The Federal Agency for the Safety of the Food Chain in Belgium was forced to issue a warning to the country on Jan. 7 against eating Christmas trees, United Press International reported. The statement was in response to the city of Ghent recommending cooking with conifer needles. “You can make delicious spruce needle butter with them for bread or toast,” Ghent’s website read. But the FASFC wasn’t having it: Christmas trees “are not meant to end up in the food chain” because many have been treated with pesticides and other chemicals, including flame retardant. Ghent responded by changing its headline to read “Scandinavians eat their Christmas trees” and added a warning: “not all Christmas trees are edible.” Way to throw the Vikings under the bus, Belgians!
Wait, What?
In early November, Emily James, 27, of Kansas City, Missouri, underwent a most unusual and expensive ($17,000) body-altering surgery, the New York Post reported. The trans woman had six ribs removed from her rib cage in order to achieve a smaller waist. The recovery gave her plenty of time to think about what she wanted to do with those extra ribs — yes, the hospital gave them to her — and her options seemed limitless: Make them into dog toys, boil them down for broth, have an “Emily barbecue.” But eschewing all the cannibalistic notions, James has come up with the perfect project: “I plan on having someone make a crown and, like, incorporate my bone pieces in there,” she said. “Getting my ribs removed doesn’t change the fact that I’m a kind, loving trans girl. It’s my money, my body, and I’m going to do what I want with it.” Yas queen.
Precocious
A 12-year-old boy from Grand Traverse County in Michigan was charged with joy riding, operating a motor vehicle without a license, carrying a concealed weapon, and possession of marijuana on Jan. 12, MLive.com reported. The boy’s parents contacted the county sheriff when they realized their 2000 Chevy Blazer was missing, saying their son had taken it. They had tracked his progress south into Clare County, where deputies were alerted to be on the lookout. By the time he was stopped, he had driven more than 90 miles; officers found a 12-gauge pump-action shotgun and ammunition, along with a little weed, but said there was no indication that he planned to use the gun. He did tell deputies he was unhappy at home. He was released to his parents.
Compelling Explanation
San Mateo, California, police arrested a Kentucky man early on the morning of Jan. 12 for a suspected hit-and-run incident, CBS News reported. Frank Falcone, 62, told officers that he was driving northbound on Pacific Boulevard when a southbound car came toward him with its high beams on. The lights disturbed Falcone “because of the brightness and potential radiation,” he said, so he rammed the other car. When it stopped, he allegedly rammed it two more times. Falcone fled the scene and told officers he evaded them because people impersonate cops. He was arrested on suspicion of assault with a deadly weapon.
Um …
Nigerian gospel singer Timileyin Ajayi, 30, was arrested on Jan. 12 as he carried a bag that contained the severed head of his purported girlfriend, the BBC reported. The bag drew the attention of other people, who held him until police arrived. “The suspect was found with a fresh human head,” Nasarawa police said, “and when we got to the scene, we rescued him from being mobbed.” Other parts of the deceased’s body were found later at his home. Abby Simon, a friend of the 24-year-old victim, said Ajayi was not her boyfriend. “Even if she was his girlfriend, she didn’t deserve to die this way,” Simon said.
You Had One Job
Brigantine (New Jersey) police were called to a home on the Jersey Shore on Jan. 13 after a neighbor found a toddler wandering around outdoors, NBC Philadelphia reported. The neighbor recognized the child and returned them to their home, where she found babysitter Jena Davidson, 35, passed out on the floor. First responders took Davidson to the hospital, where it turned out she had “consumed a significant amount of the homeowner’s alcohol to the point that she became unconscious and unresponsive,” police reported. She was charged with endangering the welfare of a child.
Patty Crawford holds sign during protest. Photo Credit: Kailynn Johnson
Protesters gathered in front of City Hall today to condemn President Donald Trump and his administration, Elon Musk, and the country’s political climate. The protest was organized by an activist group called “901 Memphis Area Indivisible.”
“We are protesting the loss of our democracy and are part of a national movement to stop the destruction by Trump and his gang of vandals,” Tony Cernosek, a member of the group, said in a statement. “This effort must and will succeed or millions of citizens will suffer terrible hardship — mostly the poor and marginalized.”.
Activists carried signs while chanting things such as, “Donald Trump’s a Nazi,” “This is what democracy looks like,” and “Deport Musk.”After circling around Memphis City Hall, protestors continued to march downtown.
