The Town - October 2019

THE BEAT GOES ON KUDZU KINGS MARK 25 YEARS

WRITING HISTORY CHANCELLOR’S HOUSE GIVES NEW LIFE TO FAULKNER’S DESK

BLING BLING SPARKLE CITY ADDS GLITZ AND GLAM TO GAME DAY

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SkyGarden Unveiled Wednesday, October 16, 6:30pm 4th Floor Rooftop Only at The Chancellor's House

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THE TOWN TABL E O F CON TE N TS 3 Letter from the Editor 5 Football | Jerrion Ealy 11 Square Parking guide 13 Game Day Parking & Shuttle Guide 15 September Entertainment Guide 17 Entertainment | Writing History 22 September Music Guide 23 Music | Kudzu Kings 25th Anniversary 29 Dining | The Cakery 34 Recipe | Landshark Cookie Tutorial 37 Cocktail | Bourbon in Oxford 41 Recipe | The Grove Standard Punch 43 Style | Sparkle City 2 T H E TOWN

STAFF PUBLISHER Rebecca Alexander MANAGING EDITOR Anna Guizerix CONTRIBUTING EDITORS Jake Thompson Nathanael Gabler ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES Rhes Low Lauren Jones Delia Childers LAYOUT/DESIGN Design2Pro STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER Bruce Newman CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS Joey Brent

THE TOWN is published

by Oxford Newsmedia LLC. All material in this publication is protected by copyright.

We are located at 4 Private Road 2050 Oxford, MS 38655.

ON COVER: WILLIAM FAULKNER STATUE PHOTO BY BRUCE NEWMAN

I love October.

The weather is finally cooling off, the leaves on the Mississippi Hill Country trees are changing and there isn’t a better time to explore the world around you. With all that wandering, it’s still good to partake in activities that ground you to the place you call home.

That’s what this issue of THE TOWN is about: staying true to our home. Whether you’re an Oxford transplant like me, or a native, there are so many wonderful reasons to celebrate our community – and have fun doing it.

Kicking off this issue is exclusive photos of William Faulkner’s desk, which is being refurbished for interactive display at the Chancellor’s House Cofield Gallery. While acting as postmaster for the City, Faulkner sat at the desk and typed many a letter. We’re lucky enough to have that piece of history preserved for future generations.

Speaking of things that have withstood the test of time, check out page 24 for an exclusive with members of Kudzu Kings, the Oxford original band that just marked its 25th year onstage together.

We can’t mention October without football, and what better (and sweeter) way to do that than featuring the Cakery’s too-pretty-to-eat Rebelsthemed sugar cookies? Plus, you can flip on over to page 34 to learn how to recreate one of their designs for your next football watch party!

Bourbon and Oxford in October go hand-in-hand, so we decided to present you with a literary history of the drink in our town, capped by a potent bourbon punch that was curated by none other than Snackbar Head Bartender Ivy McLellan.

Ole Miss game day finery is never complete without a little glitz and glamor, but who says you have to sacrifice comfort for style? Enter Oxford’s latest soonto-be classic, Sparkle City designs. Based out of New Orleans, Sparkle City is available exclusively at Betts Bennett Designs in Sugar Magnolia.

Regardless of how you celebrate being uniquely Oxford this October, do it with one thing in mind: Preserving the past, while eagerly awaiting what’s to come.

Anna Guizerix T HE TOWN 3

eat. drink. shop.

oxford

OXFORD-LAFAYETTE COUNTY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE Shop Oxford is a program of the Oxford-Lafayette County Chamber of Commerce www.oxfordms.com

FOLLOW US! @ShopOxford @OxfordMSChamber 4 T H E TOWN

JERRION

EALY OLE MISS’S FUTURE AND THE REBELS’ PRESENT

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BY NATHANAEL GABLER PHOTOS BY BRUCE NEWMAN

Walking off the field at the Liberty Bowl in August, Jerrion Ealy was essentially an afterthought.

The Rebel offense had just put together a 10-point day, one in which they ran for 80 total yards at a clip of 2.4 yards per carry. Ealy touched the ball just four times on offense.

They needed to change things, they needed more variety and they needed a spark. A little more Jerrion Ealy over the past two weeks has helped light that fire.

Ealy had his breakout game against Southeastern Louisiana, totaling 273 all-purpose yards and two scores, including a 94-yard kickoff return touchdown in the first quarter. His 273 all-purpose yards broke Dexter 6 T H E TOWN

McCluster’s Ole Miss freshman record from 2006. Ealy looked explosive, dynamic and most surprising, powerful enough to run between the tackles.

“I’m just trying to run away from people that are running towards me.

