TUPELO- Ever since Mississippi’s governor issued a shelter-in-place order earlier this month, most of the state’s residents have made themselves scarce, staying home in quarantine and only leaving when absolutely necessary. That’s why when no one saw Deidra “De De” Moorhead for over a week, nothing seemed out of place.
”We just thought she’d hunkered down like the rest of us,” says friend Paula Briggs. “But when she missed her second straight Zoom happy hour with the girlfriends, we knew something wasn’t kosher. De De don’t miss happy hour.”
Police were sent to Moorehead’s home for a wellness check, where they heard a muffled cry for help. Upon entering the house they found Moorhead alive, albeit weak, penned under a mountain of stale homemade bread.
“Everyone on Facebook was posting pictures of their quarantine bread they made, so I thought I’d try it to stave off the boredom of social isolation, says Moorhead, “but I kept on getting bored so I just kept on baking more bread. I don’t eat carbs, and I couldn’t give it to anyone cause we’re supposed to stay away from people, so it just piled up. I guess I let it get out of hand.”
Police say she’s lucky to be alive.
”I didn’t eat for three days, but the longer I laid there beneath the crushing weight of my own sourdough, the weaker I got. I eventually had to break my no-eating-carbs rule since that was all I had access to. When I got thirsty I managed to throw a roll and knock over a bottle of wine I had sitting on the counter that I had been saving for Zoom happy hour. I may not eat carbs, but I sure will drink them. The police came at the right time because Mama is out of wine!.”
Moorhead did say that one positive thing came out of the incident.
”I couldn’t call for help because my phone was too far away. I was filming a Tik Tok dance on it when I accidentally knocked the bread mountain off onto me. So I got the whole thing on Tik Tok. I’m going to go viral! Follow me @FineWine79!”
Join us every day as we enjoy some great music from local musicians!
Hey hey! Thank y’all for tuning in tonight!🖤 And a HUGE thank you to City of Tupelo – Mayor’s Office for supporting local musicians! Share this live & make sure to put in those requests😊 WE MISS YOU and are ready to give y’all a giant hug. Until then, enjoy the show🤘🏼 Tipping info: Venmo – @Hannah-Roye-1 PayPal – https://www.paypal.me/hannahgraceroye
Hey hey! Thank y’all for tuning in tonight!🖤 And a HUGE thank you to City of Tupelo – Mayor's Office for supporting local musicians! Share this live & make sure to put in those requests😊 WE MISS YOU and are ready to give y’all a giant hug. Until then, enjoy the show🤘🏼Tipping info: Venmo – @Hannah-Roye-1PayPal – https://www.paypal.me/hannahgraceroye
Posted by Hannah+Karly on Saturday, April 18, 2020
Will SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, fade away on its own this summer?
After all, other viruses – including influenza and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), which causes bronchiolitis in little children – are mostly seen in the winter.
While there is some reason to hope that things may get better as the weather warms up, there is plenty of reason for the U.S. to keep its guard up.
Are heat and humidity reason for hope?
Although the U.S. is early in the course of the pandemic, there is evidence from other countries that SARS-CoV-2 spreads more rapidly in cold, dry weather.
One preprint study of 30 Chinese provinces showed that the number of COVID-19 cases went down by between 36% and 57% for every 1.8 degree Fahrenheit increase in temperature. When temperatures held steady in the low 40s F, the number of cases went down between 11% and 22% with each 1% increase in relative humidity (how much water is in the air).
Laboratory research also suggest that the virus survives longer in cold conditions. One study showed that SARS-CoV-2 lasts for 14 days at 40 F in lab media but is gone after one day at 98.6 F.
COVID-19 is already spreading in many parts of the world where it’s hot, including Australia and South America, demonstrating that high temperatures are not enough to stop the disease.
The most important reason to be concerned about ongoing spread is the fact that this is a brand new virus for humans, so almost everyone is susceptible to being infected.
In fact, weather actually appears to play a minor role in the rate at which this virus spreads.
