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Contents
May 2009 Volume III • Number 8
EVENTS
8 St. Jude Gala was a Journey for Hope
10 12
8 FEATURES pond’ to the Mississippi River by Sheila Zaricor-Wilson
40 Up on the Roof with Josh:
Spring Fever at Brooks Uncorked
43 Old + New
This Gala Makes Others “Green” with Envy
18
Eleven Women Named Emissaries of Memphis Music
26
52 Cooking with Chef John Bragg: It all Began in Mom's Kitchen
36 VIP Beauty: From ‘across the
Le Bonheur Club “Puttin’ on the Glitz” Glam it! Glitz it! Accessorize it!
16
12
54 VIP RECIPE from Flight Restaurant & Wine Bar
54
Celebrating Memphis in May at the Madison
Children's Museum and The Pink Palace
43
20 Chesney Honored at Cancer Society Gala
22 A Night of Wine and Roses at GPAC
24 Walking in Memphis to the Josephine Circle Luncheon
26 Oh Baby it was a Wild World (at the Zoo)
REGULARS
48 Welcome to our World of Decorative Concrete
28 The Downtown Scene 30 Playhouse Stages a Wine-Tasting 32 Bodine School’s Acorn Auction Helping Hands for the Exchange Club Family Center
34 Cocktails for a Cure Beyond Colour Hosted a Grand Party–No Foolin'
4 • VIP
Memphis
50 A Mother's Love
6 Letters from the Editor and Publisher
38 Opening Doors by Jeanne Coors Arthur of Coleman-Etter, Fontaine Realtors
50 41
Just Out of the Spotlight, the Movie Lady Reports on Hollywood and Memphis
56 People and Places 58 For the Love of Wine
LEttErs From the Editor
I
It is the merrie month of May which means May Day, Memphis in May, Mother's Day, Derby Day, Graduation Day and countless other beautiful days to look forward to and enjoy. But make no mistake, the past month had more than its fair share of merriment too. VIP Memphis was kept very busy covering: wine tastings at the Brooks Museum’s Art of Good Taste and Playhouse on the Square's Great Wine Performances; luncheons with fashion shows including the Le Bonheur Club’s Puttin on the Glitz and Josephine Circle’s Walking in Memphis- themed event; fundraiser auctions such as the Acorn Auction to benefit the Bodine School and Hands of Hope for the Exchange Club's Family Center; and of course the annually outstanding Marguerite Piazza St. Jude Gala, GPAC’s stunning “Night of Wine and Roses” and Shelby Farms Park's GreenShoe gala. VIP Memphis was also privileged to be a guest at a very special luncheon honoring eleven Emissaries of Memphis music which was organized by the Memphis and Shelby County Music Commission Now I must brag a bit about our VIP publisher, Kat Semrau, because she is way too modest to talk about herself. We are all very proud that she was featured in a special Tennessee Living section of April's Southern Living magazine. Her lovely picture took up the entire front page, and the story named Jackson, TN as “a city of art,” because of gallery owners such as Kat, who owns Art under a Hot Tin Roof. How about that for star treatment! As you see from this month’s cover and from the photograph of Kat and me eating popcorn, VIP Memphis recently had a wonderful day’s outing at the spectacular Memphis Zoo. The amazing animals, the astounding displays, the beautiful flora and fauna, and the throngs of excited children are so exhilarating, and they engender a sense of renewal and a heightened appreciation for every form of life on this amazing blue planet of ours. In our feature this month, “A Mother's Love,” we offer you a selection of the most memorable photographic souvenirs of this special day. I urge you to follow our lead and visit the zoo. It will give you a new lease on life, I promise. In the meantime, have a merrie month everyone.
Anne About the Cover
From the Publisher
I
It seems like only yesterday that I was making a toast to Memphis for the new year, and now it is May already! This month is the beginning of some very important activities in all of our lives. Spring fever means getting our yards and gardens ready after the winter, Mother’s Day, graduations, arranging family summer activities, and planning for glorious weddings. By the way, Happy Birthday, Anne, I know you have a May Birthday! I also can’t miss saying happy birthday to Margaret, my dear inherited daughter by marriage, and Anna Catherine, my grand-daughter, who both have May birthdays as well. It’s a beautiful month to celebrate and as you can tell, I love birthdays! This is an especially busy month for me. I am opening a second location of Art Under A Hot Tin Roof in Memphis on ll7 S. Main St, next to Circa restaurant. Everyone please come see me! I have owned Art Under A Hot Tin Roof for seven years in Jackson, TN, and I am now so glad to become a part of downtown Memphis. I am really looking forward to the Memphis in May activities, Friday trolley nights, Peabody Place block parties, hotel rooftop parties, and all the other events that spell MAY in Memphis. The whole city is BUSY! Anne and I decided we needed a relaxing, stress busting trip to the Memphis Zoo! WOW! Going with Anne is a blast...no matter where you go. And of course, our wonderful photographer, Andrea Zucker came along to record the memories of the day. We were like three excited little kids. Animals are so special to me, and that day meant a lot since I recently lost “Barley,” my beloved Bearded Collie, who was photographed with me in the July ‘08 issue of this magazine. Communication between humans and animals, as well as animals with each other is awesome, and you will see some of this special communication in this month’s mothers and babies feature. VIP Memphis magazine has added some great new editorial features since last year. I would like to thank all of our contributors who share their thoughts, advice, and individual personalities with us. Our readers have told us loud and clear that they love the magazine’s new directions with our enhanced design, colorful and sophisticated visual appeal and great writing. We are grateful for your strong support and appreciate your encouragement. Stay tuned, as we just get better and better. I also want to thank our wonderful staff for their hard work, long hours and dedication and also our clients who are such an important part of our VIP family. Have a merrie and busy month of May everyone and be sure to take time for those special moments!
Kat
With an eye towards Mother's Day this month, VIP Memphis thought an outing to the Memphis Zoo to seek out mothers and babies from the animal kingdom would be a delightful way to while away a morning and capture a great shot for our cover. Brian Carter, Director of Marketing and Communications, welcomed us with open arms, and we were chauffeured around in a zippy little cart by the very patient Drew Smith, communications specialist with the zoo. At the first stop on our tour, we encountered Liz DiMaggio, zookeeper by day and belly dancer by night (!) who helped us set up the shoot of a little turtle family. We think that Liz is a strong candidate for making the list of Memphis' most interesting people. In all, our intrepid and very talented photographer Andrea Zucker took several hundred photographs at the zoo. As you can imagine, it was difficult to choose from the Indian Star tortoises, the African penguins, the Gerenuks (giraffe gazelles), the black and white colobus monkeys and the giraffes. In the end, however, we decided that the giraffe mother nuzzling and nurturing her baby was the perfect cover.
6 • VIP
Memphis
PUBLISHER Kat Semrau
ADMINISTRATOR Lorne Semrau
EDITOR Anne Cunningham O’Neill
GRAPHIC DESIGN Donna Donald, Director Ben Williams
WEB MASTER Robert Neilson
ADVERTISING Senior Account Executive Mark O. Ramirez Account Executives Jason Watson Ellen E. Westbrook
WRITERS/PHOTOGRAPHERS Jay Adkins Sarah Christine Bolton Lyda Kay Ferree Mark O. Ramirez Carrie Folks Strang Robert Tooms Christina Trask Andrea Zucker
Distribution Terry Lay
VIP MEMPHIS MAGAZINE Suite 212 4711 Poplar Ave. Memphis, TN 38117 901.766.2999 901.766.2977 (fax) memphis@vipmag.com www.vipmag.com
PRINTED BY Toof Commercial Printing 670 South Cooper Street Memphis, TN 38104
www.rainmemphis.com • 901.746-9455
May 2009 • 7
VIPEvent
Brooke Vogel, Lynn Bishop & Stacy Vogel
Camella Costa, Jimmy Rout & Jeani Costa
Ralph & Terre Gusmus
Geri McCormack-Trevino, Sandy Lewis & Alice Levitch
St. Jude Gala was a Journey for Hope
T
The theme of the 34th Annual Marguerite Piazza St. Jude Gala was, "Journey for Hope," which was meant to highlight and symbolize the hospital's International Outreach Program. Guests at the Peabody Hotel did indeed travel around the world with an outstanding international menu and entertainment representing a salute to Lebanon, Mexico, Chile, Ireland, Morocco 8 • VIP
Memphis
and the United States. Our beloved "grande dame," Marguerite Piazza, addressed the assemblage and was awarded a plaque dedicating in her honor the stage in the 350-seat St. Jude auditorium. The Healing Rose Humanitarian Award was given to Terry Burman, CEO of Signet Jewelers Ltd. and Chairman of Sterling Jewelers, Inc. and posthumously to Brother Vincent Mal-
ham FSC, who was the 21st President of Christian Brothers University. Joe Birch was the Master of Ceremonies and Jeff Morris took the helm for the live auction. Special entertainment was provided by American Idol contestants, Alexis Grace Middleton and Jasmine Murray. F photography by Mark O. Ramirez
VIPEvent
Kevin & Melanie Cavanaugh
Chris Thomas & Melinda Aldison
Melissa Shiffman, Dan Brenner, Lauren Grossman & Stefan Utevsky
Linda & James Gattas
Bruce & Janie Hopkins with Bonnie & Terry Burman
Jeanette Hollowell & Terry McMillan
Kirsten & Bryan Watson
May 2009 • 9
VIPEvent
Le Bonheur Club
Gail Pittman
“Puttin’ on the Glitz” Glam it! Glitz it! Accessorize it!
