Memphis - March 2023

Memphis Brooks Museum of Art | Open in Overton Park | BrooksMuseum.org

Porsche Cars North America, Inc. Porsche recommends seat belt usage and observation of tra c laws at all times. European model shown. Some options may not be available in the U.S.

Ruby-Throated Hummingbird by Lori Parker | Chapman Mountain Nature Preserve - North Alabama Birding Trail

LETTER FROM THE EDITOR ~ by anna traverse fogle

DINING ~ by michael donahue

SIPS ~ by bruce vanwyngarden

SCENE ~ by marilyn sadler

The latest in our series spotlighting the region’s finest photographers.

~ by chris mccoy

The stunning diversity of the Japanese maple is celebrated in the Walkers’ plantings. ~ by jane schneider

Overton Park is not one

~ by toby sells

thing — and that makes it a singular place.

Jeanne Seagle discusses her journey from commercial illustrator to “Of This Place,” her first solo exhibition at the Dixon.

~ by abigail morici

Our

Germantown’s

show.

Tommy Kha PHOTOGRAPH BY TOMMY KHA

CEO AND EDITOR-IN-CHIEF anna traverse fogle

EXECUTIVE EDITOR michael finger

MANAGING EDITOR frank murtaugh

SENIOR EDITORS samuel x. cicci, shara clark, jon w. sparks, bruce vanwyngarden

ASSOCIATE EDITOR abigail morici

EDITORIAL INTERN izzy wollfarth

CONTRIBUTORS michael donahue, alex greene, vance lauderdale, chris mccoy

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EDITOR samuel x. cicci

SENIOR EDITOR jon w. sparks

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CREATIVE DIRECTOR brian groppe

ADVERTISING ART DIRECTOR christopher myers

GRAPHIC DESIGNER neil williams

PHOTOGRAPHERS ted bruehl, justin fox burks, samuel x. cicci, michael donahue, karen pulfer focht, anna traverse fogle, alex greene, brian groppe, alice kerley, tommy kha, abigail morici, jane schneider, jeanne seagle, bruce vanwyngarden, michael wilson

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SENIOR ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE sloane patteson taylor ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES kelli dewitt, chip googe, michelle musolf, hailey thomas

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

subscriptions: 901-521-9000

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CONTROLLER lynn sparagowski

CHIEF REVENUE OFFICER jeffrey a. goldberg

CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER margie neal

DIGITAL SERVICES DIRECTOR kristin pawlowski

ACCOUNTING AND CIRCULATION COORDINATOR mariah mccabe NEWSSTAND CONSULTANT joe luca

SPECIAL EVENTS DIRECTOR molly willmott

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PUBLISHER EMERITUS kenneth neill

march 2023

member: City and Regional Magazine Association

member: Circulation Verification Council

Memphis rarely finds itself in the national spotlight for reasons civic boosters here would choose. To some extent, that’s simply the nature of modern media coverage, both local and national: Type just about any city’s name into a Google News search, and the results will comprise crime, corruption, and climate, with a sprinkle of sports. But Memphis seems to be remembered only or, at least primarily, when Something Bad Happens. Even in that context, some unspoken rule dictates that any report must mention blues and barbecue. Tragedy with a side of dry rub.

In the past six months, this city has endured a conspicuously difficult — and highly publicized — sequence of events: the September 2nd abduction and murder of kindergarten teacher Eliza Fletcher, followed less than one week later by a citywide shooting rampage broadcast by the alleged perpetrator on Facebook Live. Both events were, of course, discussed at length by just about every news outlet. And then, on January 7th, Tyre Nichols was pulled over by Memphis police in a traffic stop that ended in the brutal, and ultimately fatal, beating of the 29-year-old father, photographer, skateboarder, and FedEx worker. By late January, the horrific attack was front-page, above-the-fold news in just about every national outlet; on NPR, it was the lead story in each news block. Memphis was, yet again, in the spotlight.

Some might say that at such a fraught and painful moment, the way others perceive our community should be the least of our worries; our self-defi nition ought to matter far more. Trouble is, there’s no easy separation between the way Memphians see Memphis and the way outsiders present Memphis. We’re all, both individually and collectively, more porous than we might like to admit; we all allow others’ opinions to infiltrate our own understandings. In many ways, that’s a good and healthy thing.

I worried, though, in late January, that my city would be too susceptible to others’ expectations. In the days and hours leading up to the release of the bodycam footage from Tyre Nichols’ arrest, speculation mounted in the national news that Memphis was on the verge of imploding, exploding, or both. e arrest footage was released on a Friday evening — in hopes, one supposes, that the city would be distracted by the start of the weekend — and people seemed to be holding their breath, waiting to see what would happen. We all knew by then that the video would be ghastly. Whether the protests (and, critically, the police presence at the protests) would turn violent was anybody’s guess, though Nichols’ shattered mother enjoined everyone to remain peaceful,

saying that’s what her son would have wanted.

In the end, the protests did remain peaceful. Activists temporarily blocked traffic on the I-55 bridge, and I read reports that several drivers — their cars stopped anyway — had stepped out and joined them. I’ve attended protests that turn volatile when law enforcement encroaches on activists, trying to contain or disperse them. I was not on the bridge that evening, but it appeared that the protesters were able to communicate their message unimpeded.

Certainly, it made a tremendous difference that the officers who were involved in Nichols’ death were swiftly fired and then charged with second-degree murder, among other felonies. But I don’t think that’s the only reason that, despite so many people’s expectations, no further violence erupted. (I caught myself wondering whether anyone on the national stage was disappointed. Mayhem makes for easier television than complex historical and structural narratives.)

Maybe it’s Memphians’ familiarity with awful events that prepared us to handle this latest horror. at’s not something to celebrate, but it does feel authentic. In a February 3rd New York Times article whose observations rang true, Richard Fausset explored Memphis as a city coursing with trauma. People who have survived more than their fair share of loss and difficulty are often described as ‘resilient,’ and communities work the same way. Memphis was shaken this January, but we’re resilient, for what it’s worth. And we weren’t truly surprised. We’ve seen awful times before, and will again; we know their contours and timelines.

Memphis does not summarize well. at’s part of our charm, I think.

Tyre Nichols loved photographing sunsets. One of the gatherings after his death was held at Shelby Farms, at sunset. On social media, people have been sharing photos of the sunset hashtagged with his name. Just when you think we’re going to erupt, we gather to be awed by the grandeur of a sunset. at’s the best summary I know. — Anna

Traverse Fogle

LAWHEAD

NICHOLS THOMAS MURPHREE

DIANE BENSON MALKIN HUGH MALLORY

BARBY PERLBERG SHELDON ROSENGARTEN

JIMMY REED OWNER DAVID TESTER OWNER MINDY OKEON WAGERMAN JOHN WEST WARD WALTHAL

JENNY VERGOS ANGIE STREET

MELONIE SAIN SIMPSON

JIM SIMPSON ALTA SIMPSON MARCY MATHIS SEIDEL MYRA SHEDDAN

ROBIN FAUSER

LAURENCE KENNER GLOBAL RELOCATION DIRECTOR

LITA HURSTON-REED

RIP HANEY

HOLLY JAMES

ANDREA LOPEZ HAYES

KELLY ERB

ASHLEY BONDS MELODY BOURELL MELANIE BLAKENEY

CATHLEEN BLACK KATIE NICHOLS COOK JEFF BLAKENEY

MARY GRAYSON FAUSER

TRACY LOMBARDO

WILL ADAMS

Nagasaki Inn

Harold Do and hibachi are the main attractions at this longtime Japanese restaurant.

BY MICHAEL DONAHUE

below left: Michael Donahue, along with his great-niece Annie Kerley and great-nephew Bennett Michael Kerley, enjoy hibachi dinners at one of their favorite family eating

spots, Nagasaki Inn. below right (l to r): Tony Do, Eggroll Smith, Harold Do, Kim Do, and Charlie Do. inset: Harold Do prepares mushrooms with flare and flames.

If you’ve been going to Nagasaki Inn for some time, you know to ask Harold Do to cook your hibachi meal at your table.“About 90 percent of my customers know me,” says Do, adding, “All the kids love to come see me.”

ey enjoy watching Do toss noodles in the air with his spatula, a trick he calls “Japanese fireworks.” ey get a kick out of watching him create a “Japanese bunny rabbit” out of a single shrimp.But his biggest attraction is when he pours what he calls “Japanese gasoline” (it’s actually cooking wine) over the mushrooms and flames shoot up from the hot table.

Diners applaud both during the meal and when his “show” is over. “I love all my customers.

ey call me ‘Uncle Mike’,’’ Do says. “ ey say, ‘Oh, he does magic.’”

Many of those children become life-long customers. “ ey grow up. ey marry. ey have kids. ey still see me.” Do remembers his customers’ names and what they typically order.

Do and his brother, Hung “Eggroll” Smith are co-owners of Nagasaki Inn. Smith greets the customers and shows them to their table. Do wears the chef’s hat and cooks.

Born in Vietnam, Do and

other family members left their country in early 1980. While living temporarily in ailand, they got a sponsor, which enabled them to move to Memphis. He remembers they arrived here on anksgiving weekend 1980. “It was very, very cold,” he says. “When we came here, we had nothing. Only one coat. We don’t have money.”

Fishermen in ailand stole all their belongings, Do says. So, he and Smith went to work painting houses and doing yard work.In 1981, they went to work at Nagasaki. One of the previous owners “wanted someone to help clean up the restaurant before they opened. ey hired me and another brother.”

e restaurant originally opened in 1980. Do and his brother bought it in 1999. Do

learned Japanese cooking by watching one of the Nagasaki cooks. “He taught me how to cook,” he says, but it only took him one week to learn. He now works seven days a week, serving “each night, about 30 to 40

customers.”

People usually think of hibachi when they think of the Nagasaki Inn, but the restaurant offers more than that. Customers don’t have to order a complete meal. “You can order chicken, fried rice, steak. We have sushi, soup, salad. You can sit

at the bar.”

e Nagasaki Inn newspaper coupons bearing the photo of Do are legendary. ey began using them in 1984, but stopped about a year after Covid hit. Grocery prices got too high, Do says, and he couldn’t afford to offer the discounts, but hopes to resume the coupons soon.

Asked what he does to relax after working his usual 10-hour days, Do says, “I don’t have time to relax. When I get home it’s 2 in the morning. I just go to bed. Daytime, I’m working.”

He buys the groceries for Nagasaki Inn himself. “I want everything fresh.”

Do, who looks trim at age 64, says, “I exercise in the morning. I run every day. I get up when my wife, Kim, goes to work. I run maybe a mile and come home.On Sunday morning I play soccer with my son, Charlie, and kick the ball around. He plays with a team. He turns 21 next month.”

Vacations are unheard of for Do. “I never have vacation.”

Even so, he’d like to take a trip to Vietnam with his wife. “I want to see my wife’s family,” he says. “I’ve never seen all her brothers and sisters in my life because they live so far away. I never get a chance to go anywhere more than two days.”

Do has no interest in opening a second location of Nagasaki Inn. “ e customers don’t want to come to another restaurant if they don’t have me over there,” he says. “Everybody wants to see me. Sometimes they come looking for me: ‘Is Harold working today?’

“Even if I don’t cook for them, I come over and say, ‘Hi.’”

Nagasaki Inn is at 3951 Summer Avenue.

PHOTOGRAPHS BY MICHAEL DONAHUE;

Memphis is our home … Tennessee is our campus.

UTHSC has more than 3,100 students and more than 380 researchers working on the cures of tomorrow. Our faculty staff major hospitals across the state. Every day, it is our mission to improve the health of all who call Tennessee home.

uthsc.edu

Midtown Roots

Robert C. Smith’s connections with Huey’s go back decades.

BY BRUCE VANWYNGARDEN

It’s mid-afternoon on a Monday at Huey’s Midtown and the place still has a bit of a crowd, possibly lingering from lunch, possibly just here for an afternoon cocktail. I’m in the latter group, waiting to meet legendary bartender Robert C. Smith, who has some stories of his own, I’ve been told.

He emerges from the kitchen area. I recognize him because we exchanged Facebook messages to set up this interview. He’s got a tousled head of gray hair, wears a pair of distinctive round glasses, and has an easy smile. We find a seat in a quiet corner.

“So, you’ve been working here a while,” I say.

“I started here a couple days after 9/11,” he says. “ at’s how I remember it. But my association with Huey’s began long before that, because I became friends back in the 1970s with omas Boggs, the guy who made Huey’s what it is today.”

Boggs, who died in 2008, was a true force in the Memphis restaurant business. After beginning at Huey’s as a waiter, he eventually bought into the popular eatery, expanded it into a local chain, and later groomed his daughters to run the business. Boggs — who gained a bit of rock-star fame in the 1960s as a drummer for Alex Chilton’s Box Tops — was also known for his generous spirit.

occasions, I saw a bartender fire a gun into it, just to get people’s attention.”

In the late 1980s, after his daughter was born, Smith moved to Nashville and earned a teaching degree in science and math.

“I lasted one year. I learned teaching wasn’t for me,” he says. “ en I got a job at the Bluebird Cafe, where I got to know a lot of great singer-songwriters and performers. It was a real eye-opening experience. Looking back, this kind of job has afforded me so many opportunities and adventures, and has introduced me to so many great people. I think everyone should do this work at some point.”

Nowadays, Smith is a part-timer. “I work three half-days — Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday. Lunchtime, basically. ey’ve been very good to me here. I can work and I have the opportunity to take off and go anywhere when I want to.”

“Your shift is over, so you could take off now,” I point out. “But you’re supposed to make me a drink.”

“I’m aware,” he says. “I’m going to make you a Maker’s Mark Old Fashioned — solid and simple.”

A1970s rock ballad hangs in the air. It sounds like it might be Journey, maybe a deep album cut, but I can’t be sure. Nobody’s really listening to it. ree men are sitting at the bar discussing who was a better guitarist, Stevie Ray Vaughan or B.B. King. ey are serious about this, not to be deterred, even by their waitress, who approaches with three large baskets filled with wings that look like they could be life-altering. Within a few seconds, food wins over art, and the men settle into their chicken, leaving B.B. and Stevie Ray to await a verdict.

“ omas and I both worked for corporate Friday’s,” says Smith. “And Friday’s, in those days, was something else — nothing like the restaurants they are today. Every ursday at midnight was ‘New Year’s Eve,’ with party favors, whistles, you name it. ings were pretty crazy back then. is place — Huey’s — also used to be a hell of a late-night watering hole before omas came in and turned it into a real restaurant.”

“So things used to get pretty lively in here?”

“Yeah, I remember most nights about 3 a.m. the bartenders would start trying to run people out, but it wasn’t easy,” Smith says. “ ey used to have a cow’s head mounted on the wall over there, and on several

e classic Old Fashioned is made by muddling sugar with bitters and water, adding whiskey, and garnishing with an orange slice or zest, and maybe a cocktail cherry. Smith follows that recipe to a T. e drink tastes just like it should, and lubricates our ensuing conversation — about Memphis music, Memphis bars, and what turn out to be many mutual friends in common.

As I finally rise to leave, Smith mentions that he’s just finished reading an autobiography by his friend Bill Sanderson, a Memphis actor known for his roles in Deadwood, Blade Runner, and perhaps best-known for playing Larry, who has two brothers named Darryl, in the Newhart show from the 1980s.

“I love the title of his book,” says Smith. “Maybe because I can relate. It’s called, Yes, I’m at Guy.”

Huey’s has 10 locations in the Memphis area. Smith works at the Midtown branch, 1927 Madison.

Robert C. Smith serves a classic Maker’s Mark Old Fashioned.

CITY SCENE Burnin’ Love

An old relic finds a new home at the Fire Museum of Memphis.

BY MARILYN SADLER

As a child, no more than 3 years old, Larry Newsom Jr. had a passion for fire trucks. He recalls going with his father to the vehicle inspection center and seeing a nearby fire station with its brilliant red fire engines parked inside. From that day forward, he was smitten, peering eagerly each time he passed a fire station. Over the years, he has collected and restored vintage machines, most recently Engine 15, a 1954 model that was the frontline pumper at the fire station on Faxon Avenue at Decatur Street from 1954 to 1976.

During that time the pumper truck responded to the April 1960 fire at Midtown’s Russwood Park — “the most intense and potentially catastrophic fire Memphis had seen to date,” says Newsom. (Russwood, a wooden stadium, was home to the local baseball team the Memphis Chicks and served as a setting for many other historic events, including a 1956 Elvis concert.)

e truck “cut its teeth on that conflagration,” says Newsom, today an executive with Somner Express flatbed trucking company. “ e echoes of long-dead heroes can be heard in the radio traffic transmissions from the men that arrived on the scene. … My hair still stands on end when I listen to those.” ( e recordings can be heard at the Fire Museum.)

e truck also served after Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s assassination in 1968, Elvis’ death in 1977, the police and fire strikes in 1978, and numerous other events, until 1990, when it was retired — and met a fate Newsom couldn’t bear to see: sold to various scrap dealers, burned by vagrants, vandalized by kids. In 1998, after hundreds of phone calls and many miles traveled, Newsom found an owner willing to sell it, for $700. “I was finally able to give it the

respect and restoration I felt it deserved,” he says.

e latter was a process that started in 1999. Newsom found a scrap metal dealer who was going out of business with several Memphis fire trucks still in his scrapyard. Searching through “an untold number of wrecks and rubble,” he discovered the “unmistakable shape” of two 1950s Memphis sedan cab pumpers. Says Newsom, “ e Holy Grail for me had finally been found.”

But restoring his beloved pumper involved considerable effort, from custom-cutting stainless steel, to disassembling and replating chrome, to replacing various wood parts with persimmon or white oak wood. And with the painting — Vermillion Red and Veranda Green — and gold leafing, “we left nothing to chance,” he adds, with a local paint dealer doing the work. e cab-mounted light and siren were sent to a company in Arizona for restoration.

Today, Engine 15 — built by now-closed Peter Pirsch and Sons, a Wisconsin plant that was a highly respected name in the fire engine business — stands on display at the Fire Museum of Memphis, located Downtown at 118 Adams, in

one of this city’s original firehouses. Kimberly Crafton, the museum’s executive director, recalls Newsom coming by the museum one day and telling her about the pumper he restored. “He broke out pictures like a proud papa,” she says. And now it has a place of honor at the museum as a piece of Memphis fire history because “it no doubt helped firefighters save countless lives over its years of service,” Crafton explains.

She adds that kids love anything big and shiny. “ e pumper fits right in. We get lots of oohs and aahs, and questions about where the pumper served, why it has such a big cab. And I guess the really cool thing is the sedan cab that you don’t see very often in a restored apparatus,” says Crafton. “It just looks like something out of an old Hollywood movie.”

Happy that the truck is on display at the Fire Museum, Newsom says, “I couldn’t be the only one to enjoy this behemoth dominating my garage.” In an email, his affection and pride for the pumper — and its place in a former fire station — shines through: “At home again, peering through the antique window glass of the firehouse doors, looking contentedly at the streets of the city she served with dedication and pride, the old rig rests firmly, solidly in the fabric of the world she loved.”

right: Larry Newsom at the Fire Museum with Engine 15, which he spent years restoring. Today it looks as if it just left the factory.

Marilyn Sadler is a former senior editor of this magazine.

2023 FACES OF THE MID-SOUTH

You’ll find on the pages listed here the talented individuals behind many of Memphis’ favorite brands. This year’s Faces of the Mid-South include doctors and lawyers, rug sellers and pizzaioli, independent schools and centers for independent living. These impressive people and organizations contribute to making Memphis great.

1776 Men's Grooming Parlor — 88

Artisan Nail Lounge & Envy Nail Bar — 104

B.B. King's Blues Club — 70

Babcock Gifts — 129

The Bailey Law Firm — 68

Baltz & Sons Concrete — 25

Baptist Medical Group GI Specialists Foundation — 76

Blair Parker Design — 82

Bob Richards Jewelers — 71

Boyle Investment Company — 42

Broadway Pizza House — 113

BrownDog Lodge — 66

Choates — 78

Christian Brothers University 67

Clay & Land Insurance, Inc. — 80

Consolidated Medical Practices of Memphis, PLLC — 125

Corky’s Ribs & BBQ — 28

The Crone Law Firm — 69

De La Belle Wellness & Spa — 128

Eric Goode Pools — 46

European Wax — 127

Evangelical Christian School — 38

Fertility Associates of Memphis — 118

Fleet Feet — 122

Fogelman Properties — 24

Forest Hill Dental — 21

Gant Systems — 79

Glankler Brown PLLC — 84

Glo Medical Aesthetics — 86

Harding Academy — 39

Holloway Furs — 73

Honest Monument Company — 90

Hotel & Restaurant Supply — 120

Independent Bank — 43

Kirby Wines & Liquors — 130

Lafayette's Music Room — 85

Lakeside Behavioral Health System — 32

The Langsdon Clinic — 29

The Law Office of Stephen Leffler — 45

LRK — 26

Mays & Schnapp Neurospine and Pain — 110

Memphis Center for Family & Cosmetic Dentistry — 30

Memphis Dermatology Clinic, P.A. — 64

Memphis Orthodontic Specialists — 108

Memphis University School — 33

Mid South Night Lights, LLC — 83

Mid-South OB-GYN — 106

Minesh Pathak, MD — 105

OrthoSouth — 109

Paradox Catering & Consulting — 37

Peel Law Firm — 36

People’s Custom Rx — 44

Podiatry Institute of the South — 115

Pradeep Adatrow, DDS, MSD — 47

Premier Flowers — 72

The Rices — 65

Rip Haney, Marx-Bensdorf Realtors — 119

RKA Construction — 41

Robinson Tree Service — 116

Sage + Honey Hair Co. — 77

Semmes Murphey Clinic — 34, 87, 89, 112, 123, and 124

SkinBody — 31

Smith's Plumbing Services — 114

Southland Casino Racing — 74

St. Mary’s Episcopal School — 20

Tactical Magic — 35

Taghavi Oriental Rugs — 107

Tara Felice Interiors — 81

United Way of the Mid-South — 111

Van Atkins Jewelers — 23

Vascular and Vein Institute of the South — 126

The Village at Germantown — 121

Walnut Grove Animal Clinic — 22

Wilson Public Relations — 117

Woodland Presbyterian School — 40

2023 FACES OF THE MID-SOUTH

Come join the tradition. Call to schedule a visit.

THE FACE OF AESTHETIC DENTISTRY

FOREST HILL DENTAL >>> Ryan Vick, DDS

Dr. Vick excels at creating beautiful smiles. World Class Cosmetic and Comprehensive Dentistry is what you can expect when visiting Forest Hill Dental.

Dr. Vick is passionate about his patients’ smiles and helping them to achieve and maintain optimal oral health. A beautiful smile can completely improve one’s self image and confidence, and is

2023 FACES OF THE MID-SOUTH

a pillar of having great overall health. He believes that this starts with spending the time to create a trusting, lasting relationship with his patients.

Dr. Vick specializes in Aesthetic Dentistry, and is known to be the “Best of the Best” in the Mid-South when it comes to Smile Makeovers, Porcelain Veneers, Cosmetic Dentistry, and maintaining beautiful, healthy smiles.

|

With every patient and client, we are guided by our core values: Integrity, Excellence, and Compassion. Our professional staff is highly trained and well educated. All employees participate in regular training and

development programs. Walnut Grove Animal Clinic is a full-service, state-ofthe-art, small animal hospital located in the center of Memphis at the corner of Walnut Grove Road and Tillman. New clients are always welcome.

THE

FACE

OF

ANTIQUE & ESTATE JEWELRY

VAN ATKINS JEWELERS >>>

Left to right: Ray Cooper, Sam Cooper, Chuck Cooper, Van Cooper, and Jack Cooper

What began as a family-owned group of department stores is now known for all things jewelry! Van Atkins Jewelers, the South's leader in Estate Jewelry and diamond solitaires, was opened by Chuck Cooper in 1990. Today, three of his sons are leading the way. Chuck, Van, Sam, and Ray have all graduated from the Gemological Institute of America in California. The original store is in historic downtown New Albany, Mississippi,

where most days you will find Chuck and Sam. Chuck's eldest son, Van, is at the helm in the Oxford location on the square, along with Ray, who is responsible for all hand-engraving and customer assistance. The youngest son, Jack, a recent graduate from MTSU in aviation, can be found here when he is not flying. Thank you, Mid-South, for featuring us, and we look forward to seeing you. You Know She's Worth It.

THE FACE OF

APARTMENT INVESTMENT AND MANAGEMENT

FOGELMAN PROPERTIES >>>

The Fogelman Difference. Built on 60 years of experience, innovation, and results, we are proud to be one of the nation’s leading multifamily investment and management firms. Our fully integrated approach brings asset, construction, and property management together under one roof, allowing us to maximize the investments of our clients and partners in all parts of the industry cycle. Local Properties:

• 99 FRONT 99 South Front Street, Memphis, TN 38103 | 99frontmemphis.com

• ADDISON AT COLLIERVILLE 400 Orchard Cir. W., Collierville, TN 38017 | addisoncollierville.com

• APPLING LAKES 1392 Equestrian Drive, Cordova, TN 38016 | applinglakesapts.com

• ARBORS HARBOR TOWN 671 Harbor Town Edge Dr., Memphis, TN 38103 | arborsharbortown.com

• BRISTOL ON UNION 205 Pasadena Pl., Memphis, TN 38104 | thebristolonunion.com

• CHEROKEE CABANA 3204 Sharpe Ave., Memphis, TN 38111 | cherokeecabana.com

• CONWOOD FLATS 711 N. Front Street, Memphis, TN 38107 | conwoodflats.com

• THE EDGE OF GERMANTOWN 1730 Hunters Trace Dr., Memphis, TN 38120 | theedgeofgermantown.com

• LEGACY FARM 1130 Legacy Farm Ct., Collierville, TN 38017 | legacy-farm.com

• LINCOLN AT WOLFCHASE 2460 Vintage Drive, Cordova, TN 38016 | lincolnatwolfchase.com

• MADISON SHELBY FARMS 330 N. Humphreys Blvd., Memphis, TN 38120 | madisonshelbyfarms.com

• THE RETREAT AT GERMANTOWN 7865 Grove Ct. W., Germantown, TN 38138 | theretreatatgermantown.com

• THE SUMMIT 4981 Hidden Lake Dr., Memphis, TN 38128 | thesummitmemphis.com

• THE TENNESSEE BREWERY 495 Tennessee St., Memphis, TN 38103 | atthebrewery.com

• THORNWOOD 7794 Kings College Ave., Germantown, TN 38138 | theresidencesatthronwood.com Fogelman.com

THE FACE OF BACKYARD

LIVING

BALTZ & SONS CONCRETE >>>

Kevin Baltz, President and Owner

Kevin Baltz went to work for his grandfather’s business at the age of 11, working summers through grade school, high school, and college. He partnered with his father in 1994 and ultimately took over the business only a few years later. Initially started as a utilitarian concrete operation, under Kevin’s helm the business has evolved into an award-winning custom-design and build company, specializing in all aspects of backyard living. This multi-faceted family business offers all types of concrete hardscapes and

masonry: patios, driveways, pool decks, walls, fireplaces, outdoor kitchens, and bars. Their team also offers custom-built structures including pergolas, arbors, and screened enclosures. And they have garnered a well-earned reputation for their transformative pool renovations and re-construction. Serving the Memphis area for over 75 years, Baltz & Sons Concrete remains a pioneer in their field, built on the threegeneration foundation of integrity, quality, vision, and experience.

