June 2009
Relaxed Atmosphere + Award Winning Chef + Innovative Cuisine
Exceptional Dining =
Elegant, upscale bistro dining at its freshest 5871 Poplar Avenue Memphis, Tennessee Phone: 901.683.9305 Fax: 901.683.9318
www.riveroaksrestaurant.com
Contents
26
8 12
June 2009 Volume III • Number 9
EVENTS
8 10
Carrete Means Party in Chile Calling all Women To Go Red
12
FEATURES Beat the Summer Hair Blues by Sheila Zaricor-Wilson
35 Old + New Jacobean Juxtaposed with Contemporary
Bringing the Derby to Memphis. What a Party, What a Derby!
14
Unmasking a Cure
16
Caribbean Theme went
46 Memphis in May Mementos
32 VIP Beauty:
35 46
Straight to the Heart
18
Fiesta Fun at the
REGULARS
Blues Ball Auction
20 Creating a World of Green Hope
41
6 Letter from the Editor Gourmet Recipes for Grillmeisters
30 Marketing: Back To Basics – by Howell Marketing Strategies
22 Hear ye, Hear ye, the Crown
31
Winery is Open for Business
24 Dishes for Wishes Really
33 Just Out of the Spotlight,
Panned Out this Year
the Movie Lady Reports on $5 Cover, Goodbye Solo & More
26 Brooks Auction was Grand Indeed
28 Plaudits for Panera
4 • VIP
Memphis
Opening Doors by Denise Ware of Coleman-Etter, Fontaine Realtors
41
45 For the Love of Wine 48 People and Places
LEttEr From the Editor
T
This is a great issue. VIP Memphis was fortunate to at-
years--- but this was, if you can believe it, my first time
Marketing team to our line-up of regular columnists
tend a number of grand May events, including a beauti-
out. Look inside for a fabulous montage of MIM photos
who will be writing in “Marketing: Back to Basics” about
ful Kentucky Derby Day party. Of course it goes
taken by Andrea Zucker which will serve as a pictorial
the importance of strategic marketing and public rela-
without saying that Memphis in May was on our minds
memento of a great month.
tions especially in these trying economic times. This
this past month, and we were honored to be invited to
Our VIP Outing was to the grand opening of
the International Gala at the Hilton Memphis with spe-
Crown Winery in Humboldt, Tennessee which you will
happy to be connected to “the people who are leading
cial guest Ambassador Jose Goni, the Chilean Ambas-
read about, and I am betting that everyone will want to
and innovating, and a lot of these folks are downtown.”
sador to the United States.
plan a trip there very soon. For oenophiles here at
We were also on hand for the civic leaders and
company recently made a move downtown and are
Lastly, in case you are wondering, this photo of
home, the Brooks Museum’s Art of Good Taste
me was taken in Florence, Italy where we attended a
media appreciation night at the World Championship
fundraiser culminated in the Grand Auction of wines,
family destination wedding at the Villa Di Maiano last
Barbecue Cooking Contest as guests of the generous
which was a great party.
month---a bit of an extended VIP Outing you could say.
folks at Harrah’s Entertainment. In the tent we chatted
This time in our Old + New photographic sec-
My husband, daughter and I were fortunate enough to
with VIPs who included Al Lyons (this year’s Board
tion, we feature one of Memphis’ most famous homes,
stay with Diane Levy, a dear friend and VIP from Mem-
Chairman for MIM), Pat Kerr Tigrett, Chris Peck, Va-
Carrier Hall, in Central Gardens, which also just hap-
phis, who owns a gorgeous villa there.
lerie Morris and many others. We took a spectacular
pens to be on the market---a golden opportunity to
photograph from the upper level of the Harrah’s tent,
live in baronial style. Our “new” offering is a beautiful
which I could not resist sharing with you below. We
contemporary home in East Memphis which is most
also moseyed over to the elaborate “Ques Brothers”
definitely not on the market, and which has been lov-
tent where Circa’s John Bragg and others held sway
ingly maintained and decorated by the couple that live
over the barbecue pit. Special thanks go also to Max
there. We also have for you this month in honor of
Lomax at the “Pork Fiction” tent who greeted us with
Father’s Day, six recipes for gourmet grilling from top
cool drinks and a friendly introduction to the colorful
local chefs.
scene. It was all great fun--- as friends had told me for
Arrivederci!
Anne
VIP Memphis is gratified to welcome the Howell
June 2009
About the Cover The faces on our cover need no introduction for music fans. Our checkerboard calls out four of the major headlining musical talents who performed at this year's Beale Street Music Festival: (top) James Taylor and Katy Perry; (bottom) Bonnie Raitt and Al Green. Photographing musicians is a specialty of our talented photographer, Andrea Zucker. Nobody does it better or with more enthusiasm. She was out in the crowd getting down and dirty, rocking with the music, and enjoying every minute of it.
6 • VIP
Memphis
PUBLISHER Kat Semrau
ADMINISTRATOR Lorne Semrau
EDITOR Anne Cunningham O’Neill
Beautiful 0 3 5 7 < < 7 < 5 A
GRAPHIC DESIGN Donna Donald, Director Ben Williams
WEB MASTER Robert Neilson
ADVERTISING Senior Account Executive Mark O. Ramirez Account Executives Stephanie Beliles Jason Watson Ellen E. Westbrook
WRITERS/PHOTOGRAPHERS Jay Adkins Sarah Christine Bolton Lyda Kay Ferree Mark O. Ramirez Christina Trask Andrea Zucker
Distribution Terry Lay
Meeting all your expectations.
VIP MEMPHIS MAGAZINE Suite 212 4711 Poplar Ave. Memphis, TN 38117 901.766.2999 901.766.2977 (fax) memphis@vipmag.com www.vipmag.com
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PRINTED BY Toof Commercial Printing 670 South Cooper Street Memphis, TN 38104
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June 2009 â&#x20AC;˘ 7
VIPEvent
Carrete Means Party in Chile
T
The Memphis in May International Gala this year, held at the Memphis
Hilton, was a salute to Chile and special guest Ambassador José Goni who is the representative of his country to the United States. The silent auction featured original artwork by Memphis in
May fine arts poster artists and the special Chilean cuisine was designed by noted Chef Pilar Rodríguez. The entertainment was provided by Expresiones de Chile and the Memphis Icebreakers. During his stay in Memphis, Ambassador Goni reiterated the strong bilateral relations between his country and the United States. Glamorous gala guests underscored these strong ties with their celebratory embrace of the colorful culture and cuisine of Chile. F Photography by Mark O. Ramirez
Silky & Joellyn Sullivan 8 • VIP
Memphis
Bill Morris with Judy & Carlos Tolosa
Jim Holt
MakeMake, Easter Island's God of Fertility, makes a surprise appearance at the Memphis in May Gala honoring Chile. Welcoming MakeMake to the Film Commission table are: Film Commissioner Linn Sitler, Commission Board Chairman Jimmy Tashie, and City Council Chairman Myron Lowery Ambassador JosĂŠ Goni and Loreto Leyton
Sam Tweddell & Liza Holt
Richard & Carol Crown-Ranta with Lillian & Hon. George H. Brown Jr.
