BOOM Jackson v6n1 - Best of Jackson 2013 by Jackson Free Press Magazine

MMA’s Big Decade, p 22 LaCru’s Smooth Future, p 28 The Magic of Martin’s, p 60

FREE // Vol. 6, No. 1

May - June 2013

a boom jackson magazine

Summer Style

+ Get Roguish + Pattern and Color pp 31 - 36

Best of

2013 Who’s Who

What’s What

May - June 2013 // The Cityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Business and Lifestyle Magazine

boomjackson.com | bestofjackson.com

Ready To Upgrade Your Office? We Can Help!

Barefield Workplace Solutions offers innovative solutions — from traditional to cutting-edge contemporary — for offices, higher education, medical and government uses. Call us today at 601-354-4960 to learn more about how we can make your office “cooler,” collaborative and productive.

May is stroke awareness Month

Spot a Stroke?

Call 911!

in recognition of its quality stroke care, UMMC has received the american heart association and american stroke association’s Get With the Guidelines®–Stroke Gold Plus achievement award

Drooping face Weak arm Slurred speech

UMMC_stroke_BOOM_7.625x4.925.indd 1 Work. Live. Play.

Prosper.

Learn how to protect yourself from stroke at ummchealth.com/stroke

4/9/13 9:42 AM3

joshhaileystudio.com

Greater Jackson Chamber Partnership BOOM JACKSON

SPONSOR

201 S President Street Jackson, MS 39201 601-948-7575 greaterjacksonpartnership.com

Vision 2022: Jackson’s 10-Year Plan In 2008, a group of business and com- that criticism by explaining to the resident munity leaders traveled from the Greater that “we’re creating a city where your kid or Jackson area to Oklahoma City, where they your grandkid will want to live.” That’s often met with Mayor Mick Cornett. The mayor enough to get his long-time residents to buy outlined for the group exactly what had into the vision. taken them from a low-growth town in the With that lesson learned, the GJCP re1990s to the thriving metro area that they turned to Jackson to begin the work on a are today—the No. 1 most affordable city, 10-year plan to move Jackson toward the fu“Top 5” for fastest growing, “Top 10” for job ture glimpsed in Oklahoma City. Part of that growth and a top-ranked city for young pro- effort was a comprehensive study, underfessionals. taken by Market Street Services of Atlanta, The trick? They started with a plan. Ga. The study helped the Partnership learn What Oklahoma City had more about new growth learned was that Americans opportunities, the assets Vision 2022’s Areas of Focus weren’t “chasing jobs” any that Greater Jackson almore, as Mayor Cornett put ready has to offer, and the 1. Healthcare it in a recent talk to Greater improvements that locals 2. Regional Infrastructure Jackson Chamber Partnerwanted to see happen. 3. Aerospace ship (GJCP) members. “Once the decision was 4. Regional Marketing After Oklahoma City made to move forward, we 5. Lake Development lost a huge bid for a United conducted a very inclusive 6. Core City Airlines maintenance faciland exhausting strategic 7. Regional Trails System ity in the 1990s, leaders planning process,” said 8. Talent Attraction learned that the city had to Duane O’Neill, president 9. Arts and Culture be more attractive to workand CEO of the GJCP. “This 10. Education ers in order to keep and effort had public/private grow employment. leadership, a 60-member “The paradigm was steering committee and shifting ... people were choosing where they nearly 2,000 individuals who participated wanted to live, and the jobs were moving to in some fashion. The implantation effort the people,” Cornett said. was announced in late 2012. Now, in 2013, The upshot is that in order to be competi- the real work on all the major initiatives has tive, cities have to be attractive to residents. begun.” They have to be exciting for newcomers— The steering committee settled on 10 difand they have to retain their young, edu- ferent areas of focus: Healthcare, Regional cated workers. Infrastructure, Aerospace, Regional MarketMayor Cornett says he gets some blow- ing, Lake Development, Core City, Regional back from older residents who wonder Trails System, Talent Attraction, Arts and about the emphasis on things such as en- Culture, and Education. All 10 areas are tertainment districts, concerts and down- seen as vital for working in lockstep over a town living. He says he often responds to 10-year period to improve quality of life and

May - June 2013 // The City’s Business and Lifestyle Magazine

boomjackson.com | bestofjackson.com

drive economic growth in metro Jackson; with the launch of Vision 2022 in 2012, the 10 major areas started splitting into committees and subcommittees to begin to put the 10-year plan into action. Ravi Raju developed a stronger interest in Jackson’s future in 2006, after going through Leadership Greater Jackson—a year-long training and networking program. Although he was born and raised in Jackson, Raju, who works as Director of Solutions Marketing at the global technology company iTron, was surprised to learn so much more about the city and its potential for growth. That lead him to work with the GJCP and Vision 2022, where he is chair of the Talent Attraction committee. “One of the really surprising things for me to come out of the Market Street study was the fact that—even though Jackson isn’t known as a college town—it really is based on the number of students in colleges and universities in the Greater Jackson area. That’s a tremendous talent pool that we need to keep,” Raju said. The Talent Attraction committee has begun its work by focusing on three

tify those needs in our region,” O’Neill opportunities such as tax credits and said. “Their enthusiasm and energy to incentives. be involved in the process has already Good notes that it’s an effort that been very encouraging.” requires a great deal of coordination The results could be striking, some- and management—he’s even gone so thing that Raju knows firsthand—as far as to enlist Internet developers to a senior vice president at local tech firm SmartSync (recently acquired by iTron), he saw his company do its best to hire local talent, but still be forced to look outside of the Metro. “We tried all sorts of creative things—and had some success—but we could have benefitted from the efforts of a committee like this,” Raju said. The key, he says, is committed people who love Jackson and really want to make a difference. “None of this happens without a really good group of people—and that’s what Creating a system of regional trails is part of the 10-year plan. we have,” Raju said. Jeff Good, co-owner of Mangia work on a Web-based project manageBene (the company behind local res- ment system for Vision 2022—one taurants BRAVO!, Broad Street and Sal that helps coordinate volunteers and & Mookie’s), was recruited into the Vi- can be used to communicate progress sion 2022 process to to the outside world. chair the Core City com“I’m excited about helping to cremittee, which focuses on ate momentum for the next 10 years,” infrastructure and qual- said Good. “We’re working toward a ity-of-life improvements sustained effort for the community to in the city of Jackson. bring life to the very things that they The theory follows that want to see happen. This is a chance if the “core” of your com- to facilitate what we’ve said we want munity isn’t doing well, to do together.” the areas that surround Good also points out that the proit won’t, either. cess is ongoing and that volunteers “We have learned are welcome on the Core City commitfrom other communities tees and many others throughout the that it is important to Vision 2022 initiative. “It’s wide open to anyone to particiHeaded by Ravi Raju (second from left, front) the Talent Attraction make the core strong,” committee is working to recruit and retain workers in Jackson. O’Neill said. “Jackson pate,” Good said. “It’s our job to work must be successful for the together and network to make the areas—retaining local graduates, at- region to prosper. The ‘One Lake Proj- best possible committees.” tracting graduates from southeastern ect’ is a huge game changer. A Con“Within 10 years we envision a universities and having entertaining vention Center Hotel is another. The Greater Jackson region working across recruitment and welcome events for team that is beginning the work on lines of jurisdictions and accomplishnewcomers or potential newcomers the Core City initiatives has identified ing many of the initiatives of the Vision to the area. Raju also wants to make a number of other goals.” 2022 plan,” O’Neill said. “By then we sure that groups that already do these The Core City committee is working hope to see the region listed as one of things—young professional groups, lo- on projects as diverse as beautifica- the ‘Best Places’ to live and visit.” cal chambers—don’t duplicate efforts, tion, a streetcar initiative, affordable For more information or to get involved but instead are able to communicate housing, an event park—even a plan and coordinate. to extend the boundaries of downtown in Vision 2022, you can call the GJCP at “We are engaging the young pro- Jackson, which could help more Jack- 601-948-7575 or visit their website at fessionals and others to help iden- son businesses take advantage of www.greaterjacksonpartnership.com.

Plan

Work. Live. Play. Prosper.

www.mbhs.org/qualityleader 1225 North State Street, Jackson, MS 39202 | 601.948.6262

BAPTIST MEDICAL CENTER HAS BEEN NAMED AMONG THE

BEST HOSPITALS in the Nation for GASTROINTESTINAL CARE™ | GENERAL SURGERY™ JOINT REPLACEMENT™ | ORTHOPEDIC SURGERY™ | PROSTATECTOMY™

In 2013, Baptist Medical Center has more 5-Star Ratings from HealthGrades than any other hospital in Jackson. At Baptist Health Systems, we define quality in a variety of ways including clinical quality of care, credentials, and patient experience. As a patient, you might see quality of your medical services defined by the cleanliness of the facility or how a health care employee cared for you during your medical visit. Increasingly, more organizations provide information about the quality of care at hospitals to help patients make more informed decisions. We are dedicated

to serving as a quality leader both locally and nationally by supporting the use of valid, reliable data to assure the delivery of optimal patient care. We collect data about conditions, treatments and outcomes. This data helps us to understand what we are doing that is working and where we might improve our practices for the best possible patient outcomes. Baptist voluntarily participates in a variety of measurements for health care quality.

Gastrointestinal Care™

General Surgery™

Joint Replacement™

Orthopedic Surgery™

Prostatectomy™

2013

GET A LITTLE FURRY Adopt a pet part-time at CARA.

The best never stop getting better around here.

SMOOTH OPERATOR

Impress your wino friends with Mitchell Earry’s expert advice.

JXN

Urban Living

Stephanie Barnes is taking the little salon that could to the next level.

People

SPIN MASTER

DJ Young Venom’s star is on the rise.

INSTA-ART

Keep up with Josh Hailey’s Photomerica, smart-app style.

PEEKABOO

Lori Ferguson shows us how to stay stylish on the go.

TRIPLE THREAT

Is Jimmy Quinn really that mean?

CATCHING COLLETTE

What’s new for the King of Karaoke?

SLIGHT ADJUSTMENT

Master tailor Al Guevara knows the tricks to looking and feeling your best.

COLOR BOMB

Go shopping with two women who aren’t afraid of piling on the color and pattern.

SHARP-DRESSED MAN

Get a bit Roguish with your closet this season.

CONTEMPORARY COOL Fischer Galleries exposes visitors to new forms of art.

PLAY LIKE A KID

MCM makes a name for itself as an adultfriendly event space.

Community and Culture A PLACE FOR ART

Spend a day at the Mississippi Museum of Art.

A BUMP IN THE ROAD

Get the scoop on Fortiﬁcation Street.

“One thing that has remained solid throughout (the years) is the consistency of our supporters. ... They want to support local artists, and there is just so much talent here.” -Marcy Nessel, p 37

BIZARRE TREATS

When’s the last time you tried ﬁsh heads or bamboo fungus?

FINGER-LICKIN’

At E & L’s, you’ll think you’ve died and gone to rib heaven

Nightlife and Music DIVE IN

Hipsters, geezers, musicians and more. Meet the colorful characters of Martin’s Lounge.

PUB QUIZ

Fast facts on everyone’s favorite Irish watering hole.

SWEET AND SOUR ‘Tis the season for Babaritas.

Paid Advertising Section

Jarekus Singleton shoots and scores with his new dream of making music.

Visit Jackson

WINE FOR THOUGHT

Food and Drink IN ITS PRIME

One of the oldest restaurants in Jackson, Primos has no plans to slow down soon.

MEATLESS MONDAY Go vegan at High Noon Café.

BLUESMAN

Beyond Jackson LUCK BE A LADY

Try your chances in Vicksburg on the craps table, roulette wheel or slot machines.

Events

The sun is out, so where are you?

Local List

David Watkins shares his Jackson visions.

boomjackson.com

editor’s note

Celebrate, We Will

Art Director Kristin Brenemen Managing Editor Kathleen Morrison Mitchell Assistant Editors Leigh Horn // Molly Lehmuller Copy Editor Ronni Mott Editorial Writers Ross Cabell // Turry Flucker // Brent Hearn Pamela Hosey // Darnell Jackson // Jorge Jiminez Genevieve Legacy // Dawn Macke // Andrew Ousley Julian Rankin // Julie Skipper // Mark Ward Listings Editor // Latasha Willis Interns Nneka Ayozie // Bethany Bridges // Krista Davis Amber Helsel // Mo Wilson Photography Staff Photographer // Trip Burns Photographer // Tate K. Nations Ad Design Andrea Thomas Design Intern Melvin Thigpen Business and Sales Advertising Director // Kimberly Griffin Account Executives David Rahaim // Brad Young Sales Assistant // Samantha Towers Director of Operations // David Joseph Distribution Manager // Richard Laswell Executive Assistant // Erica Crunkilton Publisher Todd Stauffer CONTACT US Letters to the Editor // editor@boomjackson.com Story ideas and pitches // editor@boomjackson.com Ad Sales // ads@boomjackson.com BOOM Jackson P.O. Box 5067, Jackson, MS 39296 p 601.362.6121 f 601.510.9019 Would you like copies of BOOM Jackson for recruiting, welcome packets or other corporate, institutional or educational uses? Call 601.362.6121 x17 or email davidjoseph@jacksonfreepress.com. BOOM Jackson is a publication of Jackson Free Press Inc. BOOM Jackson, which publishes every other month, focuses on the urban experience in Jackson, Miss., emphasizing entrepreneurship, economic growth, culture, style and city life. © 2013 Jackson Free Press Inc.

Cover photo of DJ Young Venom by Trip Burns. 8

There isn’t a season for appreciation or a s this issue of BOOM Jackson national Support Your Community Month. magazine hits the streets, I am celebrating one year with this It’s something we should do all the time. A couple Sundays ago, I sat in PiE company. I started work at Jack- son Free Press Inc. May 7, 2012—three Lounge with my friend Liz, catching up days after moving and making plans for 1,500 miles from Bosthe upcoming weeks— ton back to Jackson drinks at Underground and only three weeks 119, an event at the before getting marJackson Zoo, dinner ried. It was a trial by at Babalu. We talked fire, a cannonball into about how exciting it is adulthood—and I don’t that Fondren is getting think I’ve caught my a pub and that developbreath since. ers are working toward In the weeks leadartists’ lofts downtown on Capitol Street. She ing up to my JFP-iverfilled me in on the desary, I’ve been marveltails for the latest chef ing at where the time collaboration pop-up at went. I have a stack of Managing Editor Kathleen Mitchell Sal & Mookies. While 52 Jackson Free Press we were there, a profespapers and four BOOM sor from our alma maJackson magazines ter, Millsaps College, with my brainstormcame in and stopped by ing, writing and editing all over them—and yet, it feels like my to chat, then later, a friend who had moved first day was not so long ago. When I really back to town did the same. I thought to myself, this is what makes stop and think about it, it’s amazing how much we’ve accomplished, and how much Jackson … well, Jackson. This is the best change and growth has occurred in the of the city. We’ve got tons to do, see and company in the last 12 months. eat—but in a community where people ac We threw two huge parties—JFP tually know one another. We enjoy big-city Chick Ball and the Best of Jackson bash— arts, entertainment and amenities, but live and lots of little ones. We covered breaking in a town small enough that you can’t go news, long-simmering stories, local events, out without seeing friends from lots of different social circles. joyous occasions, sad passings and more— Each day, week and month, we at the more than I could possibly describe in this space. We launched a new website with betJFP and BOOM get to see the good hapter mobile capabilities, celebrated 10 years pening all around us and share it with our of the JFP with a new redesigned look, readers. We hear the folks saying they can’t and took BOOM Jackson from quarterly find anything to do in Jackson, while we to bimonthly. can’t find enough time to do and attend all And it all culminates—at least, for this the things we know are happening every week. Just visit jfpevents.com for proof. moment, since we’ve still got a lot of growFlip through these pages and make ing planned—in this special issue: the Best of Jackson magazine. Here we honor all plans to revisit old favorites or discover the winners from this year’s contest. new ones. Then get out there with your Although the annual contest has been friends and family and celebrate this thriving, growing, dynamic community we are a part of the JFP for 11 years now, with the building for ourselves and for each other. addition of this special issue of BOOM as well as weekly and monthly mini-contests Make it the best. on bestofjackson.com and the Best of Jackson Facebook page, honoring the great things in our city has become a year-round endeavor. Which is how it should be, really.

May - June 2013 // The City’s Business and Lifestyle Magazine

trip burns

Editor in Chief Donna Ladd

boomjackson.com | bestofjackson.com

contributors

JEA IS MOVING!

RELOCATING ACROSS THE STREET THIS SUMMER 1200 NORTH STATE STREET, JACKSON

JEA’s Jackson location is moving right across the street this summer! Visit us in our new location for these services and more:

1. Amber Helsel Editorial intern Amber Helsel, a native of Brandon, holds a bachelor’s in journalism from Ole Miss. She is a silly person who loves writing, photography, food and memes.

• LASIK • Eye/Contact Lens Exams • Cataract Surgery

• Eyelid Surgery • BOTOX® • Latisse®

2. Bethany Bridges Editorial intern Bethany Bridges is currently a high school history and English teacher. She enjoys discussing politics, watching family guy, and spending time with her family. Her ultimate goal in life is to raise a happy and sane family.

Follow your favorite non-profits and businesses for alerts, deals and more!

3. Nneka Ayozie Editorial intern Nneka Ayozie is a senior mass communications major at Jackson State University. She is a Jackson native and graduate of the Murrah High School. She enjoys watching movies, traveling, talking to any one who will listen and shopping.

4. Mo Wilson Mo Wilson is a JFP editorial intern and Millsaps student. He runs a music blog, punkrocky.wordpress.com. He enjoys pizza, the Internet, dancing alone is his bedroom, social-justice politics and giggling.

Work. Live. Play. Prosper.

March 2013

May 2013

Editorial:

- Best of Jackson 2013: Food, Nightlife, People, Community - Meeting Planner - DineJackson listings

- Coolest Offices - Spring Office Fashion - Parades! - Spring Menu Guide

T h e C i t y ’ s B u s i n e s sDeadlines: a n d L i festyle M a g a z i n e . . . n o w 6 t-iAd mReserved: e s a 3/29/13 year! - Ad Reserved: 2/1/13 Deadlines:

- Ad Final: 4/5/13 Advertise: 601.362.6121 ext. 11

- Ad Final: 2/15/13

March July 20132013

May 2013 2013 September

Coolest Offi ces - -Business of Healthcare Spring Offi ce Fashion - Young Influentials Parades! - Jackson’s Best Doctors Spring Menu Guide - -Road Trips

Best of Jackson 2013: - -Fall Food and Fashion Food, Nightlife, People, - Arts & Events: The Season - Community The Business of Football Meeting - -Fall MenuPlanner Guide DineJackson listings - Beauty/Spa/Salon Guide

Editorial: Editorial:

- Summer Menu Guide

Deadlines:

Deadlines: Deadlines:

- Ad Reserved: 3/29/13

AdReserved: Reserved:5/30/13 2/1/13 - -Ad AdFinal: Final:6/7/13 2/15/13 - -Ad

Deadlines: - Ad Final: 4/5/13

July 2013 November 2013

September 2013 January 2014

- -Holiday Entertaining Young Infl uentials - -Party Fashion Jackson’s Best Doctors - -Local Guide RoadGift Trips - -Winter Menu Guide Summer Menu Guide

- -Hitched Weddings Arts & Events: The Season - -Wedding Announcements The Business of Football - -Power Couples Fall Menu Guide - -Romantic Fashion Guide Beauty/Spa/Salon - New Year Resolutions

- Ad Reserved: 7/28/13 - Ad Final: 8/7/13

Editorial: Editorial: - Fall Food and Fashion

Editorial: Editorial: - Business of Healthcare

Deadlines: T h e Deadlines: - Ad Reserved: 5/30/13

C i t y ’ s B u s i n e s s Deadlines: a n d L i f estyle Deadlines: Ad Reserved: 11/30/13 M a g a z i n e . . . n o w 6 t i-m s a year! - -Ad 9/27/13 AdReserved: Final: 6/7/13 - AdeReserved: 7/28/13 - Ad Final: 12/6/13 - Ad Final: 8/7/13

- Ad Final: 10/6/13

BOOM Jackson, The City’s Business and2013 Lifestyle Magazine, is distributed in more than 200 locations in the Jackson metro, May 2013 March January 2014 November 2013 March 2014 2014 including area grocery stories, high-traffic businesses and curbside “BOOM boxes.” BOOM is placed in business-class Editorial: Editorial: Editorial: Editorial: hotels in the region, and isEditorial: distributed by local chambers and visitor’s bureaus. Copies areEditorial: available for meetings, a boom jackson magazine Jackson 2013: Coolest Offi ces -Best Hitched Weddings - Holiday Entertaining Coolest Offices - for Best ofofJackson Winners: trainings and recruiting by -local companies and organizations. Subscriptions are available $18/year for2014 shipping and Summer Style Food, Nightlife, People, Spring Offi ce Fashion Wedding Announcements Party Fashion + Get Spring Office Fashion Food, Nightlife, People, handling costs. Call 601-362-6121 x11 for more information. Boom Jackson is a publication of Jackson Free Press, Inc. Roguish Community -Community Power Couples -Parades! Local Gift Guide + Pattern -- Parades! and Color Meeting Planner -- Spring Spring Menu Guide Romantic Fashion - Winter Menu Guide Menu Guide MMA’s Big Decade, p 22 LaCru’s Smooth Future, p 28 The Magic of Martin’s, p 60

FREE // Vol. 6, No. 1

May - June 2013

pp 31 - 36

Best of

2013

Deadlines: Deadlines: Deadlines:

Who’s Who What’s What

-Ad Ad Reserved: 9/27/13 Reserved: 2/1/13 -- Ad Reserved: 2/3/14 -Ad Ad Final: 10/6/13 Final: 2/15/13 --Ad Final: 2/17/14

- -DineJackson listings New Year Resolutions

Deadlines: Deadlines: Deadlines:

-- -Ad Ad Reserved: 3/29/13 AdReserved: Reserved: 11/30/13 3/31/14 -- -Ad Ad Final: 4/5/13 AdFinal: Final: 12/6/13 4/7/14

inin the Jackson metro, BOOM Jackson, The City’s City’s Business Businessand andLifestyle LifestyleMagazine, Magazine,isisdistributed distributedininmore morethan than200 200locations locations the Jackson metro, September 2013 July 2013 businesses including grocery stories, high-traffi c businesses curbside “BOOM boxes.” BOOM is placed business-class including areaarea grocery stories, high-traffic andand curbside “BOOM boxes.” BOOM is placed in in business-class hotels in region, the region, isEditorial: distributed by local chambers visitor’s bureaus. Copies available meetings, hotels in the and and is distributed by local chambers andand visitor’s bureaus. Copies areare available forfor meetings, Editorial: trainings recruiting by- local companies and organizations. Subscriptions available for $18/year shipping and trainings and and recruiting by local companies organizations. Subscriptions areare available for $18/year forfor shipping and - Fall Food and Fashion Business of and Healthcare handling costs. 601-362-6121 x11 for more information. Jackson is a publication of Jackson Free The Press, Inc. handling costs. Call Call 601.362.6121 x11 for ad information. Boom Boom Jackson is a publication of Jackson Press, Inc.Season - Arts &Free Events: - Young Infl uentials 10

- Jackson’s Best Doctors - Road and Trips May - June 2013 // The City’s Business Lifestyle Magazine - Summer Menu Guide

- The Business of Football Fall Menu Guide boomjackson.com -| bestofjackson.com - Beauty/Spa/Salon Guide

People p 12 // Community and Culture p 22 // Urban Living p 28 Food and Drink p 50 // Nightlife and Music p 60 // Beyond Jackson p 68

ith 154 categories, weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve got a lot of local love to go around. Jackson has many more superlative people, places and things, though, so weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re holding weekly mini-contests on the Best of Jackson Facebook page (and soon at bestofjackson.com) to honor those that might not make the big race in December. Our first month is all about hair, with a fiery redhead, a beastly beard, a manly moustache and a steely, shiny bald head joining the ranks of the Best of Jackson.

Brad Justice Best Bald Head 2nd: Craig Hendry 3rd: Brent Hearn Good Showing: Scott Albert Johnson

Lindsey Cacamo Best Redhead 2nd: Sara Murphy 3rd: Keeton Moore Good Showing: Therese Apel

Matt Gordon Best Beard 2nd: Jason Roberson 3rd: Brandon Blacklidge Good Showing: William Bill Taylor

Frank Henn Best Moustache 2nd: Robert Davidson 3rd: Howard Ballou Good Showing: Hal White courtesy Lindsey Cacamo; Courtesy Brad Justice; courtesy matt gordon; courtesy frank henn

Work. Live. Play. Prosper.

