjude.org. I’d love for you to join my team, Transforming Wellness. Just search for it in the search bar under “Find A Participant/Team.”

To save a child is to save a family!

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 self-awareness, self-care and selfdiscovery 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 self-love as they were created.

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A Classic,

home feature

Story: Terri Glazer | Photography: Sélavie Photography 30 | At Home Memphis & Mid South • September 2019

Refreshed

home feature

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home feature

Ashley Toney has a designer’s eye—the ability to see potential beauty where others may not. That’s why the Germantown home she now shares with her husband and two children “felt like a family house” from the first time she looked at it.

Before

Photos: Brandon Toney

After

In her professional life Ashley is the owner of First Fruit Collection, a home furnishings store and interior design gallery on the Collierville square.

Her expertise in the decor field allowed her to focus on the house’s assets and envision changes that would transform it into a long-term home for herself, her husband Brandon, son Parker and daughter Savannah. “I loved the traditional look of the house, and the architectural details,” she says. “You just don’t find millwork like this in new construction, and it has five fireplaces.”

The “bones” of the house, built in 1981, were a selling point for sure, but the decor was another matter. “The dining room was red and the den 32 | At Home Memphis & Mid South • September 2019

was green,” Ashley recalls, “and the kitchen was dark with Tuscan tile accents.” The outdated color scheme was no deterrent for her, a seasoned designer at age 29. Her talent and experience allowed Ashley to envision a home that reflected her style and personality.

Once the purchase was finalized two years ago, she wasted no time in revamping the house with the signature First Fruit updated traditional style.

The transformation started on the outside. White paint on the brick exterior, an updated front door and new panel shutters with wrought iron hardware make a stunning prelude for the home’s lightened, brightened interior.

home feature

Outside & Living Area

The comfortable family room off the kitchen is the family’s favorite gathering spot. Painted library paneling and a large picture window that overlooks the beautiful pool and backyard give the space plenty of character, while a large sectional sofa provides room for everyone to stretch out and relax. A bench-style coffee table upholstered in striking teal leather with nailhead trim picks up accent tones from the oushak rug while offering an inviting place to prop feet up and watch TV.

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home feature Kitchen The adjoining kitchen received the most extensive face lift of any room in the house.

While Ashley opted to keep the existing cabinets, they were completely transformed with paint—white on the perimeter cabinets and a soothing robin’s egg blue for the island. Natural quartzite countertops and white marble tile on the backsplash reflect the abundant light that pours in through a graceful arched window over the sink, one of the architectural pluses that first attracted the Toneys to the house.

Before Photo: Brandon Toney

After 34 | At Home Memphis & Mid South • September 2019

home feature

Just inside, a generous entry area provides a traditional welcome thanks to handsome wainscoting and an oversized oushak rug from Heavenly Rugs in Germantown.

Sconces and a drum pendant are new, as are all the light fixtures throughout the house. Ashley often urges her design clients at First Fruit to update wall colors and replace light fixtures as a relatively easy and cost-effective way to refresh a home. She took her advice to heart in her own redo, painting every wall in the house and changing out practically every light. Some stylish-but-budgetfriendly fixtures and a few “splurges” started the process of bringing her new home’s look up to the moment.

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home feature

Dining Room

The spacious dining room is an inviting blend of old and new, just right for entertaining. French antique chairs upholstered in green leather line up at the dining table, a shabby chic piece sourced from First Fruit. A large sideboard continues the melange of traditional and trendy with its classic lines and consummately weathered painted finish.

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home feature

Bedroom

The downstairs master suite gives the busy couple a cozy retreat. Dark oak hardwood floors that cover the entire first floor play beautifully off neutral tones on the walls, rug and window treatments. The room’s feel hints at a love for the beach, thanks to a cane headboard, a glass bead chandelier and a grouping of oceanside family photos.

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home feature

Ashley's workshop

Rounding out the upstairs are a welcoming guest suite and a spot Ashley describes as one of her favorites, even though she’s not able to spend much time in lately, her craft room.

An avid papercrafter, Ashley has a large and well-organized collection of supplies for her hobby, but a shortage of time to spend doing it. Her days are filled with her two passions: the business she has owned since 2012 and her growing family.

It’s abundantly clear that this classic home, masterfully refreshed by a homeowner with the talent and vision of a professional, will provide the perfect setting for that young family to achieve their potential for years to come.

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Kid's Area

Upstairs is the territory of the Toneys’ two little ones, with two-and-a-half-year-old Parker’s “big-boy room” and a nursery fit for a princess for little Savannah, who just celebrated her first birthday. A comfy playroom holds a cushy chaise sofa and an assortment of toys to keep the two youngest members of the family occupied for hours. This is still a designer’s home, to be sure, so even the children’s area is “done” with custom window shades and throw pillows, a stunning light fixture and a custom iron baby gate Ashley had made by Absolute Iron in Arlington, TN.

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home feature

"

"

it felt like a family house

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Handcrafted Wood Accents Bringing the Outdoors Into Home Design

Story: Terri Glazer | Photos: Courtesy of Wade Burrus 44 | At Home Memphis & Mid South • September 2019

design

Adding natural elements into home design is a trend that seems to keep gaining momentum. Nature can come indoors in a variety of forms, from houseplants to naturalfiber fabrics, but perhaps the most impactful way is through the addition of a wood mantel or beams.

We sat down with local master craftsman Wade Burrus, owner of Burrus Company, to find out more about how he creates the wood accents that can give a plain room a healthy dose of character.

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design Burrus and his team of woodworkers craft and install timber mantels and beams in new houses under construction as well as in home renovations.

“Sometimes we have a customer that just wants to add some beams in their house. We look at the layout in terms of lighting and then we put in beams to break up the look of a big room,” he explains.