Marisa White & Justin Sharpe
Eric Robertson & Lori Spicer
Brooke Tweddell & John Pellicciotti
Davis Pool & Jennifer Kettler
June 2009 â&#x20AC;˘ 9
VIPEvent
Jacquelyn Sappenfield, Jose Gutierrez with Jessica & Mona Sappenfield
Calling all
Women To Go Red
Sarah Theobald, Brittany Montgomery & Shelbi Seward
Laine Berry
G
Go Red for Women is the American Heart Association's national call to arms to increase awareness of heart disease
and to empower women to take charge of their heart
health. The 2009 Memphis Go Red for Women Luncheon, presented by St. Francis Healthcare and chaired by Mona Sappenfield, took place recently at the Memphis Botanic Garden and was an inspiring day of womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s health education. F Photography by Christina Trask
Dr. Lekha George & Dr. Santhosh Koshy
Jan & Erin Courtney 10 â&#x20AC;˘ VIP Memphis
Anna & Mathilde Jones with Joanne Clausier
Barbara May & Mary Blackwood
Kathy Kastan, Ann May & Jonna Elzen
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VIPEvent
Catherine & Wilson Simmons
Bringing the Derby to Memphis. What a Party, What a Derby! Debbie & Raymond Williams
Coleman Johnson & Catherine Nelson
V
VIP Memphis was delighted to be included in a very elegant Derby Day party hosted by Wilson (Buddy) Simmons and his lovely wife, Catherine. This party is a tradition with the Simmons family members who originally hail from Lexington, Kentucky and who still have a farm there. The love for horse racing runs deep in Kentuckians, and many friends and family members came in from
around the country to help celebrate the 135th running of the Kentucky Derby. And what a Derby it was, with Calvin Borel riding Mine That Bird to a 50-to-1 victory. Set in the Wilsonsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; lovely Morningside Park home, the party featured gorgeous hats on the ladies, tasty mint juleps, a lavish buffet of ham and biscuits, chicken salad finger sandwiches and
dessert tarts, bluegrass music and multiple television screens for viewing the race. This year the event will benefit the Humane Society of Memphis and Shelby County, an idea which had stemmed from the concern expressed by the two Wilson daughters over the present economy's impact on animals. F Photography by Mark O. Ramirez
Lisa Mitchell & Vicki Walk
Julius Kalcevich & A.W. Simmons
Nicole Eason & Lisa James
12 â&#x20AC;˘ VIP Memphis
Neil & Monique Beals
Elizabeth Wagerman with Jeff & Molly Mann
Amy & Jim Whittington
Jodie Barringer, Bill & Peggy Jones & A.W. Simmons
Susan Gaugh & Matthew John
Carole & Will McGee
Catherine Garrett, Ward Summer, Genevieve Shy & Stephen Sills June 2009 â&#x20AC;˘ 13
VIPEvent
Joan Mathews & Dann Crawford
Henry & Melinda Rothenberg
Dr. Chad & Dr. Julie Kate Webster
Tiffany Brimhall & Jon Griffin
Unmasking a Cure
T
The annual Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation gala/auction was held at the Peabody Hotel recently. It was a black tie Masquerade Ball, but there was no hiding the terrific turnout and the great fun that everyone had that night. The honorary chair was Maurice Wexler of Baker, Donelson, Bearman, Caldwell & Berkowitz law firm, and Steve Conley was the master of ceremonies. F Photography by Christina Trask
Alice & Maurice Wexler
Carl & Celia Morrison 14 â&#x20AC;˘ VIP Memphis
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Leslie & Joe Freedman
Lori & Jody Hanks
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(901) 278-9080 | 2078 Monroe | Memphis, TN 38104 @ S. Florence on Overton Square June 2009 • 15
VIPEvent
Caribbean Theme went Straight to the Heart
A
A Taste of Caribe was a very special event
held recently at Askew, Nixon Ferguson Architects in support of the International Children's Heart Foundation. A high point of the evening was the presentation of a check
for $40,000 to Dr. William Novick, ICHF founder, by Bacardi Dominicana. Caribbean flavors and the island beat of Los Cantadores captivated guests, and the cigars added a smokey Latin ambiance. Rudi Schiffer was the master of ceremonies. This was the fifth annual event to benefit children with congenital heart defects in countries including the Dominican Republic, Honduras and Nicaragua. F Photography by Mark O. Ramirez
Fernanda Pinheiro 16 â&#x20AC;˘ VIP Memphis
Ada Askew & Blake Lichterman
Lakshmi Garcia & Tiffany Barbalato
Jakie Vaz & David Winker
Russ Lewis & Larry Rice
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ON SALE N OW
Jody Criswell, Sarah Beth Cohen, Andrea & Ken Schultz
20 0 9 s ea s o n l aw n pa s s es all 5 s ho w s for one low price of $1 50 $39
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Gary Wagner & Ann Marie Frazier
Lee Streater & Lynn Bishop
Sheelagh Burton & Holly Ferguson June 2009 â&#x20AC;˘ 17
VIPEvent
Fiesta Fun at the Blues Ball Auction
ÂT
The Blues Ball 4th Annual Spring Auction event celebrated Cinco de Mayo with a colorful Mexican fiesta at the Warehouse. The honorees were Reverend Al Green's Full Gospel Tabernacle Choir, and the honorary co-chairmen were Dina and Brad Martin. The auction co-chairmen were Susan Murrmann and Henry Nelson and the live auctioneer was the eternally busy Jeff Morris. F Photography by Christina Trask
Pat Kerr Tigrett
Al Kapone, Kris Kourdouvilis, Marvell Thomas, Ruby Wilson & Sharon Gray
Stacie & David Waddell 18 â&#x20AC;˘ VIP Memphis
Michelle James & Debbie Jacobson
Pryor Lott & Sandra Rutledge
3638 East Mitchell St./Hwy 152, Humboldt, TN
731-784-8100 www.crownwinery.com
June 2009 â&#x20AC;˘ 19
VIPEvent
Creating a World of
Green Hope
T
The local non-profit Green Hope Foundation was formed in 2008 by Teri Morin, Arisa Wolf and Sharon Nicholls. They considered their recent fundraiser at Felicia Suzanne's as a "coming-out party" of sorts for this foundation which prescribes ecologically safe homes. The founders think of themselves as mothers who have the mission of making healthy choices to protect their
Susan Edmonds & Michelle Perrigin
Mark Bishop & Howard Stovall 20 â&#x20AC;˘ VIP Memphis
children. Proceeds of the party were to benefit St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. The keynote speaker was Mark Bishop, Deputy Director of the Healthy Schools Campaign which is an advocate for policies and practices that allow students, teachers and staff to learn and work in a healthy school environment F Photography by Christina Trask
Victoria & Steve Howard
Sharon Nicholls, Teri Morin & Arisa Wolf
Eva & Tim Eagen
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June 2009 • 21
VIPOuting
Hear ye, Hear ye, the Crown Winery is Open for Business
V
VIP Memphis magazine was fortunate to be invited (by royal decree I might add!) to Humboldt, Tennessee to celebrate the ribbon-cutting of Crown Winery. Naturally we accepted with pleasure and drove 90 miles northeast of Memphis on a recent Saturday to attend the opening of this wonderful new enterprise and to photograph the festivities to share with our readers. In case you missed the story in the Commercial Appeal several months back, this winery was established by partners Rita and Peter Howard, Sheila and Jim Wilson and Jack Hamilton The name “crown” was chosen because the Wilsons were royalty in Carnival Memphis krewes; Rita was a beauty queen; and Peter, her English husband, is something like 174th in the line of succession to the British throne. As for Jack Hamilton, he was the original owner of the dairy farm on which the winery and its vineyards now stand, which affords him an invisible crown of sorts. The partners have had other careers, and this new one is something of a dream come true. They agree that growing grapes and making wine at this stage of their lives is therapeutic. Jim and Sheila for ex-
