PLATED: The Arkansas Dining Guide | 2024

ORDER UP! INSIDE THE NATURAL STATE’S FOOD SCENE

MEET THE CHEF

Daron Hall’s Latest Venture

food festivals

Events Around the State

Catering ideas

Think Outside the Box Lunch

THE HEART OF HISTORIC HOT SPRINGS NATIONAL PARK

FOR NEARLY 100 YEARS, The Arlington Resort Hotel & Spa has welcomed locals and travelers to its elegant dining rooms.

Discover the charm and history of the Venetian Dining Room and newly restored Veranda amid The Arlington's grand restoration.

239 CENTRAL AVE, HOT SPRINGS, AR 71901 | (501) 623-7771

Experience creative clean eating!

We make comfort food with wholesome, clean ingredients.

thecitysilo.com (501) 298-8098 17701 Chenal Parkway Little Rock, AR 72223

Private Dining | Catering | Large Group Events

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Cheers in the Heights | The Oyster Bar | Samantha's Tap Room & Wood Grill | Cheers at the OPO | ESSY

Cheers in the Heights

The Oyster Bar Samantha's Tap Room & Wood Grill Cheers at the OPO East Side Scrap Yard (ESSY)

2010 N Van Buren St, Little Rock, AR cheersith.com 501-502-2461

3003 W Markham St, Little Rock, AR lroysterbar.com 501-503-2481

322 Main St, Little Rock, AR samstap.com 501-263-2760

1 W Center St, Fayetteville, AR cheersopo.com 479-439-4936

1416 E 9th St, Little Rock, AR @eastsidescrapyard 501-725-8185

EatRober.com

DINING. DRINKS. ENTERTAINMENT.

ValkyrieBenton.com

EatBajaGrill.com

LIVE MUSIC THURSDAYS + SATURDAYS

EatRevival.com

CO N T E N T S

FEATURES | 2024

15

Small Bites

2024 FOOD FESTIVAL GUIDE

Celebrations planned entirely around fruit, beer, barbecue, and so much more

11 27

19

Small Bites

BREWING SUCCESS How one Rogers-based coffee brand grew into a franchised giant

Small Bites

HOT OFF THE PRESS What's new and coming soon in the Arkansas dining scene

21

Main Dish

HEADED EAST Local restaurateurs team up to bring Little Rock a new event venue

24

Main Dish

SPINNING PLATES Private chef Daron Hall is just getting started

Main Dish

OUTSIDE, PLEASE! Take a seat on the patio of one of these local favorites around the state

31

Be Seated

CREATIVELY CATERED Upgrade your event with outside-the-box catering ideas

IN EVERY ISSUE

ON THE COVER

08

BON APPÉTIT From the Editor

Shrimp and grits prepared by Daron Hall of Plated: TheCutUpChef. Photographed by Rett Peek. See page 24.

37

PRIVATE DINING GUIDE

40

LAST COURSE Get to know The Mighty Rib

6 PLATED: The Arkansas Dining Guide | 2024

Vol. 1, No. 1 of PLATED: The Arkansas Dining Guide was distributed digitally in April 2024

by Root Publishing, Inc. All rights reserved.

R A DU N O LR .C O M

TH E FO LD LR .C O M

Book your next party at the East Side Scrap Yard: ESSY! 1416 E. 9th St. | Little Rock, AR 2024 | platedmag.com 7 @eastsidescrapyard 501-725-8185

B O N

A PPÉ T I T

FROM THE EDITOR Publisher

Welcome to the first issue of PLATED: The Arkansas Dining Guide!

The idea for a digital magazine focused on local dining was born from conversations with people in the restaurant industry who pointed out there wasn’t one central location for food coverage across the state.

And once we started brainstorming what all this publication could encompass—chef profiles, recipes, restaurant news, a roundup of food festivals, even ideas for catering and private dining—the next step became obvious. We would create something to fill that hole.

Who is “we”? We’re Root Publishing, the team behind At Home in Arkansas, which has been the state’s go-to resource for home design and lifestyle content since, well, before stories were referred to as “content.” When our publisher, Kelly Fraiser, bought the magazine 10 years ago, she deliberately chose “Root” for her company’s name as a nod to bringing the magazine’s ownership back to Arkansas—back to its roots. That focus on local has remained at the heart of everything we do with At Home in Arkansas, and it’s been the focus of our discussions about what to include in PLATED, too.

Every area of the state has a rich tapestry of locally owned eateries, and we’re excited to highlight not only the spectacular food, drinks, and atmosphere you can find there, but the people and places behind them, too. My family owned a restaurant in downtown Little Rock for a short time, and I saw firsthand some of the particular challenges those in the business face. Our hope is that this publication not only shines a light on the hardworking people who pour their hearts into these eateries, making their communities more vibrant in the process, but also encourages our readers to support these businesses as best they can. When dining out, choose local. If you’re planning an event, see if your favorite restaurant caters or can accommodate a large group— chances are, they want to make it work. Show up to the festivals in your community or, better yet, use one as excuse to make a road trip to somewhere you’ve never been and enjoy all our state has to offer.

Of course, we also hope PLATED becomes a valuable resource for our readers, too. Because PLATED is annual and digital only, know that you’ll find even more online throughout the year. Be sure to follow along on Facebook and Instagram (@plated.mag). Reach out and let us know where you’re eating, what you’re loving, and what you want to see more of. Cheers!

Kelly Fraiser (ext. 701) kelly@rootpublishing.com Editor in Chief

Stephanie Maxwell Newton (ext. 702) stephanie@rootpublishing.com Online Editor

Laura LaRue (ext. 704) laura@rootpublishing.com Advertising Art Manager

Taylor Evans (ext. 703) taylor@rootpublishing.com Contributing Copy Editor

Tiffany Adams Contributing Graphic Designer

Bailey Dougan Contributing Photographer

Rett Peek Contributing Writers

Eileen Beard and Rebekah Hall Scott Account Manager

Laura Hilliard (ext. 705) lhilliard@rootpublishing.com Account & Marketing Manager

Celeste Novak (ext. 700) celeste@rootpublishing.com Billing

billing@rootpublishing.com

PLATED T HE A R KA N SA S DIN IN G G U IDE

SUBSCRIPTIONS TO AT HOME IN ARKANSAS

Call 818.286.3115 or email subscribe@athomearkansas.com for customer service.

Stephanie Maxwell Newton, Editor in Chief STEPHANIE@ROOTPUBLISHING.COM

ADVERTISING

For information about advertising in PLATED: The Arkansas Dining Guide, call 501.666.5510 or email kelly@rootpublishing.com.

3625 Kavanaugh Blvd., Suite F Little Rock, AR 72205 501.666.5510

8 PLATED: The Arkansas Dining Guide | 2024

come for the wine, stay for the gugeres.

1424 south main, little rock, ar 72202 phone: 501.379.4290

Where the locals go!

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SMALL BITES DINING NEWS, FOOD FESTIVALS + MORE

Photo by Brooke Cagle and courtesy of Vinnie’s Pies

A pie fresh from the oven at Vinnie’s Pies in Fort Smith.

HOT OFF THE PRESS Restaurants and breweries that are recently opened, making moves, and coming soon 2024 | platedmag.com 11

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B I T E S

Vinnie and Ursula Hansen

Moody Brews LIT TLE ROCK

Long-awaited craft brewery Moody Brews celebrated its grand opening in late March in downtown Little Rock’s Pettaway Square.

