looks different for everyone Home
Let’s hear it for the boys
“We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, then, is not an act, but a habit.” — Aristotle
In this issue, we’re celebrating men who show up consistently, intentionally and with purpose. The kind of men whose impact isn’t defined by a single moment but by the work they continue to do.
In Passion, Precision and Purpose, we feature five inspiring men whose work reflects excellence in different ways: a cardiovascular surgeon advancing robotic heart surgery, a gallery owner championing artists, two orthodontists known for their skill and care and a park director bringing creativity, nature and community together.
In Hats Off to Giving, you’ll meet the men of the Hat Club of Little Rock, a group that turned an unexpected collection of hats into a club of do-gooders with a lasting impact on local charities.
As Father’s Day approaches, we’ve rounded up a few favorite ways to spend a memorable day with Dad. And for those looking to raise a glass, the team at Legacy Wine and Spirits shares their picks for top bourbons best served On the Rocks
These are just a few of the articles waiting for you in this month’s issue celebrating the inspiring men in our lives. We hope you have a wonderful June, friends. Let the summer memory-making begin!
And to all of the fathers, stepfathers, grandfathers, godfathers, fur fathers and father figures out there, we celebrate you this Father’s Day!
STEPHANIE HASBROUCK, PUBLISHER @LITTLEROCKCITYLIFESTYLE
June 2026
PUBLISHER
Stephanie Hasbrouck stephanie.hasbrouck@citylifestyle.com
EDITORIAL COORDINATOR
Anna Yanosick | anna.yanosick@citylifestyle.com
PUBLICATION DIRECTOR
Katie Bode | katie.bode@citylifestyle.com
PUBLICATION MANAGER
Valerie Merrick | valerie.merrick@citylifestyle.com
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Anna Yanosick, Stephanie Hasbrouck, Kim Hill, Katie Bobrow
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
Katie Adkins Photography, Jon Yoder, Brittany Dawn Short
Corporate Team
CEO Steven Schowengerdt
President Matthew Perry
COO David Stetler
CRO Jamie Pentz
CoS Janeane Thompson
AD DESIGNER Matthew Endersbe
LAYOUT DESIGNER Adam Finley
QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Megan Cagle
Stanley is central Arkansas’ most trusted name in jewelry, and Laura Stanley is proud to continue the family tradition. A 3rd generation jeweler, she specializes in custom design, personal shopping for just the right piece, estate jewelry, or re-designing those pieces that just aren’t working for you anymore. Working by appointment is a private and personal experience, and once you visit her salon, you’ll feel the difference! Laura’s passion for fine jewelry comes through with every project.
ring with four carat natural fancy yellow and colorless accent diamonds.
city scene
1 – 2: Art Group Gallery celebrated the opening reception of “Impressions of Spain” featuring Sean LeCrone’s paintings inspired by his recent travel. 3 – 7: Scenes from Bolo Bash supporting Baptist Health’s Behavioral Health Services. 6: Elyce Arons, co-founder and CEO of Frances Valentine, headlined Bolo Bash, presented by Dillard’s. 7: Darnell Paul provided entertainment for the Evolve Gala. Piano Specialists of Arkansas donated the piano for the event.
FREDRICK BALTIMORE
SHELLEY GENTRY
FREDRICK BALTIMORE
FREDRICK BALTIMORE
SHELLEY GENTRY
FREDRICK BALTIMORE
8: Paws on the Promenade brought together the community for a fun-filled spring morning at The Promenade. 9: This annual, pet-friendly celebration will return next year, and everyone is invited to join the fun. 10: Eggshells owners Rick and Michelle Rogers and Chef Rose Duyar volunteered to cook 125 meals for Ronald McDonald House. 11: Ballet Arkansas’ Brittany Harano Dowdy was celebrated after a recent performance. She is relocating to North Carolina with her husband. 12: Have you visited the new PANDORA shop in The Promenade? The location opened this spring. 13: Wildwood Park for the Arts Lanterns Festival was a huge success, once again. 14: April Bennett, president of Baptist Health Medical Center, joined the Toad Master, Croaker and Daisy for Toad Suck Daze.