E
Excuse me, sir…could you show me to table one, please? The Le Bonheur Club's “Puttin’ on the Glitz” luncheon, fashion show, silent and live auctions held at the Hilton Memphis was a spectacular event and, might I add, the fashion show started in the lobby! Some of Memphis’ loveliest women donned their “post-Easter” attire and congregated to enjoy food, fashion, and fun, while savoring the thought-provoking and comedic keynote address by businesswoman Gail Pittman, who is currently the creative director for Southern Living at Home. Our city’s premier shopping spot, Laurelwood, provided spring fashions to be flounced down the catwalk while guests sipped their afternoon “Glamosas” and “Glitztinis.” The ever-talented and charming Valerie Morris emceed the event, which was held to benefit Le Bonheur Children's Medical Center. Does risotto stuffed chicken taste as good from table fifty-seven as it does from table one? I could get used to this “VIP” treatment! F story and photography by Carrie Folks Strang
Linda Brawner & Peggy Wertz
Carmen Bond & Linda Coleman
Monica Butler & Alayne Gardner 10 • VIP Memphis
Chantel Johnson, Mary McCullough & Sara Kelly
Donna Flinn, Kim Pitts & Cindy Hearn
Denise Henning & Margaret Ann Brickney
Renee Stubbs & Kris Leventhal
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May 2009 • 11
VIPEvent
Spring Fever at Brooks Uncorked
A
As we have come to expect from the Brooks Museum of Art's "Art of Good Taste" series, the Brooks Uncorked party was another bullseye bash. Presented by SunTrust and thanks to a host of important sponsors, supporters (including VIP Memphis magazine) and host committee members, the gala featured an extensive wine tasting from vintners throughout the world, a gourmet buffet created by Chefs Wally Joe and Andrew Adams of the Brooks' Brushmark Restaurant and music under the tent supplied by the Keia band. The silent auction was also a standout. F Photography by Mark O. Ramirez
Elizabeth McDonald & Judy Harrison 12 • VIP Memphis
Brooke Tillie, Lee Davidson & Anne Muller
Sandra & Dr. Matt Smolin
Judy & Hays Brantley
Bob & Shirley Turner
Dr. Russell Radican & Debbie Deer
Mike & Barbara Satterwhite
Gigi Phillips, Joy Bateman & Marsha McDonald
Wally Joe, Bryan Cooper & Elliot Morris
Justine Grinder, Meg Parker, Jeff Savage & Cara Fromin
Suzana Lightman & Stacy Wright
Ralston O'Neill
Leigh, Katie & Jack Shannon May 2009 • 13
VIPEvent
Lauren Carr & Allison Sossaman
Matt Chandler & Abby Elezmyer
Gay & Mike Williams
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Kim & Jonathan Ellichman, Allison Jacob with Trent & Courtney Allen
Andrew Bettis & Amy Hyneman
Jennifer Wright & Tameka McKinney
Josh Hammond & Lindsey McGrew
Jessica Snowden & Kelli Hall
Pam Huxtable & David Gordon Jeff Hirka & Emily Terral May 2009 • 15
VIPEvent
Becky & Chris Suhoza
Lisa Switkin, Hong Zhou & Sarah Weidner-Astheime
Loretta & Johnny Watson
This Gala Makes Others “Green” with Envy
I
It was a breathtaking starry night at Shelby Farms Park for the third annual GreenShoe Gala fundraiser. VIP Memphis was told by Anne Piper-White, one of the three creative chairs for the party along with Sheila Zaricor-Wilson and Susan Labovitz, that Andre Bruce Ward of Theatre Memphis had designed the costumes on the striking mannequins placed high above the
sumptuous appetizer tables, with flowers added by the Garden District. Colorful cabaret girls in skimpy, albeit eco-friendly outfits, were circulating in the crowd. Dinner was served on tables draped in green (of course), with chairs done up in black with grass green bows. Among the items offered in the live auction, which was conducted by Jeff Morris, was a
GreenShoe painting by talented local artist, Kat Gore. Entertainment was provided by Legends of Rock and The Summers. The proceeds from the gala provide critical support for maintenance and park improvements and made it possible for the Down to Earth Celebration to be a free public event. F Photography by Christina Trask
Judge George & Lillian Brown
Jana & Trip Tayloe
Fred Davis & Sheila Davis
16 • VIP Memphis
Bridget & Philip Trenary
Calvin Anderson & Laura Adams
Stacy Early, Matt Martini & Liza Burke
Ruby Wharton & Mayor AC Wharton
Henry Haizlip, Gayle Schoettle, Henry Doggrell, Wynoka Terry & Jeanette Jones
Valerie Hawkes & Terry Moore
Charles & Judy Burkett
Sherry Brooks & George Higgs
Art & Jeanne Sutherland May 2009 • 17
VIPEvent
Ruby Wilson
Linn Sitler
Judy Peiser
Di Anne Price
Jackie Johnson
Pat Kerr Tigrett
Joyce Cobb
Susan Marshall
Deanie Parker
Jo Bridges
Reba Russell
Eleven Women Named Emissaries of Memphis Music
I
I know that it is not really our place to play favorites when there are so many great events taking place this spring, but…the hometown salute to “Emissaries of Memphis Music“ organized by the Memphis & Shelby County Music Commission under the leadership of the amazing Johnnie Walker would have to be close to the top of our list. Eleven phenomenal Memphis women who have made significant contributions throughout their careers to Memphis music and its creative culture were honored. They are: Jo Bridges, Joyce Cobb, Jackie Johnson, Susan Marshall, Deanie Parker, Judy Peiser, Di Anne Price, Reba Russell, Linn Sitler, Pat Kerr Tigrett, and Miss Ruby Wilson. The talent in the Tower Room was overwhelming, and the loving respect that these women had for each other was palpable.
18 • VIP Memphis
All of the participants in the event are too many to name, but Ron Olson of FM 100 was the host, Music Commission Board members, Kurt Clayton and Jonathan Cross, rolled out the red carpet, and Deidre Malone of the Shelby County Commission gave the keynote address in which she said that “music is such a unifier.” All the speakers made it clear how much these wonderful emissaries had done to help Memphis and its citizens and applauded their years of service and accomplishment. There were tears as Ruby Wilson said from the podium that “God’s not through with me and I've got more work to do.“ And there was laughter when Charley Burch kiddingly asked “whose brilliant idea was it to get musicians up before noon.” Everyone—guests and honorees alike—pointed to the energy and verve
that Johnnie Walker had brought to her job heading up the Memphis and Shelby County Music Commission, and they praised her initiatives such as “Memphis Music Mondays,” which are networking events held at the Hard Rock Cafe. VIP Memphis magazine was a grateful guest of Linn Sitler, one of the honorees and a favorite VIP columnist. At our table were seated Joe Mulherin, Ward Archer, Jimmy Tashie, Deborah Swiney and other distinguished (and delightful) attendees. Photographer Robert Tooms and I were thrilled to be in such stellar company, and the party was all the more convivial because Robert performs with the Reba Russell Band and seemed to know most everyone in the room. It was old home week for him and a unique new experience for me. F Story by Anne Cunningham O'Neill and photography by Robert Tooms
Deidre Malone
Ron Olson
Charley Burch
Johnnie Walker
Barbara Blue, Joyce Cobb & Pat Mitchell Worley
Susan Marshall, Tommy Peters & Linn Sitler
Jayda Johnson
Edna Sitler
Herbie O'Mell
George Boyington
“God’s not through with me and I've got more work to do.”