Located at 414 E. 21st St., the spot is owned by and named after brewer Josiah Moody, who earned his chops at Vino’s BrewPub in Little Rock and Bike Rack Brewery in Bentonville before turning his attention toward opening his own concept. He intends to keep operations small, focusing on quality and locally sourced ingredients when possible for each of his beers—but don’t worry, when your favorite Moody Brew temporarily sells out, there will always be guest beers on tap. Also keep an eye out for soft drinks, such as root beer, ginger ale, and cream soda, all inspired by Josiah’s daughter. Visit moodybrews.co for hours and more information.

Matty’s Proprietors Trish and Darren Ayres brought a new restaurant, Matty’s, to the Arkadelphia scene in February. With classic breakfast plates, soups, salads, sandwiches, spuds, and a daily hot plate—think hearty favorites like meatloaf and chicken pot pie— Matty’s has quickly become a favorite for a home-cooked meal away from home. The renovated house-turned-eatery is located at 313 S. 10th St. Call 870.464.1099 for hours and more information, and search “Matty’s Arkadelphia” to find them on Facebook.

Vinnie’s Pies FO R T SM I T H

After operating Vinnie’s Pies as a food truck for 14 months, Ursula and Vinnie Hansen have a brick-and-mortar in Fort Smith for their pizza business to call home. The couple partnered with Joe Caldarera, owner of well-known, nearby Italian establishment Taliano’s, to open in the space previously occupied by Emmy’s German Restaurant, a former sister company to Taliano’s. In the spirit of further small business cooperation, the team also brought in Bentonvillebased Bike Rack Brewing to be the inhouse craft beer of Vinnie’s. Vinnie’s Pies & Bike Rack Brewing are located in the historic Knights of Columbus Building at 200 North 13th Street, affectionately known as “13th & B” to locals. Call 479.242.7437 for hours and menu offerings, and visit Facebook (@vinniespies) for more information.

12 PLATED: The Arkansas Dining Guide | 2024

Scoops Homemade Ice Cream LIT TLE ROCK

After long admiring the hand-churned ice cream at Scoops Homemade Ice Cream in Hot Springs, Greg Hatcher, owner of Little Rock-based insurance firm The Hatcher Agency, took ownership of the venture in 2022. Now, the brand has announced its first expansion with a new location at 212 Broadway St. in downtown Little Rock, set to open this spring. Here, you’ll find 25 homemade flavors plus a rotating seasonal menu and other frozen treats. Find out more at scoopshomemadeicecream.com and watch on Facebook (@scoopsicecreamhotsprings) for a firm opening date.

Bleu Monkey Grill LIT TLE ROCK

Earlier this year, Hot Springs restaurant Bleu Monkey Grill expanded its footprint by opening a second location, this time in Little Rock. The addition comes 14 years after owner and chef Ozzie Oseguera first opened Bleu Monkey in his hometown of Hot Springs. With a menu spanning tacos, pasta, seafood, cajun favorites, steak, and burgers, there’s truly something for everyone at this multifaceted eatery. Bleu Monkey Grill in Little Rock is located at 10700 N. Rodney Parham Road, Suite A1. Visit bleumonkeygrill.com for hours and more information.

Photo by Brooke Cagle and courtesy of Vinnie’s Pies

A R K A D E L PH I A

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Point Remove Brewing R U SS E L LV I L L E

Coming soon: Morrilton-based Point Remove Brewing has announced a location at 203 W. Second St. in Russellville. Taking up residence in an old fire station in the Downtown Russellville Historic District, renovations are underway to redesign the space into a taproom with two private dining spaces. According to the brewery’s Facebook page, the new location will play host to live music, karaoke nights, and other special events. Visit pointremovebrewingcompany.com for hours, menu, and more information, and keep an eye on Facebook (@pointremovebrews) for updates on an opening date.

Flyway Brewing Photos courtesy of Joseph Nguyen (@hangrypedalernwa) and Flyway Brewing

M E M PH I S

The latest in a succession of recent expansions for North Little Rock’s Flyway Brewing is an out-of-state taproom, this time teaming up with several other local brands for a collaboration in Memphis’s Edge District. Proprietors include Matt Foster, Flyway founder and co-owner; Rebekah and Scott Tashie, co-owners of fast-casual restaurant City Silo (which opened in Little Rock’s Chenal Promenade last year); Trey Dacus, City Silo partner and director of operations; and Ross Avery, head brewer at High Cotton Brewing Co. in Memphis, whose location at 598 Monroe Ave. will transition to the new Flyway space.

The group will keep beloved High Cotton brews on tap while also incorporating Flyway favorites. The update also includes transforming the former restaurant next door, Edge Alley, into a brewpub and event space. In addition to Flyway Brewing’s flagship location in North Little Rock, the brand opened a Fayetteville location in 2023 and has begun construction on a space in Little Rock’s Breckenridge redevelopment. Visit flywaybrewing.com for hours and menus, and follow along on Facebook (@flywaybrewing) for official opening dates.

A trio of treats from Butter/ Scotch Bakery & Bar, including (clockwise from top): a London Fog eclair, Thai tea macaron, and mango-lime choux bun.

Butter/Scotch Bakery & Bar B E N TO N V I L L E

New to Bentonville’s ever-expanding food scene is Larissa and Sam McKenzie’s Butter/Scotch Bakery & Bar, which opened at 104 E. Central Ave. earlier this year.

Larissa previously operated as a cottage baker after earning her degree in pastry arts from Brightwater, the culinary division of NorthWest Arkansas Community College, in 2020. The two-story brick-and-mortar location allows Larissa to continue creating custom cakes and specialty offerings for the pastry case on the ground floor while Sam explores his love of craft cocktails in the speakeasy-inspired bar upstairs. Look for Butter/Scotch to increase its offerings and hold dessert-and-cocktail-pairing events in coming months. Visit butterscotchnwa.com for hours and more information.

There is so much happening in the Arkansas food scene, and this round-up barely scratches the surface. Do you have news about a restaurant opening or update to share? Let us know! Email plated@rootpublishing.com or tag us on Instagram and Facebook (@plated.mag).

2024 | platedmag.com 13

1501 North University Avenue, Little Rock, AR Text for Reservations: 501-500-3023 3000 Kavanaugh Blvd, Ste 103A | Little Rock, AR Text for Reservations: 501-500-3031 allinabowl @bowl.lr

14 PLATED: The Arkansas Dining Guide | 2024

Mi-Paella-Bar-Restaurant @mipaella.lr

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Festivalgoers dine in the pocket park during the 2023 Main Street Food Truck Festival.

2024 FOOD FESTIVAL Guide Photo by Kyle Leyenberger courtesy of the Downtown Little Rock Partnership

Mark your calendar now for statewide events your taste buds won’t want to miss Note: For the purposes of this guide, regions have been specified according to the boundaries used by the Arkansas Department of Parks, Heritage, and Tourism. As of publication, dates for some festivals have not been set; refer to each event’s website for the most up-to-date information.

APRIL MANILA FIRE DEPARTMENT BLAZIN' BBQ FESTIVAL April 20 Upper Delta | Manila

At this celebration of all things barbecue, attendees can taste preparations by both professional and amateur competitors and choose from a variety of available food vendors. Additional events include live music and family-friendly activities like a bounce house, face painting, and games.

