
Food & Drink






OCTOBER 25, 2025 | 6:30 PM
TOP CHEF NWA is Back - Now at the Walmart AMP!
Get ready for the tastiest night of the year at our new venue, the iconic Walmart AMP. Enjoy gourmet food, craft cocktails, and a sizzling live chef showdown under the stars.
Tickets on sale now. Every plate supports literacy and education in our community. Don’t wait - grab your seat today.
I believe there are two kinds of people in this world—those who eat to live, and those who live to eat. No matter where your tastes fall, food is more than sustenance—it’s a way of bringing people together.
Across every culture, food is woven into life’s milestones: it's a part of celebrations, a way to gather with our family and friends, shared while honoring those we’ve lost, and a way to mark nearly every occasion in between.
In this issue, we raise a glass to the universal love of food and the local spots turning every bite into an experience worth savoring. We’ve spotlighted some of the area’s most distinctive restaurants—places that have carved out their niche by daring to do something different—while also including a few newcomers to the scene making their mark on Rogers’ dining landscape.
Among those notable recent additions to the restaurant scene is Lasang Pinoy, which celebrates its founders’ Filipino heritage with traditional food, a vibrant atmosphere, and—to top it all off—private karaoke rooms available to reserve with your friends.
However, this issue isn't limited to eating out. As some of the best celebrations happen within our own homes, we’ve gathered advice from a local personal chef on how to host a successful dinner party with ease.
And because food is best when shared, we also spotlight Top Chef NWA, an event that blends two beloved traditions—great cuisine and community spirit— while supporting the Rogers Public Library.
However you choose to savor this season, may it bring you connection, celebration, and a seat at the table. HEATHER
October 2025
PUBLISHER
Andy Ponte | Andy.Ponte@citylifestyle.com
MANAGING EDITOR
Heather Jarvis | heather.jarvis@citylifestyle.com
ACCOUNT MANAGER
Alexis Roach | alexis.roach@citylifestyle.com
SOCIAL MEDIA COORDINATOR
Heather Jarvis | heather.jarvis@citylifestyle.com
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Sydney Sullivan, Kara Isham
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
Amber Hall, Meredith Mashburn, Kara Isham
CEO Steven Schowengerdt
COO Matthew Perry
CRO Jamie Pentz
VP OF OPERATIONS Janeane Thompson
VP OF SALES Andrew Leaders
AD DESIGNER Matthew Endersbe
LAYOUT DESIGNER Meredith Wilson
QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Marina Campbell
Your Lakefront Escape: Stunning Beaver Lake Home with Private Boat Dock. Beaver Lake Luxury – Waterfront Living Discover premier lakefront living on 7+ acres with a private dock and gentle walk to Beaver Lake. Offering 3,500+ sq. ft. of stylish living, this estate features 5 bedrooms, 5 baths, a gourmet kitchen, spacious living areas, and two lakeview patios. Love to entertain? Enjoy an entire building designed for hosting unforgettable gatherings. With direct water access, panoramic views, and move-in-ready furnishings, this rare retreat is perfect. Offered at $2,299,000
Welcome to 11010 Meadow Lark Rd in Rogers!
On the market for the first time, this custombuilt home sits on 9.5 wooded acres at the end of a quiet cul-de-sac. With 5,130 sq. ft. across three levels, it offers spacious living, modern comforts, and energy-efficient solar panels. Just minutes from downtown Rogers and the new Walmart Home Office, this retreat blends convenience, privacy, and timeless design. Purchase all for 1.5 Million OR purchase home with 2.53 acres for 1.3 Million.
Discover a lifestyle designed to help you truly savor every moment of retirement. Enjoy engaging social events that bring neighbors together, chef-inspired elevates every meal, and weekly housekeeping that lets you relax—all bundled into one worry-free monthly payment. Let us handle the details so you have more time to celebrate life’s best moments.