That’s all I do,” Ealy said. “I had no idea I (broke the record). I was like, really?

Really? Me and Dexter, we’re from the same county, actually. Dexter’s from Leake County. I’m from Leake County.”

A Mississippi kid himself, Ealy is following in McCluster’s footprints.

McCluster is actually The Godfather of one of Ealy’s cousins. McCluster still holds the Ole Miss all-time record for all-purpose yards with 324. Ealy laughs when asked about that second record, saying that’s not exactly in his control.

Offensive coordinator Rich Rodriguez said after the Memphis game that he wanted to get a more balanced snap count at running back.

The next game against Arkansas, Ealy saw the field for 15 offensive snaps and touched the ball seven times. Against Southeastern Louisiana, he was on the field for over 20 snaps, getting ten offensive touches. With Cal in town, he scored yet again. Every game, he’s provided a little more.

“He’s a dynamic playmaker and I think he will only continue to get better,” head coach Matt Luke said. “I think Jerrion ended up being the difference in the game… we have some talented running backs and they’re all a little bit different.

So, we’re going to try and get them as many touches as we can.”

Really, the crazy part is that football might not even be Ealy’s best sport.

He passed up the MLB to come to Ole Miss, where he’ll be playing baseball as well as football. Perfect Game recently T HE TOWN 7

released their rankings of the best incoming freshmen in college baseball for the 2019-20 season. Ealy was No. 1.

Growing up, Ealy said he actually wanted to play offensive line. He marvels at the ability of those guys to be so big, but also so athletic, he said.

It’s not the sexy spot on the football field, but it’s actually the one he wanted to play the most. Therefore, he’s quick to credit their dirty work that often goes unnoticed.

When asked about his ability to play center field at the size of an offensive lineman, he laughs. “I guess I’d just play first base.”

With all this Ealy talk, it’s important to remember that this is still Scottie Phillips’ backfield on the football

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team. As good as Ealy has been in his limited action, it was just that: limited action. Ealy is certainly seeing a little more action each week, but he’s still being considerably outpaced in snaps by Phillips.

But Ealy is okay with being the second fiddle. He actually compares plays where the two of them are on the field together – something that’s been really dynamic for the Rebels the last two weeks – to crickets scattering when you turn on the lights. They can just go anywhere, and you really don’t know what to expect.

“That’s the fantastic part. It’s probably my favorite part about

all of this,” Ealy said. “We have four running backs that can go out there and play. There’s no drop-off between any guy. It’s just phenomenal.”

Ealy is the future, and fans are probably going to continue to see him more and more. And that even will continue onto the diamond.

Against Southeastern Louisiana, Ealy was the dynamic force that everyone expected out of Jackson Prep. And his ever-increasing role is one of the more fun storylines to follow for the 2019 Rebel season and into the baseball season to come. Ealy is earning every touch, and loving every second.

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CITY OF OXFORD DOWNTOWN PARKING DISTRICT

PARKING ON THE SQUARE CAN BE DIFFICULT, ESPECIALLY DURING OLE MISS FOOTBALL SEASON. REFER TO THE SQUARE PARKING DISTRICT MAP AND THESE TIPS TO FIND THE BEST PARKING SOLUTION FOR YOU. T HE TOWN 11

PREMIUM, CURBSIDE PARKING:

TAXI & LIMO SERVICES J&ASIDE FROM PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION, THE CITY ALSO HAS SEVERAL TAXI AND LIMO SERVICES AVAILABLE TO PROVIDE TRANSPORTATION AROUND TOWN AND EVEN TO THE MEMPHIS INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT.

THESE ARE CURBSIDE SPACES LOCATED ALONG THE MAIN ROADS LEADING TO THE OXFORD SQUARE DURING THE HOURS OF 10 A.M. TO MIDNIGHT, MONDAY THROUGH SATURDAYS – HOLIDAYS, SUNDAYS AND FOOTBALL GAME DAYS EXCLUDED. FOOTBALL GAME DAYS ARE RESTRICTED TO 3-HOUR LIMIT.

RATES: $0.05 = 2 MINUTES OF PARKING $0.10 = 4 MINUTES OF PARKING $0.25 = 12 MINUTES OF PARKING $1.25 = 1 HOUR OF PARKING PRO TIP: USE THE PASSPORT PARKING APP TO FEED YOUR METER NO MATTER WHERE YOU ARE ON THE SQUARE. LONG-TERM PARKING LOTS: FOR YOUR CONVENIENCE, THE CITY HAS SEVERAL, OFF STREET SURFACE LOTS, WHICH HAVE NO TIME LIMITS AND PROVIDE FREE LONG-TERM PARKING. CONSULT THE SIGNS AROUND THE SQUARE OR USE THE MAP TO LOCATE THESE LOTS.