901.465.4337 | BaltzConcrete.com

THE FACE OF ARCHITECTURE

LRK >>>

LRK’s successful integration of planning, research, architecture, interior design, and sustainability evolved naturally from the collaborative spirit of our founding partners and their unwavering commitment to the art of listening. As LRK begins our 40th year in Memphis, we continue to build upon those core beliefs. We know that openness and trust are essential. That willingness to question, explore, and grow fuels the ability to create transformative, enduring places — places of purpose. That architectural excellence enhances quality of life. That success is not built by a portfolio, but by people. Since 1983, Collaboration Created.

2023 FACES OF THE MID-SOUTH

THE FACE OF BAR-B-Q

CORKY'S RIBS & BBQ > > >

Jimmy Stovall, Owner and CEO

I started my barbecue career from the drive-thru window at the original Corky’s location on Poplar over 28 years ago. Now, as the owner and chief executive officer, I oversee all divisions of Corky’s and am lucky enough to be our spokesperson on QVC 50+ days a year!

We are very proud to be a Memphis family business and believe we have the best customers in the world. Our people are the secret sauce. We are truly grateful for all of our incredible

employees; many of them have been with us since 1984. We continue to slowsmoke all of our award-winning barbecue over hickory wood and charcoal in each of our restaurants. We have 4 legendary Memphis-area locations, 2 franchises in Little Rock, 1 in Brentwood, 1 in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee. You can find Corky’s iconic brand in more than 5,000 grocery stores across the US, and we ship more than 250,000 orders of barbecue to all 50 states every year.

CorkysBBQ.com

THE FACE OF BEAUTIFUL FACE AND BEAUTIFUL BODY

THE LANGSDON CLINIC >>>

Phillip R. Langsdon, MD, Roberto Lachica, MD, and Carol H. Langsdon, RNP

Celebrating 30 years in practice, Dr. Phillip Langsdon, facial plastic surgeon, has been treating one face at a time, helping people feel good about themselves by reversing the signs of aging and/or improving the structure of the nose, ears, cheeks, chin, or lips. While Dr. Langsdon’s practice is limited to the face, Dr. Roberto Lachica is a plastic surgeon who provides head-totoe cosmetic surgery, but also specializes in breast and body procedures to improve changes brought on by aging, pregnancy and weight loss. For non-surgical aesthetic treatments, Carol Langsdon, RNP, provides expertise in Botox®, dermal fillers, skin resurfacing and customized medical-grade skin care. Dr. Langsdon served as the President of the American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (AAFPRS) in 2019. Dr. Lachica is certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery and is an active member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. To view before-and-after photos, visit drlangsdon.com . 7499 Poplar Pike, Germantown, TN 38138 | 901.755.6465 | DrLangsdon.com

2023 FACES OF THE MID-SOUTH

THE FACE OF BEAUTIFUL SMILES

MEMPHIS CENTER FOR FAMILY & COSMETIC DENTISTRY >>>

Miles C. Moore, DDS

Creating beautiful smiles is just another day in the office for Miles C. Moore, dentist at Memphis Center for Family & Cosmetic Dentistry. With a friendly staff, a soothing atmosphere, and the latest technology, Dr. Moore’s practice offers all dental services, but specializes in cosmetic

dentistry. Whether you seek a complete smile makeover, “invisible” braces, or teeth whitening, cosmetic dentistry can transform your smile in several ways. Dental veneers from Dr. Moore improve the form and function of your teeth, leaving results that you have to see to believe.

725 W. Brookhaven Circle, Memphis, TN 38117 901.761.2210 | BeautifulSmiles.org

sculpting,

As

2023 FACES OF THE MID-SOUTH

THE FACE OF BEHAVIORAL HEALTH

LAKESIDE BEHAVIORAL HEALTH SYSTEM >>>

Front row, left to right: Joy Golden, Chief Executive Officer, Lenora Coleman, Cresthaven IOP Clinical Program Director, Tamara Reed, Child/Adolescent Clinical Program Director, Holly Mims, Director of Clinical Services, Teresa Scott, Director of Risk Management, Kristie Greer-Ellis, Director of Admissions, Heather Tuck, Chief Financial Officer, and Charles Winton, The Oaks IOP Clinical Program Director

Back row, left to right: Rita Dailey, Regulatory Compliance Director, Angela Quadrani, Director of Business Development, Joyce Jeffries, Chief Nursing Officer, Heather Voisard, Director of Human Resources, Tiffanni Richardson, UM Director, Chris Scarbrough, Controller, Kevin Parker, Director of Environment of Care, Dr. Mahmood Ali, MD, Chief of Medical Services, Jacob Arnett, Director of Information Systems, and Dr. Daniel Boyd, MD, Medical Director

For more than 50 years, Lakeside has had one mission: to provide specialized behavioral healthcare and substance use disorder treatment in a welcoming environment for people in search of healing. Our 37-acre campus near Memphis was designed to make recovery an accessible, effective reality for everyone — from children to seniors who

struggle with mental health challenges, substance use disorders, or co-occurring diagnoses. In addition to providing targeted treatment for our patients, Lakeside is committed to helping our community better understand and recognize the complexities associated with behavioral health and substance use disorders.

Physicians

are on the medical staff of Lakeside Behavioral Health System, but, with limited exceptions, are independent practitioners who are not employees or agents of Lakeside Behavioral Health System. The facility shall not be liable for actions or treatments provided by physicians. For language assistance, disability accommodations and the nondiscrimination notice, visit our website.

THE FACE OF BOYS EDUCATION

MEMPHIS UNIVERSITY SCHOOL >>>

Memphis University School’s outstanding liberal arts curriculum prepares boys in grades 7-12 to excel in college, career, and life. The key to their, and our, success is a brilliant faculty, teachers and coaches with the experience and heart to bring out the best in boys. Walk

down our halls and you hear them — questioning, discussing, interacting, laughing. Watch after school as their extracurricular activities — including 14 sports, theater productions, and academic competitions — extend the classroom while building character, perseverance, and collaboration.

OF THE MID-SOUTH

2023

FACES

OF THE MID-SOUTH

THE FACE OF BRAIN

For over 100 years, Semmes Murphey Clinic has been Memphis' trusted resource for all aspects of neurological care, including brain surgery. All Memphis area hospitals trust Semmes Murphey for their patients' brain surgery needs. Whether at your local hospital or Semmes Murphey Clinic, this team of

neurosurgeons is dedicated to providing safe and effective treatments concerning brain tumors, trauma, malformations, and more. They also look to future possibilities by training tomorrow's neurosurgeons at UTHSC and conducting research and clinical trials with the Semmes Murphey Foundation.

Front row, left to right: Dr. Jason Weaver, Dr. Andy Boucher, Dr. Jeffrey Sorenson, and Dr. Madison Michael

Back row, left to right: Dr. Kenan Arnautovic, Dr. Chris Nickele, Dr. Adam Arthur, and Dr. Nick Khan

THE FACE OF BRANDING

TACTICAL MAGIC >>>

Trace Hallowell has been an influential force in Memphis advertising for more than 30 years. Both strategist and creative leader, he is best known for developing high impact brand identities and marketing campaigns. Having earned top national and international creative awards, his work is also featured in books, magazines, and college textbooks as examples of branding excellence.

Trace founded Tactical Magic in 2001. The firm’s diverse clientele includes Booga Music, CGHP, Eventive, HFS Research, IMC Logistics, Malasri Engineering, PuppyUp Foundation, Sound Credit, Soundways, and Trousseau.

1460 Madison Avenue Memphis, TN 38104

901.722.3001

TacticalMagic.com

2023 FACES OF THE MID-SOUTH

THE

FACE OF

CATASTROPHIC INJURY & WRONGFUL DEATH LAW

PEEL LAW FIRM >>>

David B. Peel, Injury Attorney

SMALL-TOWN RELATIONSHIPS, BIG-TIME RESULTS

Deeply involved in the communities he has served for almost 30 years, David Peel is expanding to a second location by renovating a century-old home in the Historic Arlington Depot Square. CrashtheLawDog™ his faithful office-therapy-dog is always at his side. Peel has been rated "AV+ Preeminent" (the highest lawyer rating possible) for years, and is a MultiMillion Dollar Advocates Life Member (reserved for those with single-case results of over $2 million). He has been voted “Best of the Best Attorney” in local Readers' Choice Awards for many years and named a Mid-South Super Lawyer for over a decade. When not advocating for the injured, or helping

local communities, Peel is also active in international missions,Christian Legal Society, and serves on the Board of Love Worth Finding Ministries.

Peel is an historian and his photography from every continent adorn his office. He is a frequent presenter, speaker and has authored two books and hundreds of published articles. Husband to Trish, they have three children and one precious grandson. His weekends sometimes involve fundraisers or events featuring one of his movie cars, like the cast-signed DeLorean Time Machine featured by MemphisTimeMachines.com.

Peel credits his many SMALL-TOWN RELATIONSHIPS, and BIG-TIME RESULTS to his longtime staff and wonderful clients.

THE FACE OF CATERING

PARADOX CATERING & CONSULTING >>> Chef Jimmy Gentry

Jimmy Gentry of Paradox Catering was formally trained at Johnson and Wales College of Culinary Arts. Before starting his own business with partner Alia Hogan, he led kitchens across the Mid-South to win multiple awards. Almost 14 years ago, Paradox Catering was created with the vision to redefine what people expected not only from the food itself, but from the presentation and service as well.

901.619.1196

2023 FACES OF THE MID-SOUTH

Paradox's team and Chef Gentry work closely with clients to define their personal style, which we then translate into every aspect of an event so we can provide that one-of-a-kind experience they always envisioned. "We have been truly fortunate to be embraced by the Mid-South," says Chef Gentry, "and have in turn seen tremendous success with our creative and innovative approach to catering."

2023 FACES OF THE MID-SOUTH

THE FACE OF CHRISTIAN DISCIPLESHIP EDUCATION

EVANGELICAL CHRISTIAN SCHOOL >>>

ECS is excited to open a new Upper Elementary School for 4th-6th grade students at the Shelby Farms campus in 2023-2024, which will accommodate a growing number of families desiring a Christian discipleship education.

ECS is committed to partnering with parents to build students for life. Our academic approach fosters critical thinking, group collaboration,

and experiential learning, engaging students to become owners in their learning so they are well prepared for college. We also understand that education is more than just college preparation; it is about being well equipped for life. That is why all ECS students are known, loved and discipled to become Christ-following influential leaders in their homes, churches, careers and communities.

LOWER SCHOOL CAMPUS (Age 2-3rd grade in 2023-2024): 1920 Forest Hill-Irene Road, Germantown, TN 38139

SHELBY FARMS CAMPUS (4th-12th grades in 2023-2024): 7600 Macon Road, Cordova, TN 38018 901.754.7217 | ecseagles.com

THE FACE OF CHRISTIAN EDUCATION

HARDING ACADEMY >>>

At Harding Academy, students are taught to recognize how their learning connects them to God's story. When they make this connection, it becomes about more than acing a test. It's about discovering their part in the story. In engineering, they explore the nature of God by discovering and creating order. In history, they are challenged to be justice seekers like Ida B. Wells. In jazz band, they connect

2023 FACES OF THE MID-SOUTH

to God’s creative spirit. It is these kind of connections that allow Harding students to move past information to transformation.

Harding’s east Memphis campus for grades K–12 provides a one-stop school in the heart of the city. For families with younger children, they offer Little Harding, a preschool serving ages 6 weeks–Jr. K in east Memphis.

HARDING ACADEMY (K–12): 1100 CHERRY ROAD

LITTLE HARDING (6 WEEKS–JR. K): 1106 COLONIAL ROAD

901.767.4494 | HARDINGLIONS.ORG

2023 FACES OF THE MID-SOUTH

THE FACE OF CO-EDUCATION

WOODLAND PRESBYTERIAN SCHOOL >>>

Since 1956, Woodland Presbyterian School has strived to teach the whole child: academically, spiritually (Christ centered), creatively, socially, and emotionally. While academics are the primary focus, students are also prepared to be productive members of society.

A co-educational environment prepares Woodland students to work with, solve problems with, and communicate with people that think

differently, process information differently, and interact differently than themselves. Coeducation encourages collaboration among girls and boys where students are exposed to a “realworld environment”.

Embracing academic excellence, spiritual development, social consciousness, community collaboration, and a positive self-concept is Woodland’s mission for each child.

2023 FACES OF THE MID-SOUTH

THE FACE OF COMMERCIAL

REAL ESTATE

BOYLE INVESTMENT COMPANY >>> WE LEASE MEMPHIS. Not many companies place equal emphasis on business and relationships, but at Boyle that is just what our office leasing, property management, and development team does on a daily basis. As a Memphis-based leasing team, we’re flexible to meet tenants’ needs no matter the firm size or space requirements so that you can focus instead on growing your business.

“The courtesy and consideration of our needs truly goes above and beyond what a typical ‘landlord’ would do.” — Southeast Regional Company, VP and Regional Manager 5900 Poplar Avenue, Suite 100, Memphis, TN 38119 | 901.766.4241 | Boyle.com

Since

Our

2023 FACES OF THE MID-SOUTH

THE FACE OF CRIMINAL DEFENSE

LAW OFFICE OF

STEPHEN R. LEFFLER, P.C. >>> Stephen R. Leffler

If you're facing a serious legal situation, you need an experienced trial attorney. Stephen Leffler leverages 39 years of successful practice devoted to aggressively protecting his clients. Leffler handles a full range of federal and state criminal charges, including white collar crimes. His civil practice has secured multi-million

dollar judgments in cases that involve automobile and premises injuries, wrongful death, and traumatic injuries. Leffler offers experienced, insightful counsel and remains personally involved with the details of the case from start to finish. The firm offers 24hour assistance through investigator and litigation consultant Timothy Norris. 707

|

2023 FACES OF THE MID-SOUTH

THE FACE OF CUSTOM POOLS

ERIC GOODE POOLS >>>

Eric Goode is a lifelong Memphian who brings 40 years of experience working in every facet of the swimming pool industry. Eric has found that what he enjoys most is bringing a client’s vision to life. Through the design, build and installation process, the ultimate swimming pool and surrounding outdoor living space becomes a reality.

EG Pools' architects, designers and craftspeople ensure that the highest-quality design and most innovative features go into their projects. The goal of EG Pools is to create a custom design that meets luxury and functionality for low maintenance, safety and durability. Eric is known for including in-floor circulation and debris-

removal systems in most of his designs. This system makes maintaining a pool easier, more efficient and more aesthetically pleasing than your typical bulky automatic cleaner.

EGP also offers a weekly service program for maintaining your pool year-round. Eric is responsible for some of the most unique pools in the Mid-South including 360 perimeter vanishing edge, geothermal heated pool floor, an all-glass tile pool, and a riverside rooftop pool. Whether it’s a new build or a renovation, EGP specializes consultations based on the needs of the homeowner to create their backyard oasis to enjoy with family and friends.

EricGoodePools.com

THE FACE OF DENTAL IMPLANTS & TMJ TREATMENTS

Board Certified, Periodontist and Implant Surgeon.

Advanced Dental is in the business of building better and brighter smiles with you in mind. Dr. Adatrow was a full-time professor and director at the The University of Tennessee for 14 years before establishing his practice in Southaven, MS. His patients leave his office informed and confident in their treatment options due to his vast expertise in placing more than 10,000 Dental Implants and helping hundreds of patients suffering from TMJ Disorders and gum disease. In addition, his team and office's friendly, familial style welcomes patients back to every appointment with a smile.

ADVANCED DENTAL IMPLANT AND TMJ CENTER

7135 Getwell Road, Suite 100 Southaven, MS 38672

662.655.4868

advanceddentaltmj.com

2023 FACES OF THE MID-SOUTH

PRADEEP ADATROW, DDS, MSD >>>

THE MIND’S EYE

ABOUT THIS SERIES: Memphis has played muse over the years to artists across the spectrum, from the music of Johnny Cash, Elvis Presley, Al Green, and the collective at Stax Records, to the prose of Peter Taylor, Shelby Foote, and John Grisham. Visual artists, too, have been inspired by Memphis, whose look has been described as gritty, dirty, active, eerie, beautiful, and captivating. “The Mind’s Eye” profiles the photographers whose work documents the city. Past stories in the series — featuring Bob Williams, Murray Riss, Saj Crone, Karen Pulfer Focht, Willy Bearden, Jamie Harmon, Brandon Dill, Ziggy Mack, Ernest Withers, Houston Cofield, and Andrea Morales — are showcased in our digital archives (memphismagazine.com).

TOMMY KHA’S MEMPHIS

BY CHRIS M C COY

Tommy Kha is lying on the floor, looking up. I’m late to meet him, but he seems unperturbed. “ ey gave me the rotunda!” Kha exclaims.

e domed lobby of Memphis Brooks Museum of Art was once home to Nam June Paik’s Vide-O-belisk . Where that 20-foot tower of TVs stood, now there is a green blanket with Tommy Kha on it. He’s wearing a black leather motorcycle jacket and dark-blue jeans. A stray lock emerges from his studiously tousled hair, which he occasionally has to brush away from his eyes — like Clark Kent, by way of Elvis. We’ll get to his gaze later. I notice his brown leather boots are unzipped.

“I want people to lay down,” he says.

So I do. e green blanket (“It’s a dye sublimation on a fleece fabric,” Kha says) is textured like the grass of the nearby Overton Park Greensward, where, for 61 years, Memphis College of Art students lounged around between classes, seeking inspiration. Kha achieved his BFA from the now-defunct art school in 2011.

On the ceiling of the rotunda is a giant eye, staring back at me. My “Wow!” echoes, sent back to me by the geometry of the dome. Kha turns and gives me the biggest smile I will see from him during this visit home — the rotunda’s acoustics are one of the reasons he wants you to experience this piece from the floor.

Crosstown residency last year,” Kha says. “ is is kind of like a — I hate that word now — ‘sampling’ of the directions I’ve been heading towards since lockdown and the pandemic, and things I’ve been interested in.”

“He’s not actually physically present in any of the photos that are on view, but I think his presence is still there,” says Daigle, the Brooks’ associate curator of modern and contemporary art, in a later phone interview. “He doesn’t really stick to one format, or to one type of photography. He embraces experimentation. I think he’s always pushing himself, pushing even the medium of photography.

“He’s just a really smart guy and he thinks really deeply,” she continues.

inset: Tommy Kha HeadtownIII, New York, 2017; from Tommy Kha: Half, Full, Quarter (Aperture, 2023).

facing page: Tommy Kha’s photo montage Eye Is Another, installed on the rotunda ceiling of the Memphis Brooks Museum of Art, ©2022.

Upon closer inspection, Eye Is Another is fashioned from hundreds of individual photographs. “I wanted to activate the space as a photo mosaic, forming an eyeball from this accumulation of pictures I took over the years,” Kha says. “It’s modeled after my eye, but I made it blue, like Elvis’ eyes.”

The eye’s whites and blues come from pictures of puff y clouds in the sky that the photographer has been taking since 2014. Until recently, he never really knew what to do with them. “Some of these are from previous residencies I’ve had at Crosstown, or the Civil Arts project at the World Trade Center,” he says.

For someone whose art-world fame comes primarily from his controversial self-portraits, this David Hockneylike montage is unexpected. “Patty Daigle, one of the curators here, and I were talking about it since my

“I know that sometimes doesn’t come off, because he also is so funny and kind of unassuming. He has a great sense of humor, but he also has a really critical mind. You don’t see that right off the bat, but I think if you spend some time with his work, you start to realize that he’s after something deeper.”

Eye Is Another invokes an oculus, the apex hole Roman architects included in their domes, most famously in e Pantheon. “It’s supposed to be the eye of God,” Kha says. “I like that it sort of looks judge-y.”

Several large-scale photos are mounted around the mezzanine level, including one exterior of Lotus, the legendary Vietnamese restaurant on Summer Avenue. “ ese are mostly from the book, but also thinking a lot about the Southern landscape,” he says, referring to Half, Full, Quarter, his first monograph, published this Febru-

above: Tommy Kha’s installation Eye Is Another includes images of the Southern landscape where Kha grew up. On the floor is a green carpet where viewers can lie down to experience the oculus photo montage on the ceiling, as well as an image that evokes memories of a family meal for Kha. facing page: Mine VII 29 Palms (2017) by Tommy Kha, ©2022.

ary by the prestigious photo-centric publisher Aperture. Tommy Kha is having a banner year. His art can currently be seen in group exhibitions at Kingston, New York’s Center of Photography at Woodstock; the Southeast Museum of Photography in Daytona Beach, Florida; and as part of the 20th anniversary exhibition of New Orleans’ Ogden Museum of Southern Art. “The Ogden was the first museum that took me seriously,” Kha says.

In New York City, where Kha has lived for the better part of a decade after earning his MFA, he’s in Queer Love: Affection and Romance in Contemporary Art at The Bronx’s Lehman College Art Gallery and the East Village’s La MaMa Galleria. The week after I found him lying on the floor of the Brooks, he opened his solo show Ghost Bites at the Camera Club of New York with a book launch party for Half, Full, Quarter.

Beside the faux grass on the rotunda floor is another dye sublimation crowded with images of food and Chinese newsprint. This was all done in-camera, says Kha. “I don’t Photoshop — I don’t have time to Photoshop!” he laughs. “I’m just thinking about pictures. This was the first thing I did. I was initially thinking of community and thinking how my family would often gather — and we still do this — we would put down newspapers and put down a hot plate in the middle.”

It’s an image that resonates with Daigle. “Being an

Asian-American woman growing up in the South, it’s this idea that you might be presenting different selves to different people. Depending on who you’re interacting with, there can be multiple senses of self that you present to others — and I don’t think this is a singular experience for Asian Americans.”

Eye Is Another is part of the inaugural Tennessee Triennial for Contemporary Art, a new series which Daigle says is “meant to show the country — and even the world — all of the contemporary art that’s going on in our state.”

“The theme for the Tennessee Triennial is repair,” says Kha. “I was thinking of pulling together these different aspects of my work into something fun for myself. I could do these straightforward photographs of my relationships to the American South in ways that also reflect some experiences for people. This South, the land itself, is so charged with histories of destruction and creation.”

When Me M phis magazine editor-in-chief

Anna Traverse Fogle first proposed Tommy Kha for our annual Mind’s Eye feature, a series showcasing the life and work of our city’s best-known photographers, I volunteered to do the story. Kha and I have been friends since we met in the Memphis film scene, so I texted him the good news.

“Ooooh, well I kinda feel I should bow out as I think there are other folks way more interesting than I am!”

But Fogle was determined that Kha was the right choice, so I ambushed him with a phone call. He’s a genuine star in the art world now, and is being pulled in a thousand directions. He agreed to do the story on the condition that it would not be just about him, but also the Memphis community that made him. “We’ll do something different, I promise,” I told him.

I’m not sure he believed me.

It’s Friday, January 27, 2023. Afternoon light streams through the windows of artist Rahn Marion’s studio inside First Congregational Church. Tommy Kha is here to see Marion’s new work, and I’m tagging along. Arms crossed, Kha stands in front of a group of wood carvings on a paint-splattered shelf. “Do you imagine them side by side, like a wall full of them?”

he asks. “Or on pedestals, like individually?”

Marion points out one intricately carved pylon with a rather sad face. “This one is part of a bigger piece that I had for TONE [the local Black arts and culture nonprofit]. It was right out of quarantine and I had a solo show there. She’s usually wrapped up like the Virgin Mary.”

What begins as a quick jaunt to see the massive backdrops Marion paints for the church’s sanctuary turns into an impromptu tour of First Congo, as it’s affectionately known in Cooper-Young. We make a point of going to the basement. At the bottom of a red staircase is a door with a sign that reads Theatre South.

“Remember when I was the bouncer here?” says Kha.

This hundred-seat theater was once the MeDiA Co-Op, a hub of the raucous Memphis independent film scene of the aughts.

“It was actually the Memphis Digital Art Cooperative,” says filmmaker Morgan Jon Fox, one of the organization’s co-founders. “It was a group of ragtag, mostly at the time activist-oriented DIY filmmakers who got space in the basement of a church to start a co-op. Some of it was born out of what was previously the DeCleyre Cooperative, which kind of paved the way for the concept of co-ops in Memphis.”

Artist and journalist Eileen Townsend remembers the scene. “It went through several incarnations, but at the time, 2002 to 2005, it was a radical anarchist house that had a lot of early 20-something activists living there,” she says. “The name comes from a famous anarchist, [Voltairine] de Cleyre. It was also attracting a fringe of art kids, who later lived there.”

“‘Live’ is a very loose word,” says Kha. “I was couch surfing. That’s a nice phrase to say I was squatting there.”

Anarchist energy collided with emerging technology at the MeDiA Co-Op. They saw the promise in the combination of increasingly powerful desktop computers and affordable digital video cameras. “Our activist-minded, co-op brain, was like, ‘Yeah! This medium is now democratized! We can share this information! Everyone should have

access to it,” says Fox. “There were people who were able to access the tools of filmmaking, when there was no other way in their lives that they could have ever done it. That’s what the digital revolution was all about.”

Kha was one of the diverse group of regulars at the weekly filmmaking workshops. “What I remember so distinctly when he first started coming was that his mom would bring him and sleep in her car during the workshop,” says Fox. “We all wished we had that kind of support — whether she understood at the time what he was after or not.”

At the MeDiA Co-Op, one minute you’d be editing an experimental video, the next you’d be called to act in someone’s feature film. “I got murdered a lot in horror movies,” remembers Kha.

“He was always making photos, from the time we were very young,” says Townsend. “He was an extremely quiet kid. Very shy, but always showing up and making photos about what the Memphis scene was like as a teenager.”

One of Kha’s earliest subjects was musician Valerie June, who played regularly in Cooper-Young. “I think Tommy was 15 when we first met, and I was probably 20,” she says. “We met in the coffee houses in Memphis, like Java Cabana, and we’ve been best friends ever since. My first impression was that he was very, very bright and super smart, like a genius wizard. He was passionate about his art and his craft. I knew he would be famous one day.”