ample fell in love with California's Napa and Sonoma Valleys, but when the present opportunity came along, they decided to realize their passion in what amounted to their own backyard. This winery is the newest and most technologically advanced in Tennessee. It consists of fifteen acres of grapes on 46 acres of property, a winery production facility designed by Jerry Hellums which is built primarily underground and is solar-powered, and a beautiful Tuscan-style villa that serves as tasting room and banquet facility. Peter Howard is in charge of the HRH (Her Royal Highness) Vineyards and he acknowledges that solar power is a perfect fit with a winery since he believes, naturally, that “wine is the greatest product of the sun.” There is also a retail store and a pottery studio and gallery on the property. Sheila Wilson, who is a beauty professional and owner of Master Design Salon and Wellness Studio in Memphis, also hopes to one day establish a spa at the winery which will make use of its
grape seeds and extracts for skin-care products. It is expected, too, that the winery will be a very popular and stunning setting for weddings and all manner of special receptions and parties. The opening party was a great success with friends and family from far and wide coming to celebrate the occasion with wine-tastings (of course) and a copious selection of breads and cheeses to snack on. The public is invited to visit the winery, which is open from 11.00 a.m. to 6.00 p.m., however the owners suggest checking in advance in case there is a special event that could affect the regular schedule. To get into the spirit and to plan your own “outing,” be sure to check out the winery's website at www.crownwinery.com. F Story by Anne Cunningham O'Neill with photography by Mark O. Ramirez
Wanda Barzizza, Pamela Smith, Sara Qualls & Kathy Jacobs Peter & Rita Howard, Pat Hamilton, Charlie McVean, Jack Hamilton, Sheila & Jim Wilson
Judy & Bob Graning 22 • VIP Memphis
Billie Jean Graham & Babbie Lovett
Ribbon-cutting at Crown
ANDREW MICHAEL
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June 2009 • 23
VIPEvent
Dishes for Wishes Really Panned Out this Year
N
Nine outstanding restaurants all pulled together recently and pooled their amazing chefs’ talents to benefit the Make-A-Wish Foundation of the Mid-South. This 4th annual Dishes for Wishes was held downtown at Felicia Suzanne’s. Guests were treated to a selection of dishes so mouthwatering that we dare not list them lest readers who missed the event will be kicking themselves. Oh well, there's always next year. Mas-
Caroline Turns, Felicia Willett & Isabelle Morin
ters of Ceremonies were Steve Conley and Karen Perrin, and the entertainment was by Dave Spencer Jazz Collective. The evening's auctioneer for the live auction was Joe Birch. Linda and Dean Underwood were the Chairmen who were proud to say that “literally every dollar raised” would go to help make wishes come true for children with life-threatening medical conditions. F Photography by Mark O. Ramirez
Leslie Rouse, Miranda Harbor & Taylor Van Gilder
Jennifer Glover & Kristi Collins
Dean & Linda Underwood
Mickey & Judy McLellan
Tim & Maria Garrett 24 • VIP Memphis
Rod & Diane Webb
Amy Kauerz with Billy & Linda Patterson
Vicki Olson & Karen Perrin
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We Will MATCH Any Competitor’s Price June 2009 • 25
VIPEvent
Brooks Auction was Grand Indeed
B
Billed as “the auction event of the year,”
casual evening of cocktails, tapas, and live
auction-goer would surely agree with
the Brooks Museum’s Art of Good Taste
music both inside and outside under a
Hemingway that "wine is the most civi-
fundraiser culminated in its eagerly an-
tent on the plaza, and most importantly,
lized thing in the world.” F
ticipated Grand Auction. Featuring both
over 100 lots of luxury wines, trips, art
Photography by Christina Trask
silent and live auctions, it was a
and private dinners. We know that every
Mary & Corey B. Trotz
Jim & Amy Howell
26 • VIP Memphis
Katie & Cameron Kitchin
Diane Jalfon & Daniel Weickenand
Thayne & Anne Muller
Susie Adler Thorp & Lisa Duerr with David & Elizabeth Tate
Jennifer & Joe Larizza with Scott & Pam Tupman June 2009 â&#x20AC;˘ 27
VIPEvents
Plaudits for Panera
P
Panera Bread held a VIP Party to mark the opening of its new location in the fab-
ulous Laurelwood Shopping Center. This well-known bakery-cafe is a popular
presence in cities nationwide, and we are thrilled to welcome them to East Memphis. Guests were treated to samples of the wonderful artisan breads, signature sandwiches and special beverages, including frozen lemonade. The event also
collected donations for Panera's local partner--- the Memphis Zoo. Departing guests were given loaves of Panera's freshly baked bread as party favors. To coincide with this opening, a festive party was held just outside Panera to mark the opening of the new Laurelwood Shopping Center Courtyard. Guests happily mixed and mingled between the two events. F Photography by Mark O. Ramirez
Ellen & Tom Prewitt
Dr. George Flinn & Wendy Smith
ll7 H# BV^c HigZZi BZbe]^h! IC .%&#*''.4848
Rick Postle, Steve Mulroy, Leo George & Adam Jackson 28 • VIP Memphis
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June 2009 • 29
Marketing: Back To Basics
SOCIAL MEDIA IN THE WORKPLACE Q&A with Amy Howell of Howell Marketing Strategies This month, we’re talking about social media and its business applications. We recently hosted a panel discussion on social media and one thing was made clear: social media is a tool, and it’s here to stay. Q: Why is Twitter so popular? A: Twitter is free (for now), easy to use, easy to set up, promotes your business if you tie it into other marketing and branding strategies, has an excellent search feature, and can even be considered a shorter form of e-mail. It’s in “real time”, which means it’s immediate and always changing. It gives you access to public figures-- similar to the way VIP’s readers like looking at photos from local events, Twitter users like following the droves of politicians that are “tweeting” or celebs giving updates on their lives. On the professional side, a lot of small businesses are measuring their popularity and brand perception via blogs and online articles. Twitter gives businesses access to feedback, and then allows them to report returns and respond directly. Twitter is also useful in finding information that is relevant to you and your business. Users may share interesting articles with their “followers”, giving up-to-date information that they may not have previously known. Like compounding interest in an up market, Twitter is a powerful platform for information. These reasons easily explain Twitter’s increasing popularity, as well as why it is quickly evolving into a tool that can be measured and tracked. I expect it to continue to grow and offer new services/capabilities. View my profile and follow me at Twitter.com/HowellMarketing.
