Celebrating 200 years of
Memphis Soul!
MAKE A SPLASH!
Southern Idyll A Collierville Estate Transformed
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CONTENTS MAY 2019
30|HOME FEATURE: A Collierville estate is transformed by designer Cindy McCord to reflect a gracious Southern lifestyle.
40|DESIGN: Designer Sara Walden and her husband make the move from East
Memphis to a downtown condo, where Walden drew design inspiration from the Court 8 | At Home Memphis & Mid South • May 2019 Square balcony view.
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CONTENTS M AY 2 0 1 9
26 98
16 30 40 46
58 78
For You healthy you The Motherhood Maze on a good note Boys and Girls Clubs
Home & Design at home with Lyman Aldrich home feature Southern Idyll design Across the Spectrum in the garden Oxford, MS Landscape Inspiration
Travel & Culture 50 58 70 72 78
80 88 94
getaway Bentonville, AR travel Greece experience this St. Jude Dream Home social Mid South Happenings wedding Hardin/Rivers
Food & Drink entertaining Pretty in Pink dining out The Little Tea Shop in the kitchen Mixed Green Salad with Marinated Shrimp & Goat Cheese
In Every Issue 14 97
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98
84.
Publisher's Note Sources
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MAY 2019 • VOL. 18 NO. 2 PUBLISHER / EDITORIAL DIRECTOR MARGARET MONGER | mmonger@athomemms.com
ART DIRECTOR ANNA HALEY | aleppert@athomemms.com
MANAGING EDITOR AUBREY ANN MONGER | aamonger@athomemms.com
COPY EDITOR TERRI GLAZER
INTERNS HILLARY CLAIRE HANCOCK JAMIE PAYNE
IMAGING COLOR MANAGEMENT CHARLES REYNOLDS | cr@colorretouching.com
ADVERTISING SENIOR ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE HILARY FRANKEL | hafrankel@comcast.net
ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES MEGAN EIDT | meidt@gmail.com BRITTANY SANDERS | brmcdonald45@gmail.com GAIL HARRELL | gharrell@athomemms.com
BUSINESS DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS TRIP MONGER | tmonger@athomemms.com
MARKETING AND CIRCULATION HARRIET W. DEATON | hdeaton@athomemms.com
HOW TO REACH US 320 South Walnut Bend, Suite 11 | Cordova, TN 38018 901.684.4155
WEBSITE: athomemms.com
At Home Memphis & Mid South doesn't accept unsolicited manuscripts. To inquire about freelance opportunities, send a letter, resume and three writing samples to—Editor, At Home Memphis & Mid South: 320 South Walnut Bend, Suite 11, Cordova, TN 38018.
SUBSCRIPTIONS Call 901.684.4155 or subscribe at athomemms. com. Annual subscription rate: $19.95. Single copy price: $4.99. At Home Memphis & Mid South is published 12 times a year. Postmaster: Send address changes to At Home Memphis & Mid South, 320 South Walnut Bend, Suite 11, Cordova, TN 38018. We make every effort to correct factual mistakes or omissions in a timely and candid manner. Information can be forwarded to Trip Monger; At Home Memphis & Mid South, 320 South Walnut Bend, Suite 11, Cordova, TN 38018 or to tmonger@athomemms.com.
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publisher’s note Although I am not originally from Memphis, I have lived here for over 30 years and have enjoyed the festivities that Memphis in May brings. I was a bit shocked when I read about how the festival got its start. I first came to Memphis in the early 80s, and downtown Memphis, to me, was a happening place. Mud Island had a wonderful museum and restaurant. When our kids were young, we enjoyed going and walking along the riverwalk there. We would start “up north” and by the time we reached the “Gulf of Mexico” it was a sure bet that Duncan would have fallen in the “river” several times. I enjoyed our city all year long, but the Memphis in May festival was always a special time that I thought had been happening forever. I never knew the Peabody to be closed or any of the economic glooms that preceded the festival. With that being said, I was really taken aback when I first read Lyman Aldrich’s memories about the creation of the Memphis in May festival. On an ironic note, Lyman and I share the same home town of Natchez, MS, just a few hours down the mighty Mississippi, the Old Man River. I have always enjoyed the fun celebrations the festival brings, but I had little knowledge of the tremendous economic impact for which Memphis in May is responsible. In 2018, the festival generated $137.7 million dollars and supported 1,300 jobs. This came from over 102,000 ticket holders from all over the world. This year the festival salutes 200 years of Memphis and Shelby County! I hope you enjoy this issue and reading about our great city and Mid South area. I hope you get the chance to bring your family and friends to support and celebrate this world-renowned festival and help jumpstart a new century of great music, culinary delights and festive fellowship, all of which complete the soul of Memphis.
— Margaret
Publisher
Photo by Steve Roberts 14 | At Home Memphis & Mid South • May 2019
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at home with
Lyman Aldrich At Home With...