The 19th Hole at The Creeks Golf Course opened over the summer, offering family fun and a place to sharpen your game or play TPC courses with friends. The 19th Hole features the only public Trackman bays within 100 miles—fully covered for year-round play. After work, stop by the outdoor bar (open at 4 p.m.) for a Bloody Mary and a Creeksburger. Call (479) 248-1000 to reserve your bay today.
Explore vibrant flavors of Filipino cuisine, celebrate special moments with family and friends, and embrace the lively energy of karaoke nights at Lasang Pinoy in Rogers. From a scratch kitchen inspired by the rich culinary heritage of the Philippines to a warm, inviting atmosphere filled with authentic decor, every detail is crafted to create unforgettable memories. The new restaurant is located at 719 W. Walnut, Suite 104 in Rogers. (479) 636-0846.
Top Chef NWA is bigger, bolder, and at a new location this year. The event will be Saturday, Oct. 25, at 6:30 p.m. Guests will enjoy a full evening of gourmet food, signature cocktails, decadent desserts, amazing swag bags and live culinary entertainment—all in support of literacy and education through the Rogers Public Library Foundation. Every dollar raised goes toward creating a stronger, more connected Rogers. Tickets are $100-$125—get the full details and tickets online at: rpl.foundation/top-chef-nwa-2025.
CELEBRATING THE CITY’S UNIQUE CULINARY DESTINATIONS AND SOME NOTABLE NEWCOMERS
Rogers’ culinary scene is as diverse as it is dynamic. From restaurants that offer truly one-of-a-kind experiences—along with a few fresh arrivals—discover both the distinctive standouts and the newest spots worth a visit.
Heirloom at the 1907 & Pinky Swear
It may be difficult to score a reservation for dinner at Heirloom at the 1907, and it may even be tricky to find the restaurant, given it has no signage, but a meal there is well worth the effort.
Heirloom offers a tasting menu of around 10 courses that changes monthly and is hyper-seasonal. The restaurant offers wine pairings with the meal as well as other alcoholic and non-alcoholic options.
Co-Owner Danielle Ribaudo says one of the best aspects of Heirloom’s menu is its fleeting nature, just like each season.
“How frequently the menu rotates is part of what makes it special,” she says. “We have never even printed any of the menus in Heirloom. Once they are gone, they are gone.”
Heirloom is an intimate venue with seating for only 18 to 22
guests each night, so reservations generally sell out very quickly when posted online on the 15th of every month. The restaurant offers a wait list.
Guests can also visit Pinky Swear by Heirloom, a hi-fi record bar located just outside the restaurant. Pinky Swear is walk-in only, with no reservations needed. Along with drinks, it offers a small menu of its own, with a chef’s favorite option being the kimcheese pizza.
Ashleigh Wine & Sake Lounge
For a unique and elevated lounge experience and the chance to enjoy some curated wines, sakes, and traditional craft cocktails, head over to the Ashleigh Wine & Sake Bar.
Open for just over a year, Ashleigh Lounge caters to both those who know their favorite drinks and those who want to try something new.
The tranquil yet sophisticated vibe of the lounge is designed for guests to relax, sip, and savor. Along with its variety of drinks, Ashleigh's also offers artisanal small plates, including the restaurant’s popular charcuterie board.
The lounge can also be rented out for special occasions.
For those who aren’t looking for frills, but are looking for some of the best fried chicken in Arkansas, head down scenic East Highway 94 to Monte Ne Chicken House.
All meals at this restaurant are served family style and include fried chicken and side dishes like bean soup, mashed potatoes, gravy, sweet corn, seasoned green beans, coleslaw, and biscuits at one set price per person. The restaurant is well known to locals for offering a casual, down-home feel and some good southern cooking.
Reservations are greatly encouraged, and carry out and catering are available.
Perched on the rooftop of the new Avail Hotel in the Pinnacle area, Oak Steakhouse is part of a small chain of restaurants known for its chef-driven menu that highlights a modern take on steak classics. Owned by The Indigo Road Hospitality Group, which also owns Junto in downtown Bentonville, Oak Steakhouse Rogers opened its doors on June 27.