2013

People

The People’s DJ // by Nneka Ayozie

developing his craft, playing on the radio and at events. Under the tutelage of DJ Scrap Dirty and DJ Dot of Hot 97.7, Rollins grew to be one of the best deejays in the Jackson metro. Rollins’ first gig, in 2004, took him by surprise: He was hired to play at the Mississippi School for the Deaf. He laughs at the memory. “The teacher was like, ‘You can play as loud as you want,’” he says. “It was a fun dance. It was a learning experience and an eye-opening experience. But it was also really weird for my first gig to be at the school of the deaf.” His favorite memory, though, comes from time Rollins spent at Seven*Studioz in 2005. “There were seven of us this night, literally a deejay in every room. We ended up just saying, ‘Hey, let’s just deejay outside.’ We moved our stuff outside, put a speaker out there, and just started playing,” he says. “And next thing you know it was an impromptu block party at midnight. Everybody that was inside came outside, and it was just insane. I feel that moment really solidified me as a deejay.” Rollins’ favorite venues are untraditional, such as the Barefield Workplace Solutions office supply store—where he deejayed for the BOOM Jackson “Mad Men” party in 2011—and DJ Young Venom plays at everything from the Mosquito or Suite 106, pop-up parties to weddings to spin battles. an outdoor space and poetry studio, respectively. “Whenever I deejay at 28-year-old Jackson native. A graduate of MadiSummerHouse (furniture store), I get to play son Central High School, he attended Jackson what I want. So I have fun deejaying there, whenState University, but left after his grandmother ever they do book me,” Rollins says. passed away. Shortly after her death, he decided Besides quirkier locations, Rollins takes to pursue his passion for music. To raise funds deejay gigs at weddings, parties, clubs and other for equipment, Rollins worked at O’Charley’s events. He’s played for numerous artists, includin Pearl. After five months, at age 20, Rollins ing 5th Child, Big K.R.I.T., 7even:Thirty and Pypurchased equipment and threw himself into Infamous; and at events such as Jubilee!JAM,

aaron Phillips photography

he pressure to perform was intense. The lights were hot, and tensions were high. To say that a battle between Jackson’s local deejays is extreme would be an understatement. After crushing DJ Kool Laid in the first round, holding his own against the Nasty Sho in the second round, and defeating DJ T. Lewis in the third round at the Sipp Hop DJ battle at Club Dreams in Jackson three years ago, Phillip “DJ Young Venom” Rollins finally felt like he had arrived. Rollins remains modest, though. “I do it because I can,” he says. His perspective on life has brought him where he is today: in the spotlight of the Jackson music scene. Rollins is a

May - June 2013 // The City’s Business and Lifestyle Magazine

Zoo Brew and the Crossroads Film Festival. In 2011, Rollins decided to give back to his community by becoming a youth justice organizer with the American Civil Liberties Union of Mississippi. In this capacity, Rollins works with parent advocacy groups, helps kids with disabilities, and organizes and hosts the Annual Youth Hip Hop Summit. This year, the ACLU hosts its sixth summit in July. “We house them at Millsaps (College), we do social-justice workshops, and we do hiphop workshops where we teach them the four elements of hip-hop: break dancing, rap and poetry, deejaying and (legal street art) graffiti,” Rollins says. Rollins also gives back to his fellow deejays by organizing and hosting a record swap called 4 the Record where record dealers from all over come to sell records. “It’s really about the music,” Rollins says. “It gives them a chance to buy records that you don’t regularly find.” 4 the Record is in its third year, with the next swap scheduled for June 1 at Hal & Mal’s. In his off time, you might find DJ Young Venom reading a comic book. A self-proclaimed nerd, Rollins says his stage name came from Marvel Comics. “Venom was actually the antihero of Spiderman. I considered him the black Spiderman, before there actually was a black Spiderman,” Rollins says. “DJ Black Spiderman doesn’t sound good so, I chose DJ Young Venom.” Although many may call him DJ Young Venom, he’ll always be Phillip Rollins to a few, including his fiancée, Tasha Anderson. The pair has been together since 2008 and in 2010, Anderson gave Rollins new inspiration: a son. When Rollins isn’t making crowds of people swoon with mellow beats or helping the youth through music, he’s spending time with his 3year-old son Riley. “I want to show my son that you don’t have to be stuck doing what you don’t want to do. You can have a career doing what you love and be successful,” Rollins says.

boomjackson.com | bestofjackson.com

Best Local Club DJ; Best Campaigner for the Best of Jackson Award: Phillip “DJ Young Venom” Rollins Best Local Club DJ

Second: DJ Jonasty / Third: DJ Stache / Good Showing: DJ Cadillac; DJ Reign; DJ Unpredictable

Best Campaigner for the Best of Jackson Award Second: Jeff Good / Third: Janis Boersma / Good Showing: Chris Paige; Crystal Williams; Griff Howard Trip Burns

Work. Live. Play. Prosper.

Best Of Jackson 2013: People

from page 13

Road Warrior // by Mo Wilson Trip Burns / instagrams by Josh Hailey

J Best Jackson Visual Artist: Josh Hailey joshhaileystudio.com

Josh Hailey creates canvases of Instagram photo collages; he plans to sell collections for each of the 50 states.

Second: Wyatt Waters (307 Jefferson St., Clinton, 601.925.8115, wyattwaters.com) / Third: Ginger Williams-Cook (gingerwilliams.net) / Good Showing: Ellen Langford (ellenlangford.com); Tony Davenport; William Goodman (enhancedmixture.com)

osh Hailey, again this year’s Best Visual Artist, spent most of 2012 on the road, documenting the country for his latest endeavor, Photamerica. He describes the project as “a journey and interpretation of modern America through images.” Although he can be thousands of miles away from his fans, he has found a way to take them all with him, using the smartphone app Instagram. Hailey uses Instagram to capture both the majesty of America’s landscape and the quirkiness of its people. His seemingly sunbleached and worn images of American landscapes, buildings and people invoke a feeling of timeless American spirit. These un-ironic examples of patriotism and Americana do not come off overbearingly cheesy, a potential danger of such a project. The Photomerica van made it to 35 states last year, and Hailey plans to hit his 50-state goal in 2013. Follow him on Instagram at @joshhailey and see more photos and videos at photamerica.com. Ride on Josh Hailey, ride on.

Best Architect: Jeff Seabold

Best Business Owner: Jeff Good

Best Visionary: David Watkins

Seabold Architectural Studio (2819 N. State St., 769.216.3101)

Mangia Bene Catering and Dollars & Sense Creative Consulting (3317 N. State St., 601.362.2900)

President, Watkins Development, 601.326.7610

Second: Michael Boerner, Wier+Boerner (2906 N. State St., Suite 106, 601.321.9107) / Third: Duvall Decker Architects (2915 N. State St., 601.713.1128) / Good Showing: Ann Somers, Cooke Douglass Farr Lemons (3100 N. State St., Suite 200, 601.366.3110); Doug Dale, Dale Partners Architects (188 E. Capital St., Suite 250, 601.352.5411); Neil Polen, Seabold Architectural Studio (2819 N. State St., 769.216.3101); Rob Farr, Cooke Douglass Farr Lemons (3100 N. State St., Suite 200, 601.366.3110)

Second: Stephanie Barnes, LaCru Salon (5352 Lakeland Drive, Suite 600, Flowood, 601.992.7980) / Third: Byron Knight, Sneaky Beans (2914 N. State St., 601.487.6349) / Good Showing: Chris Jacobs, The Islander (1220 E. Northside Drive, Suite 100, 601.366.5441); Chris Paige, Custom Cuts & Styles (2445 Terry Road, 601.321.9292); Lynn Johnson O’Daniel, HeadGames Salon (5731 Old Canton Road, 601.956.5052)

Best Rising Entrepreneur: Stephanie Barnes

Best TV Personality: Barbie Bassett (WLBT)

Best Public Figure: Gov. Phil Bryant

Second: Maggie Wade (WLBT) / Third: Howard Ballou (WLBT) / Good Showing: Bert Case (WLBT); Megan West (WAPT); Rob Jay (WLBT)

Second: Harvey Johnson Jr. / Third: Jeff Good / Good showing: Barbie Bassett; Colendula Green; Tyrone Lewis; William Winter

May - June 2013 // The City’s Business and Lifestyle Magazine

Second: Simon Hamburg (Lemuria Books employee and musician, deceased,); Third: Jeff Good (Mangia Bene Catering, 601.362.2900); Good Showing: Malcolm White (Executive Director, Mississippi Arts Commission, 501 N. West St., Suite 1101-A, 601.359.6030); Ben Allen (President, Downtown Jackson Partners, 308 E. Pearl St., Suite 101, 601.353.9800); daniel johnson (artist)

LaCru Salon (5352 Lakeland Drive, Suite 600, Flowood, 601. 992.7980, lacrusalon.com) Second: Chris Paige / Third (tie): Marissa Simms; L. Sherie Dean / Good Showing: Brad Reeves; Charles and Talamieka Brice; Terry Sullivan

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BEST OF JACKSON 2013: PEOPLE

from page 14

Peekaboo Lori Ferguson: Best Hair Stylist // by Nneka Ayozie // photos by Trip Burns

his year’s Best of Jackson Best Hairstylist is a daring, Ole Miss football-loving patriot. A Brandon native, Lori Ferguson graduated from Brandon High School in 1999 before attending Hinds Community College, where she trained in the barber/stylist program. Since 2004, Ferguson has worked with LaCru Salon in Flowood and is currently a senior stylist there. When she is not using a friend or family member as a test subject (for hairstyling purposes only), she’s out at the pool or at an Ole Miss football game. She let us peek into her bag to find out what products she can’t leave home without.

Best Hair Stylist: Lori Ferguson, LaCru Salon LaCru Salon (5352 Lakeland Drive, Suite 600, Flowood, 601.992.7980, lacrusalon.com)

1. 2. 3.

iPhone Gloves NARS makeup palettes, lipstick and lip gloss

4. 5.

Bumble and Bumble mini classic hairspray Aviator sunglasses

Craig Noone ‘Rock It Out’ Best New Chef: Matthew Kajdan Parlor Market (115 W. Capitol St., 601.360.0090, parlormarket.com) Second: Karl Gorline, BRAVO! Italian Restaurant and Bar (4500 Interstate 55 N., Suite 244, 601.982.8111) / Third (tie): Josh Speights, Fenian’s Pub (901 E. Fortiﬁcation St., 601.948.0055); Josh Marks (fresh from “Masterchef” stint)

Best Filmmaker: Anita Modak-Truran Second: Jim Dollarhide / Third: Robby Piantinida / Good Showing: Amile Wilson; Damien Blaylock; Edward Saint Pé

6. 7. 8. 9.

Key ring Wallet True Blue Spa hand lotion Green tea gum

10. 11. 12.

Green earrings Gold chain bracelet Essie nail polish

Second: Crystal Williams, HeadGames Hair Studio (6712 Old Canton Road, Ridgeland, 601.956.5052) / Third: Lacey Norris, Lacey’s Salon and Accessories (1935 Lakeland Drive, Suite C, 601.397.6398) / Good Standing: Griff Howard, Ritz Salon (574 Highway 51, Ridgeland, 601.856.4330); Eddie Outlaw, William Wallace Salon (2939 Old Canton Road, 601.982.8300); Claire Kinsey, Ulta (748 MacKenzie Lane, Flowood, 601992-7422).

Best Doctor: Manisha Sethi

Best Barista: Caitlin McNally Cox

6919 Old Canton Road, Ridgeland, 601.956.0911

Sneaky Beans (2194 N. State St., 601.487.6349)

Second: Timothy Quinn (Quinn Healthcare, 768 Avery Blvd. N, Ridgeland, 601.487.6482) / Third: Ruth Fredericks / Good Showing: Bard Johnston (Primary Care Center, 401 Baptist Drive, Suite 104, Madison, 601.605.3858); Dan Woodliff (Internal Medicine Group, 971 Lakeland Drive, Suite 250, 601.982.1283); Joe Terry (MEA Medical Clinic, 935 Highway 51, Madison, 601.856.5986

Second: Cody Cox, Cups: An Espresso Café (Fondren, 2757 Old Canton Road, 601.362.7422) / India Jade Clark, Cups: An Espresso Café (Downtown, 210 E. Capitol St., 601.352.0514) / Third: Amanda Ivers, Cups: An Espresso Café (Fondren, 2757 Old Canton Road, 601.362.7422) / Good Showing: Byron Knight, Sneaky Beans (2914 N. State St., 601.487.6349); Emily Daniels, Seattle Drip (377 Highway 51, Ridgeland, 601.898.9647); Jay Humphries, Sneaky Beans (2914 N. State St., 601.487.6349); Joey Tannehill, Cups: An Espresso Café (Multiple Locations, cupsespressocafe.com)

Best Local Singer/Songwriter: Taylor Hildebrand Second: Jason Turner / Third: Kerry Thomas / Good Showing: Cody Cox; Hunter Gibson; Richard Lee Davis

May - June 2013 // The City’s Business and Lifestyle Magazine

Watch for the 2014 ballot in November at bestofjackson.com

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Trip Burns

Sexiest Male & Female Bartenders

// by Genevieve Legacy

A Little Asian in the Equation

he secret to Brad Regan’s cosmopolitan good looks might be in the anime sweep of his coifed hair or his colorful sleeve tattoo, but his Korean American DNA mix gives him an edge—he sports the look better than most. At 18, his first job was in a nightclub, hauling ass as a barback. At the ripe old age of 29, Regan puts his nightclub bartending skills to work at restaurant hotspot, Julep, with one big exception: no plastic. “I’m really fast, I like high volume. It sounds cocky but, the truth is, I wash martini glasses and rocks glasses all night long,” Regan says. “I’m the highest paid dishwasher in town.”

Friend, Confidante and Mixologist

hristina Taylor is a triple-threat bartender—she’s your best friend, she’ll keep your secrets, and she knows what you like to drink. With blonde hair, pink or brown lowlights and valley-girl charm, she’s an adorable woman who knows how to put her assets to work. The 26-year-old cocktail waitress turned bartender, formerly of Club Magoo’s, loves people and really digs creating new drinks. A graduate of Ole Miss (“the best school ever”), Taylor feels personality is the key to attractiveness. “I know looks have something to do with it, too,” Taylor says. “All I care about is making sure people have an enjoyable evening.”

Best Bartender; Sexiest Male Bartender (Male): Brad Regan Julep Restaurant and Bar (4500 Interstate 55 N., Suite 105, 601.362.1411, juleprestaurant.com)

Best Bartender

Sexiest Bartender (Male)

Second: Jamie Moss, Fenian’s Pub (901 E. Fortification St., 601.948.0055) / Third: Haley Pennock, Soulshine Pizza Factory (5253 Highway 25, Suite 1100, Flowood, 601.919.2000) / Good Showing: Robert Arender, Parlor Market (115 W. Capitol St., 601.360.0090); Tiffanie Ransome, Table 100 (100 Ridge Way, Flowood, 601.420.4202); Trevor Palmer, Club Magoo’s (824 S. State St., 601.487.8710)

Second: Jamie Moss, Fenian’s Pub (901 E. Fortification St., 601.948.0055) / Third: Jeremy Gostkowski, Babalu Tacos and Tapas (622 Duling Ave., Suite 106, 601.366.5757) / Good Showing: John Hime, The Bulldog (6111 Ridgewood Road, 601.978.3502); John Ingram, Parlor Market (115 W. Capitol St., 601.360.0090); Trevor Palmer, Club Magoo’s (824 S. State St., 601.487.8710)

Best Gospel Artist: Dathan Thigpen

Best Facialist/Esthetician: Laya Parisi

Second: Laurie Walker / Third: Mississippi Mass Choir / Good Showing: Chandra Wise; Rhonda Chambers; Di’Marco “Twiceborn” Baskins

Body Anew Medical Spa (113 W. Jackson St., Suite 1-A, Ridgeland, 601.605.0452, bodyanewmedicalspa.com)

Best Dentist: Paula Stewart 4500 Interstate 55 N., Suite 235, 601.987.8722 Second: Jim Ed Watson (Kool Smiles, 1437 Old Square Road, 601.366.7645) / Third: Rusty Riley (4500 Interstate 55 N., Suite 238, 601.366.1117) / Good Showing: Sarah Carlisle (Carlisle Family Dentistry, 119 Colony Crossing Way, Madison, 601.345.4024); Tom Stewart (5800 Ridgewood Road, 601.956.8364)

Work. Live. Play. Prosper.

Second: Rachel McDuffie, Aqua The Day Spa (1000 Highland Colony Parkway, Suite 8001, 601.898.9123) / Third: Linda Whitaker, Sun Gallery (6712 Old Canton Road, Suite 3, Ridgeland, 601.957.7502) / Good Showing: Ryan Hodges, Sanctuary Body Spa at the Township (340 Township Ave., Suite 200, Ridgeland, 601.790.2222); Tamar Sharp, nomiSpa (734 Fairview St., 601.948.3429); Whitney Davis, Blackledge Face Center (1659 Lelia Drive, 601.981.3033)

Sexiest Bartender (Female): Christina Taylor formerly of Club Magoo’s Second (tie): Jillian Bolton, Table 100 (100 Ridge Way, Flowood, 601.420.4202); Tiffanie Ransome, Table 100 (100 Ridge Way, Flowood, 601.420.4202) / Third: Ashley Matlock, The Islander Seafood and Oyster House (1220 E. Northside Drive, Suite 100, 601.366.5441) / Good Showing: Alyson Brady, Time Out Sports Café (6270 Old Canton Road, 601.978.1839); Ashley Lewis, The Bulldog (6111 Ridgewood Road, 601.978.3502); Bobbie Jo Kemp, Mississippi Legends Grill (5352 Highway 25, Suite 50, 601.919.1165)

Best Professor: Jean Powers Holmes Community College (412 W. Ridgeland Ave., 601.856.5400, holmes.cc.us) Second: James Bowley, Millsaps College (1701 N. State St., 601.974.1000) / Third: George Bey III, Millsaps College (1701 N. State St., 601.974.1000) / Good Showing: Bob Pennebaker, Belhaven University (1500 Peachtree St., 601.968.5940); Garrad Lee, Hinds Community College (3925 Sunset Drive, 601.366.1450); Jay Long, Hinds Community College (3925 Sunset Drive, 601.366.1450); Suzanne Marrs Millsaps College (1701 N. State St., 601.974.1000); Ted Ammon, Millsaps College (1701 N. State St., 601.974.1000)

Subscribe (free) at jfpdaily.com to get on invitation list for Best of Jackson party in January and other JFP-BOOM throwdowns year-round. 17

Best Of Jackson 2013: People

from page 17

Being Mean … and Smart and Funny // by Bethany Bridges

Best Server/Waitperson: Janis Boersma

First things first, how did you earn the reputation as the “meanest bartender?” Well, it’s a really funny thing. By the way, I am in no way mean. But I guess since I’m a Yankee from Pennsylvania, I can be a little crude—if not rude and blunt—whereas most people here, down south, are hospitable. I guess I haven’t really adjusted to the whole “southern hospitality” thing. What led you to bartending? I needed another gig (other than microbiology) to offset financial issues, so I turned to bartending to help supplement my income.

Trip Burns

riginally from Philadelphia, Pa., Irish Catholic Yankee Jimmy Quinn made his way to the Deep South by attending college in Alabama. A graduate of Auburn University, Quinn is a microbiologist full time, a bartender at Fenian’s Pub at night and a comedian recreationally. Quinn, voted the “Meanest Bartender” in Best of Jackson 2013, wears his title proudly. His outlook on his second career as a bartender is simple: “I get paid to be social.” Having bartended professionally in Jackson for five years (he also bartended in college), Quinn has no plans of relinquishing the occupation or emigrating from the area anytime soon.

Second: Cathy Ambrose Fenian’s Pub (901 E. Fortification St., 601.948.0055) / Third: Anne Friday Hal & Mal’s (200 S. Commerce St., 601.948.0888) / Good Showing: Corrin Escude, BRAVO! Italian Restaurant and Bar (4500 Interstate 55 N., Suite 244, 601.982.8111); Jennifer Breaux formerly of Parlor Market (115 W. Capitol St., 601.360.0090); Patrick Munn Nick’s Restaurant (3000 Old Canton Road, 601.981.8017, nicksrestaurant.com); Tracey Velotas, Ely’s Restaurant & Bar (115 W. Jackson St., Ridgeland, 601.605.6359)

Best Urban Warrior: Brad “Kamikaze” Franklin Second: Julie Skipper / Third: Jeff Good / Good showing: Ben Allen; Kyle Howe; Marika Cackett

Best Massage Therapist: Martha Howell Baptist Healthplex (717 Manship St., 601.968.1766, mbhs.org)

Jackson’s meanest bartender, Jimmy Quinn, might not be so mean after all. Which do you enjoy most: microbiology or bartending? Well, I enjoy both of them equally, because I get to impact people in either profession. With my full-time job at the Mississippi Health Department, I get to impact people medically, and when I bartend

Meanest Bartender: Jimmy Quinn Fenian’s Pub, 901 E. Fortification St., 601.948.0055, fenianspub.com Note: Not all finalists were as pleased to receive this award as Jimmy Quinn, so we have agreed to withhold their names.

Nick’s Restaurant (3000 Old Canton Road, 601.981.8017, nicksrestaurant.com)

I get to impact people socially. I get to meet new people and change their lives. I get paid to be social, which is a cool thing about bartending. What else do you do besides bartending and your 9-to-5? I am a stand-up comedian with a group called “The Intellectual Bulimics.” I’ve been doing stand-up comedy for four years now in Jackson. Finally, the question we’ve all been waiting for … what’s your favorite drink and why? Jameson Irish Whiskey straight, because it’s the only thing that’s more Irish Catholic than me.

May - June 2013 // The City’s Business and Lifestyle Magazine

Second: Brad Jackson, Body Anew Medical Spa (113 W. Jackson St., Suite 1-A, Ridgeland, 601.605.0452) / Third (tie): Jermaine Sims; Kali Horner; William Boren, Mississippi Medical Massage Therapy (4500 Interstate 55 N., Suite 239, 601.942.5014) / Good Showing: Courtney Mansell, Professional Massage Therapists Group (16 Northtown Drive, Suite 106, 601.966.1459); Kristen Hampton; Stephanie Miller, The Massage Studio LLC (1510 N. State St., Suite 302, 601.624.7784)

Best Local Musician; Best Local Singer: Jason Turner jasonturnerband.com

Best Local Musician Second (tie): Hunter Gibson; Scott Albert Johnson / Third: Richard Lee Davis / Good Showing: Barry Leach; Raphael Semmes; Taylor Hildebrand

Best Local Singer Second: Akami Graham / Third: Lisa Palmer / Good Showing: Pam Confer; Richard Lee Davis; Skylar Laine

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Trip Burns

Dossier:

Luis Bruno // by Leigh Horn Age: 43 From: Bronx, N.Y. Job: Chef, owner of Bruno’s Adobo. What is your favorite thing to cook? “Everything.” Favorite way to cook an egg? “Fried. I grew up on fried eggs and Spam.” Why did you get into cooking? “Because of my family. My family owned many businesses, including a pizzeria, restaurant and small supermart. I had a knack for it, so I just continued with it.”

Best Chef: Luis Bruno Bruno’s Adobo (127 S. Roach St., 601.944.9501) Second: Mike Römhild, Table 100 (100 Ridge Way, Flowood, 601.420.4202) / Third: Derek Emerson, Walker’s Drive-In (3016 N. State St., 601.982.2633) and Local 463 (121 Colony Crossing Way, Suite A, Madison, 601.707.7684) / Good Showing: Nick Wallace, Hilton Garden Inn/King Edward Hotel (235 W. Capitol St., 601.353.5464); Jesse Houston; Dan Blumenthal, Mangia Bene restaurants and catering (bestjacksoncatering.com)

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Work. Live. Play. Prosper.