Other influences on infection rates include individual behaviors, cultural practices, geography, income and living conditions. Public health practices such as social distancing, the intensity of testing for infection, contact tracing, quarantine of people who are exposed and isolation of people who are actually infected also play a big role in how the coronavirus spreads.
The long-term solution to SARS-CoV-2 will be to develop a safe and effective vaccine. This work is proceeding at unprecedented speed, but it will still take anywhere from months to a few years and will require trials involving thousands of people and massive international leadership and collaboration.
Until there’s a vaccine, prevention will require avoiding exposure to people who can spread the virus. Communities need to test people to find out who is contagious and engage in serious contact tracing, quarantine and isolation. Scientists need to learn more about how to determine if someone is immune and how long immunity lasts, a big open question at the moment. As individuals, each of us will need to follow expert scientific advice about good hygiene practices and distancing.
SARS-CoV-2 is likely to keep circulating until the human population has widespread immunity, which hopefully will come not from an unchecked pandemic but from developing and deploying a safe and effective vaccine.
I’ve been following the evolution of David Leathers’ vision since it was first mentioned a while back. During its progression, it’s original name and architectural design has changed, but not the vision. To offer award winning food at great prices, while paying homage to his local roots in Itawamba County.
Among their offerings are Southern inspired dishes using in house cured & smoked meats, homemade goods and other locally sourced products.
When I first arrived, I began noticing details among the interior design that projected innovation and a sense of local community. Unique lighting, homemade goods lining the walls, a clear view of the kitchen, a community table for large groups, and outdoor patio seating.
They have a simple lunch menu with a special twist on some old favorites. My first picks were Bruschetta, Flat Biscuit & Meatloaf, and Ice Cream Sandwich.
The Bruschetta as an appetizer was a great introduction. It is listed as a daily special so toppings may vary. Today’s selection consisted of smoked beef, homemade jam, and crumbled cheese. The tartness of the cheese, sweet jam, and slight smoky flavor and texture of the beef made a tasty combination.
My main course, or biggie as its called, was the Flat Biscuit & Meatloaf. I was told this was their most popular selection, and I discovered why. They have took a classic comfort food and added their own Southern inspired twist! A firm hunk of meatloaf placed on a flatbread biscuit, smothered in a rich tomato gravy, then covered in grilled onions. The combination is unmistakably unique and takes comfort food to new extremes!
Last but not least was a sweet treat for desert. A double chocolate cookie ice cream sandwich. Today’s ice cream was a mix of cream cheese, chocolate, and pistachio. Let me say, if I just had a bucket of this ice cream, I’d be one happy camper! The sandwich comes with a spoon, so you have options. You can go old school, grab it with both hands, and eat like no one’s watching. Or go cookie in one hand and spoon in the other. Just do what makes you happy.
Folks, As I was driving back home, I thought what great cultural experiences our community has had through the years and still does. From the birth place of Elvis to crosstown alone is jam packed with art, entertainment, and some of the best local eats around!
Forklift was brought to fruition by the labor of local artisans, and community involvement. From raising the walls to stocking their shelves.
And as I keep looking for new experiences to write about, my wonderful community of friends and unique eateries continues to expand thanks to David Leathers and Forklift Restaurant.
The main house of Wyolah Plantation in Church Hill near Natchez
“I’m in beautiful Gretna, Louisiana,” Tate Taylor said, perhaps a note of satisfaction ringing over the phone. He was there directing the Southern Gothic family drama “Filthy Rich” for Fox — a show he also created — just before Christmas. Trailers looked saucy enough to give the holiday cranberries a run for their money.
What happens when a wealthy Christian televangelist dies in a plane crash, leaving behind a widow (Kim Cattrall) stunned, too, by the three illegitimate children written into his will? Tune in to see next month.
Filming in a neighboring state — just a few hours from his renovated historic home Wyolah in Mississippi’s Church Hill community — was likely a bonus, too.