The biggest draw for the restaurant is its wide array of steak offerings, including the restaurant’s popular dry-aged beef options. But the menu also includes a variety of non-steak entree options, starters, shareables, salads, and seafood, with the popular raw bar oysters.
Oak also offers a weekend brunch with dishes like eggs Benedict, a soft scramble dish, avocado toast, burgers, and, of course, steak and eggs.
Oak Rogers General Manager Dillon Peterson says the most impactful thing the restaurant does is focus on hospitality and truly welcoming every guest to the space.
“Our food is delicious and our kitchen team is incredibly talented,” he says. “But we really like to focus on the human element of what we do. People like a story. We like to provide an experience other than food on the table that we are proud of.”
115
Fans of Latin American cuisine should try the new Warike 115, one of the only restaurants in Northwest Arkansas to focus on Peruvian cuisine. Transitioning from a successful food truck, Warike 115 opened its doors in June. “Warike” is a term that refers to a hidden or secret place to enjoy food.
The menu varies from offering seafood dishes from the coast to hearty Andean classics, with some dishes featuring Chineseinfluenced flavors and cooking techniques called Chifa.
Some of the menu highlights include ceviche, causa rellena (layered Peruvian dish with spicy mashed potatoes), lomo saltado (stir-fried beef), and arroz chaufa (Peruvian fried rice).
For a taste of France, head to Un Deaux Trois Cafe, a new Parisian-style restaurant offering refined café fare, sweet and savory pastries, artisanal coffee, steeped teas, and a seasonal bar program.
With its light and beautiful decor, the cafe provides a relaxing atmosphere for guests to relax in at any time of the day.
Menu favorites include pastries like croissants, pain au chocolat, and Madeleines, along with savory offerings such as quiche Lorraine and Jamon Beurre or roasted vegetable baguettes.
While certainly not new to Northwest Arkansas, Mermaids Seafood Restaurant is new to Rogers. After being in Fayetteville for more than 20 years, owners closed that restaurant to open a new one near the Pinnacle Promenade.
The 5,000-square-foot restaurant offers the same favorites from the Fayetteville location, including seafood and pasta dishes, salads, burgers, and sandwiches.
Design Your Dream Home with Cabinets Made for You.
One of Rogers’ newest restaurants, Lasang Pinoy, offers diners an immersive experience in Filipino culture.
Lasang Pinoy celebrated its grand opening May 27. The restaurant not only offers traditional locally-sourced Filipino dishes served family style, but also offers the warm and welcoming environment embodied by the spirit of the Philippines.
Owner Maria Smith and her brother, head chef Bill Martfeld, say they built Lasang Pinoy as a tribute to their family roots, inspired by their mother, their memories from the Philippines when they were young, and what they have learned about Filipino culture while building the business.
“This has been a journey for us as well as our customers,” Bill says. “We are enjoying learning more about our heritage and sharing it with others.”
Bill learned to cook from his mother, who once owned her own Filipino catering company. He says he has enjoyed sharing some of these traditional dishes with the residents of NWA.
Before opening their restaurant located at 8th and Walnut streets, Lasang Pinoy operated a successful pop-up restaurant at Proof in downtown Rogers, where they experimented with the menu to find the most popular dishes.
For dinner, Lasang Pinoy offers a regular menu that includes Filipino favorites like lumpia (Filipino-styled spring rolls) and a rice-noodle dish called pancit bihon. But the restaurant also offers a seasonal menu where Bill can create dishes inspired by different regions of the Philippines.
Menu items are presented in their native Tagalog, with pronunciation guides for guests. There are vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free menu items, and dishes can be prepared specially for other allergy or dietary concerns.
Like the food, the custom drinks at Lasang Pinoy include more traditional Filipino ingredients. The fun and colorful cocktails reference Filipino musical and entertainment culture.
Maria, who left the corporate world to start the restaurant, designed the dining room to reflect Filipino culture, including furniture, colors, and custom hanging decor. As both Bill and his dad served in the Navy, the restaurant also features a Missing Man Table, a symbolic memorial for fallen, missing, or imprisoned service members.