BALLET ARKANSAS
MATTHEW SEWELL PHOTOGRAPHY
Baptist Health Nurses Honored by Arkansas Center for Nursing
Eight nurses from Baptist Health who are making a significant impact in patient care, education and the nursing profession recently were honored by the Arkansas Center for Nursing (ACN). Rhonda Finnie, director of advanced practice at Baptist Health, received an Arkansas Nursing Legacy Award, while seven others were recognized as part of the organization’s 40 Nurse Leaders Under 40 list. They include: Whitney Eagle, Zena Hill, Cynamon Johnson, Ann Marie Mahan, Lea Meserole, Jennifer Smith and Taylor Starks.
CuteC Kids Boutique Reopens in New Promenade Location
CuteC Kids Boutique has officially re-opened in its new location at The Promenade at Chenal. Enjoy their beautifully elevated new interior, designed with you and your little one in mind, featuring children’s styles, thoughtful gifts and everything you love about CuteC Kids Boutique. Stay tuned for more exciting new store announcements at tanger.com/chenal.
Scan to read more
Baptist Health Cardiothoracic Surgery Clinic Welcomes Dr. Faiza Khan
Baptist Health Cardiothoracic Surgery Clinic recently welcomed Dr. Faiza Khan to its team. “I believe in providing the best and most current cardiothoracic care for my patients and treat all my patients the same as family,” Dr. Khan says. “I strive to have excellent outcomes and am grateful for the immense responsibility patients and their families allow me to have when they choose me as their surgeon.” For more information about Dr. Khan, visit Baptist-Health.org.
Scan to read more
NEIGHBORHOOD
Block Party
Saturday, June 13
11AM-1PM, MAIN STREET
Join us for sweet & savory tastings, live music from Bad Habit, drinks, and free hot dogs. Score exclusive offers, giveaways, and more!
SPONSORED BY:
Passion, Precision and Purpose
Meet Five Local Men Whose Work, Talent and Leadership Are Making Little Rock Better
ARTICLE BY ANNA YANOSICK | PHOTOGRAPHY BY KATIE ADKINS PHOTOGRAPHY, JON YODER AND CONTRIBUTED
DR. POUYA HEMMATI
CARDIOVASCULAR SURGEON AT BAPTIST HEALTH
Dr. Hemmati literally has the precision of a robot. Using the Intuitive da Vinci robotic system, he performs minimally invasive heart surgeries, leading to less pain and faster recoveries. Surgically trained at Mayo Clinic in Minnesota, Dr. Hemmati is revolutionizing how Baptist Health treats abnormal heartbeats.
What responsibility do you feel to those you serve, and how does that shape the way you lead?
Cardiac surgery is very unique in that patients truly trust you with their life. Most open cases require you to stop the heart and then ensure that it ‘starts back up’ again. The day someone has heart surgery may be the most stressful day in their life. As the surgeon, this is a tremendous level of responsibility to accept and a privilege that you cannot take lightly. Therefore, I always remind myself to put the patients’ needs first, imagine that the patient is my family member and to advocate for my patients that way when managing their care with other providers, insurance companies, administration, etc.
If your younger self met you today, what would surprise him most?
I wanted to grow up to be an astronaut-surgeon-race car driver. He would be surprised that I only got one out of three, but he may be satisfied once he sees the surgical robotics technology that we use, since it looks like something NASA would use!
From an early age, Kyle Boswell was drawn to art in its many forms. Though his professional path first unfolded outside the art world, his creative instincts never left him. Eventually, Kyle returned to his artistic roots and founded Boswell Mourot Fine Art. As a glass artist himself, Kyle brings a deep understanding of what it means to both create and present art. For 17 years, his gallery has championed local, national and international artists. What responsibility do you feel to those you serve, and how does that shape the way you lead?
I serve and lead the public by presenting authentic, original artwork from mid-career regional artists through my business and 17 years of experience as a gallery owner. Drawing on my research and deep knowledge of working artists, I create an environment that encourages visual learning and openness to new artists and artistic genres. My responsibility is to thoughtfully market the artwork and connect each client with pieces that truly resonate with them.
“Looking back, I believe my younger self would be proud to see that I have followed my passion and built a meaningful and successful path in the arts.” “
If your younger self met you today, what would surprise him most?
From an early age, I was exposed to and deeply interested in art in its many forms. Although I initially pursued a degree in political science and international affairs and spent several years working in the public sector, I eventually felt a strong pull back to my artistic roots. Looking back, I believe my younger self would be proud to see that I have followed my passion and built a meaningful and successful path in the arts.