Founder and chairman emeritus of Memphis in May
Text by Terri Glazer Photos courtesy of Lyman Aldrich
Memphis in May is at the top of the list of marquee events in the Mid South. People wait all year long for the calendar to flip to May and the fun to begin, from music to barbecue to more music. But it wasn’t always like that. AHMMS recently sat down with Lyman Aldrich, founder and chairman emeritus of Memphis in May, to talk about how the festival got its start, as well as his dreams for the future of the Bluff City’s premier spring celebration. The social and economic climates were gloomy in Memphis in the early 1970s. “The United States was in a serious recession and in Memphis, it felt more like a depression,” Aldrich recalls. “Imagine Beale Street boarded up; the Peabody Hotel closed and being sold on the courthouse steps; the Orpheum running X-rated movies; no Pyramid; no FedEx Forum; no Harbor Town; no South Bluffs; no South Main; no Mud Island. There were more people living in the jail at 201 Poplar than in the rest of downtown.” All this was exacerbated by the overarching atmosphere of racial tension that came to a head in 1968 when James Earl Ray assassinated Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., in Memphis. Aldrich says, “That incident would change Memphis forever. There were riots in the streets, people killed and hurt, and most of the citizens decided that downtown was too dangerous to visit unless they had to to go to work.“ Although it was a dark period, seeds were being sown for an event that would figure heavily into downtown’s renaissance. In 1968 Alfred Alperin and his wife visited the month-long Edinburgh Festival in Scotland. When they returned home they suggested to the Memphis Chamber of Commerce, which was on the verge of bankruptcy at the time, that it produce a similar event. “In 1974, the Chamber opened the new Cook Convention Center under the banner of the Memphis In May International Festival Society. I was elected in 1974 to become president of the MIM Society board in 1977,” Aldrich says. He was dedicated to re-organizing to move forward, but the Chamber told him to “just tank the effort and that no one would care.” Aldrich and many other dedicated volunteers soldiered on, and it’s a good thing Memphis in May’s pioneers were undaunted. Dr. John Gnuschke, director of the University of Memphis Sparks Bureau of Business and Economic Research says, “I would hate to think where Memphis would be now if there had not been a Memphis in May. It gave the city confidence when we needed it most.” 16 | At Home Memphis & Mid South • May 2019
at home with From the beginning, Aldrich wanted MIM organized to be an economic development entity... honoring countries to invest in Memphis and creating Memphis character events to bring people back downtown. “Japan was honored in 1977, and in 1979 Mayor Bill Morris and Gov. Lamar Alexander went to Japan to recruit companies. They came back with Sharp Electronics and 1,200 jobs,” says Aldrich. Memphis in May has grown exponentially since its infancy, but Aldrich says festival organizers and the city should keep their eyes on its original purpose. “The organization was always to be an economic engine for Memphis,” he says. “The selecting of a country was done in hopes that we could do business with them if we honored them with what we presented about them to the Memphis community. We should not go away from that strategy.” He cautions the city not to “take its foot off the pedal” when it comes to economic growth. “Memphis has had a few successes of late in attracting a couple of businesses and developments, but we also lost Electrolux and over 1,300 jobs.” Ever the innovator, the festival’s director emeritus suggests, “We should look at all the previous honored countries, pick the 10 strongest economies, and get as close to them as possible; build ongoing relationships, like sister city relationships, in those countries. Why not have the Chamber organize trade missions to the countries and invite their business leaders to Memphis?” Aldrich’s dreams for the future of Memphis in May don’t end there. His ideas to continue growing the festival he helped create are many and varied. Following are a few of Aldrich’s suggestions, in his own words. • “Begin working with honored countries three years out to bring the best art they have to Memphis. Remember how wonderful the Wonders Series was?” • “Increase the number of schools in which the students learn about the honored country, with a goal of having 100 percent participating.” • “Set a goal of sending 100 students to visit the honored country each year, as a beginning.” • “Develop an international park with a monument to all the countries that MIM has honored.” • “Organize a permanent museum downtown with all the original poster and Beale Street Music Festival art. The posters are at the airport but they are spread out at every gate… there is no critical mass of this collection. This would be a fabulous exhibit.” • “Organize a barbecue hall of fame. We started this craziness that has spread across the globe; let’s continue to own it…another tourist attraction!” His final recommendation was to create a documentary on the “Memphis Model” of how diverse people can come together in the worst of times, without money or big names, to work to save their city. If that comes to be, there’s no doubt Lyman Aldrich would merit a starring role. May 2019 • athomemms.com | 17
spotlight
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home feature
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healthy you
The Motherhood Maze
Text by Michelle Johns
Becoming a mom is among the greatest gifts I have ever received. The moment I had my first child, I felt like I truly understood what it meant to love something greater than myself. It is through the joys, trials and tribulations of motherhood that I understand God’s love, grace and mercy. I write this article with the knowledge that not everyone has a child or has a good relationship with their mother. If you read my article last year, you know I do not have a strong connection with my mother. Nonetheless, I am thankful for the gift of life I have been given and the gift of a good and connected relationship with my children.
Nonetheless, the time has come. So, how do I do this the third time? Surely by now, I should be an expert, but quite the opposite. The thoughts and questions that race through my mind are endless. Among them are:
As mothers, our role must evolve as our children transition. Humans grow the most and develop the fastest from birth to the age of 18. One only need to look at pictures during this time in life to see the drastic physical changes. The mental leaps are equally dramatic. Mothering through this stage is a great responsibility and requires the most attention. Suddenly, when the child is about 18 years old, both child and mother are faced with the young person’s emerging adulthood.
What could I have done differently to prepare him? Does he know how smart and capable he is? Does he realize the world is filled with great opportunity and he is uniquely capable of creating a special space for himself? Does he know that his plan can evolve and shift, but he must finish college prepared to provide for himself? What will he do when he is faced with opportunities that are not in his best interest? Will he work hard to make the most of the opportunities that come before him? Will he go to class? Will he eat? Should I let him take his car during his freshman year? Will he keep his dorm room tidy? (He certainly does not keep his room tidy at home, and in the dorm he will have a roommate.) Will he wash his clothes? Will he participate in school-sponsored extracurricular activities? Will he engage with his professors?
I have been blessed with three uniquely gifted children. My youngest is 18 and currently transitioning from high school to college. He feels ready and prepared, although I admit I do not. I am anxious, fearful and just as unprepared to let him go as I was with the first two.
What will life be like when my husband and I are the only two at home? How will we spend our evenings now that we don’t have basketball games, track meets and ultimate frisbee to occupy our extra time?
A couple of years ago, in a conversation with a single woman in her late thirties, owner of a small business, she flippantly, sarcastically, and in an eye-rolling manner remarked, “My mother was one of those stay-at-home types that built her life around her children.” I felt a pang in my heart for her mother. What a gift, to give your whole life to your children! And children, what a gift that your mother would spend life giving you the best she had to offer. She loved you, cared for you and centered her world around raising you to be the best you can be.
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I must admit, I am a mom with a life of my own outside of my children. I have several passions and make time to enjoy the things that matter to me. Whether a mother chooses to pursue her own interests or build her life completely around her children, she must allow her child to emerge as an adult and build his or her own life, just as she has done with her family. So how do we make the most of this transition? Here are a few goals for mothers whose children are about to fly from the nest. • I will ask my child how he feels about the transition. • I will affirm his gifts and abilities. • I will share my fears and knowledge. • I will call him during his first week of college and every week thereafter, without shame. However, I will make sure our conversations are about his experiences and I will ask how I can support him as he navigates life on his own. • I will encourage him and allow him to make his own decisions. I will allow him to rise and fall on his own merit. • I will use the collegiate years to encourage and support him in making preparations for life after college as an emerged adult. • I will continue to enjoy my passions and make time for myself every day. • I will invite my husband to join me more often in my activities and seek to do things he enjoys more often.
With this shift of mindset, I will hardly have time to ruminate over the loss of my son as a child. I will be busy focusing on joyfully supporting him in a new capacity and discovering the “new normal” for my husband and myself. This time of emerging is a transition for us all, but one that I firmly believe must happen. I would like to see my child finish college with a plan for living on his own and ready to take his place as an adult in society. For this to happen, my role must shift to that of a supporting mom to create space for his autonomy, backed by my grace, love and mercy. For questions or comments, please write me at mjohns@transforming-wellness.com.