J&A TAXI .......................................................................... 662-715-9290 ANGEL TAXI ................................................................. 662-236-5557 REBEL TAXI ..................................................................662-832-7433 ROCK STAR TAXI ....................................................... 662-701-7019 OXFORD TAXI .............................................................. 662-701-7310 AUSTIN TAXI ............................................................... 662-832-9705 A-1 TAXI ............................................................................. 662-380-1581 HOME SAFE TAXI ...................................................662-832-0205 DIXIE TAXI..................................................................... 662-550-0104 COLONEL TAXI ..........................................................662-832-7325 NEED A RIDE...............................................................662-607-2631 OXFORD YELLOW TAXI .....................................662-701-7209 VARSITY TAXI ...............................................................662-832-2197 REBEL RICKSHAW ................................................662-816-9796 TAXI JACKSON..........................................................662-268-9969 COUNTY TAXI .............................................................. 901-270-6138 RANDALL TAXI ..........................................................662-816-3448 ZOE’S TAXI ....................................................................662-202-4681 MAGNOLIA TAXI..................................................... 662-400-5286 Q’S TAXI ..........................................................................662-897-0975 FLYING TUK ..................................................................662-205-6312 DANIELS TAXI AND SHUTTLE .......................662-816-9626

LIMO SERVICE: VARSITY TAXI .............................................................. 662-832-2197 OXFORD LIMOUSINE SERVICE..................662-259-0508

The Oxford Police Department Presents: The 1 th Annual Haunted House OPD Training Building

October 24th, 25th and 26th

715 Molly Barr Road

6-9 pm $5 Admission

1QNBDDCR ADMDEHS SQ@TL@ JHUR ENQ .WENQC 2BGNNK #HRSQHBS Oxford Police Department For general information: (662) 232-2400

12 T H E TOWN

@OxfordPolice @OxfordMSPolice

GAME DAY PARKING PARKING ON OLE MISS GAME DAYS CAN BE TRICKY, BUT THE UNIVERSITY PROVIDES PLENTY OF OPTIONS FOR FANS TO GET TO THE GROVE AND THE GAME SAFELY. SINCE LAST SEASON, ALL GAME-DAY SHUTTLE SERVICES HAVE BEEN COMPLIMENTARY. THERE ARE THREE OFF-CAMPUS PARKING LOTS AND SHUTTLE PICKUP LOCATIONS: FNC PARK, THE JACKSON AVENUE CENTER AND SOUTH OXFORD CENTER, FORMERLY THE SITE OF BAPTIST MEMORIAL HOSPITAL-NORTH MISSISSIPPI. SHUTTLES DROP OFF AT PARIS-YATES CHAPEL ON CAMPUS, A CENTRAL LOCATION BETWEEN TAILGATING FESTIVITIES AND VAUGHT-HEMINGWAY STADIUM. GAMEDAY SHUTTLE SERVICE BEGINS AT LEAST FIVE HOURS PRIOR TO KICKOFF AND ENDS TWO HOURS FOLLOWING THE CONCLUSION OF THE GAME. FANS ARE ASKED TO BE COURTEOUS TO OTHERS AROUND THEM. PLEASE REFRAIN FROM SMOKING AND ABUSIVE OR PROFANE LANGUAGE. ALCOHOL, WEAPONS AND NON-SERVICE ANIMALS ARE PROHIBITED. FANS ARE ASKED TO PLEASE BE RESPECTFUL WITH COOLERS, STROLLERS AND OTHER LARGE ITEMS. DOUBLE DECKER BUSSES WILL ALSO BE OFFERING FREE SHUTTLE RIDES TO AND FROM CAMPUS AND THE SQUARE. THIS SHUTTLE WILL RUN DURING THE GAME AND FOR TWO HOURS AFTERWARD. T HE TOWN 13

GAME DAY PARKING:

ALL PARKING PASSES MUST BE REQUESTED FOR $150 THROUGH THE OLE MISS TICKET OFFICE. THE NUMBER OF PASSES EACH OLE MISS ATHLETICS FOUNDATION MEMBER CAN PURCHASE WILL BE BASED ON THEIR ANNUAL GIFT TO THE FOOTBALL PRIORITY SEATING FUND AS FOLLOWS: $50-$4,999 = ONE PARKING PASS; $5,000-$9,999 = TWO PASSES; $10,000 AND UP = THREE PASSES. PASSES CAN BE PURCHASED ONLINE OR OVER THE PHONE BY CALLING 662-915-7159 AND SPEAKING WITH AN OLE MISS ATHLETICS REPRESENTATIVE. 14 TH E TOWN