To embody the Filipino element of hospitality, Maria and Bill’s mom, known to guests as “Lola,” or “grandmother” in Tagalog, acts as hostess at the restaurant.
Maria and Bill’s dad is also actively involved in the restaurant, as is Maria’s husband and kids.
“We are not only a small business, but a true family business,” she says. “It’s beautiful to work with family who all have the same values.”
Another culture favorite celebrated at Lasang Pinoy is karaoke.
Along with offering lunch from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and dinner from 5 to 9 p.m. Tuesdays thru Saturdays, Lasang Pinoy also has two beautifully designed karaoke rooms that can be reserved by the hour.
Other special cultural experiences offered at the restaurant include Boodle Fights, a Filipino army-style of eating where guests sit at the Family Kamayan Table and enjoy food served on banana leaves instead of plates, and the meal is eaten with hands instead of utensils. Guests can also join a monthly supper club, where they explore the different influences of other countries on Filipino cuisine. Lasang Pinoy also offers catering services, bringing Filipino cuisine and other favorites to any special occasion.
Lasang Pinoy had originally been slated to open in 2024, but their building was hit by the Memorial weekend tornados. They endured and rebuilt, and now word is out in the community that they are open.
Bill says people from all over NWA, the region, and even beyond are coming to the restaurant to experience authentic Filipino food and culture.
ARTICLE
BY
HEATHER JARVIS
PHOTOGRAPHY BY KARA ISHAM
Pro tips from a personal chef on how to pull off a stress-free, memorable dinner party
Planning and executing a special event at home can be a daunting task. From curating the menu and shopping for ingredients to juggling décor, timing, and clean-up, it’s easy for hosts to feel overwhelmed before the first guest even arrives. But with the right approach, hosting can feel more manageable, letting you focus on the experience.
Owner and Executive Chef Kevin McCombs of House Cured Culinary, a personal chef service in Northwest Arkansas, has spent more than a decade crafting inventive, high-end dining experiences for clients in their own homes.
Chef McCombs offers a few tips designed to ease the stress of hosting and help take your gathering to the next level.
Plan a menu that includes a dish or two that can be prepared a day in advance. An easy course to check off the day before is dessert. Chocolate mousse, cheesecake, tortes, and pies are all delectable dishes that hold well. For the main course, braised meats such as short ribs or coq au vin make for great fall and winter dishes that can be prepared in advance, and actually need the extra time for optimal flavor.
“It’s best to allow these types of meats to completely cool in their braising liquid to ensure they are tender and juicy,” Chef McCombs says. “Then you’re all set up for an easy reheat when it’s time to serve.”
When it comes to appetizers, a popular choice with his clients is the charcuterie board, complete with a selection of meats, cheeses, fresh fruits, nuts, jams, mustards, and pickled vegetables. No cooking required, just a quick assembly.
Not only should you write out your menu and grocery list once finalized, but also write out a timeline for your day. Start with dinnertime and work backwards, giving yourself ample time to complete your tasks.
“You may think if you start early, you’ll have plenty of time. But writing out a schedule for the day will keep you on track and not let time get away from you,” Chef McCombs says.
Create Instagram-worthy plates by adding a few finishing touches to your dish. Use garnishes that complement the flavors of the food you are serving to add color to the plate. A drizzle of herb oil, sliced cherry tomatoes, fresh herbs, or a red wine reduction can add the perfect finishing touch.
CONTINUED >
“Hospitality
has always been part of who I am. I love interacting with my clients while I cook—answering questions, sharing tips, and creating a memorable experience that goes beyond just the food.”
“If there is no texture to a plate, consider adding a nut or crispy garnish such as thinly sliced fried carrots or leeks,” Chef McCombs says. “The mentality of plating is high and tight—keep food tight in the center and strive to build up instead of out.”
Throwing plates into the oven for a few minutes to warm them prior to plating is a must to keep hot food hot.
One thing Chef McCombs says he sees often are overcrowded dinner tables. Keep the decor elegant but simplistic, allowing room for the dishes to be passed around during a family-style meal. Tall centerpieces can often limit guests from interacting with each other across the table.