Adding a handcrafted mantel is a relatively easy way to renovate a space. An updated mantel or shelf can serve as the starting point for refreshing the total feel of a space. It often seems that contractors place a basic mantel in a home almost as an afterthought, says Burrus, but as the focal point of a room, the fireplace and mantel area deserve more attention.

“Some designers I work with like to design something really cool, something big and massive, but it also seems like thinner and longer is a look we’ve been doing a lot of mantels in lately,” he says.

Wood works well in all styles of homes, from traditional to modern. “We take a modern house and give it a feeling of warmth with wood. It gives it a natural element,” Burrus explains.

While a mantel is a simple, understated way to bring nature into interior design, Burrus says some clients opt for a more all-out approach. “We just did trusses

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in a new construction spec home. It was a big, vaulted room and it needed something, so we put two timber trusses in. The builder was really happy with it when we got through,” he recalls.

Burrus cautions customers not to go overboard with timber accents, though. “You don’t have to do as many beams as people think. A lot of times designers will design it all the way around a room with a band and beams, but if you feel like you need to duck when you go in a room you’ve got too much wood in there! Fewer beams is a cleaner look.”

He says four is usually the right number of beams, negating the design rule of odd numbers for practical reasons. “It seems like we do four beams most times instead of five. Sometimes you have a center light or a chandelier, so there may not be room for a center beam.”

As for color, Burrus says his most recent works tend toward two shades: a weathered, grayish brown that mimics cypress and “Tuscan,” the most popular, which is a bit heavier in brown tones. Lately, his shop has had a few orders for beams stained so dark they almost appear black, a trend he attributes to the “Fixer Upper” effect and Joanna Gaines’s signature design aesthetic.

Whether light, dark or even black, it’s no easy task to achieve the finish on one of Burrus’s creations. He works mostly with western red cedar, a species known for its resistance to warping, twisting and cracking. The 12-step process from rough to ready includes cutting, multiple rounds of sanding and a full-blown faux finish to achieve the perfect distressed patina.

“People think you just beat them up with an axe or a chain and then you rub some oil-based stain on them and you’re ready to go, but there’s a lot more to it than that,” he laughs.

Installing beams is a multi-step process, as well. Burrus and crew start after the ceiling is finished in a newly constructed home.

They cut out the sheetrock and bolt the beams directly into the framing to insure a tight and secure fit.

Burrus started in the business by building log homes in the mid 1980s. Though mantels and beams account for the bulk of his business, his team also makes barn doors, corbels and reclaimed wood tables. He most enjoys the creative work of crafting smaller pieces like coffee tables, cutting boards and even wooden spoons when time allows.

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in the garden Karma Red Corona

Dahlias: Friendship Flowers

Story and Photos: Courtesy of Roger Dale Skaggs, ASLA, Director of Horticulture at the Dixon Gallery and Gardens Gallery Leonardo

Cafe Au Lait

Gallery Monet

As a native Memphian gardener, I never really tried growing dahlias until several years ago.

As a graduate student in Oregon, I had seen fields of these flowers growing for the cut flower industry in the Willamette Valley. I had always assumed it was too hot to grow them in the Mid South.

Five years ago, at the Dixon Gallery and Gardens, we planted a small bed of dahlias, prompted by our good friend Brent Heath, coowner of Brent and Becky’s Bulbs, who sent us several varieties of dahlias to try. We were more than pleased with the results. From late summer into fall we had a great show of saucer-sized flowers. These plants were immensely popular with our visitors and made great cut flowers.

Dahlias are often called the friendship flower because the more you cut them to share, the more they bloom.

The next year we went big, planting over 3,000 dahlia plants.

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Dahlias, it’s generally agreed, like it cool.

They’re native to high mountain plateaus in Mexico where days are warm and nights are cool, and hard freezes are rare. In fact, these plants were celebrated by the ancient Aztecs, and dahlias are the official national flower of Mexico. In Memphis they bloom exuberantly in the fall, and they’re favorites to plant annually after the danger of frost has passed in cooler Northern states like Michigan and Minnesota.

Conventional garden wisdom has always been for Southern gardeners to steer clear of the plants. Counter to that idea we have found dahlia-specific garden societies located in the South in hardiness zones 7-9, where the summers are hot. Success is possible and not difficult if you know a few tricks. We feel it is our responsibility as a public garden to push the envelope on what can be grown, and to sort out the best plants and techniques for growing here in the Mid South.

in the garden Walmart Museum

We have discovered a couple of things that ensure success when growing dahlias in warmer climates. One is that they need mulching to keep the roots cool, and the other is that it’s best to plant only varieties that are proven performers in the South. Because of our heavy clay soils, they perform best when planted in containers or raised beds amended with red sand, pea gravel or other grit.

Also, dahlias’ potato-like tubers can rot if planted too deep or in unamended soils.

For best results, plant dahlias in full morning sun with some protection from the hottest afternoon sun (after four o’clock) in well-amended beds or pots. Plant after the danger of frost has passed, planting the tubers just below the surface with about two inches of covering. A few days to a week after they emerge, water them in and mulch them with pine straw or a light mulch like pine bark. If you water them upon planting, they will most likely rot. The taller varieties need staking to support the large flowers. Cut the flowers often and you will be rewarded with flowers that hold up in a vase and an abundance of blooms.

We are at the cusp of winter hardiness in the Mid South, so you can dig the tubers and keep them in a paper sack in an unheated garage to replant the following May. Here at the Dixon, we rolled the dice and left them in the ground, mulched heavily with pine straw, in our well-drained soils over the past few winters, and they overwintered just fine. Our winters seem to be getting milder every year.

Dahlia cultivars vary wildly and come in a myriad of colors, shapes and bloom sizes. Many are good in the Mid South, but two groups that work best for us are the Gallery series and the Karma Series.