KYLE BOSWELL
OWNER OF BOSWELL MOUROT FINE ART
DR. ALEX JONES & DR. ADDISON WALKER
ORTHODONTISTS AT DANIEL & JONES ORTHODONTICS
Dr. Jones and Dr. Walker are known for their orthodontic expertise and the respect and care they bring to each patient. Dr. Jones, who knew he wanted to be an orthodontist since sixth grade, joined the 30-year-old practice in 2020. Dr. Walker joined the team three years later, following his service as a dentist in the Air Force, and sees patients at the clinic’s Benton and Bryant locations. Together, their expertise and compassion create an experience that’s as thoughtful as it is precise.
What responsibility do you feel to those you serve, and how does that shape the way you lead?
Dr. Walker: We try to be prepared and set an example for the team in providing excellent care and patient experience, bringing a positive attitude and staying steady no matter what the day brings.
How do you define meaningful impact?
Dr. Jones: Each interaction with our patients and team members is an opportunity to add something positive in a world
where people are facing so many other stresses and challenges. We hope that every person who comes into our office leaves with a positive experience.
If your younger self met you today, what would surprise him most?
Dr. Jones: I’ve wanted to be an orthodontist since I was pretty young, but the fact that I made it, along with the scope of our practice and the number of patients we can see in a day, would be amazing to my younger self. Managing a team, maintaining our buildings and all of the other parts of small business ownership aren’t anything I ever thought about taking on, but those are a huge and rewarding part of the bigger picture.
Dr. Walker: Being from the Carolinas, I never thought I would live in Arkansas or the other places we’ve been along the way, from New Mexico to San Antonio. The opportunity to be part of a practice that has such a strong legacy and community focus is exactly what I was looking for, and finding it here has been unexpected in the best way.
BEVAN KEATING
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF WILDWOOD PARK FOR THE ARTS
Canadian-born conductor Bevan Keating brings the arts and nature into perfect harmony at Wildwood Park for the Arts. Before becoming Wildwood’s executive director, he conducted operas on its stage. Now, he provides opportunities for West Little Rock’s local arts community to blossom in a beautiful setting.
What responsibility do you feel to those you serve, and how does that shape the way you lead?
I feel like I serve three distinct groups. To the artists in my community, I help provide a place to display their professional artistry and provide various performing opportunities, which, as paid positions, encourage our talent to stay in Arkansas. To the community at large, I feel it’s my responsibility to provide a beautiful green space that the growing community of West Little Rock can enjoy from sunrise to sunset at no cost. To our staff and volunteers who help keep the park open 24 hours a day/seven days a week, I am fiercely loyal and work hard to support the incredible people who give their time and talents to Wildwood.
If your younger self met you today, what would surprise him most?
I’ve thought about this many times ... speaking to my younger self who was about to graduate with a doctorate in conducting, and now, finding himself amongst the trees at Wildwood, I would tell him to spend a little less time learning how to play the French horn and more time learning how to use a chainsaw. I try to instill this lesson upon my teenage twins, who are in intensive programs in athletics and the arts, to always keep an open door and open mind to whatever crosses your path. I could never have anticipated the joy of being the executive director of Wildwood Park for the Arts while I was studying to be the next conductor of the Toronto Symphony Orchestra. Just proof that you never know where your true calling might be.
YOUR TRUSTED LOCAL SPRINKLER SERVICE EXPERTS
Concierge Irrigation Services
SUMMERIZATION:
SYSTEM
REPAIRS
EASY
Hats off to giving
With Signature Style and Spirit, this Little Rock Group is Turning Events into Meaningful Giving
From crawfish boils and golf tournaments to chili cook-offs and pickleball, The Hat Club knows how to make a difference while having a good time. With their distinct hats and big hearts, the men of this Little Rock-based social club have donated nearly $1 million to more than 30 local charities.
“We don’t take ourselves too seriously, but we take the impact seriously,” says Jake Logan, president of The Hat Club. “At the end of the day, it’s a group of guys who figured out that you can do a lot of good when you combine community, consistency and a little bit of creativity.”
It all began in 2010 with an unexpected discovery. A group of friends was hanging out at a grandfather’s house when they stumbled upon a collection of hats they would never forget.
“The Hat Club comes from our original founders getting together with friends and putting on old hats found in one of their family’s homes,” says Alex Winans, the club’s marketing vice president. “Eventually, over time, they wanted to do something more with this social club between friends and figure out how to put this same energy into giving back to the community.”