We return to Marion’s studio, where he shows us another painting, this one based on a tarot card. The Tower depicts a lightning bolt striking a castle, as a crown and two figures fall from the burning windows. “Everything’s falling apart, and it’s in chaos,” Marion says. “But it can also mean rebirth and regrowth. Something failed, so something else has to happen.”

Sounds of stomping feet, followed by chanting, come from upstairs. “That’s Decarcerate Memphis,” says Marion. “They’re training for the protest tonight.”

Our conversation turns serious. In a few hours, the videos of Tyre

Nichols’ murder at the hands of Memphis police will be released. Nichols was an aspiring photographer. He was returning to his mother’s home after capturing the sunset, like the shots that make up the dark center of Kha’s Eye Is Another.

As Tommy and I leave First Congo, we run into activist Amber Sherman in the parking lot. The community organizer is in a hurry, trying to have multiple conversations at once. She is followed by a documentary cameraperson. I think about the anti-gay-conversion therapy protests of 2005, which were captured by MeDiA Co-Op cameras for Fox’s documentary This Is What Love In Action Looks Like

That night, Sherman would lead hundreds of people who marched onto the I-55 bridge, risking their lives in search of a better Memphis. Their demands to speak with the mayor went unanswered.

Tommy was always around with his camera, taking shots of what was going on in the films,” says Maritza Dávila.“I met him through my husband [Jon Sparks] and daughter [Jackie] because they were acting in independent films here in Memphis.”

Dávila is a printmaker who taught at Memphis College of Art until it closed in 2020. “Tommy looked older, and you know, now he is always young looking. But he looked so mature back then, when he told me he was planning on going to MCA. I felt, of course you should apply! It was love at first sight. He’s such a gentle person, and such a creative person, so thoughtful and purposeful.”

Kha flourished at MCA. The school’s photography program was designed by Haley Morris-Cafiero, whose book

Wait Watchers documented people’s cruel public reactions to her appearance. The people in these street images didn’t know they were being photographed while they were mocking the photographer, and sometimes Morris-Cafiero would share a knowing look with the camera. This idea of a photograph as a secret message from the artist to the audience would have a profound effect on Kha. Once a more traditional street photographer, he began to carefully stage his images. He dressed in costumes for self-portraits. He made a mask of his own face and inserted it in strange situations. His mother became a frequent subject. He initiated Return to Sender, a series of images depicting men kissing him while he kept an eye open, addressing the camera. Sometimes he looks at the viewer the way people looked at him when he was a young, misfit Asian guy in Memphis.

“It’s personal, and because of his experiences, it reaches many people at different levels,” says Dávila. “He’s a storyteller. He thinks about every element within his photography. He has a poise that he takes when he is part of the subject matter. It’s his attitude, and how the other characters act towards him. The way he looks at you — because he looks at the viewer — is very telling. He’s asking you to think.”

When Kha was nearing the end of his undergraduate work at MCA, he applied to Yale for graduate school. “No one told me to,” he recalls. “I just followed the instructions on the application and prayed.” He was accepted to the Ivy League school. Dávila says Kha is one of MCA’s greatest success stories.

After earning his MFA at Yale, Kha moved to New York City, where he joined the ranks of the restless

“It is the power of art to create this space. It doesn’t have to give speeches, it doesn’t have to get involved in politics, but it is making great change in the world.” — Valerie June

facing page, top left: Rahn Marion in his studio at First Congregational Church in Cooper-Young. facing page, top right: Maritza Davila in her homeprintmaking studio. this page, left: Valerie June. All photographs ©2022 Tommy Kha.

right:

strivers who give the metropolis its manic energy. “He’s been grinding it out in New York for a long time,” says Townsend. “Yale is something that helps you, for sure, but it doesn’t mean that you’re immediately an art star. You move to the city. You don’t have a studio. You’re working very hard on other people’s shoots. It takes a lot of resilience to continue to believe in your work and just keep showing up every day — especially when you see some of your classmates having immediate, stratospheric success. But Tommy is incredibly persistent. He’s always been that way.”

On another recent day, I’m sitting with Kha at a table in the middle of Crazy Noodle. It’s one of his favorite Memphis restaurants.

“Do you want to talk about the airport?” I ask. This is the moment he’s been dreading. “Not really,” Kha says. “I guess, if that’s what people want to hear about …”

Kha grew up close to Graceland, and the cult surrounding Elvis has remained a source of fascination for him — especially the tribute artists, whom he returned to Memphis to photograph every year. “The way he photographed the Elvis impersonators, it’s still portraiture, but it feels like it’s a universe of its own, and it’s so uniquely his,” says Fox. “I think it’s truly beautiful”

In 2020, that tradition was interrupted by the pandemic. Kha says riding out the calamity in his tiny New York apartment was a trying, and paranoia-inducing, experience. “Do I risk my life to get on the subway and go to work?”

Work has always been Kha’s solace. Before the pandemic, he was getting used to rejection from galleries. “One was like, ‘You should either stick with making work about being Asian or being gay, but you can’t be both. We can’t sell that.’ Well, I’m not a salesman. It’s not what I do.”

By early 2022, his work was getting noticed on larger stages. He had landed a coveted residency at the World Trade Center.

Meanwhile, the Memphis Shelby County Airport Authority was completing a $245 million renovation. The new Concourse B was designed to greet visitors with more than 60 pieces of contemporary art by local artists in an exhibit coordinated by the UrbanArt Commission. In Kha’s telling, he was initially reluctant to take part. The images he submitted from the Return to Sender series were rejected. “I assume because of the same-sex kissing,” he says.

Ironically, the image he chose as a “safer” replacement would become the most controversial of his career. Constellations VIII depicts Kha in a blue kitchen — or rather, a cardboard cutout of him, dressed in one of Elvis’ distinctive, late-career jumpsuits, his gaze directed outward, toward the viewer. “I think it’s a beautiful, tender image,” says artist Joel Parsons, an art professor at Rhodes College, where he also directs the Clough-Hanson Gallery. “It’s lovely, it’s vibrant, and there’s a complexity to it. I feel ambivalence in it. I feel different emotions, and that’s what makes it great art. That’s also what makes it difficult to put into a public context, because most people don’t appreciate mixed

Constellations VIII was removed, then returned, to the Memphis International Airport’s Concourse B, after a controversy erupted in 2022. ©2022 Tommy Kha.

“Elvis doesn’t belong just to a group of people. He is an icon to the world.”

— Maritza Dávila

feelings, the way artists do.”

Soon after Concourse B’s January 2022, grand opening, an Elvis fan named Jon Daly posted his picture of Constellations VIII hanging in the airport on Facebook. “The city of Memphis has forgotten Elvis fans,” he wrote. “What a joke.”

Soon, the Airport Authority was being bombarded with angry messages.

“What does this represent?” “What is it advertising?”

“Who is that supposed to be in the jumpsuit?”

Eileen Townsend covered the controversy for the Memphis Flyer in a March 2022 cover story. “Basically, they couldn’t see an Asian guy in an Elvis suit without thinking that it was a joke,” she says. “There’s a lot of baked-in racism in the way we look at images, and that was present in the whole discourse around that image.”

An emergency Zoom call was convened. “The first thing I said to UrbanArt and the airport people was an immediate apology,” Kha recalls. “I’m so sorry that this Facebook rumbling is causing this distraction from the show at the airport. We wanted it to be a space for all the artists that have paved the way and are still living in Memphis. I just felt so guilty that it shifted the whole show, and that’s what was everyone was talking about, when there’s all these other, great, amazing artists.”

The call ended in acrimony, and Airport Authority CEO Scott Brockman made the decision to take down the artwork. Word spread through Kha’s social network, and from there spilled over to national and international news outlets. “I thought I was proud of the way the city had grown,” says Valerie June. “People

from me to Craig Brewer to [journalist] John Hubbell, everyone was on text with each other and calling and talking about it, in the sense of, ‘Oh my god, this is not who we are.’”

“Their official reasons — what they said was — they read it as a parody, or that he was mocking Elvis in some way,” observes Dávila. “But I don’t think those reasons were well thought through. I think they were just racist, frankly, considering we have Elvis impersonators from every single culture. Elvis does not belong just to a group of people. He’s an icon to the world.”

The backlash the Airport Authority received for removing the art was exponentially larger than the outcry which had led to its removal. Brockman reversed course and Constellations VIII returned to the walls three days after it was expelled. Now, the place where it hangs is a popular selfie spot for art-loving travelers.

“I think it shows the power of art to create great change in a world of heaviness and darkness,” says Valerie June. “People think that art is light, like this dream that’s soft and fluffy. But if you look at the dream of Dr. King, it was a beautiful idea, but it wasn’t something you can really hold. It’s something that we’re still fighting for, its completion, the beauty of it. Art is a lot like that. You can’t really hold all that it makes you feel. When people saw that piece, they felt a movement, and they felt some change. Some people were against that movement, that change. It’s the power of art to create this space. It doesn’t have to use words, it doesn’t have to give speeches, it doesn’t have to get involved in politics, but it is making great change in the world.”

left: May (Betwixt), Whitehaven, Memphis, 2015; from Tommy Kha: Half, Full, Quarter (Aperture 2023). ©2022 Tommy Kha.

“This South, the land itself, is charged with histories of destruction and creation.” —

right: Junction (Food Mart), U.S. Route 51, Tennessee, 2021; from Tommy Kha: Half, Full, Quarter (Aperture, 2023). ©2022 Tommy Kha.

right: Splendid Settlement I, Five in One, Memphis, 2021; from Tommy Kha: Half, Full, Quarter (Aperture, 2023). ©2022 Tommy Kha.

Tommy Kha

After the airport affair, Tommy Kha was suddenly everywhere. “I never made that much in sales before last year, or had much luck talking to museums,” he says.

Joel Parsons was the only artist on the board of the UrbanArt Commission during the kerfuffle. “I was disappointed by the reaction, but not shocked, because I know how art gets treated when it goes out into the public realm,” he says. “We came up with this idea of doing an exhibition that might give us a chance to contextualize the work. There’s so much of what happened in that situation which felt like misunderstanding and ignorance. And we felt — I felt — like Tommy was owed a chance for people to really dig into his practice, to really see what it was about outside of the noise and all of the … misguided , I’ll say, conversations around the airport work.”

When Parsons broached the subject, “The first thing [Tommy] said was, ‘Let’s do a group show. Let’s bring other people in this conversation.’ He was very generous, knowing that he’s got the spotlight right now, he’s got a lot of energy coming his way, and he wanted to turn around and spread that to other people, right from the beginning. I think that’s a beautiful indication of the art world that he’s making, and how he thinks about the community around him.”

The Ecstasy of Influence: Mid-South Artists Centering the Margins opened at the Rhodes College Clough-Hanson Gallery on January 20th and runs through March 10th. It includes Kha’s kissing portrait that was originally

rejected from the airport show, print work from Kha’s early mentor, Maritza Dávila, photographer D’Angelo Lovell Williams, and multimedia artists Ahmad George and Richard Lou.

“We knew that there were connections between them, but we realized collectively that those connections were deeper,” says Parsons. “I didn’t know that Tommy was an old family friend of Maritza, or that Ahmad George was a student of hers. They had never shown their work together in the same show. We kept unpacking all these connections. It was like, a six degrees of Tommy Kha kind of situation.

“Tommy didn’t invent this kind of work in Memphis,” Parsons continues. “He’s standing on the shoulders of some really amazing artists, and there are also people coming along behind him.”

By the first week of February 2023, Tommy Kha is back in New York City, preparing for his solo show and the release of Half, Full, Quarter, which critic Tony Wilkes has called a “haunting portrait of America’s Asian diaspora.”

When I call Kha to work out the final details of this story, he sounds exhausted, and a little overwhelmed by all the hoopla.

I tell him, “I think I have a title for the story.”

“What is it?”

“Tommy Kha’s Memphis.”

There’s a pause. “Oh no,” Kha whispers. “That’s too much.”

left: Assembly II, Whitehaven, Memphis/ Greenpoint, Brooklyn, 2017–19; from Tommy Kha: Half, Full, Quarter (Aperture, 2023). ©2022 Tommy Kha.

DIVERSITY OF THE JAPANESE MAPLE IS CELEBRATED IN THE WALKERS’ PLANTINGS.

THE STUNNING

STORY AND PHOTOGRAPHS

BY JANE SCHNEIDER

Tucked at the end of a quiet street on a rolling, four-acre lot sits the home of Jody and Danna Walker. Enter this jewel-sized park and you’ll notice a gracious arbor of tulip poplars, dogwoods, oaks, and even an impressive Northern catalpa tree that blooms each spring.

Even among such natural bounty, the couple’s vast collection of Japanese maple trees command center stage. When I first heard about their garden, I was surprised they concentrated on a single tree species. But the beauty of the Japanese maple is its dazzling array

of sizes, shapes, and colors: from squat weepers and slow-growing mounders like Acer palmatum ‘Viridis,’ to upright, long-limbed beauties such as the cultivar Acer palmatum, the maple native to Japan, crowned with lush canopies of green and garnet foliage.

left: The Walkers’ Japanese maple garden boasts more than 100 different cultivars as well as gardening features such as the kare-san-sui or driedup landscape style. The rocks beneath the bridge suggest a winding stream bed and help rainwater percolate through the soil. right: Gardeners Danna and Jody Walker, seated under Acer palmatum, the maple tree of Japan. The name refers to its hand-shaped leaves. It is used as root stock to produce cultivars.

right: Jody discovered an Arkansas fieldstone he thought would make a handsome fountain and designed this space around it. Featured are a Japanese black pine, a red-leaved Acer palmatum, and Acer buergerianum ‘Mino Yatsubusa,’ a dwarf cultivar not often seen in home gardens.

Their diversity is stunning.

The Walkers grow more than 100 different cultivars in their yard, with some species, like Acer buergerianum ‘Mino,’ rare to find in home gardens. Lucky visitors will discover sculptural trees sited in eye-catching arrangements next to moss-covered boulders or granite lanterns which add balance to each view.

The couple’s passion took root in the mid-1990s, with the purchase of bonsai maples from nurseryman Edric Owen of Owen Farms Nursery in Ripley. Though bonsai maintenance proved a bit too demanding, it introduced

them to the Japanese maple world. Owen carried an assortment of unusual and rare maple cultivars through his catalog business and specimens that grew too big for shipping got marked down. So the couple scooped up their first trees for as little as $10 apiece. They grew them in pots on the patio for several years as they pored over their go-to source, the Japanese Maple Encyclopedia, to learn more about each species. A long-time circuit court judge, Walker says the intellectual pursuit held appeal.

“Research was a large part of the process because you’re not just buying a tree, it has a history.

Different cultivars have different natures so you have to know what you’re looking at and what they would look like when mature.”

The more they learned, the more inspired they became. Soon, the Walkers were traveling to view other gardens: the Portland (Oregon) Japanese Garden, the Yashiro Japanese Garden in Olympia, Washington, and even gardens in Japan. During each visit, Jody would keep his camera at the ready, taking photos for ideas he could reference for future projects.

What gradually evolved over 20 years is impressive. Theirs isn’t a Japanese garden in the traditional

sense. “We’re not purists,” the judge notes. Rather, the Walkers’ is a Japanese-themed garden which beautifully reflects their artful, observant sensibility.

Grown for shape and style

Japanese maples have been cultivated in Japan for hundreds of years and are grown for specific characteristics: leaf shape and color, size, and growing style, traits that are specific to each cultivar. One specimen the Walkers prize is Acer palmatum ‘Sango-kaku,’ or the coral bark maple, so named for the bright red twigs that

emerge once the tree sheds its leaves each fall. Another favorite is Acer palmatum ‘Koto no ito,’ the Japanese word for harp strings. This 14-foot tree produces long, elegant leaves that change from green to shades of orange and gold in autumn. The Walkers often pair such contrasting shapes and colors to add visual interest.

“I got the idea that Japanese maples were slow growers, but not for us,” says Jody. “They are a hardy tree and do better here than further south.” Some even grew bigger than listed in his guide. The species thrives thanks to our area’s rich, loamy soil and mild winters.

You’ll find Japanese maples are fairly low maintenance. They prefer dappled sunlight, and consistent watering is key, but they don’t need much fertilization. Walker says the trees they keep in pots receive some Osmocote (a type of plant food). But once planted, he relies on Imidacloprid, a widely used insecticide. Bayer Advanced makes a 12-month tree and shrub feed which he pours around the base of each plant annually to keep aphids, borers, and other pests at bay. The judge initially balked at its expense until Danna nudged him gently, saying, “I guess you’ll have to decide which tree

clockwise from left: The lace leaf Acer palmatum ‘Crimson Queen’ is known for its finely dissected leaves and is fairly sun tolerant. top: Mounders can range from three to seven feet in height. A plant’s growth varies according to the climate and soil makeup. right: The pergola was added to shade the back of the house. The kitchen and dining windows offer gracious patio views.

bottom: Cultivars are grown for different traits. The vivid green leaves of Acer palmatum ‘Viridis’ turn gold and crimson in the fall. This small tree is known for its graceful weeping habit and excellent branching. top: This cultivar boasts a dense leaf structure. right: The graceful Acer palmatum ‘Toyama Nishiki’ adds soft contrast to the garden.

lives and which tree dies.” So, he says, “I got off my wallet and we bought enough to dose them all.”

A garden takes shape

The yard originally had common foundation plantings of boxwood and wax leaf, but the Walkers soon removed those and began planting maples instead. Over the years, the grounds gradually transformed as they added a patio, a pergola, and a storage building to block the view of a neighboring lot.

“What we did was we enjoyed the trees and when there would be too many to water, we’d plant. There was no grand plan,” says Jody. “We simply

did it segment by segment.”

The two do all the gardening themselves, though Danna prefers to prune. “We’re looking for shape and airiness, so I cut out cross branches. But the Japanese maples also self-prune — the branches fail to leaf out and become brittle — so you simply cut out the dead growth,” she says.

In 2014, they tackled the hilly west end of the property, which opened to the back of a strip mall. The greenery — an unsightly thicket of privet, volunteer trees, kudzu, and weeds — also had an understory of trash. They handled the mess methodically, filling trash bags first, then

wielding a machete and Roundup to bring down the growth.

“The most important ingredient is persistence,” Jody notes wryly. “I am now a kudzu expert.” He reduced the vast majority of the invasive vine, which once covered the entire hillside but, “I manage the rest by keeping it in the ditch.”

With the hillside exposed, the eye is drawn upward over a simple wooden bridge that spans a rockstrewn creek bed. Lichen-covered boulders dot the grounds, placed aesthetically between an assortment of maples as well as oak leaf hydrangeas. A paved walkway leads the visitor to the top of the hill, where a covered swing offers

a quiet place for contemplation.

This landscape reflects what the Japanese call the kare-sansui (dried-up landscape) style, in which rocks are used to suggest a winding stream or pond in a seasonally dry creek bed. The drainage basin does sometimes fill during heavy rains, so the stones help to channel the water, allowing the ground to better absorb the moisture.

The Walkers also erected a fence along the back, providing noise reduction as well as a second entrance to the garden. The couple host two to three garden clubs annually, a tradition that began in 2012 thanks to enthusiastic word-

of-mouth from horticulturalist Carol Reese at the UT-Agriculture Extension in Jackson. Danna and Jody enjoy sharing their knowledge with others. To that end, visitors receive a map and a plant list for reference should they see a cultivar they’d like to grow.

The nature of gardening

The patio plantings can be seen from the dining room and kitchen windows, another element of Japanese gardening that fosters a closer connection between indoor and outdoor spaces. To relax on the patio is to bask in the garden’s solitude, accented by the deep gong of wind chimes and

the trickle of a nearby fountain. The ambiance is magical.

Looking into the woods, I wonder aloud if they ever lose a tree. Jody answers that they do, on occasion. In fact, one rare green maple, a Hamami nishiki which had thrived for 15 years, quite literally died overnight. “We treated it and tried to save it, but it went quickly.”

But then, such is the way of gardening. Just ask any grower. What the Walkers enjoy is nature’s eternal draw: “It’s that the garden changes every year,” he says. “There’s always something new to learn, always new cultivars coming out.”

Always the promise of new life.

TULIP FEST

Beds of colorful tulips will be on display soon at The Dixon Gallery and Gardens. Director of horticulture Dale Skaggs says they planted 4,000 bulbs this year to extend the vibrant spring season and the results will be gorgeous. Remember, admission is still free.

And if you’re discovering the January cold snap took a toll on your plants, take heart: “The plant might be root-hardy and rebound, but it will take time,” says Skaggs. Hardest hit were those in the borderline-hardy category, including tea olives, Indian hawthorns, gardenias, cryptomerias, viburnums, and even some newer Encore azaleas.

2023 FACES OF THE MID-SOUTH

THE FACE OF DERMATOLOGY

MEMPHIS DERMATOLOGY CLINIC, P.A. >>> Memphis Dermatology Clinic has served the Mid-South since 1972. We provide complete dermatologic care ranging from diagnosis and treatment of skin cancer, to Mohs Micrographic surgery to cosmetic procedures. MDC offers two convenient locations for our patients. In addition to our Midtown location on Union Avenue, we have a location in East Memphis at 795 Ridge Lake Blvd.

Healthy skin improves your overall health and mindset. Over the last 50-plus years, our legacy and our goal has been to provide exceptional care to all patients. For state-ofthe-art skin care, cosmetic and skin cancer treatments, please call 901.726.6655 for an appointment or visit MemphisDermatology.com for more information.

MIDTOWN: 1451 & 1455 Union Ave., Memphis, TN 38104

EAST MEMPHIS: 795 Ridge Lake Blvd., Suite 200, Memphis, TN 38120 901.726.6655 | MemphisDermatology.com

THE FACE OF DIVORCE LAW

THE RICES >>> Your family’s needs are our family’s business.

Larry and Nick Rice lead Rice Law. Both are certified by the National Board of Trial Advocacy as Family Law Trial Advocates.

Certification is earned by actual trial experience, judicial recommendation, the endorsement of other lawyers, and a rigorous examination. The Rices are among fewer than 200 attorneys in the United States who earned this qualification.

As authors of The Complete Guide to Divorce Practice, published by the American Bar Association, the Rices are the authority on divorce that other lawyers turn to.

When divorce or a family law crisis happens, the Rices put experience and expertise in your corner.

For information about divorce, visit AboutDivorce.com. To talk to a lawyer about divorce, call 901.526.6701.

2023 FACES OF THE MID-SOUTH

2023 FACES OF THE MID-SOUTH

THE FACE OF DOGGY HOTEL, DAYCARE & SPA

BROWNDOG LODGE >>>

Since 2007, BrownDog Lodge has been the premier destination for the pampered pup, offering luxury boarding, grooming, daycare, and now dog training in an environment designed for fun and safety. We offer all kinds of packages that range from boarding, daycare and training, so there is sure to be a package that fits your pup's needs. Each facility is staffed with trained employees who love your pets as if they were their own. The two pet centers are conveniently located in East Memphis and Germantown, and we also have a veterinary office in Arlington. BrownDog Veterinary is a full-service hospital with the BrownDog name, and with service you know and trust. Visit the vet team at our Arlington location or let our shuttle service provide a true doorto-door experience for luxury care and comprehensive wellness! Our friendly team of pet-care professionals is waiting to offer your furry family member the very best! family

EAST MEMPHIS: 4953 Black Rd. (near Poplar and Mendenhall) l 901.767.1187

GERMANTOWN: 426 S. Germantown Pkwy. (next to Lowe’s) l 901.266.9100

ARLINGTON: 9765 US-64 l 901.382.0330

THE FACE OF EDUCATIONAL LEADERSHIP CHRISTIAN BROTHERS UNIVERSITY >>>

David Archer, President David Archer was recently inaugurated as the 24th President of Christian Brothers University, the city's oldest institution of higher education. He came to Memphis in 1997 as CEO of St. Francis Healthcare and, upon his retirement in 2016, transitioned to academia as a professor and director of CBU’s Healthcare MBA Program. His goal is to continue to support CBU's traditions centered around faith, service and community to prepare students to serve generously, lead purposely and be responsible stewards for future generations.

CBU.edu

2023 FACES OF THE MID-SOUTH

2023 FACES OF THE MID-SOUTH

THE FACE OF ELDER LAW

THE BAILEY LAW FIRM >>> Olen M. "Mac" Bailey, Jr.

We are all getting older. Father Time marches past birthdays, reunions, anniversaries and holidays, setting or re-setting the clock each time. As we age, our concerns and needs change. As an Elder Law Attorney, Mac assists clients with legal issues affecting older Americans in such areas as estate planning, wills, trusts, powers of attorney, long-term care planning, Medicaid eligibility, Veterans Benefits and probate.

A member of the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys since 1996, Mac has been recognized as a Super Lawyer, a Five Star Professional, and one of the Mid-South’s "Top 40 Under 40." Proving that education is not reserved only for the young, Mac earned his Master of Laws in Elder Law in 2015. Learn more about Mac and Elder Law at TheBaileyLawFirm.com .

THE FACE OF EMPLOYMENT LAW

THE CRONE LAW FIRM >>> Attorney Alan Crone, Founder

The Crone Law Firm provides tireless, compassionate, and effective counsel for clients facing employment law disputes — any legal situation that impacts our clients' ability to make money, including:

• Workplace Harassment and Discrimination

• Executive and Employment Contracts

• Buy/Sell, Buyout, Nondisclosure and NonCompete Agreements

• Compensation Disputes

2023

OF THE MID-SOUTH

• Commercial and Business Disputes

• Business Partner and Shareholder Disputes

• Accident and Injury Cases

“We focus on creating solutions that work, so that our clients can work. We aim to restore control and predictability in the lives of employees, executives and entrepreneurs while providing proactive counsel to help avoid costly lawsuits and disputes.”

— Alan G. Crone, Firm Founder 88 Union Avenue,

Floor, Memphis, TN 38103 | 901.737.7740 | CroneLawFirmPLC.com

2023 FACES OF THE MID-SOUTH

THE FACE OF ENTERTAINMENT

B.B. KING'S BLUES CLUB >>>

B.B. King’s Blues Club is a supper clubstyle restaurant that opened during the Beale Street Blues Festival in May 1991. It was the redevelopment of Beale Street in the early Nineties that brought together the late B.B. King and Tommy Peters to create an iconic destination.

It became the anchor that led to a new wave of development on Beale Street as an entertainment attraction. The restaurant and club concept offers guests the sweet sound of classic soul, blues, and rock-and-roll, top-notch barbeque and much more.

143 Beale St, Memphis, TN 38103 | 901.524.5464 | bbkings.com/memphis

2023 FACES OF THE MID-SOUTH

THE FACE OF FINE JEWELRY

BOB RICHARDS JEWELERS >>> Bob, Polly, and Anthony Richards, owners

Turning special moments into special memories.