Patty Crawford said as someone who has lived in the South for most of her life, she’s become used to “this mess,” but said “it’s never been this bad.”
“There’s really no issue Musk and Trump have not had their finger on in the last month,” Crawford said. “They are destroying funding for all kinds of social programs. The first thing they went after is U.S. aid, so people are dying overseas because there’s not enough food to eat.”
Crawford added that the current administration is against LGBTQ+ rights, and openly condemned Trump’s increased focus on deportations. Another participant, Bill Stegall, added that the administration is also working to eradicate important resources.
“They’re not carefully making sure these programs are working,” Stegall said. “They’re simply doing a word search, and anything that says poor, underserved, impoverished, or African American, they’re just shutting that down. They’re just shutting down help for people who need it.”
Stegall said he and others gathered today to get connected to commemorate the beginning of a “very large movement” that will “culminate in the next vote.”
“Your silence will not protect you at this point,” Crawford said. “You can stay at home and think you’re safe, but you’re not safe.”
Sue Lynn is a retired teacher who said she’s concerned about too many things to mention.
“I’m just totally upset, disgusted, and reviled by what’s going on in Washington and the people who are supposed to be leading us,” Lynn said.
Sue Lynn. Photo Credit: Kailynn Johnson
Lynn said she was there for her students — whom she referred to as “our saving grace.”
“I have only a limited amount of time left on this earth, but they’re going to take over and by golly they’re going to do it,” Lynn said.
Adults were not the only group of people protesting. Nine-year-old James Wofford and his mother Callie Bugg were there to show their opposition to what’s going on in America.
Wofford and Bugg hold signs at protest.
Photo Credit: Kailynn Johnson
“We’re here to be heard [and] to be a part of the voice that says no,” Bugg said.
Bugg said she hopes the voices that say “no” are further amplified by today’s movement.
“I hope this is the start of a lot of people standing up.”
Wofford added that he’s looking forward to his 13th birthday when “Trump is not our president.”
Memphis rapper NLE Choppa is sick of the city’s gun violence problem. The 22-year-old is already a rap vet, having released his first single at age 16. His new single “Can We Live?” is dedicated to those we have lost, like Young Dolph and Choppa’s friend Tae Grape.
“I know some kids toting guns before they learn to tie they shoe/No more bedtime stories, they putting shit to sleep too.” Choppa raps.
The music video for “Can We Live?” was shot in Tom Lee Park, and features a cameo from Mayor Paul Young. Take a look:
If you would like to see your music video featured on Music Video Monday, email cmccoy@memphisflyer.com.
“The state cannot tell me how to operate my church,” said Rev. Kevin Riggs, pastor of Franklin Community Church. (Photo: John Partipilo)
A pair of bills by Republicans lawmakers that would penalize charitable organizations that serve immigrants — and potentially lead to their employees’ arrests — are drawing pushback from Tennessee faith leaders as an infringement on their religious freedom.
One bill (HB322/SB392) would create a new “human smuggling” crime for those who transport, encourage or induce 10 or more adults to illegally enter or remain in the state by “concealing, harboring or shielding” them.
Organizations, including churches and other nonprofits, that commit or are “about to commit” the offense could be dissolved by the Tennessee Attorney General. And individuals who participate in inducing or encouraging activities — such as church staff, nonprofit employees or private company workers — could be subject to a Class E felony, punishable by up to six years in prison and a fine of up to $3,000.
A second bill (HB811/SB227) would open up charitable organizations to lawsuits if they have provided housing services to an individual without permanent legal immigration status and then that individual goes on to commit a crime.
Both measures could directly impact the routine charitable programs Tennessee churches and other nonprofits provide to individuals regardless of their immigration status, faith leaders said.
“I’m deeply concerned about how broad these bills are, and my fear is that any church that is seeking to help any immigrant could be penalized in some way,” said The Rev. Eric Mayle, pastor of Edgehill United Methodist Church in Nashville.
“And that prevents us from exercising our religious freedom to care for the vulnerable or stranger in our midst who we are commanded by Christ to care for,” he said.
State Senator Brent Taylor (R) Memphis district 31 Shelby County, during the 113th general Assembly
Photograph by John Partipilo/Tennessee Lookout
Sen. Brent Taylor (R-Memphis), who is the chief sponsor of the bill aimed at housing services and a cosponsor of the human smuggling legislation, said both bills are designed to hold non-governmental agencies, or NGOs, accountable for their roles in providing services that keep immigrants without legal status in Tennessee communities.