Best Of Jackson 2013: People from page 19

This Ain’t ‘American Idol’ // by Mo Wilson

Best Local Karaoke DJ: Matt Collette Second: Angela Pittman (Krazy Karaoke) / Third: Casey Hardigree (DJ Stache) / Good Showing: DJ Cadillac; Carl McClemore; Jonas Adams (DJ Jonasty); Josh Hailey; Mike Mott

Best Preacher: Chip Henderson Pinelake Baptist Church, 6071 Highway 25, Brandon, 601.829.4500, pinelake.org Second: Keith Tonkel, Wells Methodist (2019 Bailey Ave., 601.353.06580) / Third: C.J. Rhodes, Mt. Helm Baptist Church (300 E. Church St., 601.353.3981) / Good Showing: Mike Campbell, Redeemer Church, PCA (640 E. Northside Drive, 601.362.9987); Rob Hill, Broadmeadow United Methodist Church (4419 Broadmeadow St., 601.366.1403); Robert Green, Fondren Church (622 Duling Ave., Suite 213, 601.208.0800)

lette’s success. In 2005, Mike offered him a gig do- growing up, and for some reason it just seems like not a lot of people know about her,” Collette says. ing the karaoke for Martin’s on Tuesday nights. Once his nights at Martin’s began to take off, the entertainment company Great Southern Events contracted him to host at other venues. “I’ve done the fairgrounds, proms for Northwest Rankin (High School), different wedding events,” Collette says. Earlier this year, Collette went into business for himself, buying the equipment and ending his contract with Great Southern Events. “I wanted to be my own Matt Collette took his wildly popular karaoke business into boss,” he says. his own hands this year. Collette has also taken it upon himself to expand the music he can In the past, Collette hosted karaoke conoffer to his followers, which now includes some 7,000 songs. Collette added hits from the ’70s, tests at Club Magoo’s and, in April, he start’80s, and ’90s to the Top-40-heavy playlist he inher- ed working with the club to update the fun. ited from the company. His wide range of genres But while he has hosted competitive give his nights a hipster appeal, as more arty nights, Collette’s soul is rooted in the free-for-all karaoke goers can pick obscure classics to earn atmosphere of the regular nights. “I just want cool points with the crowd. I spied the late 1990s people to have fun,” he says. “Just go out there dance hit “Groove is in the Heart” and novelty rap and don’t hold anything back.” single “Cameltoe” alongside songs by Queen and Matt Collette hosts karaoke Monday at FeniBeyoncé. Collette frequently suggests more ob- an’s, Tuesday at Martin’s and Wednesday through scure songs to his regulars, including some of his Saturday at Club Magoo’s. All nights begin at personal favorites. “I was a big fan of Tori Amos 8 p.m. except for Martins, which begins at 10 p.m. trip burns

hen I walk into Martin’s on a Tuesday night, I avoid the bar where people clamor over the drink specials. Instead, I head past the gambling machines and down a short hallway to the back room. Here I find two guys enthusiastically doing a rap version of “Baby One More Time,” by Britney Spears. I didn’t come here to drink, although I’m sure that will happen; I came here for the karaoke hosted by Matt Collette. The curly-haired man behind the mixing board is one of the most in-demand acts in Jackson, hosting karaoke nights six nights a week at Jackson venues such as Martin’s Lounge, Club Magoo’s and Fenian’s Pub. A native of Brandon, Collette always was a fan of music. Growing up in the ’90s, he listened to a lot of Top 40 as well as grunge artists such as Pearl Jam and ’60s boy band The Monkeys. Collette credits the growth of his musical taste to his twin brother, Mike. “My brother ended up getting a job at Bebop Record Shop. … And working there he would buy a lot of CDs and come home and play them, and I’d be like, ‘What are you playing?’” Collette says. That taste would later become key to Col-

Best Real Estate Agent: Mary Janita Tyree

Best Jewelry Designer: Betsy Liles, B. Fine Art Jewelry

Charlotte Smith Real Estate (1411 Old Square Road, 601.982.7998)

215 W. Jackson St., Ridgeland, 601.607.7741, blilesstudio.com

Second: Hayley Hayes (The Overby Company, 1808 N. State St., 601.940.0463) / Third: Don Potts (Nix-Tann & Associates, 1776 Lelia Drive, 601.982.7918) / Good Showing: Amia Edwards, Amia Edwards Real Estate, P.O. Box 685, Jackson, 601.941.8039); Laura Jackson (Century 21 Maselle & Associates, 4001 Lakeland Drive, Flowood, 601.540.0214); Sharla Bachelder (RE/MAX Alliance, 505 Avalon Way, Suite A, Brandon, 601.664.6967)

Second: Lil McKinnon-Hicks, LilMcKH Jewelry (200 S. Commerce St., 601.259.6461); Liz Henry (lizhenryjewels.com) / Third: Leila Schott Kasmai, Leila Jewelry Designs (etsy.com/shop/leilajewelrydesigns) / Good Showing: Alexandra Wilkes Long, Broque Revival (etsy.com/shop/BroqueRevival); Calvin Stones Jewelers (2414 Terry Road, 601.373.4224); Juniker Jewelry (4500 Interstate 55 N., Suite 116, 601.366.3754 or 1.800.796.3754)

May - June 2013 // The City’s Business and Lifestyle Magazine

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MMA’s Big Decade, p 22 LaCru’s Smooth Future, p 28 The Magic of Martin’s, p 60

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2013

Community & Culture

Art and Style // by Turry Flucker

walls. The Family Corners allow younger visitors the opportunity to learn and engage in the museum experience without leaving the formal gallery space. The Art Garden at the Mississippi Museum of Art is a 1.2-acre public green space complete with outdoor art installations, a performance stage and spaces for visitors to engage with the arts in a variety of ways. The Art Garden encourages learning experiences about Mississippi history and culture in many of the featured sculptures, such as Ed McGowin’s “Mississippi Quartet/Kudzu Melody,” four columns of bronze and stone, each representing an aspect of Mississippi: music, literature, food and nature. The Art Garden is an outdoor classroom that fosters interdisciplinary learning experiences. Not only are visitors learning about art, but they have the opportunity to get acquainted with plants and trees native to Mississippi, science, and literature as well. In the Art Garden, some visual artists are also gardeners: Several Mississippi artists donated plants from their personal gardens to the space. Many of the plants grow near the artists’ studios where they create the art that hangs inside the museum. MMA has been presenting stylish exhibiThe current exhibit at the MMA includes tions and engaging the some of the biggest names in the art community from the beworld, including Monet and van Gogh. ginning. An organization called the Mississippi with its sophisticated open design and large Art Association, the precursor to the museum windows—a clean, urban feel that welcomes as we know it now, was established on Friday, visitors to spend time with the art. The Closer Oct. 27, 1911. Members included artists and Look galleries are cozy, inviting visitors to sit, art supporters who were members of the Art relax and reflect on the pieces hung on the Study Club. The Association’s members held

Courtesy MMA

distinctive manner of expression is the definition of style. That accurately captures the Mississippi Museum of Art in downtown Jackson. Its website describes a mission to “engage Mississippians in the visual arts” and a commitment to “focusing on community interaction and personal experience.” The MMA is doing it all—in style. The museum’s renovation, completed just over five years ago, and recently constructed Art Garden are becoming a center of visual arts and culture, not just in Jackson, but in the state and region as well. Nestled between Thalia Mara Hall, the Mississippi Arts Center (the MMA’s former home) and the Jackson Convention Complex, the Mississippi Museum of Art commands attention

May - June 2013 // The City’s Business and Lifestyle Magazine

exhibitions in public spaces throughout the city such as the YWCA, the state fairgrounds and the governor’s mansion. They were also early advocates for the arts, lobbying Mississippi legislators to include art in the public schools. Since the founding of the Mississippi Art Association more than a hundred years ago, the museum has flourished. In 2010, the Institute of Museum and Library Services awarded the MMA the National Medal for Museum Service—the Mississippi Museum of Art was the only art museum to receive the distinction that year. Recognizing its commitment to education and its focus on Mississippi artists, the museum presents three permanent exhibitions. “The Mississippi Story,” organized by art historian Patti Carr Black, features the work of Sam Gilliam, Walter Anderson, Marie Hull, George Ohr and Eudora Welty among others. “Pre-Colombian Ceramics” contains pieces originating from the ancient cultures of Peru, Mexico and Central America. Mississippi native William Dunlap painted the mural, “The Panorama of the American Landscape,” for the neoclassical rotunda of the Corcoran Gallery of Art in 1984. The MMA displays the painting, designed to be one long panel viewed in the round, in two panels, one above the other on a large wall in the museum. In addition to the permanent works, the Annie Laurie Swaim Hearin Memorial Exhibition Series strives to bring outstanding works of art to the Jackson community. One such exhibit opened March 23: “Old Masters to Monet: Three Centuries of French Painting from the Wadsworth Atheneum.” Founded in 1842, the Wasdsworth Atheneum Museum of Art, located in Hartford, Conn., is the oldest public art museum

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trip burns

Best Arts Organization: Mississippi Museum of Art 380 S. Lamar St., 601.960.1515, msmuseumart.org Second: Mississippi Arts Commission (501 N. West St., Suite 1101-A, 601.359.6030) / Third: Mississippi Metropolitan Ballet (110 Homestead Drive, Madison, 601.853.4508) Good Showing: Ballet Mississippi (201 E. Pascagoula St., Suite 106, 601.960.1560); Craftsmen’s Guild of Mississippi (950 Rice Road, Ridgeland, 601.856.7546); Greater Jackson Arts Council (255 E. Pascagoula St., 601.960.1557)

in the United States. “Old Masters to Monet,” on display through Sept. 8, is a stunning representation of 50 masterpieces from the Wadsworth’s collection. On each canvas is a moving and inviting scene, ranging from religious and mythological subjects to landscapes and still lifes. Familiar names represented include Théodore Géricault,

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Eugène Delacroix, Edgar Degas, Pierre-Auguste Renoir, Paul Cézanne, Vincent van Gogh, Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec and Claude Monet. The Mississippi Museum of Art is the only museum in the southeast to host the exhibition. “The museum has been a community-supported institution since its inception, and we look forward to evolving our exhibitions, pro-

grams and outreach to best serve the needs of our statewide community as it changes and grows,” Julian Rankin, MMA’s director of new media, says. Our mission of engaging Mississippians in the visual arts is central in all that we do. Moving forward, we’ll continue to tell the diverse stories and preserve the culture of Mississippi art in new and innovative ways.” 23

Best Of Jackson 2013: Community & Culture

from page 23

Best Reason to Live in Jackson: The People

// by Bethany Bridges and Mo Wilson // graphics by Kristin Brenemen Consistently for the last several years, JFP readers have voted “the people” as the best reason to live in Jackson. So who are the people that live, work and play in our fair city?

Population (2011 estimate):

175,561 Median female age:

Median male age:

32.2 years 32.8 years Persons over 65: 10%

Persons under 18: 27%

Men: 46.5%

John William Willie

Second: Rick and Kim (MISS 103 FM) / Third: Scott Steele (WUSJ 96.3 FM) / Good Showing: Bo Bounds (The Zone 105.9 FM); DJ Unpredictable (97.7 FM); Marshall Ramsey (SuperTalk Mississippi)

Best Radio Station Second: WJMI (99.7 FM) / Third: WRBJ (97.7 FM) / Good Showing: WKXI (Kixie 107.5 FM); WLEZ (EZ 100.1 FM); WMSI (MISS 103 FM)

Best Place to Chill: Cups: An Espresso Cafe Multiple Locations, cupsespressocafe.com Second: Sneaky Beans (2914 N. State St., 601.487.6349) / Third: Fenian’sPub (901 E. Fortification St., 601.948.0055) / Good Showing: The Bulldog (6111 Ridgewood Road, 601.978.3502); Underground 119 (119 S. President St., 601.352.2322); Reservoir

Smith

1,564

Williams

906

1,359

Jones

873

1,195

Johnson

823

1,067

Brown

620

Persons per household:

431 N. State St., 601.949.1900, fbcj.org

Top five most common last names

1,702

Persons per square mile:

1,562.5

Second: Mississippi Mass Choir ( 601.366.8863) / Third: Pinelake Church (6071 Highway 25, Brandon, 601.829.4500,pinelake.org)/GoodShowing:Anderson United Methodist Church (6205 Hanging Moss Road, 601.982.3997); Christ United Methodist (6000 Old Canton Road, 601.956.6974); New Jerusalem Church (5708 Old Canton Road, 601.206.5844; 1285 Raymond Road, 601.371.6772)

1,105

Population by county Hinds: 248,643

2.72

Madison: 98,468 Rankin 14,165

Sources: U.S Census, The Jackson convention and Visitors bureau

Best Reason to Live in Jackson: The People Second: Fondren / Third: the Food Good showing: the Convenience; the Culture; the Reservoir

Best Radio Personality

Best Church Choir: First Baptist Church of Jackson

Black: 79.4%

Top five most common first names Mary

Women: 53.5%

White: 18%

James

Best Radio Personality; Best Radio Station: Nate and Murphy (Y101)

May - June 2013 // The City’s Business and Lifestyle Magazine

Best Community Garden/Nature Attraction: Art Garden at the Mississippi Museum of Art 380 S. Lamar St., 601.960.1515, msmuseumart.org Second: Mynelle Gardens (4736 Clinton Blvd., 601.960.1894) / Third: Mississippi Museum of Natural Science (2148 Riverside Drive, 601.354.7303) / Good Showing: Clinton Community Nature Center (617 Dunton Road, Clinton, 601.926.1104); Jackson Zoological Park (2918 W. Capitol St., 601.352.2580); LeFleur’s Bluff State Park (2140 Riverside Drive, 601.987.3923); Tougaloo-Rainbow Sustainable Garden, Tougaloo College (500 W. County Line Road, Tougaloo, 601.977.7700)

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Bringing The Community Together:

Promoting Racial Harmony and Facilitating Understanding

Best Stage Play: “The Color Purple” by MADDRAMA, Jackson State University Second: “The Great Gatsby” by New Stage Theatre / Third: “Rocky Horror Show” by Fondren Theatre Group / Good Showing: “Annie” by New Stage Theatre; “A Christmas Memory” by New Stage Theatre; “The Foreigner” by New Stage Theatre

Best Local Live Theater/ Theatrical Group: New Stage Theatre 1100 Carlisle St., 601.948.3531, newstagetheatre.com Second: Fondren Theatre Workshop (601.301.2281, fondrentheatreworkshop.org) / Second: Black Rose Theatre Company (103 Black St., Brandon, 601.825.1293) / Third: MADDRAMA at JSU ( 601.454.1183) / Good Showing: Actor’s Playhouse (121 Paul Truitt Lane, 601.664.0930); Ballet Magnificat! (5406 Interstate 55 N., Pearl, 601.977.1001); Thalia Mara Hall (255 E. Pascagoula St., 601.960.1537)

Monthly Discussion Luncheons Second Wednesday, 11:45 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.

In June and July, Jackson 2000 invites you to join us to “lunch and learn” with provocative speakers and discussions held at the Mississippi Arts Center in downtown Jackson.

Spring Social

Thurs., May 16, 2013 5:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.

Come meet the board of directors and the Jackson 2000 membership at our spring social event, held at Smith Robertson Museum in the historic Farish Street district near downtown. Food, fellowship, and an opportunity to learn more!

2013 Dialogue Circles Ongoing for adults and youth - see website

Jackson 2000 presents dialogue circles, a series of facilitated, curriculum-based discussion sessions that can open minds, change hearts and build lasting friendships.

More information: www.jackson2000.org

The Nitty Gritty

ach fall, the Jackson Free Press launches its annual Best of Jackson contest. The ballot runs from November to mid-December. The contest is completely readerrun—local folks nominate, campaign for and vote on all 154 categories. In January, all the winners are revealed in a special issue of the Jackson Free Press. Then, Jacksonians from all neighborhoods, businesses and skill sets join the JFP staff in throwing a huge celebration honoring the winners. The themed party, held the last Sunday in January, is always at a new surprise location announced only days before the soiree kicks off. Then in May, BOOM Jackson magazine gets a Best of Jackson facelift, featuring the year’s winners in a glossy magazine. Subscribe to daily updates at jfpdaily. com for updates on and invitations to the 2014 Best of Jackson party. Check out the winners year-round and submit suggestions for upcoming years at bestofjackson.com.

Work. Live. Play. Prosper.

Hitched Announcement

OOM Jackson is proud to announce our newest special issue, due on January 1, 2014—Hitched!

Hitched is Jackson’s very own magazine focusing on your engagement and wedding. Along with feature stories on fabulous and creative couples, we’ll offer tips and hints for your engagement, invitations, showers, parties, dinners, wedding, reception and more! From super fancy to do-it-yourself, we’ll cover all the bases for the perfect wedding. Plus, Hitched offers you a fantastic opportunity to announce your own engagement or wedding with a placement both in print and online. Reach the Jackson metro’s most engaged and sophisticated readers to let them know about your big date and to celebrate along with you. Announcements are offered at an affordable rate and can be placed this summer and fall for publication on January 1st. Call 601-362-6121 x11 or write hitched@boomjackson.com for details.

Best Of Jackson 2013: Community & Culture

from page 25

Fast Fortification Facts // by Molly Lehmuller

1 2

Fortification gets its name from the area’s role in the 1863 Civil War sieges in Jackson, when the hilly road served as the Confederates’ northern defensive line.

The repairs will take place over 1.2 miles—from Farish Street (the non-sequential 1000 block, which is the last street before the train tracks parallel to Mill Street) to Greymont Avenue (the last outlet from the historic Belhaven neighborhood before Interstate 55).

The City Council approved a bid from Hemphill Construction in the amount of $8,988,961 to repair and expand Fortification Street on the parameters listed above. The construction, which began May 2012, should last 18 months from start to finish. Don’t roll through reds! Though Jackson drivers seem to have perfected this not-solegal driving maneuver, the city planned for installation of traffic-monitoring cameras and supporting fiber-optic communication wires along the project—for instance, the State and Fortification streets intersection now has cameras on each traffic-light arm.

Fortification’s repairs will benefit pedestrians as well as drivers: New sidewalks will be poured and decorative lighting fixtures installed along the length of the project.

Best Project under Construction: Fortification Street

Trip Burns

Second: Farish Street / Third: Whole Foods Market (4500 Interstate 55 N., 601.982.5861) / Good Showing: Baptist Health Systems (1313 N. President St., 601.968.1000); Iron Horse Grill (320 W. Pearl St.); Midtown redevelopment

A Dog (or Cat) for a Day trip burns

// by Bethany Bridges

CARA offers a part-time program for those that can’t commit to a pet full-time.

f you are looking to affect a pet’s life, then Community Animal Rescue and Adoptions’ Adopt a Leash Program is the program to join. Since its founding in 2001, CARA has improved and changed the lives of countless animals they shelter, as well as the lives of the people who adopt new furry friends. Denise Cantrell, CARA’s board vice chair26

woman, says CARA is dedicated to helping animals find families and receive the nurturing and caring that all creatures deserve. “We have plenty of ways people can get involved in ensuring that our pets are being well taken care of,” Cantrell says. Adopt a Leash, a “glorified foster program,” designed for people who cannot afford the full responsibilities of pet ownership, but would like to be involved in a pet’s life. To participate, a person must a make a year-long commitment and a monthly donation of $30 to help provide food and vaccines for the Adopt a Leash pet. Additionally, individuals are required to spend at least four hours a month with their adopted pet. “Our adopters are allowed to take their pets out of the shelter for one day. We have some parents who take their pets to sleepovers, pet-friendly events and birthday parties,” Cantrell says. The program has been in place for two years, and so far more than 20 people have made commitments to Adopt a Leash. Some individuals eventually fully adopt their pets. Currently, CARA has about 265 dogs and 130 cats all up for the Adopt a Leash program or full adoption.

May - June 2013 // The City’s Business and Lifestyle Magazine

If you can’t afford Adopt a Leash, you can still come out and take a dog for an afternoon of socializing at nearby Bree’s Bark Park. It will be the first park, when completed, for animals in the metro area. If you have love and a little bit of time to offer, CARA will work with you to find a way that you can brighten the life of a dog or cat in need. Sharing your time, however great or small, helps CARA provide for the hundreds of animals they shelter.

Best Nonprofit Organization: Community Animal Rescue and Adoption Inc. (CARA) 960 N. Flag Chapel Road, 601.922.7575, carams.org Second: Stewpot Community Services (1100 W. Capitol St., 601.353.2759) / Third: The Salvation Army (110 Presto Lane, 601.982.4881) / Good Showing: The Good Samaritan Center (114 Millsaps Ave., 601.355.6276); The Mustard Seed (1085 Luckney Road, Brandon, 601.992.3556); Operation Shoestring (1711 Bailey Ave., 601.353.6336)

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Work. Live. Play. Prosper.

2013

Urban Living

Making Dreams Work // by Krista Davis // photos by Trip Burns

that surround LaCru have evolved as well. Now, the thriving LaCru owner has expanded beyond the salon. Recently, Barnes opened The Smoothing Bar, Mississippi’s first Keratin treatment and Brazilian blowdry salon. Barnes says the expansion is only the beginning of growth for LaCru. The LaCru stylists specialize in coloring and cutting. However, the salon also offers a range of other services including: foiling, straightening, waxing and extensions. “We bring New York to them,” Barnes says, adding that LaCru supplies upscale services for a reasonable price. Barnes believes in keeping clients’ hair healthy. To help, LaCru uses and sells Moroccanoil, Pureology, Bumble and Bumble, and similar quality products. Barnes says it is especially exciting to win best salon because she also won best rising entrepreneur, a testament to how the salon has Stephanie Barnes, 2013’s Best Entrepreneur, is taking Best Salon LaCru to bigger, better and more beautiful places. flourished in the six years under her ownership. “It has always been in the salon’s name comes from the previous ownplan to own my own salon one day,” Barnes ers’ children’s names, Lake and Cruz. says. “I get my drive and my passion from Since the name was already known in the community, Barnes decided to keep it behind the chair.” She says it took a leap even as she grew the salon into her own of faith to jump in and become a business owner: “It was my time. I felt at ease, and I vision. Located in the booming area of Flojust jumped over the ledge and did it.” wood at Magnolia Marketplace, businesses tephanie Barnes begins each day with reflection and prayer. “I don’t drink coffee or anything, but I do meditate for at least 10 minutes to start my day,” she says. Barnes, 41, brings that sense of spirituality—along with passion—to her role as LaCru Salon owner. “It was God’s plan,” Barnes says of evolving as a business owner. A native Jacksonian and graduate of Jackson State University with a business administration degree, Barnes is finding success as an entrepreneur. Six years ago, Barnes bought LaCru, which twin sisters opened before her. The

May - June 2013 // The City’s Business and Lifestyle Magazine

Barnes speaks about teamwork a lot, calling it the secret to her success. “I have a great team that stands behind me. I think that is the foundation of it because I don’t think I could do it alone. Without them being my foundation and my backbone, I don’t think I would have made it,” she says. “Teamwork makes dreams work,” Barnes adds. Her team may be her backbone, but her relationship with her customers is vital as well. “My clients drive me as an entrepreneur,” she says. “I feel like I’m always there. Even though I do their hair, I feel like I’m their therapist. Any average person knows that a hairdresser can be a therapist, or someone that’s there to just listen. I sometimes just listen or give a client a hug. “That’s my passion.” It makes Barnes’ day to be there for her clients’ needs, because their needs keep her driven to continue to be the best. “I feel like I don’t see them as my clients anymore, but more as family,” she says. Maintaining two salons and styling multiple clients is not the end of Barnes’ responsibilities—she plays super mom and wife as well as super stylist, trying to keep work life and personal life separate. “After I get up, I wake the kids up and get them ready. I drop them off at school before I come to work,” she says. Barnes has been happily married to Michael Barnes for almost two decades. They have a 17-year-old son named Taron and a 6-year-old daughter, Ashlyn. Barnes’ hobbies away from the salon include spending time with her family, going to the beach, watching movies and reading books.

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535

Bes

Seco Ridg Salo 601.3 8001 High Good Lake Salo Willi 601.9

Bes

Seco 601.9 State URB 01.36 Dulin 962 601.3 601.8

Best Locally Owned Business; Best Salon: LaCru Salon 5352 Lakeland Drive, Suite 600, Flowood, 601.992.7980, lacrusalon.com

Best Beauty Shop or Salon Second: Ritz Salon (574 Highway 51, Suite H, Ridgeland, 601.856.4330) / Third (tie): Barnette’s Salon (4465 Interstate 55 N., Suite 201, 601.362.9550; 1000 Highland Colony Parkway, Suite 8001, Ridgeland, 601.898.9123); Molecules (794 Highway 51 N., Suite A, Madison, 601.605.4511) / Good Showing: Lacey’s Salon and Accessories (1935 Lakeland Drive, Suite C, 601.397.6389); Smoak Salon (622 Duling Ave., Suite 206, 601.982.5313); William Wallace Salon (2939 Old Canton Road, 601.982.8300)

Best Locally Owned Business Second: Mangia Bene (3317 N. State St., 601.982.4443) / Third: Sneaky Beans (2914 N. State St., 601.487.6349) / Good Showing: circa. URBAN ARTISAN LIVING (2771 Old Canton Road, 01.362.8484); Morningbell Records & Studios (622 Duling Ave., Suite 205A, 769.233.7468); Tempstaff 962 North St., 601.353.4200; 955 Jefferson St., 601.353.3777; 3091 S. Liberty St., Suite A, Canton, 601.859.8860)

Work. Live. Play. Prosper.