The Gallery series are lower-growing, all-summer-long bloomers named for artists like Leonardo, Matisse, Monet, Pablo, Rembrandt, Renoir and about 20 others. With such names, these plants are not only fitting for the Dixon, they were also some of the top performers in our trials.

Varieties in the Karma series are variable, but in general they boast strong stems, taller plants and bigger blooms.

They work quite well as cut flowers. Karma Corona, Karma Sangria, Karma Lagoon and Karma Amanda were just a few of our staff favorites even though they often require the extra task of staking.

Dahlias are not the most carefree plants for your garden; many needing staking, and all benefit from continuously cutting the flowers. Give them a try, though; you might find them rewarding for a container or a small plot in your garden. In the Mid South, September seems to be the best month for the greatest number of flowers.

For more information, visit the Dixon Gallery & Gardens online at dixon.org or call 901.761.5250.

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getaway Silver Dollar

Detroit,

The City Cars and Music Made 50 | At Home Memphis & Mid South • September 2019

getaway

Michigan Story: Frances J. Folsom Photos: Courtesy of Visit Detroit

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getaway If you think that all you will see in Detroit are boarded-up buildings in decaying neighborhoods, think again.

This is a city that you must, no make that you need to visit. It’s in the middle of a resurgence in reclaiming buildings and greenspaces. City planners have allotted and spent millions on rehabilitating neighborhoods and parks, including the Monroe Blocks downtown district. An $843 million renovation of this three-acre tract will turn it into a live, work, play complex. A multi-phase, multi-million-dollar facelift of the area around Little Caesars Arena will add 470,000 square feet of office space.

Detroit has a boatload of history. It was founded in 1701 by a Frenchman, Antoine de la Mothe Cadillac. Its location on the Detroit River made it a major fur trading post for settlers going farther into what is now called America’s Heartland, the Midwest. A good way to get acclimated to some of the city’s neighborhoods and to learn more of its history is by taking a guided walking tour with City Tour Detroit.

Campus Martius Park is just one of the many greenspaces into which the city has poured money. The park was an eyesore until 2004 when it was completely redesigned and its monuments and fountains dusted off. Now it’s home to entertainment venues, picnic areas, food trucks, restaurants and even a sandy beach.

Raleigh Beer Garden

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getaway

Greektown Neighborhood

Scott Fountain

Downtown buildings that were crumbling and derelict have been given new lives as luxury hotels. Element Detroit Downtown Hotel, the Siren, Shinola Hotel, Detroit Foundation Hotel, and the Aloft Hotel at the David Whitney are prime examples of historic restorations completed in the last few years.

As in many big cities, parking is limited, both in garages and on the street. Most attractions are a walkable distance from downtown, however, and the city’s public transit system is user friendly. The QLine streetcar travels along one of the major thoroughfares, Woodward Avenue, and the People Mover, an ell rail line over the city, gets you near many attractions and sports venues. Detroit has an active sports scene year round, thanks to professional baseball, football, basketball and hockey teams based there.

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getaway

Ford Factory Tour

Ford Field

The city’s 26 museums appeal to a wide range of travelers. Worth a visit are the Museum of Contemporary Art, the Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation and Greenfield Village and the Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History.

The jewel in the crown, though, is the Detroit Institute of Arts. Along with its impressive permanent collection and traveling exhibitions, it has, covering four gallery walls, frescoes painted by famed Mexican muralist Diego Rivera dedicated to workers in the automobile factories. Rivera spent a year (1932-1933) working on the cycle and visiting the different automobile plants to observe and talk to the laborers.

To see how some of the Fords lived visit the Edsel & Eleanor Ford House (ca 1926), a 60-room estate with acres of woodlands and gardens in Grosse Pointe Shores.

Cars and music are what put Detroit on the map. The Ford Piquette Avenue Plant (ca 1904) is where 12,000 of Henry Ford’s Model Ts were built. Car enthusiasts will drool over the rows of gleaming classic autos.

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Diego Rivera Frescoes in the Detroit Institute of Arts

A visit to the Motown Museum will have you singing to the golden oldies of Diana Ross and the Supremes, Smokey Robinson and the Miracles, Stevie Wonder and the Jackson Five. These artists and many more owe their success to one man, recording industry visionary Berry Gordy, Jr. The museum is housed in Motown’s original recording studio, dubbed Hitsville U.S.A. Wellthought-out exhibits show and tell the history of the recording company and its musicians.

Studio A, the site from which much of the Motown Sound originated, holds original musical instruments and recording equipment dating to the era when artists produced hit after hit for the iconic label.

No matter whether you think of it as the Motor City or Motown, Detroit is on the upswing and it offers something for everyone.

Detroit Convention & Visitors Bureau visitdetroit.com

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travel

SUNNY

CABO

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travel

Text: Marsha Strickland | Photos: Courtesy of Regency Travel, Inc. September 2019 • athomemms.com | 59

travel One of Mexico’s premier destinations is commonly referred to as “Cabo.” Located at the southernmost tip of the Baja California peninsula, the resort city of Cabo San Lucas and the historical city of San Jose del Cabo make up the area known as Los Cabos. The two cities are approximately 30 minutes apart.

Cabo San Lucas In this region, the contrast between the desert and the ocean makes for stunning scenery. Pristine beaches, rugged granite cliffs and nearby mountains define the natural beauty of the Cabo landscape.

Exceptional tourist attractions and activities, luxurious resort accommodations and award-winning restaurants are featured in this idyllic vacation spot with plenty of sunshine!