Confident they could put the fun in fundraising, the members — or hat fellers — hosted the first of many crawfish boils. And since then, the club has never been short of creative ways to serve its community.
ARTICLE BY ANNA YANOSICK PHOTOGRAPHY CONTRIBUTED
“The Hat Club is known for turning fundraising into something people genuinely look forward to, and that’s where we really stand out,” Alex says.
Though hat fellers often wear their custom caps to events, the club’s name also nods to the tradition of “passing the hat,” or raising money for charity.
“Because we focus on supporting local organizations, we get to see the tangible differences that we’ve helped make,” Jake says. “As the group continues to grow, we are excited about continuing to spread our support through the community.”
During the iconic Chili Fights in the Heights, teams bring the heat to Kavanaugh Boulevard and benefit the Arkansas Foodbank.
“It’s part street festival, part competition, part community reunion,” Alex says. “You’ve got costumes, live music, families and a whole lot of chili.”
There’s also the annual Crawfish Salute, packed with live music and all-you-can-eat crawfish, which raised almost $40,000 for the UAMS Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) in 2024.
“When families, doctors, nurses and other staff connected to the UAMS come out to Crawfish Salute, you hear about incredibly difficult times in people’s lives and meet the people who support the unit and realize that a ‘fun event’ actually played a small role in their child’s care,” Alex says.
Combining sports and philanthropy, Pickleball with a Purpose helps charities for women and children. In partnership with the Junior League of Little Rock, more than 20 teams competed in the 2025 inaugural tournament and raised $8,000.
“There’s nothing better than seeing something fun turn into something meaningful,” Jake says.
Among its growing roster of signature events, The Hat Club Classic, held at the Chenal Country Club, is a premier golf tournament supporting Project Zero, an organization focused on reducing the number of children in foster care.
Jake says, “Every sponsor, every attendee, every volunteer becomes part of the mission. The goal has never been to keep it small or exclusive. It’s to keep expanding the impact.
“We aren’t able to host big events for every worthy organization, but we are always looking for ways to continue to support more groups or at least connect our members with other charitable organizations they may have never heard about.”
For more information or to apply, visit hatclublr.com.
DAD’S DAY OUT
Some Ideas for a Father’s Day He Won’t Forget
ARTICLE BY STEPHANIE HASBROUCK | PHOTOGRAPHY CONTRIBUTED
School is out, the sun is shining and Father’s Day is the perfect time to plan a fun day out with Dad. From tee times, ballgames and bowling to cooking classes, spa treatments and time on the trails, we’ve rounded up a few favorite local excursions to help make his weekend extra memorable.
For a full day of fun, visit Rebsamen Golf Course. Nestled in a bend of the Arkansas River, this 18-hole championship course welcomes golfers of all skill levels, whether Dad is chasing a personal best or simply enjoying time on the course. Or, head to Northshore Golf Range in North Little Rock, a premier practice range and pro shop with facilities designed to help golfers work on every part of their game in a fun, scenic setting. Visit rebsamengolf.com or northshoregolfrange.com for details.
Head to War Memorial Stadium to cheer on our beloved Little Rock Rangers. Whether Dad is a longtime soccer fan or just loves a good hometown crowd, there’s nothing quite like enjoying a match together from the stands. Grab a snack, settle in and make an evening of it. Visit littlerockrangers.com for tickets.
Sign up for a June cooking class at Eggshells Kitchen Co. It’s a fun way to learn something new, share a few laughs and enjoy a delicious meal together. From hands-on instruction to time around the table, it’s an experience Dad will remember. Visit eggshellskitchencompany.com to reserve a spot.
1. MAKE IT A GOLF DAY
2. ROOT FOR THE HOME TEAM
3. COOK UP SOMETHING SPECIAL
For the ultimate retro outing, visit Dust Bowl Lanes & Lounge. With its nostalgic atmosphere, great food and plenty of fun, it’s the perfect place to reserve a lane, order a bite and give Dad a stroll down memory lane. Visit dustbowllounge.com .
5. GIVE DAD A RESET
Spa days aren’t just for Mom. Treat Dad to a Gentleman’s Facial at The Spa at Rockwater, where he’ll enjoy an aromatherapy treatment, double cleanse, steam, toner, high-frequency beard treatment, firming mask and a smooth glass of bourbon. Visit rockwaterspa.glossgenius.com to schedule an appointment.