DOSSIER:

Al Guevara

from page 29

Trip Burns

Best Of Jackson 2013: Urban Living

Best Tailor: Custom Tailoring by Al

// by Julie Skipper

From: El Salvador Age: 41 Profession: Master tailor Years as a tailor: 28 Years owning his own business: 12 Favorite thing to wear: A suit. “I like looking good because it makes me feel good.” Favorite part of his business: “I love taking a nice piece of cloth and turning it into a custom suit.” Best advice on dressing well: “When you look better, you feel better. People should dress up more, especially in business; our culture is losing a sense of formality that’s important to have in some situations.” On fit: “I think if a piece of clothing doesn’t fit perfectly, it won’t do anything for you. If you wear a nice suit, but it doesn’t fit well, the look is ruined.” On his lifelong passion for clothes: “At 12 years old, I went into a master-

1000 Highland Colony Parkway, Suite 4004, Ridgeland, 601.607.3443; 258 Dogwood Blvd., Flowood, 601.992.1373, customtailoringbyalofms. com

tailor’s shop in El Salvador and asked him if I could apprentice. After that, I went every day after school to learn from him. Becoming a master tailor takes years and years of work.” On being a master tailor: “It’s a nice feeling to know you can help people look better. I love what I do for a living, and I always listen to my customers when giving advice. … It’s not just about selling a suit, it’s about giving people what they need for their lifestyle and body type.”

On who needs custom clothes: “Some people have body types that make it hard to wear off-the-rack clothes, and custom-made clothing can help them. Other people like custom because it lets them have something unique and different from everyone else.” Every well-dressed man should have in his closet: “Some suits for business and formal occasions, nice pants and a sport coat for weekends or more casual events.”

Second: Michael Armstrong of Tom James Company (1775 Lelia Drive, Suite D, 601. 713.2034) / Third: Finishing Touch (4551 Office Park Drive, 601.362.5288) / Good Showing: Golden Touch (5355 Executive Place, 601.362.6790); Nana’s Alterations (975 North St., Suite 107, 601.969.3189); Perfect-Fit Alterations (4954 Old Canton Road, 601.991.0673)

Best Barber Shop: Maurice’s Barber Shop

Best Bridal/Formalwear Store: The Bridal Path

Best Dance Studio: Salsa Mississippi

1200 E. Northside Drive, 601.362.2343; 1060 Highway 51, Madison, 601.856.0015; 398 Highway 51, Suite 60, Ridgeland, 601.856.2856; 622 Grants Ferry Road, Flowood, 601.992.9031

4465 Interstate 55 N., Suite 104, 601.982.8267, bridalpathinc.com

605 Duling Ave., 601.213.6355, salsamississippi.com

Second: Lace (109 Grants Ferry Road, Brandon, 601.665.4860) / Third: Imaginations (119 ≠. Cherokee St., Brookhaven, 601.833.6280); Good Showing: Alfred Angelo (1230 E. County Line Road, Ridgeland, 601.956.1806); David’s Bridal (1039 E. County Line Road, Suite 105, 601.957.0505); A Southern Affair (4500 Interstate 55 N., Suite 160, 601.487.6218)

Second: Mississippi Metropolitan Dance Association (110 Homestead Drive, Madison, 601.853.4508) / Third: Ballet Magnificat! (5406 Interstate 55 N., 601.977.1001) / Good Showing: Ballet Mississippi (201 E. Pascagoula St., Suite 106, 601.960.1560); Dance Unlimited (6787 S. Siwell Road, Suite A, Byram, 601.373.6143); Dollhouse Dance Factory (1410 Ellis Ave., 601.969.4000)

Best Day Spa: Aqua the Day Spa

Best Unique Gifts: circa. URBAN ARTISAN LIVING

Second: Custom Cuts and Styles (2445 Terry Road, 601.321.9292) / Third: Family Barber Shop (211 Hoy Road, Madison, 601.853.8084) / Good Showing: Headgames Hair Studio (5731 Old Canton Road, Suite 104, 601.956.5052); Acey’s Salon and Accessories (1935 Lakeland Drive, Suite C, 601.397.6389); Lil’ Dave’s Barber Shop (3013 J.R. Lynch St., 601.354.1010)

Best Comic Book Store: Heroes and Dreams: Comics and Collectibles 5352 Highway 25, Flowood, 601.992.3100 Second: Van’s Comics and Cards (558 Highway 51, Suite 202, Ridgeland, 601.898.9950) / Third: Comic Commander (579 Highway 51, Suite D, Ridgeland, 601.856.1789)

4465 Interstate 55 N., Suite 102, 601.362.9550; 1000 Highland Colony Parkway, Suite 8001, Ridgeland, 601.898.9123, aquathedayspa.com Second: Body Anew Medical Spa (113 W. Jackson St., Suite 1A, Ridgeland, 601.605.0452) Third: Drench Day Spa (118 W. Jackson St., Suite 2B, Ridgeland, 601.707.5656) / Good Showing: Mon Ami Spa & Laser Center (4500 Interstate 55 N., Suite 128, 601.366.7721); Sanctuary Body Spa (340 Township Ave., Suite 200, Ridgeland, 601.790.2222); Skin District (2629 Courthouse Circle, Suite B, Flowood, 601.981.7546)

May - June 2013 // The City’s Business and Lifestyle Magazine

2771 Old Canton Road, 601.362.8484 Second: Apple Annie’s Gift Shop (1896 Main St., Suite D, Madison, 601.853.8911; 152 Grants Ferry Road, 601.992.9925) / Third: Mississippi Craft Center (950 Rice Road, Ridgeland, 601.856.7546) / Good Showing: O How Cute Gift Market (304 E. Government St., Brandon, 601.825.5080); Persnickety Gift Shop (2078 Main St., Madison, 601.853.9595); Pine Cone (1220 E. Northside Drive, 601.713.1421)

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Material Girls Photographer: Melanie Boyd Models/stylists: Tiffany Langlinais and Claire Sojourner Hair and Makeup: Kate McNeely Special thanks to Material Girls, Libby Story and Royal Bleau for allowing us to photograph in their stores.

Claire:

My favorite thing about Material Girls is that the store is organized by color, so it’s easy to find an outfit in that awesome trendy shade you saw on Pinterest. I fell in love with these coral shorts. On top, I chose a crisp white tank with scalloped detailing that mirrors their hemline.

Tiffany:

Material Girls boasts some of the brightest and latest mainstream trends.

I chose this outfit because it’s got the popular lemon-lime color of the season. It looks great with summer tans, and the pleats bring back the nostalgia of 1950s skirts.

Tiffany is wearing a Very J lime pleated skirt ($38.95), Everly ﬂoral silk button-up top ($38.95), turquoise suede wedges ($20), gold disk earrings with turquoise beads ($12.95) and bangles ($12.95). Claire is wearing an 8 Birdies white scallop top ($36.95), C. Luce red shorts ($49.95), Qupid black wedges ($46.95), a turquoise Necklace ($32.95) and gold Earrings ($14.95).

Best Boutique: Material Girls 182 Promenade Blvd., Flowood, 601.992.4533; 1000 Highland Colony Parkway, Suite 7005, Ridgeland, 601.605.1605, shopmaterialgirls.com Second: Royal Bleau Boutique (1100 J.R. Lynch St., Suite 8, 601.321.9564) / Third (tie): Libby Story (1000 Highland Colony Parkway, Suite 5003, 662.323.1427); Treehouse Boutique (3000 N. State St., 601.982.3433) / Good Showing: High Cotton (4500 Interstate 55 N., Suite 188, 601.982.3280); Migi’s Boutique (131 Market St., Flowood, 601.919.8203); Posh Boutique (4312 N. State St., Suite 2, 601.364.2244)

Libby Story

Claire:

Libby Story is full of pieces that can be classic or edgy,

depending on how you style them. This floral blazer is a fun addition to the cobalt blue tank, and the detailing on the shorts ties it all together. The sea green wedges add the perfect amount of height and color.

Claire is wearing a ďŹ&#x201A;oral print blazer ($48), Olivaceous blue scoop-back tank ($38), Skies are Blue white piped shorts ($48) Qupid (Luke-20) teal wedges ($42) and a silver disc necklace ($16). Tiffany is wearing a Modage sheer print tank ($24), Champagne & Strawberry blue lace maxi skirt ($78), Not Rated cream wedges ($48) and mint rhinestone necklace ($24).

Tiffany:

Royal Bleau

Royal Bleau’s mix of dressy and casual urban wear gives it a different feel. I love denim

shorts, and the distressed, highwaisted ones are making a comeback. Paired with a blousey tee and wedges, you’ve got a relaxed look that’s still stylish.

Claire is wearing a long black and white dress ($55), turquoise stacked heels ($45), and a blue necklace ($24).

Tiffany:

Libby Story is one of my favorite shops in the Jackson area. It

never fails me when I’m looking for something unique and fun regardless of the occasion. I love mixing prints and experimenting with new patterns and shapes. Maxi skirts are a staple in my closet—in fact, I own this skirt!

Work. Live. Play. Prosper.

Tiffany is wearing Vibrant acid-washed high-waisted denim shorts ($45), a JC, Fits Inc. grunge crop top ($28), a mustard suede clutch with skull ($65), and suede hot pink and orange cross-over wedges ($20) Note: Treehouse Boutique tied with Royal Bleau for third place in the Best of Jackson contest, but declined to participate in the fashion shoot.

Claire:

Royal Bleau carries a lot of different styles so

it’s worth taking your time to look around. I went with a totally different look than I usually would. I’m obsessed with black and white patterns, but this dress is an unusual take on the trend because of its length and shape.

The Rogue Photographer: Tate K. Nations Model: Nick Pernell Location: The Rogue

Nick is wearing a Billy Reid plaid linen shirt ($195) with grey Adriano Goldschmied pants ($178).

The Rogue is the epitome of a onestop shop. It carries

everything from sporting gear to casual weekend wear to fine suits. The staff is great at picking out the perfect finishing touches, like ties, shoes or cufflinks.

Celebrations.

Experience matters. 601.366.8511 jacksonhouses.com

COMMERCIAL | RESIDENTIAL | LAND

Lunch. Dinner...

115 W. Capitol St Â&#x2021; Jackson, MS 39201 601.360.0090 events@parlormarket.com www.parlormarket.com

Work. Live. Play. Prosper.

The Rogue

Nick is wearing a Sam Malone pinstripe suit ($395) with an Ike Behar dress shirt ($98.50) and a Carrot and Gibbs green-and-white bow tie ($65).

Best Men’s Clothes: The Rogue 4450 Interstate 55 N., 601.362.6383, therogue.com Second: Kinkade’s Fine Clothing (120 W. Jackson St., Suite 2B, 601.898.0513) / Third: Great Scott (4400 Old Canton Road, Suite 100, 601.984.3500)/ Good Showing: Jos. A. Bank (4870 I 55 N., 601.366.9711); Mozingo Clothiers (4500 Interstate 55 N., Suite 140, 601.713.7848); Red Square Clothing Co. (1000 Highland Colony Parkway, Suite 9004, Ridgeland, 601.853.8960)

May - June 2013 // The City’s Business and Lifestyle Magazine

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Match Made

Best Art Gallery: Fischer Galleries

// by Julian Rankin

says of the gallery’s Fondren location. Jackson has dozens of venues for art: coffee shops, galleries and display spaces of all kinds. These include Brown’s Fine Art and Richard McKey’s Fondren Art Gallery, both within a stone’s throw of Fischer Galleries. Nessel is grateful for them all. Often, she directs patrons to Fondren Art Gallery across the street if she thinks they might have what the customer is looking for. “I have clients in their 20s coming in who say ‘We’ve got a huge wall. We need something that’s huge, but I can’t afford a $3,200 painting.’ “Come on. I’m walking you across the street,’ I’ll tell them. I walk people over there at least once a week.” The reputation of Fischer Galleries is owed in no small part to the artists who show there, from rising stars in the art world to established Fischer Galleries displays some of the region’s most Mississippi creatives. contemporary art, including Amelia Key’s 2013 mixed This connection to the media piece “Colony.” contemporary Mississippi art scene is part of to the health of the art community. Fischer what infuses Fischer with energy and makes Galleries in the Fondren neighborhood of the place relevant in the economic and social life of the community. Jackson epitomizes this symbiosis. “I grew up here, so I’m a big fan of Jack Marcy Nessel opened Fischer Galler- ies in November 2008, having worked in the son,” Nessel says. “And I’m very devoted world of art for the better part of two decades. to seeing the city continue to be the hub of “I’ve felt more a part of the community with this area.” this gallery than I have anywhere else,” she Nessel says that one of the great plea-

trip burns

rt is most often created to be enjoyed, to be seen. Art galleries are important portals, thresholds through which this work passes from the hands that made it into those that collect and preserve it. The ecosystem of artistic creation and consumption is diverse, multifaceted and wide, but the welcoming doors of a gallery have always been integral

Best Mechanic: Graves and Stoddard Inc.

Best Cleaning Service/Dry Cleaner: Kolb’s Grand Cleaners

722 Highway 80 E., Flowood, 601.939.3662

2933 N. State St., 601.366.1453

Second: Putnam’s Automotive Service Inc. (4879 N. State St., 601.366.1886) / Third: Southland Auto Service Center (5448 N State St., 601.362.2253) / Good Showing: Car Care Clinic Jet Lube Tire & Automotive (Multiple Locations); Justin Morgan; Kyle Rigdon (speedproductions.net/)

Work. Live. Play. Prosper.

Second: Hallmark Cleaners (Multiple Locations, hallmarkcleaners.com) / Third: Wells Cleaners (691 Grants Ferry Road, Suite B, Flowood, 601.992.8855) / Good Showing: Olde Town (220 Key Drive, Madison, 601.856.7474); Summit Cleaners (450 Nakoma Drive, 601.366.9947); Trace Cleaners (398 Highway 51, Suite 100, Ridgeland, 601.853.7007)

3100 N. State St., Suite 101, 601.291.9115, fischergalleries.com Second: Fondren Art Gallery (3030 N. State St., 601.981.9222) / Third: Southern Breeze Gallery (1000 Highland Colony Parkway, Suite 5005, Ridgeland, 601.607.4147) / Good Showing: Brown’s Fine Art Framing (630 Fondren Place, 601.982.4844); Gallery1 (1100 John R. Lynch St., Suite 4, 601.979.9250); Gallery 119 (119 S. President St., 601.969.4091);

sures in operating the gallery is exposing clients to work they might not see otherwise. “It’s really nice to see the older generations coming in and buying extremely contemporary abstract work,” she says. Fischer Galleries celebrates its fifth anniversary this fall, and Nessel is excited about the art that she’ll have on view this year. Look for work by Dan Piersol, Maureen Donnelly, Jack Garner, and Richard Kelso to enliven the space, in addition to pieces by familiar Fischer artists like William Goodman and Rod Moorhead. Nessel says there are too many artists to name, and that she is always surprised and excited by the inevitable discovery of new works of art and new working artists. Art is made and crafted and then displayed. The other part of this equation is the consumer—the art collector, the visitor to the area, the passerby who is reminded of that one blank space in their living room that begs to be filled. “One thing that has remained solid throughout (the years) is the consistency of our supporters,” Nessel says. “They are wonderful. They want to support local artists, and there is just so much talent here.”

Best Thrift/Consignment Store: Repeat Street 242 Highway 51, Ridgeland, 601.605.9123 Second: The Orange Peel (422 E. Mitchell Ave., 601.364.9977) / Third: N.U.T.S. (114 Millsaps Ave., 601.355.6276) / Good Showing: Bargain Boutique (5070 Parkway Drive, 601.991.0500); Goodwill (Multiple Locations, goodwill.org); Plato’s Closet (1260 E. County Line Road, Ridgeland, 601.487.4207)

BEST OF JACKSON 2013: URBAN LIVING from page 37

The Once and Future Florist // by Genevieve Legacy

TRIP BURNS

lela says, adding that she and t first glimpse, GreenGwen Collela is the fifth generation of brook Flowers promher three brothers grew up her family to work at Greenbrook. the same way. “We were, and ises an off-the-beatennow we’re raising our kids path florist experience. that way.” At 705 N. State St., juxtaposed The turns and corners by contemporary steel and glass construction, the Queen of the repurposed house offers moments of surprise. SitAnne-style house is the epitome ting rooms and private parof Victorian—cake-decoration lors are available for leafing moldings, wrought-iron railings, through catalogs. You enter a three-story tower laced with the front porch (enclosed for English ivy—the house stands out in the shifting play of past a street-side window display) through a wooden finial arch. and present architecture. A small conservatory hous“We’re a full-service floes peace lilies, rubber plants, rist,” says Gwen Collela, a schefflera and flowering brofifth-generation member of the meliads. In the rounded cove family-owned business. “We do formed by the tower sits a woven anything and everything that bassinet, filled to the brim with involves flowers.” plush animals. Collela has worked at Greenbrook’s most popular Greenbrook Flowers her entire walk-in purchase has been the life. To emphasize, she mensame for years: a dozen cut roses, tions that her brother’s twins wrapped in earth-friendly paper are in the back, camped out for and available year round for the wonderfully retro price the day. “My dad was brought up in a flower box,” Col- of $11.95.

Best Flower Shop: Greenbrook Flowers 705 N. State St., 601.957.1951, greenbrookﬂowers. com Second: A Daisy a Day Flowers & Gifts (4500 Interstate 55 N., Suite 194, 601. 982.4438) Third: Mostly Martha’s (353 Highway 51, Ridgeland, 601. 956.1474) / Good Showing: Drake’s Designs (1491 Canton Mart Road, 601. 957.6983); Green Oak (5009 Old Canton Road, 601. 956.5017); Whitley’s Flowers (740 Lakeland Drive, 601. 362.8844)

Best Garden Supply/Nursery: Lakeland Yard and Garden Center

Best Liquor/Wine Store: Kats Wine and Spirits

Best Annual Event: Mal’s St. Paddy’s Parade

4210 Lakeland Drive, 601.939.7304, lakelandyardandgarden.com

921 E. Fortiﬁcation St., 601.983.5287, katswine.com

malsstpaddysparade.com

Second: Callaway Yard & Garden (839 S. Pear Orchard Road, Ridgeland, 601.957.1731) / Third: Green Oak (5009 Old Canton Road, 601.956.5034) / Good Showing: The Everyday Gardener (2905 Old Canton Road, 601.981.0273); Hutto’s Home and Garden Center (1320 Ellis Ave., 601.973.2277); Martinson’s Garden Works (650 Highway 51, Ridgeland, 601.856.3078)

Second: Fondren Cellars (633 Duling Ave., 769.216.2323) / Third: Briarwood Wine and Spirits (4949 Old Canton Road, 601.956.5108 or 601.956.5916 / Good Showing: Corkscrew (4800 Interstate 55 N. Frontage Road, Suite 32B, 601.981.1333); Joe T’s (286 Highway 51 N., Ridgeland, 601.605.7602); McDade’s Wine and Spirits (1220 E. Northside Drive, Suite 320, 601.366.5676)

Best Fitness Center/Gym: Baptist Healthplex

717 Manship St., 601.968.1766; :102 Clinton Parkway, Clinton, 601.925.7900, mbhs.org Second: The Club (Multiple Locations, theclubms.com) / Third: YMCA (Multiple Locations, metroymcams.org) / Good Showing: Anytime Fitness (Multiple Locations, anytimeﬁtness.com); The Courthouse Racquet and Fitness (Multiple Locations, mscourthouse.com); Knockout Fitness (205 Belle Meade Pointe, Flowood, 769.233.7901)

Best Tattoo/Piercings Parlor: Black Diamond 5015 Interstate 55 N., 601.982.9437 Second: Pristine Ink (5735 Interstate 55 N., 769.251.0569) / Third: Squench’s (3780 Interstate 55 S., 601.372.2800) / Good Showing: Eternal Body Art (3611 Interstate 55 S., 601.346.5963); House of Pain (22 Holiday Rambler Lane, Byram, 601.321.9040); Twiztid Images (557 Highway 49 S., Richland, 601.664.0000)

May - June 2013 // The City’s Business and Lifestyle Magazine

Second: Mistletoe Marketplace (601.948.2357, mistletoemarketplace.com) / Third: Wellsfest (wellschurch.org) / Good Showing: CelticFest (celticfestms.org); Fondren Unwrapped (fondren.org); Mississippi State Fair (mdac.state.ms.us)

Best Place to Buy Books: Lemuria Books 4465 Interstate 55 N., Suite 202, 601.366.7619, lemuriabooks.com Second: Book Rack (1491 Canton Mart Square, Suite 7, 601.956.5086; 584 Springridge Road, Suite C, Clinton, 601.924.9020) / Third: JSU Bookstore (Jackson State University, Student Center, 1400 John R. Lynch St., 601.979.2021) / Good Showing: The Bookshelf (637 Highway 51, Suite AA, Ridgeland, 601.853.9225); Choctaw Books (926 North St., 601.352.7281); Lifeway Christian Resources (1057 E. County Line Road, 601.952.1934)

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Courtesy Fresh Cut

Best Martial Arts Studio: Gracie South Jiu-Jitsu 5352 Lakeland Drive, Suite 1400, Flowood, 601.502.7634, graciesouth.com Second: Academy of Kung Fu (626 Ridgewood Road, Suite C, Ridgeland, 601.856.5051) / Third: Jason Griffin’s Tae Kwon Do Academy (103 Christian Drive, Suite D, Brandon, 601.824.0058; 125 Dyess Road, Ridgeland, 601.977.9000) / Good Showing: Knockout Fitness and MMA (205 Belle Meade Pointe, Flowood, 769.233.7901); Martial Arts Academy (2160 Main St., Suite F, Madison, 601.898.5555; 1149 Old Fannin Road Suite. 8, Brandon, 601.919.4000); West’s Hapkido Academy (291 Highway 51, Ridgeland, 601.856.8487)

Best Tanning Salon: Solar 51 398 Highway 51, Ridgeland, 601.898.1003; 727 Clinton Parkway, Clinton, 601.925.9747, solar51tan.com Second: Sun Gallery (6712 Old Canton Road, Ridgeland, 601.957.7502; 2720 N. State St, 601.366.5811) / Third: Reservoir Tan (132 Lakeland Heights Blvd., Flowood, 601.992.3535) / Good Showing: Beach Bodies Tanning Salon (126 Byram Business Center Drive, 601.373.6105); Breeze Airbrush Tanning & Day Spa (1189 Old Fannin Road, Suite E, Brandon, 601.502.7303); Salon 51 (637 Highway 51, Ridgeland, 601.856.4663)

Best Place to Buy Antiques: Antique Mall of the South

Changing Room

he South Warehouse is essentially a blank slate. A spacious warehouse with barnlike detailing, the event space can be endlessly customized through furnishings, lighting and décor, which makes it a popular locale for weddings and parties. Most brides tend to play up The South’s more rustic elements, taking full advantage of the worn wood and vintage furniture. Burlap, branches and wood elements, glass and candlelight complement the exposed brick. But The South can go modern just as easily; all-white couches and steel or glass elements look at home in the space as well. Up to 2,000 people can mingle comfortably, and the in-house catering and floral design by Fresh Cut doesn’t disappoint. —Kathleen M. Mitchell

Best Place to Book a Party or Shower; Best Place to Get Married: The South Warehouse 627 E. Silas Brown St., 601.939.4518

Best Place to Get Married Second: Fairview Inn (734 Fairview St., 601.948.3429) / Third: Mynelle Gardens (4736 Clinton Blvd., 601.960.1894) / Good Showing: Art Garden at the Mississippi Museum of Art (380 S. Lamar St., 601.960.1515); The Cedars (4145 Old Canton Road, 601.366.5552); Luckett Lodge (214 Clark Creek Road, 601.829.2567)

Best Place to Book a Party or Shower Second: Table 100 (100 Ridge Way, 601.420.4202) / Third: Fairview Inn (734 Fairview St., 601.948.3429) / Good Showing: Burgers & Blues (1060 E. County Line Road, Suite 22, Ridgeland, 601.899.0038); The Cedars (4145 Old Canton Road, 601.366.5552); King Edward Hotel (235 W. Capitol St., 601.353.5464)

367 Highway 51, Ridgeland, 601.853.4000 Second (tie): Old House Depot (639 Monroe St. 601.592.6200); Flowood Flea Market (1325 Flowood Drive, Flowood, 601.953.5914) / Third: Interiors Market (659 Duling Ave., 601.981.6020) / Good Showing: Antique Shops of Jackson 4245 Interstate 55 N., 601.982.1881); Belgique (320 Commerce Park Drive, 601.982.6060); Repeat Street (242 Highway 51, Ridgeland, 601.605.9123)

Best Place for a First Date: Babalu Tacos & Tapas 622 Duling Ave., Suite 106, 601.366.5757, babalums.com Second: Keifer’s (705 Poplar Blvd., 601.355.6825; 120 N. Congress St., 601.353.4976) / Third: Table 100 (100 Ridge Way, Flowood, 601.420.4202) / Good Showing: Char Restaurant (4500 Interstate 55 N., Suite 142, 601.956.9562 ); Cups: An Espresso Cafe (Multiple Locations, cupsespressocafe.com); Julep Restaurant and Bar (4500 Interstate 55 N., Suite 105, 601.362.1411); Walker’s Drive-In (3016 N. State St., 601.982.2633)

Work. Live. Play. Prosper.