Along the vast stretch of coastline, Cabo San Lucas is on the west side and San Jose del Cabo sits on the east. The area connecting the two destinations is called the Golden Corridor. Jutting out into the water at the southernmost tip, the picturesque arch El Arco punctuates the granite rock formation that makes up a part of the larger Land’s End, also known as El Finisterra. This natural formation is bordered by two immense bodies of water, the Sea of Cortes and the Pacific Ocean. There is no mistaking El Arco; the easily-recognizable and often photographed natural arch is known all over the world.

Low humidity and cool ocean breezes give Cabo wonderful weather all year round. Temperatures range between 70 and 100˚F during the summer and between 50 and 80˚F in the winter months. Prevailing winds usually keep the Pacific side feeling up to 15˚ cooler than the wind-protected areas on the eastern side. About 350 sunny days per year make any month a great time to visit Cabo. The rainy season occurs July through September. With total rainfall amounts at only seven to ten inches annually, it is a true tropical desert!

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The tranquil bay that is now called Cabo was discovered in 1535 by Hernan Cortes. He claimed it for Spain and named it Santa Cruz.

English and Dutch pirates seeking Spanish galleons frequented the area as an ambush point and raided the shipping lanes along the coastline. Closer to the end of the 16th century, abundant oyster beds rich in pearls brought treasure seekers and traders to the area. Tasked with converting the indigenous communities in this harsh environment, the Spanish Jesuits founded a number of missions.

Later the emphasis turned to fishing. In 1917, the entire settlement of Cabo San Lucas consisted of an old concrete building and a few shacks scattered around it. At that time the total population was about 300 cannery workers and their families. World War II-era pilots and businessmen who built the first hotels and capitalized on the region’s huge sportfishing mecca are sometimes referred to as the “founding fathers of Cabo.”

Because Baja was still primitive, travelers seeking its sun-swept beaches arrived by boat or private yacht. There was no air traffic control to speak of and small planes had to land on remote dirt roads that doubled as air strips.

Cabo’s tourism began to soar in the 1950s. The picturesque setting lured wealthy socialites and Hollywood elite who wanted to be seen in this glamorous playground. Hoteliers laid out large and ambitious properties on prime real estate located near the rugged coastline. Air service opened up during the 1970s and the Los Cabos International Airport was expanded in the 1980s.

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travel This “desert-meets-ocean” setting offers non-stop activities. Adventures in the Baja desert are set against the backdrop of stunning natural scenery. Journey off the beaten path on an ATV, four-wheel drive or motorcycle tour for thrilling rides through the sand dunes and the desert, or explore the scenic canyons on a leisurely horseback ride. Hiking and mountain bike excursions through the hills and nearby mountains promise photo-worthy scenery.

Jacques Cousteau once called the Sea of Cortez “the aquarium of the world.” Sea lions, dolphins, sea turtles, schools of large fish and sea urchins thrive in the open waters. Snorkeling and scuba diving provide up-close-and-personal interaction with colorful exotic fish. Rent a kayak or paddleboard to experience the variety of marine life found along the rocky coastline. Cabo San Lucas offers opportunities for whale watching from mid-November through March. Humpback and gray whales migrate off the coast from chilly Alaskan waters all the way to Baja California Sur. They raise their offspring in the warm waters of the Sea of Cortez. Schedule a photo safari and create a once-in-a-lifetime memory!

Cabo is also known for its sport fishing. Waters filled with world-class billfish and prized catches like tuna, snapper, marlin, mahi-mahi, wahoo and more bring the biggest fishing tournaments in the world here. Charter a deep-sea fishing or fly fishing boat; they come with a crew, the necessary licenses and tackle to make a day of sport fishing unforgettable. For the utmost in luxury and tranquility, enjoy a private sailing excursion on the Sea of Cortez. Glide through gorgeous waters past secluded coves and stunning beaches on a popular sunset cruise or arrange an exciting dolphin encounter—a truly unique experience for families with kids of all ages.

San Jose Del Cabo

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Gelato

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travel

Chileno Beach Not all of Cabo’s beaches are safe for swimmers, so beware! Several areas on the Pacific side of Baja have dangerous waves and strong undertows. Fortunately, these areas are well marked. Beaches with safe swimming include Santa Maria, Palmilla, Chileno and Medano (most popular with hotels and resorts). Surfing in Cabo San Lucas offers diversity in location and level of difficulty. Local surf shops specialize in board rentals and lessons. Spring and summer bring winds pushing swells on the Sea of Cortez. From September to November count on consistent waves on the Pacific side. Zippers, the site of numerous surfing competitions, is well known, while Playa Acapulquito is perfect for beginners.

Los Cabos is also a popular golf destination with more than a dozen beautifully designed championship courses. World-class links include Puerto Los Cabos, Diamante’s Dunes and Quivira.

Tourism in lively Cabo is thriving; luxury resorts provide countless amenities, outstanding spa facilities and services, restaurants and nightlife. First-time visitors are amazed at the variety of options for accommodations and extraordinary experiences. Rental villas, villa suites and multi-bedroom properties provide extra space for multi-generational families or for group trips like girls’ weekends or couples’ getaways.

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El Cosmico

Art Walk

Art Walk

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travel Mykonos Mission Windmill Church

San Jose del Cabo offers Mexican charm and hospitality with its historic Spanish colonial character. Explore romantic courtyards, picturesque streets and traditional plazas. Visit the Mission of San Jose del Cabo Church with its white bell towers. Held every Thursday evening from November through June, the local Art Walk is a do-not-miss. Browse artists’ studios and galleries while enjoying live music and street performances during this fun event. Shop for hand-blown Mexican glass, authentic ceramics and hand-embroidered crafts. As you stroll the streets, cool off with a paleta— a frozen treat with chunks of fruit and nuts.