EVENTS & ENTERTAINMENT LITERARY BIT OF FAULKNER WEEKEND | MULTIPLE LOCATIONS LOCAL HOTELS, RETAILERS, AND THE YOKNAPATAWPHA ARTS COUNCIL HAVE ALL PARTNERED TO LAUNCH “A LITERARY BIT OF…” A WEEKEND OF EXPERIENCES, OPPORTUNITIES TO EXPLORE, AND CHANCES TO WRITE AND SHARE. THE GOAL TO CREATE A COMMUNAL, CREATIVE EXPERIENCE TO INSPIRE LOVERS OF LITERATURE TO ENJOY AND SHARE THEIR PASSION.

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WHAT TO DO IN OXFORD OCTOBER 5 Oxford Maker’s Market 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Courthouse Lawn Midtown Farmer’s Market 7 to 11 a.m.

Midtown Shopping Center OCTOBER 13 “Intruder in the Dust” 70th anniversary screening Chancellor’s House 6:30 p.m.

OCTOBER 22 Art Crawl 6 to 8 p.m.

Various Locations

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OCTOBER 26

The One Night Stand at the Ole Miss Motel Art Show 5 to 9 p.m. | Ole Miss Motel The One Night Stand is one of the most special and fun nights in Oxford each year. Twelve artists take over twelve motel rooms, for one night only, transforming each room into a gallery for the evening.

In its 13th year, the show will have a special paid preview hour, for the first hour from 5 to 6 p.m., where attendees will get a chance to buy art before anyone else. Food and drinks will be included in this special preview hour price of $20. The show will be free to the public from 6 to 9 p.m. Artists take credit cards and cash for art purchased.

WRITING HISTORY CHANCELLOR’S HOUSE GIVES NEW LIFE TO FAULKNER’S DESK 20 years, their board has lent it to the Chancellor’s House for display The Powerhouse Community and interactive use for visitors of Arts Center in Oxford has had in its the Chancellor’s House, the luxury possession a desk that is said to be hotel located on the corner of William Faulkner’s when he was the University Avenue and South Lamar Boulevard. postmaster in town.

Chancellor’s House manager Clifton After being stored by the Yoknapatawpha Arts Council for Odom proposed the idea to refurbish

BY DAVIS COEN

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*Coupon valid for up four (4) guests to enjoy one (1) free game of bowling. Shoe rental extra. Must present this original coupon at Guest Services upon arrival. Redemption based on lane availability at Premier Lanes Entertainment Center in Oxford, MS and all 4 guests must bowl at the same time on the same lane.Offer valued at up to $20.00. No substitutions, refunds or exchanges and any unused portion of offer is void. Not valid with any other discounts, coupons or offers. Limit one coupon redemption per family/person, per day. Exp: 10/27/19 Offer Code: OEFootball

18 T H E TOWN

the desk to YAC, and take it on loan so that it could be on display.

“Powerhouse long-term leased us the desk for a nominal fee,” Odom said.

The idea was also conceived, in collaboration with Food and Beverage Manager and longtime Oxford resident, Chip Moore, to put a typewriter – very similar to the one that Faulkner used – on the desk so that guests can have the experience of typing a letter just as the Nobel Prize laureate writer once did.

On the matter of the desk’s authenticity, Odom remarked, “I have been a detective –sleuthing, trying to nail down the provenance of this desk… and I traced it back to a local source one degree away from Faulkner.

I have no doubt (it’s legitimate) if this individual donated it to The Powerhouse as Faulkner’s desk as the postmaster.”

The desk is being displayed in conjunction with the second phase of a photography exhibit of the images of the legendary “Cofield Collection,” photographed and archived by Oxford residents JR (Colonel) Cofield and his son Jack.

Odom worked with Jack’s oldest son, John Cofield, and UM Archives to show these images

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in a commercial space for the first time. The collection, spanning from 1928 to 1989, displays fascinating photographic images that provide unique insight into “old Oxford” – and also of William Faulkner.

According to YAC director Wayne Andrews, the desk was a gift to the arts council when the renovation and opening of The Powerhouse took place, and they used it as a reception and information desk at art exhibits.

“The building is in such frequent use for a variety of events that we were concerned over wear on the desk, and thought having it on display at a hotel would be both an 20 T H E TOWN

interesting opportunity for people to connect with the piece of furniture, and provide an opportunity for the those who enter a business on the Square to connect with the Arts Council,” Andrews said.

When local business entities work together, it’s clearly beneficial to each party involved.