Best Veterinarian: Briarwood Animal Hospital

Best Caterer: Wendy Putt, Fresh Cut Catering & Floral

1471 Canton Mart Road, 601.956.5030, briarwoodhospital.com

108 Cypress Cove, Flowood, 601.939.4518, wendyputt.com

Second: North State Animal and Bird Hospital (5208 N. State St., 601.982.8261) / Third: All Creatures Animal Care Center (262 New Mannsdale Road, Madison, 601.856.5333) / Good Showing: Animal Medical Center (995 Interstate 20, 601.354.3622); Brandon Animal Hospital (205 Woodgate Drive, Brandon, 601.825.9077); Canton Road Veterinary Hospital (4960 Canton Road, 601.956.6144); Hometown Veterinary Services (1010 Highway 471, Brandon, 601.825.1697)

Best Category We Left Off: Best Zumba Instructor Second: Best Photographer / Third: Best Doula / Good showing: Best Nail Salon/Technician; Best Personal Trainer; Best Travel Agent

Second: Mangia Bene (4465 Interstate 55 N., Suite 101, 601.362.2900) / Third: Cosmopolitan Café and Catering (2947 Old Canton Road, 601.983.4450) / Good Showing: Burgers & Blues (1060 E. County Line Road, Suite 22 Ridgeland, 601.899.0038); Cool Water Café (1011 Lake Harbour Drive, Ridgeland, 601.919.7622); Julep Restaurant and Bar (4500 Interstate 55 N., Suite 105, 601.362.1411); Julie Levanway, Fresh From The Flame (5446 River Thames Road, 601.957.6123); Table 100 (100 Ridge Way, Flowood, 601.420.4202)

Subscribe (free) at jfpdaily.com to get on invitation list for Best of Jackson party in January and other JFP-BOOM throwdowns year-round.

Don’t forget to vote for Best of Jackson 2014. Ballot coming in November at bestofjackson.com.

Best Of Jackson 2013: Urban Living from page 39

Not For Kids Only

Best Kids Event: KidFest! Ridgeland

// by Pamela Hosey

donna ladd

Freedom Ridge Park, 235 W. School St., Ridgeland, 601.853.2011, kidfestridgeland.com Second: WellsFest, Janice Fowler Boyll Park, last weekend in September (1398 Lakeland Drive, wellschurch.org) / Third: Mississippi Children’s Museum (2145 Highland Drive, 601.981.5469) / Good Showing: Boo at the Zoo (October, 2918 W. Capitol St., 601.352.2580); Mississippi State Fair (October, 1200 Mississippi St., 601.362.6121); Pump It Up (1576 Old Fannin Road, Suite P, 601.992.5866); Zippity Doo Dah (March, zippitydoodahparade.com)

Best Yoga Studio: Butterfly Yoga Locals boot-scoot-and-boogied all evening at the 2013 “Ignite the Night” benefit.

esides being an outstanding children’s museum in its own right (it won Best Museum and Best Tourist Attraction), Mississippi Children’s Museum is making a name for itself as an adult-friendly event space. Kids are not the only ones who can enjoy the 40,000-square-foot museum. The traveling exhibit space is 2,350 square feet of colorful ambiance that is the ideal location to host a ball, pageant or elegant reception. The MCM education space, also known as “the clubhouse,” is the perfect 1,600-square-foot location to throw a family or class reunion, baby shower, or an array of parties. Smaller-sized classrooms are also available for more intimate celebrations or meetings. The Mississippi Children’s Museum also hosts an adults-only annual fundraiser each February called “Ignite the Night.” This year’s theme was “Saddle Up, Southern Style.” Grownups dressed up in their western best and came out to help raise money to support the museum’s exhibits, programs and community outreach projects. Entertainment from The Colonels and Dain Edwards kept the dance floor packed, while a mechanical bull routinely tossed guests off in the next room. MCM also caters to adults by hosting the After Hours Adventures program one Friday night each month. The program is a fun, innovative alternative to hiring a baby40

sitter while Mom and Dad enjoy date night. Kids spend the evening at the museum, doing activities to fit a theme—April’s theme will be “We’re Off to See The Wizard,” and May will have a robots and computer theme. Dinner for the kiddos is included in the fee so Mom can spend that extra time preparing for her date instead of cooking.

3025 N. State St., 601.981.6449, butterflyyoga.net Second: The Courthouse (46 Northtown Drive, 601.956.1300) / Third: JoyFlow Yoga (7048 Old Canton Road, Suite 2F, 601.613.4317) / Good Showing: Studio OM (665 Duling Ave., 601.209.6325); Tara Yoga (200 Park Circle, Suite 4, Flowood, 601.932.7700)

Best Women’s Shoes: The Shoe Bar at Pieces 425 Mitchell Ave., 601.939.5203

Best Museum; Best Tourist Attraction: Mississippi Children’s Museum 2145 Highland Drive, 601.981.5469, mississippichildrensmuseum.com

Best Tourist Attraction Second: Old Capitol Museum (100 N. State St., 601.576.6920) / Third: Mississippi Museum of Natural Science (2148 Riverside Drive, 601.354.7303) / Good Showing: Jackson Zoo (2918 W. Capitol St., 601.352.2580); Mississippi Museum of Art (380 S. Lamar St., 601.960.1515); Ross Barnett Reservoir (therez.ms)

Best Museum Second: Mississippi Museum of Natural Science (2148 Riverside Drive, 601.354.7303) / Third: Mississippi Museum of Art (380 S. Lamar St., 601.960.1515) / Good Showing: Mississippi Agricultural and Forestry Museum (1150 Lakeland Drive, 601.432.4500); Old Capitol Museum (100 S. State St., 601.576.6920); Smith Robertson Museum and Cultural Center (528 Bloom St., 601.960.1457)

May - June 2013 // The City’s Business and Lifestyle Magazine

Second: Earth Walk Shoes (4500 Interstate 55, Suite 144, 601.981.1975) / Third: Maison Weiss (4450 Interstate 55 N., Suite 109, 601.981.4621) / Good Showing: Cooke & Love Shoes (4500 Interstate 55 N., Suite 159, 601.362.6088); Material Girls (182 Promenade Blvd., Flowood, 601.992.4533 and Renaissance at Colony Parkway, Suite 5002, Ridgeland, 601.605.1605); Shoe Gallery (820 Wilson Drive, Ridgeland, 601.956.9414)

Best Place to Buy Kids’ Clothes and Toys: Olde Tyme Commissary 4500 Interstate 55 N., Suite 122, 601.366.1849, commissarytoys.com Second: The Children’s Place (1200 E. County Line Road, Suite 127, Ridgeland, 601.206.1162 and 122 Dogwood Blvd., Flowood, 601.919.9717) / Third: Leap Frog Children’s Consignment and More (104 Village Blvd., Madison, 601.898.0727) / Good Showing: Helen’s Young Ages (4750 Interstate 55 N., 601.362.0317); Pop Fizz (1481 Canton Mart Road, Suite E, 601.977.1000); Sweet Dreams Children’s Boutique (1888 Main St., Suite A, Madison, 601.856.2080)

boomjackson.com | bestofjackson.com

The where-to’s and what-for’s in Jackson. The Jackson Convention and Visitors Bureau Meeting Planner

Work. Live. Play. Prosper.

2 Planning a Meeting or Event? Choose Jackson! Have you considered Jackson, Mississippi, for your next event? Jackson is a fresh destination for your corporate conference, industry trade show, family reunion or fraternal celebration. Your event will take center stage while your delegates enjoy the rich, local culture. Here’s why a growing number of meeting planners looking for state-of-the-art facilities find Jackson full of warm hospitality, superb venues and exceptional service: t

Explore 25 unique museums and attractions, nine exciting outdoor attractions, over 300 enticing restaurants, hundreds of annual events and festivals, three historic cultural districts, innumerable visual and performing arts, hot sports action and cool nightlife.

You’ll be able to choose from 47 hotels and inns to suit your taste and budget. New day spas and a variety of other services provide creature comforts.

Marinated in Southern culture, Jackson is home to a multitude of world-class painters, sculptors, dancers, actors, architects, photographers, filmmakers, musicians and artisans of many disciplines. And speaking of the City with Soul … don’t forget fine, home-grown gospel, blues, jazz, rock ‘n’ roll, hip-hop and so many other types of music found all around town. Live music and year-’round festivals enliven your senses and recharge your soul!

The City with Soul is steeped in literary history. Enjoy a tour of Pulitzer Prize-winning author Eudora Welty’s garden and home, one of the most intact literary house museums in the world.

Tour actual locales from Kathryn Stockett’s New York Times best-selling novel “The Help,” also a major motion picture filmed here.

Explore Jackson’s Blues Trail with eleven (and counting) descriptive markers, or relive history through a four-part driving tour of significant Civil Rights Movement sites in the city and discover our growing Mississippi Freedom Trail markers. Discover Jackson’s newest permanent exhibit, “Retrospective Gallery of Medgar Wiley Evers,” at the Smith Robertson Museum

Kids of all ages will love the new Mississippi Children’s Museum that opened in early 2011. The Jackson Zoo is Mississippi’s only AZA-accredited zoological park with more than 120 species and over 750 animals, including many endangered species.

Downtown Jackson blooms with an urban revitalization that has produced new residential havens, a historic hotel, restaurants that teem with young urban dwellers proud of their city and eager to make sure you have a good time while you’re here. Like to eat? There’s fine cuisine from chic, southern fusion to fresh Gulf seafood to amazing Soul food at every turn.

The Jackson Convention and Visitors Bureau offers a range of complimentary meeting planner services, including a promotional news release, materials for registration packets, photos and materials for custom publications, an opening “welcome,” visitor brochures an invitation packet with letters from the governor, mayor, JCVB, attractions, and businesses, an audiovisual presentation of Jackson and on-site registration assistance complete with pre-printed name badges with ribbons. The City with Soul is also a city with service. Let us show you how it’s done in the City with Soul!

WHEN IN ROMEâ&#x20AC;¦ The best way to experience Jackson is to do like the locals do! For the best food, the best atmosphere, and a true taste of Jackson â&#x20AC;&#x201D; the locals know the best places to go. Ask around â&#x20AC;&#x201D; one of our award-winning restaurants is sure to make the list!

ITALIAN RESTAURANT & BAR

PASTA & SEAFOOD BEEF, PORK, VEAL WOOD-FIRED PIZZA SALADS & ANTIPASTO FULL BAR & LOUNGE #1 WINE LIST

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I-55 N @ Northside Dr (E)

565 Taylor Street

I-55 N @ Northside Dr (W)

upper level

in the

downstairs at

H I S T O R I C

Fondren District Tues-Sat 11:30AM-10PM (close at 9PM Sundays)

Tues-Thurs 11AM-9:30PM Fri-Sat 11AM-10PM, Sun 11AM-9PM

Mon-Thurs, 7AM-8PM Fri-Sat 7AM-9PM, Sun 7AM-3PM

601.982.8111

601.368.1919

601.362.2900

BravoBuzz.com

SalAndMookies.com

BroadStBakery.com

Visit our websites to view our full menus.

4 Meeting Planner Guide The Jackson Convention and Visitors Bureau (JCVB) is a valuable partner when planning a meeting in Jackson, Mississippi. Whether this is the first time you have planned a meeting or the tenth, we can offer a variety of assistance and experience. From selecting a hotel or a catering company, to a speaker or entertainment, the JCVB can help. Our service-oriented staff along with this informative Meeting Planner Guide will help make planning a meeting in Jackson fun and easy. This guide is designed to assist you in coordinating a successful and memorable event. The section has been strategically designed to serve as a working guide for you. We’ve tried to make the checklists as complete as possible so you will have all the information you need to plan a successful event—with no surprises!

Working with the JCVB You’ll be better prepared to work with the JCVB if you know the answers to the following questions: 1.

Are you interested in receiving complete hotel and meeting facility information from various venues?

Do you have specific dates for the event? Are dates flexible?

When do you need all your information? Will the proposals be presented to a committee? How many copies will you need?

Who will make the decision regarding your location? What is the timeframe for the decision?

What type of meal functions will your group host, if any?

Will you require meeting space? How much? What day/dates/ time?

Approximately how many will attend each meeting, event and/or food and beverage function?

What is your group’s arrival and departure pattern (days of the week)? How many rooms do you need each night? Do you need guaranteed room rates three days before and after your actual convention?

What other assistance can the Jackson Convention & Visitors Bureau offer?

10. If this is an annual meeting or event, know your group’s history for hotel room pickup. It is very helpful if you can provide two to five years of history from previous meetings. If you do not know this information, try contacting a previous meeting planner, or contacting the hotels or city convention bureaus where the meeting was held. If you have some old conference programs, try looking through them. The hotel information is usually printed in them. We understand some of this information may be difficult to obtain; however, the more you know, the more the JCVB can help in providing useful information. If you at least know the name of the hotel and the city where the meeting was held, that will be a great start.

Jackson Quick Facts The sparkling, new downtown Jackson Convention Complex is a 330,000-square-foot, state-of-the-art facility offering more than 150,000 square feet of luxurious exhibit and meeting space, together with top-notch catering, services and conferencing technology. Jackson offers 47 hotels, flexible meeting space and 5,500 sleeping rooms, 2,000 of which are downtown. Our specialists will help coordinate all your convention needs, including hotels, fascinating tours and fun family activities. The cuisine is classic Southern, ranging from Soul Food to new Southern Fusion to your favorite brands among Jackson’s 300 restaurants! Life in this city pulses with music—gospel, blues, rock, jazz, classical and more. Scores of museums and attractions, hundreds of events, innumerable visual arts, shopping, sports and cool nightlife await you.

Tips: Make Your Meeting Meaningful 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7.

The agenda must be well-focused on the needs of the attendees (objectives, goals). Meetings generally run from 8:00 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. Plan proactive activities to set ground rules for the meeting format. (Small groups should have more activities than larger groups.) Choose facilities that are receptive to your meeting type. Gather as much information as you can about the profile of your meeting participants. Give a copy of the confirmed meeting details to pertinent staff to communicate how the daily events are planned. Know your facilitator’s needs.

YOUR FIRST CHOICE FOR GROUP MEETINGS IN JACKSON & + !% + )+ & &.%+&.% "*&% !% + ,*!% ** % &- )%$ %+ !*+)! + 1 *(, ) + & $ +!% *' 1 *( + ##)&&$ &) ,' +& ' &'# 1 /' )! % &)'&) + +!% + 1 &$'# + )& **!&% # ,*!% ** %+ ) 1 ! ' %+ )% + ** 1 &% ! ) - # 1 , *+ )&&$* % + ) *,!+ * 1 !*+)& *+ ,) %+ &%+!% %+ # !%!% &) ) " *+ #,% % !%% ) 1 !*+)& &,% % #!* ', &) 1 ,+ &&) '&&# .!+ ' %&) $! -! . & + !+0 1 !+% ** %+ ) ! + * &' 1 $!# * )&$ !)'&)+ JACKSON MARRIOTT 200 E. Amite Street Jackson, MS 39201 Phone 601.969.5100 www.marriott.com/janmc

Catering & Events

GREAT FOOD AT OUR LOCATION OR YOURS!

DRIVE-IN

3016 NORTH STATE STREET - FONDREN ARTS DISTRICT - 601.982.2633 - WALKERSDRIVEIN.COM

6 Meeting Meeting and and Event Event Checklist Checklist

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18 Luxurious Guest Rooms and Suites private event and meeting faicilities Southern Cuisine at its finest Relaxing and Rejuvenating 734 Fairview Street, Jackson, MS 39202 601-948-3429 www.fairviewinn.com

Complimentary Services provided by the JCVB The Jackson Convention & Visitors Bureau will assist you in planning a memorable event. Just look at the services we offer: t 8FMDPNF MFUUFS GSPN UIF HPWFSOPS BOE NBZPS t $BOWBTTJOH IPUFMT BOE NPUFMT GPS BWBJMBCMF SPPNT t $PPSEJOBUJOH UPVST GPS ZPVS SFVOJPO t #SPDIVSFT GPS ZPVS JOGPSNBUJPO UBCMF t $PNQMJNFOUBSZ +BDLTPO CSPDIVSFT BOE MPHP CBHT For a complete listing of the complimentary services the Jackson Convention and Visitors Bureau provides, please visit our website at www.visitjackson.com.

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Work. Live. Play. Prosper.

2013

Food & Drink

A Family Legacy // by Brent Hearn // photos by Trip Burns

egacy and institution are easy words to say and write. What’s not so easy is to actually have enough staying power to have a legacy or to become an institution. Primos Café is one of the few dining establishments in Jackson that has earned the right to use those words. With two locations—one on Lakeland Drive in Flowood and one on Lake Harbour Drive in Ridgeland—Primos takes its legacy seriously. It’s a company that seems to have found the right mix of tradition and innovation to create a whole new generation of loyal customers without alienating those old enough to remember the Primos of yore. Angelo “Pop” Primos, an immigrant from Greece, and his wife, Mildred, started the business as a bakery in 1929. With the help of various family members, Pop eventually expanded Primos from a bakery into a café, opening several locations across the city. After a fire burned down Primos Number Two on State Street on Jan. 19, 1994, the Primos family decided not to rebuild at that location. While other family members decided to go in different directions the next year—Will Primos went on to start Primos Hunting Calls, and Ken Primos became a real estate investor—Don Primos became the cafe’s sole proprietor. After the closing of Primos Northgate, which specialized in banquet dining, Don decided to move to more of what Primos’ Director of Operations Tony Mansoor refers to as a “quick, casual concept.” Apparently, it was a good move: Primos Café opened at 2323 Lakeland Drive in Flowood more than 11 years ago to substantial crowds. “Going into it, he didn’t know what to expect or how people were going to respond to it,” Mansoor says. “And the initial response was much greater than he had ever anticipated or planned for.” That overwhelming response led Primos 50

to expand again three years later, this time to its Lake Harbour location in Ridgeland. Both locations still focused on what’s been a staple for nearly a century: its Primos baked goods. While chefs at both locations bake the cookies and other small goodies in the bakery case,

Primos Cafe at 515 Lake Harbour Drive is the newest location for the classic eatery after a century of expansion.

they split up the cake-baking duties. Primos’ most popular cake, caramel, is made at the Lakeland location, and all the other cakes are made at the Lake Harbour location. Baked goods aren’t the only thing that keep people coming back. Primos has blueplate specials every day, some of which people plan their lunch breaks around. “The bulk of our business is lunch. We are known for our blue-plate lunches,“ Man-

May - June 2013 // The City’s Business and Lifestyle Magazine

soor says. “A few items will rotate and change, while a few items always stay the same because there’s such demand for it (that) if we removed it, we’d be run out of town.” Mansoor points out Thursday’s choices of fried chicken or turkey and dressing as an example of one of the specials that’s not going anywhere anytime soon. It would be easy to assume that a restaurant that specializes in such fare as made-fromscratch baked goods and southern comfort food doesn’t put much stock in healthy eating, but that would be a mistake. Mansoor says that all of the six or seven vegetable choices available daily are made fresh in-house. “Don has gone to great lengths to make it as healthy as possible,” Mansoor says. “It’s all vegetable-based items, and if it doesn’t have to be in there from a fat standpoint, then it’s not going to be in there at all.” Given Primos’ history of expansion, one has to wonder what the company has in mind for the future. Mansoor is tight-lipped about details, but does offer a hint about where Primos is headed. “When the time is right, we would like to share Primos with other locations around the Jackson metro area,” Mansoor says. “We feel like there are some strong areas that would be a good fit for Primos, so it’s just a matter of timing and finding the right place and making sure we’re set up to do that.” Mary Claire Primos, marketing director for the restaurants and Don Primos’ daughter, adds that the family plans to continue striving for the highest quality food, in the cleanest environment with the friendliest service in the industry. As for growth, they are exploring more opportunities and location in the Jackson metro. “It’s neat that Primos has been a part of so many people’s lives for such a long period of time,” Mansoor says.

boomjackson.com | bestofjackson.com

Best Breakfast; Best Place for Dessert; Best Plate Lunch: Primos Café 2323 Lakeland Drive, Flowood, 601.936.3398; 515 Lake Harbour Drive, Ridgeland, 601.898.3600 primoscafe.com

Best Place for Dessert Second: Amerigo Italian Restaurant (6592 Old Canton Road, Ridgeland, 601.977.0563) / Third: Sal and Mookie’s New York Pizza and Ice Cream Joint (565 Taylor St., 601.368.1919) / Good Showing: Bop’s Frozen Custard (Multiple Locations, bopsfrozencustard.com); Broad Street Baking Company (4465 Interstate 55 N., Suite 101, 601.362.2900); Char Restaurant (4500 Interstate 55, Suite 142, 601.956.9562)

Work. Live. Play. Prosper.

