Memphis Magazine July 2019

FANCY TOAST! | MPD TACT SQUAD | VIVA BURLESQUE! | GREAT HOMES | LOCAL TREASURES | 901 HEALTH Memphis • THE CITY MAGAZINE • W W W.MEMPHISMAGAZINE.COM

THE CITY MAGAZINE

USA $4.99

VOL XLIV NO 4 | J U LY 2 019

MEMPHIS’ FIRST FAMILY OF FLIGHT

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DISPLAY UNTIL AUGUST 10, 2019

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SMALL MEETINGS. BIG IMPACT. Here’s what our Clients are saying about The Westin Memphis Beale Street: We’ve had this meeting at the Westin Memphis Beale Street 3 years in a row. Each year has been great, but this year was even better!!! Kudos to the staff!!! - Steve F. What’s not to Love? Location to FedEx Forum - Team was comfortable - Food was great - Service was terrific.- Jay D We always receive the best customer service from the Westin!

- Mark G. I had high expectations, but I was still really impressed.

AV was set up early and ran well, the food was delicious and the service was great, not disruptive to the speaker or presentation in the least.

Hospitality is what Westin does best, and we really felt taken care of from the moment we walked in, to the minute we left. Staff was friendly and helpful, parking and valet was convenient, the entire event seemed very turn-key, leaving our team not having much to do beyond enjoy the event.

Shaina G. Everyone was professional and handled everything beautifully.

Great work! - Jessica G.

Contact our Professional Sales and Events Team to help plan your next event!

901-334-5920 • westin.com/bealestreet

The Westin Memphis Beale Street 170 Lt. George W. Lee Avenue, Memphis, TN 38103

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COMING TO MEMPHIS IN OCTOBER 2019...

Your guide to Living Healthy in Memphis! Announcing the first-ever Healthy 901 Festival.

Showcasing the very best of healthy living options in Memphis — from gyms and fitness lessons, to nutrition advice and local healthy restaurants, to medical care and healthcare services — our Healthy 901 Festival will help you make the best healthy choices for you and your family for 2019 and beyond.

Join us!

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 5TH, 2019

Overton Square Courtyard • FREE ADMISSION!

FUN ENTERTAINMENT • FOOD SAMPLING • HEALTHY BEVERAGES

Head to healthy901festival.com to find out more!

P R E S E N T E D

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BY

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DRIVING FOR SUCCESS

Humberto knew he wanted to come to UT after attending the Business Education for Talented Students program. With hard work and assistance from scholarships, he graduated from the top-ranked Supply Chain Management program with a job at International Paper in Memphis.

journey.utk.edu/humberto

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T:8”

SUMMER EVENT

T:9.875”

Hold the fireworks.

Cue the Mercedes-Benz Summer Event.

The Mercedes-Benz Summer Event. This summer, shoot for the skies with an exceptional offer on the Mercedes-Benz of your dreams, like the sporty C-Class Sedan, the sleek and versatile GLA or the turbocharged GLC — a vehicle that turns every drive into a mini vacation. See your authorized Mercedes-Benz dealer today before these amazing offers fizzle and fade away. MBUSA.com/SummerEvent

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Mercedes-Benz of Memphis 5389 Poplar Avenue, Memphis, TN (901) 345-6211 www.mbofmemphis.com

2019 C 300 Sedan and 2019 GLC 300 SUV shown in Selenite Grey metallic paint. 2019 GLA 250 SUV shown in Mountain Grey metallic paint. Optional equipment shown. *MSRP excludes all options, taxes, title, registration, transportation charge and dealer prep. Options, model availability and actual dealer price may vary. See dealer for details. ©2019 Authorized Mercedes-Benz Dealers For more information, call 1-800-FOR-MERCEDES, or visit MBUSA.com.

HEADLINE: 26 pt. • BODY COPY: 9.75 pt.

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200 Varick St. New York, NY 10014 : Phone 212-805-7500

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On the Cover Vernon and Phoebe Omlie (left) with an unidentified pilot. see page 30.

PHOTOGRAPH COURTESY MEMPHIS & SHELBY COUNT Y ROOM, MEMPHIS PUBLIC LIBRARIES

Airshow over Tom Lee Park during 2019 Memphis in May 901 Fest.

PHOTOGRAPH BY BRIAN GROPPE

Up Front 10 12 16 18 20 22

IN THE BEGINNING

BLASTBUSTERS 22

Features

24 Blastbusters

WE SAW YOU OUT AND ABOUT FRONT AND CENTER

30

FICTION CITY BEAT

Memphis (ISSN 1622-820x) is published monthly for $15 per year by Contemporary Media, Inc., P.O. Box 1738, Memphis, TN 38101 © 2019.

Telephone: 901-521-9000. For subscription info, please call 901-521-9000. Subscription customer service mailing address is Memphis magazine, P.O. Box 1738, Memphis, TN 38101. All rights reserved.

• Periodicals Postage Paid at Memphis, TN. Postmasters: send address changes to Memphis, P.O. Box 1738, Memphis, TN 38101.

Special Section 43

V O L X L I V N O 4 | J U LY 2 019

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M E M P H I S 200 The Flying Omlies

A barnstorming legacy. ~ by david dawson G R E AT H O M E S

French Connection From saints to alligators, this home in the Trezevant community has it all. ~ by anne cunningham o’neill LOCAL TREASURES

Colin Ruthven

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From teen grifter to Marine aviator to artist to Zen master, he can tell great tales and listen better than anybody.

~ by jon w. sparks

61 9 01

H E A LT H

The Growing World of Nurse Practitioners Who are these nurses with all the initials after their names, and what can they do for you? Quite a lot, it turns out.

~ by michael finger

66 A S K

VA N C E

Admiral Benbow

REMODEL MEMPHIS

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43

The MPD’s bomb unit measures — and if need be, defuses — the region’s most explosive threats. ~ by frank murtaugh

Our trivia expert solves local mysteries of who, what, when, where, why, and why not. ~ by vance lauderdale

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DINING OUT

Let’s Get Toasted Memphis chefs add sweet and savory toppings to a California favorite: fancy toast. ~ by pamela denney and susan ellis CIT Y DINING

Tidbits: Fino’s; plus the city’s most extensive dining listings.

L A S T S TA N D

Tee It Up The spirit of a beloved Memphian will lift the first WGC-FedEx St. Jude Invitational. ~ by frank murtaugh

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Memphis THE C IT Y MAGAZ INE

General Excellence Grand Award Winner City and Regional Magazine Association 2007, 2008, 2010, 2014

&7

PUBLISHER / EDITOR kenneth neill EXECUTIVE EDITOR michael finger MANAGING EDITOR frank murtaugh SENIOR EDITORS shara clark, jon w. sparks ASSOCIATE EDITOR samuel x. cicci ARTS & LIFESTYLE EDITOR anne cunningham o’neill FOOD EDITOR pamela denney CONTRIBUTING EDITORS jackson baker,

jesse davis, michael donahue, john a. jennings, vance lauderdale, anna traverse EDITORIAL CONTRIBUTORS david dawson,

karen pulfer focht EDITORIAL ASSISTANT julia baker

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CREATIVE DIRECTOR brian groppe PRODUCTION OPERATIONS DIRECTOR margie neal SENIOR ART DIRECTOR carrie beasley ADVERTISING ART DIRECTOR christopher myers GRAPHIC DESIGNERS rachel li, bryan rollins PHOTOGRAPHY justin fox burks, brandon dill,

michael donahue, karen pulfer focht, chip pankey

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Memphis Magazine’s

SENIOR ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE sloane patteson taylor

FACE

ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES mary ballard, kayla white,

THE 2019

jacob woloshin

4

OF

ORIENTAL RUGS

published by contemporary media, inc. memphis, tennessee 901-521-9000 p • 901-521-0129 f subscriptions: 901-521-9000

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CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER anna traverse CONTROLLER ashley haeger CHIEF REVENUE OFFICER jeffrey a. goldberg EDITORIAL DIRECTOR bruce vanwyngarden DIGITAL SERVICES DIRECTOR kristin pawlowski CIRCULATION MANAGER julie ray BILLING COORDINATOR lynn sparagowski SPECIAL EVENTS DIRECTOR molly willmott

Our business is our family name.

EMAIL MARKETING MANAGER britt ervin IT DIRECTOR joseph carey RECEPTIONIST kalena mckinney

&7 july 2019

STANDARD OF EXCELLENCE SINCE 1950

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IN THE BEGINNING | by kenneth neill

Brave New World

KEITH ALLEN

Custom Builder

CUSTOM HOMES RENOVATIONS & ADDITIONS

901-754-4044

KeithAllenHomes.com

Time will tell how much Memphians care about local journalism.

T

ruly, it was a dark and stormy night. The date was February 14, 1989. It rained buckets that particular Tuesday evening, the kind of relentless downpour that put a damper on Valentine’s Day traffic at local restaurants. Not exactly the kind of night you’d want to spend driving all over town, dumping brand-new, kelly-green newspaper boxes on street corners.

By the end of the evening, two delivery peers, the past decade has been dismal for teams in rented trucks had chained some all but the largest of America’s traditional 50 Memphis Flyer boxes to telephone poles all newspapers. In the late 1990s, these dailies around the city. The next morning, distribution invested heavily in digital development, only drivers filled them with the first issue of the to discover a decade later that Facebook and Flyer (right), right), while also dropping off bundles Google were cornering local markets in terms of papers at shops, grocery of online ad revenue.

As The Wall Street Journal restores, and restaurants. More than a few of those outdoor ported recently, nearly 1,800 boxes are still sitting there local newspapers closed betoday, just where they were tween 2004 and 2018, pointput on that gloomy night ing out that the current Facethree decades ago. book/Google duopoly sucks The Memphis Flyer, this up 77 percent of digital admagazine’s younger sibling, vertising revenue in today’s turns 30 this year, a remarklocal markets. The old days able tribute both to the many of “robber barons” come to individuals who’ve worked mind to describe what is hapfor the newspaper, and to the pening to local journalism all community that embraced across America. this new weekly that promAs elsewhere, the Memphis media landscape has ised, in its initial press release, February 16, 1989 to “inform, enlighten, and enbeen drastically transformed. tertain” the Mid-South community it served. Despite the good work done by its truncatBack in 1989, when the Flyer published its ed staff, the print version of Th e Commercial fi rst issue, with an expose on the Velsicol Appeal is a shadow of its former self, although chemical company on Jackson Avenue as its the CA does have a significant digital presfirst big scoop, Memphis was a very different ence. The past year has witnessed the birth of place. Dick Hackett was mayor, Harold Ford Sr. The Daily Memphian, a well-executed, all-digital was our congressman, and Sydney Schlenker daily funded by a locally based nonprofit corwas being run out of town on account of an poration. Also in the mix since the 1970s is the elaborate Pyramid scheme. Beale Street was Memphis Business Journal, a weekly with print and in the process of being reborn, while Down- digital editions. town re-development was still in its infancy.

So after 30 years, where does all this leave There were no Redbirds, no Grizzlies. Cell the Flyer? Our weekly sibling is now the largphones were fat, clunky, and expensive, and est-circulation newspaper in print in Shelby The Commercial Appeal was still very much the County, something unimaginable in its infancy. media giant in town, along with three network With its own robust digital platform, the Flyer is local TV stations. holding its own with its peers in these certainly In 1989, the Memphis Flyer first took flight. “interesting” times.

But in the middle of a media revolution, noNearly 1,600 issues later, I think it’s safe to say that our sister publication has done just fine, body has a certain path to long-term success. thanks especially to the scores of employees That’s why all four news outlets should be who, over the years, helped make the paper a treated as if they were local treasures. And weekly must-read for what now has been three that’s why locals should all think twice before generations of Memphians. supporting tech giants like Facebook and GooThree generations of Flyer readers. Yikes! gle with their advertising/marketing dollars, An even scarier fact? When the Flyer pub- given just how serious a threat they pose to lished its first issue, Mark Zuckerberg wasn’t the survival of quality journalism in our city. even 5 years old.

Kenneth Neill publisher / editor Thanks to Mr. Zuckerberg and his tech-giant

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WE SAW YOU

Carnival Memphis Week various locations | may 31- june 7, 2019

with michael donahue

C

arnival Memphis celebrated “Carnival Week” with parties and charitable visits. The “week,” which actually is eight days, kicked off with the Crown & Sceptre Ball, which was held May 31st.

Carnival king Bob Berry and queen Catherine Owen held court during the parties at night and charitable visits during the day. Also taking part in events were the Royal Court, Royal Pages, and members of the Loyal Order of Scarabs and the Secret Order of Boll Weevils. Parties were given by country clubs and Carnival grand krewes.

This year’s Children’s Charity Initiative broke records, says Carnival executive director Ed Galfsky. “More than $400,000 with matching funds was raised this year by Carnival Memphis and its grand krewes,” he says. “Last year, we were at $330,000 with matching funds. That puts us at over $3.2 million since we started the Children’s Charity Initiative in 1999.”

The announcement was made at the Neighborhood Christian Center, one of this year’s designated charities. The other 2019 charities are Palmer Home for Children and Porter-Leath.

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1 King Bob Berry and Queen Catherine Owen 2 King and Queen’s Children’s Charity Day 3 Scarabs (L to R) Price Ford, Lamar Mallory, James Turley , David Jordan, Austin Darr, Battle Boyd, Bayard Anderson, Maxwell Varner 4 Jazz Singh

and Taylor Bass 5 Kellie Taylor, Joe Carter, Brooke Tompkins 6 Stuart Collier and Ryan Seamons 7 Stacey and Carnival President Thomas Hussey 8 Donna Terry, James Barnes, Eboni Gill, Harry Bartges 9 Monique Beals, Mary Ashley Bateman, Chris Beals, and Neil Beals 10 Todd Brown, Ephie Johnson, and Ed Galfsky 11 Fulton O’Keeffe, Nevin Wells, and Spivey Gault

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WE SAW YOU

Jockeys & Juleps southern reins center for equine therapy | may 4, 2019

with michael donahue

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he “Jockeys & Juleps” party could have been called “Jockeys, Juleps, & Fancy Hats” because many of the women at the event wore elaborate Kentucky Derby-style hats.

Some of the men sported seersucker suits and spiff y chapeaux like the guys do each year at Churchill Downs.

The annual Southern Reins Center for Equine Therapy benefit coincides with the Kentucky Derby. About 900 people showed up on a rainy afternoon to dine on Southern-style cuisine, including fried chicken, at the Southern Reins center.

The event included live and silent auctions and an art auction. Guests also viewed a live broadcast of the Kentucky Derby.

The event raised $250,000. All event proceeds contribute to equine-assisted activities and therapies to support people with disabilities and hardships.

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1 Bryan and Courtney Smith 2 Jenny and Nick Vergos 3 Bob and Melissa Cole 4 Estanycko and Cynthia Bradford 5 Mary Trotz, and Brett and Megan Grinder 6 Valerie Morris and Scott Bearup 7 Drew and Chloe Plunk 8 Bubba and Jenny Ezzell 9 Sean and Cindy Carlson 10 Alfred and Marcy Duncan 11 Kristin and Bo Midgett 12 Duncan and Cameron Howell 13 Caroline and Mason Cousins 2 4 6

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2019

CITY GUIDE

ARTS • WHO’S WHO • MUSIC • SHOPPING • CITY DINING

Buy early and save! The August issue of Memphis magazine, our annual City Guide issue, is a great way to get to know everything in and about Memphis.

This issue is perfect for people just moving to the Memphis area, as well as a great addition to conference bags, event goodie bags, realtor gifts, etc.

Free delivery on orders of 50 or more!

We’ve created great values to help make purchasing easy!

SINGLE COPY SALES

0-25 26-100 101-150 151+

$4.00 $3.25 $2.50 $1.75

Bulk orders deadline JULY 12, 2019.

For more information contact JULIE RAY • 901.575.9470 or 901.521.9000 julie@memphismagazine.com

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OU T A ND A BOU T |

JULY 2019

compiled by julia baker

7.20 WEVL 89.9 Blues on the Bluff

Blues on the Bluff

B

lues favorites Ghost Town Blues Band, The MD’s, and Lightnin’ Malcom provide entertainment before a beautiful riverside backdrop. Guests can participate in a silent auction, purchase WEVL and Blues on the Bluff merchandise, and enjoy food, Memphis Made beer, wine, and non-alcoholic beverages. Metal Museum, 374 Metal Museum Dr., wevl.org

7.3

7.4-7.7

Celebrate our nation’s independence a day early while the Redbirds take on New Orleans Baby Cakes. The first 1,000 fans to show up will receive free sunscreen packets provided by the American Cancer Society as part of Minor League Baseball’s “Cover Your Bases” initiative. The game will cap off with a special Independence Day fireworks extravaganza.

AutoZone Park, 200 Union Ave. milb.com

Graceland combines Elvis, rockand-roll, fireworks, barbecue, movies, and NASCAR for an All-American, Fourth of July experience rolled into a long weekend culminating in a special concert featuring Pat Benatar and Neil Giraldo.

Graceland, 3734 Elvis Presley Blvd. graceland.com

New Orleans Baby Cakes vs. Redbirds

The Doobie Brothers

Grub, served $5.99 Burger Week burger specials. This year, the Flyer promises to do it bigger and better than ever before.

Various Locations memphisflyerburgerweek.com

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The Doobie Brothers

“Listen to the Music” at Live at the Garden, where The Doobie Brothers will perform some of their muchloved hits of the ’70s.

Live at the Garden, 750 Cherry Rd. liveatthegarden.com

Anime Blues Con

Graceland’s AllAmerican July 4th Getaway

Burger Week

7.10-7.16 Memphis Flyer Burger Week

Our sister publication teams up with restaurants throughout the city to highlight some of the best burgers around. Last year, 24 participating restaurants, including Wimpy’s and Rawk n’

Immerse yourself in Japanese culture through anime, manga, and cosplay. Voice actors, including Aaron Dismuke and Caitlin Glass, will be present to sign autographs and take selfies, and dance-rock band The Slants will provide musical entertainment. The more conventional cosplay track features events like cosplay contests and lip-sync battles, while the adult track offers a few more risqué options.

Memphis Cook Convention Center, 255 N. Main St. animeblues.com

Uncle Curly

7.13

A.D. Smith presents Uncle Curly’s Call Center The Stage Play!

AutoZone Park

Graceland’s All-American July 4th Getaway

Local minister A.D. Smith III presents Uncle Curly, AKA a “dude with a jheri curl.” In this comical story of gossip, lies, and secret relationships, Uncle Curly has ended his stint as a teacher and has decided to move on to work in a call center.

Cannon Center, 255 N. Main St. thecannoncenter.com

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Jake Owens

7.24-7.28

World Golf Championships-FedEx St. Jude Invitational

The Slackers

7.20

The Slackers

New York City-bred The Slackers take the stage at the Levitt Shell as part of the 2019 Orion Free Music Concert Series. The ska band coins its musical style as “Jamaican Rock-and-Roll,” a fusion of classic American and Jamaican styles.

Levitt Shell, 1928 Poplar Ave. levittshell.org

7.20

Taste of Memphis Vegan Food & Drink Festival

The 2nd Annual Taste of Memphis Vegan Food & Drink Festival highlights some of the Mid-South’s best vegan eats and drinks.

Cook’s Lake, 4249 N. Watkins veganfoodanddrinkmemphis.com

Memphis has hosted a PGA TOUR event since 1958, but this year, the WGC-FedEx St. Jude Invitational marks our city’s introduction to the World Golf Championships.

One of just four such events on the PGA TOUR calendar, the WGC-FedEx St. Jude Invitational will feature an exclusive field made up of the world’s top 50 players and select tournament winners from around the globe.

TPC Southwind, 3325 Club at Southwind wgcfedex.com

7.26

Jake Owens & Hunter Hayes Benefiting St. Jude

Country music stars and supporters of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Jake Owens and Hunter Hayes will put on a show at FedExForum to join the fight against childhood cancer.

FedExForum, 191 Beale St. fedexforum.com

This is more than a Dumpster — This is moreIt than — It is atoCommitment is aa Dumpster Commitment Recyclingto Recycling

Everyday is Earthis Day at EBOX. Areat weEBOX. on your job?

Everyday Earth Day

Are we on your job?

901-850-9996

901-850-9996

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FRONT AND CENTER

Dr. Kenneth S. Robinson President/CEO, United Way of the Mid-South

by samuel x. cicci

Dr. Kenneth S. Robinson

MM: Your new headquarters are located in The Heights. Why is it important for United Way of the Mid-South to be based in an area like this?

Robinson: Thinking about the work that we do, it is much more purposeful for us to be in this community because The Heights is definitely a distressed community, but one with potential. So, there are lots of community assets around us that we work with. With United Way hubbed here, it enables us to kind of spill out into the community and utilize these different resources that people can use and heighten the awareness of the neighborhood through work with Jared Myers at The Heights CDC [community development corporation], and then with other neighborhoods, using perhaps our relationship with the Binghampton Development Corporation as an example. People may not have known that those resources were available before, but I think now with us sitting here, they have much more awareness of community-specific assets.

Have there been any growing pains while adjusting to the new building?

Robinson: I think we’re still in transition, but this building was a great gift. We’ve made plenty of infrastructure upgrades, and we’re continuously challenged because we now own a property and have to maintain the building.

However, owning the building saves us upward of $15 million a year compared to the cost of leasing a space. And beyond that, it extends an extraordinary message to this community that we are a real, corporate partner in the middle of a real community with real individuals, and some distressed areas. It speaks volumes about what United Way should be doing, and that’s really impacting the community.

The building itself is a very comfortable

PHOTOGRAPH COURTESY UNITED WAY OF THE MID-SOUTH

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ast month, United Way of the Mid-South (UWMS) marked the end of its 95th anniversary celebrations. As it approaches its centennial, the organization is going strong under the leadership of president and CEO Dr. Kenneth S. Robinson, who has synthesized his past experience in medicine and as a pastor at St. Andrew AME Church to find innovative ways to tackle the poverty issue in Memphis. The Driving the Dream initiative, piloted by Robinson and exclusive to the UWMS branch, is the flagship program that encompasses many community assets and corporations to present a united front for families in need. At their new headquarters in The Heights, a community north of the Summer/Graham area, Memphis magazine sat down with Robinson and chief communications and engagement officer, Lori Spicer-Robertson, to discuss United Way’s role in the community, the 95th anniversary, and how the organization looks to evolve.

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place for corporate partners to come for meetings or other events. On the second floor, we lease office space below market rates, and currently have openings. That is available for small companies and nonprofits, and we see that as part of supporting the local economic development agenda. While we primarily work with individuals and families, we also like to support small businesses and nonprofits.

Can you talk about the efforts behind United Way’s main initiative, “Driving the Dream”?

Robinson: We have a footprint that allows us to be very impactful and influential.

We don’t provide direct services; rather, we empower and support the agencies that are doing the work. “Driving the Dream” is an extraordinary coordinated, functional network of support services for people that are moving thematically from where they are to where they dream to be.

What we’re doing is connecting the dots among agencies and programs and services across a huge array of quality-of-life domains. We help not only agencies be more effective in finding and making referrals for their clients, but primarily helping individuals who have a multitude of needs, driving their capacity to sketch out where they need to go, what they want to do, where they want to go in terms of getting to a place of economic self-sufficiency. It’s crucial for individuals who struggle to find all the services they and their families need, and this is particularly challenging for families who live in poverty. Before, they had to self-navigate. [We are] connecting the dots and creating this network of agencies working together, using the same sort of approach — agencies that use common intake and assessment tools, and agencies that are entering

data (with the client’s permission) about individuals. Agencies do the hand-off and facilitate it being possible for families to move from one agency to the next.

What has United Way done to commemorate its 95th anniversary?

Spicer-Robertson: Second quarter, we opened with our “Night to Unite” anniversary party, so we invited all of our current stakeholders as well as individuals who have not touched the footprint of United Way. It was a great event held Downtown, and 500 or so people who showed up to celebrate our community impact in Memphis. I think as we have looked over this past year, we also wanted to highlight some of this work. And so what has our community impact looked like? What has it meant? There was heavy partnership with our internal team to make sure we were sharing that story externally and really helping drive the work that we’re doing in driving that dream as we look beyond our 95 years.

We really started the celebration last year in 2018. But as we celebrate, we have to recognize that we have to evolve as the world evolves around us. We gave to great programs in the past, so how do we streamline our targets and our dollars? How do we scale this so that we have a larger impact going forward?

Recently, we marked the 50th anniversary of Dr. King. Our entire city had to take a look, and some people said that we’re worse off than we were before. If we’re looking to advance lives, how do we work to move that mission forward beyond these 95 years? It’s really the efforts from our aligned grant-making. We can’t do it just by plugging in money all over the community.

We really have to streamline our focus and say ‘this is what we’re intentional about, this is what we need our partners to come to the table for,’ and then we can progress.

What is the organization planning while looking ahead to the 100th anniversary?

Spicer-Robertson: We have a new board member, Roland Cruickshank, who is the president of Methodist University Hospital. When he first came he was excited about doing something for the 95th, but he challenged us about what we were doing for the 100th. After great momentum and excitement from the ‘Night to Unite’ party, our focus is to see how we can really resonate our community impact and how we drive the dream. Over the next four years, how do we showcase this work and pull in more and more people so they know how valuable this system of care is not just to individuals and families, but to our network of service agents.