Michelle Johns is a corporate onsite health promotion specialist, integrative health and wellness educator, yoga teacher, food literacy educator and a green smoothie connoisseur. She graduated from the University of Memphis with a B.S. in psychology, is a certified health coach from the Institute of Integrated Nutrition and an RYT 200 yoga teacher. Her approach to well being and living your best life every day focuses on the foundations of self-awareness, self-care and self-discovery through whole mind, body and spirit nutrition. Johns educates clients through a journey focused on the way the whole self is nourished through food, career, relationships, exercise and spirituality. Her ultimate goal is to help clients discover not only how to live longer, but to live better by honoring the unique individual with compassion and self-love as they were created.
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home feature
Text and photography by Ross Group Creative 30 | At Home Memphis & Mid South • May 2019
Southern
Designer Cindy McCord transforms a Collierville estate into a home reflecting a gracious Southern lifestyle
Idyll
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home feature
Turning off a road just outside the Memphis city limits in a rural area of Collierville, a single-lane drive approaches a pond and then veers through a thin wood and around a shore where it is commonplace to see a great blue heron wading in the shallow water near the bank. A glimpse of a house appears through the trees—a stately Southern home set on a pastoral 100-acre site. Built in 1994, the exterior of Harriet and Hilliard Crews’ 10,000-squarefoot home is nearly identical in style to an iconic antebellum 19th-century Greek Revival Louisiana plantation house. Massive Doric columns frame deep, two-story galleries around three sides of the house, and the entire structure is set in a lush landscape.
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home feature While this bucolic setting has always worked perfectly for the Crews family, the interior layout needed some renovation to better fit their current lifestyle. An updated kitchen and main living areas redesigned to accommodate large gatherings were at the top of the couple’s agenda, so they engaged interior designer Cindy McCord to spearhead the project. McCord then brought in Jeff Bramlett to handle the architectural redesign along with builder Thomas Wirth. The resulting product is a collection of perfectly balanced spaces conducive to entertaining large groups yet comfortable and casual enough for everyday living. Southern homes often feature a blend of English and French design elements, and the Crews’ redesign draws on this historical trend while incorporating a modern feel. This is most evident in the central feature of the renovation, the new kitchen. Here McCord paired traditional English-style, raised-panel cabinetry crowned by cove molding with a grand French-inspired range hood. The custom hood has a patinated pewter finish and is trimmed with handsome brass straps. McCord repeated the brass element in the cabinet hardware as well as in the double-pendant light fixture which takes its inspiration from turn-of-the-century mercantile shop lighting. Blended with these traditional elements is a modern, open-concept kitchen floor plan featuring a floating island bordering a seating area with a fireplace. Stepping up into the adjacent cozy nook with a mixture of comfortable banquette seating and chairs, the family can enjoy expansive views of the estate grounds while dining every day.
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home feature
To balance the openness of this modern kitchen layout with the couple’s desire to entertain, the design incorporates a scullery behind the main kitchen range wall. It serves as a fully functional second kitchen and also provides more room for storage. The cabinetry design is the same as in the main kitchen, but the centerpiece of the room is an eye-catching custom solid walnut table, perfect for food preparation. A butler’s pantry with a shimmering mother-of-pearl tile backsplash includes even more storage and provides another area for food and drink service. The space is situated between the main kitchen and the newly positioned formal dining area, cleverly placed behind the curving central staircase in the entry.
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home feature Built in Dallas and shipped to the site for installation, the staircase is a well-loved original feature of the house, and the relocation of the dining room allows for another opportunity to enjoy views of this architectural detail.
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home feature
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home feature
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home feature The redesigned, vaulted living room showcases McCord’s transitional aesthetic. Located adjacent to the main kitchen, the room is accessed through two arched cased openings or from a gallery hallway. Brass tiered chandeliers hang above two main seating areas; a third conversation nook is tucked into a windowed bay. In this room and throughout the home, McCord used a mix of antiques sourced on trips to Atlanta and some reproductions. Furniture is custom-upholstered in soft blues, greens and creams and is tailored but comfortable. McCord’s work has resulted in an airy, tranquil feeling about the room where large groups can gather but where the couple can also sit and enjoy time together.
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home homefeature feature
The renovation also includes another area perfect for entertaining, a new outdoor space with a covered seating area and spacious patio. At one end of the patio a fire pit with dedicated seating overlooks the swimming pool. The space is ideal for large gatherings but functions well for smaller groups with its cozy seating. As with the interior spaces, the outdoor redesign achieves its goal. The entire renovation provides a beautiful, spacious place for large-scale entertaining while remaining livable for two. And it looks as if it has always been a part of this gracious Southern estate.
Sources
• Lighting and Interior Door and Cabinet Hardware: Graham’s Lighting • Stone: Christie Cut Stone • Plumbing: Ferguson’s • Cabinetry: Midtown Cabinetry and Millwork • Countertops and Backsplash: Triton Stone • Custom Vent-A-Hood: Lipford Sheet Metal
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design
Across the
Spectrum
Text by Terri Glazer | Photography by Steve Roberts
From the moment Sara Walden first stepped into this downtown condo, she was sure of two things: it would be her new home, and the setting would drive its design. 40 | At Home Memphis & Mid South • May 2019
“I knew in my head how I wanted it to look,” she recalls. “Clean, mainly white...I was just really into the idea of everything being black and white. The condo looks out onto Court Square, and Walden knew an uncomplicated decor palette would allow the beautiful park to be the star of the visual show. Just outside the unit’s almost floor-to-ceiling windows is “all the color I could want, and it changes every season,” she says. Walden, owner of Sara Walden Interiors, and her husband Bill moved into the condo a year ago after having lived in the Kirby Woods area of East Memphis for over a decade. They raised their son in the neighborhood, but after he went off to college and their nest was empty, the couple started contemplating a change. “Once our son left we were just living downstairs in one bedroom, a kitchen and the office. The house wasn’t being used at all.” May 2019 • athomemms.com | 41
design
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A trend Walden observed among her design customers started her thinking. “I was constantly coming across clients who lived in the [East Memphis] area whose children were grown, and they were all selling their homes and moving downtown. I had done three or four condos downtown for empty nesters. I kept seeing them move and every time I went downtown I thought, ‘We could do this.’” A switch from suburban neighborhood to city center felt comfortable for the Waldens, who had lived in urban environments over the years, from Asia to South America, in the course of Bill’s career. “A condo life wasn’t such a foreign thing to us,” Sara says. The Waldens went into their potential move with a no-hurry, wait-until-the-right-thing-comesalong attitude, but the plan shifted into high gear as soon as they saw the condo they now call home. “There was no way I could not live in it!” she says. Walden describes herself as the kind of designer who likes to do the “pretty” work rather than major remodels, so “move-in ready” was at the top of her list of requirements for a new place. “The condo was so already done, it convinced me that this was my space. The heavy lifting was done!” she says. The move gave her the chance to make a major shift not only geographically, but also in the look and feel of her home. “I got the opportunity to have a new style for my lifestyle now,” Walden says. “I didn’t want what I used to have; I wanted something different, and the aesthetics of this condo allowed it. We had had a more traditional style of home and I wanted something more modern now.