Best Breakfast Second: Another Broken Egg (1000 Highland Colony Parkway, Suite 1009, Ridgeland, 601.790.9170) / Third: Broad Street Baking Company (4465 Interstate 55 N., Suite 101, 601.362.2900) / Good Showing: Beagle Bagel Café (Multiple Locations, thebeaglebagelcafe.net); Brent’s Drugs (655 Duling Ave., 601.366.3427); Corner Bakery (108 Market St., Flowood, 601.919.9797; 149 Grandview Blvd., Madison, 601.607.7377)

Best Plate Lunch Second: McDade’s Market (Multiple Locations, mcdadesmarkets.com) / Third: Trace Grill (574 Highway 51 N., Suite F, Ridgeland, 601.853.1014) / Good Showing: Cherokee Inn (1410 Old Square Road, 601.362.6388), Cosmopolitan Café (2947 Old Canton Road, 601.983.4450); Georgia Blue (111 Colony Crossing Way, Madison, 601.898.3330)

Best Of Jackson 2013: Food & Drink

from page 51

eople are funny about vegans. Once when we were staying at a bed and breakfast, the check-in lady asked if we had any dietary restrictions. My mother, who is both vegan and polite enough to eat non-vegan food while being a guest, said we didn’t. “Oh good,” the hostess said in the tone of voice that popular kids in high school movies use to describe the marching band. “Those vegans are impossible to feed.” Despite popular misconceptions, food that doesn’t include meat can be delicious. If you don’t believe me, head over to High Noon Café, located in Rainbow Grocery in Fondren. Chef Troy Woodson says he once thought that vegan food was little more then raw vegetables. Woodson started cooking vegan food 15 years ago in Charlottesville, Va. Now, he speaks out against people’s misconceptions of vegan food. “(People) don’t think it tastes good,” he says. “They think it’s just steamed broccoli.” This can result in some awkward interactions. Numerous times, people come into the

Best Place for Healthy Food; Best Vegetarian Options: High Noon Café 2807 Old Canton Road, 601.366.1602, ext. 3

Best Place for Healthy Food Second: Bruno’s Adobo (127 S. Roach St., Suite 1200, 601.944.9501) / Third: Rainbow Natural Grocery Cooperative (2807 Old Canton Road, 601.366.1602) / Good Showing: Aladdin Mediterranean Grill (730 Lakeland Drive, 601.366.6033); Jason’s Deli (1067 E. County

Best Burger; Best French Fries: Burgers & Blues 1060 E. County Line Road, Suite 22, Ridgeland, 601.899.0038, burgersblues.com

Best Burger Second: Mugshots Grill & Bar (4245 Lakeland Drive, Flowood, 601.932.4031) / Third: Stamps Superburger (1801 Dalton St., 601.352.4555) / Good Showing: Cool Al’s (4654 McWillie Drive, 601.713.3020); Five Guys Burgers and Fries (122 Market St., Flowood, 52

trip burns

High Time to Try Vegan // by Mo Wilson

High Noon Cafe can make even the most ardent carnivores consider changing their diet. restaurant after shopping in Rainbow, unaware the menu is vegetarian. “You go get their water and come back, and they might not be there.” Woodson says. Other times, people are still there but ask him to talk them into staying. “Don’t be misled because it’s vegetarian. We actually serve some good food,” he says. The most popular item on the menu is the Blue Bowl. It’s a bowl of brown rice, with various vegetables and a teriyaki, Thai peanut or sesame-ginger sauce. Woodson’s personal Line Road, 601.206.9191); Newk’s Express Café (Multiple Locations, newks.com)

Best Vegetarian Options Second: Aladdin Mediterranean Grill (730 Lakeland Drive 601.366.6033) / Third: Bruno’s Adobo (127 S. Roach St., Suite 1200, 601.944.9501) / Good Showing: BRAVO! Italian Restaurant and Bar (4500 Interstate 55 N., Suite 244, 601.982.8111); Rainbow Natural Grocery Cooperative (2807 Old Canton Road, 601.366.1602); Spice Avenue (4711 Interstate 55 N., 601.982.0890); Table 100 (100 Ridge Way, Flowood, 601.420.4202)

601.919.1995; 1000 Highland Colony Parkway, Suite 2001, Ridgeland, 601.605.1115); Majestic Burger (1067 Highland Colony Parkway, Ridgeland, 601.707.0093)

Best French Fries Second: Cool Al’s (4654 McWillie Drive, 601.713.3020) / Third: Mugshots Grill & Bar (4245 Lakeland Drive, 601.932.4031) / Good Showing: Five Guys Burgers and Fries (122 Market St., Flowood, 601.919.1995; 1000 Highland Colony Parkway, Suite 2001, Ridgeland, 601.605.1115); Rooster’s (2906 N. State St., 601.982.2001); Stamps Superburger (1801 Dalton St., 601.352.4555)

May - June 2013 // The City’s Business and Lifestyle Magazine

favorites are the quesadillas and the “Goodburger,” one of his own creations. Woodson crafted the patty out of blackeyed peas instead of meat. He and the staff tasted it, made a couple of jokes referencing the Nickelodeon classic “Goodburger,” and the name stuck. The ingredients for the meals all come from Rainbow or other local suppliers, and if you are stumped about how to cook a dish, just ask Woodson, and he’ll give you the recipe. “Everything we do in High Noon is so you’ll go buy the ingredients in Rainbow,” Woodson says. He also insists that there’s nothing special or more challenging about cooking vegan food. “It’s no different than any other kind of cooking.” The food on the menu is relatively cheap, with nothing exceeding $10, and that’s before student discounts. The only downside is that the restaurant is only open from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. during the week. For anyone reading who’s still suspicious about the food, know that Chef Woodson is on your side. When I asked him about vegan replacements for cheese, he retorted, “(Personally), there’s no replacement for cheese.”

Best New Restaurant: Bruno’s Adobo 127 S. Roach St., Suite 1200, 601.944.9501 Second: Anjou Restaurant (361 Township Ave., Ridgeland, 601.707.0587) / Third: The Islander (220 E. Northside Drive, Suite 100, 601.366.5441) / Good Showing: Jaco’s Tacos (318 S. State St., 601.961.7001); Signa’s Grille (680 Highway 51 N., Suite E, Ridgeland, 601.853.0266); Sombra Mexican Kitchen (140 Township Ave., Suite 100, Ridgeland, 601.707.7950) boomjackson.com

Best Place to Get Coffee: Cups: An Espresso Café Multiple Locations, cupsespressocafe.com Second: Sneaky Beans (2914 N. State St., 601.487.6349) / Third: Seattle Drip (Multiple Locations, seattledrip.com) / Good Showing: Beagle Bagel Café (4500 Interstate 55 N., Suite 145, 769.251.1892); 100 Mannsdale Park Drive, Suite II, Madison, 601.856.4377; 898 Avery Blvd., 601.956.1773, Ridgeland); Broad Street Baking Company (4465 Interstate 55 N., Suite 101, 601.362.2900), Koinonia Coffee House (136 S. Adams St., 601.960.3008)

Best Ethnic Restaurant; Best Mediterranean/Middle Eastern: Aladdin Mediterranean Grill 730 Lakeland Drive 601.366.6033, aladdininjackson.com

Best Ethnic Restaurant Second: Spice Avenue (4711 Interstate 55 N., 601.982.0890) / Third: Abeba Ethiopian Restaurant, now closed (3716 Interstate 55 N., 601.713.1500) / Good Showing: Babalu Tacos and Tapas (622 Duling Ave., Suite 106, 601.366.5757); Saigon (2640 Lakeland Drive, Flowood, 601.420.4848); Thai House (1405 Old Square Road, 601.982.9991)

Campbell’s

Cakes

// by Kathleen M. Mitchell

t’s not just the sign outside Campbell’s Bakery that looks old-fashioned. The bakers there do most things the old-fashioned way, baking their sweet treats by hand, using ingredients that have been around forever. Although the exact recipe is classiﬁed (you don’t get to be the best by giving away your secrets!), Campbell’s Mitchell Moore shared the ingredients that go into one of the bakery’s most popular orders, the chocolate fudge cake.

semi-sweet chocolate chips

butter sugar

salt vanilla

dark brown sugar

all-purpose ﬂour whole eggs buttermilk

cocoa powder

baking soda

Best Mediterranean/ Middle Eastern Second: Mediterranean Fish and Grill (6550 Old Canton Road, Ridgeland, 601.956.0082) / Third: Petra Café (2741 Old Canton Road, 601.366.0161) / Good Showing: Abeba Ethiopian Restaurant, now closed, (3716 Interstate 55 N., 601.713.1500); Keifer’s (710 Poplar Blvd., 601.355.6825); Mezza (1896 Main St., Madison, 601.853.0876) Spice Avenue (4711 Interstate 55 N., 601.982.0890)

Best Lunch Buffet; Best Soul Food: Mama Hamil’s Southern Cookin’ 480 Magnolia St., Madison, 601.856.4407, hamils.com

Best Lunch Buffet Second: Two Sisters Kitchen (707 N. Congress St., 601.353.1180) / Third: Ichiban (359 Ridge Way, Flowood, 601.919.8879) / Good Showing: Country Fisherman (3110 Highway 80, 601.944.9933); Spice Avenue (4711 Interstate 55 N., 601.982.0890); Thai House (1405 Old Square Road, 601.982.9991)

Best Soul Food Second: Two Sisters Kitchen (707 N. Congress St., 601.353.1180) / Third: Peaches (327 N. Farish St., 601.354.9267) / Good Showing: Bully’s Restaurant (3118 Livingston Road, 601.362.0484); Collins Dream Kitchen (1439 Terry Road, 601.353.3845); Gloria’s Kitchen (2855 Bailey Ave., Suite A, 601.362.0009) Work. Live. Play. Prosper.

Best Bakery, Best Place to Buy Cakes: Campbell’s Bakery 3013 N. State St., 601.362.4628, campbellsbakery.ms

Best Bakery Second: Broad Street Baking Company (4465 Interstate 55 N., Suite 101, 601.362.2900) / Third: Primos Café (2323 Lakeland Drive, Flowood, 601.936.3398; 515 Lake Harbor Drive, Ridgeland, 601.898.3600) / Good Showing: Beagle Bagel Café (Multiple Locations, thebeaglebagelcafe. net); Corner Bakery (108 Market St., Flowood,

Best Asian: Pan-Asia 720 Harbor Pointe Crossing, Ridgeland, 601.956.2958, pan-asia.com Second (tie): Thai House (1405 Old Square Road, 601.982.9991); Mr. Chen’s Authentic Chinese Cooking (5465 Interstate 55 N., 601.978.1865) / Third: Ichiban (359 Ridgeway, Flowood, 601.919.8879) / Good Showing: Bonsai Japanese Steak House (1925 Lakeland Drive, 601.981.0606); Nagoya Japanese Restaurant (6351 Interstate 55 N., Suite 131, 601.977.8881; 111 Colony Crossing, Suite 380, Madison, 601.856.5678); Sakura Bana (4800 Interstate 55 N., Suite 11, 601.982.3035)

601.919.9797; 149 Grandview Blvd., Madison, 601.607.7377); Great Harvest Bread Company (5006 Parkway Drive, 601.956.4406; 500 Highway 51, Ridgeland, 601.856.3313)

Best Place to Buy Cakes Second: Primos Café (2323 Lakeland Drive, Flowood, 601.936.3398; 515 Lake Harbor Drive, Ridgeland, 601. 898.3600) / Third: That Special Touch (2769 Old Brandon Road, Pearl, 601.932.5223) / Good Showing: Crazy Cat Bakers (4500 Interstate 55 N., Suite 173, 601.362.7448); Dream Cakes (1006 Top St., Suite D, Flowood, 601. 992.2708); Fat Cake Guy (5352 Lakeland Drive, Suite 2000, Flowood, 601.992.9623)

Best Doughnuts: Scurlock’s Donut Shop and Eatery 125 S. Congress St., Suite 106, 601.326.8520, scurlockdonuts.com Second: Donut Palace (Multiple Locations, 601.919.8601) / Third: Shipley’s Do-Nuts (103 Highway 80 E., Clinton, 601.925.0020) / Good Showing: Monroe’s (6310 Medgar Evers Blvd., 601.981.3208); Pillow Donuts (1679 Old Fannin Road, Suite D, Flowood, 601.992.6040; 707 Beau Pre Drive, Ridgeland, 601.790.9697); Sweet Sensations (5036 Parkway Drive, 769.233.7409) 53

Ask Mitchell // by Kathleen M. Mitchell

from page 53

trip burns

Best Of Jackson 2013: Food & Drink

Best Beer Selection: The Bulldog 6111 Ridgewood Road, 601.978.3502, bulldog-jackson.draftfreak.com Second: McDade’s Market (Multiple Locations, mcdadesmarkets.com) / Third: Martin’s Lounge (214 S. State St., 601.354.9712) / Good showing: Buffalo Wild Wings (808 Lake Harbour Drive, Ridgeland, 601.856.0789); Hal & Mal’s (200 S. Commerce St., 601.948.0888); Sal & Mookie’s New York Pizza and Ice Cream Joint (565 Taylor St., 601.368.1919)

How many types of wine does BRAVO! stock? On average, we have about 400 labels on the wine list. The last time I did inventory, we had about $66,000 worth of inventory—what we pay, not what the value to the customer would be. And it changes. In the summer, we definitely go through a lot more sauvignon blancs and Rieslings, whereas in the winter, we’ll beef up on (cabernets) and heavier reds. What if someone wants to impress a wino? What should they bring as a host or hostess gift? Well, this is where it can be tricky. I have friends that come in, and some of them are sommeliers as well, and some of them don’t drink domestics that often. They are all about the imports. We have others that come in and they are all about that Stag’s Leap district, that Napa (cabernet). They want something old school like that. So, depending on your person, you need to know them. One thing about the French wines: They’ve been doing it for centuries, so you can pretty much count on the producer delivering quality year after year. And then you get into places like the Napa Valley (where) single-vineyard bottlings are also really reliable year after year. So if you can get something that is single vineyard, whether your person is into foreign or domestic, or cabernets or chardonnay, single vineyards are always a special treat to have as a gift for someone. What about here at BRAVO!—what are your most popular orders? Not too long ago, we added a Francis Ford Coppola wine to our menu. He does a few different collections of wine, one that’s called director’s cut. There’s another that’s called the diamond collection. He does some really high-end wines and then one that’s kind of an everyday value wine that we pour here by the glass that’s called Votre Santé, and it’s the pinot noir that we pour here. It’s a very simple pinot noir, but it’s delicious; we go through a lot of that. Then we have a chardonnay that’s called Simple Life from Don Sebastiani and Sons, and they are four generations of winemakers, so they’ve kept it in the family. And we go through quite a bit of that. And it’s $6.75 a glass, and it’s delicious. Those are probably our top two sellers.

Best Kids Menu; Best Place for Ice Cream: Sal & Mookie’s New York Pizza and Ice Cream Joint 565 Taylor St., 601.368.1919, salandmookies.com

Best Kids Menu

BRAVO!’s resident sommelier Mitchell Earry let us in on the secrets of the wine business.

Best Wine List/Selection: BRAVO! Italian Restaurant and Bar 4500 Interstate 55, Suite 244, 601.982.8111, bravobuzz.com Second: Table 100 (100 Ridge Way, Flowood, 601.420.4202) / Third: Kats Wine and Spirits (921 E. Fortification St., 601.983.5287) / Good Showing: Char Restaurant (4500 Interstate 55 N., Suite 142, 601.956.9562); Parlor Market (115 W. Capitol St., 601.360.0090); Shapley’s Restaurant (868 Centre St., Ridgeland, 601.957.3753)

What do you think the difference is in having a favorite that you pair with everything versus having a variety of wines? I love having a variety of wines, because, first and foremost, we now have Karl Gorline as one of our main chefs. And you never know what he’s going to throw out of that kitchen. The other night he had a bone-marrow encrusted tuna with a black-eyed-pea cake. And then sometimes, he’s going to throw something really old-school French out at you. So you have to have things in your arsenal to pair with his foods. And then we have other chefs that prepare specials as well. And then we have people—last night we had a guest from Germany. So it’s good to have wines from all over the world, because we do have clientele from other countries that come to visit BRAVO! 54

May - June 2013 // The City’s Business and Lifestyle Magazine

Second: McAlister’s Deli (Multiple Locations, mcalistersdeli.com) / Third (tie): Newk’s Express Café (Multiple Locations, newks.com); Primos Café (2323 Lakeland Drive, 601.936.3398; 515 Lake Harbour Drive, Ridgeland, 601.898.3600) / Good Showing: Broad Street Baking Company (4465 Interstate 55 N., Suite 101, 601.362.2900); Burgers & Blues (1060 E. County Line Road, Suite 22, Ridgeland, 601.899.0038)

Best Place for Ice Cream Second: Bop’s Frozen Custard (Multiple Locations, bopsfrozencustard.com) / Third: Cold Stone Creamery (1888 Main St., Suite B, Madison, 601.853.7400) / Good Showing: Berry Berry Good Yogurt (545 Parkway, Flowood, 601.992.2786; 111 Colony Crossing, Suite 490, Madison, 601.898.8286; 1060 Highway 51, Suite A-1, Madison, 769.300.0195); Brent’s Drugs (655 Duling Ave., 601.366.3427); Sweet Tree Yogurt (772 Lake Harbour Drive, Suite 5, Ridgeland, 601.707.5491)

Best Italian: Amerigo Italian Restaurant 6592 Old Canton Road, Ridgeland, 601.977.0563, amerigo.net Second: BRAVO! Italian Restaurant & Bar (4500 Interstate 55 N., Suite 244, 601.982.8111) / Third: Cerami’s Italian Restaurant (5417 Lakeland Drive, 601.919.2829) / Good Showing: Biaggi’s Ristorante Italiano (970 Highland Colony Parkway, Ridgeland, 601.354.6600); Fratesi’s Italian Foods (910 Lake Harbour Drive, Ridgeland, 601.956.2929); Rossini Cucina Italiana (207 W. Jackson St., Suite A, Ridgeland, 601.856.9696)

boomjackson.com

Strange Things Afoot at Mr. Chen’s

t Mr. Chen’s Oriental Supermarket, shoppers are immediately greeted by a mixture of the familiar and the unexpected. The store is the biggest Asian grocery in the Jackson metro area, located off Interstate 55 next to Big Lots. The market features a delightful hodgepodge of ingredients from all over Asia, from Vietnamese pho noodles to the popular Japanese snack food called Pocky. Some of the most bizarre food items are among the more common supermarket ingredients like tomatoes. Here are a few things you might

TRIP BURNS

// by Mo Wilson

ﬁnd tucked away on the shelves at Mr. Chen’s.

Dried Bamboo Fungus (aka Veiled Lady) On an aisle with other dried vegetables and mushrooms, this bag of beige mossy-looking plants was easily the most extreme ingredient. Hailing from China, this bamboo fungus is also called the Veiled Lady due to the moss that hangs down over the stem of the plant. If you’re feeling adventurous, try using it in egg rolls or other vegetarian dishes. The Chicago Reader found someone who used it in a cocktail.

Best Chinese Restaurant: Mr. Chen’s Authentic Chinese Cooking 5465 Interstate 55 N., 601.978.1865 Second: Ichiban Sushi and Chinese Buffet (153 Ridge Way, Flowood, 601.919.0097) / Third: King Buffet (6380 Ridgewood Court Drive, Suite I, 601.956.6700) / Good Showing: Best Wok Chinese Restaurant (225 Meadowbrook Road, 601.368.9555); China Belle (1855 Lakeland Drive, Suite E10, 601.368.9588); Ding How Asian Bistro (6955 Old Canton Road, Ridgeland, 601.956.1717); Five Happiness Chinese Restaurant (2931 McDowell Road Extension, 601.371.8765)

Best Fried Chicken: Two Sisters Kitchen

Pink ﬁsh heads aren’t even the strangest ingredient found at Mr. Chen’s Oriental Supermarket.

Grilled Seaweed Super Crisps Located in the snack-food aisle, this treat comes from the Thai company Tao Kae Noi, which sells other seaweed goodies. The packaging looks a lot like any chip bag (except for the whole seaweed part). Instead of flavors such as “cool ranch” or “nacho cheese,” these come in hot chilli squid flavor. In an aisle full of treasures, it was tough to pick out this a favorite—the shrimp-flavored chips gave it a run for its money.

Banana Flower Find this delicacy in the produce next to the regular bananas. This burgundy ﬂower bud bears little resemblance to a typical banana and must weigh at least a pound. Most common in Thai and Vietnamese cooking, you can peel the ﬂower apart like an

onion to reveal a white heart, which you can be chop up and put into salads or curry.

Fish Head Find pink fish heads the size of two fists in the seafood section. The meat and eyeballs from these heads are usually fried or put into soups. While initially it sounds gross, eating a fish eyeball is probably not so different from sucking a crawfish head.

Red Bean Ice Bar The name of this Korean popsicle, located in the freezer section, tells you everything you need to know. For extra fun, give an unwrapped one to someone, tell him or her it’s strawberry ﬂavored, and see if they notice the difference. For potentially funnier results, try giving it to a toddler.

Best Greek Restaurant: Keifer’s

Best Gumbo: Que Será Será

707 N. Congress St., 601.353.1180

710 Poplar Blvd., 601.355.6825, keifers. net; 120 N. Congress St., 601.353.4976, keifersdowntown.com

2801 N. State St., 601.981.2520, queserams.com

Second: Julep Restaurant and Bar (4500 Interstate 55 N., Suite 105, 601.362.1411) / Third: Mama Hamil’s Southern Cookin’ (480 Magnolia St., Madison, 601.856.4407) / Good Showing: Fannin Mart (5419 Highway 25, Flowood, 601.992.0411); Primos Café (2323 Lakeland Drive, 601.936.3398; 515 Lake Harbour Drive, Ridgeland, 601.898.3600); Table 100 (100 Ridge Way, Flowood, 601.420.4202)

Second: Kristos (971 Madison Ave., Madison, 601.605.2266) / Third: Wraps (1220 E. Northside Drive, Suite 420, 601.366-2006) / Good Showing: Bill’s Greek Tavern (4760 McWillie Drive, 601.982.9295); Krilakis– Casual Greek Dining (207 W. Jackson St., Ridgeland, 601.790.9463); Vasilios Greek Cuisine (828 Highway 51, Madison, 601.853.0028)

Work. Live. Play. Prosper.

Second: Hal & Mal’s (200 S. Commerce St., 601.948.0888) / Third: Char Restaurant (4500 Interstate 55 N., Suite 142, 601.956.9562) / Good Showing: Broad Street Baking Company (4465 Interstate 55 N., Suite 101, 601.362.2900); Fat Tuesday’s (6923 Old Canton Road, Ridgeland, 601.956.2971); Sal & Phil’s (6600 Old Canton Road, Ridgeland, 601.957.1188)

Best Of Jackson 2013: Food & Drink

from page 55

Rib Heaven // by Andrew Ousley

Best Barbecue; Best Place for Ribs: E & L Barbecue

1111 Bailey Ave., 601.355.5035

Best Barbecue Second: Hickory Pit (1491 Canton

two flavors of Nehi ... Or was it Faygo? I can’t remember, but I got a purple one. Nevertheless, the beverages are a moot point because you’ll probably be taking your barbecue home to devour it. There are tables available for dining in, but you get the feeling that they’d just rather you go home to eat. I’ve been to E & L many times, and I’m the only person I’ve ever seen eating inside. The ordering process at E & L is efficient. Orders come out with haste, but in the meantime it’s always nice to watch the pitmaster poke and prod and rearrange the sizzling meat on the revolving racks. It’s an unfortunate cliché to say E & L Barbeque is in a less-than-perfect part of town. Sure, it’s not Highland Village, but I’ve never felt even the slightest bit unsafe at E & L. A security guard is always on hand to allay any unease, but you’ll probably be far too hypnotized by the wafting smell of charred meat to even notice your surroundings. Let’s be honest here: All ribs are good.

Mart Road, 601.956.7079) / Third: Sonny’s Real Pit BarB-Q (2603 Highway 80 W., 601.355.7434; 1374 W. Government St., Brandon, 601.825.7675) / Good Showing: Chimneyville Smokehouse (970 High St., 601. 354.4665); Haute Pig (1856 Main St., Madison, 601.853.8538); State

Best Seafood: Sal & Phil’s

Dry or wet, sweet or tangy, mustard or molasses, ribs are always a treat. There is something Trip Burns

ississippi does not have a horse in the rib race. Unlike Memphis, St. Louis, Kansas City or the Carolinas (Texas, get your beef ribs out of my face), Mississippi lacks a particular style of ribs to claim and obnoxiously champion over all the others. We are, in fact, equal-opportunity pork eaters. I will say this, though—if Mississippi were to declare our own style of ribs, I’d hope they taste something like the ones from E & L Barbeque (1111 Bailey Ave., 601. 355.5035). Drowning in a pool of sweet and tangy sauce, the ribs from E & L are so big they seem more appropriate at a Flintstones feast than in a Styrofoam container. Meaty and tender, these hunks of pork fall apart under their own weight. Sausage links, chicken wings and rib tips are available, but if you are picking a protein at E & L, just get the ribs, or at least the rib tips. Like any self-respecting rib joint, white bread is an automatic side, useful for mopping up that addictive barbecue sauce and occasionally using as a napkin. The usual supplemental fare of baked beans, potato salad and French fries is all available, but deserve no special acclaim. Although, when asked if you’d like barbecue sauce on your fries, please say yes—you won’t regret it. The drink selection is limited to basically

primitive and comforting about eating with your hands, sauce covering your face and the futile reach for a napkin. The worst part about E & L Barbeque, however, is the ride home with the take-out box. I put my ribs in the passenger seat and cautiously strap a seat belt around them, partly to keep them from spilling open and partly to keep myself from reaching over and eating one on the way home.