“The Chancellor’s House offered to provide funding to help preserve and restore the desk as part of the opportunity to display the piece, which is a benefit to the arts council’s efforts to keep the desk as an active piece of the community,” Andrews said.

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Square Books Announces the Opening of

RARE SQUARE BOOKS

Located on the historic Oxford Square in the space above Square Books, Jr. Now open Tuesday - Saturday, 11 am - 5 pm or by appointment.

Featuring a variety of out-of-print, first edition, signed, collectible and quirky books, priced to suit a range of budgets.

Contact us at 662-234-5921 or email: rare@squarebooks.com 22 T H E TOWN

TOWN TUNES OCTOBER 2 JD McPherson (and his band) 9 p.m.

Proud Larry’s OCTOBER 7 CupcakKe 8 p.m.

The Lyric Oxford OCTOBER 8 Jenny Lewis 7 p.m.

The Lyric Oxford

OCTOBER 10 Julia Jacklin 8 p.m.

Proud Larry’s OCTOBER 18 Maggie Rose 10 p.m.

Proud Larry’s OCTOBER 23 SoDown 9 p.m.

Proud Larry’s

TsuShiMaMiRe 9 p.m.

Proud Larry’s

OCTOBER 26 Hippo Campus 9 p.m.

The Lyric Oxford

OCTOBER 9 Hippie Sabotage 9 p.m.

The Lyric Oxford

OCTOBER 31 Koe Wetzel 8 p.m.

The Lyric Oxford

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BACK TO THE BEGINNING KUDZU KINGS MARK THEIR 25TH ANNIVERSARY IN STYLE

BY DAVIS COEN

One of the major highlights of the early-Fall local music lineup is the return of “Mississippi’s house band,” The Kudzu Kings to the The Lyric in downtown Oxford, on Friday, Oct. ober 4.

The group will be celebrating their 25th anniversary at the historic theatre, which is considered North Mis24 T H E TOWN

sissippi’s foremost live music venue, and has also recently undergone some remarkable renovations.

The Oxford-based country rock band – who has used the portmanteau word “funktry” to describe their music, has built momentum throughout 2019 toward their October event, playing some premier venues in music cities Nashville, Memphis, Atlanta and New Orleans. Original drummer

Chuck Sigler has rejoined the group for recent shows, and has been involved in several leading up to the upcoming milestone celebration.

Another Kudzu Kings’ founding member, guitarist and vocalist Tate Moore (also owner of Off Square Pizza in downtown Oxford) commented on the anticipation and preparation leading up to the show.

“We’ve been gearing up for this 25th anniversary, sticking our toes in the water…kind of hitting all the old haunts that we used to hit,” Moore said. “We played Tipitina’s (in New Orleans) in August, and Chuck (Sigler) hadn’t played there with us since 1997. It’s kind of neat to hit all of these places again with the original lineup.”

The band also celebrated their 20th anniversary at The Lyric theatre, although a difference between that and the upcoming show – for a band

T HE TOWN 25

+PJO VT JO DFMFCSBUJOH ZFBST 5IVSTEBZ 0DUPCFS Q N UP Q N -JWF .BSJBDIJ #BOE .BSHBSJUBT %SBGU BOE #PUUMF #FFS 4QFDJBMUZ )PVTF 4IPU 26 T H E TOWN

“

Everybody that had ever played with us came out for the 20th – Tate Moore

that has included a dozen or so in its personnel throughout the years – is that, according to Moore, “Everybody that had ever played with us came out for the 20th,” where the upcoming intends to hearken back to the original lineup.

Longtime Oxonian George McConnell, guitarist and former member of highly successful jam band Widespread Panic during the early 2000s (who has been consistently playing with the Kudzu Kings since the 20th anniversary show), will also be on board for the 25th anniversary performance.

Affable Kudzu Kings keyboardist – and also founding member –

”

Robert Chaffe, when asked of his thoughts on the 25th anniversary in comparison to the 20th, replied, “We had such a big crowd on the 20th, it was heartwarming to see all of the support we were getting – very extravagant. I imagine the big theme of it may be ‘Back to the Beginning’ with the original six members, bringing it back to 1994… but also with some new things in store.”

Chaffe commented on elements of group’s endurance, “I think what keeps us playing after 25 years is that we all still get along, and that we’re all still friends. It’s enjoying each other’s company, and enjoying the act of playing music with one another.”