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design Simple and clean lines drive the design throughout the home. To achieve a more of-the-moment look, Walden had to start almost from scratch when it came to furnishings. She chose chic white upholstered pieces and paired them with wooden case goods, modern accents and pops of black. Sisal rugs take the place of the elaborate Oushak carpets that filled Walden’s previous home. For all the new things she selected for the condo, there was one long-held treasure she could not leave behind. A wooden coffee table with graceful curved iron legs now sits between facing sofas in the living room. Purchased years ago during a trip to Bali, the table has gone with the family to every home in which they’ve lived. A few built-in pieces left by the prior owners also worked beautifully with the pared-down vibe. The dark wood unit that anchors a wall in the living room is a study in simplicity. Walden points out that she didn’t fill every nook of it with knick knacks, and most of the spots that are filled have only candles. “They are budget friendly and party ready,” she says, noting that they warm the area with a welcoming light when it’s time to entertain. In the end, the black-and-white color scheme of Walden’s new home is a perfect metaphor for larger aspects of her life. The ultimate opposites in colors that work together so well in the decor symbolize the ease with which she has moved from one end of the spectrum to the other—suburban mom to downtown empty nester.
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in the garden
Landscape Inspiration Text and Photographs courtesy of Sharon Morris
Cultivate your green thumb during a Landscaping Camp held in historic Oxford, Mississippi. Consistently recognized as one of the most beautiful in America, the University of Mississippi campus is a feast of color for the eye. A landscape team of more than 30 full-time employees manages more than 1,000 acres, including the famous Grove area, the golf course, numerous beds throughout campus, and all entrances. Using a mix of seasonal flowers including tulips, marigolds and pansies, the team cultivates color and beauty year-round. Forsyth Fountain 46 | At Home Memphis & Mid South • May 2019
in the garden At the helm of the landscape team is Jeff McManus, director of landscape services for Ole Miss. For the third year in a row, he is sharing insider tips you can use to make your own patch of land pop. In collaboration with the Oxford-Lafayette County Chamber of Commerce, McManus is leading a Landscaping Camp, which provides attendees with the inside scoop on what it takes to create the horticultural beauty on campus, as well as at several gardens and historical places around Oxford. The award-winning event, set for May 24-25 in Oxford, includes educational seminars with leading botanical experts including Katherine Sharp of Farmstead Florals; Greg Pinion, Superintendent of Buildings and Grounds for the City of Oxford; and Dr. Ed Croom, retired botanist from the University of Mississippi and author of The Land of Rowan Oak, an Exploration of Faulkner’s Natural World. The camp begins with an opening night dinner and book signing, where attendees will receive a copy of one of McManus’ books. During the camp, attendees will be treated to an immersive walking tour of the Ole Miss campus and enjoy a tour of Oxford from the famous Double Decker Bus. The tour includes numerous historic sites throughout town, as well as a tour of the gardens inspired by McManus at the home of Jodie and Bo Marsalis.
If managing 1,000 acres sounds a bit overwhelming, rest easy. The camp is designed to include practical advice, low-maintenance techniques and creative approaches to beautifying landscapes of any size. Kathy Lewis of Burnside, KY, attended a previous camp and put what she learned to good use in her own yard. “The pruning techniques I learned are invaluable. My crepe myrtles and azaleas look wonderful this spring,” she says. In addition to lessons on pruning and fighting weeds in any landscape, the weekend includes sessions on floral arranging and the history of many plants in the region. “The Landscaping Camp was a gift for my birthday from my fiancé and he couldn't have chosen anything better,” says Melissa Mills, an Oxford native now residing in Baton Rouge, LA. “I learned a great deal about not just landscaping, but also arranging flowers, the history of some of our favorite fruits and vegetables, as well history about Ole Miss that I never knew. The Landscaping Camp was a great trip filled with all the things I love: landscaping, the outdoors, and history. I hope to be able to do it again.” Pack comfortable shoes and a camera, and reserve your spot for Landscaping Camp today. The cost is $300 per person, excluding hotel accommodations. To reserve, contact the Oxford-Lafayette County Chamber of Commerce at 662.234.4651. Lodging may be made online at www.theinnatolemiss.com using group code 4332, or by calling 888.486.7666. May 2019 • athomemms.com | 47
Mother's Day Gift Guide
gift guide
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- Wax Buffalo Pure Soy Candle Co - $28 . Slip™ for beauty sleep "Slipsilk™"Pure Silk Sleep Mask - Nordstrom; nordstrom.com - $50 . Kendra Scott Kirsten earrings in Black Opaque Glass -Candle & Gift Shoppe; Batesville, MS - $65 . Maya Angelou Pillow - Fussbudget; fussbudget.com - $365 . Butterfly Chip & Dip Server - Two Doors Down; Germantown, TN - Call for pricing . Dia Stud Earrings - Holly Winter Fine Jewelry; Germantown, TN - Call for pricing . Mark Edge earrings - Trove; Oxford, MS - Call for pricing . Yellow Fire Collection ring - Jeweler’s Choice; Memphis, TN - $3,750 . Luxxe Pom Pom Throw - Fussbudget; fussbudget.com - $165 . Travel Jewelry Case - Mark and Graham; markandgraham.com - $69, Add monogram for $10 . PJ Harlow Elijah Robe - Southern Avenue; Germantown, TN - $88 . Kendra Scott Kingston necklace - Candle & Gift Shoppe; Batesville, MS - $85 . Super Mom Dish Towel - Anthropologie; anthropologie.com - $20 . Brighton Infinity Sparkle Necklace - Center Stage Fashions; Hernando, MS - $48 . Julio Designs Phone Stand and Grip - Betty Hays Boutique; Memphis, TN - Call for pricing . Nature Creations handcrafted birdhouses from recycled wood and metal - Mid South Nursery; Tupelo, MS - Prices start at $40 . Susan Gordon wavy shaped handmade ceramic bowl with gold rim; available in various colors and sizes. - Blair Haus; Tupelo, MS - Prices start at $34 . Uashmama Roma Large Weekend Bag - Bella Vita; Germantown, TN - $239
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Bentonville,
getaway
Arkansas Text by Aaron Mullins Photos courtesy of Visit Bentonville
Whether they arrive by wheel, wing or walking, visitors to Bentonville will enjoy a fantastic array of family-friendly attractions and culinary delights. More than 30 miles of bike trails crisscross the northwest Arkansas town, long known as the corporate headquarters of Walmart. Nowadays, though, it offers so much more. Start your bike or walking tour at the historic downtown square and head south to the lovely Compton Gardens, a 6.5-acre park developed into a native/woodland garden. A bit beyond, nestled in a wooded valley, is the world-renowned Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art. Stroll past outdoor art installations and a rare Frank Lloyd Wright-designed home into the museum, which features an unparalleled collection of American art and exhibitions. Its best-known pieces include Asher B. Durand’s Kindred Spirits, Andy Warhol’s Dolly Parton and Norman Rockwell’s Rosie the Riveter. 50 | At Home Memphis & Mid South • May 2019
Photographer: Persuasion Photography
getaway
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getaway Surrounding the museum are miles of bike and walking trails that pass over rippling, clear streams and by lush Ozark landscapes. Many paths are wheelchair and stroller accessible. Thrill seekers need bike only a little to the north for heart-pounding action at Slaughter Pen Mountain Bike Park, the centerpiece of 100+ miles of cycling trails across the area. Equipped with log rides, drops and jumps, its trails accommodate all levels of riders. All that activity can work up an appetite. Fortunately, visitors will find plenty of restaurants near the downtown square. Options include locally owned favorites Table Mesa, The Preacher’s Son, Pressroom, Oven & Tap and Tusk & Trotter. For elevated Southern fare, try The Hive, the restaurant inside 21c Museum Hotel, a boutique hotel and contemporary art museum. (While there, make sure to look for the green penguins!) Cocktail aficionados can choose between the likes of The Nines, Pedaler’s Pub, Undercroft and The Forge.