Q: Are there business guidelines for using social media? A: Deloitte recently conducted a survey on social media policies in business. In short, many large and sophisticated businesses are struggling with social media policies and guidelines of use in their workplace. According to the survey results, 63% of employees said they would ignore mandated guidelines set by their companies. To view this survey, go to www.howell-marketing.com. This is an issue that I believe will be around for quite some time, as the Internet is dynamic, everchanging and difficult to monitor; and I know that now, having a teenager in my house. My advice is simple: do not post or say anything on the Internet, including Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn, that you would not want to see printed in the newspaper. There is a fine art to blending your personal and professional lives… less is more and when in doubt, don’t post.
discounts to their more than 2,500 followers on Twitter, so far their plan seems to be working. There are volumes of articles each day posted on blogs and on websites about the benefits of these tools. Email or direct message me on Twitter if you have a success story you want to share, and I’ll retweet it. Q: Is social media replacing traditional marketing and advertising? A: No. Social media is an effective tool that should be combined with traditional marketing activities in order to achieve the best results for your brand. It’s like doing yard work…the more equipment you have, the better your yard will look. F
Next month’s topic is “Effective
Q: How is social media useful? A: I use social media to monitor trends, research expert opinions and seek applicable information for my clients. As a marketing professional, I see it as a way to carry a message effectively to a lot of people with minimal investment. For example, a small pizza company in New Orleans, wanting to expand its image, began using Twitter to build local awareness through the web. Offering
Marketing in this Economy”. If you have a question you would like addressed, e-mail amy@howellmarketing.com.
Amy Howell
Who’s telling your story?
30 • VIP
Memphis
Opening Doors
Working the Real Estate Puzzle Whether buying or selling, brokering real estate in today’s market can be like working a giant jigsaw puzzle. Oftentimes, the pieces fall easily into place, but sometimes just one missing piece can ruin the whole process. In the current financial landscape, both buyers and sellers must pay careful attention to each important piece of the transaction. For the seller, this means correctly positioning the home for the marketplace in terms of pricing, comparable area sales, appraisal changes and the condition of the home. For the buyer, it means acquiring a sound understanding of financing (and the laws that govern lending), inspections, appraisals and residential areas of interest, The appraisal process is an important common denominator for buyers and sellers. It is the essential “piece” needed for closing a home. However, that process is rapidly changing and becoming more challenging. For example, recently enacted guidelines call for appraisers to use 90-day comparables as compared to 6-month comparables just a short while ago. Just because a similar home next door to yours sold for $150 per-square-foot 15 months ago doesn’t mean that your home can fetch the same persquare-foot price in today’s market. That sale is simply too old to be considered in current appraisals. In fact, you’ll often see homes advertised at “below” appraised values. Have you ever seen a home advertised for sale at “above” appraised value? I remind sellers that my objective in pricing a home is to “get it sold.” To get there, I carefully analyze comparables both sold and active. I also consider renovations, upgrades and any enhancements made to the home. Service takes the topspot on my list of offerings, but “understanding your competition” in the market runs a close second. If I am not familiar with the active listings in the area of a new listing, I make certain that I personally preview those listings to see how they stack up against mine. On occasion, I have actually taken a prospective seller to preview active listings within their comparable market. Do not be afraid to ask other experienced agents for their opinions regarding pricing issues, especially if they have experience selling properties within the listing area. Every Tuesday morning, agents at Coleman-Etter, Fontaine
go on “home tour” to preview new listings within our agency. Typically, approximately 30 agents travel on tour. Those agents represent over 200-plus-years of experience. They readily discuss each home as well as the suggested listing price. It’s not unusual for those preliminary home tours to produce showings and an occasional offer prior to officially hitting the market. The combination of rising credit standards for buyers along with rapidly changing appraisal rules calls for more service, research and knowledge than ever before. How
By Denise Ware
nications major, I know how to “get the word out.” However, getting the word out about a new listing today means balancing print media advertising with a keen eye on technology. As my advertising budget steadily grows, so does my budget for new technology. Agents must spend money to make money in this business. While it is important to advertise your listings via local print media offerings, it’s equally important to have that same information available via the Internet. I am especially excited about the new web world! Gone are the days of starting a search from scratch. More often than not, buyers come to me with a clear vision of homes that suit their needs which they have drawn from a variety of web sites. With the touch of a few keys, clients have access to thousands of listings. My sellers are excited to have their homes previewed in so many arenas outside of local print ads! I recently met with an IT consultant about developing a state-of-the-art web page with links to a variety of real estate sites I never knew existed. Information technology is changing the way we do business. Staying abreast of so much information can be daunting but yet rewarding. I laughingly recall a conversation during a recent dinner party when one particular friend said, “Don’t you just love your job! You get to look at beautiful homes all day long.” Before responding, I had to remind myself that, prior to my real estate career, I actually shared the same thoughts. Indeed, I do often sell and list lovely homes, but today a huge amount of my time is spent researching, analyzing, communicating and learning. At the end of the day, if the pieces are carefully put into place, real estate transactions can run seamlessly. The puzzle can be completed, and a new one begins. The good news is that buyers are still buying, and sellers are still selling. I just have to pay careful attention to “all the right pieces.”F
“In the current financial landscape, both buyers and sellers must pay careful attention to each important piece of the transaction.” can I educate my first-time buyers about using the $8,000 tax credit if I do not fully understand it? Does my buyer need a reputable lender? Has my client been pre-approved? Has he considered a conforming, FHA or VA loan? I quickly learned the importance of working with my buyers before I show them specific properties. Likewise, I meet with my sellers before I list their home to make sure we all have a first-hand understanding of trends and changes in the marketplace. These pre-list and pre-purchase meetings are paramount to the success of my real estate transactions. Another important piece of brokering real estate is placing the right advertising in the right spot. As a commu-
Denise Ware is a Life Member of the Multi-Million Dollar Club and has been a top producer since joining CEF in 2003 with sales from downtown to Collierville. Coleman-Etter, Fontaine Realtors 651 Oakleaf Office Lane Memphis, TN 38117 (901) 767-4100
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VIPBeauty Sheila Zaricor-Wilson on
Beat the Summer Hair Blues
O
Our favorite time of the year is finally here..summer! Along with the clear blue skies and carefree days come the usual assaults of taxing chlorine compounds, damaging rays of the sun, not to mention all the havoc on our hair from daily
styling faux pas. If there is ever a time to be extra gentle with your hair, it is this season. Treat your tresses like a fine silk blouse. Chlorine, salt water and perspiration damage and dry out the hair. These types of salts bind to
the hair, stripping it of its natural protein and causing voids in the hair shaft. Mineral deposits from water make hair brassy and brittle and will eventually severely dehydrate the hair. Now is the time to begin a quality hair care régime.
Summer Hair Care Tips: 1.
Before you enter a pool, lake, ocean or any body of water, wet your hair and apply a coat of conditioner.
2.
Immediately after swimming or enjoying the day in the sun, shampoo your hair with a clarifying shampoo. These shampoos are designed to remove any chlorine and trace salts from the hair shaft. Follow up with a deep reconditioner to moisturize and strengthen your tresses, which is quite different from the regular conditioner you use after normal shampooing.
3.
4.
Over-shampooing and under-reconditioning are common to dry, frizzy hair. Avoid shampoos that are what we call a “two in one” or shampoos that contain synthetic oils. They sit on the hair, not allowing the hair to be rinsed well and inhibiting the moisturizers ability to penetrate. Avoid overuse of styling products with alcohols such as sprays, mousses and hard gels. Instead, opt for flexible products.
5.
If you are wanting lift, make sure your hair is dry completely at the scalp before adding the styling product. This will give maximum lift with minimum product.
6.
Pay special attention to the ends. Remember the ends of your hair are old and have had a lot more abuse, therefore they might require a different treatment and kinder care.
7.
Last but most important…consult your hairstylist for the correct products for your hair. Each product is meant for a specific hair type and just because it works for your friend doesn’t mean it will give you the same results. Products should be changed seasonally.