The vision of Rob Richards began in 1927 and has now evolved into a thirdgeneration business providing a large selection of fine jewelry and watches. Our 3 in-house watchmakers and 2 jewelers are here to repair and service your most precious items.

Our 4 graduate gemologists can help with almost any of your appraisal needs.

Our sales staff is constantly training on the products we sell, staying educated in this ever-changing market and giving great customer service.

We pride ourselves in servicing and selling fine watch brands such as Rolex, Omega, Tag Heuer, Seiko, and Swiss Army. Our fine jewelry designers include JB Star, Simon G, Spark Creations, Vahan, Fope, House of Baguettes, Hulchi Belluni, Gabriel, and even more.

1696 S. Germantown Road, Germantown TN 38138 | 901.751.8052

2023 FACES OF THE MID-SOUTH

THE FACE OF

FLORISTRY & FLORAL DESIGN

PREMIER FLOWERS >>> Colby Midgett, Owner

Premier Flowers is a contemporary lifestyle florist that offers luxury one-of-a-kind floral arrangements with quality that matters. At Premier you get the most from your flowerbuying experience matched with exceptional service. Specializing in modern and trendy designs catered to your personal style, we offer sameday delivery for all occasions. Premier Flowers is the go-to for all of your corporate needs and events, large or small. Conveniently located in the heart of Downtown Memphis. Delivering locally and to the surrounding areas, including West Memphis! Experience floral design at its best!

10 N. Second Street, #105 Memphis, TN 38103 901.618.2661

PremierFlowersTN.com

THE FACE OF FURS

HOLLOWAY FURS >>>

Jim Holloway

Owner and Master Furrier

Holloway Furs, located at 404 Perkins

Ext'd., was established in 1992 by Jim Holloway, master furrier, after eight years of apprenticeship with four different master furriers. Outside of sales, we specialize in custom-made garments, fur coat enlargements, reductions, and remodeling; all types of repairs, monograms, and appraisals; and cold storage and cleaning/glazing. We have a newly remodeled cold storage and cleaning facility located in East Memphis. Holloway Furs has a large inventory with the best prices in the Memphis area. We accept trade-ins and offer a 12-month layaway program. All work is done in-house by Jim Holloway and his staff. Jim also specializes in the manufacturing of beaver and mink blankets/throws.

Open Tues - Fri 10 til 5:30 pm and Saturday 10 am to 4 pm (closed Sunday & Monday). Come meet Jim and the friendly staff at Holloway Furs. We appreciate your business. Come see us at Holloway Furs!

404 Perkins Extended Memphis, TN 38117 901.685.3877

2023

FACES

OF THE MID-SOUTH

Left to right: Tomeka Banis, Security Officer; Tamika Banks, Security Officer; Hersey Taylor, Maintenance Operations Manager; Cerrera Garrin, Lucky North Club Rep; Shundra Featherson, F&B Assistant Manager; Shonda McNeil, F&B Training Supervisor; Dyshekia Johnson, Marketing Database Coordinator; Brian Wolfe, Executive Sous Chef; and Ariel Williams, Executive Casino Host

2023 FACES OF THE MID-SOUTH

In December 2022, Southland Casino Hotel in West Memphis, Arkansas, celebrated the completion of a $320 million expansion, including its new 300-room, 20-story hotel with 12 penthouse suites, and a 113,000-squarefoot gaming floor featuring 2,400 slot machines, 50 live table games and multiple bars and dining outlets.

The end of this three-year project completes the onetime racetrack’s transformation — which began 16 years ago with 750 new gaming machines — into a full-fledged Las Vegas-style casino destination with a luxury hotel. “The

completion puts Southland on the map as a true casino destination that will draw patrons from both near and far,” said President and General Manager Osi Imomoh. “But our team members are the key to making us stand out and provide a true casino experience. They’ve shown extraordinary talent and dedication throughout our transformation, and they continue to wow our guests with top-notch service.”

Delaware North, a global leader in the hospitality and entertainment industry, owns and operates Southland as one of its dozen gaming operations in the United States and Australia.

2023 FACES OF THE MID-SOUTH

THE FACE OF GASTROENTEROLOGY

BAPTIST MEDICAL GROUP GI SPECIALISTS FOUNDATION >>>

Front row, left to right: Paul Bierman, MD, and Kenneth Fields, MD

Back row, left to right: Edward Friedman, MD, Randelon Smith, MD, and Gaurav Kistangari, MD, MPH

COMMITTED TO EXCELLENCE:

THE ART OF TREATMENT AND CARE

Suffering from unpleasant stomach and bowel conditions can be challenging enough, without having to worry about finding a top-quality doctor!

The highly skilled medical professionals at GI Specialists are experts in helping prevent, diagnose and treat everything from heartburn, food allergies and hemorrhoids, to colon and pancreatic cancers.

HIGH QUALITY AND CONVENIENT CARE

The physicians and staff focus on each patient’s comfort in the onsite Baptist Memorial Healthcare Corporation GI Lab. For added convenience, choose from five satellite locations: Collierville, Covington, Millington, Marion, and Desoto. Whether you need screening or treatment, our group is passionate about providing excellent care for every patient.

THE FACE OF HAIR COLOR

SAGE+HONEY HAIR CO. >>>

Wallis Ashley, owner

Wallis Ashley, a Mid-South native and twice recognized as the Memphis Flyer's best hairstylist of Memphis, has been in the beauty industry for over 15 years. After working at different salons and barber shops in the city, she discovered her niche and took her passion one step further. Knowing what she wanted out of her business, she assembled a team of talented women who shared the same vision and drive to create a salon that offers a range of color services for clients of any age.

Sage+Honey Hair Co. specializes in extensions and lived-in hair color. From everyday grey coverage to major color transformations and color corrections, Wallis and her team are the “go-to” girls for ontrend hair color in Memphis. 650 S. Perkins Rd. Memphis, TN 38117

901.907.0822

SageHoneyHairCo.com

2023 FACES OF THE MID-SOUTH

2023 FACES OF THE MID-SOUTH

THE FACE OF HVAC

CHOATE'S >>>

Choate's Air Conditioning, Heating, & Plumbing, located in Collierville, is a top choice for your commercial or residential heating, plumbing, and airconditioning services. The company was founded by Joe Choate in 1958 with an emphasis on providing an exceptional customer-service experience. For more than 65 years, Choate's focus on quality work and attention to detail has established its reputation as a leader in

the community. Today, the Choate family, including Chris, Brian, and Sol, along with their exceptional team, maintain the same level of excellence and actively drive growth and success. Choate's is a full-service company providing comprehensive HVAC and plumbing solutions for residential and commercial customers. As a community-minded, family-owned-and-operated business, Choate's is proud to serve the Mid-South.

LOCATIONS:HEADQUARTERS — 236 S. Mt. Pleasant Rd., Collierville, TN 38017

CHOATE’S MEMPHIS SHOWROOM — 2526 Sam Cooper Blvd., Memphis, TN 38112 901.347.8081 | choateshvac.com

THE FACE OF INTERIOR DESIGN

TARA FELICE INTERIORS >>> Design For Life. This motto best defines the design ethos of Tara Felice Interiors (TFI), a full-service interior-design firm. Whether engaged to redecorate and renovate or to collaborate on building a dream home, TFI delivers comfort for everyday living that will stand the test of time and blends a breadth of styles to achieve a sophisticated and approachable aesthetic reflective of our clients’ personalities and lifestyles.

901.481.5730

TaraFeliceInteriors.com

2023 FACES OF THE MID-SOUTH

2023 FACES OF THE MID-SOUTH

THE FACE OF LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURE

BLAIR PARKER DESIGN >>>

Blair Parker Design, LLC. (BPD) is a Memphis-based Landscape Architecture firm that combines more than 60 years of knowledge and experience with new and creative ideas. They specialize in creating places for people and building relationships with clients and their peers.

BPD is a respected firm with a wide range of skills and expertise in design, planning, stakeholder involvement, construction documentation and the public approval process. BPD has been involved in multiple projects in the city’s recent revitalization

efforts including the Conwood Snuff District, Liberty Park, Tennessee Brewery, Memphis Union Mission, Overton Park Golf Course as well as new construction including Legacy Park, TraVure, Overton Gateway, Le Bonheur Green and Hidden Creek, to name just a few.

“The Mid-South is our home and we take pride in finding creative solutions to complex design constraints that are aesthetically pleasing, efficient and functional. We strive to create innovative, buildable spaces and places where people live, work and play.”

2023

FACES

OF THE MID-SOUTH

THE FACE OF LIGHTING

MID SOUTH NIGHT LIGHTS, LLC >>> Jesse Wisley started installing and servicing architectural and landscape lighting in 2008. In 2011, he created his own business, Mid South Night Lights.

Over the past thirteen years, changes in low voltage lighting have evolved due to LED technology. There are many different designs, and installation techniques are endless. What Jesse and his crew of installers are able to illuminate today, versus ten years ago, is literally and figuratively the difference between night and day. The design and implementation of any lighting project is extremely rewarding, with a soft illumination that not only pleases the eye, but simultaneously produces a wow factor.

Jesse is a “Certified Outdoor Lighting Designer” from the Association of Outdoor Lighting Professionals. The only one within six hours of Memphis.

Jesse has become a leader in the area's architectural and landscape lighting market. He makes time to attend national conferences, where he is introduced to advancements in lighting, as well as other products.

Mid South Night Lights is the Greater Memphis Area’s premier architectural and landscape lighting firm.

1245 Midas Cove Cordova TN 38018 901.371.6031

Mid-SouthNightLights.com

THE FACE OF LITIGATION

GLANKLER BROWN PLLC >>>

Josh Kahane

Josh Kahane of Glankler Brown PLLC is a leading trial lawyer who has successfully litigated public and private companies’ highest stakes and most consequential matters. As a lawyer, Josh’s commitment and skill have garnered him too many accolades to list — among them, Best of the Bar, Best Lawyer in America, Super Lawyer, Top 100 Trial Lawyer, Top 100 High Stakes Litigator and Tennessee Attorney for Justice Awardee. He has been featured in Forbes, Fortune, Money, and Bloomberg Business Week, was recently the cover and featured attorney in the Top 100 Attorneys in America, and named one of Inside Memphis Business “Power Players.” In 2021, Josh succeeded in striking down unlawful government action in the landmark case of Tiger Lily, LLC vs. United States Department of Housing and Urban Development. As an advocate for both plaintiffs and

defendants in the courtroom, boardroom, and before government agencies, Josh couples a unique brand of creative thinking with a command of the facts and law that allows him to drive exceptional results. He is a key asset for his clients — someone to whom they regularly turn for guidance and strategic thinking beyond the scope of a legal dispute.

While Josh focuses a great deal of his energy representing Memphis companies and others who have invested in the Memphis market (and serving in the executive leadership of numerous philanthropic organizations around town), his record of victory in litigating cases in 15 states — involving more than two billion dollars — has garnered Josh the reputation as a go-to litigator for businessrelated litigation in Memphis and across the country.

6000 Poplar Avenue, Suite 400, Memphis, TN 38119 901.576.1701 | JKahane@Glankler.com | Glankler.com

2023 FACES OF THE MID-SOUTH

THE FACE OF LIVE MUSIC

LAFAYETTE'S MUSIC ROOM >>>

Julien Salley Jr., General Manager

During the 1970s, Lafayette’s Music Room was a small but influential venue rooted in the most happening corridor of Memphis. It was a key stop on the showcase circuit for up-and-coming touring artists, such music superstars as Billy Joel, KISS, and Barry Manilow, to name a few.

Today’s Lafayette’s evokes that storied past. It boasts live bands seven nights a week, from local and touring acts. While Lafayette’s is known for great music, their kitchen features southern-inspired offerings for lunch, dinner and brunch, like shrimp and grits, jambalaya pasta and wood-fired pizzas.

2119 Madison Ave., Memphis, TN 38104 901.207.5097 | Lafayettes.com

M. "Mac" Bailey, Jr.

2023 FACES OF THE MID-SOUTH

THE FACE OF MEDICAL AESTHETICS

GLO MEDICAL AESTHETICS >>> Lisa Street, Nurse Practitioner and owner of Glo Medical Aesthetics in Midtown Memphis, has been in nursing for 27 years. Her strong clinical background — including ER, ICU, and nursing education — has paved the way to a successful 17-year practice in Medical Aesthetics. As a current national clinical educator for Revance Aesthetics and Revanesse by Prollenium and a former educator for Merz and Allergan Aesthetics, Lisa is passionate about continuing education and keeping up with the latest innovations. Her priority when seeing aesthetic patients is always to ensure patient safety and satisfaction. Her philosophy on beauty is “the glow that makes people beautiful starts from within . . . if you love others, are kind to yourself, and strive to be the best person you can be, then that beauty will show on the outside." Glo offers ONLY the gold standards in medical-grade skin care, injectables, lasers and body treatments. Known for their warm, welcoming vibe, the professionals at Glo strive to make each patient feel “uniquely beautiful."

703 New York St. Memphis, TN 38104

901.552.3461 | @RockStarInjector

GloMedMemphis.com

Semmes Murphey Clinic's neurosurgeons are Memphis' most trusted resource for safe and effective Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery (MISS). SMC pioneered MISS, and our clinicians invented several tools and techniques to make this surgery possible. Our team commits to high-quality care

by submitting to rigorous nationwide quality outcomes studies, and the results speak for themselves. Compared to the national average, patients who trust SMC with their spine surgery scored a significantly higher degree of neck and back pain relief and increased quality of life.

Front row, left to right: Dr. Raul Cardenas, Dr. Michael LaBagnara, Dr. Kevin Foley, Dr. Michael Muhlbauer, and Dr. Chris Nickele

Back row, left to right: Dr. Kyle Smith, Dr. Todd Fountain, Dr. Jeffrey Sorenson, Dr. Jason Weaver, and Dr. Paul Park

2023 FACES OF THE MID-SOUTH

THE FACE OF MONUMENTS

HONEST MONUMENT COMPANY >>>

Left to right: Earnest Hillman Jr., Brandi Hillman-McKinney, and Earnest Hillman III

Honest Monument Company has been serving the Memphis Metropolitan area and its surrounding counties for more than 30 years. Focusing on quality craftsmanship and customer satisfaction, we strive to serve with integrity, quality, and sensitivity. Our trained staff can help you with planning, designing, and memorializing the life of your loved one. Although cemetery memorials are our

primary focus, our product offerings also include cornerstones, commemorative plaques, brick fundraisers, commercial signage, civic monuments, cremation urns, cemetery inscriptions, and monument cleanings.

Thank You Memphis and its surrounding counties for your support, and I hope it continues for generations forthcoming.

Build A Monument To Life….. 2040 Hernando Road, Memphis, TN 38106 | 901.774.7400 | HonestMonumentCo.com

One Park

Overton Park is not one single thing — and that makes it a singular place.

BY TOBY SELLS

Ablaze orange tag nailed to a tree clearly marks a seam between two worlds within Overton Park. e tag reads “Boundary [Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation]. All natural features protected.” Beyond the boundary, the Old Forest stands quiet, protected, and antique — even ancient. Indigenous people and early pioneers would recognize the trees, vines, and natural litter of wild bramble, leaves, and fallen limbs.

If they swiveled around, though, they would be perplexed by the painstakingly manicured grasses and undulating hills on the other side of that orange tag. The odd, open meadow there flows gently up and down, ending in a patch of shorter grass and a small hole staked with a little yellow flag. The newly renovated Overton Park 9 golf

course stands in sharp contrast to the timeless woods flanking its fairways.

e park in the heart of Midtown Memphis is not one thing. But it is one place. It’s a blend of organizations with a blend of features. It is also a mix of values and expectations; the park means different things to different people.

In 1901, city leaders purchased

342 acres to lay out the city’s first public park, and hired George Kessler, a noted city planner and nationally acclaimed landscape architect, to transform the property into a thing of beauty. e name honors former General John Overton, one of this city’s three founders, and over the years since the park officially opened in 1906, the green square in the heart of the city has been the scene of controversy that has had national impact. In the mid1960s, when government officials announced plans to push the new Interstate 40 straight through the city, its route effectively bisecting Overton Park, protestors sprang to action. ough it seemed they had little chance against the federal government, a grassroots

group called Citizens to Preserve Overton Park took their case all the way to the Supreme Court — and won. at was a dramatic example of how much Memphians loved their park — and intended to protect it.

Over the past few years, the park’s component parts have shifted in significant ways (see: Rust Hall, former home to Memphis College of Art), with more evolution expected over the decade to come (notably, the Memphis Brooks Museum of Art’s planned move Downtown).

Inside the Old Forest, change is the antithesis of the plan. at’s both an expectation and a state law. Outside those woods, though, new thrills are expected, with changing exhibits at

clockwise from left: Spring, Summer, Fall sculptures outside the Brooks Museum, the original plaque at the Poplar Avenue entrance to the park, a tree forming an arch in the Old Forest, and a vintage postcard of the children’s playground from 1912.

PHOTOGRAPH CREDITS: TOP LEFT: BRIAN GROPPE; TOP RIGHT: VANCE LAUDERDALE

the Memphis Zoo and new performances at the Overton Park Shell, the historic venue that has seen such performances as the Memphis Open Air eatre, the earliest concerts by Elvis Presley, and musicians from around the globe. Soon, new tenants are expected to arrive at some of the park’s key locations, and a new plan hopes to keep the park fresh for visitors over the next decade.

Overton Park is conservation and progress. It’s old and new. Overton Park is the past, present, and future.

Making it all work comes down to communication, according to Tina Sullivan, executive director of the Overton Park Conservancy (OPC). e group was formed in December 2011 and still serves as the central mechanism through which most of the park works.

e park has several key components and partners — the Shell, the Zoo, the Brooks Museum, and the old Memphis College of Art building that will soon be home to the Metal Museum, though they still plan to keep their original campus overlooking the river bluffs. Sullivan says contact with them all is essential.

“I hire people who are collaborative by nature, and we are fortunate that all of our partners are collaborative as well,” Sullivan says. “So, our teams have worked together very well.” ose partners have seats on the OPC board, which gathers quarterly to keep current on financials, issues, and plans. Those partner seats don’t get a vote on OPC matters, but Sullivan says their opinions will influence decisions regardless, “because we believe we’re all going to thrive together.”

“Our partners are all in; they believe the Conservancy is maintaining their front door,” Sullivan says. “ e fi rst impression that their visitors get is the Conservancy’s work, maintaining this park. So, they’re invested.”

A DECADE AGO

But that front door wasn’t always so welcoming.

In 2012, the only restrooms in the park were Porta-Potties. e park did not connect to the Shelby Farm Greenline. ere was no Bike Gate Plaza, not even a Hampline.

No signs pointed to park amenities. e Rainbow Lake Playground was cozy and familiar to locals, but likely looked worn and old, if not downright sketchy, to out-of-towners. Work had just begun on a dog park to be called Overton Bark.

No massive pieces of public art welcomed the public into the forest. And in the forest,

signs of sexual activity along the trails. Locals eyed lone characters idling in parked cars at the Rainbow Lake parking lot and wondered if they could be responsible for the drugs, the sex, or both.

“A lot of people, in 10 years’ time, have forgotten what it was like before the Conservan-

doing and needed a nice, anonymous place to do it. We had some crime issues, and it was just kind of desolate.”

But a conservancy model was not a quick fix for Overton Park. Miles to the east, the Shelby Farms Park Conservancy was started in 2007. Some stakeholders worried that imposing the same model on certain major parks (like Overton) would leave other parks to languish.

But in 2011, 68 percent of Memphians surveyed at the Memphis College of Art said they wanted to see a nonprofit run the park. Another 15 percent said “yes,” so long as the conservancy was “transparent, accountable, and works with the city and community.” At the time, current mayor Jim Strickland, then a Memphis City Council member, said he didn’t “see how anyone can be against” the conservancy model. In that model, a nonprofit group would be the primary stewards of the public park, and could raise funds from both public and private entities for maintenance and upgrades.

“I might be biased, but I think Overton Park is the best city park we have,” said Strickland at the time. “But with the financial condition the city is in, we’re not able to maintain it the way it needs to be maintained. Now, I think the citizens will get a much better park at a reduced cost.”

privet choked native plants and just about everything else, to the dismay of countless volunteers who pulled it dutifully.

Casual forest hikers could easily find drug paraphernalia and

cy started managing the park,” says Sullivan. “The conditions were not great and that meant a lot of people didn’t desire to come here unless they were doing something they shouldn’t be

Since 2012, dramatic changes have taken place. Overton Bark has welcomed countless tail-wagging park friends, permanent restrooms have been added to the Rainbow Lake Pavilion and the East Parkway Pavilion, the limestone trail through the Old Forest has been renovated,

PHOTOGRAPH CREDITS: TOP: ANNA TRAVERSE FOGLE; BOTTOM: COLLECTION OF VANCE LAUDERDALE

top

for the

Rainbow Lake Playground was completely re-imagined and renovated, public art and gates welcome visitors throughout the park, new signs easily guide park navigation, security cameras have been added, and more than 2,000 cubic feet of privet has been removed to improve forest health and trail visibility.

Raising the level of ongoing maintenance and care brought the people back, Sullivan says, and OPC has the data to prove it. Initial counts and extrapolation put the figure somewhere around 500,000 visitors per year when OPC took the reins just over a decade ago. Now, with visitor counters installed at park entrances, “we can say with conviction that we’re getting about 1.5 million visitors” each year.

OVERTON PARK 9

To those on the outside, the major renovations to the park’s golf course may have seemed surprising when the plan was announced in December 2020. But park leaders had their minds on the Overton Park golf course a decade ago.

en, $500,000 was given to

the project by AutoZone president Bill Rhodes and his wife, Amy. e gift led a $2.5 million effort funded by private donors, who also included former NFL quarterback Peyton Manning and his wife, Ashley, and Memphis booster Parks Dixon. In November 2022, Golf Business magazine said more than $4 million had been raised to renew the course.

The course was designed and built by King-Collins Golf Course Design. When selected for the job, the Chattanooga firm was hot off its much-lauded design of Sweetens Cove Golf Club, a darling of Tennessee golf insiders, including Manning.

Work began on the Memphis course in January 2021. Big machines pulled back the green grass, reducing the course to malleable dirt. Soon, new contours appeared, including towering bunker elements that had some park strollers scratching their heads. Grass was seeded in April and giving it time to grow pushed the grand re-opening of the course from that fall to the second quarter of 2022.

Since then, thousands have walked the newly minted Overton Park 9 (or OP9 for short), its logo a cute squirrel with a tail curled into a number nine. But golfers have not yet been able to access the Abe Goodman Golf House as renovations remain underway there. Golf carts have not been available at the new course, but a Twitter update says the new cart barn (a large, dark

green structure visible from the parking area near the club house) is nearly complete and carts will be available again soon.

RUST HALL AND THE BROOKS MUSEUM

Tenants in Overton Park don’t come and go often. For plenty of Memphians, no significant changes have happened during their lifetimes. So, it was shocking to many when not one but two longtime tenants — Memphis Brooks Museum of Art and the Memphis College of Art (MCA) — announced they’d leave at roughly the same time, the Brooks to move Downtown in several years and MCA to close permanently. e vacancies presented new opportunities, but

also increased anxiety to find new organizations to anchor these iconic park buildings.

Brooks Memorial Art Gallery opened in 1916, funded by a generous grant from Memphian Bessie Vance Brooks in honor of her late husband, a wealthy cotton trader. Originally dubbed “The Jewel Box in the Park” not only for the beauty of its classical design but for its tiny size (barely 90 feet square), the building saw major expansions in 1955, 1973, and 1989, along with the name change from gallery to museum.

Nearby, noted architect Roy Harrover — designer of such Memphis landmarks as Memphis International Airport, Commerce Square, and Mud Island — conceived an ultra-modern home for the Memphis Academy of Arts, which had occupied old buildings in Victorian Village for decades. e new complex opened in 1959, and added new office and gallery space over the years. Sculptor Ted Rust served as president for 26 years, oversaw the move of the school to Overton Park and the expansion of its faculty and course offerings; when he retired in 1971, the main building of what had evolved into the Memphis College of Art was named as a tribute to his endeavors.

e future of MCA’s Rust Hall is now clear. e Brooks … not so much. Concepts for both, however, were vetted in a series of public meetings called “Project Overton Park” by city leaders, set to hear from the public on what they

to bottom: The plan

Overton Park 9 course, a 1908 guidebook to the zoo, artwork framing the Overton Park Shell, Lily Bear Traverse outside the Brooks visiting the ‘Evanescent’ exhibit by Atelier Sisu, and a Roy Harrover model for the new Memphis College of Art building.

PHOTOGRAPH CREDITS: TOP: OVERTON PARK CONSERVANCY; CENTER: ANNA TRAVERSE FOGLE; BOTTOM: UM SPECIAL COLLECTIONS

wanted to see in these buildings.

MCA announced in 2017 that it would close for good in 2020 after more than 80 years in operation, the last 60 of those in the park. In October 2018, the Metal Museum laid claim to Rust Hall for a move projected to cost $45 million. Leaders have been raising that money ever since, and the museum’s website promises the project “will transform Rust Hall from a private educational facility into a public, state-ofthe-art museum facility, metals studio, and education center. e Metal Museum is on the cusp of a dramatic transformation — one that addresses its physical needs while simultaneously elevating programmatic opportunities for the Memphis community and beyond.”

e Metal Museum plans to keep its original location, on the bluff top grounds of the old Marine Hospital overlooking the Mississippi River. Rust Hall will be home to the museum’s offices and gallery spaces, and the former location will house artist spaces and residencies and serve as an events venue.

However, behind Rust Hall and towering over OP9’s hole eight looms a white marble question mark. While construction crews have been working in recent months, demolishing the Front Street fire station and the adjacent parking garage to make way for the new home of the Brooks, not much is known about the future of the museum’s current location in Overton Park. City leaders refused an interview for this story but issued this statement instead:

“Given the city’s desire to find the highest and best use for all city facilities, once the Brooks Museum declares an official move-out date, we will issue a request for proposal for future opportunities and potential uses of the building,” said Memphis Parks Director Nick Walker.

Project Overton Park concluded in late 2018 with a final public hearing at the Lester Community Center. While Rust Hall moved ahead, the future of the current Brooks facility remains cloudy. “We certainly have a sense of urgency to make sure that there is

another steward of that building lined up,” says OPC executive director Sullivan, “and that all the details have been nailed down before the Brooks Museum move. There needs to be a seamless transition. We need to go right from move-out, into renovation, then into occupancy.”