Street Barbeque (960 N. State St., 601.961.3433)

Best Place for Ribs Second: Sonny’s Real Pit BarB-Q (2603 Highway 80 W., 601.355.7434; 1374 W. Government St., Brandon, 601. 825.7675) /

Third: Hickory Pit (1491 Canton Mart Road, 601.956.7079) / Good Showing: Chimneyville Smokehouse (970 High St., 601. 354.4665); Haute Pig (1856 Main St., Madison, 601.853.8538); State Street Barbeque (960 N. State St., 601.961.3433)

Best Outdoor Dining: Babalu Tacos and Tapas

6600 Old Canton Road, Ridgeland, 601.957.1188

622 Duling Ave., Suite 106, 601.366.5757, babalums.com

Second: The Mayflower (123 W. Capitol St., 601.355.4122) / Third: AJ’s Seafood Grille (223 Ridge Way, Flowood, 601.919.1900) / Good Showing: Bonefish Grill (201 Colony Way, Madison, 601.607.3334); Crab’s Seafood Shack (6954 Old Canton Road, Ridgeland, 601.956.5040); Walker’s Drive-In (3016 N. State St., 601.982.2633)

Second: Que Será Será (2801 N. State St., 601.981.2520) / Third: Keifer’s (710 Poplar Blvd., 601.355.6825; 120 N. Congress St., 601.353.4976) / Good Showing: Burgers & Blues (1060 E. County Line Road, Suite 22, Ridgeland); Kristos–Casual Greek Dining (971 Madison Ave., Madison, 601.605.2266); Walker’s Drive-In (3016 N. State St., 601.982.2633)

May - June 2013 // The City’s Business and Lifestyle Magazine

boomjackson.com

Best Take-Out: OEC Japanese Express Multiple Locations, oecflowood.com Second: Newk’s Express Café (Multiple Locations, newks.com) / Second: BRAVO! Italian Restaurant and Bar (4500 Interstate 55 N., Suite 244, 601.982.8111) / Good Showing: Best Wok Chinese Restaurant (225 Meadowbrook Road, 601.368.9555); Mr. Chen’s Authentic Chinese Cooking (5465 Interstate 55 N., 601.978.1865); Tokyo Express (900 E. County Line Road, Suite 150A, Ridgeland, 601.899.8838; 5050 Interstate 55 N., Suite D, 601.957.1558)

Best Ethnic or Specialty Grocer: Rainbow Natural Grocery Cooperative 2807 Old Canton Road, 601.366.1602, rainbowcoop.org Second: Mr. Chen’s Oriental Supermarket (5465 Interstate 55 N., 601.978.1865) / Third: Aladdin Grocery (740 Lakeland Drive, 601.366.2102) / Good Showing: High Noon Café (2807 Old Canton Road, 601.366.1602, ext. 3); Fresh Market (1000 Highland Colony Parkway, Ridgeland, 601.856.2866); Patel Brothers (1999 Highway 80, Suite 15, 601.353.6611)

Best Wings: Wingstop

Best Restaurant: Table 100

Multiple Locations, wingstop.com

100 Ridge Way, Flowood, 601.420.4202, tableonehundred.com

Second: Buffalo Wild Wings (808 Lake Harbour Drive, Ridgeland, 601.856.0789) / Third: Wing Station (5038 Parkway Drive, 888.769.9464) / Good Showing: American Deli (3645 Highway 80 W., 601.355.2448); Pizza Shack (925 E. Fortification St., 601.352.2001; 5045 Parkway Drive, 601.957.1975); Sal & Mookie’s New York and Ice Cream Joint (565 Taylor St., 601.368.1919)

Second: Walker’s Drive-In (3016 N. State St., 601.982.2633) / Third: BRAVO! Italian Restaurant and Bar (4500 Interstate 55 N., Suite 244, 601.982.8111) / Good Showing: Babalu Tacos and Tapas (622 Duling Ave., Suite 106, 601.366.5757); Julep Restaurant and Bar (4500 Interstate 55 N., Suite 105, 601.362.1411); Parlor Market (115 W. Capitol St., 601.360.0090)

Best Place to Eat When Someone Else Pays: Walker’s Drive-In

Best Japanese/Sushi: Nagoya Japanese Restaurant

3016 N. State St., 601.982.2633 walkersdrivein.com

6351 Interstate 55 N., Suite 131, 601.977.8881; 111 Colony Crossing, Suite 380, Madison, 601.856.5678, nagoyams.com

Second: Char Restaurant (4500 Interstate 55 N., Suite 142, 601.956.9562) / Third: Parlor Market (115 W. Capitol St., 601.360.0090) / Good Showing: Nick’s Restaurant (3000 Old Canton Road, Suite 105, 601.981.8017); Shapley’s Restaurant (868 Centre St., Ridgeland, 601.957.3753); Table 100 (100 Ridge Way, Flowood, 601.420.4202)

Second: Sakura Bana (4800 Interstate 55 N., 601.982.3035) / Third: Little Tokyo (876 Avery Blvd., Ridgeland, 601.991.3800) / Good Showing: Bonsai Japanese Steak House (1925 Lakeland Drive, 601.981.0606); Ichiban (359 Ridge Way, Flowood, 601.919.8879); Wasabi Sushi and Bar (100 E. Capitol St., Suite 105, 601.948.8808)

PRIMOSCAFE.COM

Work. Live. Play. Prosper.

e v o

Multiple Locations, newks.com

Julep deserves boasting rights for having the best brunch in Jackson. The restaurant’s shrimp and grits take hot breakfast cereal to an entirely different level, with smoked Gouda cheese grits and jumbo sautéed shrimp. Don’t be fooled by how simple shrimp toast sounds. This one is baked bay shrimp over Parmesan toast on a bed of sautéed spinach and topped with a lemon beurre blanc. The dish is rich, creamy and complex. Fried green tomatoes star in Julep’s fried green tomato Benedict and their green tomato Napoleon. Julep’s award-winning fried chicken is tossed in a honey-rosemary glaze and served with redskinned mashed potatoes and blackened green beans. The chicken is also available grilled, but do you really want to mess with perfection?

A winner for best sandwiches in Jackson, Newk’s has a great menu that draws devotees to its multiple locations throughout the metro area. Fresh ingredients and plenty of flavor give punch to sandwiches on chewy baguette-style bread, artisan pizzas, hearty soups and generous salads. Chicken salad is a favorite, along with the lobster and crab bisque. The pimento cheese is so good it’s bound to make little old ladies jealous. They’ve even got several vegetarian options, including the vegetarian club sandwich, tomato basil or mushroom bisque soups and the veggie, five cheese or margherita pizzas. At the Roundtable condiment bar, find fresh cracked pepper, hot sauces, roasted garlic cloves, croutons, bread sticks, sweet and sour pickles, capers and Parmesan cheese. What sandwich could not be kicked up by adding some of those?

May - June 2013 // The City’s Business and Lifestyle Magazine

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4500 Interstate 55 N., Suite 105, 601.362.1411 juleprestaurant.com

Best Meal Under $10; Best Sandwich Place: Newk’s Express Café

Best Brunch: Julep Restaurant and Bar

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from page 57

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BEST OF JACKSON 2013: FOOD & DRINK

Best Hangover Food: Cherokee Inn

Most Innovative Menu: Parlor Market 115 W. Capitol St., 601.360.0090, parlormarket.com

1410 Old Square Road, 601.362.6388 cherokeedriveinn.com

From the location and its interior to the food itself, it’s clear that the intent of Parlor Market is to tell a story. The narrative is rich and deeply woven with history, culture and community. The restaurant highlights the culinary ethnicity of the region and maintains close relationships with local farmers and providers. Parlor Market incorporates locally sourced ingredients into its dishes, reﬂecting the myriad of cultures in the region. Contemporary cuisine and tradition meet as you experience the ﬂavors of low country, Cajun and Creole, the Mississippi Delta, Lebanese, Greek, Asian, Italian and Native American cultures. The menu, which changes several times throughout the year, includes seafood from the Gulf Coast up to North Carolina, rabbit, quail, wild game from Texas and heirloom tomatoes its own bartender grows.

The same beloved dive bar that fed you pre-beer, belly-coating greasy goodness also has the answer to your hangover the next day. The Cherokee Inn has great fried dill pickles, gravy fries and burgers to soften the indulgence from the night before. If you need more comfort food for your aching head and unsettled stomach, they have other options, too. An appetizer of comeback sauce and crackers is a southern favorite— saltines are excellent hangover food. The Cherokee Inn’s famous daily plate lunch specials consist of a meat plus three sides. Meat and veggies are packed with amino acids that help the body recover. The house specialty po-boy is the Cherokee. It is on a baguette with thickly sliced ham, deli turkey, bacon, melted cheddar cheese, lettuce and tomatoes.

boomjackson.com

Best Brunch: Julep Restaurant and Bar 4500 Interstate 55 N., Suite 105, 601.362.1411 juleprestaurant.com Second: Nick’s Restaurant (3000 Old Canton Road, 601.981.8017) / Third: Another Broken Egg (1000 Highland Colony Parkway, Suite 1009, Ridgeland, 601.790.9170) / Good Showing: Char Restaurant (4500 Interstate 55, Suite 142, 601.956.9562); Que Será Será (2801 N. State St., 601.981.2520); Table 100 (100 Ridge Way, Flowood, 601.420.4202) Parkway Drive, 601.957.1975).

Best Meal Under $10; Best Sandwich Place: Newk’s Express Café Multiple Locations, newks.com Best Meal under $10 Second: Basil’s (904 E. Fortiﬁcation St., Suite B, 601.352.2002; 2906 N. State St., 601.982-2100) / Third: Brent’s Drugs (655 Duling Ave., 601.366.3427) / Good Showing: Cherokee Inn (1410 Old Square Road, 601.362.6388); Keifer’s (710 Poplar Blvd., 601.355.6825; 120 N. Congress St., 601.353.4976); Primos Café (2323 Lakeland Drive, Flowood, 601.936.3398; 515 Lake Harbour Drive, Ridgeland, 601.898.3600)

Best Pizza: Pizza Shack 925 E. Fortiﬁcation, 601.352.2001; 5045 Parkway Drive, 601.957.1975, thepizzashackjackson.com Second: Sal & Mookie’s New York Pizza and Ice Cream Joint (565 Taylor St., 601.368.1919) / Third: Soulshine Pizza Factory (5352 Highway 25, Suite 1100, Flowood, 601.919.2000; 1111 Highland Colony Parkway, Suite I, Ridgeland, 601.856.8646) / Good Showing: Hungry Howie’s Pizza (7157 Old Canton Road, Ridgeland, 601.898.5008; 1060 Spillway Circle, Brandon, 601.706.0418), Mazzio’s Italian Eatery (Multiple Locations, mazzios.com); Mellow Mushroom (275 Dogwood Blvd., Flowood, 601.992.7499)

Best Mexican/Latin: La Cazuela Mexican Grill 1401 E. Fortiﬁcation St., 601.353.3014, garciarestaurants.net/ cazuela.htm Second: El Potrillo Mexican Restaurant (123 Grand View Blvd., Suite H, Madison, 601.605.9320; 100 Laurel Park Drive, Flowood, 601.939.9900; 1390 W. Government St., Suite D, Brandon, 601.591.1314) / Third: Papitos Mexican Grill (111 Colony Crossing, Suite 400, Madison, 601.605.0275) / Good Showing: Babalu Tacos and Tapas (622 Duling Ave., Suite 106, 601.366.5757); Margaritas Mexican Restaurant (1625 E. County Line Road, 601.957.7672; 737 Clinton Parkway, 601.924.0005); Sombra Mexican Kitchen (140 Township Ave., Suite 100, Ridgeland, 601.707.7950)

Best Sandwich Place Second: Broad Street Baking Company (4465 Interstate 55 N., Suite 101, 601.362.2900) / Third: Basil’s (904 E. Fortiﬁcation St., Suite B, 601.352.2002; 2906 N. State St., 601.982.2100) / Good Showing: Beagle Bagel Café (Multiple Locations, thebeaglebagelcafe.net); Jason’s Deli (1067 E. County Line Road, 601.206.9191); McAlister’s Deli (Multiple Locations, mcalistersdeli.com)

Most Innovative Menu: Parlor Market

115 W. Capitol St., 601.360.0090, parlormarket.com Second: Babalu Tacos and Tapas (622 Duling Ave., Suite 106, 601.366.5757) / Third: Table 100 (100 Ridge Way, Flowood, 601.420.4202) / Good Showing: Bruno’s Adobo (127 S. Roach St., Suite 1200, 601.944.9501); Julep Restaurant and Bar (4500 Interstate 55 N., Suite 105, 601.362.1411); Walker’s Drive-In (3016 N. State St., 601.982.2633)601.981.2520)

Best Hangover Food: Cherokee Inn 1410 Old Square Road, 601.362.6388 cherokeedriveinn.com Second: Keifer’s (710 Poplar Blvd., 601.355.6825; 120 N. Congress St., 601.353.4976) / Third: Burgers & Blues (1060 E. County Line Road, Suite 22, Ridgeland, 601.899.0038) / Good Showing: Que Será Será (2801 N. State St., 601.981.2520); Five Guys Burgers & Fries (122 Market St., Flowood, 601.919.1995; 1000 Highland Colony Parkway, Suite 2001, Ridgeland, 601.605.1115); Pizza Shack (925 E. Fortiﬁcation St., 601.352.2001;5045 Parkway Drive, 601.957.1975)

Work. Live. Play. Prosper.

Best Steak: Shapley’s Restaurant 868 Centre St., Ridgeland, 601.957.3753 shapleysrestaurant.com Second: Tico’s Steakhouse (1536 E. County Line Road, Ridgeland, 601.956.1030) / Third: Char Restaurant (4500 Interstate 55 N., Suite 142, 601.956.9562) / Good Showing: Ely’s Restaurant & Bar (115 W. Jackson St., Ridgeland, 601.605.6359); Kathryn’s Steakhouse (6800 Old Canton Road, Suite 108, Ridgeland, 601.956.2803); Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse (1000 Highland Colony Parkway, Suite 1000, Ridgeland, 601.853.2734); Table 100 (100 Ridge Way, Flowood, 601.420.4202)

Best Taqueria: Taqueria La Guadalupe 6537 Old Canton Road, Ridgeland, 601.206.7776 taguadalupe.com Second: Babalu Tacos and Tapas (622 Duling Ave., Suite 106, 601.366.5757) / Third: Jaco’s Tacos (318 S. State St., 601.961.7001) / Good Showing: Carniceria Valdez (6530 Old Canton Road, Ridgeland, 601.899.6992); La Cazuela (1401 E. Fortiﬁcation St., 601.353.3014); La Morena (6610 Old Canton Road, Ridgeland, 601.899.8821)

Best Veggie Burger: Cool Al’s 4654 McWillie Drive, 601.713.3020, coolals.net Second: High Noon Café (2807 Old Canton Road, 601.366.1513) / Third: Majestic Burger (4943 Old Canton Road, 601.899.8822; 1067 Highland Colony, Parkway, Suite B, Ridgeland, 601.707.0093) / Good Showing: Bruno’s Adobo (127 Roach St., Suite 1200, 601.944.9501); Burgers & Blues (1060 E. County Line Road, Suite 22, Ridgeland, 601.899.0038); Stamps Superburger (1801 Dalton St. 601.352.4555)

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2013

Nightlife & Music

‘Are you going to Martin’s?’ // by Mo Wilson // photos by Trip Burns

most memorable night there as the night indie band Moon Taxi performed. “It was that you were in a bar seeing someone you love, surrounded by people who love it just as much as you,” Ledbetter says. Those people are a smorgasbord of Jackson residents. On any given night (or day) you’ll see anything from middle-aged regulars nursing beers at the bar to a group of college students doing shots in the corner. Stodghill even recalls talking to a man who drove Google Earth’s picture-taking van, and one night a few years back, actor George Clooney apparently walked into Mar tin’s—though the regulars didn’t A night at Martin’s Lounge is always a dive into the unknown. know who he was. Throw in gut Bar owner Joseph Stodghill is commit- ter punks and nurses getting rowdy off $2 margaritas during Tuesday night karaoke, ted to adding diverse, quality music acts to the and you start to get the picture of the person Jackson nightlife scene. “There are too many places in Jackson where you can go hear who goes to Martin’s: almost everyone. “You never know who is going to come through the same stuff on any Friday and Saturday,” the door. For the most part I don’t why, but Stodghill says. He and his staff work to book music that spans genre and era. Recent stand- they’re all pretty original,” Culled says. The magic of the bar is its ability to pull outs include ’90s alternative rock pioneers The Meat Puppets, who were a personal fa- all of these people together for the sake of vorite of Nirvana’s lead singer Kurt Cobain karaoke music, or a just a steady drink. “It’s and hip-hop group Nappy Roots, famous for like a little community,” Ledbetter says. the upbeat single “Good Day.” That community often includes the Concerts at Martin’s are just the right musical guest themselves. The small space mix of a small venue and enthusiastic crowd. of Martin’s means that you not only have a Regular Samantha Ledbetter, 23, recalls her good chance of meeting the band, but sharhe real original gangster of the Jackson bar scene, Martin’s Lounge has been a favorite dive for years. Cheap drinks and a colorful groups of patrons make any night in Martin’s a night to remember—or maybe a night to forget.

May - June 2013 // The City’s Business and Lifestyle Magazine

ing a few drinks with them at the bar. If you don’t know what you’re in for, the place may not look like much. The only working entrance is on the parking lot side of the building, right across from Hal & Mal’s. The smell of cigarette smoke from years past still lingers in the air. As permanent as this smell is the crew of middle-aged men at the bar, who have probably been there since 5 in the afternoon. These regulars caused the bar to be jokingly referred to as Martin’s Adult Day Care by his late father, Calvin. If you go straight back you’ll walk down a brief incline and emerge into a high ceilinged room with a stage on the far wall. The feels like a gritty bar without making you feel like you’ll get a disease from the glasses. Patrons of Martin’s exalt the new renovations that Stodghill made to the back room. He inherited the bar when his father passed away last year. Since then, he has renovated the back room, putting in new floors, a new PA and lighting system. He also has ordered new chairs, tables and bar stools. The next phase of renovation is adding more seating and redoing the bathrooms. Stodghill has future plans to expand into the office building next door. “We want to re-do it and clean up some stuff without really changing it because that’s what gives it its character,” Stodghill says. That character is ultimately one of a quintessential dive bar: a local watering hole where people of all walks of life come in, sit down and talk over a couple of beers. With its revolving cast of “day care” members and awesome concerts every weekend, Martin’s is the go-to place for a cheap, good time. “I don’t have any negative memories of that place,” Ledbetter says.

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Best Dive Bar; Best Place to Drink Cheap: Martin’s Lounge 214 S. State St., 601.354.9712, martinslounge.net

Best Dive Bar Second: Sam’s Lounge (5035 Interstate 55 N., 601.983.2526) / Third: Cherokee Inn (1410 Old Square Road, 601.362.6388) / Good Showing: F. Jones Corner (303 N. Farish St., 601.983.1148); Fenian’s Pub (901 E. Fortification St., 601.948.0055); Shucker’s on the Rez (116 Conestoga Road, Ridgeland, 601.853.0105)

Best Place to Drink Cheap Second: Fenian’s Pub (901 E. Fortification St., 601.948.0055) / Third: Sam’s Lounge (5035 Interstate 55 N., 601.983.2526) / Good Showing: Cherokee Inn (1410 Old Square Road, 601.362.6388); Club Magoo’s (824 S. State St., 601.487.8710); Time Out Sports Café (6270 Old Canton Road, 601.978.1839)

Work. Live. Play. Prosper.

Best Of Jackson 2013: Nightlife & Music

from page 61

Back to the Love

Best Jukebox: Sam’s Lounge 5035 Interstate 55 N., 601.983.2526

// by Darnell Jackson

&B sensation Kerry Thomas brings fresh flavor to the Jackson music scene. Born in Baton Rouge, La., Thomas came to Jackson to attend Tougaloo College, where he obtained an economics degree in 2007 before going on to receive a master’s degree from Jackson State University in 2009. Thomas, 28, decided to seriously pursue a music career after stumbling upon his gift of song in church. “I definitely try to stay humble as possible,” he says.

David Banner, he came to my album release party for my album, “Eye of the Storm,” back in October 2012. … He was a real cool guy, he even took pictures of my album and posted on his Instagram. So at First Friday, I saw him again. I went out to get my microphone, and when I came back, he was sitting down playing my guitar. It was crazy.

Second: Akami Graham / Third: K.D. Brosia Good Showing: A1 (Alry Williams); Lou Writer; Pam Confer; Recognition

Get Social with Kerry: Website: KerryThomasMusic.com Facebook: Facebook.com/KerryThomasMusic Twitter: @RealKerryThomas SoundCloud: KerryThomasMusic YouTube: KerryThomas07

May - June 2013 // The City’s Business and Lifestyle Magazine

courtesy Kerry Thomas

kerrythomasmusic.com

Best LGBT Hangout: Bottoms Up 3911 Northview Drive, 601.981.2188

So tell me about Kerry Thomas—not the singer, but the man? Naturally, I’m an introvert. I grew up as a pretty shy individual; therefore, I guess the music kind of brought that out of me. But I’m a smart guy, a little nerdy at times. I’m very approachKerry Thomas is all about staying humble. able. Everybody that knows me knows that I might be too nice, and that’s probably my flaw. But I feel like that’s important. I don’t want to ever feel like I’m deHe’s a real cool guy, though, and he knows a coutached from being a regular person. I love music ple chords. and it’s always been a part of me, and now more than ever, I really cling to it. It keeps my sanity. How does it feel to win Best R&B Artist? It’s just overwhelming, all of the positive How long have you been into music? What things I’ve been hearing about what I’ve been domade you want to pursue music as a career? ing in a relatively short amount of time. I mean, You know, I’d always sing to myself, and I’d when I can walk in some places, and people know sing in the car when I heard my favorite song. the words to some of my songs, it feels good. I Growing up hearing Stevie Wonder and Luther actually tied last year for Best R&B artist with ML. Vandross on the radio, I’d sing it to myself. And It was my first time in the contest, and I put myI didn’t know it actually sounded good until I got self out there and did a whole big campaign, but the courage to get in front of a crowd and sing this time I really didn’t do that much. So, when I in front of people. I actually started seriously dogot the news this year, I was so surprised. ... It felt ing music around 2005 when I was just singing at good, man, I felt really good to get this one. church. What words do you have for other musicians? Any memorable moments that stand out from Make music because you love it. Make it a performance? because it’s in you, because you have a story to (My band and I) were at the Martini Room tell. I think that’s the most important thing, that for First Friday in March. And it’s a funny story. we don’t (lose that). In my music, I’m trying to get back to the love. I feel like that’s lacking from R&B—it needs a little bit more love. And long as I can keep singing, I’m definitely going to put as much of it as I can into it. Best Local R&B Artist: Kerry

Thomas

Second: CS’s (1359-1/2 N. West St., 601.969.9482) / Third: Crechale’s (3107 Highway 80 W., 601.355.1840) / Good Showing: Cherokee Inn (1410 Old Square Road, 601.362.6388); JC’s Construction (425 N. Mart Plaza, 601.362.3108); Peaches (327 N. Farish St., 601.354.9267)

Second: JC’s Construction (425 N. Mart Plaza, 601.362.3108) / Third: Dick and Jane’s (206 W. Capitol St., 601.952.1000) / Good Showing: Club Metro Reloaded (4670 Highway 80 W., 601.353.0059); Fenian’s Pub (901 E. Fortification St., 601.948.0055); Julep Restaurant and Bar (4500 Interstate 55 N., Suite 105, 601.362.1411)

Best Live Music Venue: Hal & Mal’s 200 S. Commerce St., 601.948.0888, halandmals.com Second: Underground 119 (119 S. President St., 601. 352.2322) / Third: Duling Hall (622 Duling Ave., 601.362.8440) / Good Showing: Burgers & Blues (1060 E. County Line Road, Suite 22, Ridgeland, 601.899.0038); Club Magoo’s (824 S. State St., 601.487.8710); The Penguin (1100 John R. Lynch St., Suite 6A, 769.251.5222)

Best Local Country Artist: Skylar Laine Second: The Colonels / Third: Jason Turner / Good Showing: Crossin’ Dixon; Jason Miller; South of 20

Best Local Cover Band: Diesel 255 diesel255.com Second: The Colonels / Third: Southern Komfort Brass Band / Good Showing: Shadz of Grey, Jason Turner, Hunter Gibson

Best Local Hip-Hop Artist: 5th Child 5thchildmusic.bandcamp.com Second: Kamikaze / Third: Hollywood Luck / Good Showing: David Banner; Jay Lotto; Skipp Coon

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Best Of Jackson 2013: Nightlife & Music

from page 62

Unknown Fenian’s

Best Bar; Best Bar Where Everyone Knows Your Name; Best Open-Mic Night: Fenian’s Pub

// by Molly Lehmuller and Mark Ward

enian’s Pub (901 E. Fortification St., 601.948.0055)—also known as 2013’s Best Bar, Best Bar Where Everyone Knows Your Name, Best Open Mic and Best College Hangout—is a no-cover Belhaven establishment with distinct Gaelic flavor. As frequent Fenian’s patrons and karaoke color commenters, we sat down with front-of-the-house manager Emily McLarty and dug up a few fun facts about the place that offers its customers at least 100,000 salutations. • BORN: Fenian’s was the only Irish bar in Jackson when it began in 1996. • A POWERFUL THIRST: Fenian’s has the largest Irish whiskey and Scotch collection in Jackson. • SEMI-PRO: McLarty says the biggest crowds, by far, come for Monday night karaoke.