BLAZINBBQFESTIVAL.COM

THE GREAT SOUTHERN BEER FESTIVAL April 27 Northwest | Springdale

Held 4-9 p.m. in downtown Springdale’s Turnbow Park, admission (for those 21 and older) includes tastings of more than 15 local favorite craft brews, such as Core Brewing & Distilling Co., Diamond Bear Brewing

Co., and Stone’s Throw Brewing. The event is presented by Ale-truism, a community organization that passes along donations to local nonprofits.

and features a watch party, mint juleps, and more Derby-themed events in addition to drink and food tastings. A $65 ticket lets you enjoy it all.

ALE-TRUISM.COM/GREAT-SOUTHERN-BEER-FEST

WILSONARKANSAS.COM

ARKANSAS PIE FESTIVAL April 27 North Central | Cherokee Village

MAGNOLIA BLOSSOM FESTIVAL AND WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP STEAK COOK-OFF May 17-18 Southwest | Magnolia

Visit this fest between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. for pie tastings, a pie-eating contest, silent auction, pet parade, live music, kids zone, and book signing with festival co-chair and Arkansas pie expert Kat Robinson. The Arkansas Pie Festival is a qualifying event for the World Food Championships in Dallas.

ARKANSASPIEFESTIVAL.COM

MAY

Two days packed with fun family events culminates with an annual steak cooking competition on Saturday. Your $30 ticket includes a 16-ounce ribeye cooked by one of the festival competitors along with sides and a drink. A separate competition is hosted for appetizers, this year with a focus ingredient of shrimp.

BLOSSOMFESTIVAL.ORG

ARISTIDES: A CELEBRATION OF FOOD, WINE, BOURBON, ART AND MUSIC May 4 Upper Delta | Wilson

PICKLEFEST May 17-18 Northwest | Atkins

Taste from more than 50 different wines as well as mini cocktails by Old Dominick Distillery out of Memphis at Wilson’s inaugural Aristides festival held at The Grange. Taking place on the weekend of the Kentucky Derby, the fest is named for the legendary event’s first-ever winning racehorse

For 30 years, pickle lovers have flocked to Atkins for Picklefest. In addition to craft and food vendors (including those with creative takes on the namesake snack, such as pickle lemonade and pickle cupcakes), expect live music, a parade, rodeo, and both pickle-eating and pickle juice-drinking contests.

2024 | platedmag.com 15

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FACEBOOK.COM/PEOPLEFORABETTERATKINS

FAYETTEVILLE STRAWBERRY FESTIVAL May 19 Northwest | Fayetteville

The Downtown Fayetteville Coalition presents its inaugural Fayetteville Strawberry Festival on the historic square from 12-6 p.m. At this free festival, expect live music, art vendors, and activities inspired by this staple of summer fruit stands—including a pie contest, baking demonstrations, and signature strawberry drinks created by downtown establishments (tastings will have an associated cost). There will also be beer sampling, a dog parade, and pop-up skate park.

DOWNTOWNFAY.ORG/STRAWBERRY-FESTIVAL

This Tuesday-night event, the signature spring fundraiser for Botanical Gardens of the Ozarks, offers chefs from area restaurants a chance to showcase their talents. A $95 ticket includes food tastings and local drinks while enjoying the ambience of the garden from 5-9 p.m. Also on the schedule are cooking demonstrations and live music.

BGOZARKS.ORG

BLUES & BBQ May 24-25 North Central | Fairfield Bay

Visit Fairfield Bay on Greers Ferry Lake to take part in the community’s annual Blues & BBQ, which involves a Memphis Barbecue Networksanctioned competition (ribs and pulled pork, anyone?) as well as additional food vendors, live music, and a Baggo tournament. All proceeds from the competition benefit the area’s local animal shelter.

VISITFAIRFIELDBAY.COM

RIVER VALLEY FOOD TRUCK FESTIVAL May 31 - June 1 Northwest | Russellville

The region’s favorite food trucks gather at the Pope County Fairgrounds in Russellville for a two-day, free festival offering attendees the chance to order from an array of cuisines. You can also expect live music, a kids zone, and competitions.

FACEBOOK.COM/RVFOODTRUCKS

JUNE BRADLEY COUNTY PINK TOMATO FESTIVAL June 14-15 Lower Delta | Warren

Now in its 68th year, this fest commemorates Arkansas’s official state fruit (and vegetable, 16 PLATED: The Arkansas Dining Guide | 2024

Clockwise from top left: Kids dig in to hunks of melon at the Hope Watermelon Festival. Walton Arts Center filled with patrons during the 2023 Uncorked! Art of Wine Festival in Fayetteville. A sample of wine is poured during Uncorked! Attendees at the Main Street Food Truck Festival in Little Rock.

since tomatoes are often considered the latter): the pink tomato. While events change from year to year, you can count on something for everyone, including arts and crafts vendors, live music, a parade, the Little Miss Pink Tomato pageant, and a tomato-eating contest.

sample hundreds of wines from around the world alongside food tastings from local restaurants from 7:30-11 p.m. All tickets from this annual fundraiser support the organization’s education programming.

WALTONARTSCENTER.ORG

PINKTOMATOFESTIVAL.COM

SPA CITY FOOD TRUCK FESTIVAL June 14-15 Southwest | Hot Springs

JOHNSON COUNTY PEACH FESTIVAL July 18-20 Northwest | Clarksville

Hot Springs welcomes food trucks of all kinds to its downtown Bridge Street Live entertainment district. Among confirmed vendors are Fye Vegan Chic, Top Dog Catering, River Rose Coffee, All-Star Catfish, and Picky Nikki’s, with more to come.

Located in Clarksville’s downtown Courthouse Square, this festival dates back to the 1930s—making it the longest-running food festival in the state. Themed events include a peach cobbler bake-off, and peach jam and jelly contest, pie-eating contest, and peach pit-spitting contest—plus plenty of other family-friendly fun.

501.520.1351

JOCOPEACHFEST.COM

BERRY FEST AT THE BERRY FARM June 22 Northwest | Bentonville

CAVE CITY WATERMELON FESTIVAL July 25-27 North Central | Cave City

Jenny and Dave Marrs, stars of HGTV show Fixer to Fabulous, host the fifth annual Berry Fest at their blueberry farm. Attendees are invited to pick from the farm’s fresh blueberries, listen to live music, shop with craft vendors, and order from food trucks.

Tickets are $30 for adults, $10 for youth, and free for children. All proceeds support the organization Help One Now with projects in Zimbabwe and Belize.

THEBERRYFARMBENTONVILLE.COM

JULY UNCORKED! ART OF WINE FESTIVAL July 12 Northwest | Fayetteville

Walton Arts Center invites oenophiles to

Cave City lays claim to the “world’s sweetest watermelons,” which is reason enough to visit—especially considering the free watermelon feast on Saturday afternoon of the festival. In addition to watermelonthemed activities, the schedule also offers a kids parade, talent competition, 5K race, food truck competition, live music, and more.

CAVECITYWATERMELONFESTIVAL.COM

AUGUST TONTITOWN GRAPE FESTIVAL August 6-10 Northwest | Tontitown

Tontitown Grape Festival kicks off with grape stomps on both Tuesday and Wednesday evening, a nod back to the town’s founding

Photo courtesy of the Arkansas Department of Parks, Heritage and Tourism

CHEFS IN THE GARDEN May 21 Northwest | Fayetteville

Photos courtesy of Walton Arts Center and by Kyle Leyenberger courtesy of the Downtown Little Rock Partnership

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by Italian immigrants in the 19th century.