Spend the day enjoying the great outdoors with Dad. Pinnacle Mountain State Park and Rattlesnake Ridge Natural Area are two favorites for fresh air, beautiful views and time together.
6. HIT THE TRAILS
4. STRIKE UP SOME FUN
AN EXCERPT FROM EPISODE 6 OF SHARE THE LIFESTYLE, A CITY LIFESTYLE PODCAST
Photographer: Brittany Dawn Short
Creative Director: Jen Birn
Stylist: Stephanie Coultress O’Neill
Location: Hotel Saint Cecilia, Austin, TX
MIKE JOHNSON HAS BUILT HIS LIFE AROUND ONE QUIETLY RADICAL IDEA: THE STANDARD YOU SET PRIVATELY IS THE ONLY ONE THAT MATTERS.
After eight years in the Air Force, a celebrated run on national television, and a health crisis abroad that sent him deep into supply chains and ingredient certifications most founders never touch, the result is Oshun — a luxury ritual brand built on provenance you can trace and integrity you can verify. In an exclusive conversation for the Share the Lifestyle podcast, Mike shares what it actually takes to build something worth putting your name on. Read the highlights below, then scan the QR code for the full episode.
Q: YOU BECAME A FAN FAVORITE ON THE BACHELORETTE AND THEN LEFT THE SPOTLIGHT. YOU MOVED TO MEXICO, LEARNED SPANISH, THEN COSTA RICA, AND BUILT A COMPANY. WHAT DID THAT EXPERIENCE TEACH YOU ABOUT HUMAN BEHAVIOR?
A: “If you’re a good person going in, that shows. If you’re not, that shows too. I also learned that people form this parasocial relationship with you — they assume things about you. When all actuality, different circumstances bring out different parts of who you are. I was on TV trying to find love. The kindness people were showing after felt a bit fake, because they wanted to be a part of something that isn’t who I am individually, but a part of what they saw on TV. And so I had to get away from everybody and everything and the noise.”
THE QUIET STANDARD:
MIKE JOHNSON
“Too many people have prayed for me. So I’ve got to get up and do the walking.”
— Mike Johnson
Q: YOU JOINED THE AIR FORCE RIGHT OUT OF COMMUNITY COLLEGE. WHAT WERE YOU ACTUALLY RUNNING TOWARD?
A: “There was something in me that was saying: I’m not living up to my full potential. I was being a follower. My uncle said, ‘What’s going to make you become an adult the fastest?’ I said, obviously, the military. The Air Force broadened my thought process more than anything. We’re so caught up in our own perception — when you learn to understand different people’s perspectives, it adds to you in so many ways.”
Q: WITH OSHUN, YOU OWN YOUR MANUFACTURING, YOU EMPLOY A CHEMIST, EVERY PRODUCT HAS A BATCH NUMBER TRACEABLE TO ITS ORIGIN DATE. WHY DID YOU DECIDE TO GO THAT DEEP WITH THE BRAND?
A: “The EU bans 1,100 ingredients in personal care products. The U.S. bans nine. That’s my starting point. Oftentimes, it might be the same ingredient, but it comes from a place where it doesn’t have the highest purity. And 60% of what we put on our skin is absorbed. Every product Oshun makes carries a batch number that goes back to the exact day it was created — I can show you every single supplier, the date, the origin. I own more than one part of the supply chain because that’s the only way I can stand behind what’s in the bottle.”
This conversation is just the beginning. Mike goes deeper into why he’s buying land up north, the family in the Philippines who prayed over his factory floor, and what he’d tell every person ready to stop performing and start building. Scan the QR code for the full, exclusive City Lifestyle interview on the Share the Lifestyle podcast.
MIKE JOHNSON
Christian Brothers Automotive is located in West Little Rock on Chenal Parkway across from Splash Car Wash. Our most important mission is “To glorify God by serving our team, guests, and communities with excellence.” We are proud to be a member of our community. We offer full Automotive Repairs on most makes, (including but not limited to); Audi, BMW, Land Rover, Jaguar, Ford, GM, Toyota, Lexus, Subaru, Chrysler, Dodge, and VW. At Christian Brothers West Little Rock we have the same diagnostic equipment as the manufacturer(s). We perform everything from Oil changes to engine replacements, including tire replacement, batteries, and routine maintenance.
