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haedra Parks came to Bravo’s hit reality-TV show The Real Housewives

of Atlanta in its third season, bringing to the cast her smooth-as-silk, chic, sassy, fashionably late Southern spirit with an eye for the macabre (she just finished her degree in Mortuary Science). Parks is a recently single mother of two who juggles her legal career and packed social calendar with a sense of calm and poise that would unnerve even Emily Post. She recently sat down with South to chat about what it really means to be a modern Southern belle at home.

Do you like to cook?Everyone knows that a true Southern Belle loves to cook.

What’s the one kitchen tool and ingredient that you can’t do without?Salted butter! I haven’t found a dish that doesn’t taste better without real butter! I also have a fascination with spice, so I put Sriracha on almost everything. When it comes to healthy eating, I can’t do without my double boiler. It makes steaming veggies and fresh fish while I’m cooking rice a cinch.

Tell us about visits you’ve made to Savannah.I went there recently for a girls’ get-away. We had a great time visiting historic sites and walking down River Street. As a lifelong Georgia Peach, I love visiting there. Savannah is a dream come true—rich culture, exquisite food and beautiful scenery.

Were you especially impressed with a dining experience in Savannah?Yes, Mrs. Wilkes’ Dining Room did not disappoint. The food was intoxicating; the service was impeccable and the décor and atmosphere were authentically Southern. I also enjoyed Elizabeth on 37th—they served gourmet traditional Southern cuisine with a modern twist.

What role does fine dining play in your life and on the TV show?On The Real Housewives, we always film at fabulous restaurants. But it’s quite ironic because most of us don’t ever really touch our food! We know how unattractive eating on television can be and, of course, no one wants to ruin their fresh lipstick!

What favorite restaurants and bars do you have in Atlanta?As a mother of two young boys, and an attorney, author, mortician, TV personality and entrepreneur, I’m not always afforded the luxury of dining out as much as I would like. Eating out is a treat for me, so when I do, I spoil myself. Some of my favorite eateries in Atlanta include Bacchanalia (the food there is as delicious as it looks). I also love UMI, which features traditional Japanese cuisine and some of the best sushi in town. My favorite Italian spot is Room 27 in Little Italy. Nothing beats authentic formaggio and fresh grilled lobster!

What makes the South a great pick for the film and TV industry?Besides the 35% tax credit, the South offers such a wide variety of scenery that’s necessary to produce a motion picture or TV show: from the mountains, lakes and breathtaking countrysides to Atlanta’s beautiful skyline and various other urban scenes—it can all be found here. And accessibility to talent here is unparalleled, as Atlanta offers unmatched connectivity for the film industry via its international airport—the busiest in the world. n

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PHAEDRA PARKS

Wr i t t e n b y S TAC Y M O S E R P h o t o g r a p h b y R O B E RT E C T O R

C U L T U R E D / O U R C R E A T I V E C O A S T

THIS REAL HOUSEWIVES OF ATLANTA STAR TALKS ABOUT SALTED BUTTER, VISITING SAVANNAH AND WHY MOVIE MAKING WORKS IN GEORGIA

HOUSEWIVE’S

Season 8 of The Real Housewives of Atlanta premieres November 8. Go to BravoTV.com for the full schedule.

Her witty new book reveals the secrets to her charm and poise.

34 SOUTHMAGAZINE.COM

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