Throughout the rest of the festival, enjoy free live entertainment, an arts and crafts fair, Italian spaghetti suppers, and the Run for the Grapes 5K race.

TONTITOWNGRAPEFESTIVAL.COM

HOPE WATERMELON FESTIVAL August 8-10 Southwest | Hope

The first iterations of this festival began in the 1920s, and the Hope Watermelon Festival in its current form was founded 50 years later. Today, the event offers a three-day schedule, including the Watermelon Olympics, a seed-spitting contest, and watermelons for sale—whole and by the slice. Don’t miss a concert by headliner Rodney Atkins on Saturday.

HOPEMELONFEST.COM

SEPTEMBER TURKISH FOOD FESTIVAL Date TBD Central | Little Rock

Taste an array of food from around the Mediterranean and Central Asia at this festival presented by the Arkansas Culture and Dialog Center. Admission is free, though tickets sold fairground-style will allow you to purchase food from vendors. All proceeds support the organization, which hosts educational, intercultural events around central Arkansas.

TURKISHFOODFEST.COM

SMOKE ON THE WATER September 7 Lower Delta | Pine Bluff

Saracen Casino presents Smoke On the

B I T E S

Water, a barbecue competition promising a share of $50,000 in prize money to teams competing in the categories of brisket, chicken, pork butt, and ribs. Attendees will have the chance to taste test and vote in the People’s Choice Sampling Contest as well as enjoy live music and shop with vendors. The competition is sanctioned by the Kansas City Barbeque Society.

SMOKEONTHEWATERBBQ.COM

WORLD CHAMPION SQUIRREL COOK-OFF September 7 Northwest | Springdale

If you’ve never tried this Southern delicacy, now is the time. Head to the J.B. and Johnelle Hunt Family Ozark Highlands Nature Center to take part in the 13th World Champion Squirrel Cook-off, in which participants 2024 | platedmag.com 17

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Scenes from the 2023 Arkansas Cornbread Festival: Volunteers (left) gather on South Main Street and a competitor (right) prepares samples of cornbread for tasting.

prepare this wild game for a judged competition as well as samples for the general public. If you’re lucky, you might get a taste of other unusual fare, such as iguana or alligator. There’s also live music, a BB gun-shooting competition, and World’s Hottest Squirrel Wings competition. Entry is free.

FACEBOOK.COM/SQUIRRELCOOKOFF

MAIN STREET FOOD FESTIVAL September 22 Central | Little Rock

Little Rock’s biggest food truck meet-up is back for its 13th year along downtown’s historic Main Street. In addition to dozens of food vendors to choose from, you’ll find an arts and crafts marketplace, beer tents, live music, and kids activities. This year, organizers are planning an updated footprint for better traffic flow and more kid-friendly food options.

MAINSTREETFOODTRUCKS.COM

OCTOBER ARKANSAS HONEY FESTIVAL Date TBD Central | Little Rock

Hosted by Bemis Honey Bee Farm, this event was founded as a way to educate the public on the importance of bees to the ecosystem as well as showcase different honeys from across the state. The public will be able to taste and judge jarred honey entries and vote on their favorites (while supplies last). There are also contests for creamed honey and

18 PLATED: The Arkansas Dining Guide | 2024

mead, open to those 21 and older.

ARKANSASHONEYFESTIVAL.ORG

WORLD CHEESE DIP CHAMPIONSHIP October 5 Central | Little Rock

This event is the perfect opportunity for cheese dip fans to try many variations of the popular appetizer Arkansas claims as its own invention. Festival veterans recommend bringing your own muffin tin to easily carry several samples at once. In recent years, the festival has joined forces with Foam Fest to provide samples of hundreds of craft beer and ciders from around the world.

CHEESEDIP.NET

ARKANSAS RICE FESTIVAL October 12 Upper Delta | Weiner

Held every year on the second Saturday of October, the Arkansas Rice Festival celebrates and promotes the state’s most abundant crop. Expect food and craft vendors, the Rice Festival Pageant, and the rice cook-off and tasting, one of the biggest draws of the weekend.

ARKANSASRICEFESTIVAL.COM

NOVEMBER ARKANSAS CORNBREAD FESTIVAL November 9 Central | Little Rock

The Arkansas Cornbread Festival was launched in 2011 to celebrate this Southern bread. Held in Little Rock’s

SoMa district, thousands gather to sample entries of cornbread and sides, then vote on their favorites, while shopping with vendors and enjoying other events on the schedule for the day.

ARKANSASCORNBREADFESTIVAL.COM

WINGS OVER THE PRAIRIE DUCK GUMBO COOK-OFF November 30 Lower Delta | Stuttgart

Part of the World’s Championship Duckcalling Contest and Wings Over the Prairie Festival, the Duck Gumbo Cook-off is one of the best-known traditions in the Delta. More than 50 teams compete in the cooking contest focused on Stuttgart’s staple waterfowl. The event is open to ages 21 and up, and a $20 ticket allows you samples of all the duck gumbo offerings.

STUTTGARTDUCKFEST.COM

DECEMBER ARKANSAS PECAN FESTIVAL December 7 Central | Keo

Considered the “Pecan Capital of Arkansas,” Keo plays host to a celebration devoted to this Southern tree nut. Take part in a bike ride for all ages, a Pecan Cooking Contest (including sweet and savory pie categories), food trucks, live music, and more family-friendly activities.

KEOAR.COM

Visit platedmag.com to submit information about upcoming food festivals around the state.

Photos by Juan Valdez with Tufflabs Photography courtesy of theArkansas Cornbread Festival

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BREWING SUCCESS An Arkansas coffee company thrives thanks to an efficient business model and focus on a positive atmosphere W R I T E R STEPHANIE MAXWELL NEWTON

Photo courtesy of 7 Brew

F

ounded in Rogers in 2017, drive-thru coffee company 7 Brew has experienced explosive growth in recent years. You might have noticed one of the 29 Arkansas locations (or made driving through one part of your morning routine), but that’s nothing compared to the now 185 locations that operate out of state— mostly in the Southeast, but also with franchises in Colorado, Michigan, and upstate New York.

How did this Arkansas-based brand skyrocket to the top in just seven years? Nick Newbill, 7 Brew’s marketing director, credits the company’s focus on friendly faces. “Our priority has always been to create a positive and welcoming environment paired with superior speed, quality, and service,” he says. For example, in-person ordering with one of 7 Brew’s chipper “brewistas,” rather than talking to a speakerbox, is built into the brand’s model. The enthusiastic employees don’t just take your order, but also ask how your day is going and make chitchat along the way. There’s even upbeat music filtered to speakers outside. The whole process of placing your order to picking it up at the end of the line might take several minutes, but 7 Brew aims to make that time cheerful and fun. “In a world that is leaning more and more into technology, we stand out because of our dedication to face-to-face communication,” Nick says. “You have to see a 7 Brew location in person to really understand how focused we are on spreading kindness and being a great part of every customer’s day.”

“Our customer is only going to spend a few minutes of their day with us, but we’re going to make it the best part of their day.”