Johnnie Walker & Kurt Clayton
Ruby Wilson May 2009 • 19
VIPEvent
Chesney Honored at Cancer Society Gala
T
The Zodiac Ball, the American Cancer Society's fourth annual gala fundraiser, was held at the Peabody Hotel recently and true to its theme was indeed "A Swinging Good Time" for all attendees. The party was chaired by Tracey Witchko and Holland Tudor and the Cherry Poppin' Daddies supplied the musical entertainment. Dr. Thomas Chesney, head of the Pathology Group of the Midsouth, was recognized as this year's dedicated and distinguished honoree. F Photography by Christina Trask
Abby & Beth Jones
Laura & Jason Wallace with Jason Simpson & Tracy Salerno
Carolyn & Dr. Thomas Chesney
Tracey Witchko & Holland Tudor
Tina Dickinson & Dr. C. Michael Jones 20 • VIP Memphis
Cherry Poppin' Daddies
Jeska & Mike Tinsley
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May 2009 • 21
VIPEvent
Maria & Tim Garrett
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Clyde & GaNelle Ballard
Hilda Mullen & Ann Welch
A Night of Wine and Roses at GPAC
O
Oh what a night it was recently at the Germantown Performing Arts Centre's “A Night of Wine and Roses.” This annual fundraiser which will help GPAC to continue to bring a lineup of world-class artists to the stage offered guests an elegant dinner on stage provided by Harrah’s Entertainment, music by international pianist Pnina Becher played on
GPAC’s new Steinway Concert Grand Piano, and both silent and live auctions. The 3rd annual GPAC Patron of the Arts award went to Rudi and Honey Scheidt. The chairs of the event were State Senator Paul and Kristi Stanley. F Photography by Christina Trask
David & Rhonda Porter
Tina & Mark Bradley with Debra Sledd
22 • VIP Memphis
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May 2009 • 23
VIPEvent
Walking in Memphis to the Josephine Circle Luncheon Fabulous fashions from stores in the
festooned with polka dotted rubber
the Studio B dancers were on hand to
tinue to expand its scholarship and
Laurelwood Shopping Center were on
boots and flowers and allocated the
add to the entertainment line-up. A
loan programs to deserving students in
the runway at the Josephine Circle
name of a famous Memphis sight or lo-
silent auction and wonderful door
area high schools, colleges and univer-
Inc.'s spring luncheon held at the
cation. Debbie Litch, Executive Pro-
prizes were also part of the festivities.
sities. Billie Jean Tobias is the very able
Hilton Memphis. With the theme of
ducer of Theatre Memphis, was the
Proceeds from this annual fundraiser
President of the organization. F
"Walking in Memphis," every table was
singing emcee and Deborah Powell and
will enable Josephine Circle to con-
Photography by Christina Trask
Wanda Barzizza & Lynn Bishop
Elma Schnapp & Nancy Walker
Judy Jones & Suzanne Shelton
Sharon Turner & Jean McDonald
F
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VIPEvent
Oh Baby it was a Wild World (at the Zoo)
T
The Memphis Zoo put on its eleventh annual Wild World of Wine and Beer recently and featured fine wines from California, Oregon and Washington, as well as from Italy, Australia, Spain, Chile, France
26 • VIP Memphis
and Argentina, and five styles of specialty beers. Animal-inspired artwork by Susan Inman was included in the silent auction and of course some of the zoo's favorite animal ambassadors made the
party scene to add to the enjoyment of the human partygoers. I guess you could say it was a “roaring” or maybe better yet, a “howling” success. F photography by Mark O. Ramirez
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Delois King & Icie Abram
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VIPEvents‌THE DOWNTOWN SCENE
Flight Restaurant Takes Flight Main Street Block Party
J
Judging by the throngs of partygoers lining up behind the velvet ropes to attend Flight Restaurant and Wine Bar's glamorous grand opening event, this new addition to the downtown scene, located at 39 South Main, is a hit already. The wine was flowing and delicious appetizers such as the unique tiny chicken and beef wellingtons just kept on coming. Guests were graciously welcomed, and the restaurant's main floor, its downstairs party space and the sidewalk tables were filled to capacity until very late indeed. VIP Memphis magazine was honored to be a part of opening night, and we wish Flight every success. F Photography by Mark O. Ramirez
T
There was a great turnout for the spring block party on Main at Peabody Place which included live music and food and drink specials from nearby establishments such as The Majestic Grille, Circa, Bluefin, and the Center for Southern Folklore. Shelton Clothiers welcomed passersby with snacks and wine and a colorful array of spring men's fashions. There will be more block parties to come -on May 21 and June 18. Don't miss them.F Photography by Mark O. Ramirez
Tom Powers, Gail Palmer-House & Russ Graham
Rachel Adair, Molly Strickland & Shelly Flowers Emily Brown & Robin Bender
Staci Thomas & Leo Corrigan
Rebecca Seligstein & Erin Hartmann
Sarah Borton & David Enright
Erin Brown & Carol Motta
Hoops Mania finale
C
Cellular South had a Sunday Game Watching Party at Ground Zero Blues Club to benefit the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Memphis. There was food, beer and Cellular South Head-to-Head Basketball Challenge prizes. F Photography by Mark O. Ramirez
Jeorjie Ornstein & Lindsey Cohen 28 • VIP Memphis
Andi Orpet & Brit Buchanan
Bonnie Hollabaugh, Jeff Brown, Bruce Orpet & Caron Byrd
VIPEvents…THE DOWNTOWN SCENE
Sunset was Spectacular at the Madison Bill Wilson & Cathy Tate
Markova Reed & Paul Rhodes
I
If you are dutifully reading Josh Spotts’s column in this magazine, you already know that the Madison Hotel is entering another successful season of “Sunset Atop the Madison“ parties. The first such event was held recently under a crystal clear blue sky, with Joyce Cobb entertaining and a beautiful sun setting colorfully on cue. It was a perfect kick-off evening of fun for a huge crowd of guests, and we all look forward to many great rooftop parties in the coming months. F Photography by Mark O. Ramirez
Joanna Zugno, Cassie Ortiz & Brooke Stevens
Tom & Deborah Hester-Harrison
Stone was the Star
Tiara Tea at Chez Philippe
N
Natural Stone & Tile in conjunction with Island Stone hosted a wine tasting and tile preview event at the Jack Robinson Gallery. Karen Carrier's Another Roadside Attraction provided the delicious food, the wines of Spain were supplied by The Corkscrew Downtown Wines and Di Anne Price was at the piano. Of course David Lindsey of Natural Stone, Paul Sepulveda of Island Stone and gallery owner Dan Oppenheimer were on hand to welcome and mingle with guests. F Photography by Mark O. Ramirez
Denise Jones & David Reid
C
Chez Philippe at the Peabody Hotel was the place to be for 67 regally dressed women attending the Tiara Tea Society's annual Grande Dame High Tea. Eva Lynn Bishop, the founder of this inspired organization tells us that this year the society is benefiting the blind and visually impaired and is partnering with the Hamilton Eye Institute Division, University of Tennessee, Memphis. Little Savanna Chappell of Paris, TN, who has congenital cataracts, will be a beneficiary of the society's generosity. F Photography by Brenda Kremser
Robin Reed & Jeremy Dorsey Savanna Chappell
David Lindsey
Yvette & Marguerite Spicer
Sharonn Clark & Victoria Lamberty
Carol Ann & Pat Wilson with Charlotte Neal
Valerie Brown, Carolyn & Jennifer Hardy May 2009 • 29
VIPEvent
Playhouse a
P
Playhouse on the Square/Circuit Playhouse “staged” a uniquely creative wine-tasting fundraiser (not too surprising in view of all that in-house talent) called The Great Wine Performances. Characters from ten plays presented the wines and party-goers were charged with testing their theatrical knowledge by guessing the appropriate character and play from which the actor had sprung. Everyone had a lot of fun, and we cannot resist misquoting Hamlet to say “the play was the thing at this wine tasting.” F Photography by Mark O. Ramirez
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30 • VIP
Memphis
Phantom of the Opera
Our Town
Mary-Jane Fuller & Mary Jo Miller
Mary & Reb Haizlip
Rhonda Jones, Sheamus Loftus & Shawna Engel
Leigh McLean & Blake Lichterman
Andrew & Christine Hutchinson
Peter Pan
Hairspray May 2009 • 31
VIPEvents
Bodine School’s Acorn Auction
T
The Bodine School, based in Germantown, hosted its annual gala Acorn Auction fundraiser at the Holiday Inn at the University of Memphis. The school provides educational programs for children with dyslexia in first through eighth grades. This year's event had a carnival theme, and there were more than 600 items in the live and silent auctions. Debbie Litch, the energetic and talented Executive Producer at Theatre Memphis and community leader par excellence, was the 2009 Acorn Auction Honorary Chair. There were nearly 400 attendees at the party and more than $110,000 was raised--- the most in the auction’s history. “The 2009 Acorn Auction was our John & Laura Howard most successful auction in terms of funds raised and attendance,” said Carol Carlson, director of development and public relations at The Bodine School. “We actually were receiving calls about both tickets and donations right up until the day of the auction!” F Photography by Mark O. Ramirez