Slaughter Pen Mountain Bike Trail
For a memorable caffeine fix, step into Onyx Coffee Lab, which serves singular summertime offerings such as coffee phosphate—a refreshing iced drink made with a traditional espresso, vanilla, acid phosphate, orange extract, cream and soda water. Enjoy an ice cream at the 1950s-style Spark Cafe Soda Fountain. Next door is the site of Walmart founder Sam Walton’s original 5&10 variety store, renovated with candy, toys and trinkets from a bygone era. That building also houses the family-friendly, interactive experiences of The Walmart Museum. Compton Gardens
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getaway Walmart Museum
Tusk & Trotter
Oven & Tap
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getaway Just a few blocks to the southeast is one of the hottest spots in Bentonville’s downtown development: the 8th Street Market. There, orbiting the Brightwater culinary school, is a constellation of premier entertainment and food options. Visitors of all ages will love The Holler, a restaurant/bar with fascinating decor and a regulation shuffleboard court that doubles as a dance floor on select nights.
8th Street Market Thaden Field House
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Steps away, the Bike Rack Brewery features some of the area’s best beers, while the South Market provides something for nearly any taste with its potpourri of offerings: Kayle Manila Filipino cuisine, La Fonda Colombian Restaurant, Sweet Freedom Cheese, and more. Aviation fans must swoop into Thaden Field, just a mile to the southwest, to watch planes take off and land or to kick back at LOUISE, the modern all-day cafe in the fieldhouse. Both are named for Bentonville native Louise Thaden, one of the greatest pilots of the 1920s. She was the first woman to win a National Air Race and win a Bendix Trophy. Her story, and the local heritage it’s shaped, are integral parts of what makes Bentonville such a unique, inclusive destination.
Bentonville in May Here are three Bentonville events of note: May 3-5: Power of Music Part MTV Unplugged, part conference, this festival features five Hall of Fame songwriters performing alongside other award-winning songwriters, as well as local and regional songwriters. May 7-11: 5th Annual Bentonville Film Festival Founded by Academy Award winner Geena Davis and Inclusion Companies CEO Trevor Drinkwater, this annual downtown festival features dozens of film screenings, panel discussions with industry experts and celebrity spotlight events. May 25-Sept. 9: Nature’s Nation: American Art and Environment This temporary exhibit at Crystal Bridges highlights 100 artworks from 70 top U.S. collections. It traces 300 years of evolving ideas about the natural world and our place within it. May 2019 • athomemms.com | 55
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travel
Greece Timeless
Journey to Greece and its sun-soaked islands to experience timehonored traditions and picturesque beauty. Visitors are attracted to Greece’s historical past with its ancient palaces and theaters, classical temples and Orthodox churches. Travelers also want to enjoy the extraordinary Greek Isles and Mediterranean scenery with modern seaside resorts and white-washed villages dotted along the coastlines. The locals are intensely passionate people who share gracious hospitality. Text by Marsha W. Strickland | Photographs courtesy of Regency Travel, Inc.
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home trends travel
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travel Situated in Southern Europe, Greece is bordered to the north by Albania and Bulgaria, to the east by the Aegean Sea and Turkey, to the south by the Libyan Sea, and to the west by the Ionian Sea which separates Greece from Italy. Almost completely surrounded by water, Greece has 8,498 miles of coastline. Mainland Greece is mountainous. This peninsular country has an archipelago of approximately 6,000 islands, only 227 are inhabited. The Mediterranean climate features hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters.
Acropolis Hill
Athens
The cultural, financial and political center of the country is the sprawling epicenter of Athens. Start discovering this history-steeped Greek capital independently or with a private guide. A must see is the hilltop citadel of the famous Acropolis, by far the most unique and most popular historic site for travelers. The remains of several ancient buildings and monuments can be found here. Created in 447 BC, the Parthenon is the most iconic building. Constructed in homage to the goddess Athena, it is the epitome of Doric architecture, the simplest of Greek architectural styles. Dedicated to the goddess of victory, the graceful Temple of Athena Nike is a smaller structure which has been standing in its prominent spot since 420 BC. The Erechtheion is one of the most easily recognized structures on the hill thanks to its southern-facing porch held aloft by the Caryatids, six sculpted female figures that serve as columns. 60 | At Home Memphis & Mid South • May 2019
Parthenon
The famed Temple of Zeus is known as the largest temple in Greece. Begun in 515 BC, the massive complex took seven centuries to complete. According to historians, it was completed in 2 AD. Today only 15 of the 104 original columns remain. The Theatre of Dionysus, the oldest theatre in Greece, was built in the sixth century BC. Cut into a cliff on the Acropolis, the theatre could seat 17,000 people. Another Athens highlight is the Byzantine and Christian Museum; it contains more than 25,000 artifacts with collections of pottery, manuscripts, fabrics and frescoes. Nearby, the Plaka is the perfect place to experience authentic Greek culture. Enjoy cafes and boutique shops along stone walkways with ancient trees and green, leafy canopies.
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travel A main stop on any Athens tour is the new Acropolis Museum near the base of the hill overlooking the city. Admire the large collection of Greek architecture and sculptures including statues of the goddess Athena and “Kritios Boy.” The stateof-the-art building has five floors showcasing 4,000 priceless artifacts. Don’t miss the outstanding Benaki Museum, located in the Benaki family mansion. The collection includes 120,000 works dating from prehistoric times to the present. The museum started in 1934, when the Benaki family donated 37,000 Islamic and Byzantine objects.