— NICK NEWBILL

The 7 Brew operation is also an efficient one. The drive-thruonly model means each location takes up less square footage than a dine-in coffee shop, allowing the company to open on sites—and enter new markets—that might not be feasible otherwise. Plus, their modular buildings are quicker to build and install and incur fewer overhead costs. The menu is also streamlined. The name “7 Brew” comes from the company’s seven original coffee drinks, and while their offerings have since expanded to include energy drinks, teas, lemonades, smoothies,

Some 7 Brew favorites (from left): An Iced Brunette with Caramel Drizzle, Blood Orange 7 Energy Chiller, and Iced Vanilla Matcha with Cold Foam.

and shakes, there’s no pastry case to keep filled or hot food menu; each brewista is focused entirely on interacting with customers and handcrafting drinks.

A Gravette native, Nick was an immediate fan of 7 Brew when founder and CEO John Davidson opened the first location not far from his hometown. Nick was hired as a brewista in college, and his role has grown alongside the company. Now, as marketing director, he is hands-on about ensuring each of the franchises across the nation follow the 7 Brew ethos. “Seeing the transformative growth that has happened over the last couple of years has been exciting, and it all has to do with our customer relationships, the quality of our drinks, and the speedy service that we provide in our drive-thru,” he says. “Our customer is only going to spend a few minutes of their day with us, but we’re going to make it the best part of their day. That’s the lasting impression we leave on our customers through the quality of our products and the merits of our customer service. It’s what keeps them coming back, and it’s what has fueled us into such a fast-growing company with locations that are in incredibly high demand across the nation.”

2024 | platedmag.com 19

Where every weekend is a great reason to celebrate. voted arkansas’ best new restaurant in 2024

LeſtysOnTheSquare

Monday:

Open Mic Night

TUESDAY Karaoke

WEDNESDAY

75¢ wings all day (dine-in only) $12 domestic buckets

Thursday Live Music

FRIDAY Karaoke

Saturday + Sunday Brunch @ 11am (all day) Live Music on Saturday

1321 Rebsamen Park Road 501.663.9802

20 PLATED: The Arkansas Dining Guide | 2024

mAIN DISH FOOD SCENE FEATURES

From left: Bart and Deanna Barlogie and Chris and Samantha Tanner, owners of Eastside Scrapyard.

HEADED EAST Veteran restaurateurs combine efforts to create Eastside Scrapyard, a versatile new event venue in the heart of an up-and-coming Little Rock neighborhood W R I T E R REBEK AH HALL SCOTT P H O T O G R A P H E R RETT PEEK 2024 | platedmag.com 21

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“When you work together, you can make cool things happen.”

— BART BARLOGIE

Eastside Scrapyard is located at 1416 E. Ninth St. in Little Rock.

N

ext door to towering piles of rusting iron and metal sits Eastside Scrapyard, a new venue in a former industrial building that proprietors Bart Barlogie and Chris Tanner envision as a vital part of the blossoming social scene in east Little Rock. Located east of Interstate 30 and not far from the airport, it’s in an area that’s been largely industrial for decades. “Most event centers are way out, they’re hard to get to,” Bart says, referring to a handful of new-construction venues on the outskirts of the Little Rock metro. “And with Sterling Market, the new art space they’re building, and the brewery coming in down here on Ninth Street, there’s just so much energy heading this direction.”

At Eastside Scrapyard, Bart and Chris plan for the venue to be available for events large and small, corporate and personal. The front of the building will be covered to provide more shade, and Bart says he hopes to eventually set up a small stage there for live music.

22 PLATED: The Arkansas Dining Guide | 2024

Bart, who owns The Fold and Raduno, and Chris, owner of Cheers, Samantha’s Tap Room, and The Oyster Bar, bought the 13,500-square-foot building in the summer of 2023 after being intrigued by the site. “I’ve been driving past this space for five or six years now, and I’d gone back and forth with the guy who previously owned it because I really, really loved it,” Bart says. “He didn’t want to get rid of it at the time, but then he had some bigger projects come up, so finally he called me back one day and said, ‘You still want that thing?’” Chris echoed the feeling, noting he was sold at first sight. “People are looking for a space for cool, private events, especially for something that’s open and easy to get to,” he says.

A benefit of the building’s location in an industrial area is the noise factor—there are no close neighbors to disturb in the evening hours. “The great thing about this space is that at 4:00 in the afternoon, you own it,” Chris says. “You own this whole area. They shut down, so it’s perfect—so quiet. You

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The group found the site's building permits from the 1970s and had them framed to commemorate Eastside Scrapyard's history.

Bart Barlogie (left) and Chris Tanner

ALL IN THE FAMILY

It’s hard for any restaurant business not to become a family business.

Thus, Deanna (left) and Samantha have become integral parts of their husbands’ multiple properties, with Deanna involved in the day-today operations of The Fold, Raduno, and now Eastside Scrapyard.

“Deanna has been right there beside me and Chris coordinating contractors, setting up potential new clients and relationships for the space, and contributing her input on the overall design of the project,” Bart says. Here, the two women are seen in the property's old elevator shaft, which the team hopes to utilize as a unique bar setup.

could play music as loud as you wanted because there’s not a house around.”

With their backgrounds in food service, both owners say rehabbing the venue space has presented fewer challenges than opening a new restaurant. “It’s easier,” Chris says.

“We’re not putting in kitchens or vent hoods, we’re not doing grease traps, because we’re going to allow other caterers to come in.”

“We’re not having to worry about staffing it as much, which is a big deal,” Bart adds. “We’ll have people who work with us to make sure things are tight and organized, but it’s not like an everyday, 100-person operation like the restaurants are.”

Bart and Chris are focusing on the main floor of the large building for the initial opening, which they hope to celebrate in the early summer of 2024; their first wedding in the space is booked for June. They plan to eventually transform the bottom floor into a generous prep space for catering. “We’ll do some catering ourselves if customers want us to, and we’re

going to allow people to come in who will be pre-approved— other friends of ours who are in the business, too,” Chris says.

Combining their talents and bringing industry friends into the fold has been a priority for the project all along. “Our restaurants aren’t the same cuisine; we’re not in each other’s spaces,” Bart says. “But even if we were, we’re still friends, and we work together. I think that’s the biggest challenge with a lot of people: they work against each other instead of with each other. When you work together, you can make cool things happen.” Follow Eastside Scrapyard on Instagram (@eastsidescrapyard) for updates.

2024 | platedmag.com 23

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SPINNING plates “I used to visit my godparents in New Orleans, and my godfather was an awesome cajun cook. I borrowed a bit from him and just put my own twist on it,” Daron says of his shrimp and grits, one of his favorite dishes to make.

Daron Hall, co-owner of HallBros2Go and K Hall & Sons Produce legatee, adds a personal chef business to his rotation of tasty offerings W RITER EILEEN BEARD PHOTOG R APH E R RETT PEEK 24 PLATED: The Arkansas Dining Guide | 2024

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Daron Hall Not only does Daron’s mom hand-stitch all of “Chef D’s” coats, she often accompanies him when he books dinners for more than six guests. “I call her my sous chef/embroiderer/right hand,” he says. “She's 100% supportive.”

Daron’s airline chicken breast is stuffed with prosciutto, Boursin cheese, and diced tomatoes and topped with a smoked Gouda cream sauce. It’s served here with a colorful array of heirloom carrots and roasted asparagus.