THE MEMPHIS ZOO

Through all the seasons of change at Overton Park over the last few years, a near-constant headwind blew. A simmering-but-decades-long disagreement over the Zoo’s use of the open grassy park space known as the Greensward for overflow parking began to boil around 2014.

Park advocates launched a campaign called “Get Off Our Lawn.” Signs were made. Rallies were held. Metal stanchions were erected on the Greensward to keep protesters away from zoo visitors parking on the grass. Hours of tense meetings at City Hall negotiated every detail of a possible solution.

Mayor Strickland then got the groups to a mediation table, in 2016, and a compromise was struck. In the deal, some of the Greensward would be taken, to the dismay of hard-core park defenders. Later, though, the zoo proposed building a parking garage on Prentiss Place, leav-

ing the Greensward intact. e planned was scuttled on cost concerns and the original plan was back in place.

en, in March 2022, seemingly from out of nowhere, a new agreement surfaced. It would not only keep the Greensward whole, but the zoo would yield 17 acres of the Old Forest back to the park.

“ at was a long and painful slog,” Sullivan recalls. “ rough all of it, our teams were still working together as usual. at never wavered. But that one issue was a downdraft on our work and our ability to grow and operate. So, now that that’s behind us, I feel the wind at my back.”

A COMPREHENSIVE PLAN

That wind will push the park into its next phase. Sullivan and the OPC have been hard at work on a comprehensive plan for the park, which has not yet been released to the public, pushed back by new opportunities in the Zoo parking agreement. But the public’s fi ngerprints are on the process nevertheless, their desires and dislikes recorded by the OPC over the years.

e future could see more programming to connect people to nature, to help them understand how nature improves mental and physical health. An after-school program may teach kids about ecology and how to use nature for mindfulness.

Visitors can also expect addi-

tional physical changes, especially at the southeast corner of the park, now home to the city’s General Service facility. Plans to remove that complex of buildings present an opportunity for something new that can help OPC achieve further fi nancial sustainability.

“We need to generate revenue,” Sullivan says. “We need to put some commercial activity in here and the southeast corner gives us an opportunity to put in some infrastructure or some programming that we may charge a fee for, without taking away from the free areas of the park that people already like.”

“ONE PARK”

Overton Park is not one thing. at makes it a singular place.

Visitors move seamlessly among hiking and biking, play, sports, contemplation, exhilaration, art, education, concerts, seclusion, unity, and a world-class tourist destination without leaving the park. It stands on a long history, has climbed through tough times, been protected by citizens who love it dearly, and is poised for a future that promises both lots of change and no change at all.

As Sullivan puts it, “We now have our sights set on what it looks like for the Conservancy and all of our partners within the park to be moving forward cohesively and collaboratively for this vision of one park.”

PHOTOGRAPH CREDITS: TOP CENTER: COLLECTION OF VANCE LAUDERDALE; TOP RIGHT: DANIEL SCHREURS / DREAMSTIME

ART At Long Last

Jeanne Seagle discusses her journey from commercial illustrator to “Of This Place,” her first solo exhibition at the Dixon.

BY ABIGAIL MORICI

Tacked onto the wall behind her easel, handwritten notes of affirmation remind Jeanne Seagle to be disciplined. For three or four hours a day, she draws scenes of nature from photographs she’s taken at Dacus Lake, just a drive across the river from her Midtown studio. Sometimes, she’ll play blues CDs to fill the space with the rhythms of the Delta as she stills her focus on rendering the smallest of details — grooves in tree bark and wisps of grass — with careful marks in charcoal and pencil.

ese black-and-white drawings take weeks to complete, sometimes up to two months, and Seagle has been working in this style for the past seven or so years. She’s found commercial success with her distinctive style, attaining representation

by L Ross Gallery and now exhibiting her work at e Dixon Gallery and Gardens this spring. The show, entitled “Of This Place,” features several of these detailed drawings, along with a few, bright watercolors — all of the scenery around Dacus Lake.

For her entire adult life, Seagle has worked as an artist, whether as a freelance illustrator or a commissioned sculptor. “I have loved my career. I’ve loved being

an artist,” she says. “It was kind of a lot of struggle being an artist and being poor, but I was able to save enough money to do what I have always wanted to do — fine art.”

Growing up in Western Arkansas in the Ouachita Mountains, Seagle didn’t have much exposure to art. “My father worked for the forestry department,” she says. “We lived on the rangers’ station there. Western Arkansas is just all about forests, and my only contact with art was really the magazines that my mother got. I wanted to be an illustrator for magazines, which I ended up doing.”

But before Seagle built a career as a commercial illustrator for publications like Memphis magazine, she became “the school artist.” She recalls, “In the second grade, I would draw paper dolls for the girls and I would draw tattoos for the boys. And I’d charge them a dime or something. So I’ve always kind of been a little commercial artist.”

Eventually, her family moved to Mississippi, where Seagle graduated from high school in Jackson before attending Mississippi University for Women in Columbus. “I kind of went crazy there,” she says. “It was just so backwards, and I didn’t have any artist friends. And then [in 1967] I came to Memphis for [the Memphis College of Art] and it was like, ‘Oh, hallelujah,’ going to the art school. I just had such a wonderful time at the art academy,” where she majored in illustration.

During her time at the now-defunct MCA, she took a year off to live in Los Angeles. “It was very hard to live out there,” she says, because everything was so expensive, and she soon moved back to Memphis. “I loved Memphis,” but she admits, “I was kind of dissatisfied here, too, though. Memphis was a different place back then. It was that time when cities were

“At long last,” she says, “I’m doing what I’ve always wanted to do, which is have shows in galleries.”

kind of falling apart. is was in the ’70s, and at that time lots of cities were losing money and Downtown was dead. So I’d travel every summer to explore other places.”

She would take the car she inherited from her father and just drive — stopping anywhere from the deep Delta to the West Coast, always making time to visit her relatives in Colorado. No matter where she went, she always left with inspiration to recreate the scenes she experienced along the way in oil pastels or watercolors once she inevitably returned to Memphis.

“I’d run out of money and I’d come back because that’s the great thing about Memphis: It’s so cheap to live here. And I have made so many friends here. If I go out to a store, I will run into somebody I know. I love that feeling.”

Memphis is where she’s stayed, eventually landing an illustrating job in the late ’70s with Malmo & Associates, at the time one of the city’s largest ad agencies. “I was making a lot of money there, but it was killing my soul,” she says, noting that the deadline-driven work didn’t allow much leeway for creativity. “And then when the computer came along, I lost my job. And that started a period of freelance jobs, [including] drawing caricatures at parties.”

By 1993 Seagle began working with Contemporary Media, Memphis magazine’s parent company, mostly doing small illustrations for this magazine. “I loved doing them,” she says, “but I wanted to do more than a spot illustration.”

In those days, she rented a studio with another artist, who happened to do a lot of Memphis

magazine covers and full-page illustrations and would hire her to do the preliminary drawings for the final work that got published. e main difference between the two artists was that he was a man, and she a woman.

“I kind of hit the glass ceiling,” she says. “ at was pretty standard, and the male illustrators were the ones that got all the good jobs and the female illustrators got all of the lower-paying and lower-prestige jobs.”

Seagle also began producing work for the Memphis Flyer, another publication of Contemporary Media, often doing full-page features and cover illustrations, and eventually illustrating the popular, syndicated “News of the Weird” column for 20 years. “I have, like, 3,000 of these [‘News of the Weird’ drawings],” she says. “Well, more like 300. Just a little exaggeration.”

“At fi rst,” Seagle says, “I was doing fairly conventional illustrations that were very realistic.” Those early illustrations, though simple line drawings, were grounded in the reality she was trying to convey. She was cautious about perspective and proportions, not diverting too far from the source material.

But after a trip to Europe, where she saw the work of artists who were institutionalized for mental health reasons and would draw and paint compulsively, Seagle was inspired to break the form, in favor of a more abstract and avant-garde style.

“I was a little ahead of my time for this style,” she says. “Most people thought it was really just too weird. But, as time went

by, my illustrations got weirder. I was just right there with a trend somehow.”

In one of her interior illustrations for the now-defunct Satellite DISH Magazine, a 1985 story titled “ e Video Rush of the Eighties,” her work jumps off the page, with exaggerated figures — created with sharp angles and bold lines — bursting from a television in a blaze of bright color. “It got a lot of feedback,” she says, holding back a giggle as the image before her takes on a personality of its own, playful, exciting, and experimental.

In fact, with all her art, Seagle has experimented with different styles and media, from realism to abstraction, from watercolors to oil pastels. She’s even dabbled in mosaics and sculptures, with pieces at the trolley stop platforms on Madison Avenue, Le Bonheur Children’s Hospital, and St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. ose mosaic and sculpture pieces were com-

clockwise from left: Jeanne Seagle’s drawings, titled Road in Fog, Trees in Fog, and Trees by a Lake in Winter, respectively, are devoid of a human presence save for the occasional road that cuts through the landscape.

counter-clockwise from top: Seagle’s “News of the Weird” illustrations drew so much attention that they garnered their own shows in the ’90s. Today, the artist’s studio is full of printouts of her landscapes and the watercolors she paints while enjoying her favorite spots in nature.

missioned and eventually made her enough money to pursue her own work full-time, but through it all — the commercial illustrations from children’s books like Mickey & e Golem by Steve Stern to local publications like the University of Tennessee Medicine alumni magazine — she made time to pursue her own work.

Of her paintings and drawings, she says, “All of those pictures are just so personal to me.” From the self-portrait at her former studio at Marshall Arts to the wa-

tercolor of the car she drove for hundreds of thousands of miles, these pieces are tangible memories, intertwining the sentimental with her artistic fervor, the different styles and media marking different phases of her life.

“I will spend maybe seven years kind of doing one thing and then I’ll do something else for a few years,” Seagle says. “And so right now I’m in this black-andwhite drawing phase, which I started doing about seven or eight years ago.”

The landscapes, now on exhibit at the Dixon, show Dacus Lake, across the Mississippi River in Arkansas. “I really have limited my subject matter to this small area in Arkansas,” Seagle says. “It’s this land that floods, and that keeps it wild and that keeps it changing too. It was once part of the Mississippi River. I go over there every couple of weeks, and it’s always different. And I see all kinds of animals over there, too — I saw a panther one time. And people

don’t build anything on it.”

e outdoors is where Seagle, a frequent hiker, thrives. She used to visit her older relatives in Colorado and drew inspiration from nature there. Once her family members passed away, though, she stopped going there and needed a new source of inspiration — but one just as meaningful to her. It wasn’t until her forties when she found that spot around Dacus Lake.

Seagle first started going over there to visit her boyfriend — now her husband of 28 years — Fletcher Golden, who lived at a fishing camp in the area. “I never thought I would get married,” she says, but after being set up with Golden by an astrologer friend, she couldn’t resist him. Golden even says, “While we were dating, she — from memory — did a picture of my face, kind of ‘News of the Weird’ style. I love it, and she says she did it from memory because I was kissing her a lot.”

Years later, the two are just as enamored by with each other. “He is pretty cute,” Seagle says.

“We’ve had a lot of fun together. He’s very adventurous, and I am, too. We’ve taken some great trips together.” So it’s no wonder that she returns to the place where she first got to know Golden all those years ago — to wander, to paint with watercolors, and to let her surroundings wash over her as she takes photographs to reference later in her drawings.

“I just love going over there. I love these scenes. I love these landscapes. at’s my spot,” Seagle says.

leaving no detail spared. The scenes are still, out of time. A sense of wonder remains in her drawings, inviting the viewer to slip into nature’s serenity, only a few miles from the grit and grind of Memphis.

After decades of working as an artist, Seagle has slipped into a serenity of her own, as if all her prior artistic endeavors have led to this moment. Her experimentation freed and challenged her as she honed her skill and searched for a style

they were alive so they could see what I’m doing,” she says.

Though her father urged Seagle to pursue a more “practical” career like teaching, he shared her love of nature. Her mother had her own creative spirit, expressed through domestic arts like scrapbooking and sewing. She was also a talented pianist and an amateur photographer, often taking pictures of the trees surrounding their Arkansas home. “I think it’s almost a genetic thing,” Sea-

“I have loved my career. I have loved being an artist. It was kind of a struggle being poor, but I was able to save enough money to do what I’ve always wanted to do: fine art.” — Jeanne Seagle

In her Cooper-Young studio are Xerox copies of photos she’s taken. She’s folded them over in some places, making entirely new compositions, adjusting the wilderness to her aesthetic liking. From these gritty images printed on copy paper, Seagle gleans details that an untrained eye would not recognize. She knows this art, inside and out, just like she knows these woods, harvesting their most innate qualities from her memories.

Unlike her prior work that favored stylization, Seagle renders these images realistically,

to call her own. And it’s these black-and-white drawings that the artist has found to be the most rewarding, cultivating her passion and drive all the while achieving commercial success and drawing attention from the Dixon. At last, Seagle is proud.

As she continues in this phase of her life and art with these landscapes, Seagle can’t help but think of her childhood self, wandering through the woods in Western Arkansas, with her father working in the forests and her mother at home. “I wish

gle says, “what I’m doing now. Some of my pictures look like her photographs.”

Certainly, her parents would be proud, but so would the little girl who wanted to illustrate books and magazines. “I just stop myself, and go, ‘Wow,’” Seagle says. “Especially with this show that I have at the Dixon. Gosh, if I had known that would happen. I would just be exuberant. And I pretty much am.”

Jeanne Seagle’s “Of This Place” is on display at The Dixon Gallery and Gardens through April 9th.

above: Unlike her drawings, Seagle considers her watercolors “more like a hobby,” an extension of her love of being outdoors. “Watercolor is just very loose, and you don’t know what’s going to happen. There are all kinds of mistakes that you have to work with,” she says. “With the black-and-white drawings, everything is planned out and nothing is spontaneous.”

Jeff Beck’s Journeys to Memphis

One of the top guitarists of his day traveled the world in search of new sounds. He found what he was seeking here in the Bluff City.

BY ALEX GREENE

When British guitar wizard Jeff Beck died suddenly of bacterial meningitis this January, the Memphis musical community lit up on social media to lament his loss. Beck’s idiosyncratic and daring style was an inspiration to his fellow guitarists especially, not to mention millions of fans. Local author Tom Graves recalled a 1972 Beck concert at the Mid-South Coliseum as being “one of the great performances of my life,” after which Graves and his brother snuck backstage. “He came over and talked to us,” Graves recalled. “I remember this like it was yesterday. I will never forget how nice he was to us two kids.”

Guitarist David Cousar summed it up when he wrote,

“ e thing about Jeff Beck was, yes he had incredible chops, yes he had amazing tones and an original voice. But instead of just shredding unrelated ideas, he took motifs and developed them, sometimes into shred land, sometimes into gorgeous melodies, like the best players do. In short, he was musical.”

Beck’s fascination with Memphis music in particular drew him to the city more than once as he strove to incorporate the city’s classic sounds into his own playing. ose journeys culminated when Stax Records giant Steve Cropper produced Beck’s fourth album. e recordings he created here are now considered pivotal moments in his remarkable legacy.

left: Jeff Beck performing at the 2009 Montreal Jazz Festival. He first cut “Going Down,” a staple of his live set, with Steve Cropper in Memphis. above: Cropper outside his Trans Maximus, Inc. (TMI) studio on Poplar Avenue in the 1970s. inset: TMI Records, an affiliated label.

THE TRAIN KEPT A-ROLLIN’

1965

was a good year for the Yardbirds, and not just because it saw them visiting the Bluff City. In March, the band replaced guitarist Eric Clapton, a self-styled blues purist, with the decidedly less pure Beck. It fit the British group’s musical evolution, as they began to chafe at their early obsession with the blues. ough their manager, the charismatic and freewheeling Giorgio Gomelsky, had initially brought Clapton into the group, he also saw the limits of playing pure blues in a Top of the Pops world, as became clear when he presented the band with a demo of “For Your Love,” a minor-key pop tune featuring a harpsichord. is didn’t sit well with Clapton, who quit just after the group recorded the new song.

Enter Beck, to whom the manager and the group took an instant liking. In Martin Power’s book Hot Wired Guitar: e Life of Jeff Beck, Beck shares his thoughts on the new job: “ ey didn’t want to hear me play definitive blues, they wanted this nutter with this guitar doing these weird noises. And that was all right with me.”

ough the fast-climbing single was not recorded with Beck, in live shows he thrived on the new hybrid approach of “For Your Love,” not to mention the hit that followed close on its heels: “Heart Full of Soul,” a recording featuring the raga-like drone of Beck’s guitar processed through a then-experimental “fuzz box” he borrowed from his friend Jimmy Page. Gomelsky hastily booked a U.S. tour for the group to begin that September.

e tour would eventually bring the group to Memphis, even as confusion over their work visas kept them from playing concerts. Stuck in the U.S. but unable to perform, Gomelsky hit upon an inspired Plan B: ey would record at the famed studios where their heroes had made records. And so, in September 1965, the Yardbirds shuffled into Sam C. Phillips Recording Studio, the swanky new facility on Madison Avenue that the owner of Sun Records had opened in 1960 (distinct from the old Memphis Recording Service at 706 Union, where Phillips had launched Sun).

It was there that the group would stake their own claim on Memphis music history, covering “ e Train Kept A-Rollin’,” a song fi rst released on Cincinnati’s King Records in 1951 but remade entirely by Memphis’ Johnny Burnette and the Rock and Roll Trio five years later. ough the track was originally recorded in Nashville and released on Cleveland’s Coral Records (Sam Phillips had rejected them), the rockabilly trio of Memphians created one of the most significant records in rock history. Amped up on Paul Burlison’s

top: The B-side of the Yardbirds’ “I’m a Man” single was a chaotic track cut with rock-androll pioneer Sam Phillips. above: A Trans Maximus ad from the ’70s touted the Jeff Beck Group LP as one of the studio’s achievements.

overdriven guitar and egged on by Burnette’s unhinged howls, the record takes earlier uses of distortion (e.g., Jackie Brenston/Ike Turner’s “Rocket 88,” recorded by Phillips in 1951) up several notches, pioneering the chunky, choppy rhythm guitar that would come to define rock.

Many years later, Beck imagined his 21-yearold self to have been in the original home of Sun Records, “listening to playback from the same speakers that Presley first heard his songs,” as he recalls in Power’s book. ough the band was actually in an entirely different facility, they were nonetheless about to record with the great Sam Phillips, their heads swimming with thoughts of Memphis artists who inspired them. Jeff Beck’s thoughts went immediately to Johnny Burnette and the Rock and Roll Trio’s recording, “an old Beck teenage favourite that he personally suggested for the session,” Power writes.

And so one of the Yardbirds’ noisiest, rawest performances came to be captured on tape by Sam Phillips, a producer who treasured a unique sound above all else and who, Power writes, “was complimentary of the band’s anarchic take” on the song. In Beck’s hands, the choppiness of

“I rang Steve Cropper and said we wanted to record with him. Sure enough, days later, we were on the plane and I was really looking forward to recording in Stax Studios, the old movie house. But when we arrived, we found ourselves in a brand-new studio.“ — Jeff Beck

Burlison’s 1956 riff becomes a heavy chug, as two out-of-sync voices shout misremembered lyrics in a haze of passion and confusion. Beck’s guitar tone, announced from the start by two train-like wails, led writer Robert Palmer to dub the track a “metallic rave-up,” and his solos presage the psychedelic sounds of Jimi Hendrix by a solid year.

Beck surmised that the young Brits’ performance even rattled the veteran rock-and-roll producer a bit. “Looking back,” Beck tells Power, “what we sounded like must have been frightening [to Phillips], like e Sex Pistols arriving. He hadn’t quite adjusted to ‘Rolling Stones-itis.’”

Indeed, there was something punkishly prescient in the sheer aggressiveness of the track. Perhaps that explains the recording’s lasting mark on rock history. Exhibit A might be a Facebook post by Jack White of the White Stripes upon Beck’s death: “I wrote to him a couple of years ago,” the founder of ird Man Records reminisced, “to show him that I was standing where he once stood inside Sam Phillips studio in Memphis some 50 odd years before. He was amazingly kind and instructional to me over the years.”

e Yardbirds cut one other track with Phillips, the

anti-conformist anthem “You’re a Better Man an I.” And before leaving town to record at Chess Studio in Chicago, they played two semi-clandestine Memphis shows. Local guitar whiz Jim Duckworth, known for his work with e Gun Club, the Panther Burns, and K-9 Arts, recounts that “in September of 1965, they played at Frayser Skateland, and they played at Clearpool, which was at Lamar and Winchester. ey didn’t have work permits, so they weren’t gigging officially. [Renowned Memphis drummer] Richard Rosebrough told me about it. He saw them in Frayser. And he said they had the longest hair he had ever seen on a man in his life. And I’m guessing the music, based on that recording of ‘ e Train Kept A-Rollin’,’ was pretty frenetic.”

“Having become obsessed with hotwiring Motown for his own ends, Jeff now wanted to extend the perimeters of the model even further by adding the snap, crackle, and pop of Memphis’ Stax Records to his own group’s sound. It was the power of Stax’s own house band, The M.G.s, and their accompanying horn section, The Memphis Horns, that most beguiled Jeff.” — Martin Power

THE ORANGE ALBUM

While recording with Sam Phillips seemed incredible to Jeff Beck, his love of Memphis music went far beyond the golden age of rockabilly.

ose sounds were already a decade old by the time he joined the Yardbirds, and he was also tuned in to more diverse sounds coming out of the U.S. at that time. As Power writes, he became enamored with “the crisp, new soul and R&B sounds offered by Irma omas, Stevie Wonder, Otis Redding, and Booker T & e M.G.s.” In particular, Powers quotes Beck as saying, “Steve Cropper’s playing on ‘Green Onions’ was just exquisite.”

Meanwhile, by 1966 Beck had been fired from the Yardbirds for his increasing unreliability, freeing him to form his own groups as a lead-guitar-only frontman, an approach that he would follow more or less for the rest of his life. He was happy to leave the singing to others, and the fi rst iteration of the Jeff Beck Group helped catapult a young Rod Stewart into the public eye. But by 1971, Beck had put together a new version of his

above: Sam Phillips Recording Service was opened in 1960 and is still in operation today, retaining much of its original decor and vintage gear. below: A ’70s trade ad for Trans Maximus Inc. Recording Studios. Poco, Tower of Power, Jerry Lee Lewis, and Sam & Dave also recorded at this studio.

band that now included singer Bobby Tench, keyboardist Max Middleton, bassist Clive Chaman, and drummer Cozy Powell, all Englishmen obsessed with the blues and R&B. As groups far and wide fused together many styles in support of the growing cult of the guitar virtuoso, the Jeff Beck Group was forging their own identity by adding R&B to the mix.

“Having become obsessed with hotwiring Motown for his own ends, Jeff now wanted to extend the perimeters of the model even further by adding the snap, crackle, and pop of Memphis’ Stax Records to his own group’s sound,” Power writes. “It was the power of Stax’s own house band, e M.G.s, and their accompanying horn section, e Memphis Horns, that most beguiled Jeff.” His first attempt to meld that R&B backbone with his distinctive exploratory, solo-driven approach was 1971’s self-produced Rough and Ready. But while that album made the U.S. top 50, it fell short of his vision. at’s when he decided to call Steve Cropper.

Cropper did far more at Stax than play guitar. Although his trademark stinging style with the M.G.s was at the heart of the Stax sound, he also co-wrote and/or produced many other artists’ hits on the label, including “In the Midnight Hour,” “Knock on Wood,” and several Otis Redding hits, including “(Sittin’ On) e Dock of the Bay.” As Stax entered its tenth year, the M.G.s grew restless to prove themselves individually; their exodus from Stax began with Booker T. Jones in 1969. Cropper followed suit the next year, joining forces with Jerry Williams and former Mar-Key Ronnie Stoots to establish Trans Maximus, Inc. (TMI) Recording Studios in a small, nondescript building next to the Evergreen eater on Poplar.

Beck was unaware of all this when he headed to Memphis to begin recording in January 1972. “It came at a time when it seemed I could get anything I wanted,” he recalls in Hot Wired Guitar. “I rang Steve Cropper and said we wanted to record with him. Sure enough, days later, we were on the plane and I was really looking forward to recording in Stax Studios, the old movie house. But when we arrived, we found ourselves in a brand-new studio. I was really disappointed.”

For his part, Cropper had only been dimly aware of the Yardbirds in their heyday. “I knew who the Yardbirds were,” he recalls today. “Whatever was played on the radio, I listened to. But I didn’t know Sam worked with them. And I knew Sam pretty well. But I didn’t know about bands.” Still, by the early ’70s, Beck was becoming something of an icon. “I watched a lot of TV shows he was on in England, so I knew what he was capable of. Jeff could reach for anything that was in his head, and get it.”

Cropper didn’t know of Beck’s love of the M.G.s, or that it was Beck’s idea to have him produce the album. “I thought [Epic label owner] Clive Davis was the one who influenced him on that. Because I was real tight with Clive.” In any case, the influence was largely indirect by that time: e Jeff Beck Group sounded nothing like the M.G.s. And as a producer, Cropper was content to simply let the band be what it was. “My comments were

mainly about, if it didn’t feel good, it didn’t feel good. I’d tell them that. I never told them the notes to play at all. You don’t tell guys like Max Middleton how to play the piano. So that’s what I did. And Cozy Powell was one of the greatest drummers to ever live, but he played more notes than most guys.”

Still, Cropper felt a shock of recognition when Beck proposed a cover tune he’d learned off a Freddie King record, “Going Down,” built on a long, descending blues riff that feels like it’s existed for all time. e song was credited to Don Nix, a longtime friend of Cropper’s who was producing for Stax’s Enterprise imprint when he brought the tune to local heavy blues rock band Moloch, featuring guitar whiz Lee Baker. Later, he produced the Freddie King album on which it appeared. Donald “Duck” Dunn, bassist for the M.G.s, also worked on the King album.

Cropper continues: “Duck called me when he got back from Chicago, recording with Freddie King, and said, ‘ ey cut one of your songs. at song we did called ‘Slim Jenkins’ Place.’ Don Nix has added lyrics and titled it ‘Going Down.’ And I listened to it and said, ‘Let’s just keep it that way.’ Don was our baritone sax player in the Mar-Keys, and we had done ‘Last Night’ with him the year before ‘Green Onions.’ And I’m glad I did that. at’s been his livelihood.”

While “Going Down” became a standard part of Beck’s set throughout his career, and has been covered by many others since, not many connect it with the M.G.s classic. It essentially lifts the main riff from “Slim Jenkins’ Place,” while eschewing the M.G.s’ nimble arrangement, which alters the riff to match the chord changes. In Nix’s rewrite, it becomes simply e Riff, now with the lyrics “down, down, down, down, down” sung to it.