Want to spend more time with your guests instead of cooking? Hire a personal chef. Once tied mainly to tourist destinations or luxury lifestyles, personal chefs are growing in demand as more people realize the convenience of effortless at-home gatherings—at a cost comparable to dining out at a restaurant.
Unlike a catering service, personal chefs cook everything onsite—the food is fresh, and the experience is interactive.
“Hospitality has always been part of who I am,” Chef McCombs says. “I love interacting with my clients while I cook—answering questions, sharing tips, and creating a memorable experience that goes beyond just the food.”
The best part? After dinner service, the kitchen is left cleaner than when he arrived, leaving clients free to unwind.
House Cured Culinary is based in Rogers, but serves the entire Northwest Arkansas and Southwest Missouri region. From intimate family meals to larger gatherings, he has perfected the art of creating seamless, memorable culinary events.
Chef McCombs received his culinary degree from Colorado Mountain College’s Keystone Culinary Institute and has over two decades of experience in the industry. He created House Cured Culinary in 2013 after working as an executive chef for many years.
Learn more at housecuredculinary.com, or book your service today by emailing chefkevinmccombs@gmail.com or calling 970-389-4782.
Four chefs to compete for coveted title in support of Rogers Public Library
ARTICLE BY HEATHER JARVIS PHOTOGRAPHY BY SLAUGHTERHAUS PHOTOGRAPHY
The Rogers Public Library Foundation is bringing its premier culinary competition, Top Chef NWA, back for a fifth year on Oct. 25 at the Walmart AMP. Four local chefs will go head-to-head for the coveted title, while guests watch the artistry unfold, engage with the competitors, and indulge in their masterfully crafted dishes.
This unique event pulls out all the stops, offering chef-prepared dishes along with appetizers, passed plates, decadent desserts, signature cocktails, and open-bar service. A panel of judges will determine the official winner, while guests will have the chance to vote for the “crowd favorite.”
Held in a new location this year, the Walmart AMP offers more space for guests to mingle, enjoy live entertainment, browse a dessert bar featuring over 20 different treats, and bid in a silent auction and raffle. Servers will circulate with dishes so attendees can taste without missing the action.
While general admission ticket holders will enjoy the full spread of chef creations, desserts, and drinks, VIP guests will have access to an exclusive lounge with specialty drink pairings, unique gifts, and an elevated culinary experience.
Top Chef NWA is the Rogers Public Library Foundation’s signature fundraising event, drawing around 450 to 500 guests each year. Proceeds directly support the library’s wide array of literacy and education programs—from Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library to online learning platforms, community outreach programming, and electronics for public use.
“Our goal this year is to get the library all the programming dollars they need so that they can operate optimally,” said Brenda Majors, executive director of the Rogers Public Library Foundation. “From fishing poles to online tools to help students, the library has become an essential community resource, and this event allows the library to continue its services.”
WHAT: Top Chef NWA WHEN: Oct. 25 WHERE: Walmart AMP COST: General admission $100; VIP $125
TICKETS: rpl.foundation
When Tracy Alexander moved to Northwest Arkansas in 2008, she was eager to put down roots and create a sense of home for her family.
A Texas native who studied English literature at the University of Texas, Tracy had always been drawn to interiors and thoughtful design. Over time, she began to notice a gap in the local shopping scene. There simply were not many places to find the kind of unique, personal pieces she loved. What started as a simple desire to share that passion slowly grew into Avenue Design Co., which Tracy opened in Downtown Rogers in 2014.
Since then, the shop has weathered challenges, including a tornado that forced relocation, and today flourishes in its new Village Parkway location with the same creativity and heart that inspired it from the start.
Walking into Avenue Design Co. feels a little like stepping into Tracy’s imagination. The shop is brimming with unique home accessories, chic gifts, and handpicked treasures that reflect her tagline: “Unique items hand-selected.” Tracy is the buyer and delights in sourcing unexpected finds, from one-of-a-kind containers for floral arrangements to statement pieces that make a home feel instantly more welcoming.