• TIME WELL SPENT: Cathy Ambrose has a total of 27 years at the location; she worked for Christo’s, the restaurant that formerly occupied the building. • ERIN GO BRAGH: Fenian’s is named for the legendary warrior-hunter of old Ireland, Finn McCool, who is said to be still sleeping in a cave beneath Dublin, and will rouse to defend Ireland in times of darkness. • GAELIC GRUB: The most popular items on Fenian’s menu are shepherd’s pie (a savory casserole of beef and vegetables, topped with mashed potatoes) and Scotch eggs (hard-boiled eggs wrapped in sausage and deep fried). • SMARTYPANTS: Fenian’s newest feature (for scholars and fools) is a Wednesday night pub quiz, which will run from 7:30 to 10 p.m.

901 E. Fortification St., 601.948.0055, fenianspub.com

Best Bar Second: The Bulldog (6111 Ridgewood Road, 601.978.3502) / Third: Ole Tavern on George Street (416 George St., 601.960.2700) / Good Showing: Hal & Mal’s (200 S. Commerce St., 601.948.0888); Table 100 (100 Ridge Way, Flowood, 601.420.4202); Underground 119 (119 S. President St., 601.352.2322)

Best Bar Where Everyone Knows Your Name

trip burns

Second: Hal & Mal’s (200 S. Commerce St., 601.948.0888) / Third: Ole Tavern on George Street (416 George St., 601.960.2700) / Good Showing: Cherokee Inn (1410 Old Square Road, 601.362.6388); Julep Restaurant and Bar (4500 Interstate 55 N., Suite 105, 601.362.1411); Martin’s Lounge (214 S. State St., 601.354.9712)

Best Open-Mic Night Second: Time Out Sports Café (6270 Old Canton Road, 601.978.1839) / Third: Suite 106 (106 Wilmington St., 601.940.7059) / Good Showing: Last Call Sports Grill (1428 Old Square Road, 601.713.2700); Ole Tavern on George Street (416 George St., 601.960.2700); Soul Wired Café (111 Millsaps Ave., 601.863.6378)

Best New Bar: Capitol Grill

Best Place to Dance: Club Magoo’s

5050 Interstate 55 N., Suite F, 601.899.8944

824 S. State St., 601.487.8710, clubmagoos.com

Second: University Place Sports Bar and Grill (1100 John R. Lynch St., Suite 10, 601.487.8059) / Third: The Islander (1220 E. Northside Drive, Suite 100, 601.366.5441) / Good Showing: Da Shak Bar & Grille (4586 Clinton Blvd., 601.487.8453); The Penguin (1100 John R. Lynch St., Suite 6A, 769.251.5222); Soul Wired Café (111 Millsaps Ave., 601.863.6378)

Second: Bottoms Up (3911 Northview Drive, 601.981.2188) / Third: Underground 119 (119 S. President St., 601.352.2322) / Good Showing: Martin’s Lounge (214 S. State St., 601.354.9712); Ole Tavern on George Street (416 George St., 601.960.2700); Salsa Mississippi (605 Duling Ave., 601.213.6355)

Best Local Jazz Artist: Pam Confer Second: Swing De Paris / Third: Rhonda Richmond / Good Showing: Barry Leach; Lisa Palmer; Raphael Semmes

Best Local Rock Artist: Jason Turner jasonturnerband.com Second: Storage 24 / Third: The Colonels / Good Showing: Chad Wesley; Cody Cox; Kid Vicious

May - June 2013 // The City’s Business and Lifestyle Magazine

Best Original Band (tie): Furrows; Southern Komfort Brass Band Second: Jason Turner / Third: Storage 24 / Good Showing: Liver Mousse; The Colonels

Best Place to Shoot Pool: The Green Room 444 Bounds St., 601.713.3444 Second: Reed Pierce’s (6791 Siwell Road, Byram, 601.376.0777) / Third: Sam’s Lounge (5035 Interstate 55 N., 601.983.2526) / Good Showing: Cherokee Drive Inn (1410 Old Square Road, 601.362.6388); Last Call Sports Grill (1428 Old Square Road, 601.713.2700); Shucker’s on the Rez (116 Conestoga Road, Ridgeland, 601.853.0105)

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Best Of Jackson 2013: Nightlife & Music

from page 65

Jarekus Singleton Plays His Way // by Ross Cabell

He then tore the cartilage in his ankle while playing at a camp. After going through rehab and

Best Place for Cocktails: Julep Restaurant and Bar

Best Place to Watch the Game: The Bulldog

4500 Interstate 55 N., Suite 105, 601.362.1411, juleprestaurant.com

6111 Ridgewood Road, 601.978.3502, bulldog-jackson.draftfreak.com

Second: Table 100 (100 Ridge Way, Flowood, 601.420.4202) / Third: Parlor Market (115 W. Capitol St., 601.360.0900) / Good Showing: Babalu Tacos and Tapas (622 Duling Ave., Suite 106, 601.366.5757); BRAVO! Italian Restaurant and Bar (4500 Interstate 55 N., Suite 244, 601.982.8111); Underground 119 (119 S. President St., 601.326.2322)

Second: Last Call Sports Grill (1428 Old Square Road, 601.713.2700) / Third: Alumni House Sports Grill (110 Bass Pro Drive, Pearl, 601.896.0253) / Good Showing: Buffalo Wild Wings (808 Lake Harbour Drive, Ridgeland, 601.856.0789); Time Out Sports Café (6270 Old Canton Road, 601.978.1839)

Best Local Blues Artist: Jarekus Singleton Second: Jesse Robinson / Third: King Edward / Good Showing: Bobby Rush; Jackie Bell; Scott Albert Johnson

spending 18 weeks on crutches, he found that his dreams of playing professional ball were over. “I’m the type of guy that doesn’t have a plan

Watch for the 2014 ballot in November at bestofjackson.com

B. I stick to plan A. Plan B is a distraction from plan A. But I was like, ‘Jarekus, it’s time for a plan B.’ So that’s what I did,” he said. Singleton turned to music and, to this day, he finds it hard to believe he ended up where he is now. “If you had told me in high school or college that I would be doing music for a living 100 percent, I would have looked at you like you were crazy,” he said. “Basketball took up all my time. That’s all I did. I played music when I went to church.” Things are a bit different for Singleton these days. When he’s not answering his phone for interviews, he’s meeting with record labels, on tour or writing music. Singleton has been steadily gaining momentum, and he plans to take full advantage of the good press he’s received. He already has plans to release two albums within eight months of each other: a live album he recorded at Hal & Mal’s and a studio album he plans to release sometime next winter. He said the newfound attention isn’t about the success of his work but the significance. “I write the music how it comes to me. People argue about how it sounds like this or that or the other thing. There is a feeling. If you hear something and it feels like the blues, that’s the main point about it,” he said. “I just want to be recognized as a hard-working musician, a person that likes doing things the right way and who took his talent responsibly. That’s how I want to be recognized,” he said.

trip burns

very good blues guitarist has a story of pain and suffering. For Jarekus Singleton, it was the heartache of giving up a basketball dream that put him on the path to become one of the most critically acclaimed blues artists in the state. His debut album, 2011’s “Heartfelt,” makes it abundantly clear that his songs are a menagerie of his life experiences. Singleton, 28, was born into a family of musicians. His late grandfather was the pastor of the True Gospel Church of God and Christ in Jackson and played lead guitar at services. His uncle Tony taught Singleton to play bass at age 9, and his grandfather convinced Singleton to pick up the guitar. Music wasn’t Singleton’s first love, however. Going hard in the paint and shooting baskets is where Singleton felt he belonged. With help and a push from his uncle Tim, who Singleton said was good enough to play in the NBA, he excelled at basketball. After high school, Singleton attended the University of Southern Mississippi on a basketball scholarship. His senior year, he transferred to William Carey University, where he was named the NAIA conference national player of the year. Singleton broke a few records and managed to lead the nation in scoring. His first year out of college saw him playing basketball in Lebanon for the Sporting Feytrouns, but after an explosion went off two blocks from his apartment, he knew it was time to get out of the country.

May - June 2013 // The City’s Business and Lifestyle Magazine

Best College Student Hangout (tie): Ole Tavern on George Street; Fenian’s Pub Ole Tavern on George Street (416 George St., 601.960.2700) Fenian’s Pub (901 E. Fortification St., 601.948.0055, fenianspub.com) Second: The Bulldog (6111 Ridgewood Road, 601.978.3502) / Third: Club Magoo’s (824 S. State St., 601.487.8710) / Good Showing: Cups: An Espresso Café (Multiple Locations, cupsespressocafe.com); Sneaky Beans (2914 N. State St., 601.487.6349); University Place Bar and Grill (1100 John R. Lynch St., Suite 10, 601.366.5441)

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Work. Live. Play. Prosper.

2013

Beyond Jackson

A Night with Lady Luck // by Jorge Jiménez

courtesy Ameristar

inally. After a few hours of losing a good sum of money at three-card poker, three 4s flopped in front of me. I looked at the Pair Plus payout table for the $15 bet I had made: 30-1 for a three of a kind—that’s $450. I had also bet $1 on the Progressive: $90 for a three of a kind. Just like that, I was $540 richer. Excited about my new luck, I rushed over to the roulette table and plopped $10 on black and placed bets on the numbers 30-36. First spin: 35-Black. Second Spin: 33-Black. A few more spins, and I was up another $120. I couldn’t believe my luck. But why stop here? I moved to the craps table and played until 6 in the morning. I left with a net of $879 in my pocket. For high rollers, that’s not much, but for a lowly student celebrating the end of the semester, I was my own celebrity. Lady Luck was with me that night. I’ve had plenty of good times with her and friends at the Ameristar Casino. She’s helped me immensely some nights, like when I won $540 on a $16 bet with a three of a kind in three-card poker. But she’s also abandoned me on others. Successfully convincing everyone at the roulette table to

Only a quick jaunt from Jackson, Ameristar promises a good time whether you win or lose. place all their money on red with me only for it to land on black is a quick way to lose friends. The Ameristar Casino, in the historic city of Vicksburg, offers what they call “a premier gambling and entertainment experience.” The Ameristar is disguised as a lavish riverboat anchored in the Mississippi River. At 70,000 square feet, it is the largest casino in the Vicksburg area, with a huge selection of

Best Casino for Shows, Best Casino Hotel: Beau Rivage Resort and Casino 875 Beach Blvd., Biloxi, 888.567.6667, 228.386.7111, beaurivage.com

Best Casino for Shows

Best Casino Hotel

Second: Ameristar Casino (4146 S. Washington St., Vicksburg, 601.638.1000) / Third: Hard Rock Hotel & Casino (777 Beach Blvd., Biloxi, 228.374.7625) / Good Showing: Imperial Palace Casino Resort Spa (850 Bayview Ave., Biloxi, 888.946.2847); Pearl River Resort (13550 Highway 16 W., Philadelphia, 601.663.0656)

May - June 2013 // The City’s Business and Lifestyle Magazine

Best Casino for Gaming: Ameristar Casino 4146 S. Washington St., Vicksburg, 601.638.1000, ameristar.com/Vicksburg Second: Beau Rivage (875 Beach Blvd., Biloxi, 888.567.6667, 228.386.7111) / Third: Hard Rock Hotel & Casino (777 Beach Blvd., Biloxi, 228.374.7625) / Good Showing: Pearl River Resort (13550 Highway 16 W., Philadelphia, 601.663.0656); Riverwalk Casino (1046 Warrenton Road, Vicksburg, 601.634.0100)

gaming options, including more than 1,500 slot and video machines and 27 tables with games such as craps, blackjack, three-card poker, roulette, and Let it Ride (one of the less popular games, but my personal favorite). The Ameristar has both the broadest video poker selection and the only live poker room in the area, with 10 tables. Ameristar also offers weekly poker tournaments. Gamblers wanting to take full advantage of their Ameristar experience should join the Ameristar Star Awards program. Why? Free stuff! I have used monthly offers for free hotel rooms, free table chips and comps for restaurants. The Ameristar also has a partnership with the MGM Company in Las Vegas. Chris Chatham, director of player development at Ameristar, says, “Our members can get offers in the mail, including free hotel stays, and go out to these properties, such as the Bellagio, Aria, and MGM Grand and have a wonderful experience.” In addition to the multitude of gaming options, entertainment is available every Friday and Saturday night at the Bottleneck Blues Bar and the Casino Cabaret. The Bottleneck Blues

boomjackson.com | bestofjackson.com

The Annie Laurie Swaim Hearin Memorial Exhibition Series

Bar hosts some of the top regional blues artists, including top acts from the Memphis International Blues Series. “We have a partnership with the Vicksburg Blues Society. We enjoy supporting our local music heritage and providing free entertainment for our guests,” Chatham says. The Casino Cabaret hosts a variety of regional acts and top lounge acts from across the country. Located on the first floor of the casino, the cabaret plays to the entire gaming floor. “No one else in our market provides this level of entertainment,” Chatham says. All that gambling makes a man hungry. During the week, the crowd favorite Heritage Buffet offers traditional southern foods, meat carvings, made-to-order pasta, brick-oven pizza, an extensive salad bar and the infamous chocolate fountain. On the weekend, the buffet expands its selection to include an ever-popular seafood buffet. From my personal experience, you want to make it early for this one—the line after 7 p.m. is unbelievable. If a buffet doesn’t float your boat, check out Bourbon’s BBQ & Steaks. It is a fine dining restaurant with different entrée, appetizer and drink specials every weekend, and it offers a fantastic view of the Mississippi River. You can also try out Bella’s Bakery and Café, a graband-go restaurant for those guests who wish to spend more time with their slot machines. Ameristar regular and a friend of mine, Michael Mohr, describes his perfect night at the Ameristar: “I love starting off my weekend with the seafood buffet. After that, I spend a couple of hours listening to the blues in the Bottleneck while playing one of the video poker machines in there. It’s a great atmosphere.” He can often be found hours later, playing on his favorite slot: Oodles of Poodles. Although I can’t really help you with your bets, I can tell you I’ve always left Ameristar with good memories—even if I also left with a slimmer wallet. Work. Live. Play. Prosper.

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For nearly twenty years, Cups has supported the vibrant and creative community we call home. The fabric of our neighborhood is woven with artists, writers, and those who love the art that is created. We will always be a place for you to find your creative side in a cup of coffee and a great conversation. It's who we are.

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Events // heritage

1 - History Is Lunch, noon, at Old Capitol Museum (100 S. State St.). Myrlie Evers-Williams talks about her late husband, civil rights activist Medgar Evers, on the 50th anniversary of his assassination. Bring lunch; coffee and water provided. Free; call 601.576.6998.

3-4 - DeafFest Mississippi, at Jackson Convention Complex (105 E. Pascagoula St.). Keith Wann and Wink perform on Adult Night May 3. May 4, enjoy the Deaf Dash 5K at 7:30 a.m., performances at 11 a.m. and artist booths. Ticket prices, see deaffestmississippi.com. 4 - Cinco de Mayo Mississippi Festival May 4, noon-11 p.m., in downtown Jackson. The festival includes a parade, food, jewelry and crafts for sale, kid’s activities, concerts, and the crowning of Miss Cinco de Mayo. For ticket info, visit cincodemayomississippi. com.

4 - Wishmaker’s Ball, 7 p.m., at Country Club of Jackson (345 St. Andrews Drive). The Kentucky Derby-style gala is a fundraiser for Make-A-Wish Mississippi. Includes live and silent auctions, dinner and dancing. $100, $150 couples; call 601.366.9474, ext. 1305; email jwalsh@ms.wish.org; ms.wish.org.

16 - Art for the Park, 6:30-9:30 p.m., at Fairview Inn (734 Fairview St.). The biannual event includes a silent auction, music, a cash bar and refreshments. Proceeds help support maintaining Laurel Street Park. $40; call 662.418.3916, or 601.503.5762 (auction donations); greaterbelhaven.com.

6 - Take a Tasty Bite Out of Crime, 7 p.m., at Highland Village (4500 Interstate 55 N.) Enjoy food and drink samples, and live music. The event is a fundraiser for local law enforcement agencies. $50; call 601.212.0016; tastybiteoutofcrime.com.

MOVED TO JUNE 15

Magnolia Roller Vixens Roller Derby: “Hook, Line, and Sink Her” June 15, 7 p.m. Wear a sailor or pirate costume to get a picture taken with the team. Doors open at 6 p.m. $12 in advance, $15 at the door, $5 children; email info@magnoliarollervixens.com.

8-9 - “Menopause: The Musical,” 7:30 p.m., at Thalia Mara Hall (255 E. Pascagoula St.). The musical parody is about four women sharing their experiences with menopause. $20-$62.50; call 601.981.1847 or 800. 745.3000; menopausethemusical.com.

18-19 - FIGMENT Jackson, at Wilson Street, Midtown Arts District. The annual participatory arts festival includes a street festival May 18 after dark. Summerlong installations accepted. Free; deadline March 30. jackson.figmentproject.org.

10 - “Pops III: Pepsi Pops,” 7:30 p.m., at Old Trace Park (Post Road, Ridgeland). The annual event features the Mississippi Symphony Orchestra and fireworks. Bring a picnic basket for a chance to win a prize. For ticket prices, call 601.960.1565 or visit msorchestra.com.

11 - Stray At Home Art and Music Festival May 11, 11 a.m.-7 p.m., at Amite and Congress streets. Live music, an arts and crafts fair, food, craft beer and a cornhole tournament. Performers: Leagues, the Southern Komfort Brass Band and DJ Young Venom. A portion of the proceeds benefits the Jackson Inner-city Gardeners. Free; strayathome.com.

28 - “Hairspray” through June 9, at New Stage Theatre (1100 Carlisle St.). The musical comedy is about a plus-sized teen who finds stardom through a local television show. $28, $22 seniors and students; call 601.948.3533; newstagetheatre.com.

Jackson area events updated daily at jfpevents.com.

Post your own events or send info to events@boomjackson.com

May - June 2013 // The City’s Business and Lifestyle Magazine

boomjackson.com

courtesy MDAH; flickr/ Deanna Wardin; flickr/marcgbx; courtesy make a wish foundation; flickr/pbuergler; courtesy Gfour productions; flickr/ camera slayer; dane carney; flickr/photonairb; courtesy magnolia roller vixens; courtesy figment; flickr/ village square

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Events // history

1 - C Spire Summer Soaker, 10 a.m., at Mississippi Children’s Museum (2145 Highland Drive) Enjoy, a race, a splash pad, popsicles, information on sun protection and exhibits. $8, children under 12 months and members free; call 601.981.5469; mississippichildrensmuseum.com.

7-9 - Super ’70s Smash, 8 a.m., at Reunion Golf and Country Club (150 Greensward Drive, Madison). Tennis players ages 70 and up compete. $30 entry fee (includes lunch and a gift); call 601.605.8784; email lindseys@mstennis.com; mstennis.com.

7 - Relay for Life - Jackson, 6 p.m., at SmithWills Stadium (1200 Lakeland Drive). The night-long relay race includes a luminaria ceremony and entertainment. Proceeds beneﬁt the American Cancer Society. $10 registration plus fundraising ($100 minimum to receive a T-shirt), fundraising goal of $1,000 for teams; call 601.622.0581.

2 - Cancer Survivors Day, 1-2:30 p.m., at Old Capitol Inn (226 N State St.). Baptist Cancer Services hosts the annual event that includes a guest speaker and refreshments. Registration required. Free; call 601. 948.6262; mbhs.org.

3-4 - “The Addams Family,” 7:30 p.m., at Thalia Mara Hall (255 E. Pascagoula St.). The musical is based on Charles Addams’ classic comic strip. $20-$62.50; call 601.981.1847 or 800.745.3000; kesslerbroadway.com.

4 - “Shearwater: The Christopher and Kristen Hogan Collection” through Nov. 23, at Ohr-O’Keefe Museum of Art (386 Beach Blvd., Biloxi). Free opening reception June 28 from 5-7 p.m. $10, $8 seniors, $5 ages 6-17, children 5 and under free; call 228. 374.5547; georgeohr.org.

10-12 - Medgar Evers 50th Anniversary Commemoration, at multiple Jackson locations. The Evers Institute hosts a series of events to recognize the 50th anniversary of Evers’ assassination. Activities include a civilrights tour, a ﬁlm festival, a youth congress, a memorial service, a chairman’s reception and a tribute gala. Sponsorships start at $500, $100 for tribute gala only; call 662.915.1644 or 800-599-0650; eversinstitute.org.

13-16 - “Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street,” at Madison Square Center for the Arts (2103 Main St., Madison). An ex-con barber seeks revenge on the judge who sentenced him. Shows are June 13-15 at 7:30 p.m. and June 16 at 2:30 p.m. $15, $12 seniors and students; call 601.953.0181.

14 - Art Remix, 7 p.m., at Mississippi Museum of Art (380 S. Lamar St.). Enjoy food, a cash bar, art and music. Blankets and chairs welcome. No outside food or beverages. Free admission, food starts at $5; call 601.960.1515; msmuseumart.org.

20 - Mississippi Main Street Association Awards Luncheon, 10:30-11:30 a.m., at Old Capitol Inn (226 N State St.). The highlight of the 124th annual event is the scholarship auction and showcase that features items from MMSA members. Tables of eight available. $40; email denisehalbach@msmainstreet.com.

21-30 - “Steel Magnolias,” at Actor’s Playhouse (121 Paul Truitt Lane, Pearl). The Robert Harling play is about six Louisiana women. $15, $10 seniors and students; call 601.664.0930; actorsplayhouse.net.

29 - Capital City Roller Girls Roller Derby Game, 6:30 p.m., at Mississippi Trade Mart (1200 Mississippi St.). The team takes on the NSRD Lethal Ladies. $12, children under 12 free, $50 vendors; call 601.383.4885; ﬁnd Capital City Roller Girls on Facebook. JACKSON AREA EVENTS UPDATED DAILY AT JFPEVENTS.COM.

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May - June 2013 // The City’s Business and Lifestyle Magazine

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MY LOCAL LIST

11Visions Vivid

7. 10.

// photos by Trip Burns 5.

1. Broad Street Bakery

(4465 N. Highway 55, Suite 101, 601.362.2900). It’s the 3. perfect place to have a really good breakfast and early morning meetings (actually, meetings at any time of the day). Great service! The Wi-Fi also means you can actually get some work done, if you aren’t too busy “meeting” or socializing.

Developer David Watkins took home the title of Best Visionary for his work redeveloping Jackson. So what are his favorite spots around the city?

2. Campbell’s Bakery

(3013 N. State St., 601.362.4628). Campbell’s has sweet treats galore—wonderful cookies and birthday cakes.

3. King Edward Hotel

(235 W. Capitol St., 601.353.5464). OK, what can I say but that it’s a great place for events, parties, and meeting friends and business associates at the bar or at lunch. (And a great place to send your overnight guests.)

11.

4. Brent’s Drugs

(655 Duling Ave., 601.366.3427). Brent’s is my favorite place for Saturday lunch with grandchildren or just an afterschool chocolate shake.

5. Nick’s

(3000 Old Canton Road, 601.981.8017). The Sunday brunch is excellent— especially the delicious Monte Cristo sandwich. The unlimited bloody Mary bar is also conducive to Sunday afternoon naps!

6. Latitudes

(1491 Canton Mart Road, 601.957.0738). This is the place to shop in a casual, fun atmosphere. Rick, Clifton and Amy are the best, without question. 74

7. Fischer Galleries (3100 N. State St., 601.366.8833). I enjoy the beautiful art on display, and gallery owner Marcy Nessel’s passion for promoting artists is inspiring.

8. Mississippi Museum of Art and the Art Garden

(380 S. Lamar St., 601.960.1515). I really like the museum exhibits, and there is no place better than the Art Garden to relax and enjoy the beautiful art.

May - June 2013 // The City’s Business and Lifestyle Magazine

9. LeFleur’s Bluff State Park (601.987.3923). I love taking the

grandchildren for picnics and fun on the new playground (it’s awesome, even for old folks like me). We usually follow that with a trip to the Museum of Natural Science or the Children’s Museum, and sometimes even a trip across the highway to the Agriculture Museum, which is one of my granddaughter’s favorites.

10. Carroll’s Nursery

(1155 Forest Ave., 601.981.1244). Spring and summer always makes us think of Carroll’s and the beautiful blooming plants and shrubs they have.

11. St. James Episcopal Church

3921 Oak Ridge Drive, 601.982.4880). This is just my favorite place to be. St. James has been there for me at times of great joy and at times of great sadness. boomjackson.com

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