CONTACT US TODAY
501-430-5539 | cbac.com/west-little-rock 15516 Chenal Pkwy, Little Rock, Arkansas 72211
ARTICLE BY KIM HILL
GUYS’ GUYS’
Has it been too long since your tribe gathered to rib and one-up each other as only guys can do? To help plan a getaway for just the guys, City Lifestyle gathered an eclectic list of locations offering tons of things to see, do and experience. Here’s hoping the only ribs one will get on this guys’ getaway are the kind to hold in hands while barbecue sauce drips onto shirts. Scottsdale/Phoenix
There’s no other tournament on the PGA Tour like the Waste Management Phoenix Open and no hole like the legendary 16th, where 20,000 boisterous fans boo the tee shots that miss the green. The other 51 weeks of the year, golfers can play TPC Scottsdale or try one of more than 200 courses in the Scottsdale area, a top golf destination. Another winter event is the BarrettJackson Collector Car Auction. Even if one’s only collector car was a Hot Wheels, it’s a blast to peruse the acres of autos for sale before heading inside to watch the unique or renowned cars crossing the auction block. When it’s time to get moving, the strenuous hike up Camelback Mountain in nearby Phoenix
is a bucket-list item. Need a more moderate trail? Experience the same magic of the majestic saguaro cactus in the McDowell Sonoran Preserve.
New Orleans
It’s always a party in New Orleans (NOLA), especially when it comes to festivals, many of them centered around music. Folk to funk, gospel to jazz, zydeco, blues, African and other musical styles are celebrated on the Jazz and Heritage Festival’s 12 stages. If free admission is more desired, don’t miss the French Quarter Festival featuring local musicians and food vendors representing dozens of New Orleans restaurants. Part of the fun of Mid-City Bayou Boogaloo is admiring revelers’ watercraft, some of them homemade just for this festival on the banks of Bayou Saint John. If one of the festivals can’t be attended, there’s still plenty of NOLA live music, particularly the jazz clubs on Frenchmen Street. And when a break from crowds is needed, take a guided swamp tour. Kitschy, yes, but it’s a hoot to cruise around on a swamp buggy while looking for alligators.
Bowling Green, Kentucky
“America’s Sports Car” is produced at the Bowling Green Assembly Plant, where visitors can join guided tours to observe Corvettes being built and learn the fascinating history of these sexy autos. See examples of all Corvette generations at the National Corvette Museum. And if the need for speed is still felt, a few times a year Xtreme Experience offers driving or ride-along events in exotics like Ferraris or Lamborghinis at the National Corvette Museum Motorsports Park. After getting all revved up, cool down at Mammoth Cave National Park, the longest known cave system in the world and a World Heritage Site, where guided tours take participants through tunnels humans have used for thousands of years. And after all this touring, the Bowling Green area is the southernmost point in the Kentucky Bourbon Trail of distilleries.
Austin
Live music rules here, with iconic venues such as Antone’s, The Continental Club, the White Horse and hundreds of other locations, from dive bars to big stages. From rock and blues to country and urban, music is heard every night of the week (and many afternoons as well). When guys are hungry, there are tons of barbeque and Tex-Mex joints. Unique food trucks are truly a thing here, with nearly 2,000 food trailers in town. Burn some calories biking or running the Southern Walnut Creek Trail or one of many paved paths. Get out on the water in a kayak, canoe or stand-up paddleboard on Lake Travis or Lady Bird Lake. Take a dip in the historic Barton Springs Pool, where the underground springs keep the water around 68 degrees all year.
GETAWAYS
GETAWAYS
FOUR GREAT PLACES FOR GROOVES, GRUB AND GAWKING WITH BEST BROS
SUMMER GRILL
RECIPES
ARTICLE BY KATIE BOBROW
THESE DELICIOUS RECIPES ARE LIGHT, BRIGHT AND FEEL LIKE SUMMER
The sun has returned, and grilling season is upon us. With the nice weather comes vegetable gardens and fresh produce, along with the overwhelming desire to be outside as much as possible. We’ve compiled some fresh and light dishes that you can shop for at your local farmers market and whether you’re looking for a quick mid-week meal or something to grill for a crowd on the weekend these dishes won’t disappoint. These pair well together or can stand on their own!