Acropolis Museum
Sports enthusiasts will want to visit Panathenaic Stadium which holds a special place in athletic history. The original stadium, which dates to around 300 BC and was rebuilt in 144, has hosted several Olympics. With seating for 50,000 spectators, it is the largest stadium in the world made entirely of marble. Every four years, the Olympic flame starts here on its journey to the nation hosting the next games. Besides Athens, other mainland highlights include ancient Delphi with its theatre, the Temple of Apollo, and Kalabaka, home of the unique clifftop Meteora Monasteries.
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Delphi
Santorini
An ideal climate, safe waters and small distances between ports and coasts make cruising the Greek Isles extremely popular. At the port of Piraeus, only minutes from Athens, it is easy to catch a ferry to the islands. Visit Santorini, known as the island of love. The whole island is less than 28 square miles. Go see the cliff-top village of Fira which lies on the west coast overlooking Akrotiri, where the ruins of the ancient village were destroyed by a volcano in 1627 BC. The settlement is preserved in ash. Other highlights are Pyrgos with its twisting pathways and small, blue domed churches, and Oia, the single most beautiful village on Santorini. Don’t miss a sunset here! The best day trips in Santorini are the boat and local wine tours. Santorini
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travel
Rhodes
Palace of the Grand Master
Mykonos’ 16th-century windmills are world renowned. Travelers love the island known as “little Venice” for its shopping, restaurants and nightlife. The Chora neighborhood is one of the most stunning places on the island, with postcard views of the sea. Stroll the beautiful streets and alleys here and enjoy a glass of wine. Rhodes is the island famous for its impressive Palace of the Grand Master which is located at the highest point of the Castle of the Knights. The old city of Rhodes was declared a World Heritage City by UNESCO in 1988. The narrow streets, classical architecture, medieval churches and ancient bridges all contribute to its cultural heritage. Its Archaeological Museum is worth a visit. Once considered the most sacred of all the Greek islands, Delos is the mythological birthplace of Apollo. This UNESCO World Heritage Site was a major religious center and port during the first millennium BC. Extensive excavations on the island reveal Doric temples, houses with mosaics, and an amphitheater. The iconic Terrace of the Lions statues are the perfect spot for photos. Crete is Greece’s largest island. Beachgoers love the fine-sand beaches at Elafonisi, while history buffs enjoy the Palace of Knossos and the Heraklion Archaeological Museum. Corfu is one of the most popular Greek Islands. Old Town Corfu is a UNESCO World Heritage Site with two enormous Venetian fortresses and the spectacular grand Palace of St. Michael and St. George.
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Dining in Greece is an experience. Local neighborhood restaurants are called tavernas. All dishes are based on the Mediterranean diet, which is considered one of the healthiest in the world. Fish is plentiful and choices are anchovies, sardines, mackerel and sea bream. Grilled fish is usually served with an olive oil and lemon dressing. Don’t miss these specialties: Dolmadakia, grape leaves stuffed with ground lamb or beef, herbs and rice. It is most often served as an appetizer with lemon wedges. Octopus will be on the menu of every seafood tavern. Order this delicacy grilled and enjoy! Choriatiki is a must have with almost every meal. This Greek salad includes tomatoes, olives, onions, cucumber and olive oil. Gyros are delicious sandwiches with roasted meat placed in a pita with onions, lettuce, tomatoes and sauce. Feta Me Meli, a delicious treat of feta wrapped in filo pastry then oven baked and served with a honey drizzle. Enjoy hummus, a popular dip made by blending chickpeas, ground sesame seeds, olive oil and lemon juice. Tzatziki is another tasty dip that is made with creamy Greek yogurt, cucumbers and olive oil. Instead of wine, order a glass of chilled ouzo. Drinking the anise-flavored aperitif is a rite of passage!
El Cosmico
Octopus
A visit to Greece is an unforgettable vacation! It’s a fantastic country that offers history and culture, islands and beaches, as well as friendly people and delicious food. St. Charles Streetcar May 2019 • athomemms.com | 65
travel WHY ARE THE BUILDINGS IN GREECE PAINTED WHITE?
Mykonos Windmill
Perfectly painted white walls with bright blue rooftops are wellknown images found throughout the Greek islands. With very little wood available, most buildings were made of dark-colored volcanic stone, which absorbs heat in the warm Greek climate. Painting the buildings white to reflect the harsh sunlight was a practical way to stay cool. The Greek flag is also white and blue.
For more information on a trip to Greece and the Greek Isles, call the travel advisors at Regency Travel, Inc., at 901.682.9065 or visit www.regencytravel.net.
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experience this
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experience this
St. Jude
Dream Home Text by Claire Hancock | Photography by Anna Haley
Giveaway
This year’s St. Jude Dream Home is located in Lakeland, in the peaceful subdivision of Winstead Farms. Now in its 20th year locally, the project began in 1991 in Shreveport, LA, as a way to raise money for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Over the past 28 years, St. Jude has given away over 500 houses in more than 40 communities across the country. Dream Homes have raised $420 million for the hospital, helping to ensure that no family ever receives a bill for treatment of their child. The first Dream Home was the brainchild of Dr. Donald Mack of Shreveport. According to Mack’s daughter, Dr. Susan Aguillard, the history of the St. Jude Dream Home is a personal one. “My father, a local pediatrician in Shreveport, started the Dream Home,” recalls Aguillard, who is a member of the Board of Governors and Directors of ALSAC/St. Jude. “He received a call from a friend who had a prefab home. He asked my father his ideas about doing something with that home for a charity. At that time, my father was a member of the ALSAC/St. Jude Board of Governors and Directors (he is now an emeritus member) and he thought of the idea to raffle it for a St. Jude fundraiser.” Working with the St. Jude Dream Home is a rewarding experience for Aguillard. “I meet the most incredible, generous people from all walks of life. I am always amazed by the number of people who give their hearts and souls to make this event a success. Their enthusiasm is contagious and infuses a huge amount of excitement into this event.” Aguillard, a local pediatrician, is also proud that the funds raised further the mission of St. Jude. “I love sharing the huge strides St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital has made in the treatment and cure of childhood catastrophic diseases. Their accomplishments are second to none and they share freely across the US and around the world.” 70 | At Home Memphis & Mid South • May 2019
experience this
Build by Southern Serenity Homes, the 2019 Dream Home has four bedrooms and four bathrooms, and roughly 3,400 square feet of functional living space. Its highlights include a large, open kitchen and great room, a foyer with handmade iron railings, and gorgeous hardwood floors throughout. The lavish “owner’s retreat” features a walk-in closet and an en suite bath with a soaking tub perfect for unwinding by candlelight with a glass of wine after a long day. The dreamy Dream Home, valued at $475,000, is not the only prize that will be awarded live on WMC Action News 5 on June 23, though. Each $100 ticket also enters the purchaser to win other gifts valued at $1,000 or more, including an 18k gold bracelet from James Gattas Jewelers, movie tickets for a year from Malco Theatres, and a gift card for Shaw Floors. The St. Jude Dream Home, located at 5046 Adagio Lane in Lakeland, will be open for tours on weekends from May 18 through June 16. Tickets are available now by calling 800.224.6681 or visiting dreamhome. org. Only 14,500 tickets will be sold this year; last year’s tickets sold out early, so make sure to purchase soon. You may win a stunning home, but you’ll definitely help the children of St. Jude Research Hospital battle catastrophic diseases.