The bills are not intended to interfere with the charitable work of faith based groups, such as those that provide temporary shelters or English as a Second Language programs, as his own church offers, he said.
Even heaven has an immigration policy.
Sen. Brent Taylor (R-Memphis)
“I would remind the churches that even heaven has an immigration policy,” Taylor said. “You can’t climb over the wall in heaven. You can’t slick talk St. Peter into the gates of heaven. There’s a very specific way you come into heaven to become a resident of heaven. They’ve got a very strict immigration policy, and I don’t think its unreasonable for Americans to have an immigration policy that people follow.”
The bills are among an unprecedented slate of immigration-related legislation filed in the Tennessee Legislature this year. More than three dozen bills have been filed to restrict immigrants’ access to public services, including K-12 schools, or penalize those who aid them.
A sweeping measure signed into law by Gov. Bill Lee on Thursday offers to significantly ramp up state involvement in immigration enforcement in collaboration with the Trump Administration.
The measure creates a new state enforcement office, provides grants as incentives for local law enforcement to take on immigrant enforcement duties, creates distinct drivers licenses for noncitizens and makes it a felony for public officials to back sanctuary policies. The American Civil Liberties Union of Tennessee pledged to bring a legal challenge to the law.
New ‘human smuggling’ offense
The proposal to create a new “human smuggling” offense would create a felony for knowingly transporting at least 10 adults or 5 children who lack permanent legal immigration status “for the purpose of commercial advantage or private financial gain.” The felony also applies to individuals who encourage or induce 10 or more adults or five or more children to “enter or remain” in Tennessee by “concealing, harboring, or shielding those persons from detection.”
The bill, Taylor and Rep. Jody Barrett (R-Dickson) also creates a second misdemeanor offense for those who “harbor or hide, or assist another in harboring or hiding” individuals they know or should have known have illegally entered the United States. The misdemeanor comes with a $1,000 penalty attached to each individual who was concealed, harbored or shielded.
Taylor referred questions about the granular details of the bill to Barrett, its chief sponsor, who did not respond to messages seeking comment about the bill on Friday.
Lisa Sherman Luna, executive director of the Tennessee Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights, noted the felony offense could broadly apply to construction site employees driven by van to worksites or nonprofits providing adults and children bus passes as part of their services.
The use of the word “encourage” to define the proposed new crime creates an added layer of vagueness to the bill, Luna said.
“By providing people food maybe you’re encouraging people to stay?” Luna said. “The point is they don’t define ‘encourages.’
The broad nature of the language could apply to nonprofit legal services providers that provide legal advice, food banks that distribute goods, churches that offer community services, immigrant-serving nonprofits that educate individuals about their rights, Luna noted.
‘The state cannot tell me how to operate my church’
Pastor Kevin Riggs of Franklin Community Church said he is concerned the bill to penalize organizations that provide housing assistance would have a direct impact on his church.
Riggs’ church helps low-income individuals access housing programs, funded through a federal Housing and Urban Development program whose rules are at odds with the bill being proposed.
If there’s a person in front of us who has got need, we’re going to meet the need.
– Rev. Kevin Riggs, Franklin Community Church
“It would affect the work, Riggs said. “It’s put us in a bind, because you got the state telling you, you have to do one thing, and you have the federal government telling you, you can’t do that.” Regardless of whether the bill ultimately becomes law, Riggs said his church would not veer from its Christian mission to help those in need. “The state cannot tell me how to operate my church,” Riggs said.
“If there’s a person in front of us who has got need, we’re going to meet the need,” he said. “That’s part of our church’s mission, and for the state to tell us we cannot is a violation of our First Amendment rights to practice our religions in the way I believe we have been called.”
Taylor, in an interview with the Lookout, said his intent was for the bill to apply only to long-term housing services provided by charitable organizations in Tennessee communities. While the language of the bill filed does not specify long term housing, Taylor said he would review the bill to possibly amend it.
“I’m not envisioning a homeless shelter,” he said. “What I envision is an NGO assisting them finding a longterm rental in a house or apartment, not an overnight stay in a homeless shelter. No one is trying to prevent illegal immigrants from seeking shelter on a cold winter night or from rain storm.”