In other words, Jeff Beck Groups’ most overt tribute to the M.G.s was inadvertent. For the most part, the group sounds like a tightly wound rock/jazz combo pushing itself far beyond the simplicity of the Stax sound, mostly concerned with creating vehicles for Beck’s solos. Indeed, they seem intent on complicating any of the simplicity of the Memphis artists they admire, as when they dip into Sun Records territory with a bombastic, convoluted interpretation of Carl Perkins’ “Glad All Over.” While clearly intent on making songs their own, they delve into one cover version after another.

A notable exception is the Middleton-penned “Definitely Maybe,” which became a standout showcase for some of Beck’s most nuanced playing, and a crowd favorite over the years. In Power’s book, Middleton remembers it as being “quite complex, with two or three parts and a counter melody. It was very difficult to sort through. Jeff actually wanted to give up on it, but Steve Cropper said, ‘No, this is

top: The Jeff Beck Group LP rose to #19 in the 1972 album charts. above: Steve Cropper was inducted into the Memphis Music Hall of Fame in 2019 and continues to produce and release records, such as 2021’s Fire It Up.

good, let’s keep going.’”

Overall, Cropper proved to be more of a taskmaster than the group bargained for, albeit one with a growing admiration for Beck. As Middleton recalls in Hot Wired Guitar, “It was take after take, as Steve wanted it to be perfect. But he idolized Jeff. He thought he was a wonderful guitarist.”

When asked if the three originals on the album impressed him at the time, Cropper is blunt. “Uh, no,” he laughs. “ at’s why I’ve got one on there. ey didn’t have enough for an album, so I wrote ‘Sugar Cane’ to fill it out. And [bassist] Clive couldn’t get it. It was the last day, and he just couldn’t feel it. And I don’t blame him for not feeling it. It was something I just came up with. So I played bass on it, although I’m not credited.” at alone lends the track one of the most subtle grooves on the album, as Cropper on bass and Beck on guitar lock in on unison patterns until Beck’s solos take flight — the only time (heretofore unknown) that the two guitar legends performed together.

“I’ll say this about Jeff Beck. We all knew how good he was, but the thing is, he got better and better as time went on. Better and better and better and better. Every time I saw him, I’d go, ‘Oh my God, I used to produce that guy!’” — Steve Cropper

e final album was simply called Jeff Beck Group, though it’s often called “ e Orange Album” due to that fruit’s beguiling inclusion on the cover design. As Power writes, “ e album was a much more satisfying experience than its predecessor — its melodies more robust, Beck’s guitar playing more substantial.” It rose to a respectable #19 on the U.S. charts, and Beck later recalled, “Good memories, overall, but in the end, we didn’t really have the material. e good thing was we sounded like a really heavy Motown, Stax-y band. Cozy bashing away ... call it flawed but fun.”

It was to be the swan song of the Jeff Beck Group, with the guitarist disbanding the combo shortly after the album’s release and working mostly under his own name in subsequent years. Yet, like the Yardbirds’ take on “ e Train Kept A-Rollin’,” the Memphis-born “Going Down” emerged from the sessions to become a career-defining achievement, one that stayed with him over the decades.

And the album stayed with Steve Cropper as well. ough he never worked with Beck again, he followed the guitarist’s artistic evolution avidly from that point on.

“I’ll say this about Jeff Beck,” he declares today. “We all knew how good he was, but the thing is, he got better and better as time went on. Better and better and better and better. Every time I saw him, I’d go, ‘Oh my God, I used to produce that guy!’”

2023 FACES OF THE MID-SOUTH

THE FACE OF NAILS

ARTISAN NAIL LOUNGE & ENVY NAIL BAR >>> Nick Pham, owner

At Artisan Nail Lounge and Envy Nail Bar, you are our first priority and the center of what we do every day. Our utmost mission is to make sure our customers are completely 100% satisfied with their service. We want you to feel relaxed and completely satisfied with the way the nail salon looks and feels from the time you walk in to the time you walk out. At ARTISAN NAIL LOUNGE AND ENVY NAIL BAR, we are passionate about elevating an industry that we believe desperately needs renovation and reinvention of customer-service standards using higher levels of customer care to provide the best possible customer service and fulfillment. We

have a team of qualified and knowledgeable nail and skin care experts who are devoted to mastering the art of nail and skin care. We take pride in providing you with a soothing and revitalizing experience by upholding the highest standards of service and hygiene. Our nail salons are proud to provide the highest level of service to our clients.

We're focused on bringing you the most up-to-date advances in beauty treatment, and we only work with the most reputable brands in the industry. Our top-of-the-line products, services, and cutting-edge technology will help you feel and look your best!

THE FACE OF NEPHROLOGY

MINESH PATHAK, MD >>>

Kidney disease is an often unrecognized, silent disease caused by uncontrolled high blood pressure and diabetes. The diagnosis and treatment of kidney-related diseases requires an in-depth evaluation of various risk factors. Obesity, vascular abnormalities, autoimmune diseases, and kidney stones have been linked to renal failure. Dr. Pathak is a board-certified Nephrologist and member of The American Society of Nephrology and The National Kidney Foundation. He provides compassionate care with the highest-quality treatment of kidney disease. His goal is to provide early, preventive education along with diagnosis and relevant treatments of specific conditions to lessen the risk of progression to kidney failure and to improve a patient's quality of life.

Dr. Pathak takes great interest in understanding the needs of his patients and providing them with quality care with the least invasive treatment.

6025 Walnut Grove Road, Ste. 400 Memphis, TN 38120 901.382.5256

2023 FACES OF THE MID-SOUTH

2023 FACES OF THE MID-SOUTH

THE FACE OF OB-GYN

MIDSOUTH OB-GYN >>>

Front

Back

MidSouth OB/GYN provides comprehensive gynecological and obstetrical care for women of all ages. Some of our services include yearly wellness exams, fertility management, weight loss solutions, contraceptive counseling, management of uterine fibroids, office procedures and a myriad of options for managing the symptoms of menopause. Our physicians also perform minimally invasive procedures including laparoscopy, hysteroscopy and robotic surgery. We deliver our obstetrical patients at Baptist Women’s Hospital and Methodist Germantown Hospital. All expectant mothers receive a

complimentary 3D/4D ultrasound.

The physicians of MidSouth OB/GYN have received award recognition from Baptist Memorial Hospital for Women for their leadership roles. They have also been recognized for excellence in clinical teaching from the University of Tennessee and are certified by the American Board of Obstetrics & Gynecology.

At MidSouth we do not believe in a one size fits all approach to women’s health; we treat each patient with personalized plans, courtesy and compassion. We look forward to helping you maximize your health.

row: Faith Price MD, Candace D. Hinote MD, Judi L. Carney MD, Robin M. Taylor MD, and Dominique Butawan-Ali MD

row: Paul D. Neblett MD, Mary Katherine Johnson MD, and Thomas D. Greenwell MD

THE FACE OF ORIENTAL RUGS

TAGHAVI ORIENTAL RUGS >>>

At Taghavi's Oriental Rugs, we take great pride in our 60+ years in business and the type of services we offer, including sales, hand cleaning, reweaving, color-run restoration, moth-damage repair, stain and odor removal, disinfecting all viruses, and much more! With every customer, we are guided by our core values: integrity, experience, excellence, and professionalism. We have not only the largest stock in new and antique rugs, but also the best cleaning and restoration method in the country. We have built our reputation for more than 60 years, not on false promises, but integrity and excellence.

3554 Park Avenue Memphis, TN 38111

901.327.5033

TaghaviRugs.com

2023

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2023 FACES OF THE MID-SOUTH

THE FACE OF ORTHODONTICS

MEMPHIS ORTHODONTIC SPECIALISTS >>> Dr. Scott Werner and Dr. Stanley Werner

Celebrating more than 75 years of combined orthodontic experience, Dr. Scott Werner and Dr. Stanley Werner have offices in Memphis, Munford, and Collierville. They have cared for numerous generations of families, specializing in orthodontics and dentofacial orthopedics for children and adults. Both understand how a beautiful smile can change a

patient’s life, improving health and selfesteem with traditional appliances or Invisalign. Dr. Scott and Dr. Stanley have been included in the annual Memphis Top Dentists awards every year since its inception, achieved status as Diplomats of the American Board of Orthodontics, and are members of the American Association of Orthodontists.

2023 FACES OF THE MID-SOUTH

THE FACE OF ORTHOPEDICS

ORTHOSOUTH >>>

THE MIDSOUTH’S 5-STAR ORTHOPEDIC EXPERIENCE — OrthoSouth’s goal is to deliver the best patient experience in health care. Our comprehensive orthopedic services include urgent care, sports medicine, subspecialty care (hand, foot, ankle, wrist, shoulder, knee, hip, back and neck), total joint replacement,

and physical therapy, all delivered by the friendliest group of people in the tri-state area. We use hospitality-inspired principles of customer service along with great technology to optimize quality time with your provider while keeping your overall visit as quick and easy as possible.

2023 FACES OF THE MID-SOUTH

THE FACE OF PAIN MANAGEMENT

MAYS & SCHNAPP NEUROSPINE AND PAIN > > >

Established for over 25 years, Mays & Schnapp Neurospine and Pain has been the trusted practice for chronic pain in the MidSouth. In fact, Dr. Moacir Schnapp was a pioneer in the field, and the medical practice continues to be a leader in pain management. Patients choose Mays & Schnapp because they are treated by physicians with decades of experience, including board certifications in pain management. Our specialized team treats each individual patient and his or her pain as unique.

There simply is no other place like Mays & Schnapp within 500 miles, where at its

CARF accredited facility, patient treatments are unique to the individual and may include interventional treatments such as nerve blocks, radiofrequency ablation, and joint injections, as well as restorative therapies like physical therapy and behavioral therapies.

You can be sure, when the problem is pain, Mays & Schnapp is the place that can help. Mays & Schnapp treats a wide variety of pain-related conditions including back and neck pain, arm and leg pain, arthritis, sciatica, shingles, peripheral neuropathy from diabetes, multiple sclerosis, complex regional pain syndrome, and post-stroke pain.

MEMPHIS: 55 Humphreys Center Drive, Suite 200, Memphis, TN 38120

SOUTHAVEN: 7900 Airways Blvd., Ste. A6, Southaven, MS 38671 901.747.0040 | maysandschnapp.com

Left to right: Andrew Dudas, MD, M. Cody Scarbrough, MD, Moacir Schnapp, MD, and Matthew D. Kangas, MD

THE FACE OF PHILANTHROPY

UNITED WAY OF THE MID-SOUTH > > >

Rev. Kenneth S. Robinson, M.D., President

&

CEO

United Way of the Mid-South is unwavering in our mission to improve the quality of life for Mid-Southerners by mobilizing and aligning community resources to address priority issues, focusing on generational poverty. We are adapting to changing times and continuing to create lasting change in the lives of individuals and families through innovative human service solutions.

United Way of the Mid-South, standing at the intersection of multiple sectors, is uniquely positioned to address the great needs of those affected by poverty in the MidSouth. As the region’s largest public, solely charitable foundation, United Way supports high-performing agencies through strategically aligned grant-making. Our Community Impact supports the organizations that are leading the way in addressing community needs and touched the lives of Mid-Southerners over 275,000 times last year.

Additionally, United Way’s Free Tax Prep program supports families’ financial stability by

providing tax preparation and filing at no cost to low- and moderate-income families, returning over $15 million in refunds to families in 2022.

United Way of the Mid-South leveraged its deep engagement in the human service sector to innovate a collaborative system of care — Driving The Dream™. Through partnerships with more than 100 agencies, supported by neighborhood and faith-based collaborators, United Way creates sustainable economic advancement for our community’s most vulnerable citizens. With a “one-door” approach to a network of support, the Driving The Dream™ Call Center — 844.444.4211 — is the first stop in getting connected to available resources.

United Way of the Mid-South continues to be the innovative leader in grant-making and program development to address the most critical needs in our community. Please visit uwmidsouth.org to donate and learn more about how you can join us to help thousands of our neighbors move from where they are, to where they dream to be!

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Physical therapy is essential during any injury's healing and rehabilitation phase. Early intervention and education about one's pain can speed up the return to an active lifestyle. With the help of our physicians on-site, our physical therapists can confidently guide patients back to

optimal health using modern pain and rehabilitation concepts. The focus of our physical therapy practice is on spine-related issues. Since that is our specialty, patients can have confidence that our therapists can help them progress through the correct rehabilitative and restorative programs.

SEMMES MURPHEY CLINIC >>>

Front row, left to right: Eric Goldberg, Kathryn Barry, and Kristina Uthe

Back row, left to right: Courtney Drzyzga, Damien Klingberg, and Ben Graves

Not pictured: Payton Graves, Kelly MacLain, Ronnie Montgomery, and Richard Bryant

THE FACE OF PHYSICAL THERAPY

THE FACE OF PIZZA

BROADWAY PIZZA >>> Legendary Broadway Pizza, one of Memphis’ favorite family-ownedand operated restaurants, was opened by Lana Jeanette Cox in 1977 at 2581 Broad. Thirdgeneration family members now offer Broadway East at 629 S. Mendenhall. Elder family members raised in extreme poverty find it

important that faithful friends get their money’s worth and don't leave hungry. Not just a pizzeria, Broadway offers salads, whole wings, fish, spaghetti, chicken parmesan, burgers, and homestyle plate-lunch specials. Cakes made in-house daily. We deliver large orders and call-in orders welcomed.

2581 Broad Avenue, Memphis, TN 38112 | 901.454.7930

629 S. Mendenhall, Memphis, TN 38117 | 901.207.1546

BroadwayPizzaMemphis.com

2023 FACES OF THE MID-SOUTH

2023 FACES OF THE MID-SOUTH

THE FACE OF PLUMBING

SMITH'S PLUMBING SERVICES >>> Dustin Smith, owner

I was born and raised in Memphis, Tennessee. In my early twenties, I ended up working for a local HVAC and plumbing company and became a licensed plumber. In 2010, I started Smith's Plumbing Services with very little financial resources. Today we employ around 45 people, and I am proud to say we have a great team led by my GM Thomas Berish and service manager Tim Fancher. We continue to strive to improve our customer experience and create a great atmosphere for our team! We truly want to be your plumber for life!

6843 Summer Ave., Bartlett, TN 38134

901.238.5000 | SmithsPlumbingService.com

OF THE MID-SOUTH

THE FACE OF PODIATRY

Front row, left to right: Dr. Stephen Zimmerman and Dr. Christopher Hendrix

Back row, left to right: Dr. Nicole Zahn, Dr. Brian Horowitz, and Dr. Abhin Kumar

The Podiatry Institute of the South is the Tri-State Area’s premier group of board-certified podiatrists and foot and ankle surgeons. Our physicians treat a broad spectrum of adult and pediatric foot and ankle issues, including: arthritis, painful bunions, foot and ankle deformities and fractures, as well as a multitude of complications from Diabetes Mellitus. In collaboration with our physicians at the Vascular and Vein Institute of the South, we provide the full continuum of care necessary for limb preservation, wound closure, and the treatment of peripheral arterial disease.

Let us help your feet take you where your heart wants to be.

2023 FACES OF THE MID-SOUTH

THE FACE OF PROFESSIONAL TREE SERVICE

ROBINSON TREE SERVICE >>> Robinson Tree Service has been family owned since 1948. Jason Sengel and his wife, Cynthia, acquired the business from Pop Robinson’s grandson in 2001. Jason was well prepared to take the helm, with a degree in Urban Forestry from Texas A&M and as a certified arborist. Cynthia is a lifelong resident of Memphis, with a marketing degree from the University of Memphis and many years of customer service experience.

Under their helm, Robinson Tree has grown to be one of the most highly recommended tree services in Memphis. Their response on why, “We think it is mainly to do with our great crews; we receive compliments on our guys all the time. We couldn’t do it without their professionalism and expertise.” Give them a call for a free estimate and they promise, “We know Memphis trees.”

2023 FACES OF THE MID-SOUTH

THE FACE OF

PUBLIC RELATIONS

WILSON PUBLIC RELATIONS >>>

Beth Wilson, MBA, APR, is the founder and Chief PR Officer at Wilson Public Relations. For nearly two decades, she has led award-winning communications campaigns in fields ranging from tech, manufacturing, and agribusiness to healthcare, professional services, and nonprofits. As an industry leader, Wilson is a regular contributor to various local and national publications. She also supports and serves organizations such as PRSA, 901Women, Chris Hope Foundation, and Kindred Place, among others. Wilson received her bachelor’s degree and Executive MBA from the University of Memphis, and her Accreditation in Public Relations from the Universal Accreditation Board.

Beth@WilsonPublicRelations.com

WilsonPublicRelations.com

2023 FACES OF THE MID-SOUTH

THE FACE OF REPRODUCTIVE MEDICINE

FERTILITY ASSOCIATES OF MEMPHIS >>>

Left

right:

Fertility Associates of Memphis is the only state-of-the-art practice providing comprehensive reproductive health care to couples of the Mid-South and beyond, treating patients struggling with infertility, recurrent pregnancy loss, and reproductive disorders. Our highly specialized team utilizes cutting-edge techniques, including in vitro fertilization with laser blastocyst biopsy, preimplantation genetic testing, and fertility preservation, and has been designated a Center of Excellence. Our compassionate physicians, board-certified in reproductive endocrinology and infertility, have been bringing dreams to life for over 28 years.

80 Humphreys Center, Suite 307, Memphis, TN 38120 | 901.747.2229 | FertilityMemphis.com

to

Amelia P. Bailey, MD, Raymond W. Ke, MD, William H. Kutteh, MD, PhD, and Paul R. Brezina, MD

2023 FACES OF THE MID-SOUTH

THE FACE OF RESIDENTIAL REAL ESTATE RIP HANEY, MARX-BENSDORF REALTORS >>>

Rip Haney has provided high-quality personal representation to buyers and sellers of residential real estate in the Greater Memphis area since 1993. He is a native Memphian and proud to have spent his entire 30-year career as a Broker with Memphis’ oldest and most established firm. Marx-Bensdorf Realtors is celebrating its 154-year anniversary. Rip is a Past President and Life Member of the Memphis Area Association of Realtors MultiMillion Dollar Club, which is limited to the top one percent of agents in the city. 5860 Ridgeway Center Pkwy. Memphis, TN 38120

RHaney@M-BRealtors.com

RipHaneyRealtor.com 901.682.1868 (o) 901.351.2190 (c)

2023 FACES OF THE MID-SOUTH

THE FACE OF RESTAURANT AND KITCHEN DESIGN

HOTEL AND RESTAURANT SUPPLY >>>

For 70 years, Hotel and Restaurant Supply has fulfilled culinary needs for institutions of all sizes, including restaurants, schools, and major hospitals across the U.S. The team offers unparalleled design, project management, warehousing, and installation services, ensuring projects move smoothly from concept

to completion. By prioritizing customer service, cutting-edge design services (AutoCAD and Revit), and fostering close relationships with architects, designers, general contractors, and restaurateurs, Hotel and Restaurant Supply has become the premier commercial kitchen provider in the southeast.

3644 Winchester Road, Memphis, TN 38118 | 901.368.0033

hnrsupply.com/memphisdesigncenter

THE FACE OF RETIREMENT LIVING

THE VILLAGE AT GERMANTOWN >>>

Dr. and Mrs. Horner

Just a short drive from their previous home in East Memphis — and tucked into the heart of Germantown — Dr. and Mrs. Horner found more than just a new apartment at The Village.

In addition to gaining a community of friends and fellowship, the Horners take advantage of our expansive outdoor spaces where they walk their dog, Annie,

2023 FACES OF THE MID-SOUTH

and “get their hands dirty” planting in the raised beds found in the community garden. It is the perfect place to retire, while continuing to live life to the fullest.

The Village is Germantown’s only Continuing Care Retirement Community — offering independent living, assisted living, memory care, and skilled nursing with rehabilitation services.

2023 FACES OF THE MID-SOUTH

THE FACE OF RUNNING

FLEET FEET >>>

A passion for running, fitness, and a healthy lifestyle continually inspires us to be the local landing place for active Memphians.

We continue to not only fit runners and walkers, but also health care heroes, service industry workers, and first responders — all people who spend long days on their feet.

We cherish serving the running community at local races and charitable events throughout the city.

We are grateful for the journey that began 30 years ago to be the best place in Memphis for running shoes and gear and has evolved into a store that means so much more.

OF THE MID-SOUTH

THE FACE OF SPINE CARE

Semmes Murphey Clinic's neurosurgeons, physiatrists, and interventional pain-management specialists are dedicated to spine conditions. From conservative treatments like physical therapy and pain-blocking injections to innovative procedures such as motion-preserving spine surgery (artificial disc replacement)

and minimally invasive spine surgery, our specialists work collaboratively to provide individualized care. Their work is tested and proven by nationwide quality outcomes studies. The degree of neck and back pain improvement for SMC spine surgery patients is greater than the national average and highest in the region.

SEMMES MURPHEY CLINIC >>>

Front row, left to right: Dr. Michael LaBagnara, Dr. Sam Polk, Dr. Michael Muhlbauer, Dr. Raul Cardenas, and Dr. Paul Park

Back row, left to right: Dr. Kyle Smith, Dr. Jay McDonald, Dr. Jeffrey Sorenson, Dr. Kenan Arnautovic, Dr. Jason Weaver, and Dr. Todd Fountain

2023 FACES

OF THE MID-SOUTH

THE FACE OF STROKE

Every year more than 795,000 Americans have a stroke. Semmes Murphey Clinic's neurovascular team, the largest and most experienced in the nation, is here to fight stroke and its devastating effects in the Mid-South and beyond. The physicians are devoted to delivering and researching life-saving interventions for acute stroke

and improving care for stroke survivors. Locally and globally, they dedicate themselves to spreading awareness about stroke prevention. Semmes Murphey Clinic's team also diagnoses and treats various conditions, including aneurysms, arteriovenous malformations, carotid artery stenosis, moyamoya disease, and more.

SEMMES MURPHEY CLINIC >>>

Left to right: Dr. Christopher Nickele, Dr. Adam Arthur, Dr. Lucas Elijovich, Dr. Violiza Inoa, and Dr. Nitin Goyal

SURGERY

2023 FACES OF THE MID-SOUTH

THE FACE OF THE MULTI-SPECIALTY GROUP

CONSOLIDATED MEDICAL PRACTICES OF MEMPHIS, PLLC >>>

Doctors include: Michelle Allmon, Jeremy Avila, Reuben Avila, John Buttross, Tommy Campbell, Laura Engbretson, Arthur Franklin, Maher Ghawji, Malini Gupta, Ara Hanissian, Gina Hanissian, Greg Hanissian, Raza Hashmi, Mary Margaret Hurley, David Iansmith, Ashan Kathawala, Margarita Lamothe, Kashif Latif, Shannon Riedley-Malone, Edward Muir, Daniel Murrell, Lisa Myers, Kristie Nowak, Chiemeziem Nwanyanwu, Imad Omer, Mohammad Qureshi, Nidal Rahal, George Van Rushing, Bashar Shala, Henry Stamps, Allison Stiles, George Stoev, Ralph Taylor, Michael Threlkeld, Stephen Threlkeld, Randy Villanueva, Jeffery Warren, Angela Watson, and Albert Weeks

CMPM, a “group practice without walls,” was established in 2008 to provide compassionate, convenient, and efficient care for those in the Mid-South. Since its formation CMPM has grown to 38 physicians in multiple specialties located across the area, from Midtown to Collierville. The physicians enjoy practice autonomy while benefiting from the economies of scale and scope provided by a larger group. With its network of nationally recognized physicians, nurse practitioners and health care providers, CMPM strives to provide compassionate, outstanding and personalized care to those living in Shelby County and the surrounding areas. 1555 Lynnfield Road, Suite 200, Memphis, TN 38119 | 901.261.0700

2023 FACES OF

THE MID-SOUTH

THE FACE OF VASCULAR SURGERY

VASCULAR AND VEIN INSTITUTE OF THE SOUTH > > >

Front, left to right: Dr. Anton Dias Perera and Dr. Prateek K. Gupta

Back: Dr. Daniel Alterman

The Vascular Institute is the largest multi-specialty group of board-certified vascular surgeons and podiatrists in the Mid-South. The group has the lowest amputation rate in the region and serves as the premier center for restoring blood flow to the legs and limb preservation. They provide the best clinical outcomes for patients with peripheral arterial disease, varicose veins, fibroid embolization, dialysis access, carotid disease, and aortic aneurysm.

THE FACE OF WAXING

EUROPEAN WAX CENTER >>>

European Wax Center opened its doors in Memphis in 2012. Since then, we’ve provided our guests with a first-class waxing experience centered around our proprietary Comfort Wax, private waxing suites, highest sanitation standards, and highly trained Estheticians. From day one we’ve been

putting our values into action, delighting our guests with an exceptional experience and rewards loyalty programs. We are proud to be a family-owned business and believe we have the best guests in the world! We have three locations: East Memphis, Cordova, and Collierville.

2023 FACES OF THE MID-SOUTH

THE FACE OF WEIGHT LOSS & REGENERATIVE MEDICINE

DE LA BELLE WELLNESS & SPA >>>

Renee Pinlac, MSN, FNP, is the owner of De La Belle Wellness & Spa in the Shops of Chickasaw Oaks Village. Renee received her Masters of Science in Nursing and is certified in Family Practice. She specializes in Comprehensive Weight Loss Management and Education, Endocrinology, and Facial Aesthetic Rejuvenation. Renee holds certification as a Master Cosmetic Botox and Dermal Filler Injector, as well as certifications in Laser Facial Aesthetics and Noninvasive Laser Lipo treatments. Renee believes in providing modern and regenerative therapy treatments, such as panfacial rejuvenation, PRP (Platelet Rich Plasma), hair restoration, PDO threads for non-surgical face, brow, and body lifting, bioidentical pellet hormone therapy for men and women, and IV mineral and vitamin hydration. Her 17+ years of experience at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital has allowed her to bring a higher level of professionalism and compassion to medicalaesthetic and weight-loss treatments. Renee cares about her clients' wellbeing, both inside and out at De La Belle Wellness & Spa. With her extensive clinical background, she's holding the aesthetic industry of Memphis to a higher standard than ever before!

THE FACE OF WINE &

Thirty-eight years ago, the owners and staff at Kirby Wines & Liquors started out with the mission of providing the best selection, pricing, and service to the Mid-South. Fast-forward to today, and our goal is the same. Our experience and dedication to our customers animates this endeavor, providing a broad international selection of wine and liquor, as well as ever-changing and seasonal beer offerings. It is also our great pleasure to assist in planning parties from 2 to 2,000 guests, including party supplies, gifts, and delivery. We are truly your one-stop shop.