Forewarned is forearmed! Now go have fun in the sun with shiny, healthy hair.F
Sheila Zaricor-Wilson is owner of Master Design Salon & Wellness Studio at 5149 Wheelis Drive, telephone 901.685.2351.
Proud Member of: Intercoiffure and American Board Certified Haircolorist
Where we focus on You! Let us help You Look and feel your best There is no reason for you not to have beautiful hair and radiant looking skin
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5149 Wheelis Road • Memphis, TN 38117
901-685-2351 www.masterdesign-spa.com
Just Out of the Spotlight
$5 Cover, Goodbye Solo & More The Movie Lady Reports by Linn Sitler
S
Still basking in the love from 1500 audience members at a sell-out, four-screen world premiere in Memphis, MTV’s $5 COVER cast and crew spent May reveling in their on-air and on-line success! Airing every Friday night on MTV, the $5 COVER broadcast has drawn friends and fans to weekly watching parties at midtown’s P & H Café. As we go to press, over 127,000 websites refer to MTV’s $5 COVER – with “the hits” piling up on mtv.com/fivedollarcover.
Actor Red West and agent wife, Pat West, triumphantly returned home to Memphis for the local premiere of Red’s acclaimed film, GOODBYE SOLO, at Malco’s Ridgeway Theatre. Directed by Ramin Bahrani and a big prize winner at the Venice Film Festival, the picture represents Red’s best work yet. Co-starring as a gruff old coot befriended by a taxi driver (Souleymane Sy Savane), Red and the film have been acclaimed by critics around-the-world. Appreciating the packed house of family, friends, and just fans at the premiere, Red answered questions about the film and signed autographs of the movie’s poster. Congratulations, Red! Matteo Servente and Sarah Ledbetter continue to make progress on the development of their feature, THE ROMANCE OF LONELINESS. Last month, I invited new friend Valeria Gualdi (a visiting L.A.-based Italian filmmaker) to their Party in Pink event at S. Main’s Bluff City Coffee. I wasn’t surprised when Valeria immediately picked out party host Matteo as Memphis’ resident Italian filmmaker. (Those Mediterranean good looks!) So wonderful that night to have not one – but two – Italian filmmakers on the Memphis film scene. Let’s hope the Italian presence becomes permanent. Speaking of international film professionals…one of the newest (albeit temporary)
THE ROMANCE OF LONELINESS film party: Two Italian-born filmmakers -- at home on the Memphis film scene. Matteo Servente and Valeria Gualdi talk Italy over California wine.
members of the local film community – Berliner Julia Donner – has been laying down roots here in the city. Her Memphis hosts, Karl and Gail Schledwitz, have been showing her the sights and introducing her around. Filmmaker Mike McCarthy and his wife Kim... Filmmaker/ U of M Professor Steven J. Ross and his fianceé Dorothy Northern… and the film commission's Sharon Fox O'Guin and her husband Jason have had her to their homes for dinner and film talk. Of course, everyone’s eager to learn about legendary Berlin filmmaking and the German filming incentives, which recently helped fund VALKYRIE and THE READER. Productions funded by these incentives can shoot other places besides Germany --- Memphis, for instance! (I can see the German language classes forming right now in our film community.) June promises a little travel and a lot of new celluloid contacts: The Nashville Screenwriters Conference; followed by The Producers Guild of America’s Produced By 2009 Conference on the lot of Sony Studios; plus the premiere of Memphian Julius Lewis’ first feature, N-SECURE at the Black Hollywood Film Festival. Hoping to see you in the spotlight soon.F
A very film-friendly trio at THE ROMANCE OF LONELINESS film party: Erik Jambor, Executive Director, Indie Memphis Film Festival; Tommy Kha, $5 COVER set photographer; and Memphis/Shelby County Film Commissioner Linn Sitler -- me!
Memphis’ own Red West (foreground) co-stars with Souleymane Sy Savane in the award-winning indie, GOODBYE SOLO.
Berlin Exchange film professional Julia Donner meets MemphisED Chairman Tom Schmitt at the Memphis premiere of DU BIST NICHT ALLEIN.
Deputy Film Commissioner Sharon Fox O'Guin hosts the schnapps table and greets the press at DU BIST NICHT ALLEIN's Memphis premiere. Julia Donner and Hunter Duesing assist.
World-famous Memphis filmmaker Craig Brewer chats up his audience at the world premiere of $5 COVER at Memphis' Malco Paradiso Theatre.
June 2009 • 33
10545 HWY 64 East • Arlington, TN 38002 • 901-213-3422 • 800-856-8584 • www.nstone.com
Old+New Story by Anne Cunningham O’Neill; photographs by Andrea Zucker & Jay Adkins
JACOBEAN JUXTAPOSED WITH CONTEMPORARY In this month's Old + New section, we focus on two beautiful and very different Memphis homes. Our "old" home is a venerable English-style mansion in Central Gardens dating from the mid-1920s. Our "new" home in East Memphis was built in the late 1970s and is a notable example of outstanding contemporary design--- inside and out. Both are well-known homes within the Memphis community.
June 2009 • 35
PHOTOS BY ANDREA ZUCKER
Old+New
he baronial old Jacobean-revival mansion at 642 S. Willett in Central Gardens is one of the most famous homes in Memphis. Named Carrier Hall by its original owner, Robert Carrier, and later owned by such Memphis VIPs as the Kent family and famed interior designer, William Eubanks, it is on the National Register of Historic Places. It was built between 1923 and 1926 by New York architect, Bryant Fleming, who incorporated
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many architectural elements handpicked in Europe, including heavily ornamented mantels, fine wood paneling and paintings on glass for the leaded casement windows. The entry hall is floored in a checkerboard of antique marble and slate, ceilings are beamed with antique timbers and every surface is rich with historical detail. The home has 14 rooms and 8 fireplaces, and there is a guesthouse, sum-
mer house and a swimming pool which was once the largest residential pool in the city. The landscaped grounds are extraordinary with lush plantings and all manner of unique statuary. Renovations are underway by Frank Uhlhorn Construction, and Frank Langford is consulting on the project. The home is for sale and listed with Coleman-Etter, Fontaine.