Nonprofits a new front in immigration enforcement
Churches, faith-based and other nonprofit organizations that work with individuals regardless of their immigration status are increasingly becoming targets of Republican-led efforts to clamp down on illegal immigration, according to Kristen Etter, director of policy and services at the Texas Immigration Law Council.
On Wednesday, Congressional republicans sent a letter to Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem demanding an investigation into non-governmental agencies receiving public funding to work with immigrant populations. The letter, without evidence, accused nonprofit agencies of “knowingly assisting criminal aliens violating our immigration laws” and “operating a human smuggling campaign on the backs of U.S. taxpayers.”
Last month, influential conservative think tank The Heritage Foundation listed as its No. 1 immigration-related policy goal to repurpose public funding from immigrant-serving nonprofits – whom they accused of “facilitating the border crisis” – to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
As one of his first executive orders after taking office, President Donald Trump called on the U.S. Attorney General and the Department of Homeland Security to investigate the funding of immigrant-serving nonprofits.
And in Texas, ongoing lawsuits are challenging Attorney General Ken Paxton’s efforts to issue investigative demands to immigrant-serving organizations he has accused of facilitating illegal immigration, among them: Catholic Charities Rio Grande Valley and Annunciation House, a Catholic organization. The organizations have argued in court that Paxton’s efforts violate their First Amendment right to free speech, association and religion.
“They want to criminalize all organizations that work with immigrants,” Etter said.
Tennessee Lookout is part of States Newsroom, a nonprofit news network supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity. Tennessee Lookout maintains editorial independence. Contact Editor Holly McCall for questions: info@tennesseelookout.com.
Catch Alexis Grace’s Valentine’s Day concert, featuring Raneem Imam and MROSE, at Bar DKDC this Friday. (Photo: Courtesy Alexis Grace)
Valentine’s Day Shenanigans Happy Valentine’s Day from us at the Flyer — most of us, I guess — well, me. I suppose I can’t speak on behalf of my coworkers. I’d assume they’d want to wish you a happy Valentine’s Day, but who knows? Then again, why give them the credit? Their byline isn’t up there at the top of this. They’re not about to come in clutch with these Valentine’s events right here because you’re a last-minute planner and are in need of something to do this weekend. I am. So here:
An Introduction to Fencing: Valentine’s Day Couples Edition: Nothing says I love you more than swordplay, so grab your Valentine for a special couples-only introductory presentation about the history, culture, techniques, and sport of fencing. $20. | First Congo, Friday, February 14, 6 p.m.
Valentine’s Day with Kortland Whalum: Join the Memphis Symphony Orchestra with special guest Kortland Whalum for a night of music and romance. Tickets include a post-concert reception with champagne and desserts. | Scheidt Family Performing Arts Center, Friday, February 14, 8 p.m., $40-$100.
Electric Canvas Valentines: DJs LyeLack, Steele, KymaFaux, and Lost Cypher will wow you and your Valentine with a showcase of EDM. | Canvas, Friday, February 14, 10 p.m.-2 a.m., $5, 21+.
Valentine’s Day Dance Classes: With six classes to choose from, you’ll find the perfect way to spice up your holiday plans. Classes are beginner-friendly, couples only. | Blue Suede Ballroom Dance Studio, Friday-Sunday, February 14-16, $42/couple.
Flowers & Chocolate Pairing: Take a tour of Wiseacre’s facility and learn about hops and malt, the flowers and chocolate of the beer world. The class includes samples of Wiseacre beer paired with the best chocolate from Dinstuhl’s. | Wiseacre Brewing Company, Saturday, February 15, 1 p.m., $25.
Variations on a Theme: Love, Longing, and Lederhosen: A curating evening of music and one-act operas from Heggie, Bizet, Mozart, and more. Somehow, lederhosen will come into play. | Opera Memphis, Saturday, February 15, 7:30 p.m.; Sunday February 16, 3 p.m., $25.
Emo Nite (Valentine’s Edition): Embrace the emo and the lover sides of you. $1 per ticket sponsors Emo Nite Gives a F*ck. | Growlers, Saturday, February 15, 9 p.m., $20/advance, $25/day of show, 18+.