Teri & Jeff Cox
Peggy Bodine, Debbie & Dr. Mel Litch, Martha Roper Elisabeth Lee, Jonathan Shames & Rene Friemoth-Lee
Jessica Cardullo & Jenny Painter
Helping Hands for the Exchange Club Family Center
T Karen & Kirk Johnston
The first annual Hands of Hope auction party, held at the Memphis Botanic Garden, was a huge success with some 325 attendees, 283 auction items and over $85,000 raised to benefit the Exchange Club Family Center. Andre Wharton and his wife, Monica filled in for Shelby County Mayor A C Wharton and Ruby Wharton as honorary chairmen at this year's event. Kirk and Karen Johnston were the chairs of the festivities, and incidentally Karen is also President of the Board of Directors of the Exchange Club Family Center. The center was opened locally in 1984 with a staff of three and now has twenty programs and over 30 staff to serve families in the Memphis community who are experiencing the tragedies of family violence or abuse. F Photography by Mark O. Ramirez
May Weiss, Loren Powell & Rachel Gray Julian Prewitt & Linda Butler 32 • VIP
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Lori & Dan O'Brien
Pat & Lisa Shoptaw with Karen & Peter Fox
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May 2009 • 33
VIPEvents
Cocktails for a Cure
F
Four Rhodes College students came together to make a difference by planning an evening at the Madison Hotel to celebrate and support research for Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy. In town for the event was Darius Weems, who suffers from this condition, along with the cast and crew of his award-winning film "Darius Goes West." The event was spearheaded by Karolina Grabowicz, along with Andy Saberioon, Katie Amundson and Allie Henson. F Photography by Mark O. Ramirez
Jessica Sprenkel & Anna Phelan
Katie Amundson, Christy Prewitt, Darius Weems, Allie Henson & Karolina Grabowicz
Heshi Payrovi & Gita Saberioon
Nile Cole, Jonathan Neil & Taylor Austin Ramirez
Beyond Colour Hosted a Grand Party–No Foolin'
B
Billed as an April Fools' Day party, the event hosted by Beyond Colour Laser and Skin Care clinic and its owner Debbie Keaton was a standout. Customers and friends of this elegant establishment gathered to sample the gourmet delicacies prepared by renowned Cordon Bleu Chef Robert Hayes (kid-
Beyond Colour’s beauty professionals 34 • VIP
Memphis
dingly calling himself “a legend in his own mind”), who is famous for his fabulous presentation as well as his food. Jasmine Shope provided the entertainment with her colorful and exotic belly dancing, while the professional staff graciously showed guests around the beautiful zen-like treatment rooms
of this complete medi-Euro spa which is located at the Kirby Carrefour Mall. Among the guests that packed the party were Sheri and Ron Bishop whose popular Bagel Company restaurant is an across-the-street neighbor of Beyond Colour. F Photography by Evarist O'Neill
Debbie Keaton & Robert Hayes
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May 2009 • 35
VIPBeauty Sheila Zaricor-Wilson on
From ‘across the pond’ to the Mississippi River
Even though short hair is popular, a lot of girls, who still favor longer locks are setting their hair…
W
Why would I even think to link Memphis and
heard me, I said setting with rollers to give that
London? Well, of course, the common thread is
soft, movable bouncy look to the hair. Did any-
music. Music that has touched the world and
one notice Carrie Underwood’s hair on the
changed the sounds forever has come from Lon-
CMA Awards?
don and/or Memphis: The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, Amy Winehouse, Elvis, Isaac Hayes and
This is what we are seeing in Memphis…
so many, many more.The fashions and hair
but bear in mind that London is a city of MORE.
trends of the "now" generation have always been
If hair is short… it is really short. If it is full, stand
inspired by rock bands and musicians. Unlike the
back Texas, backcombing is back. Bold eyeliner,
70's and 80's when it took two or three years for
hair streaked with vibrant colors, disconnected
these styles to be seen on our streets and work
haircuts, color and the return of the shag. What
their way onto the runways, the gap is closing, in
is old becomes new with every generation. Peo-
large part thanks to the Internet and music
ple will always be looking for different ways to
videos.
express their individuality. There will always be the person who comes in and asks to be just "a
At the moment, the look in London is very
little more adventurous" with cut and color---a
daring and 80's influenced. The hair styles are
little over the edge. A look that makes a state-
moving from the A-line bobs and more to the
ment.
short-cropped, "boy meets girl" haircuts showing strong cheekbones. Girls are getting braver and wearing tailor-made haircuts that enhance their
This is the person who walks into a room and grabs the attention. This is the person who keeps hair stylists on
features and fit their facial structures. Even
our toes. For this, we say a resounding THANK
though short hair is popular, a lot of girls who still
YOU! F
favor longer locks are setting their hair…yes, you
Sheila Zaricor-Wilson is owner of Master Design Salon & Wellness Studio at 5149 Wheelis Drive, telephone 901.685.2351. She is also a partner in a new venture, Crown Winery, which is located near Humboldt, Tennessee.
36 • VIP
Memphis
PHOTO BY JAY ADKINS
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Opening Doors By Jeanne Coors Arthur
Memphis is Merrie in May…and all year long
W
When thinking about the direction of this column, I googled dens. There are many public places as well to enjoy nature phis, Germantown Performing Arts Center, Ballet Memphis, songs with “Memphis” in the lyrics. Can you believe that including the Memphis Botanic Garden, Dixon Gallery and New Ballet, Theatre Memphis, Playhouse on the Square/ there had been over five million inquiries? Of course, it is easy Gardens, Overton Park with its Brooks Museum of Art, the Circuit Theater, Hattiloo, the Orpheum and so many other to understand why. Memphis and music are synonymous. Memphis Zoo and the rehabilitated Levitt Shell, the Lichterarts venues. There is also a thriving gallery scene which But many other things come to mind when considering man Nature Center, Shelby Farms and Shelby Forest. Or means that there are openings throughout the year. the riches within our city “of good abode.” Mark Twain in you can hoof it on the greenways in Germantown and along Memphians really care about their sports! You can his Life on the Mississippi described Memphis as “a beautiful the river on the Bluff Walk downtown or the greenway at take in a Redbirds baseball game, punctuate your football city nobly situated on a commanding bluff overlooking the Harbor Town. If you feel like a little more exercise, call the season at the Liberty Bowl or The Southern Heritage Clasriver.” Indeed it is that and much, much sic, or cheer for the Grizzlies or the U of more. One of my favorite parts of working M Tigers at a basketball game, or take in real estate is to welcome newcomers to your life in your hands and become a fan Memphis and to introduce them to all of of Ole Miss, Arkansas or even Alabama, our sights and sounds. My tour always beLSU or Georgia. gins with the mighty Mississippi. The city is And do we ever love a party. The where it is because of the river, and we city goes all out beginning in May when have always been a distribution town. In Memphis in May International Festival the beginning, we were the hardwood caphonors a foreign country---this year it's ital of the world, soon followed by King Chile--- and brings hundreds of thousands Cotton. Now, besides shipping by land, to enjoy the International BBQ Festival, sea, and air, with FedEx being a driving the Beale Street Music Festival, and the force, we are a huge medical center and Sunset Symphony. Carnival Memphis (the becoming larger with the bio-tech expanparty with a purpose) follows close on its sion. Of course there is the world famous heels in June. And let's face it, there is alSt. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, but ways a party going on down on Beale we must also point to the Methodist, BapStreet. tist, St. Francis, and Le Bonheur Childrens’ I also remind my clients about the Hospitals. perhaps less well-known events such the As a Delta-NWA hub, we are linked Arts and Crafts Fair, the Downtown Arts to the world, but we can also enjoy weekFestival, the Great River Carnival, Jazz on My tour always begins with the mighty Mississippi. The city is where it is end driving jaunts to Heber, Horseshoe, the Bluff, Zoo Rendezvous, picnics at the because of the river, and we have always been a distribution town. Pickwick, New Orleans, Destin, St. Louis, Dixon, Memphis College of Art exhibits, the Blues Highway 61/49 and beyond. You Ornamental Metal Museum Repair Days, can gamble in Tunica, trout fish in Arkansas, enjoy the spa at Wolf River Conservancy, join the group and take a canoe Cooper-Young Festival, the Italian and Greek festivals, Live the Alluvian in Greenwood, or just spend the night downtrip through some of the most gorgeous scenery you can at the Garden summer concert series, and the Center for town for a wine and dine to remember….the Peabody, the imagine. Do not miss the Farmers’ Markets at the AgricenSouthern Folklore’s Memphis Music and Heritage Festival Madison, the River Inn, or Hunt-Phelan come to mind. I tell ter or downtown to sample nature in the form of our best on Labor Day weekend. The Children’s Museum and the everyone to be sure to go down to the historic cobblelocal produce. Pink Place with its IMAX theater are fun for children anystones and take a cruise on the Memphis Riverboats at sunIf you want to shop and have a bite, there are of time, and Mud Island River Park brings out the child in all of set. The South Maine trolley tour is the place to be on the course any number of places to enjoy our famous pitus. last Friday of every month in the spring and fall. It’s fun and smoked barbeque (wet, dry or what have you), but there I could go on forever. Yes, we have Graceland, but this packed with people checking out the Arcade, Earnestine are many other fabulous restaurants throughout the city is only the beginning. I remind my newcomers to enjoy and Hazel’s, Spindini and all the art galleries and boutiques. serving every kind of cuisine your heart could desire. It is Memphis because there is something going on every day for While downtown, the National Civil Rights Museum, the fun to shop downtown on South Main, or try the Coopereveryone.F Memphis Rock and Soul Museum, the Stax Museum at Young neighborhood, or East Memphis off Poplar along the Jeanne Coors Arthur Soulsville and Sun Studio are not to be missed. Golden Corridor almost anywhere. If you are buying for Certified Residential Specialist Memphis is no more beautiful than in the spring. Our your new home, don’t forget the antique shops congregated Life Member- Multi Million Dollar Club tree canopy is magnificent and mother nature waves her in Mid-town on Madison, Cooper and Central, or the malls Licensed in Tennessee, Mississippi, wand with dogwoods and brilliant azaleas, soon followed by from Poplar Plaza to Wolfchase Galleria. And I always recand Arkansas is with the fragrant magnolias of early summer. Drive through Cenommend a visit to the historic Collierville town square for Coleman-Etter, Fontaine Realtors 651 Oakleaf Office Lane tral Gardens, Chickasaw Gardens, Belle Meade, the Parkits restaurants and interesting shops. Memphis, TN 38117 ways, Hein Park, Harbor Town and so many more For those who want to experience a taste of culture (901) 767-4100 neighborhoods and be awestruck by the homes and garwe have the Memphis Symphony Orchestra, Opera Mem-
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Up on the Roof with Josh
Celebrating Memphis in May at the Madison
M
My column last month was all about our fabulous Madison Hotel’s Sunset Atop the Madison parties. I hope that some of you were able to attend the kick-off event on April 16th which turned out to be a gorgeous night with a magnificent sunset appearing on cue. I won’t go into detail here, because you can read more about that party and see photos of some of the fun-loving attendees elsewhere in this issue. I just want to remind everyone to come to the Madison on Thursdays for the best weekly party in town. At last, May is finally here. It is the month that makes the hearts of all Memphians beat a little faster. It’s
Memphis in May time, and the Madison Hotel is right there in the thick of things. Matter of fact our President and CEO, Mohamad Hakimian was last year’s Chairman of the Festival and is a current Board Member. Whether it’s the World Championship Barbecue Contest, the Beale Street Music Festival, the AutoZone Sunset Symphony… the action is our neighborhood. As Jim Holt, my good friend and the current President and CEO of the Memphis in May International Festival told me recently, “There is no better spot to view the glorious sunset over the mighty Mississippi, than the rooftop of the Madison Hotel.” He went on to say that “when we want to impress our visiting Ambassadors and international dignitaries, we book them to stay at the Madison.”
Speaking of international, by now you know that the country the festival is celebrating this year is Chile. Of course The Madison is doing its part by hosting several special events featuring the spectacular Chilean wines and cuisine. Chile is one of the world’s most vibrant and rich wine-producing regions. Running down the Pacific coast and backed by the Andes Mountains this sliver of a country is blessed with the perfect conditions for winemaking. Enjoy a sampling of fine Chilean wines paired with appetizers from noted Chilean Chef Pilar Rodríguez at our May 5th wine-tasting on our rooftop. On May 9th, the Madison is presenting a Chilean wine dinner in our Iris Ballroom so please join Chef Rodríguez for a special dinner of Chilean food and wine. Her culinary approach creates harmony between each dish in her menu and a specific wine. Known internationally for her unique culinary presentations, Chef Rodríguez will bring her creations from the Colchagua Valley in Chile to Memphis. Be sure to plan to attend both these special events by calling Grill 83 for reservations at (901) 333-1224. Lastly it is my pleasure to spread the word and invite everyone to join the Madison’s unique 400 Club. Membership costs $400 per person a year and brings with it a long list of amazing privileges including: complimentary ac-
cess for you and a guest to Thursday Night Rooftop Parties; exclusive access to Madison rooftop Fridays and Saturdays based on availability-Enjoy light hors d’oeuvres and bar service; charging privileges in Grill 83 and at the Madison Hotel with monthly billing, upon credit approval; a 15% discount on published room rates; a 10% discount in our exquisite, award-winning restaurant, Grill 83; 24 complimentary valet parking voucher; and one complimentary night in a luxurious deluxe room As an interesting aside, you may or may not know that the term “the 400” was first coined in the last quarter of the 19th century in the context of New York City society. It came about, allegedly, from the fact that 400 was the exact number of guests that Mrs. William B. Astor could fit into her Fifth Avenue ballroom. If you were in her Gilded Age social set, you were therefore considered “in the 400.” Well, that is it for now, and I look forward to seeing you at Memphis in May and at the Madison this month. And by the way, don’t forget to try the Mother’s Day luncheon buffet at the Madison on May 10th.F
J o sh Best,
Josh Spotts Madison Hotel 79 Madison Ave Memphis, TN 38103 jspotts@madisonhotelmemphis.com Chef Pilar Rodríguez 40 • VIP
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Just Out of the Spotlight
In Hollywood and Memphis The Movie Lady Reports by Linn Sitler
D
Dateline Hollywood --- The first LOCATION EXPO trade show – the world’s largest trade show for film commissions – I attended was in 1987. Famous Memphis organizer and Memphis & Shelby County’s first film and music commissioner, Martha Ellen Maxwell, was just leaving the commission. I was taking her place. Generously, Martha Ellen had agreed to accompany me to this mega-trade show, and I was too smart to turn her down.
Celebrating the Memphis-Berlin Alliance for Economic and Cultural Exchange, the Memphis premiere of the made-in-Berlin comedy, DU BIST NICHT ALLEIN, was history in the making -- sealed with schnapps!
BERLIN comes to Memphis -- and the patio of The Inn at Hunt-Phelan! Berlin’s Julia Donner, (center), debuts as the first “person exchange” in an economic development/cultural alliance between Memphis/Shelby County and Berlin. Her first night, Julia meets her Memphis hosts: (left to right): the Film Commission's Hunter Duesing, Memphis family host Gail Schledwitz, Film Commission's Linn Sitler, and Memphis family host Karl Schledwitz. (The Alliance is a joint project of The Memphis & Shelby County Film and Television Commission and Memphis ED.)
Greeting Hollywood with RENDEZVOUS barbecue and real Southern lemonade at LOCATION EXPO in Santa Monica: (left to right): James Spies, producer, NOTHING BUT THE TRUTH ; Film Commission's Linn Sitler and Sharon Fox O'Guin; and David Blocker, producer, HANNAH MONTANA: THE MOVIE. (David look familiar? Think of his Dad, Dan "Hoss" Blocker on BONANZA.)