PHOTOS BY ANDREA ZUCKER
Old+New
June 2009 • 37
PHOTO BY JAY ADKINS
Old+New
his contemporary home was built for an artist as evidenced by its many windows and the light streaming in from all directions. The ceilings are high and in fact their height varies from room to room. The lines of the house are clean, straight and
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geometric. The inside decor features earthy tones and a variety of textures. Art and architectural pieces--some old, some new--punctuate the space. There are balconies from South America, grates from Paris, and copper pieces by local artist, Helen
Wunderlich. The owners intended that this home would be the polar opposite of their antique-filled old country house near Moscow, TN which was built the year after the Civil War ended. It is safe to say that they definitely have the best of both worlds.F
PHOTO BY JAY ADKINS
Old+New
June 2009 • 39
PHOTO BY JAY ADKINS
Old+New
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GOURMET RECIPES FOR
GRILLMEISTERS W
Photography by Jay Adkins
While not everyone set up a grill on the bluffs for Memphis in May's World Championship Barbecue Cooking Contest, it is a fact that Dads everywhere have their own secret methods and marinades for backyard grilling. In honor of Father's Day this month,VIP Memphis asked several well-known chefs around town to share with us their favorite recipes for gourmet grilling.F
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RECIpES FOR GRILLMEISTERS
CHRIS WINDSOR
ANTONY FIELD FLIGHT RESTAURANT & WINE BAR 39 South Main Street Memphis TN 38103 www.FlightMemphis.com
Grilled Rack of Lamb with Backyard Succotash, Grilled Yukon Gold Potatoes and Thyme Jus
GRILL 83 AT THE MADISON HOTEL 79 Madison Memphis,TN. 38103
Grilled Flank Steak with Summer Corn Relish Serves 4
SUMMER CORN RELISH 1 ea Colorado Rack of Lamb 2 ea Fresh Corn on the Cob 1 ea Red Pepper cut down sides 1 ea Yellow Onion cut into ½ inch rings ½ cup cooked Pink Lady Peas 2 ea Yukon Gold Potatoes 3 tab 80/20 Oil Blend Fresh Thyme chopped 2 tab Fresh Chopped Garlic Salt and Pepper 2 tab Butter
LAMB Rub Lamb Rack with Garlic, thyme and Oil blend and season with salt and pepper, one hour before Grilling. Wrap lamb bones with foil. Grill Lamb Rack over medium/low heat for eight minutes meat side down, then turn over and Cook for another 15 min bone side down. Let rest for 10 min. Slice into chops.
POTATOES Par- boil potatoes in water until almost done and then cool. Once potatoes are cooled, slice into ¾ inch circles. Rub with Oil blend, thyme, garlic and salt and pepper and Grill over medium heat turning after grill marks are present.
BACKYARD SUCCOTASH Season Corn, red pepper and onion with salt and pepper, rub with oil. Grill on medium heat till tender. Once vegetables are cooked, cut the corn off the cob and dice the onions and peppers. Mix together with cooked Pink Lady peas, toss with butter, thyme and salt and pepper.
THYME JUS 1 cup 1 slice ½ tab 3 cups ½ tab Salt and Pepper 1 tab
Red wine Shallot chopped Garlic Veal stock Fresh Thyme Butter
In a pan reduce the wine by ½ with the garlic, shallot and thyme. Add veal stock and reduce by ¾. Season with salt and pepper. strain and finish with butter.
PLATING Mound succotash in center of plate, place two or three slices of potato at 3 o’clock, and place 2 or 3 three chops at 6 0’clock, Drizzle with thyme jus
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4 ea Ears of corn, husk still on 1 ea Red bell pepper, minced 1ea Medium onion, minced 1ea Chilie (your choice depending how hot you like it) ½c red wine vinegar 3T Olive oil 2T Honey Salt and pepper to taste Soak corn in its husk in cold water for 1 hour, weigh down if needed. Drain and put on medium-low heat over your grill. Turn every 2 mins. Cook for 8 mins. Remove from heat and let cool. Remove husk and silk. Using a knife scrape the corn away from the cob saving all the juices you can. Mix in a bowl with rest of ingredients; let flavors meld for at least 30 mins before serving. Serve room temperature.
GRILLED FLANK STEAK 2lb 1ea 2ea 1/3c 1/3c 2T 3ea 2T ¼ tsp
Flank Steak bunch parsley limes (juiced) veg oil red wine ground Cumin Garlic Cloves Crushed paprika black pepper
Place flank steak in a large zip lock or trash bag. Mix rest of ingredients and pour over flank steak. Seal bag and shake well to cover steak. Marinate at least 4-5 hours or overnight. Remove steak from marinade and reserve marinade. Bring marinade up to a boil in a small pot. Season steak with salt and grill on a medium hot grill. Baste steak with marinade while cooking. Grill for 4-5 mins for med rare and 6-7 for medium. Rest steak for 5 mins before slicing very thinly across the grain of the steak. Serve with corn relish and your favorite flat bread.
RECIpES FOR GRILLMEISTERS
BEN ADAMS NAPA CAFÉ
RIVER OAKS
5101 Sanderlin Memphis, TN 38117
5871 poplar Avenue Memphis, TN 38119
Grilled Halibut with Summer Squash Ratatouille and an Avocado Purée 1 1 1 3 2 tbsp 1 1 3 1 tbsp ½ 3 tbsp 1 tbsp 1 I 1
BEN VAUGHN
6oz piece Halibut yellow squash (sliced about 1 inch thick) green zucchini (sliced about 1 inch thick) tomatoes (sliced) fresh chopped thyme medium onion (sliced) eggplant (sliced 1 inch thick) avocados chopped cilantro lime cream of chopped mint pear (diced) small jalapeño (diced and deseeded) slice of pickled ginger
FOR FISH Preheat the grill to high. Sprinkle Halibut w/ salt and pepper and leave to season while the grill heats up. Once the grill is hot brush the halibut with olive oil and grill on both sides till cooked through about 2-3 on each side.
FOR THE RATATOUILLE Take your squash, zucchini, eggplant, onion, tomatoes and lay them out on a sheet tray. Season with salt and pepper and drizzle olive oil over the vegetables to coat. Once done place the vegetables on the grill and grill on both sides till tender.
FOR AVOCADO PURÉE In a blender add avocados, lime juice, jalapeno, chopped mint, chopped cilantro, cream, pear, pickled ginger, salt and pepper. Purée until smooth.
Guava Brisket 3 ounces (6 tbls) 1 Salt and pepper ½ clove 1 1 1 stalk 3 tablespoons ½ cup 2 cups 28 ounces 2 cups
extra-virgin olive oil large brisket (3 to 4 pounds) trimmed of excess fat garlic, thinly sliced onion, cut into medium dice large carrot, peeled, halved lengthwise, sliced celery, sliced butter flour red wine canned Italian peeled tomatoes chicken stock
FOR BRISKET 1. Preheat oven to 300° F. 2. Put the olive oil in a roasting pan or a large, ovenproof sauté pan and place over high heat. Season brisket generously with salt and pepper. When the oil is hot, gently sear the meat on all sides until good and golden brown. Remove meat from the pan and set aside on serving platter. 3. Add the garlic, onion, carrot, and celery to the pan and cook for 2 minutes, still on high heat. 4. Add the rosemary and a bit more salt and pepper. Add the butter and cook until melted. 5. Lower the heat to medium and sprinkle in the flour. Cook for 2 minutes, stirring constantly. 6. Add the red wine, raise the heat to high, and cook for 2 minutes, scraping the bottom of the pan so the ingredients do not stick. 7. Add the tomatoes, crushing them a bit with your hands — yes your hands — as you put them into the pan. Add the chicken stock and the quartered button mushrooms, and stir everything around the pan. 8. Return the brisket to the pan and cover with the lid or aluminum foil. Place in the oven and braise gently for 2 to 3 hours, checking occasionally to make sure the liquid is not boiling. 9. The meat should be very tender, almost “falling off the bone,” and the sauce will have thickened slightly. Turn off the heat, but leave the pan undisturbed inside the oven for 30 minutes. 10. Remove the meat to a cutting board, slice across the grain into thin slices, and arrange on a serving platter. Warm your guava glaze and brush over your meat, serve, and enjoy this very unique style of BBQ Brisket.