ARTICLE BY SYDNEY SULLIVAN PHOTOGRAPHY BY AMBER HALL
Interior design services are another cornerstone of the business, with Tracy leading a team of designers who help clients bring personality into their spaces. A standout offering is the custom floral design studio, where clients can bring their own container or pick one from the shop and transform it with arrangements that shift with the seasons. This year, Tracy is even traveling through France, Spain, and Italy to hunt for new inspirations to bring back to Rogers.
Tracy describes her design style in three words: curated, transitional, and homey. She does not believe in overhauling a space just for the sake of change. Instead, her goal is to make a client’s home the best version of itself. “I do not have to love it,” she says with a laugh. “The client does.”
Her approach is about balance: warm but not fussy, modern but not sterile. She encourages small, thoughtful updates that make a big impact. For fall, that could mean slipping a pumpkin into a floral
arrangement, tying a rich autumn bow on the front door wreath, or swapping light summer pillows for cozy textured ones. These subtle changes invite the season in without overwhelming a space.
Her design philosophy also reflects where trends are headed. After years of cool gray and white minimalism, Tracy is excited to see homes embracing warmth, color, and texture again. She loves the nod back to traditional design elements, though always with a playful, modern touch that avoids feeling too formal. For her, design is about creating rooms that feel lived in, loved, and personal, never like a sterile showroom. It is this blend of style and livability that keeps Avenue Design Co. fresh and distinct in the ever-evolving world of interiors.
Yet what makes Avenue Design Co. truly special is its heart for Rogers. Tracy and her all-local team are deeply rooted in the community, supporting local causes and staying involved beyond the store’s walls. Her employees, some of whom have been with her for more than seven years, are proof of the loyalty and care that define the business. Even in the aftermath of tornado recovery, the Avenue team has remained steady, bringing beauty and creativity back to everyday life.
In many ways, Avenue Design Co. is more than a store. It is a reflection of Rogers itself: resilient, welcoming, and always evolving, one handpicked detail at a time.
OCTOBER 2025
OCTOBER 1ST - 4TH
Bikes, Blues, and BBQ
Various locations in Rogers Bikes, Blues, and BBQ features live music, food, and motorcycle activities. This unique charity motorcycle rally benefits women, children and the underserved members of the Northwest Arkansas community. Since the first Bikes, Blues, and BBQ, the event has donated in excess of $3 million to local charities.
OCTOBER 14TH & 16TH
Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse in Rogers | 6:30 PM
Join Mach 1 Financial Group for a complimentary dinner at Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse to learn about planning for taxes and income in retirement. To register, please call the Mach 1 office at (479) 876-2100.
OCTOBER 16TH - 19TH
War Eagle Fair
War Eagle Creek | 8:00 AM
The War Eagle Fair began in 1954 as a way for crafters from across the Ozarks region to display their works. With around 300 booths of all handcrafted products displayed by their creators, the War Eagle Fair takes place along the banks of the War Eagle Creek.
OCTOBER 18TH
Oktoberfest NWA Beer Festival
Butterfield Stage, Railyard Park | 2:00 PM
The annual Downtown Rogers Oktoberfest NWA will feature a German Oktoberfest theme with about 25 regional breweries, wine options, and home brewers. Festivities will begin with a keg-tapping ceremony unveiling a beer brewed exclusively for the event. Attendees can also enjoy food, live music, games, and contests throughout the day.
OCTOBER 25TH
Top Chef NWA 2025
Walmart AMP | 6:30 PM
This premier culinary competition will take your taste buds on an unforgettable journey. Skilled chefs, each trained in diverse cuisines, will meticulously craft dishes that showcase intricate flavors, textures, and vibrant colors as they compete for the coveted title of Top Chef NWA. Proceeds go to the Rogers Public Library Foundation.
OCTOBER 31ST
Goblin Candy Crawl
Downtown Rogers | 3:30 PM
Join the Rogers Historical Museum on Halloween evening for this fun and safe event in Downtown Rogers. Pick up a trick-or-treat bag and map from the Rogers Historical Museum booth in Railyard Park and start your "candy crawl" around downtown.