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28 T H E TOWN

SWEET

TREATS

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THE CAKERY’S GAME DAY COOKIES TAKE OFF The cookies come in a variety of shapes, colors and sizes, but all are inspired by the Rebels. Whether it’s When Kelli Russell opened The a round cookie with Colonel Reb, a Cakery in 2014, she had no idea cook- Landshark, a cutout of the state or a ies would become such a big part of grove squirrel, The Cakery’s designs her bakery. are always sure to impress at your tailFive years later, she’s selling approx- gate or watch party. imately 80 dozen Ole Miss-themed The cookies begin with a dense-yetcookies every game day weekend. chewy sugar cookie, turned upside down.

PHOTOS AND STORY BY ANNA GUIZERIX

30 T H E TOWN

From there, lead cookie decorator Kaylee Mitchell selects the colors for each design: lots of red and blue, some white, brown and lime green. Sprinkles are never in short supply, either – The Cakery keeps a tall bookshelf stocked with every color, shape and combination the mind can think of – nor is Mitchell’s signature edible silver chrome paint.

“We turn the cookies upside down to decorate them, because the bottom is usually smoother than the top,” Mitchell said.

“It makes for a smoother surface to work on. The only one that’s a challenge is our Mississippi-shaped cookies, because we have to flip them while baking or they’ll come out backwards.”

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Once the cookies are cooled, the Cakery selects the frosting tips needed for each design.

There might be three or four for one cookie, depending on the intricacy of the design, Mitchell said.

Unlike the uber-popular cookie decorating videos on Facebook, which use royal icing, The Cakery uses exclusively buttercream for its cookies. Don’t think you can just buy a jar of Duncan Hines and get the same result, though – the Cakery’s buttercream is unique.

“We use a dryer buttercream than people can get at the store,” Russell said. “We use different shortening, and less water than a typical buttercream. It makes it easier to decorate with.”

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So, how does the Cakery get that smooth, even finish on their cookies?

The answer may surprise you: paper towels. Mitchell recommends a brand like Viva, which isn’t textured and won’t result in little dots being impressed into the frosting.

The cookies are often dipped in sprinkles or topped with metallic accents, each getting the same painstaking attention to detail. It doesn’t matter if a customer wants two cookies, or two hundred – the

Cakery will go above and beyond.

In addition to football cookies, the Cakery does other seasonal designs and even custom designs.

“We love the weird requests,” Russell said. “Anything that lets us be really creative and try new things, we love.”

The Cakery is located off University Avenue in the Oxford East Shopping Center. To learn more or to order your own sweet treats, call (662) 202-6466 or stop by.

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HOW TO:

LANDSHARK COOKIES THE CAKERY’S LANDSHARK DESIGN LOOKS COMPLEX, BUT WITH A LITTLE PRACTICE, EVEN THE MOST AMATEUR COOKIE ARTIST CAN GET THE HANG OF IT!

WHAT YOU NEED: SUGAR COOKIES – THE DENSER THE BETTER COOKIE CUTTERS EDIBLE METALLIC POWDER, AVAILABLE ON AMAZON EVERCLEAR PAINTBRUSH

GRAY BUTTERCREAM FROSTING WHITE BUTTERCREAM FROSTING RED BUTTERCREAM FROSTING BLACK BUTTERCREAM FROSTING PASTRY BAGS AND ROUND DECORATING TIPS

MAKE IT:

1

1) USING YOUR GRAY BUTTERCREAM, FILL IN THE SHARK’S FINS. 2) USE A NONTEXTURED PAPER TOWEL, SUCH AS VIVA BRAND, AND PRESS DOWN LIGHTLY TO SMOOTH THE FROSTING.

3

3) PIPE A CIRCLE ONTO THE BODY OF THE SHARK USING GRAY BUTTERCREAM. SMOOTH WITH PAPER TOWEL.

4) FILL IN THE LANDSHARK’S DORSAL FIN AND SMOOTH, SIMILAR TO THE WAY YOU FILLED IN THE OTHER TWO FINS. 34 T H E TOWN

2 4

5

5) USING THE RED BUTTERCREAM, PIPE A SEMICIRCLE ONTO THE BODY OF THE SHARK TO CREATE A MOUTH AND SMOOTH WITH PAPER TOWEL. 6) USING WHITE BUTTERCREAM, PIPE TWO SMALL CIRCLES ABOVE THE SHARK’S MOUTH TO CREATE EYES. SMOOTH WITH PAPER TOWEL.

6

7) STILL USING THE WHITE BUTTERCREAM, DRAW THE SHARK’S TEETH. THERE SHOULD BE SIX TEETH ON TOP, AND 7 ON THE BOTTOM.

7 9

8) USING BLACK BUTTERCREAM AND A FINEPOINT ROUNDED DECORATING TIP, PIPE TWO SMALLER BLACK CIRCLES ON THE EYES AND SMOOTH WITH PAPER TOWEL.