Robinson: The future for us is to continue creating linkages, not just to service agencies, but to other sectors that are also commonly addressing the same kinds of families, such as the healthcare sector. We announced in April a partnership with BlueCare. They understand that their health outcomes are absolutely impacted by the social determinants of health. So we’ve got another sector that is not our area of expertise, we don’t do healthcare, but they understand that the wellbeing of their patients is connected to an equitable access to these kinds of services. Now we’re partnering with a conglomerate of educational entities working to improve health outcomes as well.

We’re not the educational providers, but they understand as we do that the outcomes they’re seeking are impacted by this.

I’m always thinking, is there a right way to approach this? It’s difficult to find the best way to advance very complex families with very complex challenges who have assets and potential dreams.

And there really is no other way to do that besides doing it in a united way.

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JULY’S VERY SHORT STORY CONTEST WINNER

Laying Low

T

by laura derrington

he rain has stopped but a mist lingers in the already saturated air; hard to tell if it’s coming from low clouds above or rising from the warm pavement below. Pulling into the crowded funeral home parking lot, I see the line of mourners snaking all the way out the back door onto the wheelchair ramp.

Quite a turnout.

But then, this is the Mississippi Delta and everybody knows everybody or acts like they do. After years of stories and gossip, sometimes it’s hard to distinguish between the two. And at times like these, that’s a blessing.

I know this. I was born and raised right here. But since I don’t live here anymore, I forget, even though I only moved as far as Memphis.

Besides, waiting in line to pay my respects for Hunter Travers is okay with me. He was a good man, my boss.

Always been good to me.

Giggles erupt. The line inches forward.

Giggles morph into an unsuccessful attempt to stifle infectious, don’t-you-know-you’re-in-church-or-somewhereelse-sacred laughter.

“Oh me,” breathes the guilty, fanning. “This always happens. Laughing when I shouldn’t. Seriously now, we have to stop.”

A moment of silence, then another snort and release of high-pitched laughter.

“See what you’ve gone and done? Oh, my soul. I don’t know what’s wrong with me.

I guess it’s what Aunt Charlene calls the vapors.”

More giggles. Then a few usually stoic Southern gentlemen chuckle, prompting a few good churchgoing souls to turn around, their serious faces making a statement.

For a moment, all is quiet.

Giggles break free again.

The line moves. Purple pantsuit whispers to blue paisley.

Blue paisley dress and purple pantsuit walk up behind me to take their place in line, already deep in conversation.

“Hon, you have no idea. These young people today, I have to remind them that sewing is an art, you can’t hurry it. I’ve a mind to stop taking in mending all together.”

“Oh, don’t I know it. If my daughter-in-law even knew how to thread a needle I’d faint.”

“My hair, this humid air is just gonna have its way with it. I swear if it don’t get hotter every year.”

“Hot enough to make a girdle catch fire.”

“Did you hear? Just last week? What he did?”

“I don’t think I did.”

“What a mess. Virginia knew Hunter was running around. He’d come in at all hours, smelling of bad whiskey and singing. Lots of late so-called work meetings. She also swears her ruby dinner ring has gone missing. Rumor has it he gave it to one of these f loozies. Who knows? He might have sold it and helped himself to a day in Tunica. Don’t that churn your butter? Anyway, Ginny usually just ignored him. More than once she locked the bedroom door and told him to sleep it off downstairs only to find his sorry self asleep at the foot of the door the next morning. Begging for aspirin and forgiveness.”

PHOTOGRAPHS BY EVERETT COLLECTION INC. | DREAMSTIME.COM

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WEDNESDAY, JULY 10 at 6:00 p.m.

Ace Atkins The Shameless

“That’s not a good thing …”

“Yes, and bringing in the horse was the last straw.”

“What horse?”

“His old horse, the one that used to pull the tool wagon.”

“What do you mean he brought it in?”

“Just that! Right in the parlor! Ginny was asleep and something woke her up. She turned on the light and opened the door and there, staring at her, upstairs now, mind you, was that horse.”

“And where was Hunter?”

“Nowhere to be seen. The front door was open, the horse was on the landing, and no Hunter.”

“How did she get the horse downstairs?”

Laura Derrington started writing stories as a child, back when it called for a pencil and sheet of paper. Since then, her professional career has included writing feature articles, public relations, advertising, marketing, website, brand messaging, and a blog for people 50 and older, RockTheWrinkle.com.

She still prefers a pencil.

Margaret Renkl Late Migrations: A Natural History of Love and Loss

TUESDAY, JULY 16 at 6:00 p.m.

James C. Paavola The Sonny and Breanne Mystery Series

THURSDAY, JULY 18 at 6:00 p.m.

Heidi Ganahl She Factor: Present Power-Future Fierce

FRIDAY, JULY 19 at 6:00 p.m.

Beatriz Williams Lit & Libations The Golden Hour

SATURDAY, JULY 20 at 6:00 p.m.

Mark Greaney & Lt. Col. Hunter Ripley Rawlings IV Red Metal

The line moves around the corner.

Our section of the line is now inches from the grieving widow and Hunter himself, laid out in his Sunday best in a lovely oak coffin with a white silk lining, a faint smile on his face.

For a few moments, all is still.

MONDAY, JULY 15 at 6:00 p.m.

THURSDAY, JULY 25 at 6:00 p.m.

Ellen Morris Prewitt and Book Binder Marisa Whitsett Baker so-sweet), the Very Short Story

Ticketed Launch Party for The Hart Women

Contest welcomes entries of up to

Tickets $49.25 on Eventbrite.com

750 words, maximum. Writers are

SATURDAY, JULY 27 at 6:00 p.m.

SHORT AND SWEET (or not-

Hushed tones behind me.

encouraged to incorporate the city

“You know, he was a handsome man.”

“I agree. They grew up next door to each other, you know.”

“Good thing he wasn’t ugly.” Suppressed giggles return.

The woman ahead of me is taking extra time with the widow, giving me the opportunity I’ve waited for.

I move closer, gently touching the delicate spray of carnations. I think of the last two years. I whisper a prayer.

into their work. Winning stories will be published in Memphis and archived on memphismagazine. com. Whereas the fiction contest

Scott Hylbert Task Lyst

TUESDAY, JULY 30 at 6:00 p.m.

Stephen Hunter Game of Snipers

was in the past a once-a-year event, the Very Short Story Contest will recognize ten winning entries annually, every month except

Novel is the presenter of Memphis magazine’s

February and August. The Very Short Story Contest is presented

by Novel, Memphis’ newest independent bookstore, where each

Goodbye, Hunter.

winning author will be honored

I drop the ruby ring into the casket.

with a $200 gift certificate.

And I smile.

Mon–Sat: 9AM–9PM Sun: 10AM–5PM 387 Perkins Ext. Memphis, TN 38117 (901) 922-5526 • novelmemphis.com J U L Y 2 0 1 9 • M E M P H I S M A G A Z I N E . C O M • 21

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CITY BEAT

Peeling is Revealing Miss Velvetina Taylor brings burlesque to Mollie Fontaine’s.

by jon w. sparks / photographs by karen pulfer focht

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he fancy bra is unhooked and launched through the air landing, if you’re lucky, right next to your Sazerac. But don’t touch; the show rolls on as whistles, whoops, and yips burst from the audience along with Memphis music from the band at Mollie Fontaine Lounge.

Velvetina Taylor winks, moues, and cracks wise through the routine.

The burlesque scene in Memphis is not as robust as in, say, New Orleans, but Taylor saw an opportunity to bring her Blue Moon Revue to town. She bumps and grinds with the best of them, but beyond the shimmy, she’s also an entrepreneur, a devoted rider of her 1200cc Harley-Davidson, and has a master’s degree in library & information studies from University College Dublin.

She’s not just about corsets, boas, eyelashes, and pasties, although she assuredly knows how to pull it off.

Taylor performs and produces steadily in New York when she’s not straddling her motorcycle and crisscrossing the country with her Pistons and Pasties Tour. She stopped in Memphis in 2016 and was smitten. When the impresario in her decided to produce a show outside of the Big Apple, she chose Memphis.

“I thought there were several reasons why a regular show might work here,” she says. “There’s a nightlife — people

going out with focused attention, usually on live music. Also, Memphis is a destination. If I could include that with the Memphis musicians, I could get some of those people to come.”

Her revue opened its run in April, is going three nights a week, and plans are to run through September. There are different dancers from around the country every week and bands rotate monthly. That local live music is cream of the crop: Marcella Simien, Amy LaVere, Albert King Jr. so far.

July’s music is from John Paul Keith.

The show is, as Taylor says, “super classic, traditional, glamorous, big crazy rhinestone feather costumes.” She jokes during the introductions and lays out the rules for the evening (no flash photography, make lots of noise). An audience member may be plucked away from one of the sofas to be in a skit.

Fret not — Taylor will be gentle, for she is an artist, even in dishabille, at the top of her game.

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BLASTBUSTERS The MPD’s bomb unit measures — and if need be, defuses — the region’s most explosive threats. by frank murtaugh

I

photography by brandon dill t was the kind of news alert — in the form of a tweet last December — that makes one pause in the day’s review of events: “Officers have responded to the following locations. [Four Memphis addresses were included in the tweet.] We have been made aware of multiple bomb threats that have been made via email …”

The Twitter account was that belonging to the Memphis Police Department, not some attention-seeking troll with 48 followers you’ll block with one more obnoxious take. When the MPD takes a bomb threat seriously enough to broadcast an alert on social media, we should all take that threat seriously.

Bomb squad. You’d be hard-pressed to find a more intimidating two syllables for a group of human beings. Great nickname for a football team (one that passes a lot) or perhaps a sharp-shooting basketball club. But what about a community’s actual bomb squad, those human beings tasked with monitoring, on a daily basis, what are, quite literally, explosive threats?

Those who take calls from someone merely passing through town, but concerned about an abandoned bag at the bus station. Those who determine if a local high school is legitimately under attack, or merely the stage for yet another ill-advised prank. (We’ll note here, nice and early, that making a bomb threat — whether or not an actual explosive has been placed — is a felony.)

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The bomb unit’s Response Equipment Trailer is a mobile supply lab, and home to one powerful robot.

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Lt. Tom Warrick, who has headed the bomb unit for 17 years, personifies the “type-A” traits required for measuring threats.

W

e’re a unit that operates behind the scenes,” explains Lt. Tom Warrick, the man currently calling the shots for the MPD’s bomb unit. “We try and operate lowkey, so we don’t initiate a whole lot of public alarm. Most of the calls we go out on turn out to be bogus. If they turn out to be real, there will be public notification.”

Warrick has been with the MPD since 1993, the last 17 years in the TACT unit, a division of specialized personnel trained to handle the hottest of scenarios, from hostage situations and barricades to, yes, bomb threats. The TACT unit is called when a police officer identifies a crisis — or potential crisis — beyond the reach of standard personnel and equipment. Merely qualifying for duty as a TACT officer — let alone a bomb technician — is rigorous, with no more than one percent of the police force ever donning the menacing cobra featured on an MPD TACT officer’s shoulder patch.

“Our testing standards are so high,” explains Warrick. “[Officers] have to be physically fit and pass a psychological evaluation. They have to be able to make good decisions under high stress. They have to be able to hit what they’re shooting at. And work well with

Armed with the most powerful water gun on the planet, the Remotec F6A is on the front line with the bomb unit.

other team members. You have to have been an officer for three years, and there’s a bid process based on seniority. But there’s a caveat: a one-month training school. Just being the senior guy doesn’t mean you’ll make the unit.” The MPD likes to keep around 25 officers on the TACT unit, though the number recently dropped to only 14. (Women have served on the unit, though there are none currently.)

The son of a Navy man, Warrick was born in Atlanta and spent much of his youth in Hawaii before his family settled in Memphis when he was 15 (he graduated from Country Day School in 1982).

Warrick spent three years in the ROTC program at what was then Memphis State University before joining the Army in 1985. After a couple of years in a Ranger special-forces unit, Warrick served the balance of his tour in Germany and witnessed the destruction of the Berlin Wall in 1989. He worked briefly for FedEx after being discharged from the Army in 1991, but felt a calling to be a police officer. As for what led him specifically to defusing bombs and measuring threats of calamity — he joined the TACT unit in 2003 — Warrick shares one significant trait with every other member of his team.

“We’re all type-A personalities,” notes Warrick.

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“We’re all looking for challenges. We have a saying we keep on the wall: Fear not the challenge. Challenge the fear. Fear is the biggest challenge.

If you don’t understand something, people have a tendency to fear it.

In order to break that fear, you learn about it. That’s what we do.”

Work as a bomb technician — the FBI administers the final qualifying program, a six-week course in Huntsville, Alabama — doesn’t necessarily translate into a career. Officers sometimes rotate into and out of the unit. “Some people use it to up their game,” says Warrick, “to improve their skills as an officer; then they move on. We’ve had guys move from the TACT unit to aviation.”

Among the MPD’s TACT officers, seven serve on the bomb unit, with one — Sgt. Sean Silvers — devoted solely to bomb duty.

“We learn everything from basic electronics and robotics to X-ray interpretation,” says Warrick. “Identifying the components of a device. Determining if a suspicious package is an actual device, or just a suitcase with homeless clothes in it.”

A native of New Jersey, Silvers found his way to the Mid-South when he went to grad school at Arkansas State, where he studied communications. (As an undergrad, Silvers studied criminal justice at St. Peter’s University in Jersey City.) If you see a truck in your neighborhood with what looks like an enormous black crock-pot — a Single Vent Explosive Containment Vessel — on the trailer, it’s likely Silvers behind the wheel. If a bomb can’t be safely defused where it’s discovered, it will be transferred in the containment tank. “If we have unstable explosives on the scene, we’ll use our explosives [also on the trailer] to countercharge those,” explains Silvers. “The containment vessel is designed to transfer [explosive energy] upward. We try to avoid overpasses.” In more than 15 years on the job, Silvers has not witnessed a bomb exploding within the containment vessel.

One invaluable member of the bomb unit doesn’t have to wrestle with the challenge of fear, and the loss of life or limb would be measured not in heartache, but in financial expense.

The Remotec F6A is plugged by the U.S. Army as being “the most versatile, heavy-duty robot on the market. Speed and agility unite to make it the first choice for a wide range of missions, and its proven stair-climbing ability, rugged and dependable chassis, and an arm capable of lifting 65 pounds mean that the F6A is more than strong enough to handle any task.” Including the task of safely securing — “mitigating” in bomb-unit parlance — an explosive.

The F6A weighs close to 900 pounds and is equipped with LED lighting, cameras on the front and rear, and a gripper. In addition, the robot has the most powerful “water gun” known to man, a twin-barrel apparatus capable of blasting an explosive device.

“Water is our primary disruptor,” explains Warrick. “It can do awesome work. It can blow open a package and scatter it into a hundred pieces.” The robot can be remote-controlled from a distance of 500 yards. “As long as we can see it, we can control it,” says Warrick.

The MPD’s unit is almost 20 years old, but underwent a major upgrade — one that cost nearly $100,000 in grant money — in 2007.

The squad has a mobile trailer that serves as a control room: the Bomb Unit Response Equipment Trailer. It features a closet that houses the bomb suit, computers for relaying X-ray images, and a panel for navigating the F6A. In a scenario in which the F6A cannot access a device (enclosed spaces, complicated accessibility options), an officer will don the bomb suit. Weighing 80 pounds and costing upwards of $40,000, the suit covers every inch of a human body, with a helmet that would fit in the latest Marvel blockbuster. Layers of Kevlar, plastic, and foam overlap to absorb and deflect the projectiles and air pressure of an explosion. “When something explodes,” notes Warrick, “you have heat, fire, fragmentation, and over-pressure.

Those are the four elements of an explosion.” The suit has to be replaced every five years, making it a premium budget item for the bomb unit.

“Fear not the challenge.

Challenge the fear.”

Lt. Warrick helps Sgt. Sean Silvers don the 80-pound, $40,000 bomb suit.

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ny call — at any time of day or night — must be taken seriously by Warrick and his team. Among those challenges they embrace: the knowledge that most “threats” end when the phone is hung up. Nonetheless, man-hours must be sacrificed to confirming an actual explosion is not imminent.

“We investigate the threats,” emphasizes Warrick. “We don’t necessarily send out alerts for all threats. A patrol officer will arrive and make the first assessment.

Based on a business owner’s or school official’s feeling on the validity of the threat, he’ll take a report. We get school bomb threats all the time. Kids know bombthreat protocol is to evacuate the school. We’ll send out a K-9 unit — we have explosive-sniffing canines — [if the threat is considered legitimate].”

According to Warrick, profiling the next murderous bomb attack is all but impossible. If someone is angry enough, with an agenda and the means to make an explosive, the crime is easy to execute. American history is filled with the names of killers who acted on religious beliefs; as enemies of technology or the government; as merely attention-seekers. In 2012, here in Memphis, two explosives detonated at Craigmont High School.

(There were no fatalities and only one injury that required a hospital visit.) The deadly component of that bomb? Drano.

Bombs are horrifyingly easy to make. “The internet is a virtual how-to manual [for bomb-making],” says Warrick. “But most of the stuff you get on the internet isn’t complete. A lot of people will attempt to make an explosive, and they don’t get it quite right. When you’re talking chemistry, it’s an exact science. They don’t get the proportions.

“Explosives are based on the imagination of the guy that’s making them. Commercial explosives are hard to get. But people like to see things blow up. Lots of times it’s just innocent fun that gets out of hand.” A little gunpowder, sadly, can go a long way to-

ward a bomb threat.

Remarkably, the MPD bomb unit has not lost an officer under Warrick’s watch. “I’ve been lucky,” says Warrick. “Safety is our biggest concern.” If an explosive is identified, the bomb unit alerts the media — to clear any public space — and calls a fire-and-res-

robot’s X-ray capability, we’ll determine if a device has all the components — starting with a switch or initiation source — to be an explosive and then how best to defeat it, to render it safe.”

According to the ATF (the agency was renamed the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives shortly after the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001), 25 percent of explosions in 2016 — those considered and recorded as incidents — were accidental. A gas leak. Kids playing with matches in the wrong place. Bombings accounted for 63 percent of the explosions that year with more than half of those classified as non-IED (Improvised Explosive Device): commercial materials, military grade, fireworks, or homemade explosives. There’s no uniform ingredient, no standard m.o. for a bomb squad to study and master.

Which makes the job of a bomb tech all the more — that word again — challenging.

“When we have to blow up a device,” notes Warrick, “we’ll go back and rebuild it. We’re trying to figure out the mentality of the [bomb-maker]. We can always put it back together.”

“A bomb unit doesn’t have a typical day.”

T

cue team to join the operation, on the off chance of a detonation during the “render safe activity.”

“We assess the threat based on the size and possible net explosive weight,” explains Warrick. “We establish a safe stand-off distance, evacuate houses, cars. We establish a perimeter. Then we’ll go into threat-assessment mode. We try and do everything as remote as possible, with the robot. Using the

hose four simultaneous threats last December?

The MPD’s tweet concluded with the following: “Each location has been checked and no devices have been located. This is an ongoing investigation.” An all-too-typical false alarm, but one every member of the bomb unit welcomes as opposed to an actual life-threatening weapon of destruction.

The MPD bomb squad is a team of pros accustomed to the absence of ordinary in its coverage of a 250-mile radius surrounding Memphis. “A bomb unit doesn’t have a typical day,” says Warrick.

“Training, maintaining our equipment, and waiting on that call-out. We have a mutual-aid agreement with the FBI. Any of our bomb techs can be used in the event of a major catastrophe in another jurisdiction. And we’ll send them.”

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A b a r n s t o r m i n g Legacy. by david dawson “Vernon was very definitely famous around Memphis, and Phoebe was, too. I would call Vernon and Phoebe the pioneer fliers in Memphis, very definitely. … l remember so many of their friends, and we were together so often, but they’re all gone. It’s very sad. All of the

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he date: July 10, 1922. The place: a field outside St. Paul, Minnesota. Phoebe Fairgrave was ready. She appeared shortly after 3 p.m., dressed up in her riding breeches, her goggled leather helmet, and her oversized basketball shoes with the extra-suction soles.

Her personal pilot, Captain Vernon Omlie, eased the big C-6 Oriole down the gravel runway, lifted the plane’s

nose, and eased it over the treetops. They climbed steadily, to an altitude of 15,000 feet.

When they reached that height, almost three miles above the thousands of onlookers scattered over the pastures far below, Phoebe Fairgrave began her show. She crawled out to the end of the right wing, strapped on the big parachute she had so carefully folded a few hours before. Then she stood up uneasily — and jumped.

The chute opened properly, and Phoebe floated lazily downward. When she reached the ground a few minutes later, she was a world record-holder. No woman had ever before made a parachute jump from such an amazing height. this story origina lly a ppe a red in the december 1980 issue of

memphis

maga zine.

PHOTOGRAPHS COURTESY MEMPHIS & SHELBY COUNT Y ROOM, MEMPHIS PUBLIC LIBRARIES

parachute jumpers are dead — they were the real characters.” — Louise Faulkner Meadow

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Phoebe and Vernon Omlie pose for a snapshot before a thrill show featuring a parachute jump.

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he record-setting was, almost certainly, a wellplanned publicity stunt, designed to bolster the shaky fortunes of the Phoebe Fairgrave Flying Circus. Earlier on the same day, Phoebe had marched into the newsroom of the Minneapolis Tribune, to make sure they would provide adequate coverage for the event. While there, she allowed reporters to coax her life story out of her.

She had been born, she told them, in Des Moines, back in November of 1902 — her twentieth birthday was still five months away. She had been living in St. Paul with her family since she was 12, graduating from Mechanical Arts High School in 1919. It was during that year that an air show was held in St. Paul, in conjunction with a visit by President Woodrow Wilson, who was busy hawking the Versailles Treaty and slowly killing himself in the process. Phoebe allowed that she had been flat-out captivated by the airplanes, and knew even then that aviation was her destiny.

After graduation, she went to work in an insurance office, but found herself in a state of abject misery after the first few weeks. So she began to haunt a local airfield operated by the Curtiss Northwest Flying Company. She needled the manager until he finally agreed to let one of his pilots take her up for a ride.

The manager gave his pilot special instructions: Give the girl the

Nothing — not even hanging by her teeth from a flying biplane — was considered too risky for Phoebe Omlie during their barnstorming shows.

works — a few loops, and maybe a nose dive or two — and get her good and sick. The pilot gave it his best shot, but his efforts were counterproductive, to say the least. The next morning Phoebe reappeared, and with $3,500 that her grandfather had left her in his will, bought herself an airplane.

The plane was a Curtiss JN-4D, a “Jenny.” Phoebe began taking f lying lessons, and it was not long before she began experimenting with parachutes.

In those days, parachute jumping was considered an avocation only for lunatics. Few local pilots were willing to cooperate with Phoebe; none wanted the gruesome death of an 18-year-old girl on his conscience. None except Vernon Omlie, the one pilot who took an interest in Phoebe Fairgrave.

Vernon Omlie was a 25-year-old veteran. During the First World War, he had served as a flight instructor. Now he had visions of making his fortune in aviation, although his first attempt to establish his own flying company — in his native South Dakota — had recently ended in failure. It was only with a measure of reluctance and frustration, therefore, that he found himself flying for the Curtiss Company in St. Paul for $25 a week.

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Phoebe Fairgrave, however, seemed to widen Vernon’s horizons.

Here was a girl who was already making contacts with the Fox Moving Picture Company; she would soon be under contract as an aerial acrobat. After working with Phoebe for a few weeks, Vernon decided to take the plunge: He quit his job with Curtiss, and became Fairgrave’s personal pilot.

The two set off to make their own fame and fortune. To gain experience and exposure, though, they hooked up with an established barnstormer named Glenn Messer in Des Moines. After a couple of months of intensive practice, building the kind of rapport that was necessary between a wing-walker and a pilot if the wing-walker were to stay alive, the Phoebe Fairgrave-Glenn Messer Flying Circus set out to barnstorm the Midwest. They were ready for the wild blue yonder, and Phoebe was ready for the headlines.

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They were soon back on the road. And while they struggled to make ends meet, Vernon and Phoebe had at least one thing going for them. Sometime during their many months together (it is difficult for historians to pin these things down precisely), they had, in the vernacular of the time, “gotten mashed” on each other. They got married on February 22, 1922.

The date (2/22/22) was certainly auspicious. But their first year of marriage was no easier than the previous ones. Things were so bad when they next arrived in Memphis that they had to hock their clothes and luggage to the management of the Arlington Hotel (later the Claridge) in order to cover their room and board.

At that time, there were absolutely no aviation facilities near Memphis. Park Field in Millington, used as an Army training ground during the war, was overgrown with weeds. Many locals viewed aviators as part of a passing fad, like flappers: the sooner gone, the better. But Vernon Omlie looked around at the Memphis that fate had grounded him in, and saw opportunity. The old dreams of having his own aviation corporation came back. Memphis just might, he figured, become the hub of a great Southern commercial aviation network.

But all that was in the future. Such dreams took cash, cold hard cash. For the Omlies, this spelled barnstorming, more wing-walking, more parachute jumping, and more headlines.

he modus operandi of the barnstormer was pretty well set. There would be a thrill show, in this case featuring Phoebe, who would dance on the wing of the plane while Vernon put through a couple of loops with the wires whining and the wind whipping at the shirts on their backs. Then she might swing from one plane to another on a kind of trapeze. The show-stopper though, which would come even after Phoebe had hung by her teeth from the fuselage of the plane, was the double parachute drop, whereby the lines uring 1923, the Omlies set up on one chute would be cut away, with another operations in the middle of the one popping open when Phoebe was some 500 horse-racing track at the Memphis feet closer to the ground.