Drip Edges EP Release Show Lamplighter Lounge Saturday, February 15, 3 p.m. Alex Greene wrote about the Drip Edges this week and their new EP, Kicking the Tires on the Clown Car. They’ll be doing a release show with DJ Bloody Elle and Joecephus & the George Jonestown Massacre at the Lamp this Saturday. $10 cover. Read that article here.
DDP Presents: The Wicked Xperience Dru’s Place Saturday, February 15, 6:30 p.m. This wicked drag show will have you spellbound with glamour, giveaways, and performances by Devon Davenport Phillips, Crystal Beth, Tova Uravitch, Ariel Monroe, and Betty Swallows Alnite. Dress to impress in your most Wicked look for the costume contest. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. RSVP here. $10/general admission; $10/showside table; $15/at the door/. 21+.
Read Silently with People I said what I said. Bring a friend or go solo. All you need is a book for these two events:
It’s a Bestie Silent Book Club: Wear your Valentine’s best and BYO drinks and snacks to cozy up with a good book at this FREE event! No registration required. | Novel, Sunday, February 16, 2-4 p.m.
Loflin Loves Readers Night: Bring your favorite book or current read, settle down in the Coachhouse or patio, then enjoy lo-fi music and the fireplace on the big screen while you read! Happy hour goes from 4 to 7 p.m. with discounts on drinks and snacks, too, so be sure to take advantage of that while you enjoy your book! | Loflin Yard, Thursday, February 20, 4-7 p.m.
Soulful Murder Mystery: A Locomotive Themed Murder Mystery Halloran Centre Sunday, February 16, 7 p.m. Get a clue — in general, but more specifically this Sunday at the Soulful Murder Mystery part, where you’ll be transported into a world of rhythm, deception, and hidden motives. Guests will indulge in appetizers and smooth music as suspicious characters weave through the train station. Will you discover the truth before the train pulls into the final station? I don’t know, but I know you can find out more and get your tickets ($82) here.
Sam Morril Minglewood Hall Sunday, February 16, 7 p.m. According to our intern Jake Sanders, last time comedian Sam Morril was in town, he forgot his pants. I mean, the man had sweatpants, which to me are pants — it’s in the name — but I guess they’re not “stand-up” pants. So, who knows what he’ll wear this go-around, but he’ll be at Minglewood. Tickets ($34-$61) can be purchased here. Oh, and read Jake’s article about Morril here.
Lunch & Listen: Vox’s Rachel Cohen & Oscar-winner Coach Bill Courtney Memphis Listening Lab Tuesday, February 18, 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. As part of the newly launched Lunch & Listen series, the Memphis Listen Lab hosts Vox writer Rachel Cohen, author of “Why I Changed My Mind About Volunteering” that’ll be the focus of the lunchtime interview with Oscar-winner coach Bill Courtney. For background, she had disregarded individual action as an unhelpful distraction to the more important systemic change that was needed to solve our problems, but then she had a change of heart and mind. Find more information on the talk here.
There’s always something happening in Memphis. See a full calendar of events here.
Desmond Bane handles the ball against the Los Angeles Clippers. (Credit: NBAE/Getty Images.)
The Memphis Grizzlies took on the Los Angeles Clippers on Wednesday night and came away with a 128-114 loss. It was Memphis’ second game in two nights, and they were without Ja Morant.
As has been the case with many games this season, turnovers and points scored off those turnovers proved to be a thorn in the Grizzlies’ side. Couple that with an off night offensively for Jaren Jackson Jr., and Clippers small forward Kawhi Leonard having his second-highest-scoring game of the season, and this was the outcome.
It was a somewhat surprising outcome, given that Leonard has played just 15 games this season, and until last game, the Grizzlies were 7-1 in games with no rest this season.
Two-time all-star Jaren Jackson Jr. has been a dominant force on offense for Memphis, but foul trouble hindered his momentum Wednesday. Desmond Bane took on the role of leading scorer with a team-high 23 points, but sloppy ball handling and turnovers kept the game out of reach.
The Grizzlies held the lead briefly in the first quarter and for about half of the second quarter, but once the Clippers overtook them in the first half, they held onto their lead for the remainder of the game.
Turnovers. We need to talk about them. Memphis gave up 41 points off 22 turnovers. In contrast, Los Angeles only gave up 20 points off their 17 turnovers. Giving up that many points dug the Grizzlies into a hole they couldn’t claw their way out of.