8

9) ADD TWO MORE WHITE CIRCLES TO ACCENT THE EYES. 10) COMBINE THE EDIBLE METALLIC SILVER POWDER AND EVERCLEAR ACCORDING TO PACKAGE INSTRUCTIONS. PAINT EDGES OF SHARK TO ADD DIMENSION. AFTER PAINTING, USE BLACK BUTTERCREAM AND A FINEPOINT DECORATING TIP TO GIVE THE SHARK GILLS. ENJOY!

10 T HE TOWN 35

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BOURBON IN OXFORD A LITERARY LOVE AFFAIR

BY ANNA GUIZERIX

6

WEEKS

William Faulkner once said, “Civilization begins with distillation,” and we’d like to think he was referring to a good bourbon.

Whether it’s funneled into a flask or infused with herbs and spices, bourbon is a binding force for the social climate in the LOU Community. It’s a salve that soothes the wounds of a less-than-stellar football

AGE MARK TWAIN CLAIMED TO HAVE HAD HIS FIRST TASTE OF THE LIBATION

1

performance. It’s the potion that softens even the most bitter of rivalries. It can be dressed up or down, sipped straight or transformed beyond recognition.

To celebrate our favorite spirit (and pay tribute to this month’s cocktail recipe curated by Snackbar head bartender Ivy McLellan), we thought we’d present a literary history of bourbon.

WILLIAM FAULKNER BOOKS RANKED

BY USE OF THE WORD “WHISKEY”: 1 THE UNVANQUISHED 3 AS I LAY DYING 3 THE SOUND AND THE FURY 8 INTRUDER IN THE DUST 11 THE HAMLET 13 SANCTUARY 16 REQUIEM FOR A NUN 25 THE REIVERS 31 LIGHT IN AUGUST

TEASPOON OF SUGAR WILLIAM FAULKNER CALLED FOR IN HIS LESS-SUGARY MINT JULEP RECIPE T HE TOWN 37

9.5

YEARS RIP VAN WINKLE SLEPT AFTER DRINKING FROM A KED OF LIQUOR IN THE CATSKILLS

ESTIMATED AMOUNT OF LIQUOR IN HUNTER S. THOMPSON’S “IDEAL BREAKFAST”

LEGENDARY LITERARY BOURBON SPOTS IN OXFORD: Rowan Oak: Stop by Faulkner’s home for a tour and see if you can spot his favorite julep cup, still on display.

Rowan Oak is open Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Sunday from 1 to 4 p.m.

Tours are $5, cash only. If you can’t make it by for a tour, take a stroll around the grounds, which are open from dawn to dusk – and if you’re feeling really adventurous, admire the fall foliage on a nature walk through Bailey’s Woods.

St. Peter’s Cemetery: When Faulkner died in 1962, he was laid to rest in Oxford’s Saint Peter’s Cemetery.

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OUNCES

20

Since then, many a student, parent, visitor and fan has taken a shot in front of his grave, leaving the bottle as a tribute to the Nobel Prize-winning wordsmith.

City Grocery: Stop by and have a drink alongside Oxford’s modern masters at City Grocery.

Whether you decide to sit inside at the bar, or enjoy one of the best views in Oxford from the balcony, the inspiration is sure to flow through you. A glance at the bar top will reveal small silver plaques, each with a name and a drink order engraved on them.

These are dedicated to City’s regulars – see if you can spot a familiar name or two.

The Grove: Mentioning the Grove might seem like a freebie, but fear not.

Since wine and beer aren’t

allowed on the Ole Miss campus on game days, but liquor is, bourbon reigns supreme as the tailgating tonic of choice.

Ole Miss fans don’t do anything else halfway, so why should they settle for halfdone, watered-down mixed drinks? Keep reading to learn about an easier-than-youthink, make-ahead, crowd-pleasing punch the folks at your tent will love.

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THE GROVE STANDARD

PUNCH

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BY IVY MCLELLAN, SNACKBAR

INGREDIENTS: 1 750ML BOTTLE OF ROSEMARY-INFUSED BOURBON (McLellan recommends Mississippi-based Old Soul) 2 CUPS CINNAMON SAGE SYRUP, RECIPE BELOW 1 CUP GRAPEFRUIT JUICE (fresh squeezed) 1 CUP LEMON JUICE (fresh squeezed) 4 CUP SODA (McLellan prefers Topo Chico or Jarritos Sparkling Water) Yields about 15 to 20 servings, DEPENDING ON GLASSWARE