Driving Park, just north of Downtown. VerAll of this was supposed to bring the non began giving flying lessons, and concrowd close to apoplexy. But it served anducting pleasure hops around the area. He other purpose as well — it challenged the and Phoebe continued to barnstorm the locals’ courage. If this 90-pound, 18-year-old hinterlands around Memphis, saving such girl could do all that, why shucks, there attractions as car/plane races for the folks must not be much to it, they reasoned. That who came out to Memphis Driving Park to was how the real money was made — loadsee their aerial shows. Each night they would ing the crowd into taking passenger hops take what money they had made back to the at $5 or $10 a trip. Farmers would want to Arlington Hotel, and buy back a couple of see their spreads from the air. College boys shirts, or maybe even a suitcase or two. might want to take a trip so as to have someThis was, for a couple of years, the pattern thing to brag about at the local speakeasy. of their lives. Gradually the Omlies pushed But apparent ly the Phoebe FairThe show-stopper was the double the idea of an airport for Memphis, the first grave-Glenn Messer Flying Circus never step in the realization of Vernon’s dream. By found the right formula, the right blend parachute drop, whereby the lines 1925, things had begun looking up. A group between thrills and passenger hops. They on one chute would be cut away, of flying enthusiasts, many of whom had been often made, for the lot of them, less than $10 introduced to aviation by the Omlies (and profit per week. Not that this was unusual. with another one popping open some of whom had been taught how to fly by This was something that happened to nearwhen Phoebe was some 500 feet them), met at the Gayoso Hotel on Armistice ly all the brave and noble pilots who tried to closer to the ground.

Day and formed the Memphis Aero Club. make a living barnstorming. Many of them died in small heaps of wood and varnished Within a year, the Club had built Memphis’ canvas and wire; most of the survivors went broke in the end. first real airport, Guion Armstrong Field out in Woodstock, in north Phoebe, Vernon, and company were soon in big trouble. In TayShelby County.

Vernon acted as “hoghead,” the man who ran the airport. He formed lorville, Illinois, Phoebe had to hock her clothes and her luggage to the corporation after which he had hankered for so long — Midthe hotel keeper against payment of their bill. Glenn Messer left at South Airways — and set up shop at Armstrong Field. This was the this point, going back home to Iowa. Vernon and Phoebe continued first commercial aviation company in the South. Mid-South Airways south, hoping to stay one jump ahead of the ensuing cold weather. offered flight instruction, hauled cargo, did aerial photography, and But the rains caught them anyway, and they were forced to spend made passenger trips. Two years later Vernon opened the first official days lost in tedium in hotel rooms in towns whose names they flying school in the region, with offices Downtown in the Arcade would not want to remember. On December 18, 1921, they found Building. Four months later, the whole operation was moved to the themselves in Memphis for the first time. Phoebe began a series new Memphis Municipal Airport on Winchester Pike, just north of of speaking engagements at the Princess Theater on South Main, where the present-day terminal stands. describing her life in aviation and in the movies. Already her stunts Meanwhile, Phoebe was piling up some “firsts” of her own. In 1927 were being seen in such Fox films as The Perils of Pauline.

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During the 1920s, Mid-South Airways, the first aviation company in the South, was so successful the employees had their own basketball team.

she became the first woman to receive a transport pilot’s license (she could now carry passengers as well as cargo); she was the first woman to get an airplane mechanic’s license as well. In 1928, during the Edsel Ford National Air Tour, she became the first woman to cross the Rockies in a light aircraft (less than seven horsepower).

The newspapers loved her. They followed her progress with thick headlines during the summers of 1929, 1930, and 1931, as Phoebe piled up victories in wild cross-country air derbies. The last of these, the National Sweepstakes Derby, was a race for both men and women. Phoebe flew in a Monocoupe she called Miss Memphis and, to everyone’s surprise and delight, she won, beating the brave and noble male aviators, and coming home with a brand new Cord automobile as the grand prize.

In this car she and Vernon would make their way down to The Peabody on warm evenings that summer. As they reached the doorway to the ballroom, the fellow operating the spotlight would swing it around, and train its beam on the tall, Gary Cooper-ish man and his short wife with the playful smile. And the light would follow the aviators as they picked their way slowly to their table.

Washington, doing the government’s bidding. Her main chore was implementing the National Air Marking Program, a WPA project whereby rooftops were painted at 15-square-mile intervals with big orange arrows indicating the direction and mileage to the nearest towns. She recruited women pilots to construct this directional network, which was considered a major aid to fliers in the days before the advent of radar. She made her way to Memphis whenever she could, however, and Vernon visited frequently in Washington.

By 1935 Phoebe had made enough of a name for herself (and for female aviators) that she was mentioned by Eleanor Roosevelt as one of the “eleven women whose achievements make it safe to say the world is progressing.” The next year she took to the campaign trail again, securing her position in the Roosevelt Administration, living the life of a busy and productive career woman in an age when men still acted shocked when they heard of women becoming doctors or lawyers, let alone airplane pilots.

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ernon Omlie would not have allowed his new student to take on too much liquor before his first lesson — especially since he knew that this student had been known to show great relish for alcohol in trying times. Truth be told, William Faulkner was having a great deal of trouble getting up his nerve to go ahead with his flying lessons. But Vernon was a fanatic about safety in airplanes.

And Faulkner was determined to fly. He came to Mid-South Airways in Memphis in February of 1933. Despite the fact that he took lessons only on the occasional weekends when both he and Vernon could spare the time, they proceeded famously. By April, he had made his first solo flight, and

by November the Oxford author had earned his pilot‘s license. So impressed was Faulkner with Vernon’s instruction (and with flying in general) that he sent his younger brother, Dean, to live with Vernon in the apartment that the Omlies rented on Lamar. Dean too would learn to fly.

By 1934 Vernon Omlie and the Faulkner brothers had become close friends. That spring the three began appearing in towns around the Mid-South, billing themselves as “William Faulkner’s (Famous Author) Air Circus.” With them was a black wing-walkircumstances beyond their er named George Ewan, supposedly a great control began moving Vernon and crowd pleaser. The routine was roughly the Phoebe’s lives apart in 1932. Mid-South same as the one Vernon and Phoebe had used Airways took some tough licks in 1929 and some 12 years earlier, with a thrill show folBy 1935 Phoebe had made enough 1930; Vernon had been forced to sell his malowed by passenger hops. But the motivajority interest to his former employer, the Curtion this time was probably different. The of a name for herself (and for female tiss-Wright Company. However, he remained Faulkners were caught up in the romance of aviators) that she was mentioned by barnstorming; they didn’t need the money. president of the company and continued to Eleanor Roosevelt as one of the “eleven manage its operations. By 1932, Mid-South His experiences with Vernon Omlie inAirways was solvent and continuing in busispired the elder Faulkner to write several women whose achievements make it ness, albeit under Depression circumstances. short stories about barnstorming (“Honor” safe to say the world is progressing.”

Phoebe became politically interested and being the most notable). Late in 1934 he and Vernon flew to New Orleans to watch an air active in that year, and took Miss Memphis on show being held in conjunction with the dedication of an airport on the campaign trail for Franklin D. Roosevelt. She logged more than 20,000 miles that summer, stumping in 16 different states for FDR. the shores of Lake Pontchartrain. Faulkner later fictionalized the Her labors were duly noticed and rewarded by the new president, who event in Pylon, his eighth novel; in Pylon the characters of Roger and Laverne Shumann are based loosely on Vernon and Phoebe Omlie. appointed her as a special assistant for air intelligence of the National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics. She was thus the first woman

By July of 1935 Faulkner had become such an experienced flier to hold a position of any consequence in any of the government’s that he was inducted into the “Quiet Birdmen,” a pilots’ fraternal aviation bureaus. organization. He considered this a tremendous honor; afterwards he always wore his gold “QB” lapel-pin on his jacket. When Vernon first For the next three years, Phoebe was off somewhere, usually in

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This was not one of Vernon or Phoebe’s airplanes, but was the unfortunate end of many men and women who tried to make their living barnstorming.

saw Faulkner wearing the insignia, he jokingly told mutual friends that “it means that Bill is a queer bastard.” Vernon Omlie, of course, knew better. He refused to fly anywhere unless he was wearing his own “QB” pin.

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hoebe was never quite the same. She and Vernon had not seen a lot of each other in the previous three years, but her behavior after his death suggests that they had remained close throughout her absence. She left her job in Washington, and returned to live in Memphis immediately after the accident. She reportedly began to drink heavily.

Over the next decade she held a variety of administrative positions.

In 1952, however, she quit (saying that government was “regimenting and regulating aviation out of business”), and bought a cattle farm in Como, Mississippi, explaining how this was something which she and Vernon had planned on for their retirement. Five years later, she traded her farm for a hotel and cafe in nearby Lambert. But that, apparently, did not work out too well either, since she was back in Memphis by 1961— broke, living with a friend, and suffering through the early stages of lung cancer.

Phoebe would occasionally leave Memphis, to make appearances before various groups, speaking out against government regulation of the aviation industry — still her pet peeve. During one such trip, she checked into the York Hotel in downtown Indianapolis. She never checked out.

For five years, Phoebe Fairgrave Omlie lived in the York, described by one Indianapolis resident as “a real flea bag … the kind of place that you don’t even want to go into, much less live in.” Suffering from lung cancer, alcoholism, poverty, and old age, she rarely ventured outside her grim little hotel room. She would see no visitors.

On July 1, 1975, Phoebe died in Indianapolis.

She came back to Memphis one more time, to be buried next to Vernon at Forest Hill Cemetery in Midtown.

ragedy struck in late 1935. After putting on a thrill show near Pontotoc, Mississippi, Dean Faulkner was showing three locals what their farms looked like from 4,500 feet when his plane’s left wing suddenly fell off. The plane plummeted quickly to earth; Dean and his three passengers were killed instantly. William hoebe’s self-imposed exile during her last years is not difficult Faulkner stayed up the entire night helping a local mortician rebuild his brother’s face to understand; according to those few before he would allow other family members who had contact with her, she was simply too to view the remains. proud to let anybody see her in what she herVernon Omlie flew down immediately; he self described as her “deteriorated condition.” had given Dean’s plane a thorough safety No doubt she wanted the world to remember another Phoebe Fairgrave Omlie — the one inspection only days before. He did what he could. who emerged from clouds in an open cockBut the nightmare was not complete. Some pit; the one who climbed on canvas wings in six months later, in August of 1936. Vernon basketball shoes; the one who strapped on set off for Chicago. He had considered flying a parachute and floated free and silent over himself in Miss Memphis, but at the last minute thousands of awestruck faces; the one who decided to let someone else do the flying. He stood beside her husband as they entered bought a ticket on the City of Memphis, a Chicathe Peabody ballroom, while the spotlight go & Southern cabin liner that regularly covfollowed their jaunty footsteps. ered the Chicago-St. Louis-Memphis route.

William Faulkner well understood such On July 1, 1975, Phoebe died in That evening, the City of Memphis appride as Phoebe’s. Barnstormers, he once proached St. Louis. The airport there was wrote, were “ephemera and phenomena on Indianapolis. She came back to fogged in, but the pilot decided to take the the face of the contemporary scene. … There Memphis one more time, to be plane in anyway. Vernon no doubt realized was really no place for them in the culture, buried next to Vernon at Forest Hill the danger. The pilot misjudged the altiat that time. … Everybody knew that they tude, and one of the wing tips skidded on wouldn’t last, which they didn’t.”

Cemetery in Midtown. the ground. The plane began to cartwheel down the runway, finally blowing apart alThe Memphis and Shelby County Room at the together with a tremendous roar. Vernon Omlie, “an apostle of air Benjamin L. Hooks Central Library is home to the Phoebe Omlie Collection, safety,” a man who would not f ly in inclement weather, a man who which comprises more than 1,800 items related to her life and career, including insisted upon pacing off the distance in a field before attempting photographs, correspondence, and other materials. In 2012, local historian to take off, was dead at the age of 40, the victim of the crash of a Janann Shermann published Walking on Air: The Aerial regularly scheduled airliner.

Adventures of Phoebe Omlie (University Press of Mississippi).

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6/19/19 10:34 AM

GREAT MEMPHIS HOMES

French Connection From saints to

alligators, this home in the Trezevant community has it all. by a nne cunningh a m o ’ neill

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p h otog rap hy by c h i p p a n k e y

ick French is a man who knows a thing or two about great homes. He has sold many of them during his long career as a top-selling real estate agent (46 years and counting!), and through the years, he and his wife, Gail, lived in a number of gorgeous houses. French

is currently with Crye-Leike, and the list of his awards and achievements are as long as your arm. He did tell me, however, he is most proud of his 2018 Lifetime Achievement award from the Memphis Area Association of Realtors.

St. Joseph majestically welcomes visitors to the French home in a specially designed entry hall niche.

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great memphis homes

right: French says he loves his bright white kitchen with its view to the white caladiums and crepe myrtles in the garden beyond. below: The rich patterns and textures used in the decor of the living room — the heart of the home — make this a warm and handsome space for rest and relaxation.

With their two sons, Taylor and Ned, grown and long out of the house, and having resided in large homes over the course of their 52-year marriage, Nick and Gail decided it was the right time to make the move into a house on the grounds of the Trezevant Retirement community.

That was six years ago, and very sadly his beloved wife died the next year.

However, Nick takes comfort from the fact they did get a chance to enjoy the home together, if only for a short time.

Earlier, a good friend with excellent taste told me that French’s artfilled house was both

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left: The wonderful “fleur de lis” bench (you might say a French bench!) in the entry was purchased long ago from Robert Crump antiques.

below: French stands with his beloved golden doodle Michael next to a gorgeous carved wood antique El Niño altar piece in the entrance hall.

The warm and comfortable home is part country rustic and part elegant sophistication.

The white walls provide continuity and a feeling of spaciousness, and the floors are dark hardwood. handsome and unique.

Was she ever right! The first thing I noticed was all of the religious art — statues, paintings, altar pieces, and other icons throughout the house. I was equally impressed by the Western art, including the paintings of famed artist and master colorist Fritz Scholder, who combined pop art with abstract expressionism. A member of the Luiseno tribe, Scholder was well-known for his often-controversial depictions of his fellow Native Americans in modern settings.

French and his wife had lived in Santa Fe for five years (2002-2007), where he was vice-president/manager of Sotheby’s International Realty.

The culture and character of the place had a profound effect upon both of them, and when I asked if he had loved living there, the answer was,

“Oh my, yes.” During this period, he became very fond of the work of the great American sculptor Gilbert (Gib) Jerome Singleton, who is known for bringing spiritual art into the mainstream. A modern master of bronze sculpture, Singleton and French became friends.

French’s 2,600-squarefoot, three-bedroom, three-and-a-half bath home at Trezevant reflects the family’s time in the West. The couple’s good friend and designer Gail Woods again stepped in to offer her expertise. The white walls provide continuity and a feeling of spaciousness, and the floors are dark hardwood. Tall privacy fencing was added out back, baths and closets were rearranged, light switches and thermostats were moved, and doorways were modified. The upstairs is larger than in most of the community’s J U L Y 2 0 1 9 • M E M P H I S M A G A Z I N E . C O M • 41

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great memphis homes right: This large room on the second floor is part office, bedroom, and catchall for very special objects collected

by French. below left: This handsome bedroom with its bright textiles reflects French’s love for Southwestern decor. below right: The spacious master bath features an antique chandelier. According to Libby King, who works in marketing at Trezevant, it is her favorite bathroom in the whole community.

homes, and French was able to finish it out with a cedar closet and one big room, which is part office and part catchall for more of his collections.

French and his wife both inherited antique pieces, which of course they kept and were able to use in their new place.

Gail French’s mother’s crystal chandelier hangs in the master bath, and Libby King, director of marketing and sales at Trezevant, says this is her favorite bathroom in the whole community. The piano at the head of the stairs

is another family piece.

The couple also bought items from Memphis dealers, including Robert Crump, John Simmons, Leroy Montgomery, John Isbell, and others.

At the same time, the French family’s decorative tastes were eclectic, and they collected many interesting objects in their wide travels around the world, from Vietnam to Ecuador and many points in between. A Mexican jail door, for example, was made into a headboard. As Nick French says, “If we didn’t agree, we didn’t buy it.”

In addition to the work of Gib Singleton, French has a passion for all manner of religious art and artifacts. He told me how his mother once said, “if you bring one more piece of religious art into your home, you will have to hold services.” Clearly he did not listen to that admonition, as crosses and crucifixes abound in the home. After all, he says, “Who else has the disciples hanging over their kitchen sink?!”

In particular, French and his wife became fascinated by Spanish colonial religious art and

purchased a number of pieces on several trips to Ecuador, including a statue of St. Joseph, who stands majestically in a specially designed niche in the entry hall.

One other decorative idiosyncrasy is that French collects alligator objects — yes, alligators — and they are sprinkled around the house, depicted in silver and china. His friends remember and often provide new items for his ever-growing collection, bringing him gifts of, what else, alligators?

As we peeked out

through the kitchen window, French apologized for the fact that his white caladiums and crepe myrtles were not yet in bloom. I said we would just have to make a return social visit sometime soon, although he told me that he was just about to leave for Lisbon to celebrate his birthday and would then continue on with a Smithsonian tour to Spain and France.

And I could not help wondering if he was likely to pick up a few more small religious objects in his travels. I am betting yes, of course!

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REmodel

M

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P

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The 2019 Guide to Creating Your New Space

a special supplement to

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’Tis the season to renovate, and our current edition of Remodel Memphis previews two pristine properties suited for summer living.

Builders Dave Moore and John Catmur showcase their experience with two full-scale remodels based out of Belle Meade and Snow Lake. In the following features, the homeowners will take us through their home improvement journeys through stories and photographs of the new properties. — by Samuel X. Cicci

6/20/19 2:24 PM

President’s Message

by Dave Tucker West Tennessee Home Builders Association

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n behalf of the members of the West Tennessee Home Builders l hope you enjoy this latest edition of Remodel Memphis.

Remodeling is a huge business across America, and it continues to grow year after year. The latest statistics show that spending for owner-occupied homes will increase by 1.6 percent this year and is expected to grow in 2020 by 1.1 percent.

Remodeler confidence continues to remain at a high level as remodeling spending reached $172 billion in 2018. Although there continues to be a steady consumer demand, the challenges continue to be the cost of labor and materials to meet the interest of consumers.

With an industry this large it is not uncommon to find the occasional unscrupulous contractor. It is the mission of the Remodelers Council to help homeowners find the right Professional Remodelers to make their renovation or new home construction project a reality!

While the TV makes remodeling look simple, any time you make alterations to your home, especially significant alterations, you run the risk of getting in over your head. However, there are relatively simple home projects that can be completed by DIYers, such as hanging pictures, interior painting, caulking, and changing doorknobs and cabinet pulls. And, homeowners with the correct tools and a higher skill level should be able to tackle some aesthetic work such as installing crown molding.

2020 marks the 75th Anniversary of the West Tennessee Home Builders Association. Over the past 75 years we have encountered many situations where homeowners unknowingly hired an unscrupulous contractor. We encourage any homeowner who is considering a remodel of their existing property or purchase of a new home anywhere in West Tennessee to visit our website, review our list of registered contractors and remodelers, and follow up by interviewing them, determining their capabilities, and making a decision on what is best for your own individual needs.

We also recommend that any project large or small, remodel or new build, should come with a warranty provided by the contractor that offers you protection against deficiencies against workmanship and materials. All members of the WTHBA are obliged to issue such a warranty to their clients.

If you are considering a remodel project, large or small, I encourage you to review the list of remodelers in this magazine or contact The West Tennessee Home Builders Association at 901-756-4500 or visit us online at www.yourhomebuilders.org. Doing this will help you find a remodeler with the experience, educational qualifications, and knowledge to do the job right — the first time.

Chairman’s Message

by Hans Bauer West Tennessee HBA Remodelers Council

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n behalf of the members of the West Tennessee Home Builders Association and our Remodelers Council I want to welcome you to the latest edition of Remodel Memphis, a publication that we hope will become a mainstay in this area.

It is the mission of the Remodelers Council to help homeowners find the right Professional Remodelers to make their renovation or new home construction project a reality!

It’s fun and inspiring to watch TV shows about home design and remodeling — everything from the latest looks in countertops to whole-house remodels. And YouTube and other online video sites are chock-full of helpful how-to’s and demos to assist homeowners through countless do-it-yourself projects.

There are relatively simple home projects that can be completed by DIYers, such as hanging pictures, interior painting, caulking, and changing doorknobs and cabinet pulls. And, homeowners with the correct tools and a higher skill level should be able to tackle some aesthetic work such as installing crown molding.

But it’s also important to know when to stop and hire a professional.

Remodelers can tell you lots of funny stories about siding installed upside down — and sometimes scary stories involving do-it-yourself electrical wiring gone awry. So before you buy the latest or trendiest gizmo for your home, ask yourself a few questions.

How much do you know? Replacing the exhaust fan over your oven with a built-in microwave looks like a reasonably simple swap. But if you notice your kitchen lights are dimming when you zap your popcorn, you’ve probably forgotten that the microwave, unlike the exhaust fan, uses a lot more energy and likely needs a dedicated circuit. A remodeling professional knows that.

What if it doesn’t work? That YouTube do-it-yourself video may make a tilework project look doable, but will YouTube give you your money back if you don’t lay it straight? Professional remodelers may not know everything, but they do take responsibility for everything they do.

Are there any unintended consequences? In today’s increasingly efficient and more air-tight homes, it’s more and more important to look at the house as a system. Your new windows are keeping out drafts, but how are they affecting your home’s air quality once the “natural ventilation” of the leaky old ones are gone? Do you need to look at mechanical ventilation systems? If so, how big? A professional can tell you.

How do you know if it’s right for your home? A professional remodeler can advise you on products, finishes, and appliances that match your lifestyle, location, house size, and budget and help you avoid spending money without a reasonable payback on either resource expense (energy and water, for example) or the sale of your home when you are ready to upsize or downsize.

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West Tennessee Home Builders Association Remodelers Council John Heard, Chair Ryan Anderson, Immediate Past Chair John Catmur, Liason

Builder Members Dave Moore Dave Moore Companies 901-830-7372 Keith Allen Keith Allen Custom Homes 901-754-4044 Mike Ralph Designer Cabinets 901-492-2100 Michael Furr Floor & Décor 901-800-5670 Ned Savage Savage Tile 901-363-9607 John Heard John Heard Company 901-756-6167 Ryan Anderson RKA Construction 901-674-5522 Hans Bauer RKA Construction 901-674-5522 Karen Whaley Bin There Dump That 901-347-2025 Joe Travis Caveman Home Theaters 901-713-0116 Elizabeth Hawkins Coburn Supply Company 901-372-1589 Cory Wheat Colonial Electric Company 901-356-1026 John Catmur Catmur Development 901-680-8200 Tommy Byrnes Byrnes-Ostner Investments 901-681-0499 Mike Reilly Southern Screens/Phantom Screens 901-758-2121 Maureen Mayeaux Supply Line of Memphis 901-492-4959 Pat Mahoney Remodeling Consultants Inc. 901-757-5471 Phillip Qualls CrewPro LLC 901-221-4033, ext. 105 Alan Hargett Central Woodwork 901-363-4141

NEW CONSTRUCTION REMODELS ADDITIONS 901-210-9229

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Belle of the Ball Belle Meade renovations provide homeowners a new lease on Memphis living.

PROJECT 1 Builder: Dave Moore Design: Becca Gaines

BEFORE

BEFORE

Above: When tackling the project, Moore and the homeowners knew that they would need to tear out everything for a complete remodel of the original floor plan. When it came to designing their living space, Gaines stepped in to advise the homeowners on the best approach.

Left: With the addition of a wine cellar, the homeowners are better equipped to host with an improved bar area and an expanded dining room.

By Samuel X. Cicci

W

hen the homeowners wanted to find a new place to live three years ago, it was tough to choose which neighborhood would be the best fit.

With the Southern transplants having spent most of their time in the East Memphis, Midtown, and Downtown areas, there were plenty of options to choose from, but ultimately, proximity to the grandchildren was the deciding factor.

With family in mind, they chose a spot in the Belle Meade neighborhood.

Once they’d found the right location, the homeowners knew exactly who to call for a renovation project. They were acquainted with Dave Moore from Living Hope Church and appreciated the ideas and creativity he’d displayed throughout his multiple decades of experience as a builder. For the finer details, they turned to Becca Gaines. “We hired a wonderful designer, Becca, to advise us on, well, basically every aspect of the build, from materials, to closet design, to furniture layout,” say the homeowners.

The full scope of the project included both remodeling and additions, which included a garage, workout room, wine cellar, office, bathroom, pool and outdoor kitchen, breezeway, and porte-cochère. While those changes seem extensive, the whole project only took five months. “An absolute sheer miracle

considering the scope of the project,” say the homeowners. When their offer for the home was accepted at the end of June, they immediately started work on the house. Before any additions could be made, however, the area needed landscaping. Due to the lot’s shape and size, Moore had to clear away trees and install

the pool. From there, he could start on the rest of the property.