Next fall marks the expected release of another close-to-home project, the feature film “Breaking News in Yuba County,” a comedy starring Allison Janney and Mila Kunis, directed by Taylor and shot in Natchez this past summer.
Taylor, a Mississippi native who’d pursued his acting and film directing career in New York City and Los Angeles, returned to home stomping grounds to direct the 2011 hit movie “The Help,” which nabbed several nominations and an Oscar for friend Octavia Spencer. In the process, he reignited an old love: old houses.
Photo: Historic Natchez Foundation
The Reddy family in front of the main house of Wyolah Plantation in Church Hill, 1890
“I’ve just always loved history as a kid,” Taylor said. “When I was 11 years old, I asked to go to Williamsburg, Virginia,” to feast on the Colonial history, architecture and atmosphere.
“I always knew I was going to restore an old home. I just found this one, and it happened to be in Mississippi, which was great. And, it had a lot of acreage. One prerequisite was that you couldn’t find it on a single road and you couldn’t find it on GPS.”
Wyolah, a Church Hill plantation complex dating to the 1830s, is historically significant, for its mansion house and surviving original outbuildings, including a doctor’s office, commissary, cookhouse, former slave cabins, carriage house and more. Church Hill, near Natchez, is the state’s only National Register rural historic district.
Fox Studios
John Norris and Tate Taylor
Taylor and his partner, John Norris, worked closely with the Historic Natchez Foundation on Wyolah’s restoration. “It’s not only the main house, but they restored all the buildings there, and they were really concerned with doing it correctly and wanted it to be done in a respectful way,” said Carter Burns, Historic Natchez Foundation executive director. “And, they did an absolutely beautiful job of it.
Photo: Historic Natchez Foundation
Christ Church, at the intersection of Hwy 553 and Church Hill Road, in Church Hill
“Since then, they’ve really brought a new energy to the Church Hill community. There’s a lot of momentum out there now. They joined Christ Church, which is the little church there and have helped grow that congregation,” Burns said. “Tate and John have been unbelievable assets to the community (both Natchez and Church Hill) since they moved here.”
Taylor said, “The home is revitalized, but I’m really into preservation as a whole. I just love saving all kinds of structures in the Natchez area — anything historical that can be used as a teaching tool, just like me as an 11-year-old.
“It’s great when we can have memories of our past, both bad and good. It’s not Old South — it’s really our history. I’m not one of those pilgrimage tour types. In fact, it’s the opposite. In so much of our history, the whole story is rarely told.”
Photo: Historic Natchez Foundation
Wagner’s Store, constructed around 1870, in Church Hill
He’s working with the Historic Natchez Foundation to turn the old Wagner Store in Church Hill, an 1870s country store donated to the foundation in 2001, into a museum. Also, “There’s the old Rodney Baptist Church that’s always under water,” Taylor said, “And we’re trying to save the old Baptist church.” Also on the horizon: Church Hill Variety, a newly built combination convenience store, restaurant and bar in Church Hill, a few miles off the Natchez Trace, with pick-up essentials and good Southern eats.
Preservation is a separate interest from his filmmaking pursuits, though the Natchez area benefits from both. Taylor’s films “Get on Up,” the James Brown biopic with Chadwick Boseman, and “Ma,” a thriller with Octavia Spencer,” were filmed there, as well as the upcoming comedy-drama “Breaking News in Yuba County.” Wyolah (also the name of his and Norris’ film company) also works as a hub. “A lot of actors stay with me,” Taylor said. “I like to create a kind of family environment — after a hard day’s work, we can have dinner together.
Photo: Historic Natchez Foundation
Buildings on the site of Wyolah Plantation
“Natchez is such a great blank canvas, with architecture spanning from the 1600s to present day. There are not too many places in America that can claim that,” he said. “For “Get on Up” we did Paris in Natchez, we did New York in Natchez, we did Vietnam in Natchez, and Chicago. In ‘Yuba,’ we did Kentucky in Natchez.”