The local cuisine in Cabo is centered on fresh and delicious ingredients from the bountiful waters just off shore. Shrimp and fish tacos are classic meals. In addition to authentic Mexican fare, the restaurant scene covers the full spectrum of international options including fine Italian and traditional Japanese. Whether you are poolside, beachside or in one of the town’s many bars, nightclubs or cantinas, you can enjoy a refreshing mojito, margarita, tequila shot, mezcal, or Mexico’s favorite cocktail, the paloma.

Consider a vacation in Cabo. Framed by ocean and desert, with endless sunshine, it is a Mexican oasis!

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travel

For more information on a trip to Los Cabos, call the travel advisors at Regency Travel, Inc., at 901.682.9065 or visit www.regencytravel.net.

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travel

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experience this

Fairs & Festivals Fall Events that are Fun for the whole Family!

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experience this

The 2019 Memphis Japan Festival Text: Ginger Byrn | Photos: Courtesy of Memphis Japan Festival

The 2019 Memphis Japan Festival is a fun, family-friendly, interactive and hands-on experience of Japanese culture. The festival is presented by the Japan-America Society of Tennessee and will be held outdoors, rain or shine, on Sun., Sept. 29 from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. on the TruGreen Lawn of the Memphis Botanic Garden, with performances on the Jim Duncan Stage and tours of the Japanese Garden.

Admission is $5 for adults and $2.50 for children two to 12 years old. Admission is free for Memphis Botanic Garden members and for children under two years. Admission includes the Memphis Japan Festival and Memphis Botanic Garden. The special discounted admission prices are available on Sept. 29 only. Guests will enter the festival through the North Gate. Parking is free of charge in the North Lot. Festival highlights include traditional and contemporary Japanese music and dance, martial arts demonstrations, cultural lectures, arts and crafts, merchandise, children’s activities, sumo-suit wrestling, a roving Japanese Candyman and a variety of Japanese cuisine featuring special menus from local restaurants and food trucks.

For more information, please visit www.memphisjapanfestival.org or facebook.com/ MemphisJapanFestival.

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experience this

Mempho Music Festival Text: Sullivan Branding/Cole Pinner | Photos: Carlie Adair, Keith Griner, Eric Allen

Mempho Music Festival features two days of diverse acts, set in the lush green spaces of Shelby Farms Park. With a lineup of 25+ musicians across three stages on Oct. 19 and 20, it’s a unique entertainment experience for those seeking great music and chill vibes in a relaxing outdoor space. This year’s lineup features The Raconteurs, Brandi Carlile, Wu-Tang Clan, The Revivalists, Margo Price, Lovelytheband, Valerie June, PJ Morton, DJ Paul of Three 6 Mafia, Matt Maeson and many more. The festival will also include a tribute to Sun Studio featuring Jerry Phillips, Jason D. Williams, Amy LaVere, David Brookings, John Paul Keith, Will Sexton, Lahna Deering, Seth Moody, George Sluppick and Graham Winchester.

Bring a chair or blanket, arrive early, find a shady spot under the trees, or make yourself at home in the sunshine. Either way, you’ll enjoy prime outdoor lounging— and, of course, great music!

Food trucks, fun outdoor activities and merchandise will be available at the festival.

General Admission, VIP, Super VIP and Luxury Box tickets are available for purchase online at memphofest.com.

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Cooper Young Festival Text: Tamara Cook | Photos: Courtesy of Cooper Young Festival

The annual Evolve Bank & Trust Cooper Young Festival will take place Sat., Sept. 14 from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Make your way to the corner of Cooper and Young in Midtown Memphis to be a part of the biggest event of the summer, including more than 425 artists’ booths, 17 local bands on three stages and a children’s area sponsored by Sprouts Farmers Market! There’s no better day to visit the largest historic district in Memphis than during the Cooper Young Festival when the neighborhood kicks it up a notch with a free, family-friendly, music, arts and crafts street party. You don’t want to miss it!

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experience this

Germantown Festival Text: Melba Fristick | Photos: Courtesy of Germantown Festival

Each September on the weekend following Labor Day (Sept. 7 and 8, 2019) more than 400 local and national vendors descend on Germantown’s Civic Club Complex at 7745 Poplar Pike, setting up the huge Germantown Festival attracting tens of thousands of visitors. The nonprofit Germantown Association stages the family-friendly event featuring arts and crafts booths, along with food, games and Kids Zone attractions, live entertainment, car exhibits, community attractions, the annual Running of the Weenies Dachshund Race and the Best Dressed Hot Dog competition for the dogs and owners.

The Weenie Race and costume contest are the highlight of the weekend. The parade of costumes is not to be missed and the races are sometimes more comedy than competition.

Proceeds benefit the Germantown Animal Shelter.

All food stands support local nonprofit organizations and many area community groups display their wares and information.

This year marks the 48th installment of the annual event that started as a way to draw people out east to a little-known suburban community developing just outside of Memphis in the 1970s.

Almost 50 years later Germantown is one of the most recognized cities in the state and this award-winning festival event has grown into one of the largest arts and crafts fairs in the Mid South, drawing vendors from 12 states and visitors from far and wide.

Admission is free with free parking and shuttle bus service offered from Germantown Church of Christ, 8723 Poplar Pike, and Baptist Medical Group, 2120 Exeter Road.

Hours are Sat., Sep. 7, 9:30 a.m.-6 p.m. and Sun., Sept. 8, noon until 6 p.m. The Weenie Race is set for Saturday at 11 a.m.

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experience this

The Mid-South Fair

Text: Obsidian Public Relations | Photos: DockDogs® & North American Midway Entertainment

The Mid-South Fair, set for Sept. 19-29 at Landers Center in Southaven, MS, will have a full slate of noteworthy attractions for guests to enjoy during its 11-day run.