Free throw shooting by the Grizzlies was also abysmal – 8 of 15 or 53.3%, with the Clippers shooting 21 of 22 or 95.5% from the charity stripe. Free throws were probably less of a factor in this match than the aforementioned turnovers, but they certainly didn’t help.
This Grizzlies team hasn’t figured out how to solve a problem like the Clippers or the Thunder, for that matter. But there is a chance that Memphis will face the Clippers in the first round, and based on their first two meetings this season, that could spell disaster for any hope of a deep playoff run.
By The Numbers:
Desmond Bane led the team in scoring with 23 points, 6 rebounds, and 4 assists on 8 of 17 overall shooting and 6 of 11 from beyond the arc.
Jaylen Wells finished the night with 18 points, 3 rebounds, 1 assist, and 2 steals while shooting 7 of 11 overall and 3 of 7 from three-point range.
Jaren Jackson Jr. closed out with 13 points, 6 rebounds, 2 assists, and 2 blocks on 5 of 12 overall shooting.
Luke Kennard was moved into the starting lineup and finished with 12 points, 2 rebounds, 2 assists, and 2 steals on 5 of 10 overall shooting and 2 of 3 from beyond the arc.
Chef Judd Grisanti at his "Gourmet to Go" food trailer (Credit: Carter Gober)
Judd Grisanti’s been cooking up something lately. Now he’s ready to spill the beans.
The popular chef from the Grisanti family restaurant fame is ready for people to get a taste (literally) of his latest venture. He will launch “Gourmet-To-Go,” which is part of his new Green Apple’s Foods Co., Sunday, February 16th.
Grisanti is thinking healthy. Each week, he will prepare meals and deliver them to people’s homes. These aren’t frozen chicken-potatoes-and-beans combos. Here’s a sample of his cuisine: “Asian Inspired Wild Salmon Protein Smart Fluffy Coconut Sushi Lime Rice Bowl.”
“It’s a macro nutrient and micro nutrient meal plan,” Grisanti says. “Macro means carbohydrates, proteins, and fats. Micro means the natural vitamins in our foods that our bodies need. for an overall balanced diet.”
Grisanti isn’t talking about just cutting out fats. “We need good fats, not bad fats. And the good fats come from nuts. They come from avocados. They come from olive oil, sesame seeds, cashews, tuna fish, salmon, edamame, or walnuts. We’re taking pills for our vitamins when our vitamins are already in our food, and easier for our bodies to digest than a pill.”
Foodies first met Grisanti when he was a server in the old Beale Street location of Ronnie Grisanti & Sons Italian Restaurant, which was owned by his dad, the late Ronnie Grisanti. Judd went on to work at his dad’s restaurant when it moved to 2855 Poplar Avenue. He also worked as chef/owner at Spindini and was owner of Ronnie Grisanti’s Italian Restaurant in Regalia.
Chefs Alex and Judd Grisanti and their dad, the late Ronnie Grisanti, in the early 1990s (Credit: Courtesy of Judd Grisanti)
Judd operates his new business out of a customized commercial kitchen food truck in Laws Hill, Mississippi, which is not far from his farm. “It’s basically a commercial kitchen on wheels,” he says.
As a chef, Grisanti says,“Mentally, we’re always evolving. We’re always learning. We’re always exploring, especially in the culinary world. People call it ‘R and D’ — ‘research and development.’”
Judd came up with the idea for his new venture while recovering from a surgery seven months ago. “During the time that I’ve taken off, I’ve been here at the farm thinking about the paths that I’ve gone down. And wondering, ‘Where is Judd Grisanti going next?’ Which direction am I going to go?”
When he was working in a commercial kitchen in a restaurant, he could make anything he wanted on a whim. “I’ve always had the ingredients at my fingertips.”
But now, he says, “Being out of the restaurant business for seven months and not being in a commercial kitchen, I’m cooking for one now. And going to the grocery store and getting what I need.”
“I would come in tired and worn out physically, and I had to cook something for dinner. It had to be something that had nutritional values to it, so, I could replace the calories I burned and give myself energy for the next day. I learned it’s not just me that has to worry about what they’re having for dinner that night, planning their meals, prepping their meals, and going to find the time to do the shopping and the cooking.”
That’s when he came up with Gourmet to Go. “Fully-prepared, chef-created, well-rounded, nutritional meals. Flare, culture, and the art of cuisine delivered to your doorstep — for a balanced lifestyle.”