GLAZE 1 Tblspoon Roasted Garlic Oil 1 Clove Garlic 1 Table Spoon fine minced onion 7 ounces pure guava paste 1 ⁄2 cup water 1 ⁄4 cup of soy sauce 1-2 Tblspoon pureed chipotles 3 Cups of Ketchup 3 Tblspoon sherry vinegar Kosher salt and cracked black pepper to taste
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RECIpES FOR GRILLMEISTERS
JOHN BRAGG CIRCA 119 S. Main Memphis, TN 38103
Grilled Shrimp & Scallop “Pinchos” with Avocado Sauce Served 6 6 6 6
Bamboo Skewers, soaked in water Extra Large Shrimp (U-10 Size) Peeled and De-veined Jumbo Sea Scallops (U-10 Size)
FOR MARINADE: 6 Tablespoons Olive Oil 1 Clove Garlic, Finely Chopped 1 teaspoon ground cumin 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper 2 Tablespoons Lime Juice Salt/Pepper 3-4 Large stems of rosemary
SETH KRASNOVE ITTA BENA RESTAURANT 145 Beale St, Memphis, TN 38103 (901) 578-3031 www.bbkingclubs.com
Sunday New York Strip with Roasted Red Bliss Potatoes and Grilled Corn on the Cobb New York strip steaks (14oz Or Your Choice) 4 each Marinade for steaks (Marinate steak for at least four hours before cooking but 24 would work best) BB King’s Sweet BBQ Sauce 1 ½ cups A-1 Steak Sauce 1 cup Soy sauce ¼ cup Granulated garlic 2 teaspoons Salt and pepper 1 tea spoon each Hot mustard 2 table spoons
FOR THE POTATOES Stir all ingredients for marinade together and take a few tablespoons of the marinade and coat all the seafood and let marinate for 15 minutes, reserve remaining marinade for basting
TO ASSEMBLE: 1. Wrap each shrimp around a scallop, with the scallop in the curve of the shrimp (vein out) 2. Piercing the large part of the shrimp first, run the skewer through the shrimp, scallop and finally the shrimp near the tail (you will end up with a lollipop) 3. Grill over your favorite charcoal/wood/gas and baste the skewers with the marinade, using the rosermary as a brush. 4. Should cook in about 6-10 minutes, depending on how hot your grill is. These can be placed in a foil pan with the remaining marinade to keep warm
AVOCADO SAUCE: 2 1 ⁄2 4 tablespoons 1 tablespoon 1 ⁄2 clove 1 ⁄2 6-8 grape tomatoes salt/pepper
Fresh, Ripe avocados, peeled and diced fresh jalapeno pepper chopped cilantro lime juice garlic, finely chopped small onion, finely chopped
Combine all ingredients in a food processor and puree, you may add a little water or sour cream to adjust the thickness, which should end with the consistency of ketchup or mayonnaise. Drizzle sauce over skewers or serve as a dipping sauce (its great on tortillas too)
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Red bliss potatoes (quartered) Olive oil Dry rosemary (leaves not ground) Dry oregano (leaves) Garlic gloves (peeled and cut in half) Salt and pepper
2 ½ -3 pounds ¼ cup 2 tablespooons 2 tablespoons 6 Each 1 teaspoon of each
FOR THE CORN Corn on the cobb (in husk) Butter or margarine Salt and pepper
4 ea 4 tablespoons sprinkle on each
PREPARATION Light the charcoal and wait until the grill gets hot. While you are waiting for the grill to get hot, preheat the oven to 450 degrees and combine all of the ingredients for the potatoes together, mix well, and place in an oven-safe pan. Set in oven for about 35-40 minutes. Next, peel the husks back from the corn, but do not remove. Once peeled back, rub the butter on the corn and season it with salt and pepper. Pull the husks back over the corn to enclose the corn in the husks. Set the corn on grill for thirty minutes, with the lid closed and vented prior to cooking the steaks. Once the corn has been on the grill for 30 minutes, move them to the outside of the grill (but still on the grill), and place the steaks on the center of the grill, cover and leave alone for: 4 minutes on each side for med rare, 6 minutes on each side for medium, and 8 minutes on each side for medium well. By about this time everything should be finished. Plate and enjoy with your family.
FOR THE lOvE OF wINe
In
Arthur’s Opinion… By Arthur Kahn
Get Out Your
and Don’t Forget the Herring t’s a good idea to eat a varied diet of vegetables, fresh seafood, white and red meats and if they suit you, dairy, nuts and fruits. Different drinks attend these choices. If I’m lazy or feeling beaten up by the day’s events, I’m wanting to spear a few sharply seasoned and brined herring filets in wine sauce — actually, the ubiquitous Vita brand available at Schnuck’s and Kroger is just fine — which I temper with that superb flatbread from Whole Foods called Panzanella (“sesame” being the all-purpose favorite). This challenging flavor-and-acid combination needs resolution after every bite. White wine (if I had to pick one, it would be the light, crisp, slightly frizzante Gazela Vinho Verde from Portugal [$9.99]) lacks the stamp of finality with this overpowering, oily mouthful; and beer — the obvious choice — seems clunky and far too unfocused to remove the mental stain, the very desirable lingering taste hangover of the herring. This is a job for vodka. I want an unflavored, searing, cold, nearly neutral but for its slight “medicinality” (could be an Arthur word) glass of Silk Vodka ($29.99) or, if I’m feeling frugal — a feeling appropriate to eating the na-
I
tional fish of Lithuania — a shot of Stolichnaya or Ston (each $22.99). Expansive in attitude? That calls for the sublime Pole, Chopin ($41.99), whose gorgeous, complex base of potatoes yields the most complex, nuanced, can we say pianissimo, vodka I know. I’m truly a gin, not a vodka, martini drinker (straight Bombay [$21.99] is the intellectual’s gin, while Hendrick’s [$32.99] is for the occasional 4-ounce martini misdemeanor followed by a mandatory 12-hour recovery period) — but gin’s pronounced botanical character is too combative for the herring or any food not called olives. I know folks, I’m barely crawling to the second course. I like Pinot Noir (Luigi Bosca [$19.99] has pure fruit and some Burgundy character in its Argentine soul, Lachini “Giselle” [$66.99] has all the horse sweat, saddle leather and baked cherries that you’re paying up for) with pork chops (the only humanely raised pig in Memphis is sold at Whole Foods and the Farmer’s Market by West Wind Farms). I want fine Barbera (the fragrant ‘06 Elio Altare [$37.99] will do if nothing older’s about) with any cut of veal, but what I really want with pork or veal is an elegant, austere 2000 Mauro Molino Barolo “Vigna Gancia ($59.99), a wine
just entering its complex, layered aromas period, a wine that improves from the first glass to the last. In fact, the best evidence that a wine is great is its appeal at the end of the bottle, a more profound appeal than the jejeune, fleshy charm of the first glass. Steaks mean red Bordeaux, like the sensational, exotically anise-tar-and-cigarbox-scented 2000 Beausejour-Becot ($94.99), or, if we mean rib steak and the Red Sox, the more sensible but surprisingly structured and darkly fruited 2006 Hogue “Genesis” Cabernet Sauvignon ($14.99), showing just how sinfully good Washington State cab fruit can be (is this original or what?). Steaks and Tuscany’s stars are aligned as well, so a bottle of the bright (tart cherries and violets) and elegant 2005 Altesino Rosso di Montalcino ($32.99) brings on waves of anticipatory pleasure as I turn into the drive and thank the anti-cholesterol god, Zocor, for unguilting this weekly ritual. Speaking of guilt, I forgot the vegetables, dairy, nuts (stick with Amontillado sherry or, with rich, salty cashews, the exotic Glenlivet Nadurra [$68.99]) and fruit. But this is “Arthur’s Opinion,” not your mommy’s, so get out your corkscrews and steak knives! F
June 2009 • 45
MeMphis in May
MeMentos t
Photography by Andrea Zucker
his selection of photographs recalls the excitement and fun of the Memphis in May International Festival. The Beale Street Music fest featuring four stages and over 60 top artists kicked off the magic (despite the mud), and the World Championship Barbecue Cooking Contest with 238 teams competing to take home the stylish new trophies was the place to be in midmonth. Now that the festival has ended, we must all work to keep up this spirit of outdoor fun and frivolity as we look forward to the lazy, hazy, crazy days of summer.