Noting a project on the horizon in Italy, “You just can’t make the Mississippi River look like Italy,” he said. “Who doesn’t want to leave and go to Italy for five months?” Flip side, “Everybody wants to sleep in their own bed at night” and he’s at Wyolah an estimated 65 percent of the year, “off and on” in a very sporadic industry.
Natchez, he said, “is a great place to be, and the economy could use a jolt. It’s like Greenwood, when I filmed ‘The Help’ there. That’s why I’m planting the flag there.”
Mississippi’s revival of the film incentive rebate program helps ensure the flag continues to fly. The impact of that move? “Well, if they had’t done it, it would have been over, it’s that simple. If they had not made it competitive, then filming for all intents and purposes would be over,” Taylor said.
“I’ve got four projects lined up to come in the near future. John Norris, my producing partner, and I wanted to shepherd that,” for filmmakers coming into the state. “ Make it a one-stop shop, making it easier and easier. Natchez is in our backyard and we can be hospitable. We want to create an environment of peace and companionship, where they always want to film.
“In bigger cities, (film crews) are considered a nuisance. In Natchez, it’s celebrated.”
Among Taylor’s upcoming film projects is friend Deborah Riley Draper’s adaption of April Sinclair’s African-American 1960s-set coming-of-age novel “Coffee Will Make You Black.” “We partnered with Amazon to film in Natchez this spring,” Taylor said. Draper will also direct, with Taylor, Norris, Spencer and star Gabrielle Union producing.
Another film project is “Moolah and the Panther Girl,” about the female wrestling circuit in Mississippi in the ‘60s and ‘70s, Taylor said; other projects aren’t yet confirmed. “John and I are producing them, and setting up shop in Natchez, to help spearhead people through the process.” They’re working to acquire the old Budweiser distributorship in Natchez and turn it into a sound stage, he said.
While Mississippi’s benefits include lower costs, “We have to bring in crew, because the incentive program has not been in effect long enough where people can bring their families to live here permanently,” Taylor said. That could change, “the more I bring projects back to back to back,” enticing those in the business to come.
Plus, “Mississippi is such its own character, as we all know. … Mississippi has so much to offer and it’s not been shot in. So many communities are starved for outside dollars. It’s really the people and the opportunities for storytellers.”
Taylor said he tells film folk new to Mississippi, “‘Don’t be scared. I know we have a very checkered and often unfortunate past. …Trust me. Come down and judge for yourself.’ Most everyone is pleasantly surprised and they don’t want to leave.
“By no means are we fixed,” he said of his home state. “I just feel like, if we need change in the country, Mississippi has always provided a place to lead the charge, and that’s why I’m here.”
Vanelli’s Bistro @ 206 West Main, Tupelo, MS. Greek salad & House Pizza!
When Vanelli’s Bistro opened recently in Downtown Tupelo, there was a sense of déjà vu in the air. Yes, they have a new game plan, but still possess the best qualities we’ve looked forward to over the years. From Voz Vanelli checking on customers, live music, upbeat atmosphere, to their fabulous food! Even the lion heads from the previous location were rescued after the tornado and now watch over the Downtown Bistro.
Vanelli’s focus is mostly take out and limited indoor dining. Their new menu has been refined to reflect their new bistro atmosphere which includes their famous pizza whole or by the slice and salad.
When you enter the Bistro, head for the counter and place your order. They have over head screens with the menu and even the animated video of Pizza Man vs the Tornado!
It’s a quick and simple process. Order your food, grab a drink from the cooler or the fountain machine and have a seat or take out.
I went with a ready to serve slice of the house pizza and Vanelli’s Classic Greek Salad. You can choose a ready made salad from the cooler or have one made fresh.
My small Vanelli’s Classic Greek salad was made fresh while I waited and was delicious! This is the same salad folks have enjoyed from Vanelli’s for decades. It starts with romaine and iceberg lettuce, tomato, cucumber, red onion, celery, bell pepper, pepperoncini, Greek olive, feta cheese and Greek dressing. My slice of pizza was huge and loaded with cheese and toppings. The House version has Pop’s Pizza sauce, then they pile on mozzarella, ham, pepperoni, Canadian bacon, bacon, mushroom, onion and bell pepper.