The homeowners remained in a Collierville house while the renovations were being made but were always heavily involved with the project. They credit the collaboration and flexibility between all facets of the remodel team for the success of the project. “Many times we, Dave, and Becca would create the spaces as the project evolved,” say the homeowners. “Not many builders are flexible like that. Some of our best ideas

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came when the four of us were building on an idea. The arched brick ceiling over the wet bar, the agricultural fencing used to build out our wine cellar, and the layout for a huge master closet were all of us working together.

It was fun!”

With a clear idea of what they wanted for their home, the homeowners continued to work closely with Moore and Gaines. “Dave Moore told us he would keep rolling on the project as long as we made our choices on time,” say the homeowners. “He did a great job communicating to us the decisions we would need to make for the next steps, and Becca helped us stay ahead of Dave.”

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an issue did arise, it was quickly assimilated into the project and handled efficiently. “With renovations, just like on TV, you hit those unexpected snags, requiring creative thinking to achieve the desired outcome,” say the homeowners. Partway through the project, they realized that the original hardwood floors were cupping and needed to be fixed. Moore quickly adapted and had the floors replaced. The company that installed the house’s original roof had since gone out of business, so the homeowners were unable to match the shingles on the additions. That meant the entire roof needed to be reshingled. They sat down with Moore and Gaines and were able to find a style they liked. “Dave Moore is a seasoned builder who has seen just about everything.

Between him and Becca we were in good hands.”

With only a few finishing touches remaining, the homeowners moved into the space. “Literally we were unpacking boxes in the dining room days before Thanksgiving as we anticipated family and friends staying with us for the entire weekend. We told folks we would provide the red wine and Dave would smoke the turkeys! We christened the house that Thanksgiving weekend and it has been home ever since.”

With the project completed, there have been no regrets. The new home provides ample space for entertaining guests, and is only a seven-minute drive from their grandchildren. The homeowners are here to stay at the new Belle Meade residence. “Moving has had a wonderful impact on our lifestyle,” they say. “We are now a daily presence in our kids and grandkids’ lives, and we thoroughly enjoy being more involved with Advance Memphis and FedexFamilyHouse. Our location is central to everything we want to do.”

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Lake Living Renovations to this house made for a perfect weekend getaway for the Wesberrys.

PROJECT 2 Design/Build: John Catmur

BEFORE

AFTER

Above: When researching ideas for renovations, the Wesberrys discovered a cottage on Pinterest that included a porch, which inspired them to add their own.

Left: While the Wesberrys called the original design “rustic,” they chose a white, sage-y undertone after speaking with an adviser.

Right: The redesigned porch offers a great view of Snow Lake, a serene area just an hour from Memphis.

By Julia Baker

I

n 2016, Memphis-based couple Dr. Jess and Mary Lee Wesberry purchased a lake house on the banks of Snow Lake.

Perhaps one of Mississippi’s best-kept secrets, the area is located about an hour outside the hustle and bustle of Memphis in Benton County.

“We found out about the lake through some friends of mine,” says Mary Lee. “Our friend, who lived next door to this little house, had heard that the owners were thinking of selling the property.

So we approached the owners, and we bought it directly from them.”

The Wesberrys lived in the fishing cabin for a year before they decided they’d try to update the exterior. “We loved our location and the view,” says Mary Lee. “We loved everything except for how the house looked. It was a bit rustic. We knew we needed to do something, but we needed a catastrophe to push us into it.”

During Thanksgiving break in 2017, the Wesberrys took a trip to their vacation home to talk to someone about working on their dock. But when they arrived, Mary Lee was greeted by flooding in the bottom floor of their house.

“When I stepped downstairs, my foot went underwater,” says Mary Lee. “I think what happened is we’d repaired the water line from the street to the house, and the plumbing in the house was old and fishing cabin quality. The increased pressure must have popped something off. I thought, do we fix it and sell it? Or do we bite the bullet and really turn it into something we want it to be?”

The Wesberrys decided to put their

best feet forward and use this setback as a catalyst to do a full remodel on the house. And they knew just who to call: father-and-son duo John and Eric Catmur of Catmur Development Company.

“We knew John so well, because he had done renovations on our house in Kirby Woods in 2014,” says Jess.

“He did such remarkable work on our porch on that house, so we decided to enlist his help.”

Sticking to the original footprint of

the house, draftsman Phillip Henning drew up some layouts and schemes of the Wesberrys’ prospective remodel, and Mary Lee and Jess dreamed up exterior and interior designs. Once a plan was hammered out, Eric Catmur led a team of subcontractors to get to work.

“I saw this little cottage on Pinterest,” says Mary Lee. “I thought, it’s exactly the same shape as what I have, which is basically a box, and we can add a porch.”

To put this design into fruition, the

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team had to rethink the facade of the house. In the front, a pair of mismatched windows and a door were replaced with two sets of French doors, and a covered porch was added. Then, in the back, an upper deck was added to an existing lakeview screened-in porch, and another set of French doors was installed to connect the upper floor of the house to the new deck. Above the entire house, a tin roof replaced the old, shingled roof.

With the doorways now in different locations, the builders had to remodel the kitchen to allow for walking space.

This involved taking out the center island, oven, and oven hood and moving them to the wall. To make the space more comfortable for guests entering the house through the top floor, a pantry in the kitchen was converted to a full bath.

Both bathrooms got new vanities, which were repurposed from antique dressers found at Mary Lee’s parents’ house. “One of the chests had a marble top already,” says Mary Lee. “So the Catmurs were able to easily turn them into vanities.”

The Wesberrys also wanted to lighten up the place without it standing out too much, so they went with an off-white

color for the exterior and interior of the house. “We happened to run into a woman who is an excellent adviser on how to pick colors,” says Jess. “We told her we wanted our house to be white, and she recommended that we use ‘lake colors,’ which have blue or green undertones. She said that it would look better than the dark white we wanted to use. We chose a white with a sage-y undertone.”

Numerous updates were added to the house, including environmentally friendly options like an on-demand water heater and LED lights. Other updates included a new HVAC system, dishwasher, washer, dryer, and hardwood flooring.

The renovation was completed by March of 2019, and the Wesberrys couldn’t have been happier with the result. “We’re really thrilled with the way it turned out,” says Mary Lee. “Aesthetically, it’s a different place, but functionally, it’s really the same footprint.”

The Wesberrys offer up some advice to anyone looking to remodel their homes: “Have a vision and direction, and stick to it; live in the house for awhile before pursuing renovations; get a good contractor; and, most importantly, location is everything,” says Mary Lee.

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LOC A L TR E A SU R ES

Colin Ruthven EDI TOR’S NO T E: “Local Treasures” is an occasional series that celebrates our city’s senior celebrities, people whose impact over the decades has helped make Memphis

PHOTOGRAPH BY JON W. SPARKS

a better place.

From teen grifter to Marine aviator to artist to Zen master, he can tell great tales and listen better than anybody. by jon w. sparks

T

o know Colin Ruthven is to risk being uncomfortable. Not initially, as he is thoughtful, witty, personable, and a splendid conversationalist who carefully pays attention as you speak. In due time, however, you realize he listens so well that he’s seeing right through you. Best to curb your pretensions.

Colin Ruthven in his studio at home.

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LOC A L TR E A SU R ES

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Ruthven’s atypical life’s journey has allowed him to develop a rare insight into individuals, institutions, and systems. It may be that both sides of his brain run at top efficiency. At any given moment his synapses find concord with both logic and intuition; he juggles linear thinking and daydreaming, and is effortless with facts and fluent in the arts.

To oversimplify his bio, he came out of a rough childhood in Canada running on low esteem and hoping to escape into the Marines. He hadn’t finished high school but found that he was something of a whiz at flying, becoming a fighter pilot during the Vietnam War, running sorties and fighting demons. After

that, he parlayed his affinity for drawing into doing advertising work in Memphis and was hired on as an artist at The Commercial Appeal. He was at the newspaper for 16 years as an illustrator, winning awards and running the art department. Since then, his art has evolved from feature concepts and portraits for the newspaper into mostly abstract paintings. At 84, he continues to hatch new works.

But that’s the pencil sketch. It is the details in his life that provide the fascination.

To really get to know Ruthven, begin with his recent book, Enders, a coming-of-age memoir with insightful looks at those he knew in his first 19 years. Had

you the opportunity back then, you would not have bet the street kid who sometimes worked in logging camps or on the railroad would last long or amount to much. But hear him talk today and appreciate the change.

An acute observer, he can discourse on Buddhist thought, artistic motivations, human foibles, cats, philosophies, and how things work, or fail to work.

Most of which, you realize, are essential qualities for both pilots and artists.

But back in the early 1950s, he was a teen busy running away from his miserable life that was on a downslide and had come to a point that often sent a lot of boys into the military: He’d gotten a

ARTWORK COURTESY COLIN RUTHVEN

An acute observer, Ruthven can discourse on Buddhist thought, artistic motivations, human foibles, cats, philosophies, and how things work, or fail to work.

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girl pregnant. Well, no — decades later he found out he hadn’t, but as he put it: “There was no DNA testing or anything like that.

It’s the time when jobs were crashing. I was living on the street and in a basement room with a bunch of thugs and I was trying to be a con man. I was orchestrating my whole career around this grifting that was going on in Vancouver. I just fell apart.” So he got out of town as far as he could go.

Thank “pattern analysis” for giving him a clue. Ruthven was tested when he went into the Marine Corps, and scored well enough in that category to qualify for flight school as a cadet. “‘Would you like to fly?’ they asked me, and I said, ‘Oh, yeah!’ And I’d never flown except once when I’d gotten airsick.” He could barely even drive, but he was motivated. “It was an opportunity to get away from what I was,” he says, “which was a private first class in the Marine Corps that did not want to clean that rifle.”

And he turned out to be pretty terrific as a jet jockey. “It was the damnedest thing, and it was just natural to me that I could fly well,” he says. He would stick around for 20 years, although for 10 of those years he risked it all. “I was as alcoholic as hell,” says the man who his fellow pilots called “The Animal.” “I got myself in a lot of trouble and I was about to be cashiered when I got sober in 1964.”

Ruthven was a flight instructor in the Naval Air Advanced Training Command. “We were the last squadron a guy got in before we give them their wings,” he says. “Part air combat maneuvering and weapons delivery. I got sober in that squadron and three months later, March 1965, the Marine Corps goes into Da Nang.”

Ruthven was cutting it fine. They needed experienced pilots in Vietnam although they weren’t thrilled about one with a history as a drunk and a flight violation to boot. Headquarters told him he was going to have to show he could do it, so they made him officer in charge of 17 Marines on a tank landing ship (LST) that would take them from California to Japan. “They said, ‘If you can pull that off, you’re going to be okay.’” It took 38 days, and when he arrived they told him he was up for major. He made it through that tour and later another, retiring as a lieutenant colonel.

He’s been sober now for 55 consecutive years. Ruthven is forthright about how 12-step programs have helped him, and he’s made it a part of his life to be there as a sponsor or even just to lend an ear when needed. Those who seek his counsel find his empathy is strong and his knowledge is broad, nurtured in no small part by his mother, who he says was a

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mystic and taught him well. “She said to keep an open mind to all things and don’t disbelieve anything but don’t be too naive. Believe in the essential goodness of man, but learn how to read them and who to let into your home and who not to.” As a young Marine, he was further guided by the older, wiser servicemen in his circle: “These Second World War veterans were just sparkling novas trying to guide me, trying to scare me.”

And when he found sobriety — it was December 1, 1964 — it came with an epiphany. “I dove into the spiritual realm,” he says. “They talk about acquiring a God of your own understanding and bringing that to the thing and that’s the thing that’s going to help you.

The whole trick is how do you release yourself to that?” Ruthven began reading from Krishnamurti to Christmas Humphreys, nurturing

“Keep an open mind to all things and don’t disbelieve anything but don’t be too naive. Believe in the essential goodness of man, but learn how to read them and who to let into your home and who not to.”

— mama ruthven his faith and his knowledge of thinking. It has been a journey of inquiry ever since.

Between his two tours in Vietnam, he was stationed in Millington and connected with people in the advertising business who knew of his artistic gifts. He did freelance jobs, including some cartooning for Pidgeon-Thomas Iron Company. As Ruthven tells it: “In the meantime, I’d been married twice. Wife number two does a number on me. I fall in love with wife number three who has five children and she’s destitute and I say, ‘This is perfect.’

And I bring them to Memphis because I know this guy’s got me a job. Halfway here he gets drunk, loses his job, loses my job.”

But work came now and again with small house agencies. One day, Ruthven looked in The Commercial Appeal and saw an ad seeking an artist to work at the newspaper. “I just knew I was going to get the job,” he says. “I took my portfolio although it had nothing in it. The secretary to the editor, Mike Grehl, took it in with my résumé. I waited and figured I’d be asked to leave.” But Grehl came out and took him into the newsroom and pointed to the

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giant window where the art department was fast as he wanted to. It made him anxious located. Nothing was happening. Ruthven and he was no longer enjoying it. But he did remembers: “Grehl says, ‘I’m going to put you not surrender his need to make art. Every in that department over there. You’re a retired day he “keeps the line alive” by breaking out the brush, pencil, pen, or whatever. And his lieutenant colonel. I was a staff sergeant in the Air Force. I don’t care if you can’t draw a current series of paintings are all abstract. “At straight line. I want you to kick the paper, I didn’t ever think I ass and take names. And I’m gowas an artist because what I Every day ing to put you in charge there was doing was copying stuff in a year.’ He didn’t even look Ruthven “keeps or making a caricature of it.” at my portfolio.”

Now Ruthven can indulge the line alive” Ruthven loved it. He startsomething fresh that comes along and he will push and ed out by illustrating an op-ed by breaking experiment, at least until he piece, and then came feature out the brush, projects and drawings and realizes, “OK, it’s getting really maps and dingbats and por- pencil, pen, or sane here; I’m tightening it up traits. He did 18 Elvises. And into a formula, and I walk away. whatever. And he was given a lot of latitude.

That’s when I go and write for “I just got better and better and his current series awhile.” That writing now is better and better,” he says. “And on the second installment of I started winning awards. Even- of paintings are his memoir when he became a tually they put me in charge of all abstract.

Marine aviator. “It’s very narthe department and later I was cissistic,” he cracks. named lead illustrator. I enjoyed the hell out For the last 33 years, Ruthven has been marof it and I finally had landed where I felt I ried to Alice, who is his rock. They travel belonged.” And, wryly: “It was different from frequently, he does his art daily, he goes to dropping napalm on children, you know.” meetings. He is, he says, treated like a prince.

He retired in 1996 having lost vision in one “I’m a spoiled brat,” he says. “Should have eye from radiation treatments for melanoma died so many times. I should’ve had my ticket of the retina. He could illustrate, but not as punched years ago, but I keep going.”

ARTWORK COURTESY COLIN RUTHVEN

Order out of Chaos Number Eight Acrylic on canvas, 2019 60 inches by 48 inches

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I

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by michael finger t’s challenging and it’s hard work” says Kimberly Slate, “but if you’re passionate about helping people, then no matter what you encounter, at the end of the day it’s rewarding.”

Slate is a nurse practitioner with Finn Medical Associates, an internal medicine practice that’s part of the Baptist Medical Group. Stitched onto her white lab jacket is a string of blue initials — DNP, APN, and FNP-

BC. To some patients, this may seem confusing, but each of those designations reveals Slate’s role in the increasingly complex world of American healthcare.

PHOTOGRAPH BY MICHAEL FINGER

F

ifty years ago, the nurses most patients ena mother figure, so she was a big inf luence.”

She returned to Memphis, where she worked as a registered nurse countered were either RNs (registered nurses) or LPNs (liwith the Neuro-Intensive Care Unit at Baptist Hospital. After a year, censed practical nurses). These women (and in those days, nurses were indeed overwhelmingly female) had completed two to she transferred to the emergency room at what was then called Baptist four years of study at an accredited nursing school. In 1965, however, East (now the main campus of the hospital system). After six years, she pediatrician Henry Silver and his assistant, Loretta Ford, with the returned to school, this time attending the University of Tennessee University of Colorado School of Medicine started the nation’s first Health Science Center, where she earned her master’s degree in 1995. nurse practitioner program, which was essentially graduate-level “You’re now called a nurse practitioner, but you can follow different training. As a result, nurse practitioners (designated by “NP” as tracks,” she says. Among them: acute-care NP, psych nurse NP, neopart of their title) have completed what is essentially a master’s natal NP, and women’s health NP. “A majority of master’s-prepared degree in nursing. nurse practitioners go into famiSome, such as Kimberly ly practice, so that’s what I did.”

Slate, have earned the equivShe joined Finn Medical Assoalent of a Ph.D. The “DNP” on ciates in 2000, where she works her jacket distinguishes her as closely with Dr. Cary Finn, nurse a Doctor of Nursing Practice. practitioner Andrea Jones, and “APN” means Advance Practhe other nursing staff. But a few tice Nurse, and “FNP-BC” years ago, Slate decided to take stands for Family Nurse Pracher training a step further. In titioner – Board Certified.

2012, she returned to UTHSC So how did all that come and earned her Doctor of Nursing Practice diploma, or DNP. about for her? Born and raised in Memphis, Slate This designation means she is earned her BSN degree, or now “Dr. Kimberly Slate,” a title she knows can be confusing. “I Bachelor of Science in Nursing, from Harding College in don’t want the patient to think Searcy, Arkansas. “I had two I’ve misrepresented myself,” sisters who were nurses,” she she says. “When I work with says, “and one of them was 13 Dr. Finn, I want the patient to years older than me, to the know, this is the doctor, and I’m Kimberly Slate, DNP the nurse practitioner.” point where she was almost

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ccording to the American Aswho are truly in pain, and they’ve been in of Labor Statistics, the average salary of a sociation of Nurse Practitioners, more pain so long that they now have an addic- nurse practitioner in 2018 was $118,000, with than 140,000 nurse practitioners are tion,” she says. “But you have the state on nurse anesthetists bringing home upwards treating patients in the U.S. It’s hard to your back, telling you to lighten up on the of $160,000 yearly. pinpoint the exact numbers in Memphis, prescriptions. We’re under a microscope, exSlate has also seen other significant adbut the Greater Memphis Area Advanced amining how many controlled substances vances in her field. Last year, she was the Practice Nurses group lists more than 1,800 we’re writing each month. You don’t want to first nurse practitioner named to the Baptist active members. get red-flagged, but you want to take care of Hospital Board of Directors. “I feel very honyour patients, too.” ored,” she says, “and I think Baptist has done Their day-to-day world — whether they are designated FNP, DNP, or whatever their In recent years, Slate has seen more men a good job recognizing the value of nurse level of education and expertise — varies becoming nurse practitioners. “I don’t know if practitioners.” from state to state. Nurse practitioners don’t people are finally getting over the stereotype have “full authority” in the state of Tennessee. that nurses have to be women,” she says, “but owntown, two nurse practiI have an older son, and three of his friends “We are considered mid-level providers. We tioners have seen a need, and hope to are now nurses.” have more training than regular nurses, but meet it. Last year, Penney Williams not as much training as physicians,” Slate No doubt some of them are attracted to and Polly Scholze teamed up to open 901 explains. She is qualified to assess and diagthe prospect of job security (some experts Health & Wellness, a medical clinic staffed nose patients, and she can do minor procepredict the demand for nurses to increase by entirely by nurse practitioners and medi30 percent over the next few years), and the cal assistants. Located on the ground floor dures, such as placing sutures, draining an good salaries. According to the U.S. Bureau of the old Merchandise Brokers Building abscess, or removing a mole or skin lesion; more complicated procedures are at 364 South Front, the center is off-limits. She is allowed to write a walk-in clinic, offering a wide “We’re trying to do a Memphis-themed clinic. prescriptions. “But if I write adrange of services. mission orders to the hospital, Dr. Both women probably never For our exam rooms, we’d like a B.B. King Finn is considered the supervising thought they’d embark on such a room, and others featuring Beale Street, physician, and he has to sign off on venture. Raised in Kennett, Misthose orders within 24 hours.” Basouri, Williams worked as a liMemphis in May, the Tigers, the Grizzlies, sically, current law requires that a censed practical nurse in that city, and even the 901 soccer club.” medical doctor supervise at least before her husband’s job brought 20 percent of the work done by her to Memphis. After a career that nurse practitioners in Tennessee. saw stints as a nurse with a thoracShe emphasizes that the real ic surgeon, and director of patient difference between an MD and access at St. Francis Hospital, she FNP is more complex than that, earned her BSN degree from the and can’t be measured so preUniversity of Memphis. “I then just cisely. “Both doctors and nurses went straight on and got my Masassess, diagnose, and treat, but I ter of Science in Nursing,” she says. think our approach is different,” At the U of M, she met Scholze, she says. “Nurse practitioners who had earned her nursing detake more of a holistic approach, gree from the University of Wiswhere we look at individual consin at Eau Claire. She also came health risks and needs and try to Memphis when her husband was to develop individualized care. transferred here. She first worked We look at the whole patient, not on the medical/surgical floor of just their disease state.”

Baptist Central and then earned As a result, she says, “we can her MSN at the University of Memdevelop a unique relationship phis. Rhodes College students with our patients because we may recognize her name; for six can get more into education years she worked in the campus and counseling. And it’s very infirmary there, while also workrewarding to see your patients ing for Methodist Minor Medical come along and improve, based Centers around town. on how you’ve counseled and “Then we decided to venture out educated them.” on our own,” says Williams. “Polly and I had noticed a lot of patients Slate enjoys the range of patients she sees with a family-care who didn’t have access to primapractice. “You name it, and ry care. They would come to us [at we see everything. You never the emergency clinics] but we were know what’s going to come in very compassionate about being the door.” In recent years, howable to educate and do more for ever, the most difficult cases those patients.” have involved patients addicted Williams and Scholze thought to pain-killers.

Downtown needed a medical clinPolly Scholze, FNP, and Penney Williams, FNP “The opioid crisis is challengic, noting the boom in housing in ing because there are patients the South Main area. “We always

PHOTOGRAPH BY MICHAEL FINGER

D

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wanted the concept of ‘one-stop shopping’ where we could write prescriptions for acute illnesses, run labs and x-rays, and provide other services,” she explains. “My first internal medicine experience was in a rural setting, so you are forced to learn a little about everything. Pulmonology, cardiac, renal — we’ve seen it all.”

Without an MD on board, the two have a collaboration with a local family-practice physician, Dr. Kavita Kansagra, who oversees certain aspects of their work. “She is available if we need to consult, and she is required to sign off on 20 percent of our charts,” says Williams.

Finishing touches are still being put on the new clinic, and both women are excited about the interior plans. “We’re trying to do a Memphis-themed clinic,” says Williams. “For our exam rooms, we’d like a B.B. King room, and others featuring Beale Street, Memphis in May, the Tigers, the Grizzlies, and even the 901 soccer club.” Patients can’t miss the large photo of Elvis, having his blood drawn, in the reception area. The striking image was taken by her father-in-law, longtime Memphis photographer Bob Williams.

Scholze agrees with Kimberly Slate with Finn Medical Associates that nurse practitioners spend a lot of time educating their patients. “We’re the ones who help organize somebody’s entire healthcare,” she says, “and we’re here to help pull it all together.”

W

endy Likes is quite emphatic about the role of nurse practitioners: “We are integral parts of the healthcare team. We talk and relate to patients in different ways from physicians. We communicate more at the level of that person.”

Her enthusiasm for the profession is understandable, considering she is the dean of the University of Tennessee Health Science Center College of Nursing and holds a Doctorate of Nursing Science degree (the precursor to the Doctor of Nursing Practice diploma).

“I always wanted to be a nurse,” Likes says.

“I really wanted to be around people, helping them.” She grew up on a 100-acre farm outside Shelby Forest. With her twin sister, she would play nurse while her sister played teacher. “I was such a nerd when I was little, and loved how the human body functions,” she recalls.

“I would even take my parents’ encyclopedia and highlight things like the heart or lungs.”

She earned an associate’s degree in nursing from Arkansas State and came to Memphis, where she worked for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. After a while, she earned a BSN from the University of Memphis, followed by an MSN at UT, then her DNSc at UT. “What’s funny is that I became a nurse, and my sister became a teacher,” she says. “So we ended up being the things we played as children.”

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It’s all work and no play now, since Likes faculty or the clinical placements. So it’s a also founded and directs the Center for HPV great profession. There’s job security, and and Dysplasia at UT, designed to assess and it’s good pay.” treat cancer and pre-cancerous conditions.

In the Memphis area, students have their Despite the workload, “it’s an awesome cachoice of earning their four-year BSN degree reer, and it truly is a passion. It’s given back at the University of Memphis Loewenberg to me probably more than I’ve given it, as far College of Nursing, the UTHSC College of as the satisfaction of helping people.”

Nursing, and the Baptist College of Nursing.

As nurses, she says, “we’re drawn to be Other schools, such as CBU and Southwest there to help people, and nursing is one of Tennessee Community College, offer twothose rare careers where you have the blessyear nursing programs. ing to be a part of people’s Likes is also encouraged by the number of lives, even if it’s during “Nursing is one of those men entering the nursdifficult times. I’ve had rare careers where you some amazing experiencing profession. “We need es, and I don’t want to tear our workforce to look have the blessing to be up about some of them. like the communities we But we have the intimacy serve,” she says. “And so a part of people’s lives, of being there, holding we seek diversity in etheven if it’s during difficult nicity, race, gender, and their hand. It’s a different sexual orientation. All level of care that we can times. I’ve had some provide, compared to our these things are more imamazing experiences.” physician colleagues.” portant in nursing than Likes is encouraged in other fields, because of by the growing trend the contact we have with for nurses to obtain four-year degrees, as our patients, and the need to connect with opposed to the two-year associate degree. them in a really unique way.”