“A lot of people don’t have the full information of where all carbs come from. Your body has to have carbs.”
But there are good carbs and bad carbs, he says. “You want to eat carbs like quinoa, lentils, whole grains, sweet potatoes, different types of beans, and whole grain pastas. All those are okay, but you want to keep it high fibers.”
“People ask, ‘Oh why did you go to culinary school?’ I did go to culinary school to learn how to cook a steak or whatever. But,” he says “As chefs, we get lost sometimes in what we’re creating. We can definitely create incredible food that has micro nutrient and macro nutrient values to them rather than just putting out stuff with a lot of fat, heavy cream, butter, and all the stuff we love. Instead of using those ingredients that we would typically go to, there are alternatives. And we just have to put more energy and thought into what we’re doing. And it’s more simplified than what we think.”
Describing his Asian-inspired wild salmon bowl, he says, “It’s baked wild salmon with a home-made hoisin black garlic sauce. And that’s over shredded purple cabbage, shredded carrots, edamame, English cucumbers, shiitake mushrooms topped with fried shallots, furikake, and sriracha aioli.”
Another dish is “The Mediterranean Gyro Greek Chicken Smart Protein Bowl.” This includes quinoa, pearl pasta, and couscous. “I mix those three grains together. And then you have some green with it. More likely kale, if that’s what they wish. And on top you’ll have pickled red onions, English cucumbers, grape tomatoes, feta cheese, and a homemade tzatziki sauce topped with roasted garbanzo beans.”
Mediterranean Gyro Greek Chicken Smart Protein Bowl (Credit: Judd Grisanti)
Each meal comes in three parts. “Your main dish comes in a bowl with sauce or marinade or dressing on the side, along with greens or tomatoes. Minimal assembly. It can be ready in minutes. Microwave six minutes, or in the oven at 375 degrees and it’s ready in 20 minutes. And then you can add your sauce and your fresh herbs and whatever is on the side.”
Eventually, he says, “You’ll be able to pick out your protein, your mix of grains. And then you’ll be able to pick out the veggies you want to go on there. You might want it with lamb or shrimp or whatever. And then we’ll be able to customize it for you.”
His catchline is “Heat, Eat, & Enjoy!!!”
Grisanti says he will change the menu (which offers six dishes) weekly. “I have hundreds of recipes already written.” He also plans to add “some Grisanti menu items,” which are “protein forward.” And he’ll include Grisanti’s roasted chicken lasagna “with the fresh spinach and prosciutto” as well as the shrimp fried diablo.
For now, Grisanti is using his email address, grisanti909@gmail.com, Facebook address, “Judd D. Grisanti,” and Instagram address, “grisanti.restaurant” for orders. “We take orders for the week up until Tuesday night at 10:00. Wednesday, we set out for delivery and we bring it straight to you. There’s no hidden fee. No members fee. Nothing like that. We are just simply a chef providing a service to your door.”
In addition to Gourmet to Go, Judd’s Green Apple’s Co., which he describes as a “full menu line,” will include desserts and various types of snacks and starters, including hummus, and protein-forward desserts “We’re working on things every week. Testing and getting things done.”
Judd’s slogan is “Fork it Up.” “Instead of saying ‘Cheers’ or whatever, it’s like, ‘Fork it Up with Gourmet to Go.’ You can eat good and eat as much as you want. And when it good food it’s actually going to make you feel fuller.You’re getting everything you need. We’re doing these prepared meals to go straight to the consumer. It comes from our kitchen straight to your kitchen. You just eat and enjoy.”
Germantown ticketed Alexis Luttrell, saying her decorations were against city law. (Credit: FIRE)
A Germantown resident sued the suburb in federal court Wednesday after she was cited by the city for her Christmas decorations.
Alexis Luttrell was popped by the city late last year because her Christmas decorations included skeletons. A photo of the scene shows a simulated human skeleton wearing a red-and-green tutu holding a leash of garlands attached to a skeleton dog wearing a Christmas tree hat.
Germantown ticketed Alexis Luttrell, saying her decorations were against city law. (Credit: FIRE)
But the city of Germantown says the display is against city code. It even has a law against it on the books.
According to the Luttrell lawsuit, Germantown law says that decorations “shall not be installed or placed more than 45 days before the date of the holiday for which said decorations are intended and shall be removed within a reasonable period of time, not to exceed 30 days, following the date of the holiday for which said decorations were intended. Holiday lights, even if not illuminated, are not permitted to remain on any house or structure year-round.”