This wasn’t a lightweight piece of pizza…it had heft to it. By the time I had finished my slice and half my small Greek salad, I was stuffed!
As I sat enjoying my meal and listened to a live acoustical performance, I watched the flow of customers come and go like clock work. Everyone having a good time and wrapping up their week with Voz Vanelli at Vanelli’s Bistro. 😎✌️
Nautical Whimsey Italian Bistro & Wine Bar @ 210 West Main Street, Tupelo, MS.
Decided to stop by after work for Wine-down Wednesday, $3 per glass house wine. And of course, some “new to me” menu items.
Tonight I’m trying the alligator Po Boy, loaded fries, and cannoli for desert.
The alligator Po Boy was loaded with delicious hunks of meat, with shredded lettuce, sliced tomatoes and covered in a rich rumoloude sauce.
The loaded fries, well..you see the photo. Piled high, drenched in cheddar cheese, green onion, and hunks of bacon. And they take the time to make it look awesome to boot!
And for desert… Cannoli!!! And yes, they make their own in house! And yes, it’s finger lickin’ good!! Check it out!!!
Folks, everything I’ve ever ordered from Brian & Amanda has been loaded with flavor, over the top, and a work of art. If you ever have the opportunity to talk food with them, you’ll see what I mean. Y’all know how excited I get talking about eating food, well they are even more so, about searching for new menu items while they travel and creating something new for us to experience.
They have a lunch buffet for around $8 that will blow you away, but take the time to drop by one night and sample their menu. Awe inspiring meals, big portions, and great prices! A true local treasure!
Romie’s Grocery @ 804 West Jackson street, Tupelo, MS. Open lunch Sunday-Friday 11-2, dinner Thursday-Friday 5-10, Saturday 11-10, Bar 5-until.
Santa Fe Chicken Salad & Tuna Salad.
My daughter and I attended the first gathering of the new Facebook group “Tupelo meet-and-eat” at Romie’s Grocery recently. We got to meet several nice folks in person, share stories, and eat some really great food! The group is still new, but is off to a good start. They will be hosting meet-and-eats at different local restaurants every month. So check them out for the next gathering of some Great folks breaking bread and sharing some good times. I’ll also post the next meeting on my blog, so check it out and stay tuned!
My family and I have had several tasty selections from Romie’s. Their menu is packed with so many unique items that I always order something new each visit. The verity of choices range from daily specials, salads, appetizers, specialty burgers, deserts and so much more!
One of my methods for choosing my next meal is to watch what plates are being served the most to the other guests. During my previous visit, the one dish I saw the most was the Santa Fe Chicken Salad! So I decided…THERE’S YER SIGN!
The Santa Fe Chicken Salad is huge! It’s a bed of mixed greens topped with grilled chicken, red bell peppers, green onion, sliced tomatoes, cheese, tortilla strips, and homemade Santa Fe dressing.
Let me just say, this is one BIG BOY salad! Yeah, it’s great for anyone, but it’s really got a lot going on. Plenty of greens, great color and subtle flavor with the peppers and onion, and tons of crunch with the tortilla strips.
No, I haven’t forgotten the chicken and dressing, just saving the best for last. The grilled chicken has a great flavor and is plentiful, even in a huge salad like this. And the homemade Santa Fe dressing is to die for! You get two containers of the dressing per salad and is more than enough to satisfy even a big eater like me!
My daughter had the Tuna salad plate. It’s homemade tuna salad served over mixed greens, with sliced tomatoes, deviled eggs and seasoned fruit. I wanted to get a taste of her dish so I could comment on it as well, but by the time I had finished taking the photos of my meal and a few of the room…it was gone! Needless to say, she thoroughly enjoyed it…nuff said!