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aron Hall has been hustling since he was a kindergartener. At the tender age of 5, he started walking to his family’s grocery store after school to stock food and carry bags for a 25-cent tip. “My dad was on me because his dad was on him about working growing up. We didn't go to summer camps; we went to the store or we went to the farm during the summertime,” Daron says. That grocery store, the legendary K Hall & Sons Produce, was opened by Daron’s grandfather more than 50 years ago on Wright Avenue in Little Rock. In the late 1990s, Daron’s father began serving hot food inside the store, which he cooked and dished out with his three sons by his side. In 2018, Daron and his brothers, Devin and David, Jr.—all grown up now—started a food truck called HallBros2Go. They travel to festivals, cater events, and, on select weekends, park the truck outside K Hall & Sons for “Soul Food Sunday,” a new tradition that has people lined up

around the block for a taste of country-fried wings and catfish.

Now, in addition to working a full-time job in medical sales, helping out at K Hall & Sons, and running a food truck with his brothers, Daron has launched his own private chef business, coincidentally coined Plated by TheCutUpChef.

(He’s “cut up” because when he’s not cooking, he’s training for bodybuilding competitions.) Daron also manages the social media accounts for all of the above. “There’s no time to sleep.

But, you know, I'm not married, no kids yet. It does make it a little bit easier for me to stay busy,” Daron laughs.

Growing up, all the men in Daron’s family were good cooks, and that passion and skill rubbed off on him. Not surprisingly, he started his sales career at Sysco, distributing food and supplies to area restaurants. In that role, Daron got to witness some of central Arkansas’s best-known chefs in action, which only deepened his interest in the culinary scene. A travel buff, Daron would also sign up for cooking classes to learn new 2024 | platedmag.com 25

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Daron’s “Big Back” Banana Pudding Cheesecake Banana pudding is already served at K Hall & Sons and HallBros2Go, so when it came time to develop dessert ideas for his personal menu, Daron played with the fan favorite until he came up with a new take to offer his clients: a banana pudding cheesecake.

SHOP

PREPARE

Crust 1 1/2 cups finely crushed vanilla wafers 1/2 cup chopped pecans 1/4 cup butter, melted 17-20 whole vanilla wafers

Preheat oven to 350°F. To make the crust, combine crushed vanilla wafers, pecans, and melted butter in a small bowl, stirring until well blended. Grease and flour a 9-inch springform pan, then press crust mixture onto the bottom.

Line sides of the pan with whole vanilla wafers (Daron uses about 17), with the flat sides turned in. Bake 10 minutes, then let cool completely on a wire rack.

To make cheesecake filling, first combine bananas, lemon juice, and brown sugar in a small saucepan.

Cook over medium-high heat, stirring constantly, until brown sugar has dissolved (about 1 minute). Remove from heat. Using an electric mixer, beat cream cheese at medium speed until smooth (about 3 minutes). Gradually add granulated sugar, then each egg one at a time, beating thoroughly between each addition. Add vanilla, then gently stir in banana mixture until well combined. Pour batter into crust.

With oven still preheated to 350°F, bake cheesecake until the center is set (about 45 to 55 minutes). Let cool slightly in the pan (about 5 minutes), then gently run a knife around the edge of the pan to loosen and remove cheesecake. Let cool completely (about 1 hour) on a wire rack, then cover and chill for 8 hours. Top with sliced bananas, whole vanilla wafers, and coarsely crushed vanilla wafers. Serve with whipped cream or a caramel sauce drizzle.

Filling 2 ripe bananas, diced 1 tablespoon lemon juice 2 tablespoons light brown sugar 24 ounces cream cheese, softened 1 cup granulated sugar 3 large eggs 2 teaspoons vanilla extract Toppings 1 ripe banana, sliced 9-10 whole vanilla wafers 1/2 cup coarsely crushed vanilla wafers whipped cream or caramel sauce, if desired

cuisines when he went abroad. Those experiences—coupled with a lot of trial and error—helped the budding chef refine his palate. When a friend asked Daron for private chef recommendations for his wife’s birthday, Daron was ready: he offered to do it himself. Soon, he began receiving requests via social media for four- and five-course elevated dining experiences. “Then I saw that there's actually more of a demand for it in Little Rock than I expected,” he says.

So how does he do it? “It’s a passion,” Daron says. “I love seeing people's reactions when they take their first bite of my food.” But with Plated by TheCutUpChef, the king of side gigs may have finally reached his limit on new ventures: “I don’t want to have my own restaurant. I just love being able to cook, go home, and not have to worry about anything else,” he says. Except all the other ways he keeps Little Rock well-fed, that is.

26 PLATED: The Arkansas Dining Guide | 2024

K Hall & Sons has been known to sell out of Daron’s strawberry cinnamon rolls.

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Photo by Molly Anne Sandefur

The rooftop patio at Feed & Folly in Fayetteville provides a breathtaking view.

OUTSIDE, PLEASE! Looking for a table where you can enjoy the fresh air? Read on for a few of the state’s most beloved al fresco options W R I T E R STEPHANIE MAXWELL NEWTON 2024 | platedmag.com 27

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FOR HAPPY HOUR Dive bar TOWN PUMP (Little Rock, 501.663.9802) has been a gathering place for friends and coworkers for 55 years. Weave past the bar to a no-frills back patio perfect for those 75-cent wings (on Wednesdays) and jello shots with friends. In historic Stifft Station, THE OYSTER BAR (Little Rock, lroysterbar.com) also offers a low-key atmosphere. Order a dozen fresh-shucked oysters and stick around for live music Thursdays through Saturdays.

Once a service station in the Park Hill neighborhood, THE FILLING STATION (North Little Rock, thefillingstationnlr.com) is now a food truck park that is perfect for outdoor dining. Find a rotating lineup of trucks outside Wednesdays through Sundays.

There’s more food truck fun at THE PORCH AT HUNTINGTON SQUARE (Jonesboro, huntingtonsquare.net), where pool tables, Baggo games, and even a pickleball court can keep you entertained for hours.

With 30 beers on tap and flights available for whiskey and Bloody Marys, MULEKICK (Magnolia, mulekickmag.com) sure knows how to have a good time—and its covered patio ensures you can be outdoors rain or shine. The spacious deck at THEO’S (Fayetteville, theosfayetteville.com) has long been a favorite for drinks after work right off Dickson Street. Snag a table from 5-6:30 p.m. to take advantage of happy hour pricing on both cocktails and appetizers.

FOR DATE NIGHT Take a step back in time with a visit to THE ARLINGTON HOTEL RESORT & SPA (Hot Springs, arlingtonhotel.com), which was built in 1875. Order a drink inside at The Lobby Bar, then step outside to enjoy it from the hotel’s veranda while watching the action on the promenade below. At Crescent Hotel, another famed, historic Arkansas hotel, take an elevator to the top floor for outdoor dining with a view at SKYBAR GOURMET PIZZA (Eureka Springs, crescent-hotel.com).

OMAR’S UPTOWN (Jonesboro, omarsuptown.com) serves a blend of familiar American and international flavors approached in inventive ways, making this spot ideal for a special occasion.

While its upstairs patio had to close following storm damage last year, stay tuned for a much-anticipated reopening. The back patio of Argenta’s CRUSH WINE BAR (North Little Rock, 501.374.9463) is intimate and cozy, the perfect place to split of a bottle of your favorite red—especially on Tuesdays during “bottle night,” when every bottle $50 or less is priced at $25. Enjoy sandwiches, apps, and desserts alongside your vino of choice.

With a diverse menu that’s heavy on the Mexican influence, LAREDO GRILL (El Dorado, laredoeldorado.com) is great for a casual night out; and, with patio dining situated right on the historic square, the location makes for great people watching. Craving Japanese food? KEMURI (Little Rock, kemurirestaurant.com) has two locations, each with outdoor dining, so you can get your sushi fix while enjoying favorable weather.