This year, thrill-seekers of all ages will have the chance to experience more than a dozen new electrifying rides. Additions are highlighted by three popular Midway Entertainment features: the Skyhawk, a new attraction that allows riders to soar through the sky as it ascends to the top of a 100-foot tower; the Venetian Swing, a family favorite that spins in circles as it climbs higher; and Pharaoh’s Fury, a giant swinging ship that launches riders 50 feet into the air. The Skyhawk and Pharaoh’s Fury welcome those 48 inches or taller, while the Venetian Swing is safe for riders 36 inches or taller.

In addition to rides, attendees of the 163rd annual Mid-South Fair can catch entertaining acts the whole family will enjoy. DockDogs®, the independent governing and sanctioning body for regional, national and international canine dock jumping, is included in the lineup this year. Visitors can watch some of the most talented dogs dock jump, or they can nominate their own pets to participate in the action. Extreme Raptors, a wildlife production boasting the world’s largest traveling tour group of birds of prey, will be on hand, and the thrilling and educational Kachunga and the Alligator Show will also be part of the festivities.

Additional attractions include pig races, a petting zoo and the Butterfly Encounter, a screened-in exhibit giving guests up-close-and-personal access to more than 350 butterflies. Paw Patrol Live will perform four shows between Fri., Sept. 20 and Sun., Sept. 22 inside Landers Center. While fair admission is free with the purchase of a Paw Patrol Live ticket, the opposite is not true. Tickets for Paw Patrol Live can be purchased through Ticketmaster or the Landers Center box office.

“With exciting new rides, an array of unique ground acts and the corresponding Paw Patrol Live shows, the 163rd Annual Mid-South Fair is sure to be a fun one for folks of all ages,” says Todd Mastry, Landers Center executive director. “We truly have something for the whole family and are looking forward to sharing all we have planned with the public come opening day on Sept. 19. It’s going to be an actionpacked 11-day stretch—that’s for sure!”

For more information about the 2019 Mid-South Fair, please visit midsouthfair.org.

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social

The Lake District in Lakeland, TN Text and Photos: Courtesy of Amy Howell

The Lake District (a multi-use, 161-acre development currently in Phase 1 construction in Lakeland, TN) recently held a marketing event in Oxford, MS, for retailers and other businesses to learn about the project for possible expansion opportunities. Lakeland is situated in a high-traffic, high-growth area of East Shelby County. Plans for the high-density, multi-family, mixed-use community are drawing attention to Lakeland as a regional destination. The Lake District has pre-leased Phase 1 at 90 percent and has started pre-leasing in Phase 2. For more information and residential sales information, visit www.TheLakeDistrict.Us. 76 | At Home Memphis & Mid South • September 2019

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wedding social getaway

Ellen Mitchell Alec Ossorio April 6, 2019 Taylor, Mississippi Parents of the Bride: Mrs. Lisa and Mr. Hunter Mitchell

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getaway wedding social

SOURCES

Rehearsal Dinner: Taylor Grocery in Taylor, MS Wedding: The Chapel at Plein Air Reception: The Mill at Plein Air Event Planner & Florist: Angela Mazanti Photographer: Taylor Square Photography Videographer: Sami Sue Studios Wedding Rings: Bride's is an heirloom ring Groom's band from Van Atkins Jewelers in Oxford, MS Hair: Annie Coates Makeup: Mary Shields Hunter Entertainment: The Krackerjacks Caterer: A&N Catering Baker: The Flour Garden Invitations: Mrs. Post: Lindsey Cross Wedding Dress: Maggie Louise Bridal Bridesmaids' Dresses: Bella Bridesmaid Getaway Car: Tennessee Limo Rentals: Details Specialty Rentals

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entertaining

Pitchfork Farm Annual dove hunt and barbecue

Event Styling: Paula DeClerk | Photography: Annabella Charles 82 | At Home Memphis & Mid South • September 2019

entertaining

For the past nine years on Labor Day weekend, Beth and David Skudder’s family has hosted a dinner at their farm to mark the opening of dove hunting season. Pitch Fork Farm is the gathering place for over 250 hunters and their families. This is quite an undertaking and Beth once asked her husband why they were doing it. He quickly replied, “It’s the Southern thing to do!” David is from New York but it seems he has had no trouble embracing Southern traditions!

EVENT DESIGN & TEXT BY GINNI JONES

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entertaining

Hunters gather around 3 p.m. to hear a safety talk, after which they climb aboard a hay wagon for the ride their strategic spot in a nearby field. Beth has happy memories of delivering water and snacks to the hunters years ago with her now deceased mother.

"It's the Southern thing to do!"

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entertaining

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entertaining entertaining

Beth turns to Paula DeClerk of DeClerk Wray Deigns to work her botanical magic. “Every year the Pitch Fork Farm Dove Hunt brings a smile to my face,” DeClerk says. The theme of the event style and florals is always based around friends, family and that feeling you only get when you’re home.

DeClerk’s goal is for the tables to look and feel like you walked into your own garden and cut limelight hydrangeas, colorful zinnias and sunflowers. And that’s pretty much what she did. Most of the flowers come from local organic farmer Seventh Hand Farm. DeClerk used pieces from the hosts’ extensive vintage furniture collection throughout to achieve the feeling of simplicity and comfort, just like being at home.

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entertaining

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entertaining entertaining Non hunters start arriving around 6 p.m. to enjoy the elaborate array of appetizers and beverages, prepared by Ernie Mellor and his team at Hog Wild BBQ, while they anxiously await the return of the hunters. Guests feast on favorites such as a Memphis-style sausage and cheese tray, roasted corn and black-eyed pea dip, jalapeĂąo duck poppers, summer broccoli salad, Southern grilled fruit pasta salad, fried green tomatoes with jalapeĂąo aioli, pulled pork sliders, and Delta farm-raised catfish with hushpuppies.