LIQUOR

KIRBY WINES & LIQUORS >>>

Left to right: Zach Scott, Philip Forman, Stephen Newport, Brian Herrera, and Jeremy Vasser

April 14-16

Dominick Brignole

Our history expert solves local mysteries: who, what, when, where, why, and why not. Well, sometimes.

BY VANCE LAUDERDALE

ies, olive oil, macaroni, vermicelli, wines, liquors, and bitters.” A fellow from Italy probably felt quite at home among such products.

Perhaps this is why, after only two years, Brignole opened his own fruit stand, at the corner of Madison and Desoto (what is present-day Fourth Street). Within a year, this small place expanded to the point where he ran large newspaper ads announcing “Fancy groceries, fruits, cigars, and tobacco.” One detail in the ad told me Brignole was a sharp businessman: As early as 1904, he listed a telephone number — Mem-3079 — at a time when very few Memphians had that newfangled gadget in their homes.

By 1908, he had added a saloon to his store, and his ads informed customers that he was a “manufacturer of the original Italian grape juice wine.” About that time, his son, Antonio, joined his father in the growing business; the city directories list him as a clerk, and it’s possible Dominicka also helped out. She’s not specifically mentioned, but with family-owned concerns, usually the whole family was involved.

DEAR VANCE: Looking through the digital archives of the Memphis Public Library, I came across this photo of a building on Madison, taken in the 1940s. Carved in stone across the top, below “1910,” is “D.C. Brignole.” Where was this place, who was Brignole, and why did someone name a building after him? — L.P., MEMPHIS.

rather specific information, I can answer your first question: The building you see here was located in Midtown, at the northwest corner of Madison and Auburndale. Is it still standing today? Well, read on.

Now, for your second question, I can tell you that the full name across the top of the building is Dominick Brignole, but nobody named this place for him. It was his own building, erected in 1910; he put his name on it; and here’s his rather remarkable story.

above: The Brignole building on Madison stood for almost 60 years, with businesses on the ground floor and an apartment above.

Born in Genoa, Italy, in 1863, Dominick met a woman named Dominicka (sometimes spelled Domenica) and — with almost matching names — how could he not marry her? I don’t know the exact date of that event, or when they both came to America. What I do know is they first show up in the city directories here in 1889, renting an apartment at 81 Exchange. Brignole was listed as a porter (or delivery man) for the firm of A.S. Barbaro. This old Memphis company, located on Main Street, advertised “European Products A Specialty” and they were “importers and dealers in foreign and domestic fruits, nuts, prunes, preserves, fancy grocer-

“The Italian merchant who steadfastly refused to lay a sidewalk in front of his store spent the night in the city prison, chafing like a madman.” — CA

In 1910, Brignole decided to expand, so he moved several miles east and erected the handsome building you see here, putting his name and date in the stone across the top. The grocery was on the ground floor, and he lived with his wife and son in a spacious apartment above the business. Even though his name was prominently displayed, he decided to embark on an ambitious venture — a chain of stores that he would call “Your Store.” I found a small Commercial Appeal article that mentioned his plan to open nine stores around the city, but for some reason, he followed a different approach.

Within a few years, Memphians could shop at three Your Store locations, but Brignole didn’t own all of them. Instead, a fellow named Idus Bowers (possibly related to Duke C. Bowers, who operated a large chain of groceries in this region) became president of Your Stores, Inc., and Brignole was apparently only the owner of Store #1 — the one you see here. Your Store #2 opened at 130 Poplar Avenue, with Your Store #3 at 923 Madison Avenue. Each of these offered a special service to customers: “All orders for $1.00 and over delivered.”

Can anyone imagine a time when you could do your grocery shopping and not even spend a dollar?

It seems to me that, in a rather short period of time in our city, Brignole demonstrated a keen eye for business. I don’t know what kind of person he was, exactly, since

DEAR L.P.: Study this photo carefully, and you’ll notice the old-style concrete marker for Madison at the street corner. Above the names of two of the businesses on the ground floor are street numbers: 1756 for the Idlewild Café, and 1760 for the Silver Liquor Store. So with that

I never met him, but a tiny newspaper article gives some clue that he must have been quite a character. Around this time, you see, the city fined him $50 for not laying a sidewalk in front of his business on Madison (then as now, I guess, sidewalks were the responsibility of the property owners, not the city). Well, when Brignole refused to pay the $50, the judge invited him to spend a night in jail. After he got out, and still refused to follow the city’s demands, he went back to jail. Under the headline “Brignole Is In Again,” the newspaper article observed, “The Italian merchant who steadfastly refused to lay a sidewalk in front of his store spent the night in the city prison, chafing like a madman.” The story continued, “The police were ordered to arrest Brignole every day until the sidewalk was laid.”

I don’t know how this ended; the newspapers left readers in suspense by not following up on the situation.

In 1916, Brignole sold his business to the United Stores chain of groceries. The property at 1760 Madison became Store #21, while he and his family continued to live on the second floor. Meanwhile, son Antonio left the family business, taking a job as a machinist with Memphis Auto Company on Union, while doing bicycle repairs on the side.

Dominick Brignole passed away December 11, 1929, and was laid to rest in Calvary Cemetery. I’m not sure what Dominicka did after that — she’s not listed in the city directories — but she joined him there in 1941. Antonio — later known as Anthony — became a captain with the Memphis Police Department, passing away in 1992. He’s buried alongside his parents at Calvary.

The building went through quite a few owners after Dominick’s death. It remained a grocery for a few years, then became home to a series of liquor stores. In this photo, taken in the 1940s, the Silver Liquor Store posted “Liquor” in paint and neon signs in a half-dozen different places on the walls and windows. I presume the nicely painted Double Cola ad at the top corner was left over from the building’s days as a grocery. Not many people — not even the Lauderdales — shop for Double Cola at a liquor store. After that, it became home to various drug stores, including Battle’s Pharmacy and Harper’s Drug Store.

The smaller businesses to the west also changed hands rather often. Over the years, customers could find Durham Brothers Plumbing, Breeden Radio Company, the Evergreen Tea Room, Gene’s Sandwich Shop, Daniel’s Restaurant, and (as you can see here) the Idlewild Café tucked into these narrow bays.

The last business to occupy 1760 Madison was Jimmy Webb’s, a cozy neighborhood bar that opened here in 1950. I turned up a CA article that admired the “old-

timey beer parlor” and had this to say: “The cheeseburgers at Jimmy’s contained enough grease for any Southern man’s chin. The cracks in the floor and walls, and the holes above where the gas lights used to be, offered a bedraggled executive or a promising art student a loose atmosphere to knock back a few beers and relax.”

That article was essentially the building’s obituary. Developers had announced plans to tear down the old place and replace it with a six-story medical building. “Everybody knows everybody here,” lamented one customer, “People really feel at home here.” Jimmy Webb closed the doors on the last day of December in 1969. Bulldozers quickly cleared away most of the block.

Designed by noted architect Roy Harrover, who also created Memphis International Airport, Memphis College of Art, Mud Island, and other iconic structures around town, the Madison Professional Building opened here in 1974. It was certainly impressive, but — let’s face it — neighbors claimed the gleaming white, 80,000-square-foot cube didn’t quite mesh with the older homes and businesses around it. Half-empty in recent years, new owners are presently upgrading the interior and hoping to fill the building with more tenants. As I drove by recently, the first thing I noticed outside was the nice sidewalk. What would Dominick Brignole think of that?

above: This rendering shows the modern office building, designed by Roy Harrover, that replaced Brignole’s old grocery store.

Got a question for Vance?

EMAIL: askvance@memphismagazine.com

MAIL: Vance Lauderdale, Memphis magazine, P.O. Box 1738, Memphis, TN 38101

ONLINE: memphismagazine.com/ ask-vance

Or visit him on Facebook.

Limelight

Germantown’s newest fine-dining restaurant makes contemporary American dishes and craft cocktails the stars of the show.

BY SAMUEL X. CICCI

Diners at Limelight in Germantown simply can’t stop ordering the halibut. It’s reached the point where the kitchen is almost tired of seeing the fish delivery come through the doors every day, jokes general manager Courtney Grissom. “I think we’re buying about 30 pounds a day, serving 40 plates to guests,” she says. “If we buy a 30-pound halibut, that will last us two days, max.” But the coveted dish is an example of Limelight’s popularity, with diners thrilling to elevated American cuisine and a new local watering hole.

To begin, Limelight offers a few simple but satisfying bar snacks: fried chickpeas, olive tapenade, and a curated selection of seasonal butters. But the shareable appetizers allow head chef DJ Pitts’ style to truly shine. e pork belly skewers were our first stop, the five bites artfully layered atop honey crisp apple and watercress. e pork is sizzled in a shoyu glaze, with an umami bursting with a mild soy flavor blended with a hint of sweetness, and the tender meat bundled inside a perfectly crispy exterior. Plus, an added touch of ai chili brings a mild hit of sweet heat to the whole package.

Continuing with the snacky trend, the moules frites are Limelight’s elevated take on a Belgian classic. Akin to dirty fries, the dish sees a stack of crispy, golden French fries

interspersed with a bed of mussels. e fries’ saltiness provides a base for the mussels, cooked and prepared with a blend of crème fraîche, white wine, and dijon mustard that give them a distinctly creamy and tangy appeal. e two main components aren’t fully blended when served, letting diners choose their approach: Pick off the fries and mussels separately, or mix them all together.

For the main course, the halibut is, it turns out, popular for a reason. Pitts takes advantage of seasonal ingredients to give the entrée an overall earthy taste. “We make it with a smoked cauliflower puree on the base of the plate,” he says. Add maitake mushrooms, some chicory, specifically radicchio, and some grilled cauliflower on the side. e halibut is seared on top, and then topped off

with a delicious brown butter caper sauce.”

Fans of heartier proteins and red meat should enjoy Limelight’s steak option: the Wagyu beef flat iron. e steak is prepared sous vide, a technique that utilizes precise

temperature control. e process harnesses the cut’s fat, which is intertwined throughout, rather than being confined to just one part of the cut. e result is a flat iron that comes out incredibly tender, so easy to cut it’s almost buttery. We glided our bites of steak through the accompanying crème fraîche au poivre sauce for a light addition of sweetness, while the fingerling potatoes seared in beef fat from Wolf River Brisket make for an excellent side along with crispy grilled broccolini.

For me, the star of the show is the duck confit gnocchi. Pitts takes the dish in an unexpected different direction, foregoing a heavy sauce and directing diners to focus on the bird. e crispy duck — among the best duck dishes I’ve sampled — is enriched with a natural sweetness from the nutty delicata squash and the caramelized saba, then brightened with a touch of mint. e little Parisian gnocchi bites are generously dotted around the plate, a light, simple palate cleanser in between bites of the confit.

Limelight is the latest venture by Wolf River Hospitality Group, which also operates Pyro’s, Abner’s Famous Chicken, Wolf

Diners enjoy cocktails and a large charcuterie plate.

Limelight’s seasonal tree towers over the community table.

Courtney Grissom

River Brisket Co., and e Levee Coffee & Creamery. Fine dining was a bit of a departure for owners Kirk Cotham and Chad Foreman, but the two were confident that they could hit the mark.

“Chad and I have been doing [developing restaurants] for a while now,” says Cotham, “and I think we’ve been scaling up our experience to prepare for a restaurant like this. I live in Collierville, Chad lives in Germantown, and we really thought that there was an opportunity in the area to stretch ourselves and our creative abilities.”

In 2022, the business partners assembled a team of Memphis hospitality professionals to bring their vision of a Germantown home for seasonal menus and craft cocktails to life. Early in the process, they tapped Grissom, recently of Catherine & Mary’s, as general manager. “We really wanted someone with that expertise at a high level to come in and hit the ground running,” says Cotham. “She’s done a great job helping us get started, organizing the menu, preparing our cocktail list, and making sure we were ready to execute from day one,” he says.

e restaurant fills up quickly for dinner time, but there’s plenty of seating, whether it’s at the bar, the communal table, or a regular table either in the main dining room or an adjacent sunroom. Some, but not all, tables are available for reservations, and that’s purposeful. “We want to make sure we have spots for people even if they don’t have a reservation,” says Grissom. “I think we’ve got around 27 spare seats. It might be tough to find a spot on Friday or Saturday, but we at least want the option available.”

e decor, handled mainly by

Foreman, is awash with shades of velvety blues and browns. Pendant lamps cast a soft golden glow over the booths, while the sunroom’s wide windows allow plenty of natural light during an early dinner. But the centerpiece is an enormous tree growing in the middle of the restaurant. Decked with wintry decorations during the holiday season, the tree will change its look throughout the year. “Always look to the tree as the focal point of the restaurant,” says Cotham. “It will change just as our menu changes seasonally. We’re working out styles for spring, summer, fall, and the restaurant will mirror that look.”

In the kitchen, DJ Pitts recently took the reins as head chef. Pitts is a familiar name in the Memphis dining scene, having worked for big names like Enjoy AM Restaurant Group and Interim. Having just returned to Memphis, he’s spent the last several months building on Limelight’s early dining concepts. “We really lucked out with DJ,” says Cotham. “He understood our vision for the space and has started putting his own mark on things here too, bringing in a lot of different influences you can see on our menu.”

“Dessert can sometimes be rich and overwhelming, so we came up with these dessert cocktails to have a slightly more relaxed option.” —Kirk

“It’s a place close by where they can get craft cocktails,” says Grissom, “as opposed to driving to Midtown or Downtown. It’s something that Germantown really needed. And we want to keep those menus fresh; I think since we opened, we’ve already come up with three different cocktail lists.”

rum and liqueur, cream, and a roasted marshmallow) is accentuated with a blast of cold smoke from the bar’s flavor gun. But for more conventional pairing options, Limelight currently offers a small, curated selection of beers and wines.

Germantown diners have turned out for Limelight since it opened in September 2022, with the dining room tables completely full even during the traditionally slow early weeks of January. “We have some good restaurants out here,” says Cotham, “but we wanted to provide something a little different, that contemporary American style that harnesses a lot of international influences.”

Cotham

For casual sipping, the Sex & the Suburbs couples hibiscus-infused vodka with the fruity flavors of cranberry, lime, and orange liqeuer, while the Ice Sage pairs Old Dominick gin with the honeyed tones of cocchi americano and more sour grapefruit accompaniment.

But make a note of Limelight’s selection of dessert cocktails, three after-dinner treats that aren’t too sweet. “Dessert can sometimes be rich and overwhelming, so we came up with these to have a slightly more relaxed option,” says Cotham. e Irish Coffee (Bailey’s, Jameson, and caff è americano) is a smooth, relaxing drink that brings a late-night European dinner vibe, while the S’mores Martini (chocolate

As winter turns to spring, Limelight’s menu might look very different in the coming months. But that’s all part of the charm, allowing the staff to embrace new seasonal ingredients and ideas, and keep things fresh at the restaurant. “We’re looking forward to the farmers market coming back across the street from us,” says Grissom, “and I can see us working closely with them and highlighting more local farmers.”

In the meantime, will the kitchen get a break from all the halibut? “We’re having the discussion,” laughs Cotham. “We’ll be rotating seasonally, but if the customers really like something and want to keep it around, we’re always open to having a few mainstays and building the rest of the menu around that.”

Limelight is open for dinner 4:30–9:30 p.m., Tuesday–Sunday. 7724 Poplar Pike. 791-2328. limelightgermantown.com

Limelight boasts a rotating menu of craft cocktails. Wagyu Beef Flat Iron

Memphis Dining Guide

A Curated Guide to Eating Out

Memphis magazine offers this curated restaurant listing as a service to our 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 group that is updated every August. Establishments open less than a year are not eligible for “Top 50” but are noted as “New.” is guide also includes a representative sampling of other Bluff City eating establishments. No fast-food facilities or cafeterias are listed. Restaurants are included regardless of whether they advertise in Memphis magazine; those that operate in multiple locations are listed under the neighborhood of their original location. is guide is updated regularly, but we recommend that you call ahead to check on hours, prices, or other details. Suggestions from readers are welcome; please contact Samuel X. Cicci at scicci@contemporary-media.com.

DOWNTOWN

117 PRIME—Restaurateurs Craig Blondis and Roger Sapp team 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, $-$$$

BACKLOT SANDWICH SHOP—Big sandwiches, breakfast bowls, and build-your-own-biscuits for breakfast, lunch, and an early supper. 265 S. Front St. 509-8612. B, L, D, $

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 Paleo-centric 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, $

BEN YAY’S GUMBO SHOP—Spiritual successor to DejaVu, offering fresh and authentic Creole staples. 51 S. Main St., 779-4125. L, D, X, $-$$

BISHOP—Ticer and Hudman’s newest venture at the Central Station Hotel features upscale dishes in a French brasserie style. 545 S. Main St., 524-5247. 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, $-$$$

CHEF TAM’S UNDERGROUND CAFE—Serves Southern staples with a Cajun twist. Menu items include totchoes, jerk wings, fried chicken, and “muddy” mac and cheese. Closed Sun. and Mon. 668 Union Ave. 207-6182. L, D, X, $-$$

CHEZ PHILIPPE—Classical/contemporary French cuisine with Asian and Nordic influences, presented in a luxurious atmosphere with seasonal tasting menus. Afternoon tea served Wed.-Sat., 1-3:30 p.m. (reservations required). Closed Sun.-Tues. The Peabody, 149 Union. 529-4188. D, X, MRA, $$$$

DINING SYMBOLS

B — breakfast

L — lunch

D — dinner

SB — Sunday brunch

WB — weekend brunch

X— wheelchair accessible

MRA — member, Memphis Restaurant Association

$ — under $15 per person without drinks or desserts

$$ — under $25

$$$ — $26-$50

$$$$ — over $50

BLEU—This eclectic restaurant features American food with global influences and local ingredients. Among the specialties are a 14-oz. bone-in ribeye 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, $-$$

BY THE BREWERY—Breakfast and lunch café, with a focus on Southern-style biscuits, salads, and soups. 496 Tennessee St. 310-4341. B, L, $

CAFE KEOUGH—European-style cafe serving quiche, paninis, salads, and more. 12 S. Main. 509-2469. B, L, D, X, $

CIMAS—It’s breakfast tacos, shrimp and grits, chilaquiles verdes, and plenty of other Southern and Latin-American twists at the Hyatt Centric. 33 Beale St. 444-3232. B, L, D, X, $-$$$

THE CLOVER CLUB Southern fusion and internationally-inspired small plates at Hotel Indigo. 22 N. B.B. King. B, L, D, X, $-$$

COCOZZA AMERICAN ITALIAN—”The red sauce joint of your dreams” serves up classic Italian-American fare from the owners of Majestic Grille. Closed Sun. 110 Harbor Town Sq. 609-1111. D, X, $-$$

COZY CORNER—Serving up ribs, pork sandwiches, chicken, spaghetti, and more; also homemade banana pudding. Closed Mon. 735 N. Parkway. 527-9158. L, D, $

CURFEW—An elevated sports bar/American tavern concept by Top Chef contestant Fabio Viviani at the Canopy Memphis Downtown hotel. 164 Union Ave. B, L, D, X, $-$$ 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; 521 S. Highland. 249-2636. L, D, X, $

FANCY’S FISH HOUSE—Serving chef-inspired favorites at One Beale, including fresh, daily-caught fish and seafood, a raw bar, and signature dishes from the grill, with fabulous river views from the dining room and patio. 1 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Ave. #1. 589-3474. L, D, X, $$-$$$$

FEAST & GRAZE—Whipped goat toast, open faced grilled cheese, and other local pantry snacks and charcuterie boards. Closed Sun./Mon. 55 S. Main. 654-5926. L, 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, 383 S. Main. 5230877. 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, $

FISHBOWL AT THE PYRAMID—Burgers, fish dishes, sandwiches, and more served in a unique “underwater” setting. Bass Pro, 1 Bass Pro Drive, 291-8000. B, 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, $-$$

GOOD FORTUNE CO.—Authentic handcrafted noodles, ramen, and dumplings. 361 S. Main. 561-306-4711. L, D, X, $-$$

THE GENRE—Burgers, tenders, catfish, and plenty of vegan options made to order at this music-themed restaurant/lounge. 200 Poplar, Suite 105. 410-8169. B, 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; 3100 Forest Hill Irene (Germantown). 853-6005; 2965 N. Germantown Pkwy. (Cordova). 373-9111; 730 S. Mendenhall. 767-2323; 505 Highway 70 W., Mason, TN. 901-294-2028. 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. 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, X, $

HUSTLE & DOUGH BAKERY & CAFE—Flaky, baked breakfast goodness every day with fresh pastries, sandwiches, and more at Arrive Hotel. 477 S. Main St., 701-7577. B, L, X, $

IBIS—Upscale cocktail bar serving sharable small plates, including lobster rolls, crab cakes, and lamb meatballs, alongside select larger entrees. Closed Mon.-Wed. 314 S. Main. 748-5187. D, X, $-$$

INKWELL—Unique craft concoctions, charcuterie plates, flatbreads, and sandwiches at this dope cocktail bar. Closed Mon.-Tue. 631 Madison Ave. 334-9411. D, X, $-$$

ITTA BENA—Southern and Cajun-American cuisine served here, conveniently located above B.B. King’s Blues Club on Beale St.; specialties are duck and waffles and shrimp and grits, along with steaks, chops, seafood, and pasta. 145 Beale St. 578-3031. D, X, MRA, $$-$$$

KING & UNION BAR GROCERY—Classic Southern favorites including catfish plate, pimento cheese, po-boys, chicken & waffles. Open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner with cocktails served with flair and favorite Memphis beers. Locally made confections available in the grocery. 185 Union Ave. 523-8500. B, L, D, $-$$

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, $-$$$

LITTLE BETTIE—New Haven-style pizzas and snacks from the Andrew-Michael team at Wiseacre’s Downtown location. 398 S. B.B. King Blvd. 334-9411. L, D, $-$$

THE LITTLE TEA SHOP—Downtown institution serves up Southern comfort cooking, including meatloaf and such veggies as turnip greens, yams, okra, and tomatoes. Closed until further notice. 69 Monroe. 525-6000, L, X, $

THE LOBBYIST AT THE CHISCA—Chef Jimmy Gentry brings his farm-to-table ideas Downtown, with seasonal, and sometimes

We celebrate our city’s community table and the people who grow, cook, and eat the best Memphis food at MEMPHISMAGAZINE.COM/FOOD

weekly, new menus, and an emphasis on creative vegetable dishes. Closed Sun. 272 S. Main St., Suite 101. 249-2170. D, $$-$$$$

LOCAL—Entrees with a focus on locally sourced products include lobster mac-and-cheese and rib-eye patty melt; menu differs by location. 95 S. Main. 473-9573; 2126 Madison. 725-1845. 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, X, $-$$

LONGSHOT—Chef David Todd has something for everyone with a wide variety of international fusion dishes, and a side of shuffleboard. 477 S. Main. D, $-$$

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. 620-4600/291-8200. L, D, X, $-$$$

LUCY’S—Hu. Hotel’s downstairs diner serves up breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Start your day with a Hu. breakfast burrito, or Lucy’s Burger for a late-night bite 3 S. Main. 333-1200. B, 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. 45 S. Main. 526-0037, X, MRA, $

THE MAJESTIC GRILLE—Features aged steaks, fresh seafood, and such specialties as roasted chicken and grilled pork tenderloin; offers a pre-theater 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, $$-$$$

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, $

MOMMA’S ROADHOUSE—This diner and dive at Highway 55 serves up hot and crispy fried chicken wings, among other solid bar food options. Temporarily closed. 855 Kentucky. 207-5111. L, D, MRA, $

NEW WING ORDER The award-winning food truck cooks up its signature hot wings at its first physical location, at Ghost River on Beale. Closed Mon/Tue. 341 Beale. L, D, $-$$

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, $-$$

THE PARAMOUNT—Fried green tomato and crab beignet small plates to grilled lamb loin, cowboy ribeye, and an extensive cocktail list. Closed Sun/Mon. 265 S. Front. 410-8169. D, $-$$$$

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, $-$$$

PENNY’S NITTY GRITTY—Coach Penny Hardaway brings plenty of Southern flavors and lots of customizable grits. 220 S. B.B. King Blvd. 334-5950. B, L, D, $$-$$$

PONTOTOC LOUNGE—Upscale restaurant and jazz bar serves such starters as alligator filet fritters; entrees include Mississippi pot roast with jalapeño cornbread and tagliatelle with braised beef. 314 S. Main. 207-7576. D, X, $-$$

RAW GIRLS—Raw and hot plant-based food alongside cold-pressed juices made from seasonal, locally grown sources. Closed Sun. 150 Peabody Pl., Suite 118. 207-5463. B, L, D, $-$$

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,

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and Greek salads. Closed Sun.-Mon. 52 S. Second. 523-2746. L (Fri.Sat.), D, X, $-$$

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, $-$$

SILLY GOOSE LOUNGE—Gourmet, wood-fired pizzas and handcrafted cocktails at this Downtown restaurant and lounge. 150 Peabody Place, Suite 111. 435-6915. L, D, X, $

SOUTH MAIN SUSHI & GRILL—Serving sushi, nigiri, and more. 520 S. Main. 249-2194. L, D, X, $

SOB—Elevated gastropub that serves favorites like general Tso’s cauliflower or duck fried rice. 345 S. Main. 526-0388. L, D, WB, X , $-$$

SOUTH POINT GROCERY—Fresh and delicious sandwiches made to order at Downtown’s new grocery market. 136 Webster Ave. B, L, D, X, $

SUGAR GRITS—Who said breakfast has to be in the morning? The Westmorelands offer grits and other breakfast goodness all day long, in addition to other Southern-style lunch and dinner options. 150 Peabody Pl., Suite 111. 249-5206. B, L, D, X, $-$$

SUNRISE MEMPHIS—Serves breakfast all day, including house-made biscuits, frittatas, kielbasa or boudin plates, and breakfast platters. 670 Jefferson. 552-3144; 5469 Poplar Ave. (East Memphis). 844-6117. B, L, X, MRA, $

SUPPER CLUB ON 2ND—Fine dining and urban bistro styles collide at this snazzy, chic restaurant, featuring gold-encrusted tomahawk steaks, a deep sea lobster dawg, fancy cocktails, and plenty of other elevated goodies. 85 S. 2nd St. 453-6334. D, WB, X, $$-$$$

TALK SHOP—Southern-style cuisine, a breakfast bar, and plenty of other cool dishes and drinks at the Caption by Hyatt. 245 S. Front St. B, L, D, X, $-$$

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, WB, X, $$-$$$

TUG’S—Famous for New Orleans gumbo, fabulous burgers, fried thin catfish, and specialty pancakes. Now serving Grisanti Crafted Pizza. 51 Harbor Town Square. 260-3344. B, L, D, WB, X, $$-$$$