28 PLATED: The Arkansas Dining Guide | 2024

The Arlington Hotel’s front porch is a coveted spot for pre-dinner drinks.

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Photos by Steph Smith (Arlington), Virginia Tanner (Oyster Bar), and courtesy of Hill Station. All others by Molly Anne Sandefur.

FOR COCKTAILS Cheers, you’ve made it to the weekend! Let’s celebrate with carefully crafted cocktails out on the deck. At BARK BAR (Little Rock, barkbar.com), we like that you can sip a Tug of War (a cheeky mix of craft beer and liquor) while playing a game of the same name at the dog-friendly joint. With locations throughout the state, the back patio at Spa City’s ROLANDO’S (Hot Springs, rolandosrestaurant.com) has a magical, secret garden quality, and the cocktail menu extends beyond margaritas. The same can be said for the offerings at THE FOLD (Little Rock, thefoldlr.com), though the tequila-based cocktails—including spiced pear and jalapeño margaritas— are plentiful, as are those with rum, vodka, and gin.

With an earthy palette and plenty of plants, even Hail Fellow Well Met’s interior feels like an extension of the outdoors.

Taste from a rotating array of seasonal sips on the rooftop bar at FEED & FOLLY (Fayetteville, feedandfolly.com), which is conveniently in the mix right off College Avenue. In the Capital City, the upstairs bar at CACHE RESTAURANT (Little Rock, cachelittlerock.com) offers a sweeping view of the River Market. Cache’s cocktail menu features new twists on old favorites, such as a Lavender 75 and Sarsaparilla Old Fashioned. In Benton, ask for seating on the terrace at RŌBER CULINARY & COCKTAILS (Benton, eatrober.com) and choose from a full page of specialty drinks, all featuring the bar’s generous 2-ounce base pours.

FOR BRUNCH

A seasonal serving at Feed & Folly.

From left: A drink is crafted at Hail Fellow Well Met. Drinks on the patio at The Oyster Bar. The sprawling outdoor seating at Hill Station in Little Rock.

HAIL FELLOW WELL MET (Johnson, hailfellowwellmet.com) boasts a beautiful front patio striking enough to rival its on-trend interiors. Its avant garde brunch menu of inspired offerings (including congee, shakshuka, and Lemon Ricotta Pancakes) is available 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays. For home-cooked favorites, check out HAROLD’S DINER, SODA FOUNTAIN & FARMACY (Eureka Springs, haroldsgatherings.com) where classics like pancakes and fried potatoes are best enjoyed on the neighborhood spot’s colorful front porch.

While not technically a brunch service, THE RAIL YARD (Little Rock, therailyardlr.com) offers weekly “Sunday Fundays” featuring mimosa buckets and Bloody Marys along with a full bar and food menu. Known for its bowling alley, THE SOCIAL (Jonesboro, 870.336.1134) is also a great meeting place for weekend brunch on the patio. Try the chicken and waffles or breakfast quesadillas with a mimosa, then hit the lanes or shuffleboard tables.

For an upscale experience, visit UNCORK’D (Fort Smith, uncorkthefort.com) on Saturdays to enjoy specialities like the Wagyu Patty Melt and Crab Cake Benedict on the covered patio. LADY SLIPPER (Bentonville, ladyslippernwa.com) has a special menu of brunch cocktails to accompany their elevated take on breakfast favorites. Enjoy both on the upper or lower level of the eatery’s double-decker outdoor patios. GRUMPY RABBIT (Lonoke, grumpyrabbitlonoke.com) also boasts a two-story outdoor dining space—as well as a mouthwatering brunch menu on Saturdays and Sundays.

2024 | platedmag.com 29

C A T E R I N G

C O M P A N Y

blackswancaterers.com

DELIGHTFULLY CREATED, DELICIOUSLY MADE #YOURFAVORITECATERERS

cachelittlerock.com

30 PLATED: The Arkansas Dining Guide | 2024

BE SEATED Photo by Kim Christopher Photography and courtesy of Weddings in Arkansas

CATERING IDEAS + PRIVATE DINING GUIDE

Individual charcuterie boards by Vibrant Occasions keep the fare interesting at an afternoon wedding.

CREATIVELY CATERED Make an impression at your next big event with a memorable menu W R I T E R STEPHANIE MAXWELL NEWTON 2024 | platedmag.com 31

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PICK FAVORITES Brainstorming menu items you don’t see every day? Go with what you know—and love. For a personalized event such as a wedding or birthday blowout, there’s nothing more fun than seeing the host or guest of honor’s favorites on the menu. If you crave BRUNCH FOOD more than anything, what about a WAFFLE BAR or spread of your favorite hearty breakfast options, like BISCUITS AND GRAVY ? In the spring, a CRAWFISH BOIL with guests gathered around newspaper-covered tables gives the party a New Orleans flair. Love pizza? Set up a PIE BAR with plenty of palate-pleasing toppings.

The Purple Cow offers a hot dog bar, burger bar, and milkshake bar for special events.

Photos (from left) by Jenn Terrell for The Purple Cow and by Lauren Haley Photography, Elise Abigail Photo, and Erin Wilson Photography and Films, courtesy of Weddings in Arkansas

Wedding designer Jessika McCuin teamed up with caterer Vibrant Occasions to offer wedding guests a full breakfast spread.

LET THEM CUSTOMIZE So maybe you’ve picked your personal favorites along with what you hope are a few crowd-pleasers for the event—how can you ensure there’s something for everyone on the menu? Create an opportunity for guests to make the meal their own by setting up a bar with a main offering, such as MASHED POTATOES , HOT DOGS , TACOS , or ICE CREAM , along with a variety of toppings. Not only will people have fun personalizing their plates, but the serve-yourself-style setup becomes another part of the display.

32 PLATED: The Arkansas Dining Guide | 2024

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Northwest Arkansas’s Gala Garage mobile bar serves beverages out of a 1966 Airstream.

FEATURE A PHOTO OP Whether it’s a casual fundraiser, rehearsal dinner, or black-tie gala, a catered event is often all about the experience. Food is one of many ways you can add to that, with either mobile vendors, such as a FOOD TRUCK or BARTENDING SERVICE , or on-site preparations that become part of the entertainment, like a MOBILE PIZZA OVEN . Incorporating a foodor drink-based installation into the scene is another way to elevate the experience—consider a multi-tiered SHELF OF SPECIALTY COCKTAILS at the ready when guests enter the venue or a WALL OF DONUTS displayed individually to choose from for dessert.

Single servings of banana pudding, caramel cake, key lime pie, and strawberry shortcake by Vibrant Occasions make dessert portable (and adorable!).

MAKE IT MINI Finger foods have long been a favorite at events, offering guests the ability to sample small portions and mingle while dining. To up the intrigue, think about what you can make bite-sized beyond typical cheese trays and canapés. For example, a meal like SHRIMP AND GRITS can be made to suit the occasion by serving small cups of cheese grits topped with shrimp and bacon along with a miniature fork. Try a similar approach with VEGGIE , FRUIT, and CHARCUTERIE CUPS if you’d prefer guests to grab and go rather than settling down at a table with a large plate. Finally, any favorite sandwiches, from pulled pork to smash burgers, can be fashioned into SLIDERS .