DIRECTIONS:
1. Place skirt steak into gallon freezer bag.
2. Combine all other ingredients in bowl and mix. Pour over steak and marinate for 3-4 hours or overnight in the fridge.
3. Bring skirt steak to room temperature by letting it sit out for one hour.
4. Get your grill hot on one side and medium on the other.
5. Once the grill is ready, wipe excess marinade off steak. Starting on the hot side, place skirt steak on grill for 2 minutes per side, attaining a nice sear.
6. Transfer steak to the cooler side of grill and cook until the internal temp is 130°. Let rest for 10 minutes (temp will rise while resting).
7. Carve and serve. This dish pairs well with beans and rice or served as tacos. Following is a chimichurri sauce that compliments it nicely.
*Outside skirt steak is a more tender cut than inside skirt steak, for this recipe outside skirt is recommended. Do not use too much lime as the citrus can cook the meat before putting it on the grill, resulting in a tougher texture.
SIMPLE SKIRT STEAK
INGREDIENTS:
• 2lbs. Outside skirt steak*
• 2 Tablespoons lime*
• 2 Tablespoons finely,
chopped cilantro
• ¼ Cup olive oil or avocado oil
• ¼ White onion, finely chopped
• 1 Tablespoon cumin
• Salt and pepper to taste
CHIMICHURRI
INGREDIENTS:
• ½ Cup parsley, finely chopped
• ½ Cup cilantro, finely chopped
• 2 Tablespoons red wine vinegar
• 3 Cloves garlic, minced
• 1 Red chili (whole or deseeded depending on desired level of heat)
• ½ Teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 Teaspoon salt
• 1 Tablespoon lime juice (optional)
DIRECTIONS:
Combine all ingredients in a bowl. You can make this in the late morning and let it sit for around 4-6 hours, or you can make it the day before and let the flavors meld overnight in the fridge. Just be sure to take it out and get it to room temp before you serve it, as olive oil hardens in the fridge. Serve over skirt steak or tacos.
ROASTED CORN SALSA
INGREDIENTS:
• 2 Ears sweet corn
• 10oz. Cherry tomatoes
• ¼ Cup lime juice
• 1 Finely chopped jalapeno or serrano (whole or deseeded depending on desired level of heat)
• ¼ Cup cilantro, finely chopped
• ½ Cup white onion, chopped
• 2 Cloves garlic, minced
• Salt to taste
DIRECTIONS:
1. Grill corn, you do not need to soak the corn beforehand.
2. Place corn on the grill (inside their husks) over medium heat turning every few minutes.
3. After 10 to 12 minutes shuck the corn and put the cobs back on the grill for 2-4 minutes rotating frequently to achieve that charred look and flavor.
4. Cut the corn from the cob, place in bowl and add all other ingredients. Let the mixture meld for about an hour and serve with tortilla chips or as a taco garnish.
events
A SELECTION OF UPCOMING LOCAL EVENTS
SELECT DAYS IN JUNE
Cooking Classes at Eggshells Kitchen Co.
Eggshells Kitchen Co.
Eggshells Kitchen Co. brings Arkansas’ most talented culinary minds into their beloved cooking class series, covering everything from Turkish Lahmacun (June 6) and Korean comfort food (June 8) to handmade ravioli (June 18) and artisan sourdough (June 14). Each intimate class delivers hands-on instruction and recipes worth repeating at home. See the full schedule and reserve a spot at eggshellskitchencompany.com
JUNE 1ST – 6TH
Wild Gardens at Boswell Mourot Fine Art
Boswell Mourot Fine Art | Various Times
Boswell Mourot Fine Art’s exhibition Wild Gardens, featuring works by Susan Chambers and Yelena Petroukhina, will remain on view through June 6. The gallery is open Tuesday through Friday from 11 a.m. until 5 p.m., Saturday 11 a.m. until 3 p.m. and by appointment.
JUNE 4TH
Special Art for a Special Camp
Art Group Gallery | 5:30 PM
Visit Art Group Gallery in Pleasant Ridge Town Center for refreshments and an art sale benefiting the Joseph Pfeifer Kiwanis Camp 5:308:30 p.m. Thursday, June 4. Art Group Gallery artists have created original works inspired by all of the beautiful things this camp does for the community. For more information, visit artgrouparkansas.com.