My memories of that first trade show? Parties with the American Film Market, a tete a tete with the Nashville delegate who was squeezed into the same trade show booth with us (again, I was too smart to turn down Martha Ellen’s offer to handle the situation) and of course meetings with lots and lots of filmmakers and “wanna be” filmmakers. I soon learned the value of asking each prospective client, “Are you funded?” In the next 22 years, I’ve missed only three LOCATION EXPOS, but the ones I did attend were … WOW! Seeing as how LOCATION EXPO is a film commission’s biggest opportunity to market its jurisdiction to a zillion filmmakers at one time, no type of marketing is too gimmicky or novel! Highlights include: 1989–then-Assistant Film Commissioner Diana DeWeese Pleasants Threadgill dressed up as “Miss Piggy” in a formal gown, handing out Mississippi mud nuggets and FedEx pens to filmmakers. Her escort? None other than former Memphis t.v. news producer/writer George Larrimore (now ACCESS HOLLYWOOD exec) unabashedly escorted her through the
ON: LOCATION MEMPHIS founder Michael Harwood receives the film festival's highest award from long-time Board members Genny Strubing (left) and Lisa Bobal (right).
crowds of gaping filmmakers. And in the early ‘90s, I must include as a highlight the multiple appearances of Miles “Tarzan” O’Keeffe in the Memphis/Shelby County booth. Those years, I believe every female at the trade show visited our booth! Flash forward to LOCATION EXPO 2009, from which we have just returned. Instead of dressing up as “Miss Piggy,” Deputy Film Commissioner Sharon Fox O’Guin was handing out piggys – 15 pounds of pork, donated by The Rendezvous and shipped via FedEx to the show’s caterer. In a gown or in a bun, nothing beats our piggies and once more Memphis was the show hit! From Alan Blomquist, Executive Producer of “Walk the Line” to Elizabeth Kirksey, former Memphian now head of physical production at Paramount Pictures to Christiane Raab, the BerlinBrandenburg Film Commissioner, our 2009 trade show booth was a gathering place for all. Dateline Memphis --- Our long-hoped-for Memphis-Berlin Economic & Cultural Exchange (MBECE) kicked into gear with the Memphis premiere of the made-in-Berlin movie, “Du Bist Nicht Allein.” It premiered-- the second night of ON LOCATION: MEMPHIS (aka THE MEMPHIS INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL) to a rapt audience of German-born Memphians and the rest of us. Sponsored by The Memphis & Shelby County Film and Television Commission and Memphis ED, The Memphis Meets Berlin Alliance promises a rich relationship – a win-win for both cities. Here’s to more German films shot in Memphis – Prost! And a special toast to Reid Dulberger, Tom Schmitt, and Jimmy Tashie for seeing the value of the Alliance!
Auf Wiedersehen F
May 2009 • 41
OlD+New Story by Anne Cunningham O’Neill; photographs by Jay Adkins &Andrea Zucker
CHILDREN’S MUSEUM OF MEMPHIS + THE PINK PALACE
PHOTO BY JAY ADKINS
In this month’s Old + New photo section, we feature two beloved Memphis museums. The Children’s Museum opened to the public in 1990, while the Pink Palace is almost 80 years old. Although both are comprised of old + new architecture, we are focusing primarily on the Children’s Museum’s modern addition and the Pink Palace’s oldest section.
May 2009 • 43
PHOTOS BY JAY ADKINS
OlD+New The ChildreN’s MuseuM
hen driving along Central Avenue, it is hard to miss the contemporary facade of the Children’s Museum of Memphis. Gigantic, whimsical blocks out front colorfully spell out the museum’s acronym (CMOM) and give a little hint of what is in store inside.
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The museum provides a unique learning experience—in this case for the young through the joy of play in hands-on exhibits and programs. It is housed in a famous old Memphis building—the former National Guard Armory built between 1941-1942, which was once host to the
Memphis Belle, the World War II B-17 bomber so dear to the hearts of Memphians. Coincidentally, the original idea was to have the museum located in the Pink Palace, but the plan was eventually rejected. The Museum was expanded in 2002 to provide more exhibit space. F
PHOTO BY JAY ADKINS
The ChildreN’s MuseuM OlD+New
May 2009 • 45
The PiNk PalaCe
PHOTOS BY ANDREA ZUCKER
OlD+New
he historic Pink Palace has fascinated this city since Piggly Wiggly magnate Clarence Saunders announced his plans to build his dream home in May 1922. Out of his eventual financial ruin rose the foundations of a great museum whose
T
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mission has been to educate the public about Mid-South history, science, nature and technology. Now, despite several re-inventions and modern additions, this legendary mansion, clad in Georgia pink marble, continues to be the cornerstone of
the Pink Palace Family of Museums. These photographs are meant to shine a light on hidden corners (the attic for example) and architectural details that have perhaps gone unnoticed by the thousands of visitors who have passed through these halls.F
OlD+New
PHOTOS BY ANDREA ZUCKER
The PiNk PalaCe
May 2009 • 47
VIPFEATURE
Welcome to our World of
DECORATIVE
CONCRETE Story by Jamie Walters; photography by Jay Adkins
P
eople have come to find that art comes in many different forms. Brian Deas brings art into a different light when it comes to his business of decorative concrete flooring. This 31-year-old started Deas Floor Decor in 2005. It has continued to grow, as he is constantly studying and learning the newest, most effective, and most innovative ways of making his work the best there is. He first became interested in the decorative concrete world when he lived in Hermosa Beach, California while working with a friend, Jay Mitchell, renovating Mitchell's privatelyowned 28-room apartment complex. From there, Brian's interest grew in wanting to find a way to mix art with hands on remodeling. After much research, he discovered the best product available to help in making his business start, grow, and succeed. This product provides many different options when it comes to colors, styles, textures, designs, and extremely strong sealers than can be used indoors and outdoors. This product can be used to stain existing floors or be used as an overlay system to create a whole new look. Your decorative element can also be scored or personal logos can be included. Once Brian Deas was able to understand this new product better, he chose to move back
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to Memphis, not only to be closer to family, but to start his business with his newly-found "go green" concrete concept. It is not only a process of grinding, overlaying, dyeing, staining, and sealing the concrete, but an artistry that goes into developing the best colors, textures, and designs for each and every project. Decorative concrete is also environmentally friendly in that it is known to reduce allergens, is very low maintenance, optimizes heat transfer, and does not allow growth of toxic molds as does other flooring. Deas Floor Decor can offer a beautiful solution to creating a great look for newly-built residential and commercial buildings, resurfacing old concrete, or changing the look all together by replacing current carpet, tile, wood, or other flooring with a new decorative element. Not only can one have a beautiful, custom new floor, but concrete is also a fabulous way to go for counter tops. John Cardwell of Crete Unique provides such a variety at Crete-unique.com. John jumped into the concrete industry in 2006, and has been going strong ever since. Deas and Cardwell have been able to work together on a few projects and create a new, custom look in residential and commercial properties. As Deas Floor Decor has grown, the com-
pany has been given some great opportunities. For example, Art Under a Tin Roof is an exciting downtown art gallery opening this month that was looking for a modern, sophisticated feel in their flooring. Brian Deas had the chance to provide that look, as well as many others, including the intricate engraved logo with a four-foot score pattern at the Celtic Crossing in Midtown. As each job has evolved, Deas and his employees have been able to work with the wonderful owners of each company as well as the great families connected with his residential projects. As Mr. Deas states, "I can't complain because at the end of the day I am my own boss, I have always loved working with my hands; art has always been a huge part of my life, and this is my way to mix it all together. I get so much out of what I do by seeing the end product and knowing that I walk away with satisfied customers.â&#x20AC;? To see other designs and projects as well, please visit the company website at www.deasfloordecor.com or call Brian Deas at 901-786-4477 for inquiries. Deas Floor Decor can bring new life to your old concrete that is a custom, low maintenance design for your indoor residential living or commercial property, patio, driveway, walkway, pool deck, retail space, and much more.F
VIPFEATURE
2 3 1 5
4 6 May 2009 • 49
PhOTOgRAPhy by ANDReA ZuCkeR
PhOTOS by ANDReA ZuCkeR
MOTHER’SLOVE
May 2009 • 51
COOkINg WITh Chef JOHN BRAGG
it all began in
mom’s kitchen Story & Recipe by Chef John Bragg; Photography by Jay Adkins
o what is a chef/restaurateur doing writing a column about baseball, mom and apple pie? It is May after all and with that glorious month comes baseball season in full swing, Mother’s Day celebrations and, well, why not an apple pie thrown in for good measure in that allAmerican way. In deference to May, I must pay homage to at least two of the three. I don’t know much about baseball, but I have loads of experience with Mother’s Day and apple pie (award-winning, I might add). As a chef, I am fully aware that somewhere behind every good chef is a great mother. It was in the kitchens of my mother and grandmothers that I first understood the power of food to nourish not only the body but also the soul. Who hasn’t been brought back to life by homemade chicken soup, a grilled cheese or even a neon green Popsicle? Whether mom made the food herself or embellished a can of Campbell’s, it meant something more than just a meal. Mom’s meals meant love, concern and attention. Mom always had a dish for what might ail you. And that is what a great chef, whether male or female, understands about the food he creates every night for virtual strangers. Food made with love, whether “high falutin” or home cooking means comfort and happiness. My love for cooking began in my mom’s kitchen where I would often help her bake and decorate cookies and beautiful and delicious pies. I played baseball, too, but fully understood the power of the kitchen. I grew up on a 150-year-old working farm and witnessed the labors from farm to table long before eating locally became the hottest trend. The farm provided some items for the kitchen, and Mom fed us with attention and love and that is precisely what any chef worth his or her weight does as well. You can’t fake that kind of feeling in the kitchen. The truth comes out every time. A chef can be competent without that love, but the chef who cooks with love and respect for the ingredients wows the patrons.