MIX MASTER: ROSEMARY BOURBON: PLACE 3-5 SPRIGS OF ROSEMARY INTO BOURBON BOTTLE. THREE IF THE SPRIGS ARE LARGE, FIVE OR MORE IF THEY ARE SMALL. LET SIT AT LEAST OVERNIGHT. THE LONGER IT INFUSES, THE MORE PRONOUNCED THE ROSEMARY FLAVOR WILL BECOME. ONCE INFUSED, STRAIN THE ROSEMARY SOLIDS OFF TO BUILD YOUR PUNCH. YOU CAN USE EXCESS ROSEMARY FOR GARNISH, IF DESIRED. CINNAMON-SAGE SYRUP: 2 AND 1/4 CUPS WATER 2 AND 1/4 CUPS SUGAR 2 CINNAMON STICK 12 SAGE LEAVES AND STEMS

HEAT ONCE SUGAR IS DISSOLVED. ADD CINNAMON AND SAGE TO THE MIXTURE AND LET STEEP UNTIL COOL. TRANSFER TO A SEPARATE CONTAINER AND REFRIGERATE WITH CINNAMON AND SAGE STILL IN THE MIXTURE. ALLOW THE ENTIRE BATCH TO SIT OVERNIGHT AND STRAIN SOLIDS OFF THE NEXT DAY FOR USE. ALLOWING THE MIXTURE TO INCORPORATE OVERNIGHT WILL PRODUCE A BETTER FINAL PRODUCT. IT WILL INFUSE WHILE COOLING BUT NEEDS AT LEAST 2 TO 3 HOURS OF INFUSION TIME TO PICK UP ENOUGH FLAVOR. JUST LIKE WITH THE ROSEMARY, IF YOU HAVE EXCESS SAGE YOU CAN USE IT FOR GARNISH.

FINISHING TOUCHES ROAST CINNAMON STICKS IN AN OVEN FOR 7 MINUTES AT 400 DEGREES. ONCE COOLED, BREAK UP INTO SMALLER PIECES WITH A ROLLING PIN. ROUGHLY CHOP SAGE AND SAGE STEMS. PLACE WATER INTO A MEDIUM SAUCE PAN AND BRING TO A SIMMER ON MEDIUM TO HIGH HEAT. SLOWLY STIR SUGAR INTO WATER UNTIL DISSOLVED. REMOVE FROM 42 T H E TOWN

MIX ALL INGREDIENTS INTO PUNCH BOWL. LADLE OVER ICE AND GARNISH WITH A GRAPEFRUIT SLICE OR LEMON WHEEL. THE INGREDIENTS CAN BE BATCHED INTO BOTTLES WITHOUT THE SODA FOR TRANSPORT IF DESIRED. ONCE YOU ARE READY TO SERVE, YOU CAN JUST TOP WITH SODA TO MAKE FOR AN ON-THE-GO PUNCH.

IN STYLE

BLING BLING SPARKLE CITY BRINGS GLITZ AND GLAM TO THE GROVE

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Sparkle City started making classic jersey tees and sweaters for fans of LSU and the New Orleans Saints. When Higginbotham saw the products, she said she thought they would make the perfect addition to the Grove.

“These designs are just really different and unique,” she said. “It’s not something you see everywhere.”

Mississippi was the natural next step for Sparkle City, and Higginbotham said Oxford just made the most sense.

“Everything I would see in Oxford would look so similar, so I wanted to do something different and

BY CHRISTINA STEUBE

A vendor at Sugar Magnolia has teamed up with a New Orleans clothing company to bring a little more sparkle to game day gear for Ole Miss fans.

Denise Higginbotham is the owner of Betts Bennett Designs, a handcrafted jewelry and unique gift company that operates out of Sugar Magnolia Antique Mall in Oxford. In addition to her own creations, Higginbotham is now selling jersey tees and jersey sweaters from Sparkle City.

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offer a look that was a little more exclusive,” she said. “These jersey tees and sweaters have a traditional throwback look, with a little bit of an edge to them.”

The staple jersey tees are similar to those found in a high-end boutique, and Betts Bennett Designs is the first in the state to carry them. Sparkle City will eventually be expanding to offer sorority looks and tees for other college teams, but with a store located in Oxford, Ole Miss was just the right fit for the company’s Mississippi debut.

A transplant to Mississippi from Missouri, Higginbotham migrated South and married an Ole Miss graduate. She also has a sophomore son at Ole Miss.

“When we were dating for about a year, Steve asked me if I would go in with him on season tickets,” she said. “I bought the tickets, married the graduate and now we’re all in.”

Betts Bennett Designs at Sugar Magnolia is open Monday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. and on Sundays after a home football game.

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