But Luttrell thinks the law is a violation of her First-Amendment right to free speech. She sued the city in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Tennessee. Aiding Luttrell in the suit are lawyers from the Philadelphia-based Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression (FIRE).
“There is simply no good reason for the government to care how and when a resident celebrates a holiday in their own front yard,” said FIRE attorney Colin McDonell. “When government officials try to stop that resident from expressing their holiday spirit to others, that violates the First Amendment.”
Luttrell’s skeletons went up in October for Halloween. Later, they held political signs for Election Day. In December, though, a Germantown code enforcement agent left a notice that the skeletons violated city law. She dressed them up for Christmas anyway.
In early January, Luttrell got a citation from the city, reminding her the skeletons still violated city law. If she didn’t pay the ticket, she’d have to appear before a judge this month. If she was found guilty, she’d be fined, and given a court order that she could never use skeletons in her holiday displays. City officials, she was told, could even enter her property and forcibly remove the skeletons.
“You don’t have to like my decorations, but that doesn’t mean Germantown has the right to force me to take them down,” Luttrell said in a statement. “This is America. Even our local government has to respect our rights.”
FIRE says the ordinance is unconstitutional, and that city governments can impose restrictions on displays that address safety, noise, or light pollution, but Germantown’ telling residents how and when they must celebrate a holiday’s law “is simply targeting protected expression.”
Luttrell’s skeletons are still up as of Wednesday, dressed in a “Love Is Love” theme for Valentine’s Day. She plans to costume them for St. Patrick’s Day, Easter, and Pride Month.
“Perhaps for President’s Day, I’ll dress the skeleton like a Founding Father and give him a copy of the Constitution,” said Luttrell. “Maybe a visual display will make it finally sink in when they ask me to tear it down.”
Chewy has partnered with shelters across the country for Valentine’s Day foster field trips. Here is Yamaha from Broward County Animal Care enjoying a date in Florida. (Photo: Courtesy Chewy)
A few unlucky singles are in need of a date this Valentine’s day. They’re not too picky about who takes them out, as long as their date doesn’t mind a bit of drool (who wouldn’t drool over you?), the occasional woof (at least it’s not a cat call), and a bit of puppy love. And, listen, we at the Flyer aren’t going to recommend just any old single; we’re only gonna recommend the cream of the crop — and that would be the pups at the Humane Society of Memphis & Shelby County.
For this Valentine’s Day, singles, couples, and dog-lovers can take an adoptable pup out for a date away from the shelter as part of Chewy’s Dogs Date Out. Chewy, an online pet food and supplies retailer, has partnered with shelters like the Humane Society across the country for these Valentine’s Day foster field trips. To make the dates go smoothly, each registrant will receive a Chewy Date Kit, including Valentine’s-themed toys, treats, a leash, blanket, portable water bottle, an “Adopt Me” bandana, and a poop bag dispenser (for those first date jitters).
The 10 Memphis dogs who will be going on dates have “great behavior skills,” says Destini Johnson, the Humane Society’s events & marketing manager, and a break from the shelter will provide much-needed socialization, enrichment, and a bit of peace. Plus, it’ll boost their chances of finding a forever home, whether with their dates or just by the nature of being out and about.
(Photo: Courtesy Chewy)
For that reason, those who sign up will also receive a list of dog-friendly places they can visit to make the most of their day. Some examples Johnson gives include Shelby Farms Park, Wise Acre Brewery, City & State, and Crosstown Concourse.
So far, five of the 10 spots have been claimed, so sign up here. Each registrant will pick up their date after a brief tutorial at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, February 14th, and each pup will need to be returned by 4 p.m. And if you can’t take a dog out on date but still need a reason to visit the shelter, the Humane Society has set up a kissing booth in the lobby. “It’s very Valentine’s-themed,” Johnson says.
“Outside of it being Valentine’s Day, this opportunity to foster a dog for a day is a thing that we already do,” Johnson adds. “People are able to come on a random Tuesday or random Thursday and do a foster field trip. … We’re really trying to incorporate opportunities for socialization.” (You can find out more about volunteering and fostering here.)
The Humane Society will also host its annual The Fast & The Furriest 5K on March 15th. The race is dog-friendly and St. Patrick’s Day-themed. Register here.