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Now that I am married and my wife is the mother of my two boys, I see the power of a woman’s touch in a different light. Even when my wife is tired, rushed, or just out of steam, she makes sure that the boys have a home-cooked meal most nights. She cooks with a pureness and simplicity that the professional chef often forgets or denies. She whips up a meal even when the kids are ungrateful and have suddenly chosen to be snarky food critics for the evening. I am fortunate. I get paid for and often recognized for my efforts in the kitchen. My wife (and surely so did my own mother) usually gets paid with dirty dishes and people in a rush to other activities. My wife is Italian and learned to cook simple and perfect meals from her Italian mother and grandmother. She has become very adept at hiding vegetables in foods that my sons eat without the knowledge that they just consumed a daily serving of vegetables in a kid-friendly dish. There is no culture more committed to respect for motherhood and family than the Italian culture. Italians understand
that cooking is a celebration of family love. Family and food are synonymous to them. Yet, while my own mother cooked meals from her Anglo-American background, and my wife cooks from her very Italian roots, the theme is the same. Women are the first chefs to most of us. It is in their kitchens where we first discover wondrous new tastes, where we have our first cooking lessons and where we see how hard labor can be translated into true affection. So as a chef, a son and a husband and father, I must pay my respect to those hardworking women who feed the world every day and every night. Working moms should be particularly honored. We all know that even if both the husband and wife work eight-hour days out of the home, it is usually the woman who will come home and throw some dinner on the stove and keep the household running. And to my female colleagues in the professional kitchens, kudos to you for blazing a trail that has been hard won. As a male chef and restaurant owner with years of experience in the industry, I know how tough the business can be and has been for women. While women have been the unsung heroes at home, female chefs have worked assiduously over the past few decades in order to be recognized as serious professionals in the kitchen. I have learned that women chefs cook with a greater commitment to wholesomeness than to novelty—and without the ego that usually guides most of us male chefs. These women deserve a great deal of respect. Thank you, Julia Child! So in May with the excuse of Mother’s Day, let’s celebrate the women in the kitchens at home and in the industry. Take your mom, your sister, your wife, your grandmother out to brunch, or cook a meal for her–– or be a real hero and clean the dishes. By the way, while the recipe that follows is served at Circa and won “best pie” at the Memphis Farmers’ Market in 2007, I must admit that the recipe is shockingly similar to the perfect pie that my mom has made with love for many years. F Happy Mother’s Day.
COOkINg WITh Chef JOHN BRAGG
Circa 119 South Main Street, Memphis TN 38103 www.circamemphis.com
Apple Pie FOR THE CRUST: PATE BRISEE (“T” = Tablespoon, “t” = teaspoon) 4# 2T 2# 4 2/3 Cup 2T
Flour, sifted salt Butter – cut into small cubes, and very cold Eggs Ice Water Lemon Juice
(this dough freezes well, but you could also halve the recipe)
FOR THE APPLES: 8-10 2 Sticks 1 Cup 1 Cup 2T 1T 1T ½ Cup
Granny Smith Apples, Peeled and Cored, Cut into 1/8ths (1/2 #) Unsalted Butter Light Brown Sugar Sugar Cinnamon Vanilla Extract Nutmeg Brandy/Rum/Bourbon – as you like
PREPARATION FOR THE DOUGH: In a mixer with a paddle attachment combine the flour, butter, and salt and mix on low speed until the mixture has the consistency of damp sand. Add the eggs until mixed (the mixture should start to look like gravel). Mix the lemon juice with the water and dribble in until the dough comes together and forms a ball. Don’t over mix, but make sure there are no dry lumps of flour. Fold by hand a few times and portion into balls about the size of a softball and set in the fridge for a little while. You will need two balls for one pie, freeze the rest
PREPARATION FOR THE APPLES: In a large pot, like a dutch oven or “rondo” melt the butter and add the apples and sugar. Cook on medium heat until the apples are soft but not browned. Add the spices and cook a for a few more minutes, you should have a good bit of liquid in with the apples. Add the liquor and cook for a few minutes, make sure you stand back because it will probably flame up. Remove the apples with a slotted spoon or skimmer and place on a tray and refrigerate for a little while. Turn up the heat and reduce the cooking liquid until you have a nice rich brown caramel sauce. You will use some of this in the assembly and the rest for serving. When you are happy with the sauce, strain it into a bowl and refrigerate.
ASSEMBLY: You will use a 9” deep pie pan, and one beaten egg. Roll out the dough, using VERY little flour until is is about 3/16” thick and about 1” more in diameter than the rim of the pan (1/8 is too thin and ¼ is too thick). Repeat this for the top as well, you will have two discs the same size. Line the pan with one of the discs and press well into
the corners. Don’t worry about trimming the top. Just make sure there is a little hanging over the edge. Fill completely with the cooled apples, over fill it a little if possible. Pour about 1 cup of the sauce over the apples and press the whole mixture down to make it flat and dense. Smooth the top edge a little, cut it off at the EXTERIOR edge of the pan. Brush with a little beaten egg to stick the top. Stick the other disc on top and press the edges well to seal. You can rope, crimp, use a fork whatever to decorate the edge. I like to make little peaks and valleys using the thumb and index finger of my left hand on the inside edge and my right index finger on the outside. You can’t really do wrong, just make it pretty. Cut a quarter size hole in the center with a knife or cookie cutter to allow steam out. Brush the top with beaten egg and you can decorate with the dull side of a paring knife. I like to do gentle arches from the center to the edges – but you can do whatever you like, or nothing. Bake at 350 for about 45 minutes to an hour – the pie should be a nice golden brown. Since there is no sugar in the dough the dough does not get really nice and dark until it is done, and since the pie is sealed, you need to make sure to cook it thoroughly. It sounds like a lot of work,and it is more than you will want to do after work and before dinner. However, if you make the apples, sauce and dough the day before it goes together pretty fast. Good Luck!F
May 2009 • 53
VIPRECIPE
Flight Restaurant & Wine Bar 39 South Main Street, Memphis TN 38103 www.FlightMemphis.com
Chef Antony Field
Sautéed Alaskan Halibut with Lobster Risotto, Asparagus and Sweet Corn Sauce by Chef Antony Field 7 oz 1 ½ oz 1 ea 4 ea 2 oz 3 oz
Halibut - Sautéed Lobster Meat Lobster Claw Asparagus Sweet Corn Sauce Risotto
SWEET CORN SAUCE 2 oz Kernel Corn 2 oz Chicken Stock 2 oz Heavy Cream Salt and white pepper to taste Combine in sauce pan, reduce by 1/3, blend and strain through fine strainer
54 • VIP
Memphis
RISOTTO ½ olive oil 2 oz Arborio Rice 1 tab Diced Shallots 1 ts Dice Garlic ½ cup white Wine 1cup Chicken Stock Small pinch saffron 1 oz Shredded parmesan ½ oz Butter Salt and Pepper to taste Sweat rice in olive oil, add shallots and garlic, stir, add white wine and stir till almost dry, then add ½ the chicken stock and reduce till almost dry, then add the rest of chicken stock; reduce till almost dry then add parmesan and butter, season. Fold in the lobster meat.
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May 2009 â&#x20AC;˘ 55
Lilly Jubilee ‘09
PEOPLE & PLACES
The Pink Door and Lilly Pulitzer held an open house to celebrate 50 years of Lilly's iconic signature prints. There were door prizes, refreshments and new offerings from Lilly, such as the fragrance collection, and fabulous flowered fashions for men, women and children. The day included a trunk show of limited edition pieces from the summer ‘09 Jubilee collection. The jaunty Lilly-patterned jeep parked outside gave a hint of the wonderful things to come inside the shop. Edie George, Nicole Courtore, Wilda Hudson, Semmes Humphreys & Mimi Taylor
Here’s to 30 More Years for “Your Secretary” There was a ribbon-cutting recently at “Your Secretary” at 2129 South Germantown Road. This company, which has been in business for over 30 years but is now under new ownership, provides temporary office help and professional secretarial services. All the Germantown VIPs, including Mayor Sharon Goldsworthy, turned out to help Suzanne Raines,President and CEO of Your Secretary, mark the occasion.