After its origins as an old community grocery store, Romie’s was reinvented to become a must visit, Tupelo dining destination.
Whether you need a special event catered, take out for family, or just want to experience a defining taste of Tupelo, visit Romie’s to put a little South in yer mouth and enjoy some of the best food Tupelo has to offer!
Soft shell crab sandwich with fries. $14.00 plus tax.
The Blue Canoe’s Nashville Style Soft Shell Crab sandwich with home cut fries…AWESOMENESS on a plate!!!
Request their house remoulade sauce for the perfect compliment to any sandwich or side item.
Tender from first bite to last, this meal is a must try! I call this my first official tasting of fried soft shell crab. I love shell fish and all types of crustaceans especially deep fried. I actually had my first experience at eating “soft” shell crab from a street vender at a local festival a while back. Let’s just say, I couldn’t believe this was all the rage. When I saw it offered from the Blue Canoe I made plans to try it again for the first time. It was EPIC!
After my first encounter with this soft skinned sea creature I was determined to learn more. Like the old song “Haunted House” by John Fogerty, excepted adapted to my situation…Say yes, I’ll be here when the morning comes, I’ll be right here and I ain’t gonna run. I bought this burger, now you know I’m boss. Ain’t no crab gonna run me off!
After proper preparation, it’s basically cooked shell, claws, and all. When harvested in season and at just the right time, the shells are so thin and soft it’s considered part of the meat. When you start to dig in, their is no wrong way to proceed. Some folks like to eat the crab straight off the bun, or dress it up like a burger and dig in!
This wasn’t my first visit to the Blue Canoe, but out of the many trips I’ve made, I’ve always ordered something different. Everything I’ve ever experienced from the BC has had that WOW factor, from their crack fries to the specialty burgers.
If you have an adventurous palette, pick something on the menu you’ve never heard of and go for it!
Check out their page for specials, entertainment, and more. They’ve always got something fresh going on at the Blue Canoe! https://www.facebook.com/BlueCanoeTupelo/
Just look for the Funky Little shack on the hill, shaken’ all night with great music & good vibes! 😎✌️
Check out my blog for events, contests, new restaurants, LOCAL Favorites, and their FAMOUS foods!
Fairpark Grill @ 343 East Main Street, Tupelo, MS. Open seven days a week for lunch and dinner.
The Grill has a great location in Downtown Tupelo between Fairpark and the BankcorpSouth arena. They offer everything from Classic American cuisine, bar food, seafood, steaks, and much more!
The Grill is great to just hang out at the bar and unwind or reserve a table for a special occasion with family and friends.
To start, I went with one of their made in Mississippi craft beer selections. Thanks to some helpful suggestions, I went with a Lucky Town Pub Ale brewed in Jackson.
For my meal, I decided on their Bourbon Street Nachos. It’s listed in their starter section, but one person can make a meal of it. It’s chips loaded down with shrimp, crawfish, andouille sausage, sautéed red bell peppers, onions, and chives. And with a side of salsa and house made quest dip, let the party begin!
For a loaded Nachos like this, their is no wrong way to eat it. I do have a system though. I start out loading each chip carefully to fully soak in the beauty of the dish. Once full appreciation has been attained, I get more aggressive and dig in! This starts with me soaking the entire plate with the cheese and salsa. After that, I begin crushing the chips and blending the entire mixture till I can fork each remaining savory bite.
Do I care what people may think while I am crushing my meal like rocks in a quarry? NAH…sometimes you just gotta eat like nobody’s watching! This is true for a lot of tasty foods. It’s pretty to look at and delicious to eat, but you can’t be timid when it comes time to do what needs to be done.
If your not in the mood for nachos but like all the toppings, you should try their NOLA Pasta. Same Cajun flare but with Cavatappi Pasta and Cajun jumbo cream sauce. For this visit it was a toss up between the two, but you gotta start somewhere!
The food was great and service was excellent… see y’all at Fairpark Grill!