JUNE 5TH
SoMa After Dark + Main Street Mile
SoMa | 4:00 PM
SoMa After Dark is one of Little Rock’s most electric evenings, blending boutique shopping, local eats and live music. This month, it also includes the high-energy SoMa Main Street Mile race. Whether running, walking or cheering from the sidelines, the energy is contagious, and the community spirit is real. Visit somalittlerock.com for all of the event details.
JUNE 6TH
Mid Mod Arkansas
Catlett Prien Tower Building | 12:30 PM
Preserve Arkansas and the Quapaw Quarter Association partner for an exclusive guided tour of six mid-century modern properties designed by Little Rock architect F. Eugene Withrow. Trolley transportation, snacks and a closing reception are all included in the $100 ticket. Seating is limited. Secure your spot today by visiting preservearkansas.org.
JUNE 13TH
The Promenade Neighborhood Block Party
Promenade at Chenal | 11:00 AM
Join the Fun at The Promenade at Chenal. Enjoy food tastings, free hot dogs, refreshing beverages and nonstop fun, including face painting, a balloon twister, live art, games, live music from Bad Habit and more. Be sure to visit the Little Rock City Lifestyle booth, meet your favorite retailers, catch up with friends and soak up the laid-back, neighborly vibes. For details, visit tanger.com/chenal
JUNE 19TH – 20TH
Juneteenth in Da Rock
Mosaic Templars Cultural Center | Various Times
Juneteenth in Da Rock is back for its 17th year with a multi-day celebration honoring Black excellence in music, business, health, education and the arts. A 5K, live national and local artists, food trucks, a kids zone and cultural programming make this the area’s most anticipated free community celebration. Visit JuneteenthLittleRock.com to find all of the events around town.
JUNE 20TH
Mount Holly Garden Series: What’s New in Aquaculture
Mount Holly Cemetery | 9:00 AM
Mark Gibson, owner of Green Thumb Water Gardens, will present What’s New in Aquaculture at the June Mount Holly Garden Series. Bring a lawn chair, enjoy the cemetery’s beauty and learn something new about gardening. Master Gardeners earn education points for attendance. For more information, visit mounthollycemetery.org
JUNE 26TH – 28TH
Singin’ in the Rain SR.
Wildwood Park for the Arts | Various Times
Tap your toes and sing along in this splashy adaptation of the world’s most celebrated movie musical. Filled with a downpour of unforgettable songs, hilarious situations and snappy dialogue make Singin’ in the Rain SR. the perfect entertainment for any fan of the golden age of movie musicals. For tickets, visit wildwoodpark.org
Mary Louise Porter | “After the Storm”
on the rocks
LEGACY TEAM OFFERS THEIR PICKS FOR THE PERFECT POUR
ARTICLE BY STEPHANIE HASBROUCK | PHOTOGRAPHY CONTRIBUTED
Cheers! We asked the team at Legacy Wine and Spirits to share a few of their favorite bourbons — plus one standout whisky — and they did not disappoint. Whether you’re shopping for Father’s Day, stocking the bar cart or simply raising a glass to someone special, these picks are worth a pour.
Rock Town Winner’s Circle 6 Year Kentucky Bourbon | “Made with Arkansas corn, wheat and malted barley, it features a piece by Arkansas artist Michael Shaeffer for a one-of-a-kind collectible bottle.”
Elijah Craig Private Barrel Legacy Barrel Pick | “An extremely rich and flavorful uncut 128.4 proof 10-year bourbon that was hand-picked by our Legacy staff and can only be found in our store.”
Penelope Barrel Strength Bourbon | “A blend of three bourbon mash bills, it has great notes of cinnamon and spice with a sweet caramel finish.”
Hot Springs Distilling Bear Clap Bourbon | “This twoyear-old bourbon is a classic expression with prominent oak and vanilla carrying this young whiskey.”
Bardstown Bourbon Company Ferrand Finish | “A blend of three bourbons and 7% rye, it is finished in Maison Ferrand cognac barrels, adding complex dried fruit and a light floral and honey finish.”
Warfield Gently Peated American Single Malt | “This Idaho whiskey blends in a small portion of peated Scotch malt to add subtle smoke to the earthy chocolate of this layered whiskey.”
Meet the Brewers
Brandon and Michele Brewer are the owners of Legacy Wine and Spirits, where they bring passion, expertise and genuine enthusiasm to the business they’ve built. The shop features a large selection of libations, including many local options, with something for every palate and occasion. For more information, visit legacylr.com.
Quincy Rhodes Jr. Razorback Football