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entertaining dining out

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entertaining

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To close out the night, both guests and pups enjoyed food and beverages under the stars.

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dining out getaway

Julles Posh Foods Story: Kathryn Winter | Photos: Courtesy of Julles Posh Foods

Husband and wife Julliet (Julles) and M.K. Bupesh opened Julles Posh Food Co. in Memphis in February 2015. The duo made it their mission to offer healthy and clean food, often variations on popular dishes, with a gluten- and dairy-free twist. The restaurant focuses on catering, take out and pre-packaged meals, as well as operating a dine-in space.

The Julles Posh Food philosophy is to reimagine classic dishes using clean ingredients to deliver exquisite flavors. “Italian chicken marsala and Indian chicken tikka masala taste great gluten-free and dairy-free. At any Indian restaurant [tikka masala] is loaded with heavy cream and butter, but not at ours.

We also serve several Asian and Mediterranean dishes that deliver great flavors with a clean finish,” Julles says. “You can create great-tasting food without hiding it behind salt, sugar and butter. Just a touch of olive oil and salt allows the herbs and spices to bring out the rich flavors of the food.”

The restaurant’s diverse fare, including American, Asian, Indian, French and Mediterranean cuisines, always includes fish, chicken, beef, lamb, seafood, vegetarian and vegan items. Bhupesh’s all-time favorite menu item is the salmon shrimp cake. “There are several favorites over the years, but one that stands out is the salmon shrimp cake. It is a wonderful patty made primarily out of salmon, shrimp and egg whites. It comes with a salad made of organic mixed greens, honey crisp apples, caracara oranges, pomegranate seeds and roasted sweet potatoes,” Julles says. “Sticky toffee pudding is a very popular British dessert made of warm dates and served with caramel sauce, ice cream and glazed strawberries. It is a favorite celebratory dessert at our restaurant. The posh chocolate cake is rich and decadent, made with pure dark Valrhona chocolate—gluten-free, so many more of my clients can enjoy it.”

Julles is an internationally trained, award-winning chef with over 20 years of experience. She graduated from culinary school in India and perfected her skills in the kitchens of Oberoi and Kempinski hotels in Mumbai before moving to the United Kingdom. “I started at a young age making snacks for my parents, brothers and friends. With family and friends enjoying my creations, that gave me the encouragement to join the culinary program in high school. I followed it with a scholarship to the Institute of Hotel Management in India, where I trained under many famous chefs. My eye for precision and perfection soon took me to working in pastry. My hard work paid off and I became a pastry chef at leading five-star hotels in Mumbai. My penchant for travel took me to the UK where I joined a luxury cruise line and soon rose to the position of executive pastry chef. My worldwide travel taught me a lot about various foods, advanced skills and techniques.”

Julles Posh Food also offers catering. The chef and her team plan and execute each event creatively to accommodate client needs and aspirations. Hand crafting each appetizer, entrée and dessert with a unique twist and signature presentation, the restaurant caters engagements, weddings, birthdays and graduation parties of all sizes. The team has catered everything from small office lunches and dinners to corporate events of more than 700 people. The restaurant’s packaged meals stay fresh for several days because they are preservative-free. Lunches are under 350 calories, and dinners under 450. “We wanted to make clean eating accessible to people who do not have time to cook. Our packaged meals are fully cooked and take less than two minutes to heat and eat. They are complete meals without added preservatives and are served in 100% recyclable BPA-free containers.”

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El Cosmico

Julles Posh Food is open for lunch 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., Monday through Friday. Take out-orders are available 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. For dinner for groups of eight or more patrons, call in advance for a reservation.

For catering, call 901.509.8675.

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in the kitchen

Fried Green Tomatoes

with Spicy Salsa & Avocado Recipe and Photo: Courtesy of Jim Norton

I can’t think of many things more Southern than fried green tomatoes, and I have to say...my recipe is one of the best I’ve had. This month I will be joining Priscilla Presley at Graceland for her Elegant Southern Style Weekend Sept. 27-29. I am excited to be part of this amazing celebration and in next month’s issue I will share the recipe I’m making at the event—my Spicy Tennessee Mac & Cheese with Applewood Smoked Bacon. Go to www.graceland.com for tickets and more information about the event. You won’t want to miss this exciting weekend full of all things Southern!

Check out Jim Norton on social media! www.thenortonrecipe.com Facebook @thenortonrecipe Instagram @the_norton_recipe

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in the kitchen

Ingredients The Tomatoes:

Spice Rub for the Tomatoes:

For the Spicy Salsa Remoulade:

6 green tomatoes, sliced 3/8 - to 1/2-inch thick

1 Tbsp. paprika

1/2 cup mayonnaise

1 Tbsp. garlic powder

1/2 cup sour cream

1 egg, lightly beaten

1 Tbsp. onion powder

1/4 cup cottage cheese

1 cup flour

2 tsp. sugar

1/3 cup salsa

3 cups Panko breadcrumbs

2 tsp. pepper

Dash of cayenne pepper

1 tsp. salt

Juice from 1/2 a lemon

1 cup buttermilk

1/4 tsp. salt 1/4 tsp. pepper 1 avocado, sliced into 8 wedges. (Squeeze lemon juice over the avocado to prevent browning if you’re slicing it in advance.)

Canola oil Fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions Start by making the spice rub. Green tomatoes are simply tomatoes that haven’t ripened yet and haven’t had time to really develop any flavor, so we need to add some, and this rub is going to do the trick. In a small bowl or plastic container, add the ingredients listed above under Spice Rub. Give the spices a good stir to blend. Set aside. (This will make more than you need, but save it. It’s great to use on filets, chicken, pork or anything you want.)