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MEMPHIS IN MAYMEMENTOS
June 2009 • 47
“TaMara and the Scene”
PEOPLE & PLACES
David Winston, founder and president of Memphisbased Turnstile Entertainment, Inc. hosted a reception at the Tower Room at Clark Tower prior to the red carpet gala and screening at Malco's Paradiso of his tv pilot “TaMara and the Scene”. This teen “dramedy” relies on talent from across the Mid-South. The actors and musicians are local, and all scenes were filmed and all post-production work was done in and around Memphis. Turnstile Entertainment, a motion picture company, was formed with emphasis on producing feature films and innovative content David Winston & Shelby Elwood for new media. Turnstile hopes to become a hub for American southern talent, on- and off-screen, by working on co-productions across the region, thus providing a local link to the Hollywood film system.
Florence Leffler Honored at Luncheon The Memphis Symphony League recently held a festive and very well-attended luncheon at the University Club to install its new officers and pay tribute to Florence Leffler, outgoing President. Mayor A C Wharton, Debbie Litch and Elise Frick, Nancy Lou Jones & Florence Leffler Florence's daughter, all make wonderful speeches celebrating the one-and-only Mrs. Leffler. The new president of the group, Nancy Lou Jones, will have a tough act to follow, but we have every confidence that she will handle the job beautifully.
Girls Making the World a Better Place
Tea for a Hundred The Germantown Performing Arts Centre (GPAC) Guild held a recent fund-raising tea at the magnificent Germantown home of one of its members. Over one hundred people attended the event, which featured an exhibit of unique tea services.
The annual meeting/celebration for the Girl Scouts Heart of the South (headquartered in Memphis) was held recently. The organization serves 13,000 girls with the help and dedication of 4,000 volunteers in 59 counties in Arkansas, Mississippi and Tennessee. Their mission is to build girls of courage, confidence and character who make the world a better place.
Kudos to Kelly
Kelly Dobbins
Germantown resident Kelly Dobbins, owner of MidSouth Drug Testing, has been named in the Top 5 for the Memphis Business Journal's Small Business Awards - Executive of the Year 2009. She also happens to be the only female finalist in this category.
Kiya Franks, Caitlin Leit, Jaelyn Stovall, Kennedi Franks and Takiyah Brown of Cordova Brownie Troop 380
Fundraiser Helps Restaurants Go Green
Pat McCaleb, Dorothy Lee, & Mary Miesse
Eubanks Lecture Series a Success
The Project Green Fork Spring Supper fundraiser was a sold-out event held at Tsunami. Community members from across the city, including fellow chefs from many local restaurants, enjoyed cuisine prepared with locally grown foods by Tsunami Chef and PGF Board Chairman Ben Smith. Restaurateurs from Café Eclectic, Central BBQ, Fratelli’s and Andrew/Michael Italian Kitchen were all in attendance and their eateries have also been certified “green” by Project Green Fork. Tsunami was the first restaurant in Memphis to receive the green certification from PGF.
The William R. Eubanks Distinguished Lecture Series in Interior Design was a huge success this year with an increase in student and pubic attendance. After the lecture there was a reception at the Fogelman Building, so everyone could meet the speaker, Jennifer Garrigues. After the reception, Bill Eubanks hosted a private dinner for Jenny at his home, with University representatives and friends. The annual lecture series provides interior design students an opportunity to meet leaders of the design world. The lecture is free and open to the public. Jennifer Garrigues, William R. Eubanks & Sally Shy
Michael Hudman, Ben Smith & Andrew Ticer
Wigging out at Minglewood
UNICO Festival at the Hilton
The second annual Big Wig Ball was a
The UNICO Memphis Italian Wine and Cheese Festival is always a popular event, and it returned to the Hilton Memphis recently, this time with a Little Miss Italy contest.
blast. Held at Minglewood with entertainment by 80s band Ronny Raygun, it benefited Le Bonheur Children's Medical Center and was hosted by Young Adult Le Bonheur leaders.
Making a Dream Come True
Michelle “Marilyn” Connors, Kenneth “Elvis” Wurzburg, Kini Plumlee & Cherisa Lewis
There’s Something about Mary When VIP Memphis heard that Mary Higgins Clark was going to be in town at Davis-Kidd for a book signing of her latest book, Just Take My Heart, we raced right over. VIP’s editor is one of Ms. Clark’s greatest fans, in part because their paths have crossed on both Cape Cod and in their favorite watering hole in New York City, Neary’s on E. 57th Street. The amaz-
We were treated to a special VIP sneak peek tour of the gorgeous 5,698 total square foot St. Jude Dream Home located at 723 Briston Lane in the Wolf River Ranch subdivision in Collierville. The St. Jude Dream Home Giveaway is a community service project built by Southern Serenity Homes LLC, and sponsored by WMC-TV 5, Kix 106, and The Commercial Appeal to benefit St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. This newly-built home, along with other high-end prizes, will be given away at the end of the promotion on June 28, 2009. Tickets for a chance to win can be reserved at Regions Banks, Samuels Furniture Stores, Lowes Stores, Crye-Leike Realtors, The Avenue at Carriage Crossing, at St. Jude Dream Home Open Houses or at (800) 224-6681.
ingly popular Ms. Clark was modest, gracious and funny as always, and with her daughter Carol at her side, kept the overflowing crowd in stitches with hysterical insider tales of how she became a writer.
Mary Higgins Clark & Anne Cunningham O’Neill
Men's(?!) Flower Show The Memphis Garden Club, member of the Garden Club of America, hosted their second Men's Flower Show at the Memphis Country Club which included a live auction featuring four vacation homes. There were eight competing teams, and playing to the comfort zone of the gentlemen involved, the theme was (surprise, surprise) “sports.” Bill Mueller and Will Pierce won first place with their creative golf arrangement.
Bill Mueller & Will Pierce
Alexis Marie Spano & Brooklyn Marie Tarena
Restaurant Iris Anniversary Restaurant Iris recently held a party to celebrate its first anniversary and to thank its patrons and friends for their support. In case you missed the news, chef/owner Kelly English was named one of the best new chefs by Food and Wine magazine and his establishKelly & Angela English ment has won accolades from Memphis Magazine readers in several categories, including best new restaurant, most romantic and best service. VIP Memphis would like to join with these magazines in offering our sincere praise for these astonishing achievements.
Wa Hoo Wa Members of the University of Virginia Club of Memphis gathered recently at the Peabody Hotel for an elegant reception to meet and greet U.VA’s President John T. Casteen III. Guests listened to an interesting report on the state of the University and heard the inspiring words of Jefferson who had contemplated that his academical village would be the “future bulwark of the human mind in this hemisphere.” Ralph Braden & Sam Rembert