“We have wonderful data that shows that She knows change is needed in her probaccalaureate nurses improve outcomes and fession, and she continues to push for “full increase safety,” she says. “We just think difauthority” — the ability for nurse practiferently. We have more clinical reasoning and tioners to treat patients without the oversight more critical thinking skills that we teach of physicians. nurses at the baccalaureate level.”

She sums up her career in this way: “I hope most of us want to leave this place Currently there’s a nursing shortage that better than we found it. And for nursshows no signs of abating. “We can’t produce enough nurses,” she says. “We don’t have the ing, this is our way of doing that.”

PHOTOGRAPH BY MICHAEL FINGER

Wendy Likes, DNSc

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ASK VANCE

Admiral Benbow Our trivia expert solves local mysteries of who, what, when, where, why, and why not. Well, sometimes.

by vance lauderdale DEAR VANCE: Who the heck was Admiral Benbow, and what happened to all those motels here that were named after him?

— j.f., memphis.

No, this isn’t Admiral Benbow.

It’s Allen Gary, who opened the first Admiral Benbow Inn — a restaurant, not a motel — on Union Avenue in 1950 (below).

vedere, one of the chain’s largest and fanciest locations, Just like Colonel Harland Sanders with his Gary worked out an arrangement with Wilson to open Kentucky Fried Chicken empire, John Benbow (1653restaurants at Holiday Inns around the South.

1702) was a real person, an admiral in the British Royal This wasn’t quite enough, though. In 1950, Gary and Navy. During a long career at sea, he served as the Early converted a brick cottage at Union and Willett commander of several vessels against various enemies, into a cozy restaurant that they named the Admiral ranging from Barbary pirates to the French fleet, and Benbow Inn. So the first Admiral Benbow in MemI don’t have the time or energy to go into that here. phis, or anywhere else for that matter, wasn’t a motel.

Benbow died from injuries received in battle, with a Newspapers admired the new venture, noting that “its biographer noting the cause of death was “the wound of his leg, never being set to perfection, interior furnishings are completely modern in contrast which malady being aggravated by the with the fifteenth-century atmosphere.” Even though discontent of his mind, threw him into the tiny building sat just 20 feet from Union, “in the a sort of melancholy.”

Terrace Room, eating pleasure blends with the busy traffic scene.” Just like in the fifteenth century!

The admiral was buried in Jamaica, At some point, it seems Early dropped out of this enand his fame was so great that Robert terprise; I don’t know why. By 1960, Gary was operating Louis Stevenson, author of the 1883 clas18 restaurants, an accomplishment that earned him a sic, Treasure Island, named a tavern in his book the “Admiral Benbow Inn.” place in American Restaurant magazine’s Hall of Fame. A story about Gary in that publication — perhaps you saw Many years later, another enit? — observed, “A restaurant operator whose receipts terprising gentleman in Memphis his first day in business totaled $7.10 [they are talking would do the same. about the Stable] is today doing a business volume that Allen Gary was born in Tupelo, Misexceeded $2 million in the fiscal year that just ended, sissippi, in 1913. Somehow he ended up operating restaurants in hotels in six Southern states.” in Memphis, as so many men and womThat still wasn’t enough for Gary. He next conceived en from the Magnolia State do. In the Benbow Snack Bars, free-standing diner-type establishmid-1930s, he attended Central High ments, which often had little more than a counter and 12 School and Southwestern at Memphis (now Rhodes stools, much like the nationwide chain College). At some point, he met up of Toddle Houses. These were designed with a business partner, George Early, By 1960, Gary was to be erected near motels that had no and together they converted a nineoperating 18 restaurants, restaurant of their own, you see, but I teenth-century stable on Bellevue into an accomplishment a popular eatery called, quite naturally, was never able to determine how many Benbow Snack Bars were actually conThe Stable. When it opened in 1941, it that earned him a place structed. American Restaurant magazine, might be considered one of this city’s in American Restaurant packed with helpful information, does first theme restaurants. Not only was it decorated, inside and out, like a rustic magazine’s Hall of Fame. say that Snack Bars “have been added barn, but the menu for this “Dispenser in Memphis and in Laurel, Mississippi, and Gary is currently studying sites in 10 states” but of Southern Horse-pitality” included such dishes as the didn’t say where, exactly, the Memphis locations were.

Stagecoach, Hack, Hansom, Buggy, Surrey, and Sulky.

In 1960, Gary returned to his roots. He tore down his By all accounts, the Stable, located at Union and first venture, the old Stable, and erected the first AdmiBellevue, was a success, and quite a few readers ral Benbow Inn — this time a motel — at Union and Bellevue. The modern styling was certainly eye-catchhave asked about it over the ing, with lots of white concrete, bright colors, and years, remembering good suspended walkways linking what was considered meals and good times there. this city’s first two-story motel. Of course, it included But Gary and Early decida restaurant along with a lounge called the Escape ed to branch out, forming Hatch. He soon opened others — on Summer, next other enterprises. Gary had door to Imperial Bowling Lanes, and on Winchester, befriended two of this city’s close to the airport. leading “hospitality men” As you can see from the images on the opposite page, — motel king Kemmons the Admiral Benbow Inn was certainly a nice-looking Wilson and drive-in operator Harold Fortune — and place and stood out from most of the hum-drum motels being constructed at the time. During its first years, it after serving for a time as boasted occupancy rates of 100 percent. But for reasons manager of Fortune’s BelDEAR J.F.:

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left: Early renderings didn’t quite match the final design. above: Colorful patches adorned jackets worn by motel employees.

that I don’t fully understand (since the Lauderdales never frequented such places), the motel developed a bad reputation. In fact, by February 2000, Admiral Benbow had declined to the point where my pal Jim Hanas wrote a Memphis Flyer cover story about his brief stay there. With a title of “Broken Palace: The Last Days of the Admiral Benbow,” you can tell it’s not a flattering portrait.

“Unlike Memphis’ celebrated hotels,” Hanas wrote, “the Benbow does not represent anything prized about the city or its history. It is not a monument to the civil-rights movement, the birthplace of rock-and-roll, or Memphis’ role as a universal crossroads. Instead, it represents another side of the city, a side of people who draw paychecks keeping quiet, a side that’s as old as the city’s days as a rough river town and crime capital of the known universe. … If the Mississippi Delta begins in the lobby of The Peabody, then it just might end somewhere in the tomblike parking lot here at the Admiral Benbow.”

Hanas called it “tomblike” because guests actually parked beneath the building and noted that the motel’s unusual design may have played a role in its decline: “The Benbow’s seediness comes only in part from its dilapidation. Part of it is a matter of architecture. The elevated rooms, once a clever parking solution, create a claustrophobic above-ground subterrain ricocheting with shadows and echoes. A series of catwalks makes you feel as though you may already be in prison, so, well, what the hell anyway?”

It was here, in fact, at the Admiral Benbow in Midtown that a fellow named Malcolm Fraser woke up one morning in 1986 to find himself without clothes, luggage, or money. Now this would be disconcerting for anybody, but Fraser just happened to be the prime minister of Australia, in town for a business visit, and was supposed to be staying at The Peabody. The whole matter was never sorted out, but it’s typical of the decidedly unusual events that seemed to plague the Admiral

Benbows in Memphis over the years.

So what happened to them? Well, first of all Gary had died in 1965, leaving his chain of motels and restaurants rudderless, to continue that nautical theme. Most of the properties were sold to Morrison’s, which showed more interest in running cafeterias than motels, so one by one they were shuttered or sold to other owners. Oh sure, there were attempts to revamp them; after all, most of them had been constructed at prime, high-traffic locations. The original Admiral Benbow here was refurbished and converted to a Village Lodge, but that was only a temporary fix. Today, that address is a parking lot for the Southern College of Optometry. The two others in Memphis are now vacant lots.

At least one Benbow has survived — well, sort of.

The location in Jackson, Mississippi, has been transformed into a retirement center, called — what else?

— “The Admiral.”

A history website called Cardboard America sums it up this way: “Kemmons Wilson and Allen Gary knew each other, and both had gigantic plans for expansion. Holiday Inns was an unprecedented success. Admiral Benbow is a failed franchise lost to the annals of time.”

got a question for vance?

EMAIL: askvance@memphismagazine.com MAIL: Vance Lauderdale, Memphis magazine, 65 Union Avenue, Suite 200, Memphis, TN 38103 ONLINE: memphismagazine. com/ask-vance

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DINING OUT Memphis chefs add sweet and savory toppings to a California favorite: fancy toast. edited by pamela denney p h oto g rap hs by justin fox burks

F

or much of the 1980s, I lived in a Venice Beach bungalow where the branches of an avocado tree spread over the driveway fence. The tree was so prolific that I fed avocados to my dog Spike, or, I shudder to think, simply let them rot away.

Along with backyard avocado trees — and they are everywhere — California farmers grow about 55,000 acres of avocados annually, a partial explanation for the ubiquitous marriage on West Coast menus of avocado, toppings, and toast. But the story of fancy toast and its celebratory rise speaks to the convergence of other food trends, as well: nutrient-rich superfoods, housemade artisanal bread, pickled veggies, seasonal jams, and coffee cafés featuring all-day breakfast.

Although blooming a bit later, a similar toasty embrace is under way in Memphis. So, Flyer food editor Susan Ellis and I laid some ground rules for our story (no flatbread, crostini, bruschetta, or French toast, although we love them all) and then spent a week or so eating toast. While avocado, both sliced and mashed, ruled, we also discovered more adventuresome toast toppings like lemon hummus, white beans and pistou, and soft-fried eggs tinged with Tajin.

Curiously, instead of the thick-cut bread favored in California (think toast cake with ricotta and jam), a number of chefs in Memphis favor thinner-cut bread, which means folding the toast like a pizza slice to make the toppings behave. Either way, we discovered plenty of toast options to accommodate sweet or savory cravings for snacks or any meal of the day. — Pamela Denney clockwise from top left: For breakfast, lunch, or an anytime snack, try fancy toast, including white bean at French Truck; chicken liver at Andrew Michael Italian Kitchen; lemon garlic hummus, tomatoes, and cucumbers at City Silo; avocado and egg at Inspire Community Café; and classic cinnamon at Otherlands Coffee Bar. 68 • M E M P H I S M A G A Z I N E . C O M • J U L Y 2 0 1 9

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French Truck Coffee

Fare” section of the breakfast menu at Capriccio Grill? It features an acai bowl and smoked salmon, and yes, avocado toast. This toast is practically a salad.

It is piled high with peppery arugula that has been spiked with sweet basil over tomato slices. The avocado is next and sits atop a great nutty toast and the whole thing is drizzled in balsamic vinegar. Excellent! — Susan Ellis INSIDE THE PEABODY | 901-529-4000 ($15)

WHITE BEAN TOAST ON FOCACCIA @ FRENCH TRUCK COFFEE

AVOCADO TOAST ON BRIOCHE BREAD @ INSPIRE COMMUNITY CAFÉ

eans for breakfast? French Truck Coffee will make a believer out of you. This toast features white beans that are ever so slightly smokey with a hint of rosemary, parmesan, and pistou with diced tomatoes and cucumbers on the side for that extra flourish — all on top of focaccia that is baked in-house. This toast is a protein punch that will have you ready to kick the day’s ass, rich and oh-so satisfying and heartier than your average toast. It makes a great light lunch or afternoon snack, as well. — Susan Ellis INSIDE CROSSTOWN CONCOURSE | 901-878-3383 ($6)

ith its chalkboard menu of smoothies, grain bowls, and breakfast all day, Inspire Café mimics its West Coast forebears in the best of ways. Of all the toast I tried in Memphis, Inspire’s version most duplicates what I find in LA. In other words, it’s more about the bread than the fixings. A thick slice of toasted brioche bread — made locally by La Baguette — starts the party. Avocado spread topped by a soft fried egg, avocado slices, and sea salt come next. On the first bite, you will notice the tangy taste of Tajin, a magical powdered seasoning of chili, lime, and salt popular in Mexican cooking. My only regret: I should have ordered two. — Pamela Denney 510 TILLMAN STREET | 901-509-8640 ($5.50)

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AVOCADO TOAST WITH BASIL AND ARUGULA @ CAPRICCIO GRILL

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e all know that calories don’t count on vacation. We say pile on the buttermilk pancakes and Belgian waffles, and go ahead and order that extra bacon while you’re at it. But we also know that such indulgences can be unsustainable. May we suggest turning to the “Healthy

Capriccio Grill

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BEST CINNAMON TOAST IN THE SOUTH @ OTHERLANDS COFFEE BAR

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glass jar of cinnamon and sugar was commonplace for people of a certain age, nestled on the table next to the salt and pepper. Generously shaken on white bread toast spread with soft butter, the cinnamon mixture perked up hurried breakfasts and after-dinner snacks. It was an ultimate comfort food. At Otherlands, the cinnamon toast is equally pristine and perfect: two slices of sourdough, slathered with whipped butter, sliced diagonally, and served on a simple white plate. Its secret topping is Turbinado, combined in equal parts with cinnamon and regular sugar. Explains cook Zack Sunda: “The large crystals in the brown sugar add a crispiness to the toast that you aren’t going to get from white sugar alone.”

— Pamela Denney 641 COOPER ST. | 901-278-4994 ($3.75)

EL GUAPO ON SOURDOUGH TOAST @ TAMP & TAP

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et’s say it loud so the folks in the back will hear: The bread in the avocado toast is the most important element. You can’t go too thin or the whole thing will collapse on you.

Too thick and you’ll lose the essence of the avocado. Tamp & Tap knows this with its sourdough country loaf. The El Guapo comes with avocado mashed with herbs and a little olive oil. It’s enhanced with black beans, corn, and shallot then topped with feta cheese and drizzled in Sriracha. This toast is hitting on all cylinders: You’ve got the rich fattiness with the avocado, the touch of sweet with the corn, the tartness with the feta, and the heat with the Sriracha.

Perfection! — Susan Ellis 122 GAYOSO | 901-207-1053 ($9)

CHICKEN LIVER TOAST @ ANDREW MICHAEL ITALIAN KITCHEN

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riot will likely ensue if Andrew Michael ever pulls the chicken liver toast off the menu, and here’s why: The legendary sourdough from LA’s La Brea Bakery is “aggressively buttered” then toasted on the griddle, explains general manager Evan Potts.

A spread of paté comes next, not too much or too little. It’s rich and creamy from chicken livers quickly seared and blended with herbs, white wine, and, yep, more butter. (No wonder I love this toast!) A gentle spread of satsuma marmalade adds clementine-like sweetness, followed by apple slices compressed with lemon juice, and on top, a flutter of sorrel microgreens. The toast is beautifully composed, Potts explains. “It has so many different textures and layers that no one ingredient overwhelms another.”

— Pamela Denney 712 W. BROOKHAVEN CIRCLE | 901-347-3569 ($11)

Sunrise Memphis bite.” Each order comes with two slices and can be topped with an egg. Try eggs over easy because the marriage of yolk and avocado is a beautiful thing. The super-hungry should stay alert for a regular Sunrise special: a grilled Swiss cheese sandwich topped with avocado prepared the same way, black beans, and pico de gallo. Double-decker toast! — Pamela Denney 670 JEFFERSON AVE. | 901-552-3168 ($8)

GREECE LIGHTNING AND ZIPPIN PIPPIN @ CITY SILO TABLE & PANTRY

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ne of the first restaurants in Memphis to feature California-style toast, City Silo offers four kinds on toasted white bread locally made with no egg. (Listen up, vegans.) And while one option includes thick slices of avocado, chunky and fresh, why not try something new? “Greece Lightning” stars lemon garlic hummus — house-made, of course — with a supporting cast of tomatoes, cucumbers, Kalamata olives, and a handful of cilantro leaves tossed on top. For dessert, there’s “Zippin Pippin,” a reinvented lunchbox favorite made with almond butter and honey and garnished with slices of colorful summertime fruit. — Pamela Denney 5101 SANDERLIN AVE. | 901-729-7687 ($4)

AVOCADO AND EGG TOAST ON CIABATTA @ SUNRISE MEMPHIS

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aker Lacie McCammon makes ciabatta for Sunrise every day, and the bread’s lovely crust and thick cut is enhanced with a little butter and a quick sear on the flattop. The toast’s avocado is mashed to order with salt and pepper, explains Chef Ryan Trimm: “We like the avocado to be spreadable, so there’s some avocado with every

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the

MEMPHIS DININGguide

Tidbits: Fino’s from the Hill: Kelly English brings back a Memphis institution. by susan ellis

I

t’s Tuesday night, roughly a week after Fino’s reopened in June. A couple sits at one of the tables studying the menu. A pair of old friends catch up at another table. In a far corner of the restaurant, a mother warns her child, “Don’t even think about it.”

Did we dare even think about it? That after the Midtown restaurant closed its doors in late December, we would once again know those sandwiches, that cannoli?

Yes, Fino’s is back under the sure hand of Kelly English of Restaurant Iris and Second Line. “People are really excited to have their sandwich shop back open,” English says. While English has vowed not to change a thing, there are some changes nonetheless. There’s new paint on the inside. Stark white tiles have been added to the indoor columns. The restaurant looks

brighter, cleaner, and more spacious.

But the menu? It’s almost exactly and gloriously the same. English is using the same purveyors and following the old Fino’s recipes to a T. You’ll know it when your teeth do a tug-of-war with that famously tough bread. It feels like a great hug from a friend you haven’t seen in a long time.

There’s the Acquisto with its mile-high pile of ham, mortadella, and salami. (Can a mouth even open that wide?) and the veggie sub with its three cheeses, lettuce, onions, tomatoes, and right-as-rain (and oily!) olive dressing. The Italian roast beef, a hot sandwich, is one English is particularly proud of.

The roast beef is covered in onions, garlic, and tomatoes and then wrapped up and put in a low oven for 10 hours.

Perhaps the biggest change is that English added breakfast and extended the hours to

include dinner. Of the breakfast offerings, English says he was inspired by those he used to have when he lived in New York, like bagels and lox or the sort of thing you’d order in one breath, eggbaconcheesesaltpepper.

The first time English went to Fino’s, years ago, he was drawn not by the sandwiches but by the market. (He needed olive juice for his restaurant.) In a nod to that experience, he has a growing market area with house-made mozzarella and ricotta cheeses, take-home meatballs and lasagna, plus locally made treats and Fino’s merch.

Beer is sold, as well.

English considers Fino’s a pillar of authenticity — a place so important he hated to see it abandoned. “We wanted to make sure that this one survives,” he says.

PHOTOGRAPHS BY JUSTIN FOX BURKS

CLOCKWISE: Up top: The Fino’s crew, with Kelly English, who saved Fino’s from the dustbin of memories, at far left/back, and his brother Todd, fifth from the left/front, who serves as manager; veggie sub; a breakfast sandwich; customers enjoying a meal; and cannoli. Insets: Fino’s window; Italian roast beef; and pizza with freshly made dough.

1853 Madison (901 272-FINO) $

We celebrate our city’s community table and the people who grow, cook, and eat the best Memphis food at M E M P H I S M A G A Z I N E . C O M / F O O D - D I N I N G

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A Curated Guide to Eating Out

emphis magazine offers this curated restaurant listing as a service to its readers. Broken down alphabetically by neighborhoods, this directory does not list every restaurant in town. It does, however, include the magazine’s “Top 50” choices of must-try restaurants in Memphis, a DINING SYMBOLS group that is updated every August. Establishments open B — breakfast less than a year are not eligible for “Top 50” but are noted as L — lunch “New.” This guide also includes a representative sampling D — dinner of other Bluff City eating establishments. No fast-food SB — Sunday brunch facilities or cafeterias are listed, nor have we included WB — weekend brunch establishments that rely heavily on take-out business.

X— wheelchair accessible Restaurants are included regardless of whether they adMRA — member, Memphis vertise in Memphis magazine; those that operate in multiRestaurant Association $ — under $15 per person without ple locations are listed under the neighborhood of their drinks or desserts original location. This guide is updated regularly, but we $$ — under $25 recommend that you call ahead to check on hours, prices, $$$ — $26-$50 and other details. Suggestions from readers are welcome; $$$$ — over $50 please contact us at dining@memphismagazine.com.

CENTER CITY 117 PRIME—Restaurateurs Craig Blondis and Roger Sapp teamed up with Chef Ryan Trimm to recreate the traditional American steakhouse. Serving oysters on the half shell and a variety of surf and turf options. 117 Union. 433-9851. L, D, WB, X, $-$$$ ALDO’S PIZZA PIES—Serving gourmet pizzas — including Mr. T Rex — salads, and more. Also 30 beers, bottled or on tap. 100 S. Main. 577-7743; 752 S. Cooper. 725-7437. L, D, X, $-$$ THE ARCADE—Possibly Memphis’ oldest cafe.

Specialties include sweet potato pancakes, a fried peanut butter and banana sandwich, and breakfast served all day. 540 S. Main. 526-5757. B, L, D (Thurs.-Sat.), X, MRA, $ AUTOMATIC SLIM’S—Longtime downtown favorite specializes in contemporary American cuisine emphasizing local ingredients; also extensive martini list. 83 S. Second. 525-7948.

L, D, WB, X, MRA, $-$$$ BARDOG TAVERN—Classic American grill with Italian influence, Bardog offers pasta specialties such as Grandma’s NJ Meatballs, as well as salads, sliders, sandwiches, and daily specials. 73 Monroe. 275-8752. B (Mon.-Fri.), L, D, WB, X, MRA, $-$$ BEDROCK EATS & SWEETS—Memphis’ only Paleocentric restaurant offering such dishes as pot roast, waffles, enchiladas, chicken salad, omelets, and more. Closed for dinner Sun. 327 S. Main. 409-6433. B, L, D, X, $-$$ BELLE TAVERN—Serving elevated bar food, including a butcher board with a variety of meats and cheeses, as well as daily specials. 117 Barboro Alley. 249-6580. L (Sun.), D, MRA, $ BLEU—This eclectic restaurant features American food with global influences and local ingredients. Among the specialties are a 14-oz. bone-in rib-eye and several seafood dishes. 221 S. Third, in the Westin Memphis Beale St. Hotel. 334-5950. B, L, D, WB, X, MRA, $$-$$$ BLUEFIN RESTAURANT & SUSHI LOUNGE— Serves Japanese fusion cuisine featuring seafood and steak, with seasonally changing menu; also, a sushi bar. 135 S. Main.

528-1010. L, D, X, $-$$ BRASS DOOR IRISH PUB—Irish and New-American cuisine includes such entrees as fish and chips, burgers, shepherd’s pie, all-day Irish breakfast, and more. 152 Madison.

572-1813. L, D, SB, $-$$ CAFE KEOUGH—European-style cafe serving quiche, paninis, salads, and more. 12 S. Main. 509-2469. B, L, D, X, $ CAPRICCIO GRILL ITALIAN STEAKHOUSE—Offers prime steaks, fresh seafood (lobster tails, grouper, mahi mahi), pasta, and several northern Italian specialties. 149 Union, The Peabody. 529-4199. B, L, D, SB, X, MRA, $-$$$$ CAROLINA WATERSHED—This indoor/outdoor eatery, set around silos, features reimagined down-home classics,

including fried green tomatoes with smoked catfish, a buttermilk fried chicken sandwich, burgers, and more. Closed Mon.-Thurs. 141 E. Carolina. 321-5553. L, D, WB, $-$$ CATHERINE & MARY’S—A variety of pastas, grilled quail, pâté, razor clams, and monkfish are among the dishes served at this Italian restaurant in the Chisca. 272 S. Main. 254-8600. D, SB, X, MRA, $-$$$ CHEZ PHILIPPE—Classical/contemporary French cuisine presented in a luxurious atmosphere with a seasonal menu focused on local/regional cuisine. The crown jewel of The Peabody for 35 years. Afternoon tea served Wed.-Sat., 1-3:30 p.m. (reservations required). Closed Sun.Tues. The Peabody, 149 Union. 529-4188. D, X, MRA, $$$$ COZY CORNER—Serving up ribs, pork sandwiches, chicken, spaghetti, and more; also homemade banana pudding. Closed Mon. 745 N. Parkway and Manassas. 527-9158. L, D, $ DIRTY CROW INN—Serving elevated bar food, including poutine fries, fried catfish, and the Chicken Debris, a sandwich with smoked chicken, melted cheddar, and gravy. 855 Kentucky. 207-5111. L, D, MRA, $ EVELYN & OLIVE—Jamaican/Southern fusion cuisine includes such dishes as Kingston stew fish, Rasta Pasta, and jerk rib-eye. Closed for lunch Sat. and all day Sun.-Mon. 630 Madison. 748-5422. L, D, X, $ FAM—Casual Asian restaurant serves sushi rice bowls, noodle bowls, sushi rolls, and spring rolls.

Closed Sun. 149 Madison. 701-6666. L, D, X, $ FELICIA SUZANNE’S—Southern cuisine with low-country, Creole, and Delta influences, using regional fresh seafood, local beef, and locally grown foods. Entrees include shrimp and grits. Closed Sun. and Mon. A downtown staple at Brinkley Plaza, 80 Monroe, Suite L1.

523-0877. L (Fri. only), D, X, MRA, $$-$$$ FERRARO’S PIZZERIA & PUB—Rigatoni and tortellini are among the pasta entrees here, along with pizzas (whole or by the slice) with a variety of toppings. 111 Jackson.