For the Spicy Salsa Remoulade, simply add the ingredients listed under Spicy Remoulade to a blender. Blend on high until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Pour into an airtight container and place in the refrigerator.

Now, the fun part! Place the sliced green tomatoes on a layer or two of paper towels. Using another paper towel, pat the tops of the tomatoes dry. Sprinkle each tomato with the spice rub, flip, pat this side dry and sprinkle with more spice rub.

Set up an assembly line to coat tomatoes. In a small bowl, add flour, salt and pepper. Blend with a fork. In a separate bowl, add and lightly beat the egg. Pour the Panko crumbs on a plate. Start by dredging a tomato slice in the flour. Next, dip it into the egg, coating the entire slice. Next, place it into the breadcrumbs. Coat both sides and set aside. Repeat the process until all slices are coated. I make 24 slices, giving eight guests three slices each.

Preheat oven to 250˚.

In a large skillet, heat about a 1/2-inch of canola oil until nice and hot. Working in batches of eight, place the tomatoes into the hot oil and allow to fry for 2 1/2 minutes. Flip and fry another 2 1/2 minutes or until golden brown. Remove and place on paper towels on a baking sheet. Place into a 250˚ oven to keep warm. Repeat with remaining batches.

Once you’ve completed all the frying, plate the tomatoes. On individual serving plates, make a tower of three fried green tomatoes. Spoon the desired amount of Spicy Salsa Remoulade over the tomatoes and top with a slice of avocado. For extra garnish, add fresh chopped parsley. Serve immediately and enjoy!

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SOURCES 16 | AT HOME WITH

Special thanks - Terry Brimhall of Brim’s Snack Foods Brimsnacks.com

26 | HEALTHY YOU

Special thanks - Michelle Johns mjohns@transformingwellness.com

30 | HOME FEATURE

Special thanks - Ashley Toney of First Fruit Collection firstfruitcollection.com

44 | DESIGN

Special thanks - Wade Burrus of Burrus Company burruscompany.com

48 | IN THE GARDEN

Special thanks - Dale Skaggs of Dixon Gallery & Gardens Dixon.org

82 | ENTERTAINING

Special thanks - Beth Skudder, Paula DeClerk of DeClerk Wray Designs, & Annabella Charles Photography dwdesigntn@gmail.com, annabellacharles.com

92 | DINING OUT

Special thanks - Julles Posh Foods jullesposh.com

94 | IN THE KITCHEN

Special thanks - Jim Norton thenortonrecipe.com

98 | ON A GOOD NOTE

Special thanks - Memphis Inner City Rugby memphisinnercityrugby.org

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on a good note

Anything is Possible Story: Emily Adams Keplinger | Photos: Courtesy of MICR Jamiyah Brown (11) & Allison Hitchcock

What started as an idea bantered about between two friends has grown into a nonprofit organization that is touching the lives of local students and helping them achieve things they never before dreamed possible. The mission of Memphis Inner City Rugby (MICR), founded in 2012, is to expand athletic and academic opportunities in low-income neighborhoods across the city. And that model, created right here in Memphis, is about to debut on a global stage.

Started at Kingsbury High School, the program has expanded to Power Center Academy High School and Middle School, Soulsville Charter School and Middle School, Freedom Preparatory Academy, Ridgeway Middle School, Du Bois Academy of Arts & Technology, Belle Forest Community School and Believe Memphis Academy. The league consists of nine team, two of which are all-girls’ teams. Now, the MICR program is gaining wider acclaim.

MICR player Jamiyah Brown, 11, a rising sixthgrader at Believe Memphis Academy, recently learned that she won a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity—a chance to deliver an official Match Ball at the Rugby World Cup 2019 in Japan.

“When I saw the contest posted on social media, I thought of Jamiyah right away,” says Shane Young, co-founder and executive director of Memphis Inner City Rugby. “I spoke with her coach, Allison Hitchcock, who helped submit an application that highlighted Jamiyah’s personality and athletic abilities. The contest was seeking a student between the ages of eight and 15 who best exemplified the values of rugby on and off the pitch. Jamiyah has an extraordinary spirit, a high degree of perseverance, and an overall passion for the game. She also helps inspire her teammates. Now she will have a chance to inspire others as she puts our program in an international spotlight when she delivers an official Match Ball during the USA vs. France match on Oct. 2.”

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Shane Young

In light of the high honor she has received, it might be surprising that Jamiyah only began playing rugby last year. “It was the first year for my school to have a rugby team,” recalls Jamiyah. “My principal, Danny Song, and Coach Hitchcock were very interested in me joining the team and since I like to run, I decided to give it a try. I ended up being the only girl on the team.”

When asked about her daughter’s success, mom Ashley Brown says, “Jamiyah is very focused and very motivated to be a good team player. She hopes to encourage other students and aspiring athletes through her example, proving that you can do anything if you put your mind to it.”

As for the future, Jamiyah plans to continue playing rugby and when the time comes, hopes to get a scholarship to play rugby in college. “It shows that anything is possible,” says Young. “Our kids have had to overcome extreme obstacles to create their rugby community in Memphis. We never thought any of our kids would go to the World Cup or even abroad. We are so proud of them for pushing through these obstacles and achieving great things. We hope moments like this one for Jamiyah will be catalysts to increase the impact on our students’ lives.”

He concludes, “As Jamiyah goes to represent us globally, we hope that it is not only an amazing experience for her, but also draws attention to what we think is the most important thing in American rugby—to bring the sport to urban educational landscapes and give kids who might not otherwise have had access a chance to play.

We (MICR) remain a grassroots, volunteer-driven organization with a commitment to continue to expand the opportunities available to our city’s underserved youth. The MICR program was started by teachers, is driven by coaches, and exists to leverage the power of rugby for social change.”

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