On the cover: Rendering of Musica by WET Design
Current Issue
Sophisticated Giving Charity Register 2025
A comprehensive guide highlighting the work of charitable organizations in Nashville. Presented by LBMC
Highlights from the March/April 2026 Issue
Fashion
Forward.
We visit with the 21st Annual Symphony Fashion Show Chairs for a peek backstage.
Interview by Melissa Mahanes / Photo by Daniel Meigs
The gateway to Music Row is gearing up for an exciting transformation.
Text: Melissa Mahanes
Photo courtesy of Alan Lequire and WET Design
Cover Story: Just Add Water
Capital Ideas
Dave Mahanes sits down with Oakworth Capital’s Greer Redden.
Text: Dave Mahanes
Photo: Bob Farley
RobertJames stylishly puts luxury in the palm of your hand
Text: Mesliia Mahanes
Photo courtesy RobertJames
Luxe Life
In the Family Fold
Grace Tseng and Mama Yang share their legacy witha true taste of Taiwan
Text: Melissa Mahanes
Image: courtesy Mama Yang & Daughter
Crustworthy
Tucked into Brentwood Corners, 100 Pizza is a little hidden, and that'spart of the appeal. The small, family-run pizzeria makes just 100 pies a day, a self-imposed limit that keeps the focus squarely on quality rather than volume. The idea started with Michael Wilde, who spent years making trips to New York in search of great pizza. He ate widely, talked with seasoned pizza makers, and paid attention to the details most people overlook. "There'sa science to it,"he says. "And no two pizza chefs approach it the same way.
Text: Melissa Mahanes
Photos: Michael Wilde
Delicious Mornings
Brunch, Seasonality, and Starting the Day Well
Text: Melissa Mahanes
Image: Courtesy Buttermilk Mornings
A Day at the Races
The time-honored tradition of the Iroquois Steeplechase marks its 85thanniversary
Text: Melissa Mahanes
Photo: Brenda Black
For the Win.
Wind Creek Chicago Southland has ushered in a new era for the Southland region, transforming what many once knew primarily as a gaming venue into a polished, full-service resort that combines elevated dining, refined wellness offerings, and contemporary accommodations. Its expansion, culminating in the April 2025 opening of the hotel and spa, marks the debut of a destination designed as much for relaxation and culinary exploration as for gaming
Sophisticated Society, Presented by Genesis Diamonds -
Sophisticated Society, Presented by Genesis Diamonds -
Society Calendar
Events of note in March & April
Antiques & Garden Show
Photos: Peyton Hoge
Nashville Design Collective
Photos: Phillip Winham
Ruby Gala
Heart Gala
Photos: Jessica McIntosh
How About Dinner & A Movie?
Photos: Melissa Mahanes
TPAC Prelude
Photos: Melissa Mahanes
Sophisticated Giving
I am sure everyone has their story about January's Ice Storm Fern, one of the most catastrophic storms to hit Nashville in decades. At 4:30am on Sunday, January 25th, we were awoken by what sounded like a bomb, promptly knocking the power out. I jumped up to investigate and saw that a huge branch had fallen on the house, shattering the glass storm window at the front. Thank goodness it didn't break through the indoor window. Several hours later, when the sun came up, there was another crash caused by a large branch that severely crushed the stairs to my back deck.
Stepping outside to assess the damage, it was eerie. The sky was grey; the ground was covered with snow;and the trees were encased in glittering ice. In the silence, the breaking of large branches and the falling of trees continued throughout the day. By 4:00 in the afternoon, with no heat, no electricity, no TV, and no internet, we decided to pack up and flee to my oldest son, Jack's, midtown studio apartment in SkyHouse. With our beagle Dolly Parton in tow (barking the entire time), we started our way out of Belle Meade. So many roads were blocked by downed trees and power lines that we had to constantly turn around to reach Harding Pike, finally making it out by driving beneath an intimidatingly low arch formed by a fallen tree and a utility pole hanging over Lynwood Boulevard.It took us an hour to get to our son's apartment, when it usually takes us 15 minutes
Text: Dave Mahanes
From the Publisher
Get To Know Us
At Sophisticated Living, we are dedicated and passionate about all the finer things life has to offer. Whether your interests are close to home or in far-flung places, each issue shares highlights of the good life in Nashville and beyond.
Dave Mahanes, Publisher & Melissa Mahanes, Editor-In-Chief
Melissa and Dave have been married for 26 years and moved from NewYork to Nashville 18 years ago. Melissa is originally from Greenwich, CT, graduated with B.A. in Fine Arts from Vanderbilt University, and is also a graduate of Sotheby’s Fine Arts Program. During her career, Melissa worked for Sotheby’s and contemporary art dealers Larry Gagosian and Anthony d’Offay in New York. Her graphic design company, Kalligraphia, has designed invitations for many popular Nashville fundraisers. Since moving to Nashville, Melissa has been very involved in the Nashville community serving on the boards of Nashville Ballet and Sexual AssaultCenter, as well as Co-Chairing The Mad Hatter, Ballet Ball, Symphony Ball, and Swan Ball Auction.
Dave grew up in Nashville, attended Ensworth and MBA, graduated with a B.A. in Economics from Duke University, and received his M.B.A. from Vanderbilt University Owen Graduate School of Management. Dave spent most of his career as a banker in New York and Nashville. Also very active in the Nashville community, Dave has served on the boards of Belle Meade Plantation and Equal Chance for Education, the advisory boards of W.O. Smith School, and the Nashville Symphony as well as serving as a Deacon for the First Presbyterian Church.
Melissa and Dave look forward to bringing their creativity and passion for the arts, the finer things that Nashville has to offer, and the Middle Tennessee non-forprofit community to Sophisticated Living Nashville and Sophisticated Giving.
Advertise with Sophisticated Living
Sophisticated Living readers are affluent, educated, capable and influential consumers. Our award-winning editorial, full-page only ad format and unique direct-distribution method gives our advertisers ample opportunity to maximize their message in front of the highest income earners in Nashville.
For advertising information contact Dave Mahanes at dave@slmag.net or 615.495.4250
Connect with Us
Dave Mahanes, Publisher: dave@slmag.net / 615.495.4250
Melissa Mahanes, Editor-In-Chief: melissa@slmag.net 615.308.9294