522-2033. L, D, X, $ FLIGHT RESTAURANT & WINE BAR— Serves steaks and seafood, along with such specialties as bison ribeye and Muscovy duck, all matched with appropriate wines. 39 S. Main. 521-8005. D, SB, X, MRA, $-$$$ FLYING FISH—Serves up fried and grilled versions of shrimp, crab, oysters, fish tacos, and catfish; also chicken and burgers. 105 S. Second. 522-8228. L, D, X, $-$$ THE GRAY CANARY—The sixth restaurant from chefs Andy Ticer and Michael Hudman, offering small plates and entrees cooked on an open flame. Oysters, octopus, and hearty steaks are among the menu options at this eatery in Old Dominick Distillery. Closed Mon. 301 S. Front. 466-6324. D, WB, X, MRA, $-$$$.

GRECIAN GOURMET TAVERNA—Serves traditional favorites like spanakopita, pastitso, moussaka,

and hand-rolled dolmathes, as well as lamb sliders and pita nachos. Closed Mon. 412 S. Main. 249-6626. L, D, X, $ GUS’S WORLD FAMOUS FRIED CHICKEN—Serves chicken with signature spicy batter, along with homemade beans, slaw, and pies.

310 S. Front. 527-4877; 215 S. Center St. (Collierville). 853-6005; 2965 N. Germantown Pkwy. (Cordova). 373-9111; 730 S. Mendenhall. 767-2323; 505 Highway 70 W., Mason, TN. 901-2942028. L, D, X, MRA, $ HAPPY MEXICAN—Serves quesadillas, burritos, chimichangas, vegetable and seafood dishes, and more. 385 S. Second. 529-9991; 6080 Primacy Pkwy. 683-0000; 7935 Winchester. 751-5353. L, D, X, $ HU. DINER—An extension of Hu. Hotel, diner serves such dishes as country fried cauliflower, cornflake fried chicken, and octopus and grits. 3. S. Main.

333-1224. L, D, X, $-$$ HUEY’S—This family friendly restaurant offers 13 different burgers, a variety of sandwiches and delicious soups and salads. 1927 Madison. 726-4372; 1771 N. Germantown Pkwy. (Cordova). 754-3885; 77 S. Second. 5272700; 2130 W. Poplar (Collierville). 854-4455; 7090 Malco Blvd.

(Southaven). 662-349-7097; 7825 Winchester. 624-8911; 4872 Poplar. 682-7729; 7677 Farmington Blvd. (Germantown). 3183030; 8570 Highway 51 N. (Millington). 873-5025. L, D, X, MRA, $ HU. ROOF—Rooftop cocktail bar with superb city views serves toasts with a variety of toppings including beef tartare with cured egg, cognac, and capers or riced cauliflower with yellow curry, currants, and almonds. Also salads, fish tacos, and boiled peanut hummus. 79 Madison.

333-1229. D, $ ITTA BENA—Southern and Cajun-American cuisine served here; specialties are duck and waffles and shrimp and grits, along with steaks, chops, seafood, and pasta. 145 Beale St. 578-3031. D, X, MRA, $$-$$$ KOOKY CANUCK—Offers prime rib, catfish, and burgers, including the 4-lb. “Kookamonga”; also late-night menu. 87 S. Second. 578-9800; 1250 N. Germantown Pkwy. 1-800-2453 L, D, X, MRA, $-$$$ THE LITTLE TEA SHOP—Downtown institution serves up Southern comfort cooking, including meatloaf and such veggies as turnip greens, yams, okra, and tomatoes. Closed Sat.-Sun. 69 Monroe. 525-6000, L, X, $ LOCAL—Entrees with a focus on locally sourced products include lobster mac-and-cheese and ribeye patty melt; menu differs by location. 95 S. Main. 473-9573; 2126 Madison. 7251845. L, D, WB, X, $-$$ LOFLIN YARD—Beer garden and restaurant serves vegetarian fare and smoked-meat dishes, including beef brisket and pork tenderloin, cooked on a custom-made grill. Closed Mon.-Tues. 7 W. Carolina. 249-3046. L (Sat. and Sun.), D, MRA, $-$$ THE LOOKOUT AT THE PYRAMID—Serves seafood and Southern fare, including cornmeal-fried oysters, sweet tea brined chicken, and elk chops. 1 Bass Pro Dr. 620-4600/2918200. L, D, X $-$$$ LUNA RESTAURANT & LOUNGE—Serving a limited menu of breakfast and lunch items. Dinner entrees include Citrus Glaze Salmon and Cajun Stuffed Chicken. 179 Madison (Hotel Napoleon). 526-0002. B, D (Mon.-Sat.), X, $-$$$ MACIEL’S—Entrees include tortas, fried taco plates, quesadillas, chorizo and pastor soft tacos, salads, and more. Downtown closed Sun. Bodega closed Wed. 45 S. Main. 526-0037; 525 S. Highland. 504-4584. L, D, SB (Highland), X, MRA, $ THE MAJESTIC GRILLE—Housed in a former silent-picture house, features aged steaks, fresh seafood, and such specialties as roasted chicken and grilled pork tenderloin; offers a pre-theatre menu and classic cocktails. Well-stocked bar. 145 S. Main. 522-8555. L, D, WB, X, MRA, $-$$$ McEWEN’S—Southern/American cuisine with international flavors; specialties include steak and seafood, sweet potato-crusted catfish with macaroni and cheese, and more. Closed Sun., Monroe location. 120 Monroe. 527-7085; 1110 Van Buren (Oxford). 662-234-7003. L, D, SB (Oxford only), X, MRA, $$-$$$

We celebrate our city’s community table and the people who grow, cook, and eat the best Memphis food at M E M P H I S M A G A Z I N E . C O M / F O O D - D I N I N G (This guide, compiled by our editors, includes editorial picks and advertisers.)

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MESQUITE CHOP HOUSE—The focus here is on steaks, including prime fillet, rib eyes, and prime-aged New York strip; also, some seafood options. 5960 Getwell (Southaven).

662-890-2467; 88 Union. 527-5337; 3165 Forest Hill-Irene (Germantown). 249-5661. D, SB (Germantown), X, $$-$$$ MOLLIE FONTAINE LOUNGE—Specializes in tapas (small plates) featuring global cuisine. Closed Sun.-Tues. 679 Adams Ave. 524-1886. D, X, MRA, $ THE NINE THAI & SUSHI—Serving authentic Thai dishes, including curries, as well as a variety of sushi rolls. Closed for lunch Sat. and Sun. 121 Union.

208-8347. L, D, X, $-$$ PAULETTE’S—Presents fine dining with a Continental flair, including such entrees as filet Paulette with butter cream sauce and crabmeat and spinach crepes; also changing daily specials and great views.

River Inn. 50 Harbor Town Square. 260-3300. B, L, D, WB, X, MRA, $-$$$ PEARL’S OYSTER HOUSE—Downtown eatery serving seafood, including oysters, crawfish, and stuffed butterfly shrimp, as well as beef, chicken, and pasta dishes. 299 S. Main.

522-9070; 8106 Cordova Center Dr. (Cordova). 425-4797. L, D, SB, X, $-$$$ PONTOTOC LOUNGE—Upscale restaurant and jazz bar serves such starters as alligator filet fritters; entrees include Mississippi pot roast with jalapeno cornbread and tagliatelle with braised beef. 314 S. Main. 207-7576. D, X, $-$$ REGINA’S—New Orleans-inspired eatery offering po boys, Cajun nachos topped with crawfish tails, catfish platters, oysters, and more. Closed Mon. 60 N. Main. 730-0384. B, L, D, SB, X, $-$$ RENDEZVOUS, CHARLES VERGOS’— Menu items include barbecued ribs, cheese plates, skillet shrimp, red beans and rice, and Greek salads.

Closed Sun.-Mon. 52 S. Second. 523-2746. L (Fri.-Sat.), D, X, $-$$ RIZZO’S DINER—Chorizo meatloaf, lobster pronto puff, and lamb belly tacos are menu items at this upscale diner. Michael Patrick is among the city’s best chefs. 492 S. Main. 304-6985. L (Fri.-Sat.), D, SB, X, MRA, $-$$ SABOR CARIBE—Serving up “Caribbean flavors” with dishes from Colombia, Venezuela, Puerto Rico, and Cuba. Closed Sunday. 662 Madison. 949-8100. L, D, X, $ SAGE—Restaurant and lounge features daily lunch specials and tapas with such dishes as braised short ribs, teriyaki pulled pork, and the Sage burger made with Angus beef, avocado mash, fried egg, and flash-fried sage. 94 S. Main. 672-7902. L, D, WB, X, $-$$ SLEEP OUT LOUIES—Oyster bar with such specialties as char-grilled Roquefort oysters and gulf oysters on the half shell with Prosecco mignonette; also serves flatbread pizzas and a variety of sandwiches. 150 Peabody Place, Suite 111. 707-7180.

L, D, X, $ PUCK FOOD HALL—Food hall featuring a variety of vendors serving everything from bagels and beer to comfort food and healthy cuisine. 409 S. Main. 341-3838. $-$$ SOUTH MAIN SUSHI & GRILL—Serving sushi, nigiri, and more. 520 S. Main. 249-2194. L, D, X, $ SPINDINI—Italian fusion cuisine with such entrees as wood-fired pizzas, Gorgonzola-stuffed filet, and fresh seafood; large domestic whiskey selection. 383 S. Main. 578-2767. D, X, $$-$$$ SUNRISE MEMPHIS—From owners of Sweet Grass and Central BBQ. Serves breakfast all day, including house-made biscuits, frittatas, kielbasa or boudin plates, and breakfast platters. 670 Jefferson. 552-3144. B, L, X, MRA, $ TERRACE—Creative American and Continental cuisine includes such dishes as filet mignon, beef or lamb sliders, chicken satay, and mushroom pizzetta. Rooftop, River Inn of Harbor Town, 50 Harbor Town Square. 260-3366. D, X, MRA, $$ TEXAS DE BRAZIL—Serves beef, pork, lamb, and chicken dishes, and Brazilian sausage; also a salad bar with extensive toppings. 150 Peabody Place, Suite 103. 526-7600. L (Wed.-Fri.), D, SB, X, $$-$$$ UNCLE BUCK’S FISHBOWL & GRILL—Burgers, pizza, fish dishes, sandwiches, and more served in a unique “underwater” setting. Bass Pro, Bass Pro Drive, 291-8200. B, L, D, X, $-$$ THE VAULT—Oysters, shrimp beignets, flatbreads, stuffed cornish hen, and Smash Burger featured on “Late Nite Eats” are

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among the dishes offered at this Creole/Italian fusion eatery. 124 G.E. Patterson. 591-8000. L, D, SB, X, MRA, $-$$ WESTY’S—Extensive menu includes a variety of wild rice dishes, sandwiches, plate lunches, and hot fudge pie. 346 N. Main. 543-3278.L, D, X, $

COLLIERVILLE CAFE PIAZZA BY PAT LUCCHESI—Specializes in gourmet pizzas (including create-your-own), panini sandwiches, and pasta. Closed Sun. 139 S. Rowlett St. 861-1999.

L, D, X, $-$$ CIAO BABY—Specializing in Neapolitan-style pizza made in a wood-fired oven. Also serves house-made mozzarella, pasta, appetizers, and salads. 890 W. Poplar, Suite 1. 457-7457.

L, D, X, $ COLLIERVILLE COMMISSARY—Serves barbecue sandwiches, sliders, ribs, shrimp, and nachos, as well as smoked barbecued bologna sandwiches. 3573 S. Houston Levee Rd. 979-5540. L, D, X, MRA, $-$$ DAVID GRISANTI’S—Serving Northern Italian cuisine and traditional family recipes, like the Elfo Special, shrimp sauteed in garlic and butter, tossed with white button mushrooms and white pepper, and served over vermicelli with Parmigiano-Reggiano. Closed Sun. 684 W. Poplar (Sheffield Antiques Mall). 861-1777. L, D (Thurs.-Sat.), X, $-$$$ EL MEZCAL—Serves burritos, chimichangas, fajitas, and other Mexican cuisine, as well as shrimp dinners and steak.

9947 Wolf River, 853-7922; 402 Perkins Extd. 761-7710; 694 N.Germantown Pkwy. (Cordova). 755-1447; 1492 Union.

274-4264; 11615 Airline Rd. (Arlington). 867-1883; 9045 Highway 64 (Lakeland). 383-4219; 7164 Hacks Cross Rd. (Olive Branch).

662-890-3337; 8834 Hwy. 51 N. (Millington). 872-3220; 7424 Highway 64 (Bartlett). 417-6026. L, D, X, $ EMERALD THAI RESTAURANT—Spicy shrimp, pad khing, lemongrass chicken, and several noodle, rice, and vegetarian dishes are offered at this family restaurant. Closed Sunday. 8950 Highway 64 (Lakeland, TN). 384-0540. L, D X, $-$$ FIREBIRDS—Specialties are hand-cut steaks, slow-roasted prime rib, and wood-grilled salmon and other seafood, as well as seasonal entrees. 4600 Merchants Circle, Carriage Crossing.

850-1637; 8470 Highway 64 (Bartlett). 379-1300. L, D, X, $-$$$ JIM’S PLACE GRILLE—Features American, Greek, and Continental cuisine with such entrees as pork tenderloin, several seafood specialties, and hand-cut charcoal-grilled steaks. Closed for lunch Sat. and all day Sun. 3660 Houston Levee. 861-5000. L, D, X, MRA, $-$$$ MULAN ASIAN BISTRO—Hunan Chicken, tofu dishes, and orange beef served here; sushi and Thai food, too. 2059 Houston Levee. 850-5288; 2149 Young. 347-3965; 4698 Spottswood. 609-8680. L, D, X, $-$$ OSAKA JAPANESE CUISINE—Featuring an extensive sushi menu as well as traditional Japanese and hibachi dining.

Hours vary for lunch; call. 3670 Houston Levee. 861-4309; 3402 Poplar. 249-4690; 7164 Hacks Cross (Olive Branch). 662-8909312; 2200 N. Germantown Pkwy. (Cordova). 425-4901. L, D, X, $-$$$ P.O. PRESS PUBLIC HOUSE AND PROVISIONS—Featuring house-aged meats and locally sourced produce, the menu changes with availability, with such items as seasonal fish, local beef, and fresh vegetable dishes. 148 N. Main. 457-7655. D (except Sunday), SB, X, $-$$ RAVEN & LILY—Eatery offers innovative Southerninspired cuisine with such dishes as crispy shrimp and cauliflower salad, spiced lamb sausage and parmesan risotto, and bananas foster pain perdu. Closed Monday. 120 E. Mulberry.

286-4575. L, D, SB, X, $-$$ SEAR SHACK BURGERS & FRIES—Serving Angus burgers, fries, and hand-spun milkshakes.

Closed Mon. 875 W. Poplar, Suite 6. 861-4100; 5101 Sanderlin, Suite 103. 567-4909 ; 7424 Stage Road, Suite 121 (Bartlett). 382-3083; 6518 Goodman (Olive Branch). 662-4084932; 427 E. Commerce (Hernando). 662-469-4114. L, D, X, $ STIX—Hibachi steakhouse with Asian cuisine features steak, chicken, and a fillet and lobster combination, also sushi. A specialty is Dynamite Chicken with fried rice. 4680 Merchants Park Circle, Avenue Carriage Crossing. 854-3399. L, D, X, $-$$

ZOPITA’S ON THE SQUARE—Cafe offers sandwiches, including smoked salmon and pork tenderloin, as well as salads and desserts. Closed Sun. 114 N. Main. 457-7526. L, D, X, $

CORDOVA BOMBAY HOUSE—Indian fare includes lamb korma and chicken tikka; also, a daily luncheon buffet. 1727 N. Germantown Pkwy. 755-4114. L, D, X, $-$$ THE BUTCHER SHOP—Serves steaks ranging from 8-oz. filets to a 20-oz. porterhouse; also chicken, pork chops, fresh seafood. 107 S. Germantown Rd. 757-4244. L (Fri. and Sun.), D, X, $$-$$$ FOX RIDGE PIZZA—Pizzas, calzones, sub sandwiches, burgers, and meat-and-two plate lunches are among the dishes served at this eatery, which opened in 1979. 1769 N. Germantown Pkwy. 758-6500. L, D, X, $ GREEN BAMBOO—Pineapple tilapia, pork vermicelli, and the soft egg noodle combo are Vietnamese specialties here. 990 N. Germantown Parkway, #104. 753-5488. L, D, $-$$ KING JERRY LAWLER’S MEMPHIS BBQ COMPANY—Offers a variety of barbecue dishes, including brisket, ribs, nachos topped with smoked pork, and a selection of barbecue “Slamwiches.” 465 N. Germantown Pkwy., #116.

509-2360. L, D, X, $ JIM ’N NICK’S BAR-B-Q—Serves barbecued pork, ribs, chicken, brisket, and fish, along with other homemade Southern specialties. 2359 N. Germantown Pkwy. 388-0998.

L, D, X, $-$$ MISTER B’S—Features New Orleans-style seafood and steaks. Closed for lunch Sat. and all day Sun. and Mon. 6655 Poplar, #107. 751-5262. L, D, X, $-$$$ PEI WEI ASIAN DINER—Serves a variety of Pan-Asian cuisine, including Japanese, Vietnamese, Korean, and Thai.

Noodle and rice bowls are specialties; a small plates menu also offered. 2257 N. Germantown Pkwy. 382-1822. L, D, X, $-$$ SHOGUN JAPANESE RESTAURANT—Entrees include tempura, teriyaki, and sushi, as well as grilled fish and chicken entrees. 2324 N. Germantown Pkwy. 384-4122. L, D, X, $-$$ TANNOOR GRILL—Brazilian-style steakhouse with skewers served tableside, along with Middle Eastern specialties; vegetarian options also available. 830 N. Germantown Pkwy.

443-5222. L, D, X, $-$$$

EAST MEMPHIS

(INCLUDES POPLAR/ I-240) ACRE—Features seasonal modern American cuisine in an avante-garde setting using locally sourced products; also small-plates and enclosed garden patio. Closed for lunch Sat. and all day Sun. 690 S. Perkins.

818-2273. L, D, X, $$-$$$ AGAVOS COCINA & TEQUILA—Camaron de Tequila, tamales, kabobs, and burgers made with a blend of beef and chorizo are among the offerings at this tequila-centric restaurant and bar. 2924 Walnut Grove. 433-9345. L, D, X, $-$$ AMERIGO—Traditional and contemporary Italian cuisine includes pasta, wood-fired pizza, steaks, and cedarwood-roasted fish. 1239 Ridgeway, Park Place Mall. 761-4000.

L, D, SB, X, MRA, $-$$$ ANDREW MICHAEL ITALIAN KITCHEN— Traditional Italian cuisine with a menu from two of the city’s top chefs that changes seasonally with such entrees as Maw Maw’s ravioli. Closed Sun.-Mon. 712 W. Brookhaven Cl. 347-3569. D, X, MRA, $$-$$$ ANOTHER BROKEN EGG CAFE—Offering several varieties of eggs benedict, waffles, omelets, pancakes, beignets, and other breakfast fare; also burgers, sandwiches, and salads. 6063 Park Ave. 729-7020; 65 S. Highland. 623-7122.

B, L, WB, X, $ BANGKOK ALLEY—Thai fusion cuisine includes noodle and curry dishes, chef-specialty sushi rolls, coconut soup, and duck and seafood entrees. Closed for lunch Sat. and all day Sun. at Brookhaven location; call for hours. 715 W. Brookhaven Cl. 590-2585; 2150 W. Poplar at Houston Levee (Collierville).

854-8748. L, D, X, $-$$ BENIHANA—This Japanese steakhouse serves beef, chicken, and seafood grilled at the table; some menu items change

monthly; sushi bar also featured. 912 Ridge Lake. 767-8980. L, D, X, $$-$$$ BLUE PLATE CAFÉ—For breakfast, the café’s serves old-fashioned buttermilk pancakes (it’s a secret recipe!), country ham and eggs, and waffles with fresh strawberries and cream. For lunch, the café specializes in country cooking. 5469 Poplar. 761-9696; 113 S. Court. 523-2050. B, L, X, $ BROOKLYN BRIDGE ITALIAN RESTAURANT— Specializing in such homemade entrees as spinach lasagna and lobster ravioli; a seafood specialty is horseradish-crusted salmon. Closed Sun. 1779 Kirby Pkwy. 755-7413. D, X, $-$$$ BRYANT’S BREAKFAST—Three-egg omelets, pancakes, and The Sampler Platter are among the popular entrees here.

Possibly the best biscuits in town. Closed Mon. and Tues. 3965 Summer. 324-7494. B, L, X, $ BUCKLEY’S FINE FILET GRILL—Specializes in steaks, seafood, and pasta. (Lunchbox serves entree salads, burgers, and more.) 5355 Poplar. 683-4538; 919 S. Yates (Buckley’s Lunchbox), 682-0570. L (Yates only, M-F), D, X, $-$$ CAPITAL GRILLE—Known for its dry-aged, hand-carved steaks; among the specialties are bone-in sirloin, and porcini-rubbed Delmonico; also seafood entrees and seasonal lunch plates. Closed for lunch Sat.-Sun. Crescent Center, 6065 Poplar.

683-9291. L, D, X, $$$-$$$$ CASABLANCA—Lamb shawarma is one of the fresh, homemade specialties served at this Mediterranean/Moroccan restaurant; fish entrees and vegetarian options also available.

5030 Poplar. 725-8557 ; 7609 Poplar Pike (Germantown). 4255908; 1707 Madison. 421-6949. L, D, X, $-$$ CIAO BELLA—Among the Italian and Greek specialties are lasagna, seafood pasta, gourmet pizzas, and vegetarian options. Closed for lunch Sat.-Sun. 565 Erin Dr., Erin Way Shopping Center. 205-2500. L, D, X, MRA, $-$$$ CITY SILO TABLE + PANTRY—With a focus on clean eating, this establishment offers fresh juices, as well as comfort foods re-imagined with wholesome ingredients. 5101 Sanderlin. 729-7687. B, L, D, X, $ CORKY’S—Popular barbecue emporium offers both wet and dry ribs, plus a full menu of other barbecue entrees. Wed. lunch buffets, Cordova and Collierville. 5259 Poplar. 685-9744; 1740 N. Germantown Pkwy. (Cordova). 737-1911; 743 W. Poplar (Collierville). 405-4999; 6434 Goodman Rd., Olive Branch.

662-893-3663. L, D, X, MRA, $-$$ ERLING JENSEN—For over 20 years, has presented “globally inspired” cuisine to die for. Specialties are rack of lamb, big game entrees, and fresh fish dishes. 1044 S. Yates. 763-3700. D, X, MRA, $$-$$$ FLEMING’S PRIME STEAKHOUSE—Serves wetaged and dry-aged steaks, prime beef, chops, and seafood, including salmon, Australian lobster tails, and a catch of the day. 6245 Poplar. 761-6200. D, X, MRA, $$$-$$$$ FOLK’S FOLLY ORIGINAL PRIME STEAK HOUSE—Specializes in prime steaks, as well as lobster, grilled Scottish salmon, Alaskan king crab legs, rack of lamb, and weekly specials. 551 S. Mendenhall. 7628200. D, X, MRA, $$$-$$$$ FORMOSA—Offers Mandarin cuisine, including broccoli beef, hot-and-sour soup, and spring rolls. Closed Monday. 6685 Quince. 753-9898. L, D, X, $-$$ FRATELLI’S—Serves hot and cold sandwiches, salads, soups, and desserts, all with an Italian/Mediterranean flair.

Closed Sunday. 750 Cherry Rd., Memphis Botanic Garden.

766-9900. L, X, $ FRANK GRISANTI’S ITALIAN RESTAURANT— Northern Italian favorites include pasta with jumbo shrimp and mushrooms; also seafood, filet mignon, and daily lunch specials. Closed for lunch Sunday. Embassy Suites Hotel, 1022 S. Shady Grove. 761-9462. L, D, X, $-$$$ THE GROVE GRILL—Offers steaks, chops, seafood, and other American cuisine with Southern and global influences; entrees include crab cakes, and shrimp and grits, also dinner specials. Founder Jeff Dunham’s son Chip is now chef de cuisine. 4550 Poplar. 818-9951. L, D, SB, X, MRA, $$-$$$ HALF SHELL—Specializes in seafood, such as King crab legs; also serves steaks, chicken, pastas, salads, sandwiches, a ”voodoo menu”; oyster bar at Winchester location. 688 S. Mendenhall. 682-3966; 7825 Winchester. 737-6755. L, D, WB, X, MRA, $-$$$

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HIGH POINT PIZZA—Serves variety of pizzas, subs, salads, and sides. Closed Monday. A neighborhood fixture. 477 High Point Terrace. 452-3339. L, D, X, $-$$ HOG & HOMINY—The casual sister to Andrew Michael Italian Kitchen serves brick-oven-baked pizzas, including the Red-Eye with pork belly, and small plates with everything from meatballs to beef and cheddar hot dogs; and local veggies. Closed for lunch Mon. 707 W. Brookhaven Cl. 207-7396. L, D, SB, X, MRA, $-$$$ HOUSTON’S—Serves steaks, seafood, pork chops, chicken dishes, sandwiches, salads, and Chicago-style spinach dip.