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social
Cystic Fibrosis Foundation Uncork the Cure 2019 Text by Allison McBride | Photography by Brody Kuhar with Forever Ready Productions
“Sip. Savor. Support.” says it all! The Cystic Fibrosis Foundation presented Uncork the Cure at Old Dominick Distillery on Fri., Apr. 5. Guests enjoyed a signature drink made with Old Dominick Memphis Vodka, infused with ginger and cucumber. Delicious aromas filled the air as some of Memphis’s best chefs, Kelly English (Restaurant Iris and Second Line), Cullen Kent (Café Society), the Andrew Ticer and Michael Hudman team (Andrew Michael, Catherine & Mary’s, The Gray Canary) prepared dinner. To sweeten the evening, renowned chocolatier Phillip Ashley Rix shared two custom chocolate indulgences also featuring Old Dominick spirits, a white chocolate with Honeybell Vodka and a dark chocolate with Memphis Toddy. The evening concluded with Joe Birch bringing the house down with a lively auction to benefit research for a cure for cystic fibrosis.
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social
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social
Live at the Garden VIP Premiere Party Text and photos courtesy of Live at the Garden
On Wed., Apr. 10 season ticket holders gathered for the VIP Premiere Party for the 2019 Live at the Garden concert series. Guests enjoyed live music, drinks, hors d’oeuvres and a sneak peek at the exciting new season lineup!
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social
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Annie Morhauser of Annieglass at Two Doors Down Photos courtesy of Two Doors Down
Guests gathered Mon., Mar. 25 at Two Doors Down in Germantown for the rare chance to meet Annie Morhauser, the founder of Annieglass. Attendees enjoyed shopping a large selection of Annieglass’ newest and most notable designs and learned Morhouser’s ideas for creating “A Handcrafted Gathering.”
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wedding getaway
Emily Hardin Porter Rivers October 20, 2018 Memphis, Tennessee Parents of the Bride: Yvonne & Bill Hardin Parents Forsyth Fountain of the Groom: Betty & Scoop Rivers 78 | At Home Memphis & Mid South • May 2019
getaway wedding
SOURCES
Rehearsal Dinner: Big Cypress Lodge at the Pyramid Wedding: Second Presbyterian Church Reception: The Peabody Hotel Event Coordinator: Mona Dunlap Events Photographer: Taylor Square Photography Videographer: Frameblender Films Florist: Le Fleur Wedding Dress: Ivory and White in Birmingham, AL Wedding Rings: Brombers and Co. in Birmingham, AL Bridesmaids' Dresses: Bella Bridesmaid Hair: Joni Rousseau Makeup: Lesa Goodwin Entertainment: Memphis Soul Revue Cake: Cakes by Mom and Me Caterer: The Peabody Hotel Invitations: Melinda Sapp
Tent and Rentals: White Door Events
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entertaining
Pretty In Pink
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entertaining
The Inspiration “Nothing beats a fun dinner party with great friends,” says event designer Jim Norton, “and this special birthday dinner was no exception!” For a close friend’s birthday Norton hosted the “blow-out” celebration for ten in his home. The guests enjoyed multiple courses over lots of laughter—the main ingredient in any great dinner party.
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entertaining
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The Menu
This memorable seated dinner started with a delicious cucumber and avocado gazpacho topped with mini heirloom tomatoes, applewood smoked bacon and fresh basil. For the second course Norton made a beautiful arugula and endive salad with crumbled Roquefort and an orange vinaigrette. The main course consisted of a mouth-watering pork tenderloin topped with a creamy Dijon and sage sauce. On the side were sautéed summertime ratatouille and roasted baby potatoes with crispy pancetta. And since it was a birthday celebration Norton created a three-layer vanilla cream cake with a decadent buttercream icing, topped with a Chanel handbag he fashioned from rice cereal and fondant.
The Decor
“I knew I wanted my table to be jaw-dropping and I wanted my guests to feel very special,” says Norton. To that end, he based the decor on colors the birthday girl loves. Crystal, silver and lots of candles helped create the elegant tablescape Norton envisioned.
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entertaining
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entertaining
Create Your Own Norton realizes that creating an over-the-top dinner party might seem a little overwhelming to some. “That’s okay,” he reassures. “Don’t worry; you can do it!” Allowing enough time to prepare and paying attention to details are two key components to hosting the perfect event. Norton recommends selecting a menu with dishes that can be made beforehand for two reasons: to alleviate pressure the day of the dinner, and to allow more time with guests. “And let’s be honest,” he admits, ”lots of dishes taste better the second day.”
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entertaining
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dining out entertaining
Text by Brittany McDonald Sanders | Photography by Steve Roberts
Nestled in the heart of downtown is a Memphis landmark that has been beloved by many for over 100 years, The Little Tea Shop. And since she purchased the restaurant in the 1980s, Sue Lauck has been the very heart and soul of the iconic eatery. 88 | At Home Memphis & Mid South • May 2019
dining out
Lauck has made a name for herself and her restaurant by creating a friendly atmosphere where everyone who enters feels welcome. When you walk in the door and see the hustle of the lunch hour, you feel years of tradition, highlighted by Lauck’s welcoming smile. The smell of Southern favorites makes you hungry immediately as you see servers pass by carrying baskets of perfectly browned corn sticks. The walls tell the owner’s story—they’re covered in pictures of family, friends and all things Memphis. She is a true Memphis Tigers and Grizzlies fan at heart; the shop is peppered with blue sports memorabilia, even down to Lauck’s baseball hat. A special alcove holds a collection of teapots from around the world that Lauck has collected, many of which have been given to her by customers as tokens of appreciation.
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dining out getaway Once seated at a table, you will be greeted by an employee who has likely been working there for countless years. Order by circling items on a daily menu, then sit back and prepare to enjoy a Southern classic like the Lacy Special, a perfectly cooked chicken breast strategically placed between corn sticks with just the right amount of gravy, or a bowl of turnip greens with corn sticks. It’s the ultimate in comfort food for lunch. The perennial classic “meat and three” is another favorite from the daily rotating menu, but the fare also includes lighter choices like salads, soups and a vegetable plate for those who can’t take a nap after a more substantial lunch.