COMEC Totally Awesome Dance Party Some Mid-Southerners stepped back in time to the 80’s to strut their totally tubular selves at a benefit for the Commission on Missing and Exploited Children. Guests draped themselves in lace, bangle bracelets, oversized sweatshirts, legwarmers and just about every shade of neon for the COMEC Totally Awesome Dance Party.
Faust (along with Marguerite and Mephistopheles) Came to Memphis Opera Memphis hosted a preview party at the Clark Opera Memphis Center for its production of Gounod’s Faust, which was coming to the Orpheum on April 25 and 28. At the preview, guests were treated to performances of the opera's most famous pieces and to commentary from principal artists and Opera Memphis staff. Later VIP Memphis was privileged to attend the gala opening night performance. A hundred “bravos” go to Opera Memphis for its fabulous Faust. photography by Mark O. Ramirez
John Ryder & Allison Merritt
Mary & Phil Irish with Delores Kinsolving
Randy Vasofsky & Claire Slade Brophy
Michelle Robinson, Tran Bui, Selena Silvestro, Jean Ellen Sisson and Shawn Sandy
MSO performance of Haydn’s The Creation VIP Memphis was delighted to receive an invitation to attend the Cannon Center reception honoring acclaimed Canadian baritone Nathan Berg following the Memphis Symphony Orchestra's performance of Haydn’s The Creation. The party was hosted by the Consul General of Canada, Mr. Brian Oak, and by B. Lee Mallory of Memphis, who is an Honorary Consul of Canada.
Nathan Berg & B. Lee Mallory
Pinnacle Awards The Memphis Area Association of Realtors Commercial Council presented the 8th annual Pinnacle Awards honoring the highest producing Memphis commercial real estate brokers for 2008. The ceremony took place at the University of Memphis Holiday Inn. Russell “Rusty” Bloodworth of Boyle Investment Co. and Wyatt Aiken of Commercial Advisors won top honors Steve Guinn, Melanie Blakeney, Katie Shotts & Scott Barton
The Curtain Exchange Trunk Show
Laws in NY Times
Carmen McGee and Tim Tanner hosted The Curtain Exchange Trunk Show at the Monarch Condominiums. Over 30 attendees enjoyed wine and cheese and viewing the model units and of course the luxurious window treatments.
VIP Memphis magazine caught up recently with Stephen Laws at the grand opening of Flight restaurant and wine bar downtown. If you missed the recent article in the Sunday business section of the New York Times on REITS (agency real estate investment trusts), Laws––a senior research analyst based in Memphis for Deutsche Bank–– was pictured and
Ekundayo Bandele, Larry Robinson, Stacie Martin Waddell & Rehema Barber
quoted extensively. Stephen is the son of
MemphisConnect.com
prominent Memphian, Nancy Thomas,
Over 200 city-shaping Memphians packed the Zone at the FedEx Institute of Technology to launch MemphisConnect.com. Developed by The Leadership Academy, MemphisConnect.com answers the community’s call for a cutting edge space where Memphians discuss what inspires them to make Memphis home. Rob Carter, Executive V.P. of FedEx Information Services and CIO of FedEx Corporation, gave the keynote speech trumpeting the “innovation and creativity…that tap back into the Memphis soul. It does my heart a great deal of good to be in a room where people are passionate about Memphis. It’s up to us—to MemphisConnect, to The Leadership Academy—to empower a new generation of leaders to speak up. We want people to say, ‘Wow, I’d give anything to go live in Memphis.’“
and we offer our congratulations to both Mother and son (after all Mother's Day is around the corner!) for this impressive Carmen McGee and Tim Tanner
NYT coverage.
It's Greek to us All Friends and fans of the Memphis Greek Festival recently enjoyed great Greek food along with Greek wines from Kouros, Boutari and Lolonis Vineyards and beer at the 2nd annual Memphis Greek Festival Wine Tasting which was graciously hosted by Ciao Bella. The gathering was packed to capacity, and the good food and friendly atmosphere served to whet everyone's appetite for the upcoming Greek festival scheduled for May 8 and 9 at the Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church at 573 North Highland. The festival is billed this year as celebrating Greek culture and cuisine in our community for “FIFTY ONEderful Years” and is being chaired by Nick Kourvelas.
Phil Reed, Duncan Williams, David Waddell, Kerr Tigrett
The Duration Club at Carrabba's Italian Grill VIP Memphis was delighted to be invited by Hilda Mullen, the indefatigable publicity chairman of The Duration Club Inc., to its spring fundraiser at Carrabba’s Italian Grill on Poplar. The club members were all so welcoming and enthusiastic, and the meal and wine was excellent of course. Proceeds from the fundraiser will benefit the Baddour Center and two other local organizations for the mentally challenged, which this year are the Harwood Center and Company D dance group. Gladys Hamilton, Betty Lu Jones, Ed Parramore & Carole Feisal
Bonnie and Nick Kourvelas
fOR The lOVe Of wiNe
In
Arthur’s Opinion…
AffORDAble NeW OffeRINgS ARe
ReCeSSION buSTeRS By Arthur Kahn
I
I’m disappointed by the paucity of wine and liquor deals. In business for nearly a quartercentury — ouch! — we’re accustomed to the seemingly immutable upward trend of prices, but as we steer through an unprecedented recession we’re looking for substantial concessions from suppliers; and we’re not seeing them. Yet. There’s even a counterintuitive trend in certain liquor circles, so that Absolut Vodka, for instance, took a hefty increase early in the spring, followed by bigger ones from Maker’s Mark and Jose Cuervo. The thinking seems to be: If sales velocity is projected downward, we want to make it on profit margins. The Balvenie line of single malt Scotches, much beloved by yours truly, announced 3.5% increases on their entry-level offerings while taking their 21- yearold up 14% and — hold on to your cigars — 33% and 40%, respectively, the 25- and 30-year Scotches. $700 the bottle for a whiskey distilled in the late 1970s, when single malts typically went for $20, is insanely contra-correlated to the S&P 500 which, a couple of months ago weighed in at 1997’s number. So, if your trust fund performs like your daddy’s Scotch whiskey you can own a castle in Speyside!
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Memphis
What we are seeing are new offerings at the lower end, like the appealing French wines introduced by the Gallo organization: Red Bicyclette ($11.99). The Chardonnay and Pinot Noir are first class bottles, far better than most training-wheel Burgundy varietals—- the white a crisp, mid-weight charmer and the red a delightfully aromatic, light-weight wine that, while not from Burgundy (nothing from Burgundy is $11.99), resembles a nice Cotes de Beaune Rouge. The Syrah and Merlot are less clearly delineated along varietal lines, but they’re affordable, chunky reds that won’t impinge on the trust fund that’s invested in Scotch whiskey! Another recession-buster is Avalon‘s “California” offering ($12.99), not to be confused with their $17.99 Napa bottling. The somewhat more generic, low-priced version is Avalon’s attempt to stay in the game, but I see them trading down their own customers in the process. The Lindeman’s Bin 65 Chardonnay and other varietals are groveling for attention at $9.99, a couple of bucks below last year’s price; and Rosemount Shiraz ($8.99) is playing the game, too, down from $12-13 and down in quality, which is how their new overlord,
Foster’s of Aussie fame, plays the game (Rosemount’s grapes are now sourced widely instead of solely from their estate). And the once-middle class California name, Meridian, has dealt itself another pay cut, allowing it to go at the blue collar rate of $7.99 the bottle. This is a brand that, seven years ago, sold north of $12, but has continued to behave just like anyone’s 401-K. Despite the dollar’s recent uptick — more of a surge actually — and an even steeper falloff in their own economies, the French and Italians haven’t yet capitulated or, if they have, it’s taking longer to work through the American pipeline. Bordeaux prices remain shockingly high, a recent offering of half-bottles of 2004 Carruades de Lafite, a much reduced, non-classified growth version of its famous big brother (LafiteRothschild), weighing in at $115/.375. $115 the half-bottle for a good-not-great vintage of a wine that received middling reviews. Keep some powder dry, readers. There’s a financial tsunami brewing in the European wine market that, when it hits, will offer plenty of tantalizing detritus among the most venerated names in the trade. Stay tuned.F