Farmous for first-class service. 5000 Poplar. 683-0915. L, D, X $-$$$ INTERIM—Offers American-seasonal cuisine with emphasis on local foods and fresh fish; daily chef specials. Closed for lunch Sat. 5040 Sanderlin, Suite 105.

818-0821. L, D, SB, X, $-$$$ LA BAGUETTE—An almond croissant and chicken salad are among specialties at this French-style bistro. Closed for dinner Sun. 3088 Poplar. 458-0900. B, L, D (closes at 7), X, MRA, $ LAS DELICIAS—Popular for its guacamole, house-made tortilla chips, and margaritas, this restaurant draws diners with its chicken enchiladas, meat-stuffed flautas, and Cuban torta with spicy pork. Closed Sunday. 4002 Park Ave. 458-9264; 5689 Quince. 800-2873. L, D, X, $ LIBRO AT LAURELWOOD—Bookstore eatery features a variety of sandwiches, salads, and homemade pasta dishes, with Italian-inspired options such as carbonara and potato gnocchi. Closed for dinner Sun. 387 Perkins Ext. (Novel). 8002656. B, L, D, SB, X, $-$$ LISA’S LUNCHBOX—Serving bagels, sandwiches, salads, and wraps. 5885 Ridgeway Center Pkwy., Suite 101. 767-6465; 2659 Thousand Oaks Blvd., Suite 1200; 166 S. Front. 729-7277. B, L, $ LOST PIZZA—Offering pizzas (with dough made from scratch), pasta, salads, sandwiches, tamales, and more. 2855 Poplar. 572-1803; 5960 Getwell (Southaven). 662-892-8684. L, D, X, $-$$ LYNCHBURG LEGENDS—This restaurant with a Jack Daniels’ theme and Southern cuisine serves such entrees as Bourbon Street salmon, buttermilk-fried chicken, and grilled steak and wild mushroom salad. DoubleTree Hotel, 5069 Sanderlin. 969-7777. B, L, D, X, $- $$$ MAHOGANY MEMPHIS—Upscale Southern restaurant offers such dishes as coffee-rubbed lamb chops and baked Cajun Cornish hen. Closed for dinner Sun. and all day Mon.-Tues. 3092 Poplar, Suite 11. 623-7977. L, D, SB, X, $-$$$ MARCIANO MEDITERRANEAN AND ITALIAN CUISINE—Veal Saltimbocca with angel hair pasta and white wine sauce is among the entrees; also steaks, seafood, and gourmet pizza. 780 Brookhaven Cl. 682-1660. D, X, $-$$ DAN MCGUINNESS PUB—Serves fish and chips, shepherd’s pie, burgers, and other Irish and American fare; also lunch and dinner specials. 4694 Spottswood. 761-3711; 3964 Goodman Rd. 662-890-7611. L, D, X, $ MAYURI INDIAN CUISINE—Serves tandoori chicken, masala dosa, tikka masala, as well as lamb and shrimp entrees; also a daily lunch buffet, and dinner buffet on Fri.-Sat. 6524 Quince Rd. 753-8755. L, D, X, $-$$ MELLOW MUSHROOM—Large menu includes assortment of pizzas, salads, calzones, hoagies, vegetarian options, and 50 beers on tap. 5138 Park Ave. 562-12119155 Poplar; Shops of Forest Hill (Germantown). 907-0243. L, D, X, $-$$ MOSA ASIAN BISTRO—Specialties include sesame chicken, Thai calamari, rainbow panang curry with grouper fish, and other Pan Asian/fusion entrees. Closed Mon. 850 S. White Station Rd. 683-8889. L, D, X, MRA, $ NAM KING—Offers luncheon and dinner buffets, dim sum, and such specialties as fried dumplings, pepper steak, and orange chicken. 4594 Yale. 373-4411. L, D, X, $ NAPA CAFE—Among the specialties is miso-marinated salmon over black rice with garlic spinach and shiitake mushrooms. Closed Sun. 5101 Sanderlin, Suite 122. 683-0441. L, D, X, MRA, $$-$$$ NEW HUNAN—Chinese eatery with more than 80 entrees; also lunch/dinner buffets. 5052 Park. 766-1622. L, D, X, $ ONE & ONLY BBQ—On the menu are pork barbecue sandwiches, platters, wet and dry ribs, smoked chicken and turkey platters, a smoked meat salad,

barbecue quesadillas, Brunswick Stew, and Millie’s homemade desserts. 1779 Kirby Pkwy. 751-3615; 567 Perkins Extd. 249-4227.

L, D, X, $ ONO POKÉ—This eatery specializes in poké — a Hawaiian dish of fresh fish salad served over rice. Menu includes a variety of poké bowls, like the Kimchi Tuna bowl, or customers can build their own by choosing a base, protein, veggies, and toppings. 3145 Poplar. 618-2955. L, D, X, $ OWEN BRENNAN’S—New Orleans-style menu of beef, chicken, pasta, and seafood; jambalaya, shrimp and grits, and crawfish etouffee are specialties. Closed for dinner Sunday. The Regalia, 6150 Poplar. 761-0990. L, D, SB, X, MRA, $-$$$ PARK + CHERRY—The Dixon offers casual dining within the museum. Seasonal menu features sandwiches, like rustic chicken salad on croissant, as well as salads, snacks, and sweets. Closed for breakfast Sun. and all day Mon. 4339 Park (Dixon Gallery). 761-5250. L, X, $ PATRICK’S—Serves barbecue nachos, burgers, and entrees such as fish and chips; also plate lunches and daily specials.

4972 Park. 682-2852. L, D, X, MRA, $ PETE & SAM’S—Serving Memphis for 60-plus years; offers steaks, seafood, and traditional Italian dishes, including homemade ravioli, lasagna, and chicken marsala. 3886 Park.

458-0694. D, X, $-$$$ PF CHANG’S CHINA BISTRO—Specialties are orange peel shrimp, Mongolian beef, and chicken in lettuce wraps; also vegetarian dishes, including spicy eggplant. 1181 Ridgeway Rd., Park Place Centre. 818-3889. L, D, X, $-$$ PHO SAIGON—Vietnamese fare includes beef teriyaki, roasted quail, curry ginger chicken, vegetarian options, and a variety of soups. 2946 Poplar. 4581644. L, D, $ PYRO’S FIRE-FRESH PIZZA—Serving gourmet pizzas cooked in an open-fire oven; wide choice of toppings; large local and craft beer selection. 1199 Ridgeway. 379-8294; 2035 Union Ave. 208-8857; 2286 N. Germantown Pkwy. (Cordova).

207-1198; 3592 S. Houston Levee (Collierville). 221-8109. L, D, X, MRA, $ RIVER OAKS—Chef Jose Gutierrez’s French-style bistro serves seafood and steaks, with an emphasis on fresh local ingredients. Closed for lunch Sat. and all day Sun. 5871 Poplar Ave. 683-9305. L, D, X, $$$ RONNIE GRISANTI’S ITALIAN RESTAURANT— This Memphis institution serves some family classics such as Elfo’s Special and handmade ravioli, along with house-made pizza and fresh oysters. Closed Sun. 6150 Poplar, #122. 850-0191.

D, X, $-$$$ RUTH’S CHRIS STEAK HOUSE—Offers prime steaks cut and aged in-house, as well as lamb, chicken, and fresh seafood, including lobster. 6120 Poplar. 761-0055. D, X, $$$-$$$$ SALSA—Mexican-Southern California specialties include carnitas, enchiladas verde, and fajitas; also Southwestern seafood dishes such as snapper verde. Closed Sun. Regalia Shopping Center, 6150 Poplar, Suite 129. 683-6325. L, D, X, $-$$ SEASONS 52—This elegant fresh grill and wine bar offers a seasonally changing menu using fresh ingredients, wood-fire grilling, and brick-oven cooking; also a large international wine list and nightly piano bar. Crescent Center, 6085 Poplar.

682-9952. L, D, X, $$-$$$ STAKS—Offering pancakes, including birthday cake and lemon ricotta. Menu includes other breakfast items such as beignets and French toast, as well as soups and sandwiches for lunch. 4615 Poplar. 509-2367; 7704 Poplar (Germantown).

800-1951. B, L, WB, X, $ STRANO BY CHEF JOSH—Presenting a Sicilian/ Mediterranean mix of Arab, Spanish, Greek, and North African fare, Strano serves hand-tossed pizzas, wood-grilled fish, and such entrees as Chicken Under the Earth, cooked under a Himalayan salt block over a seasoned white oak wood-fired grill. 518 Perkins Extd. 275-8986. L, D, WB, X, MRA, $-$$$ SUSHI JIMMI—This food truck turned restaurant serves a variety of sushi rolls, fusion dishes — such as kimchi fries — and sushi burritos. Closed for lunch Sat. and all day Mon. 2895 Poplar. 729-6985. L, D, X, $ SWANKY’S TACO SHOP—Taco-centric eatery offers tortas, flatbreads, quesadillas, chimichangas, burgers, and more. 4770 Poplar. 730-0763; 6641 Poplar (Germantown).

737-2088; 272 S. Main. 779-3499. L, D, X, $

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THREE LITTLE PIGS—Pork-shoulder-style barbecue with tangy mild or hot sauce, freshly made coleslaw, and baked beans. 5145 Quince Rd. 685-7094. B, L, D, X, $ TOPS BAR-B-Q—Specializes in pork barbecue sandwiches and sandwich plates with beans and slaw; also serves ribs, beef brisket, and burgers. 1286 Union. 725-7527. 4183 Summer. 324-4325; 5391 Winchester. 794-7936; 3970 Rhodes.

323-9865; 6130 Macon. 371-0580. For more locations, go online.

L, D, X, $ VENICE KITCHEN—Specializes in “eclectic Italian” and Southern Creole, from pastas, including the “Godfather,” to hand-tossed pizzas, including the “John Wayne”; choose from 50 toppings. 368 Perkins Ext. 767-6872. L, D, SB, X, $-$$ WANG’S MANDARIN HOUSE—Offers Mandarin, Cantonese, Szechuan, and spicy Hunan entrees, including the golden-sesame chicken; next door is East Tapas, serving small plates with an Asian twist. 6065 Park Ave., Park Place Mall.

763-0676. L, D, X, $-$$ WASABI—Serving traditional Japanese offerings, hibachi, sashimi, and sushi. The Sweet Heart roll, wrapped — in the shape of a heart — with tuna and filled with spicy salmon, yellowtail, and avocado, is a specialty. 5101 Sanderlin Rd., Suite 105. 421-6399. L, D, X, $-$$ WOMAN’S EXCHANGE TEA ROOM—Chicken-salad plate, beef tenderloin, soups-and-sandwiches, and vegetable plates are specialties; meal includes drink and dessert. Closed Sat.-Sun. 88 Racine. 327-5681. L, X, $ ZAKA BOWL—This vegan-friendly restaurant serves buildyour-own vegetable bowls featuring ingredients such as agave Brussels sprouts and roasted beets. Also serves tuna poke and herbed chicken bowls. 575 Erin. 509-3105. L, D, $

GERMANTOWN BLUE HONEY BISTRO—Entrees at this upscale eatery include brown butter scallops served with Mississippi blue rice and herb-crusted beef tenderloin with vegetables and truffle butter. Closed Sun. 9155 Poplar, Suite 17. 552-3041. D, X, $-$$$ FARM & FRIES—A burger-centric menu features 100 percent grass fed and finished beef served in creative combinations like roasted portobellos and Swiss cheese. Try the Brussels with cheddar, bacon and quick-fried sprout leaves on fries, house-cut with dipping sauces. Closed Sun. 7724 Poplar Pike. 791-2328. L, D, X, $ FOREST HILL GRILL—A variety of standard pub fare and a selection of mac-and-cheese dishes are featured on the menu. Specialties include Chicken Newport and a barbecue salmon BLT. 9102 Poplar Pike. 624-6001. L, D, SB, X, MRA, $-$$ GERMANTOWN COMMISSARY—Serves barbecue sandwiches, sliders, ribs, shrimp, and nachos, as well as smoked barbecued bologna sandwiches; Mon.-night all-youcan-eat ribs. 2290 S. Germantown Rd. S. 754-5540. L, D, X, MRA, $-$$ LAS TORTUGAS DELI MEXICANA— Authentic Mexican food prepared from local food sources; specializes in tortugas — grilled bread scooped out to hold such powerfully popular fillings as brisket, pork, and shrimp; also tingas, tostados. Closed Sunday. 1215 S. Germantown Rd. 751-1200; 6300 Poplar. 623-3882. L, D, X, $-$$ MISTER B’S—Features New Orleans-style seafood and steaks. Closed for lunch Sat. and all day Sun. and Mon. 6655 Poplar, #107. 751-5262. L, D, X, $-$$$ NOODLES ASIAN BISTRO—Serves a variety of traditional Asian cuisine, with emphasis on noodle dishes, such as Singapore Street Noodles and Hong Kong Chow Fun. 7850 Poplar, #12. 755-1117. L, D, X, $ PETRA CAFÉ—Serves Greek, Italian, and Middle Eastern sandwiches, gyros, and entrees. Hours vary; call. 6641 Poplar.

754-4440; 547 S. Highland. 323-3050. L, D, X, $-$$ RED KOI—Classic Japanese cuisine offered at this family-run restaurant; hibachi steaks, sushi, seafood, chicken, and vegetables. 5847 Poplar. 767-3456. L, D, X $-$$ ROCK’N DOUGH PIZZA CO.—Specialty and custom pizzas made from fresh ingredients; wide variety of toppings.

7850 Poplar, #6. 779-2008. L, D, SB, X, MRA, $$ ROYAL PANDA—Hunan fish, Peking duck, Royal Panda chicken and shrimp, and a seafood combo are among the specialties. 3120 Village Shops Dr. 756-9697. L, D, X, $-$$

RUSSO’S NEW YORK PIZZERIA AND WINE BAR—Serves gourmet pizzas, calzones, and pasta, including lasagna, fettuccine Alfredo, scampi, and more. 9087 Poplar, Suite 111. 755-0092. L, D, WB, X, $-$$ SAKURA—Sushi, tempura, and teriyaki are Japanese specialties here. 2060 West St. 758-8181; 4840 Poplar. 572-1002.

L, D, X, $-$$ SOUTHERN SOCIAL—Shrimp and grits, stuffed quail, and Aunt Thelma’s Fried Chicken are among the dishes served at this upscale Southern establishment. 2285 S. Germantown Rd. 754-5555. D, SB, X, MRA, $-$$$ WEST STREET DINER—This home-style eatery offers breakfast, burgers, po’boys, and more. 2076 West St. 757-2191.

B, L, D (Mon.-Fri.), X, $ WOLF RIVER BRISKET CO.—From the owners of Pyro’s Fire Fresh Pizza, highlights include house-smoked meats: prime beef brisket, chicken, and salmon. Closed Sun. 9947 Wolf River Boulevard, Suite 101. 316-5590. L, D, X, $-$

MIDTOWN (INCLUDES THE MEDICAL CENTER) ABYSSINIA RESTAURANT—Ethiopian/Mediterranean menu includes beef, chicken, lamb, fish entrees, and vegetarian dishes; also a lunch buffet. 2600 Poplar. 321-0082. L, D, X, $-$$ ALCHEMY—Southern fusion, locally grown cuisine features small and large plates; among the offerings are pan-seared hanger steak, quail, and lamb chops; also handcrafted cocktails and local craft beers. 940 S. Cooper. 726-4444. D, SB, X, $-$$ ART BAR—Inventive cocktails feature locally foraged ingredients; snacks include house-cured salt & vinegar potato chips and herb-roasted olives. Closed Mon. 1350 Concourse Avenue #280. 507-8030. D, X, $ ATOMIC TIKI—Island-inspired dishes such as barbecue nachos with pineapple mango relish, Polynesian meatballs, and shrimp roll sliders are served in a tiki bar atmosphere.

Closed Mon. 1545 Overton Park. 279-3935. D, $ BABALU TACOS & TAPAS—This eatery dishes up Spanish-style tapas with Southern flair; also taco and enchilada of the day; specials change daily. 2115 Madison. 274-0100; 6450 Poplar, 410-8909. L, D, SB, X, MRA, $-$$ BAR DKDC—Features an ever-changing menu of international “street food,” from Thai to Mexican, Israeli to Indian, along with specialty cocktails. 964 S. Cooper. 272-0830. D, X, MRA, $ BAR-B-Q SHOP—Dishes up barbecued ribs, spaghetti, bologna; also pulled pork shoulder, Texas toast barbecue sandwich, chicken sandwich, and salads. Closed Sun. 1782 Madison. 272-1277. L, D, X, MRA, $-$$ BARI RISTORANTE ENOTECA—Authentic Southeastern Italian cuisine (Puglia) emphasizes lighter entrees.

Serves fresh fish and beef dishes and a homemade soup of the day. 22 S. Cooper. 722-2244. D, SB, X, MRA, $-$$$ BARKSDALE RESTAURANT—Old-school diner serving breakfast and Southern plate lunches. 237 Cooper. 722-2193. B, L, D, X, $ BAYOU BAR & GRILL—New Orleans fare at this Overton Square eatery includes jambalaya, gumbo, catfish Acadian, shrimp dishes, red beans and rice, and muffalettas. 2094 Madison. 278-8626. L, D, WB, X, MRA, $-$$ BEAUTY SHOP—Modern American cuisine with international flair served in a former beauty shop.

Serves steaks, salads, pasta, and seafood, including pecan-crusted golden sea bass. Perennial “Best Brunch” winner. Closed for dinner Sunday. 966 S. Cooper. 272-7111. L, D, SB, X, MRA, $-$$$ BELLY ACRES—At this festive Overton Square eatery, milkshakes, floats, and burgers rule. Burgers are updated with contemporary toppings like grilled leeks, braised tomatoes, and sourdough or brioche buns. 2102 Trimble Pl. 529-7017. L, D, X, $ BHAN THAI—Authentic Thai cuisine includes curries, pad Thai noodles, and vegetarian dishes, as well as seafood, pork, and duck entrees. Closed for lunch Sat.-Sun. and all day Mon. 1324 Peabody. 272-1538. L, D, X, MRA, $-$$ BLUE NILE ETHIOPIAN—Kabobs, flavorful chicken and lamb stew, and injera (flatbread) are traditional items on the menu, along with vegetarian options. 1788 Madison. 474-7214.

L, D, X, $-$$

BOSCOS—Tennessee’s first craft brewery serves a variety of freshly brewed beers as well as wood-fired oven pizzas, pasta, seafood, steaks, and sandwiches. 2120 Madison. 432-2222. L, D, SB (with live jazz), X, MRA, $-$$ BOUNTY ON BROAD—Offering family-style dining, Bounty serves small plates and family-sized platters, with such specialties as chicken fried quail and braised pork shank. 2519 Broad. 410-8131. L (Sat. and Sun.), D (Mon.-Sat.), SB, X, MRA, $-$$$ BROADWAY PIZZA—Serving a variety of pizzas, including the Broadway Special, as well as sandwiches, salads, wings, and soul-food specials. 2581 Broad. 454-7930; 627 S. Mendenhall. 207-1546. L, D, X, $-$$ CAFE 1912—French/American bistro owned by culinary pioneer Glenn Hays serving such seafood entrees as seared sea scallops with charred cauliflower purée and chorizo cumin sauce; also crepes, salads, and onion soup gratinée. 243 S. Cooper. 722-2700. D, SB, X, MRA, $-$$$ THE CAFE AT CROSSTOWN—Features plantbased meals, with such menu items as a fried oyster po’boy and Bibimbap, as well as daily chef specials.

Closed Sun.-Mon. 1350 Concourse Avenue #280. 507-8030. B, L, D, WB, X, $ CAFE BROOKS BY CITY & STATE—Serving grab-and-go pastries, as well as lunch items. Menu includes soups, salads, and sandwiches, such as the Modern Reuben and Grown Up Grilled Cheese. 1934 Poplar (Memphis Brooks Museum of Art). 544-6200. B, L, X, $ CAFE ECLECTIC—Omelets and chicken and waffles are among menu items, along with quesadillas, sandwiches, wraps, and burgers. Menu varies by location. 603 N. McLean.

725-1718; 111 Harbor Town Square. 590-4645. B, L, D, SB, X, MRA, $ CAFE OLE—This eatery specializes in authentic Mexican cuisine; one specialty is the build-your-own quesadilla. 959 S. Cooper. 343-0103. L, D, SB, X, MRA, $-$$ CAFE PALLADIO—Serves gourmet salads, soups, sandwiches, and desserts in a tea room inside the antiques shop.

Closed Sun. 2169 Central. 278-0129. L, X, $ CAFE SOCIETY—With Belgian and classic French influences, serves Wagyu beef, chicken, and seafood dishes, including bacon-wrapped shrimp, along with daily specials and vegetarian entrees. Closed for lunch Sat.-Sun. 212 N. Evergreen. 722-2177. L, D, X, MRA, $-$$ CELTIC CROSSING—Specializes in Irish and American pub fare. Entrees include shepherd’s pie, shrimp and sausage coddle, and fish and chips. 903 S. Cooper. 274-5151. L, D, WB, X, MRA, $-$$ CENTRAL BBQ—Serves ribs, smoked hot wings, pulled pork sandwiches, chicken, turkey, nachos, and portobello sandwiches. Offers both pork and beef barbecue. 2249 Central Ave. 272-9377; 4375 Summer Ave. 7674672; 147 E. Butler. 672-7760 ; 6201 Poplar. 417-7962. L, D, X, MRA, $-$$ CHEF TAM’S UNDERGROUND CAFE—Serves Southern staples with a Cajun twist. Menu items include totchos, jerk wings, fried chicken, and “muddy” mac-andcheese. Closed Sun. and Mon. 2299 Young. 207-6182. L, D, $ THE COVE—Nautical-themed restaurant and bar serving oysters, pizzas, and more. The Stoner Pie, with tamales and fritos, is a popular dish. 2559 Broad. 730-0719. L, D, $ THE CRAZY NOODLE—Korean noodle dishes range from bibam beef noodle with cabbage, carrots, and other vegetables, to curry chicken noodle; also rice cakes served in a flavorful sauce. Closed for lunch Sat.-Sun. 2015 Madison.

272-0928. L, D, X, $ ECCO—Mediterranean-inspired specialties range from rib-eye steak to seared scallops to housemade pastas and a grilled vegetable plate; also a Saturday brunch. Closed Sun.-Mon. 1585 Overton Park. 410-8200. L, D, X, $-$$ ELEMENTO NEAPOLITAN PIZZA— Crosstown pizzeria specializes in Neapolitan-style, wood-fired pizza with from-scratch dough. 1350 Concourse Avenue. 672-7527. L, D, X, $ ELWOOD’S SHELLS—Cajun/Creole eatery offers po’ boys and such specialties as Red Fish Courtbouillon, fresh Gulf red-fish pan-seared in authentic Creole sauce, topped with shrimp and crawfish. Closed for dinner Sun. 916 Cooper. 552-4967. B, L, D, X, $-$$

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FARM BURGER—Serves grass-fed, freshly ground, locally sourced burgers; also available with chicken, pork, or veggie quinoa patties, with such toppings as aged white cheddar, kale coleslaw, and roasted beets. 1350 Concourse Avenue #175.

800-1851. L, D, X, $ FRIDA’S—Mexican cuisine and Tex-Mex standards, including chimichangas, enchiladas, and fajitas; seafood includes shrimp and tilapia. 1718 Madison. 244-6196. L, D, X, $-$$ GLOBAL CAFE—This internationational food hall hosts three immigrant/refugee food entrepreneurs serving Venezuelan, Sudanese, and Syrian cuisines. Samosas, shawarma, and kabobs are among the menu items. Closed Mon. 1350 Concourse Avenue #157. L, D, X, MRA, $ GOLDEN INDIA—Northern Indian specialties include tandoori chicken as well as lamb, beef, shrimp, and vegetarian dishes. 2097 Madison. 728-5111. L, D, X, $-$$ GROWLERS—Sports bar and eatery serves standard bar fare in addition to a pasta, tacos, chicken and waffles, and light options. 1911 Poplar. 244-7904. L, D, X, $-$$ HATTIE B’S—Fried chicken spot features “hot chicken” with a variety of heat levels; from no heat to “shut the cluck up” sauce. Sides include greens, pimento mac-and-cheese, and black-eyed pea salad. 596 Cooper. 424-5900. L, D, X, $ HM DESSERT LOUNGE—Serving cake, pie, and other desserts, as well as a selection of savory dishes, including meatloaf and mashed potato “cupcakes.” Closed Monday. 1586 Madison. 290-2099. L, D, X, $ HOPDODDY BURGER BAR—Focus is on locally sourced ingredients, with freshly baked buns and meat butchered and ground in-house. Patty options include Angus or Kobe beef, bison, chicken, and more; also vegetarian/vegan. 6 S. Cooper.

654-5100; 4585 Poplar. 683-0700. L, D, X, $ IMAGINE VEGAN CAFE—Dishes at this fully vegan restaurant range from salads and sandwiches to full dinners, including eggplant parmesan and “beef” tips and rice; breakfast all day Sat. and Sun. 2158 Young. 654-3455. L, D, WB, X, $ INDIA PALACE—Tandoori chicken, lamb shish kabobs, and chicken tikka masala are among the entrees; also, vegetarian options and a daily all-you-can-eat lunch buffet. 1720 Poplar. 278-1199. L, D, X, $-$$ INSPIRE COMMUNITY CAFE—Serving breakfast all day, in addition to quesadillas, rice bowls, and more for lunch and dinner. 510 Tillman, Suite 110. 5098640. B, L, D, X, $ LAFAYETTE’S MUSIC ROOM—Serves such Southern cuisine as po’boys and shrimp and grits, and wood-fired pizzas.