THE VAULT—Oysters, shrimp beignets, flatbreads, stuffed cornish hen, and Smash Burger featured on “Late Nite Eats” are among the dishes offered at this Creole/Italian fusion eatery. 124 G.E. Patterson. 591-8000. L, D, SB, X, MRA, $-$$

WAHLBURGERS WILD—Wahlburgers brings its classic menu, but with a few gamey twists at the Bass Pro Pyramid. 1 Bass Pro Drive. B, L, D, X, $-$$

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, $

MIDTOWN (INCLUDES THE MEDICAL CENTER)

ABNER’S FAMOUS CHICKEN—Fried chicken tenders and dipping sauces galore at this Mid-South staple. 1350 Concourse Ave, Suite 137. 425-2597; (East Memphis) 1591 Poplar Ave. 509-3351; (Cordova) 1100 N. Germantown Pkwy. 754-5355. L, D, $-$$

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, $

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, $-$$

BACK DO / MI YARD—A revamped patio space behind The Beauty Shop features rotisserie meats and fishes via Brazilian-style outdoor grill. Dinner Wed.-Sat., weather permitting. 966 S. Cooper, 272-7111. D, X, $$

BAIN BARBECUE & BAKERY—Brian Bain’s popular Texasstyle barbecue is back, alongside an assortment of baked goods. 993 S. Cooper. 310-4141. B, L, X, $-$$

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 KEOUGH—It’s old-school eats and cocktails at the new CooperYoung neighborhood corner bar by Kevin Keough. 247 Cooper St. D, X , $ BAR-B-Q SHOP—Dishes up barbecued ribs, spaghetti, bologna, other classics. 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. 524 S. Cooper. 722-2244. D, SB, X, MRA, $-$$$

BARKSDALE RESTAURANT—Old-school diner serving breakfast and Southern plate lunches. 237 S. 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, $

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, $-$$$

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 OLÉ—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, $-$$

CAMEO—Three longtime Memphis bartenders join forces for creative cocktails, cheese boards, snacks, and Sunday brunch. 1835 Union Ave., Suite 3. 305-6511. D, SB, $-$$

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. 767-4672; 147 E. Butler. 672-7760 ; 6201 Poplar. 4177962. L, D, X, MRA, $-$$

COMPLICATED PILGRIM—Quick serve coffee shop, bar, and restaurant all in one at The Memphian hotel. 21 S. Cooper St. 601-9095820. B, 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, $

EAT AT BLACK LODGE—High-end breakfasts, like waffle grilled cheese sandwiches, nacho and tater-tot “tot-chos,” and other entrees like sweet spicy thai pork at the longtime video store. Closed Mon./Tue. 405 N. Cleveland. 672-7905. 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. B, L, D, X, $-$$

FABIOLA’S KITCHEN—Longtime caterer Fabiola Francis serves up burgers, tacos, fish, and much more. 1353 Jackson Ave. B, L, $ 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, Suite 175. 800-1851. L, D, X, $

THE FARMER AT RAILGARTEN—Mac Edwards comes out of retirement with classics including pan-seared catfish, gulf shrimp and grits, or a Gibson donut bread pudding. Closed Mon./Tue. 2166 Central. 313-0087. D, X, $-$$

FINO’S ITALIAN DELI & CATERING—The newly revived Fino’s offers the old favorites such as the Acquisto as well as a new breakfast menu. 1853 Madison. 272-FINO. B, L, D, X, $

FLAME RAMEN—Traditional Japanese ramen restaurant serving up bowls of noodles in Midtown. 1838 Union Ave. 779-8666. D, $-$$

FLIP SIDE—Pinball meets pub in the Crosstown neighborhood, with plenty of games alongside a Caribbean- and Latininspired menu. Closed Mon. 1349 Autumn Ave. 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 CAFÉ—This international 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, Suite 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 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 S. Cooper. 424-5900. 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). 7543885; 77 S. Second (Downtown). 527-2700; 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). 318-3030; 8570 Highway 51 N. (Millington). 873-5025. L, D, X, MRA, $

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. 509-8640. B, L, D, X, $

KNIFEBIRD—Neighborhood wine bar boasts plenty of flights, cocktails, and mocktails alongside bruschetta and charcuterie boards. Closed Sun. 2155 Central Ave. 748-5425. D, $-$$$

LAFAYETTE’S MUSIC ROOM—Serves such Southern cuisine as po’boys, shrimp and grits, and wood-fired pizzas. 2119 Madison. 2075097. 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, $-$$

LOAF—Former food truck owner Kale Carm’s take on modern Memphis and deep South cuisine. Closed Sun.-Tue. 1934 Poplar (Memphis Brooks Museum of Art). 300-0103. 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). 7532218; 797 W. Poplar (Collierville). 861-7800; 5627 Getwell (Southaven). 662-536-1364. L, D, X, $-$$

MEMPHIS WHISTLE—Cocktails, cocktails, and even more delicious cocktails alongside burgers, sandwiches, and other tasty snacks. 2299 Young Ave. Closed Mon.-Tue. 236-7136. D, X, $-$$

MIDPOINTE FROM EDGE ALLEY—Edge Alley’s sister cafe at the Ballet Memphis headquarters focuses on freshness for its breakfast, lunch, and happy hour tapas. Closed Sun.-Mon. 2144 Madison Ave. 425-2605. B, L, 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, $-$$

PANTÀ—Small, Catalan-inspired plates by Kelly English in the former Restaurant Iris space. 2146 Monroe Ave. Closed Mon.-Wed. 590-2828. L, D, X, $-$$.

PARISH GROCERY—Shrimp? Roast beef? Oysters? Whatever type of po’boy you want, the New Orleans-themed eatery has got it. Closed Monday. 916 S. Cooper St. 207-4347. 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-to-earth 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, $

RED FISH ASIAN BISTRO—In the former Nineteenth Century Club building, serves sushi, teriyaki, and hibachi. Specialties 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, $-$$$

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, $-$$

SALT|SOY—Nick Scott and Brac McCarley team up to provide Southern and Asian-inspired dishes at this Japanese Izakaya. Closed Sunday, Monday. 2583 Broad Ave. 726-4444. D, $$

SALTWATER CRAB—Offers an array of seafood dishes including boils with blue crab, crab legs, lobster tails, and more, and specialty sushi like the Dynamite or Royal King rolls, in addition to signature sangrias and cocktails. 2059 Madison Ave. 922-5202. L, D, X, $$

THE SECOND LINE—Kelly English brings “relaxed Creole cuisine” to his newest eatery; serves a variety of po’boys and such specialties as barbecue shrimp, 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. 767-7770; 2130 W. Poplar (Collierville). 854-0622; 2990 Kirby-Whitten (Bartlett). 377-2727; 6696 Poplar. 747-0001. L, D, 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, $-$$

STICKEM—Brick and mortar location for the popular food truck, which offers grilled meat on a stick. 1788 Madison. Closed Sunday. 474-7214.

L, D, X, $

TAMBOLI’S PASTA & PIZZA—Pasta-maker Miles Tamboli whips up Italian soul food with seasonal menus featuring dishes like crispy fried chicken or creamy bucatini with pecorino cheese. Serves dinner Tues.-Sat. 1761 Madison. 410-8866. D, X, $-$$

TAKASHI BISTRO—Fusion restaurant with an open kitchen that lets customers watch chefs prepare a variety of Japanese and Thai cuisine. 1680 Union Ave., Suite 109. 800-2936. L, D, $-$$.

TONICA—Paella and other Spanish-inspired dishes with an Italian touch, alongside an extensive list of gin and tonics. 1545 Overton Park. Closed Mon.-Wed. 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, $$-$$$

TUYEN’S ASIAN BISTRO—A variety of Asian dishes from the minds and chefs behind Saigon Le. Closed Sun. 288 N. Cleveland. L, D, X, $-$$

ZINNIE’S—Dive bar classic reopens with a makeover and signature Zinnaloni sandwich. 1688 Madison. 726-5004. L, D, X, $ SOUTH MEMPHIS (INCLUDES PARKWAY VILLAGE, FOX MEADOWS, SOUTH MEMPHIS, WINCHESTER, AND WHITEHAVEN)

BALA’S BISTRO—Authentic West African cuisine available to order or by the pound, alongside traditional American dishes and an extensive vegan menu. 4571 Elvis Presley Blvd. 509-3024. L, D, $-$$

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 Rd. 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 Rd., Suite 101. 746-8057; 2156 Young. 207-6204. L, D, $-$$

FABULOUS FLAVORS & FRIENDS ”The Candy Lady” Precious Thompson Jones comes up with a little bit of everything: omelettes, quesadillas, t-bones and waffles, and plenty of soul food. 2063 E. Brooks Rd. 314-0735. 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 Mon. 998 Mississippi Blvd. 507-1519. L, D, $

HERNANDO’S HIDEAWAY–No one cares how late it gets; not at Hernando’s Hideaway. Live music, killer happy hour, and plenty of bar fare at this South Memphis hang. 3210 Old Hernando Rd. 917-982-1829. 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, $-$$

JIM & SAMELLA’S—It’s a revolving menu of soul food delight from Chef Talbert Fleming, with anything from Southern ribs to fried tamales. 841 Bullington Ave. 265-8761. 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, lasagna, 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

BISCUITS & JAMS—Biscuits, waffles, French toast, and plenty of sharables at this Bartlett breakfast spot. Closed Mon./Tue. 5806 Stage Rd. 672-7905. B, L, X, $

BRYANT’S BREAKFAST—Slingin’ famous biscuits, plate lunches, chicken fried steak, and other breakfast classics since 1968. 3965 Summer Ave. 324-7494. B, L, $

CEVICHERIA AND GRILL CHILEMON—Ceviche, of course, but also plenty of other postres, aperitivos, and mixed grilled meat and seafood feasts. Closed Sun. 4509 Summer Ave. 672-7905. L, D, $

DIM SUM KING—All the best from a selection of authentic Chinese dishes: roasted duck, sizzling hot plate, Cantonese BBQ, and plenty more. 5266 Summer Ave. #65. 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. 662-342-4544. L, D, X , MRA, $

LA TAQUERIA GUADALUPANA—Fajitas and quesadillas are just a few of the authentic Mexican entrees offered here. A bonafide Memphis institution. 4818 Summer. 685-6857; 5848 Winchester. 365-4992. L, D, X, $

LOTUS—Authentic Vietnamese-Asian fare, including lemon-grass chicken and shrimp, egg rolls, Pho soup, and spicy Vietnamese vermicelli. 4970 Summer. 682-1151. 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. 7619321. 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, $$

NAM KING—General Tso’s chicken, hot and sour soup, and homemade chicken wings are back at the longtime Raleigh Chinese eatery. 3624 Austin Peay Highway, #3. 373-4411. L, D, $-$$

ÓRALE TACOS & BAKERY—Tacos, enchiladas, and other traditional Southern Mexican dishes alongside baked pan dulces. 2204 Whitten Rd. 571-1786. B, L, D, $-$$

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, $-$$

TORTILLERIA LA UNICA—Individual helping of Mexican street food, including hefty tamales, burritos, tortas, and sopes. 5015 Summer Ave. 685-0097. B, L, 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. 452-4477. 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, $

CELEBRITY’S SOUL FOOD—Classic soul food dishes coupled with a Hollywood-esque VIP experience. 431 S. Highland St., Ste 105. L, D, X, $$

CHAR RESTAURANT—Specializing in modern Southern cuisine, this eatery offers homestyle sides, charbroiled steaks, and fresh seafood. 431 S. Highland, Suite 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, $-$$

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—This authentic Persian and Mediterranean eatery specializes in shish kebabs as well as kosher and halal fare. 3445 Poplar. 207-4995. L, D, X, $

PLANT BASED HEAT All of your favorite Southern-style recipes, but deliciously transformed into a vegan format. Specialties include the spicy fye junt burger, or the chopped ‘n’ smoked bbq jackfruit sandwich. Closed Sun. 669 S. Highland St. L, D, $ SAM’S DELI—Everything from sandwiches to bibimbap bowls at this local favorite. Closed Mon./Tue. 643 S. Highland St. 454-5582. L, D, $

EAST MEMPHIS (INCLUDES POPLAR/I-240)

ACRE—Features seasonal modern American cuisine in an avantegarde 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, $-$$$

ANDALUSIA— Authentic Moroccan cuisine, including tagines, brochettes, and briouates. 5101 Sanderlin Ave., Suite 103. 236-7784. L, D, $-$$

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 Circle. 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, $

ANTIGUA MEXICAN BAR & GRILL—Tortas, tacos, and other authentic Mexican cuisine alongside freshly-made salsa, guacamole, and white queso dip. 717 N. White Station Rd. 761-1374. L, D, $-$$

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 Circle. 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 Blvd. 767-8980. L, D, X, $$-$$$

BIG BAD BREAKFAST—Fresh biscuits, house-made cured meats, jams, jellies, and more for the most important meal of the day. 6450 Poplar. 881-3346. 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). 425-5908; 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 Mon. 5101 Sanderlin Ave. 205-2500. 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. Germantown: 7605 W. Farmington Blvd., Suite 2. 236-7223. B, L, D, X, $ COASTAL FISH COMPANY—Upscale offerings of international fish varieties utilizing styles ranging from Carribbean, East Coast, West Coast, Chinese, to Filipino, and more. 415 Great View Dr. E., Suite 101. 266-9000. 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, $-$$

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. 662-8907611. L, D, X, $

DORY—Chef David Krog whips up Southern specialties with classic French techniques and locally sourced ingredients. Current specialties include pork tenderloin, beef bourguignon, or cocoa-dusted chocolate truffles, with new weekly additions. 716 W. Brookhaven Circle. 310-4290. L, D, X, $$-$$$

ERLING JENSEN—For decades, 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, $$-$$$

ERLING JENSEN SMALL BITES—Enjoy Erling Jensen’s specialty dishes in a sharable, small plate format alongside TopGolf Swing suites. 5069 Sanderlin Ave. 587-9464. L, D, X, $-$$$

FLEMING’S PRIME STEAKHOUSE—Serves wet-aged 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. 762-8200. D, X, MRA, $$$-$$$$

FORMOSA—Offers Mandarin cuisine, including broccoli beef, hot-andsour soup, and spring rolls. Closed Mon. 6685 Quince. 753-9898. L, D, X, $-$$

FOX RIDGE PIZZA & GRILL—Pizzas, calzones, sub sandwiches, burgers, and meat-and-two plate lunches are among the dishes served at this eatery, which opened in 1979. 711 W. Brookhaven Circle. 758-6500. L, D, X, $

FRATELLI’S—Serves hot and cold sandwiches, salads, soups, and desserts, all with an Italian/Mediterranean flair. Closed Sun. 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 Sun. Embassy Suites Hotel, 1022 S. Shady Grove. 761-9462. L, D, X, $-$$$

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, $-$$$

HEN HOUSE—Hybrid wine/cocktail bar and tasting room with plenty of cosmopolitan eats. Closed Sun. 679 S. Mendenhall. 499-5436. D, $-$$$

HIGH POINT PIZZA—Serves a variety of pizzas, subs, salads, and sides. Closed Mon. 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. And with a few surprises this time around. Closed for lunch Mon. 707 W. Brookhaven Cir. 207-7396. L, D, SB, X, MRA. $-$$$

HOUSTON’S—Serves steaks, seafood, pork chops, chicken dishes, sandwiches, salads, and Chicago-style spinach dip. Famous for first-class service. 5000 Poplar. 683-0915. L, D, 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 Sun. 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). 800-2656. B, L, D, SB, X, $-$$

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, $-$$

MAGNOLIA & MAY—The family behind Grove Grill cooks up Southern-inspired casual dining at this country brasserie, with popular menu items like peach gazpacho, low country shrimp n’ grits, and

plenty of weekend brunch options. Closed Mon. 718 Mt. Moriah Rd. 676-8100. L, D, SB, MRA. $$-$$$.

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 E. Brookhaven Cir. 682-1660. 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. 562-1211; 9155 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 are 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 Sun. 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 and Gardens). 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. 458-1644. L, D, $

PIMENTO’S KITCHEN + MARKET—Fresh sandwiches, soups, salads, and plenty of pimento cheese at this family-owned restaurant. 6540 Poplar Ave. 602-5488 (Collierville: 3751 S. Houston Levee. 453-6283). L, D, X, $

PYRO’S FIRE-FRESH PIZZA—Serving gourmet pizzas cooked in an open-fire oven, wide choice of toppings, and 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, $

RED HOOK CAJUN SEAFOOD & BAR—Cajun-style array of seafood including shrimp, mussels, clams, crawfish, and oysters. 3295 Poplar. 207-1960. 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 $-$$

RED PIER CAJUN SEAFOOD & BAR—Owners of Red Hook bring more cajun-style seafood dishes. 5901 Poplar Ave. 512-5923. 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.” 4550 Poplar. 590-2828. L, D, X, $$-$$$

NATIONALLY RANKED LOCALLY INVESTED

Rhodes College is consistently recognized as an exceptional place to learn, work, and live, making this year’s rankings no surprise.

rhodes.edu

U.S. News & World Report

2022-2023 Best Colleges

#23 Most Innovative among liberal arts colleges

#29 Best Undergraduate Teaching among liberal arts colleges

Forbes America’s Top Colleges for 2022

The Princeton Review

#20 Most Beautiful Campus Green Colleges list for commitment to environment

Money’s Best Colleges in America 2022

Quality, affordability, and student outcomes

DegreeChoices

#13 among liberal arts colleges for economic return

Stacker Best Colleges in Big U.S. Cities

Architectural Digest

Among the Prettiest College Campuses in America

Best Degree Programs

#10 nationally and #1 in Tennessee among Most Beautiful Best Small Colleges

MSN Most Beautiful College in Tennessee 2022

Billboard Magazine

2022 Top Music Business School

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, Suite 122. 850-0191. D, X, $-$$$

ROTOLO’S CRAFT & CRUST—Louisiana-based pizza company’s first Memphis location, whipping up pizza pies with homemade sauces and fresh ingredients, pasta, wings, and other shareables. 681 S. White Station. 454-3352. L, 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, $-$$

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 dipping sauces; also, seafood, salads, and daily specials. Closed Sun. 4715 Poplar. 907-0741. L, D, $

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, $$-$$$

SOBEAST—Eastern branch of the popular South of Beale, featuring the restaurant’s traditional staples, as well as rotating special menu items. 5040 Sanderlin. 818-0821. L, D, SB, 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; 2902 May Blvd. (Southaven). B, L, WB, 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. 7793499. L, D, X, $

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. 3710580. For more locations, go online. L, D, X, $

TORCHY’S TACOS—Plenty of Tex-Mex variety, with creative monthly special tacos. 719 S. Mendenhall. 343-8880. B, 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, $

ZAYDE’S AT THE J—Kosher options at the Memphis Jewish Community Center cafe include traditional New York-style dishes and Israeli fusion. 6560 Poplar Ave. 208-3495. 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, $$-$$$

GREEN BAMBOO—Pineapple tilapia, pork vermicelli, and the soft egg noodle combo are Vietnamese specialties here. 990 N. Germantown Parkway, Suite 104. 753-5488. L, D, $-$$

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, $-$$

EL MERO TACO—This food truck turned restaurant serves up Mexican and Southern-style fusion dishes, including fried chicken tacos, chorizo con papas tacos, and brisket quesadillas. 8100 Macon Station, Suite 102. 308-1661. Closed Sun.-Mon. L, D, WB, X, $

POKÉ WORLD—Serves up Hawaiian poké bowls filled with rice and diced, raw fish. Also offers Taiwanese bubble tea and rolled ice cream for dessert. 1605 N. Germantown Pkwy., Suite 111. 623-7986. East Memphis: 575 Erin Dr. 779-4971. L, D, $

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, $-$$$

GERMANTOWN

BLUE HONEY BISTRO—Entrees at this upscale eatery include brown butter scallops served with Mississippi blue rice and herbcrusted beef tenderloin with vegetables and truffle butter. Closed Sun. 9155 Poplar, Suite 17. 552-3041. 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. 6246001. 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-you-can-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 Sun. 1215 S. Germantown Rd. 751-1200; 6300 Poplar. 623-3882. L, D, X, $-$$

LIMELIGHT—Wolf River Hospitality Group brings Wagyu beef, duck gnocchi, and other fine dining dishes on a rotating seasonal menu. Closed Mon./Tue. 7724 Poplar Pike. 791-2328. D, X, $-$$$

MOONDANCE GRILL—From the owners of Itta Bena and Lafayette’s. Serves steak cooked sous vide and seafood dishes including Abita-barbecued shrimp and pan-seared sand dab, in addition to an extensive wine and cocktail list. 1730 S. Germantown Road, Suite 117. 755-1471. 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, Suite 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, $-$$

ROCK’N DOUGH PIZZA CO.—Specialty and custom pizzas made from fresh ingredients; wide variety of toppings. 7850 Poplar, Suite 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, $-$$

SAKURA—Sushi, tempura, and teriyaki are Japanese specialties here. 2060 West St. 758-8181; 4840 Poplar. 572-1002; 255 New Byhalia Rd. 316-5638. 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, $-$$$

STONEY RIVER STEAKHOUSE AND GRILL—Specializes in hand-cut steaks, a fresh seafood selection, and plenty of house specials. 7515 Poplar Ave., Suite 101. 207-1100. L, D, X, $$-$$$$

TAZIKI’S—Mediterranean-inspired dishes all made from scratch. 7850 Poplar Ave., Suite 26. 612-2713. East Memphis: 540 S. Mendenhall Rd. 290-1091. Bartlett: 7974 US-64. 203-0083. L, D, $

THE TOASTED YOLK CAFE—Churro donuts, signature Eggs Benedict, and plenty other boozy brunch options at this franchise’s first Tennessee location. 9087 Poplar Ave., Ste. 11. B, L, X, $-$$

UNCLE GOYO’S—More than 30 dishes with a focus on authentic Mexican cuisine, from the brains behind TacoNganas. 1730 S. Germantown Rd. L, D, X, $-$$

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, $

ZEN JAPANESE FINE CUISINE—A full sushi bar and plenty of authentic Japanese dishes, like Hibachi or Wagyu beef. 1730 S. Germantown Rd. 779-2796. L, D, X, X, $-$$$

COLLIERVILLE

CAFE EUROPE—From Italian chef Michele D’oto, the French, Spanish, and Italian fusion cuisine includes a variety of dishes like Rosette al Forno, fish ceviche, and sole meuniere. Closed Sun. 4610 Merchants Park Circle, Suite 571. 286-4199. L, D, X, $$-$$$$

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 woodfired 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, $-$$

COLLIERVILLE PIZZA COMPANY—Family-friendly and locally owned pizza company featuring live music and other events. 144 US 72. L, D, X, $-$$

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, $-$$$

DYER’S CAFE—Juicy hamburgers, split dogs, and milkshakes at the historic Collierville restaurant. 101 N. Center St. 850-7750. L, D, 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). 8671883; 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. 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). 662-890-9312; 2200 N. Germantown Pkwy. (Cordova). 425-4901. L, D, X, $-$$$

RAVEN & LILY—Eatery offers innovative Southern-inspired cuisine with such dishes as crispy shrimp and cauliflower salad, spiced lamb sausage and parmesan risotto, and bananas foster pain perdu. Closed Mon. 120 E. Mulberry. 286-4575. L, D, SB, 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. 150 Peabody Place, Suite 115 (Downtown). 2077638 L, D, 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; 1350 Concourse Ave., Suite 165. 791-4389 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, $

OUT-OF-TOWN

BOZO’S HOT PIT BAR-B-Q—Barbecue, burgers, sandwiches, and subs. 342 Highway 70 (Mason, TN). 901-294-3400. L, D, X, $-$$

CATFISH BLUES—Serving Delta-raised catfish and Cajun- and 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 Sun. 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, $-$$$

ELFO GRISANTI’S NORTHERN ITALIAN CUISINE—Grisanti family classics like lasagna, homemade ravioli, garlic bread, and Northern Italian pizza. Closed Sun. 5627 Getwell Rd. (Southaven, MS). 662-4704497. L, D, X, $-$$

LONG ROAD CIDER CO.—Specializes in hard apple ciders made with traditional methods. Cafe-style entrees include black-eyed 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

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

Sundays 7 PM New Season Early Access

Sundays 8 PM

Stream All NEW Episodes After Broadcast Premiere

MARSHALL STEAKHOUSE—Rustic steakhouse serves premium Angus beef steaks, seafood dishes, rack of lamb, and more. 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. 709 Desoto Cove (Horn Lake, MS). 662536-3762. 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, $-$$$

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, $$-$$$

SAINT LEO’S—Offering sophisticated pizzas, pastas, sandwiches, and salads. A James Beard nominee for Best New Restaurant in 2017. 1101 Jackson (Oxford, MS). 662-234-4555. D, L, WB, X, $-$$

SNACKBAR—An intriguing mix of “French Bistro with North Mississippi Cafe.” Serving a confit duck Croque Monsieur, watermelon-cucumber chaat, pan-fried quail, plus a daily plate special and a raw bar. 721 N. Lamar (Oxford, MS). 662-236-6363. D, X, $-$$$

TEKILA MODERN MEXICAN—Modern interpretations of classic dishes from all over Mexico. 6343 Getwell Rd. (Southaven, MS). 662-510-5734. B, L, D, X, $-$$

WILSON CAFE— An impressive culinary destination in the heart of the Arkansas Delta. Serving jambalaya, Waygu flatiron, butternut ravioli, swordfish & shrimp kabobs, burgers. 2 N. Jefferson (Wilson, AR). 870-655-0222. L, D, WB, $-$$$

New Series Sundays 9 PM

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FLASHBACK

Maysie Dimond

The muralist captured 400 years of Memphis history for a special project.

BY VANCE LAUDERDALE

Born in 1900 in Jackson, Mississippi, Maysie Dimond came to Memphis when her husband, Alfred, took a job with the Navy Yard here. A naturally skilled artist, she attended the Memphis Academy of Arts. Her works first made the news when it was announced that a painting (above) she made of the community of Dyess, Arkansas — a government “resettlement project” for impoverished farmers — would be presented to Eleanor Roosevelt.

In 1940, Memphis received a federal grant to add murals inside Ellis Auditorium, and Dimond got the job. It was quite a project: ten murals stretching more than 150 feet along the north wall of the building. e work took her 18 months, and when the painting — rather blandly titled Memphis in Murals — was unveiled on November 14, 1942, a reporter called it “four hundred years of Memphis history, written in gay colors and spirited symbols, in a great mural nine feet high and half a block long.”

They remained visible for only a decade. In the 1950s, during an ill-conceived renovation project, Dimond’s murals were covered up with slabs of pink granite. Because they were painted directly onto the plaster, the works couldn’t be saved when Ellis Auditorium was demolished to make way for the complex that is now the Renasant Convention Center.