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The people watching at The Little Tea Shop is every bit as wonderful as the food. You will see familiar faces of employees and colleagues. You will see Memphis’ finest dining with their friend Lauck, all seated at their usual tables. You will see judges, lawyers, local athletes and coaches, and even the visiting team, all welcomed by name with a smile and an invitation to return next time they make it back to Memphis.
El Cosmico
Lauck’s passion for cooking and sharing her talent in the kitchen keeps guests happy, but her infectious energy and love for everyone keep them coming back. Coming to Memphis and not visiting The Little Tea Shop to have the turnip greens and corn sticks is like coming to Memphis and not going to Graceland! Here’s a Little Tea Shop insider secret: the corn sticks dipped in ranch dressing may be the best thing you will ever eat! May 2019 • athomemms.com | 91
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in the kitchen
Mixed Green Salad with marinated shrimp and goat cheese
Recipe and photo courtesy of Jim Norton 94 | At Home Memphis & Mid South • May 2019
in the kitchen
As the weather warms up and summer approaches, there isn’t much better than a fresh, crisp salad! This one is full of flavor and topped off with a delicious homemade vinaigrette.
Ingredients
Serves 4
Salad 5 oz. mixed greens ½ red onion, sliced 8 oz. sliced strawberries (reserve 4 berries for garnish) 1 Granny Smith apple, cubed ⅓ cup chopped candied or toffee pecans 4 oz. softened goat cheese
(divided into 4 equal parts) 16 large shrimp
(cooked, peeled and deveined ) Sweet Blush Vinaigrette ⅓ cup sugar Juice of ½ lemon
Instructions 1. Add all dressing ingredients to a small mixing bowl and whisk until sugar has dissolved. Set aside. 2. In a separate small bowl add shrimp. Pour 3-4 Tbsp. of the vinaigrette over the shrimp and toss to coat. Place in refrigerator while making the salad. 3. To make the salad: Combine all salad ingredients, the goat cheese and shrimp in a large mixing bowl. Toss to incorporate. 4. To plate: Add desired amount of salad mixture to a bowl or plate. Top with shrimp and crumbled goat cheese. Pour desired amount of vinaigrette over the salad. Top with a fresh strawberry to garnish. If you are serving this to guests, be ready for the compliments!
¼ cup red wine vinegar ⅓ cup canola oil ¼ tsp. salt ¼ tsp. pepper ⅛ tsp. garlic salt
Check out Jim Norton on social media! www.thenortonrecipe.com Facebook @thenortonrecipe Instagram @the_norton_recipe
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SOURCES 16 | AT HOME WITH
Special thanks - Lyman Aldrich
26 | HEALTHY YOU
Special thanks - Michelle Johns mjohns@transformingwellness.com
30 | HOME FEATURE
Special thanks - Cindy McCord Design cindymccord.com Sources listed on page 39
40 | DESIGN
Special thanks - Sara Walden Interiors 901.605.4001
46 | IN THE GARDEN
Special thanks - Rosie Vassalo of the OxfordLafayette County Chamber of Commerce
80 | ENTERTAINING
Special thanks - Jim Norton thenortonrecipe.com
88 | DINING OUT
Special thanks - Sue Lauck of Little Tea Shop 901.525.6000
94 | IN THE KITCHEN
Special thanks - Jim Norton thenortonrecipe.com
98 | ON A GOOD NOTE
Special thanks - The Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Memphis bgcm.org
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on a good note
The Boys and Girls Clubs of Greater Memphis
La Limyé Ministries Text by Claire Hancock | Photos courtesy of the Boys and Girls Clubs of Greater Memphis
Since 1958, when a group called the Phoenix Club formed with the mission to mentor young men, the Boys and Girls Clubs have been working to make Memphis a better community. Today, at 11 sites around the city, the organization serves thousands of children. Students can join the Boys and Girls Clubs at the age of six, and can participate until they are 18. According to William Winstead, Vice President of Development and External Affairs for the Boys and Girls Clubs of Greater Memphis, 99 percent of students who attend club programming for at least a year will graduate from high school. Working with the BGCM is an incredibly rewarding experience, says Winstead. “We are empowering youth to make healthy choices, develop leadership skills, and to be good citizens. Now more than ever we need those traits and qualities in our students.” CEO Keith Blanchard adds, “Club members consistently outperform their peers when it comes to school achievement, healthy choices, and civic engagement.” As part of the clubs’ daily programming, members work on homework, computer skills and sports, as well as “soft skills” like customer service, resume writing and interviewing techniques. “Everything that we do is geared towards that learning aspect, everything they do has a calculated program, educational aspect to it,” says Winstead. According to Blanchard, “one of the things that I love about our organization is that we are led by an incredible board of directors and highly trained and motivated youth development professionals, and that our sites are intentionally located in resource-constrained neighborhoods, allowing us to bridge the opportunity gap that exists between lower-income and higher-income communities.” The local chapter charted new territory for the national organization in 2006 with the opening of the Juice Plus+ Technical Training Center. The first of its kind in the nation, the center provides classes for people ages 16 to 24 in culinary arts, logistics, automotive repair, welding and IT programming. These highly employable skills help participants get jobs and jumpstart their careers. As Blanchard puts it, “I strongly believe that the skill level of our young people in Memphis will be the primary determinant of our city's future economic success,” which is why the club was inspired to create the Technical Training Center. The BGCM holds several fundraisers throughout the year to support the organization and provide Memphis youth with the best programming possible. The most recent fundraiser was the annual Steak n’ Burger dinner at Graceland on April 25, which featured Barrett Jones as keynote speaker. The Boys and Girls Clubs Golf Classic is set for June 17-18 at Chickasaw Country Club, and the annual benefit tennis invitational will be held in August. December brings the club’s yearly toy drive as well as the Toy Bash, a holiday party where 600 guests come together to enjoy the season and to support Boys and Girls Clubs children. "Everything we do at the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Memphis is designed to help children and teens find success and ultimately, reduce poverty. This is why Club members consistently outperform their peers when it comes to school achievement, healthy choices, and civic engagement. The Boys & Girls Club program model is based on positive youth development and is driven by high-impact, targeted programs that generate proven results. I have seen it repeatedly – our kids beat the odds and go on to do amazing things. From Academy-award winner Denzel Washington to National Youth of the Year winners, Boys & Girls Club alumni across the world began the journey to their great future within Club walls. Locally, people like NBA legend Penny Hardaway and FedEx Senior VP Shannon Brown will tell you the importance the club played in their lives.”- BGCM CEO Keith Blanchard 98 | At Home Memphis & Mid South • May 2019
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