2119 Madison. 207-5097. L, D, WB, X, MRA, $-$$ LBOE—Gourmet burger joint serves locally sourced ground beef burgers, with options like the Mac-N-Cheese Burger and Caprese. Black bean and turkey patties available. 2021 Madison.

725-0770. L, D, X, $ THE LIQUOR STORE—Renovated liquor store turned diner serves all-day breakfast, sandwiches, and entrees such as Salisbury steak and smothered pork chops. Closed for dinner Sun.-Mon. 2655 Broad. 405-5477. B, L, D, X, $-$$ LITTLE ITALY—Serving New York-style pizza as well as subs and pasta dishes. 1495 Union. 725-0280; L, D, X, $-$$ LUCKY CAT RAMEN—Specializes in gourmet ramen bowls, with such ingredients as braised pork belly and housemade blackened garlic, made with rich broth. Bao, steamed buns filled with various meats and veggies, also grace the menu. Closed Sun. 2583 Broad. 208-8145. L, D, X, $-$$ MARDI GRAS MEMPHIS—Fast-casual establishment serving Cajun fare, including an etouffee-stuffed po’boy. Closed Mon.-Tues. 496 Watkins. 530-6767. L, D, X, $-$$ MAXIMO’S ON BROAD—Serving a tapas menu that features creative fusion cuisine; entrees include veggie paella and fish of the day. Closed Mon. 2617 Broad Ave. 452-1111. D, SB, X, $-$$ MEMPHIS PIZZA CAFE—Homemade pizzas are specialties; also serves sandwiches, calzones, and salads.

2087 Madison. 726-5343; 5061 Park Ave. 684-1306; 7604 W. Farmington (Germantown). 753-2218; 797 W. Poplar (Collierville).

861-7800; 5627 Getwell (Southaven). 662-536-1364. L, D, X, $-$$ MOLLY’S LA CASITA—Homemade tamales, fish tacos, a vegetarian combo, and bacon-wrapped shrimp are a few of the specialties. 2006 Madison. 726-1873. L, D, X, MRA, $-$$ NEXT DOOR AMERICAN EATERY—Serves dishes sourced from American farms. Menu features chorizo bacon

PRESENTED BY:

SAT • 6-9

AUG 24 PM

•

at Beale Street Landing in Downtown Memphis

Join us as we celebrate two commonly appreciated Southern traditions:

Hearty food & distilled spirits.

We’ll be bringing together a variety of Memphis’ best restaurants and an array of distilled spirits brands as we savor a night of bacon, BBQ, and all the good things that come from old oak barrels!

TICKETS ON SALE NOW

VISIT MEMPHISBACONANDBOURBON.COM TO GET YOURS NOW! THIS IS A 21+ EVENT. SPONSORED BY:

BENEFITS:

J U L Y 2 0 1 9 • M E M P H I S M A G A Z I N E . C O M • 77

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dates, spicy gulf shrimp, and dry-aged beef burgers. 1350 Concourse Avenue Suite 165. 779-1512. L, D, X, $ ONIX RESTAURANT—Serves seafood dishes, including barbecued shrimp and pecan-crusted trout, and a variety of salads and sandwiches. Closed Sun. 1680 Madison. 552-4609.

L, D, X, $-$$ PAYNE’S BAR-B-QUE—Opened in 1972, this family owned barbecue joint serves ribs, smoked sausage, and chopped pork sandwiches with a standout mustard slaw and homemade sauce. About as down-toearth as it gets. 1762 Lamar. 272-1523. L, D, $-$$ PHO BINH—Vietnamese, vegetarian, and Cantonese specialties include lemon tofu and spring rolls. Closed Sunday.

1615 Madison. 276-0006. L, D, $ RAILGARTEN—Located in a former rail station space, this eatery offers breakfast items, a variety of salads and sandwiches, and such entrees as short rib mac-and-cheese and fish tacos. Also serves shakes, malts, floats, and cream sodas.

2166 Central. 231-5043. B, L, D, $-$$ RED FISH ASIAN BISTRO—In the former 19th Century Club building, serves sushi, teriyaki, and hibachi. Specialities include yuzu filet mignon and Chilean sea bass. 1433 Union.

454-3926; 9915 Highway 64 (Lakeland). 729-7581; 6518 Goodman (Olive Branch). 662-874-5254. L, D, X, $-$$$ RESTAURANT IRIS—French Creole-inspired classics, such as gulf shrimp and rice grits congee served with lap chong sausage and boiled peanuts, are served at this newly remodeled restaurant owned by Chef Kelly English, a Food and Wine “Top Ten.” 2146 Monroe. 5902828. D, X, $$-$$$ ROBATA RAMEN & YAKITORI BAR—Serves ramen noodle bowls and Yakitori skewers as well as rice and noodle dishes. 2116 Madison. 410-8290. L, D, X, $ SABROSURA—Serves Mexican and Cuban fare, including arroz tapada de pollo and steak Mexican. Closed Sun. 782 Washington. 421-8180. L, D, X, $-$$ SAUCY CHICKEN—Specializes in antibiotic-free chicken dishes with locally sourced ingredients, with such items as hot wings and the Crosstown Chicken Sandwich, and a variety of house-made dippings sauces; also, seafood, salads, and daily specials. L, D (Mon.-Fri.), $ SECOND LINE, THE—Kelly English brings “relaxed Creole cuisine” to his newest eatery; serves a variety of po’boys and such specialties as barbecue shrimp, and andouille, shrimp, and pimento cheese fries. 2144 Monroe. 590-2829. L, D, WB, X, $-$$ SEKISUI—Japanese fusion cuisine, fresh sushi bar, grilled meats and seafood, California rolls, and vegetarian entrees. Poplar/Perkins location’s emphasis is on Pacific Rim cuisine. Menu and hours vary at each location. 25 Belvedere. 725-0005; 1884 N. Germantown Pkwy. (Cordova).

309-8800; 4724 Poplar (between Perkins & Colonial). 767-7770; 2130 W. Poplar (Collierville). 854-0622; 2990 Kirby-Whitten (Bartlett). 377-2727; 6696 Poplar. 747-0001. L, D, X, $-$$$ STONE SOUP CAFE—Cooper-Young eatery serving soups, salads, quiche, meat-and-two specials; and daily specials such as Italian roast beef. Closed Monday. 993 S. Cooper. 922-5314.

B, L, SB, X, $ SOUL FISH CAFE—Serving Southern-style soul food, tacos, and po’boys, including catfish, crawfish, oyster, shrimp, chicken, and smoked pork tenderloin. 862 S. Cooper. 725-0722; 3160 Village Shops Dr. (Germantown). 755-6988; 4720 Poplar.

590-0323. L, D, X, MRA, $-$$ SWEET GRASS—Chef Ryan Trimm takes Southern cuisine to a new level. Low-country coastal cuisine includes such specialties as shrimp and grits. Closed Mon. Restaurant’s “sister,” Sweet Grass Next Door, open nightly, serves lunch Sat.-Sun. 937 S. Cooper. 278-0278. D, SB, X, $-$$$ TROLLEY STOP MARKET—Serves plate lunches/dinners as well as pizzas, salads, and vegan/vegetarian entrees; a specialty is the locally raised beef burger. Also sells fresh produce and goods from local farmers; delivery available. Saturday brunch; closed Sunday. 704 Madison. 526-1361. L, D, X, $ TSUNAMI—Features Pacific Rim cuisine (Asia, Australia, South Pacific, etc.); also a changing “small plate” menu. Chef Ben Smith is a Cooper-Young pioneer. Specialties include Asian nachos and roasted sea bass.

Closed Sunday. 928 S. Cooper. 274-2556. D, X, MRA, $$-$$$

SOUTH MEMPHIS (INCLUDES

PARKWAY VILLAGE, FOX MEADOWS, SOUTH MEMPHIS, WINCHESTER, AND WHITEHAVEN)

COLETTA’S—Longtime eatery serves such specialties as homemade ravioli, lasagna, and pizza with barbecue or traditional toppings. 1063 S. Parkway E. 948-7652; 2850 Appling Rd. (Bartlett). 383-1122. L, D, X, $-$$ CURRY BOWL—Specializes in Southern Indian cuisine, serving Tandoori chicken, biryani, tikka masala, and more.

Weekend buffet. 4141 Hacks Cross. 207-6051. L, D, $ DELTA’S KITCHEN—The premier restaurant at The Guest House at Graceland serves Elvis-inspired dishes — like Nutella and Peanut Butter Crepes for breakfast — and upscale Southern cuisine — including lamb chops and shrimp and grits — for dinner. 3600 Elvis Presley Blvd. 443-3000. B, D, X, $-$$$ DWJ KOREAN BARBECUE—This authentic Korean eatery serves kimbap, barbecued beef short ribs, rice and noodles dishes, and hot pots and stews. 3750 Hacks Cross, Suite 101. 746-8057; 2156 Young. 207-6204. L, D, $-$$ THE FOUR WAY—Legendary soul-food establishment dishing up such entrees as fried and baked catfish, chicken, and turkey and dressing, along with a host of vegetables and desserts. Around the corner from the legendary Stax Studio. Closed Monday. 998 Mississippi Blvd.

507-1519. L, D, $ INTERSTATE BAR-B-Q—Specialties include chopped pork-shoulder sandwiches, ribs, hot wings, spaghetti, chicken, and turkey. 2265 S. Third. 775-2304; 150 W. Stateline Rd. (Southaven). 662-393-5699. L, D, X, $-$$ LEONARD’S—Serves wet and dry ribs, barbecue sandwiches, spaghetti, catfish, homemade onion rings, and lemon icebox pie; also a lunch buffet. 5465 Fox Plaza. 360-1963. L, X, $-$$ MARLOWE’S—In addition to its signature barbecue and ribs, Marlowe’s serves Southern-style steaks, chops, lasagne, and more. 4381 Elvis Presley Blvd. 332-4159. D, X, MRA, $-$$ UNCLE LOU’S FRIED CHICKEN—Featured on Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives for good reason: fried chicken (mild, hot, or home-style); jumbo burgers four patties high; strawberry shortcake, and assorted fruit pies. 3633 Millbranch. 332-2367. L, D, X, MRA, $

SUMMER/BERCLAIR/ RALEIGH/BARTLETT ASIAN PALACE—Chinese eatery serves seafood, vegetarian items, dim sum, and more. 5266 Summer Ave. 766-0831. L, D, X, $-$$ ELWOOD’S SHACK—Casual comfort food includes tacos, pizza and sandwiches. Specialties include meats smoked in-house (chicken, turkey, brisket, pork), barbecue pizza and steelhead trout tacos. 4523 Summer. 761-9898. B, L, D, X, $ EXLINES’ BEST PIZZA—Serves pizza, Italian dinners, sandwiches, and salads. 6250 Stage Rd. 382-3433; 2935 Austin Peay. 388-4711; 2801 Kirby Parkway. 754-0202; 7730 Wolf River Blvd. (Germantown). 753-4545; 531 W. Stateline Rd. 662-3424544 (check online for additional locations). L, D, X, MRA, $ GRIDLEY’S—Offers barbecued ribs, shrimp, pork plate, chicken, and hot tamales; also daily lunch specials. Closed Tues.

6842 Stage Rd. 377-8055. L, D, X, $-$$ LA TAQUERIA GUADALUPANA—Fajitas and quesadillas are just a few of the authentic Mexican entrees offered here. A bona-fide Memphis institution.

4818 Summer. 685-6857; 5848 Winchester. 365-4992. L, D, $ LOTUS—Authentic Vietnamese-Asian fare, including lemon-grass chicken and shrimp, egg rolls, Pho soup, and spicy Vietnamese vermicelli. 4970 Summer. 6821151. D, X, $ MORTIMER’S—Contemporary American entrees include trout almondine, chicken dishes, and hand-cut steaks; also sandwiches, salads, and daily/nightly specials. A Memphis landmark since the Knickerbocker closed.

Closed for lunch Sat.-Sun. 590 N. Perkins. 761-9321. L, D, X, $-$$

NAGASAKI INN—Chicken, steak, and lobster are among the main courses; meal is cooked at your table. 3951 Summer. 454-0320. D, X, $$ PANDA GARDEN—Sesame chicken and broccoli beef are among the Mandarin and Cantonese entrees; also seafood specials and fried rice. Closed for lunch Saturday.

3735 Summer. 323-4819. L, D, X, $-$$ QUEEN OF SHEBA—Featuring Middle Eastern favorites and Yemeni dishes such as lamb haneeth and saltah.

4792 Summer. 207-4174. L, D, $ SIDE PORCH STEAK HOUSE—In addition to steak, the menu includes chicken, pork chops, and fish entrees; homemade rolls are a specialty. Closed Sun.-Mon. 5689 Stage Rd. 377-2484. D, X, $-$$

UNIVERSITY NEIGHBORHOOD DISTRICT (INCLUDES CHICKASAW

GARDENS AND HIGHLAND STRIP)

A-TAN—Serves Chinese and Japanese hibachi cuisine, complete with sushi bar. A specialty is Four Treasures with garlic sauce. 3445 Poplar, Suite 17, University Center. 4524477. L, D, X, $-$$$ THE BLUFF—New Orleans-inspired menu includes alligator bites, nachos topped with crawfish and andouille, gumbo, po’boys, and fried seafood platters. 535 S. Highland.

454-7771. L, D, X, $-$$ BROTHER JUNIPER’S—This little cottage is a breakfast mecca, offering specialty omelets, including the open-faced San Diegan omelet; also daily specials, and homemade breads and pastries. Closed Mon. 3519 Walker. 324-0144. B, X, $ CHAR RESTAURANT—Specializing in modern Southern cuisine, this eatery offers homestyle sides, charbroiled steaks, and fresh seafood. 431 S. Highland, #120.

249-3533. L, D, WB, X, MRA, $-$$$ DERAE RESTAURANT—Ethiopian and Mediterranean fare includes fuul, or fava beans in spices and yogurt, goat meat and rice, and garlic chicken over basmati rice with cilantro chutney; also salmon and tilapia. Closed Monday.

923 S. Highland. 552-3992. B, L, D, $-$$ EL PORTON—Fajitas, quesadillas, and steak ranchero are just a few of the menu items. 2095 Merchants Row (Germantown). 754-4268; 8361 Highway 64. 380-7877; 3448 Poplar, Poplar Plaza. 452-7330; 1805 N. Germantown Parkway (Cordova). 624-9358; 1016 W. Poplar (Collierville).

854-5770. L, D, X, MRA, $-$$ JOES’ ON HIGHLAND—Specializes in fried chicken and comfort sides such as warm okra/green tomato salad and turnip greens. Entrees include salmon patties and chicken fried steak. Closed Mon. 262 S. Highland. 337-7003. L, D, X, $ MEDALLION—Offers steaks, seafood, chicken, and pasta entrees. Closed for dinner Sunday. 3700 Central, Holiday Inn (Kemmons Wilson School of Hospitality). 678-1030. B, L, D, SB, X, MRA, $-$$$ OPEN FLAME—Authentic Persian and Mediterranean eatery specializes in shish kebabs and kosher and halal fare. 3445 Poplar. 207-4995. L, D, X, $

OUT-OF-TOWN TACKER’S SHAKE SHACK—This family-run establishment offers plate lunches, catfish dinners, homemade desserts, and a variety of hamburgers, including a mac-and-cheese-topped griddle burger. Closed Sun. 409 E. Military Rd. (Marion, AR). 870-739-3943. B, L, D, $ BONNE TERRE—This inn’s cafe features American cuisine with a Southern flair, and a seasonal menu that changes monthly. Offers Angus steaks, duck, pasta, and seafood. Closed Sun.-Wed. 4715 Church Rd. W. (Nesbit, MS).

662-781-5100. D, X, $-$$$ BOZO’S HOT PIT BAR-B-Q—Barbecue, burgers, sandwiches, and subs. 342 Hwy 70 (Mason, TN). 901-2943400. L, D, $-$$

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CATFISH BLUES—Serving Delta-raised catfish and Cajunand Southern-inspired dishes, including gumbo and fried green tomatoes. 210 E. Commerce (Hernando, MS). 662-298-3814.

L, D, $ CITY GROCERY—Southern eclectic cuisine; shrimp and grits is a specialty. Closed for dinner Sunday. 152 Courthouse Square (Oxford, MS). 662-232-8080. L, D, SB, X, $$-$$$ COMO STEAKHOUSE—Steaks cooked on a hickory charcoal grill are a specialty here. Upstairs is an oyster bar. Closed Sun. 203 Main St. (Como, MS). 662-526-9529. D, X, $-$$$ LONG ROAD CIDER CO.—Specializes in hard apple ciders made with traditional methods. Cafe-style entrees include black eye peas with cornbread and greens, chicken Gorgonzola pockets, cider-steamed sausage, and housemade ice creams. Closed Sun.-Wed. 9053 Barret Road. (Barretville, TN). 352-0962. D, X, $

CASINO TABLES BOURBON STREET STEAKHOUSE & GRILL AT SOUTHLAND PARK—1550 Ingram Blvd., West Memphis, AR, 1-800-467-6182.

CHICAGO STEAKHOUSE AT THE GOLDSTRIKE—1010 Casino Center Dr., Robinsonville, MS, 1-888-24KSTAY /662-357-1225.

FAIRBANKS AT THE HOLLYWOOD—1150 Casino Strip Blvd., Robinsonville, MS, 1-800-871-0711.

JACK BINION’S STEAK HOUSE AT HORSESHOE—1021 Casino Center Drive, Robinsonville, MS, 1-800-303-SHOE. LUCKY 8 ASIAN BISTRO AT HORSESHOE—1021 Casino Center Drive, Robinsonville, MS, 1-800-303-SHOE. SAMMY HAGAR’S RED ROCKER BAR & GRILL AT SOUTHLAND PARK—1550 Ingram Blvd., West Memphis, AR, 1-870-735-3670 ext. 5208 THE STEAKHOUSE AT THE FITZ —711 Lucky Ln., Robinsonville, MS, 1-888-766-LUCK, ext 8213.

MANILA FILIPINO RESTAURANT—Entrees include pork belly cutlet with lechon sauce, and shrimp and vegetables in tamarind broth; also daily combos, rice dishes, and chef specials. Closed Sun.-Mon. 7849 Rockford (Millington, TN).

209-8525. L, D, X, $ MARSHALL STEAKHOUSE—Rustic steakhouse serves premium Angus beef steaks, seafood dishes, rack of lamb, and more. Breakfast menu features griddle cakes, and lunch offerings include hamburger steak and oyster po’ boys. 2379 Highway 178 (Holly Springs, MS). 628-3556. B, L, D, X, $-$$$ MEMPHIS BARBECUE COMPANY—Offers spare ribs, baby backs, and pulled pork and brisket, along with such sides as mac-and-cheese, grits, and red beans. 709 Desoto Cove (Horn Lake, MS). 662-536-3762. L, D, X, $-$$ NAGOYA—Offers traditional Japanese cuisine and sushi bar; specialties are teriyaki and tempura dishes. 7075 Malco Blvd., Suite 101 (Southaven, MS). 662-349-8788. L, D, X, $-$$$ PANCHO’S—Serves up a variety of Mexican standards, including tacos, enchiladas, and mix-and-match platters; also lunch specials. 3600 E. Broadway (West Memphis, AR). 870-7356466. 717 N. White Station. 685-5404. L, D, X, MRA, $ PIG-N-WHISTLE—Offers pork shoulder sandwiches, wet and dry ribs, catfish, nachos, and stuffed barbecue potatoes.

6084 Kerr-Rosemark Rd. (Millington, TN). 872-2455. L, D, X, $ RAVINE—Serves contemporary Southern cuisine with an emphasis on fresh, locally grown foods and a menu that changes weekly. Closed Mon.-Tues. 53 Pea Ridge/County Rd. 321 (Oxford, MS). 662-234-4555. D, SB, X, $$-$$$ STEAK BY MELISSA—Aged, choice-grade, hand-cut steaks are a specialty here. Also serving fresh seafood dishes, plate lunches, burgers, and sandwiches. 4975 Pepper Chase Dr. (Southaven, MS). 662-342-0602. L, D, WB, X, $-$$$ WILSON CAFE—Serving elevated home-cooking, with such dishes as deviled eggs with cilantro and jalapeno, scampi and grits, and doughnut bread pudding. 2 N. Jefferson (Wilson, AR). 870-655-0222. L, D (Wed. through Sat. only), X, $-$$$

The 2019

Now Accepting Nominations

B

usiness is pushed forward by change and evolution, and it is those in the forefront of that evolution — the tinkerers, the questioners, the visionaries — who keep the machine of commerce oiled.

But who are these people? We want to know. Send us your best and brightest nominations for our seventh annual Innovation Awards issue coming in September. Please include any pertinent biographical or business information, and why the person, business, or organization should be recognized as a leader among innovators.

Email your nomination to sparks@insidememphisbusiness.com.

Deadline for nominations is July 12, 2019.

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Tee It Up The spirit of a beloved Memphian will lift the first WGC-FedEx St. Jude Invitational.

by frank murtaugh

W

hen the first player tees off at the World Golf Championships-FedEx St. Jude Invitational on July 25th, my thoughts will be with the late Phil Cannon. The longtime tournament director at TPC Southwind — who died in 2016 after a courageous battle with cancer — remains, for me, the face of our annual dance with the PGA Tour. Just as he is for hundreds of volunteers who have made professional golf as much a part of a Memphis summer as ice tea on a screen porch.

But Phil would be the first to emphasize a new golf era is upon us with the arrival of the WGC, one of only four such “sub-majors” in the world. At least when it comes to the finest golfers on the planet, Memphis is now a sister city to Shanghai, Mexico City, and Austin, Texas. It’s the kind of foursome only an elite sporting event could gather.

The WGC field at Southwind will be exclusive, around 75 golfers expected to play (this is essentially half the field of the former FedEx St. Jude Classic).

The top 50 players in the world —as ranked on July 22nd — earn automatic bids along with tournament winners dating back to last year’s event (when it was held in Akron, Ohio). Current members of the U.S. and European Ryder Cup teams also have a locker waiting for them at the TPC Southwind clubhouse. And does the world pay attention to the World Golf Championships?

According to tournament officials, the event will be broadcast in more than 220 countries (32 languages) to more than a billion households. How do you say “Hush y’all” in Korean?

The WGC means a new era for Memphis golf, but it will build upon 61 years of PGA history in the Bluff City. Billy Maxwell won the inaugural Memphis Open (at Colonial Country Club) in 1958.

Cary Middlecoff won his hometown tournament in 1961, five

office. And share whatever he could, for however long I needed him. It’s a form of customer service, you might say, that we in the media don’t often anticipate.

There has been one conspicuously absent player over the last two decades at Southwind. Year after year, when I’d ask Cannon about another snub from Tiger Woods, Phil would take the high road and tell me, “The greatest golfers in the world playing this week will be in Memphis.” He didn’t miss Tiger, the greatest player of at least two genera-

people on and around the Southwind course for one absentee to spoil the party, no matter his international fame. (Woods has won this WGC event eight times since it was first held in 1999. No other player owns as many as two titles.)

Phil Cannon shared some wisdom with a young sportswriter during that 1994 interview. “Professional golfers see beautiful years after winning his second courses every week,” he noted.

U.S. Open. You’ve heard of other “There’s a million-dollar purse Memphis champions: Jack Nickevery week. What separates us is laus (1965), Lee Trevino (’71, ’72, St. Jude.” And it’s the truth. The and ’80), Gary Player children’s research hospital became the (’74), Greg Norman Memphis tou r na(’97), Dustin Johnson (2012 and ’18). Al ment’s sole beneficiaGeiberger made hisry in 1970, a year the tory in the second event made a donaround of the 1977 Dantion in the amount of ny Thomas Memphis $10,600. In 1992, the Classic when he shot tournament donated a 59, the first sub-60 more than $1 million round in PGA histoto St. Jude for the first time, and the cumulary. (For a measure of tive total of donations golf’s growth, considto date is $43 million. er Geiberger’s winner’s check that year: Cannon may be with us only in spir$40,000. This month’s it, but what a spirit WGC champ will take home $1.8 million.) he’ll bring to the first Back to Phil CanWGC-FedEx St. Jude non, though. My first Invitational. An old feature assignment tournament becomes for this magazine new, the kind of trans(June 1994) was a look formation that fueled at what was then Cannon. In his own called the Federal words (from 2013): Express St. Jude Clas“We truly have to reinsic. Phil was not yet vent ourselves year aftournament director, ter year. I’ve seen some Cannon may be with us only in spirit, but he was the chief Memphis institutions media liaison for the take their place in the but what a spirit he’ll bring to the first event. Somewhat nermarket for granted, WGC-FedEx St. Jude Invitational. vous being a rookie, I and we don’t want to called Phil and asked succumb to that lethif he had time for an interview. tions. No, Phil Cannon was an argy. We try to stay fresh and He said, “Absolutely, what time ever-smiling example of just how keep the vitality at a high pitch.”

Imagine that: Phil Cannon’s lastshould I be there?” That was permuch Woods missed by not comfectly Phil, and perfectly Meming to Memphis each summer. ing touch reaching a billion livThere are far too many happy phis golf. He would come to my ing rooms around the world.

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