2024 | platedmag.com 33

Pinpoint Dining R est auran t Suppo r t Your Lo c a l Pri va te D in in g & Cate rin g Co n n e c t io n Co rp o rate Eve n t Ne two rk

Photo Credit: Jenn Terrell

pinpointdining.com | pinpointcatering.com | 501-725-1906

EAT LOCAL Connect through the Pinpoint Network @pinpointdining

@pinpointdining

@pinpoint-dining

Pinpoint

501-725-1906 Local Catering Options info@pinpointcatering.com www.pinpointcatering.com

Pinpoint Dining | Pinpoint Catering | Pinpoint Booking

2024 | platedmag.com 35

saucedlr.com thebutchershoplr.com

theredmoontavern.com

zinlr.com

36 PLATED: The Arkansas Dining Guide | 2024

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PRIVATE DINING GUIDE

Photo courtesy of Cheers at the OPO

Need a meeting place for a few friends—or a few dozen? Restaurants across the state offer private and semi-private rooms available for gatherings of 100 or fewer guests

The underground bar at Cheers at the OPO in Fayetteville.

BATESVILLE NATALIE’S CAFE & CATERING 3050 Harrison St. | 870.698.0200 whodatnat.com Private | Seats up to 10 Semi-private | Seats up to 30 THE RIVER 50 Riverbank Road | 870.793.7000 facebook.com/bestdamsteakhouse Private | Seats up to 25, 60, and 150 TAVOLO 3000 Jennings Lane | 870.569.8569 tavoloisthebest.com Private | Seats up to 50

BENTONVILLE BENTONVILLE TACO & TAMALE CO. 101 W. Central Ave. | 479.448.4480 tacoandtamale.com Private | Seats up to 8 and 45 CONIFER SE Second St. |479.203.5999 coniferbentonville.com Private | Seats up to 18

THE HIVE AT 21C HOTEL 200 NE A St. | 479.286.6575 thehivebentonville.com Private | Seats up to 32 TAVOLA TRATTORIA 108 SE A St. | 479.715.4738 tavolatrattoria.com Private | Seats up to 40 and 65

CONWAY MIKE'S PLACE 808 Front St. | 501.269.6453 mikesplaceconway.com Private | Seats up to 25 and 50 ROGUE ROUNDABOUT 804 Chestnut St. | 501.358.6500 therogueroundabout.com Private | Seats up to 30

FAYETTEVILLE ATLAS THE RESTAURANT 208 N. Block Ave. | 479.332.4601 atlastherestaurant.com Private | Seats up to 18

BORDINO'S RESTAURANT & WINE BAR 310 W. Dickson St. | 479.527.6795 bordinos.com Private | Seats up to 18 and 45 CHEERS AT THE OPO 1 W. Center St. | 479.301.2121 cheersopo.com Private | Seats up to 28 and 100 MERMAIDS SEAFOOD RESTAURANT 2217 N. College Ave. | 479.443.3737 mermaids.ws Private | Seats up to 12, 65, and 160+ THEO'S 318 N. Campbell Ave. | 479.527.0086 theosfayetteville.com Semi-private | Seats up to 14 VETRO 1925 RISTORANTE 17 E. Center St. | 479.966.4649 vetro1925.com Private | Seats up to 40

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HOT SPRINGS DONS SOUTHERN SOCIAL 901 Central Ave. | 501.359.3781 seeyouatdons.com Private | Seats up to 10 J&S ITALIAN VILLA 4332 Central Ave. B | 501.525.1121 jandsitalian.com Private | Seats up to 24 THE PORTERHOUSE 707 Central Ave. | 501.321.8282 theporterhousehotsprings.com Private | Seats up to 45, 75, and 115

JONESBORO 501 STEAKHOUSE 2628 Phillips Drive | 870.972.6501 501steakhouse.com Private | Seats up to 40, 56, and 120 OMAR’S UPTOWN 301 S. Main St. | 870.336.3001 omarsuptown.com Private | Seats up to 10 and 25

LITTLE ROCK 42 BAR AND TABLE 1200 President Clinton Ave. | 501.537.0042 clintonfoundation.org Private | Seats up to 12 ARTHUR'S PRIME STEAKHOUSE 16100 Chenal Parkway | 501.821.1838 arthursprime.com Private | Seats up to 10 and 20 BARK BAR & GRILLE 1201 S. Spring St. | 501.295.3989 barkbar.com Private | Seats up to 42 BRAVE NEW RESTAURANT 2300 Cottondale Lane, Suite 105 501.663.2677 bravenewrestaurant.com Private | Seats up to 24, 32, 46, and 86 BREAD CHEESE WINE 1424 Main St., Suite 101 | 501.379.4290 bcwlittlerock.com Semi-private | Seats up to 25 THE BUTCHER SHOP 10825 Hermitage Road | 501.312.2748 thebutchershoplr.com Private | Seats up to 70 CACHE RESTAURANT 425 President Clinton Ave. 501.850.0265 38 PLATED: The Arkansas Dining Guide | 2024

cachelittlerock.com Private | Seats up to 25 CHEERS IN THE HEIGHTS 2010 N. Van Buren St. | 501.663.5937 cheersith.com Private | Seats up to 20 COPPER GRILL 300 E. Third St. | 501.375.3333 coppergrilllr.com Private | Seats up to 75 DOE'S EAT PLACE 1023 W. Markham St. | 501.376.1195 doeseatplacelr.com Private | Seats up to 25 GEORGE’S 5510 Kavanaugh Blvd. | 501.353.2239 georgeslittlerock.com Private | Seats up to 20, 27, and 94

Chicken Parmesan at Raduno in Little Rock.

EL SUR STREET FOOD CO. 1214 Main St. | 501.812.3066 elsurstreetfoodco.com Private | Seats up to 68

Private | Seats up to 24 Semi-private | Seats up to 50

KEMURI (HILLCREST) 2601 Kavanaugh Blvd. | 501.660.4100 kemurirestaurant.com Private | Seats up to 20 and 50

RED MOON TAVERN 6015 Chenonceau Blvd. | 501.367.8188 theredmoontavern.com Private | Seats up to 50

KEMURI WEST (CHENAL) 17200 Chenal Parkway, Suite 100 501.821.7272 kemurirestaurant.com Private | Seats up to 30

SAMANTHA'S TAP ROOM & WOOD GRILL 322 Main St. | 501.379.8019 samstap.com Private | Seats up to 50

LA TERRAZA RUM & LOUNGE 3000 Kavanaugh Blvd, Suite 202 501.251.8261 laterrazahillcrest.com Private | Seats up to 30

SAUCE(D) BAR & OVEN 11121 N. Rodney Parham Road, Suite 9A 501.214.6048 saucedlr.com Private | Seats up to 20

LOCA LUNA 3519 Old Cantrell Road | 501.663.4666 localuna.com Private | Seats up to 50

SONNY WILLIAMS’ STEAK ROOM 500 President Clinton Ave., Suite 1 501.324.2999 sonnywilliamssteakroom.com Private | Seats up to 20, 30, 36, and 60

THE OYSTER BAR 3003 W. Markham St. | 501.666.7100 lroysterbar.com Semi-private | Seats up to 30

TRIO’S 8201 Cantrell Road, Suite 110 | 501.221.3330 triosrestaurant.com Private | Seats up 64

PARK GRILL AT THE ARKANSAS MUSEUM OF FINE ARTS 501 E. Ninth St. | 501.396.0390 parkgrillatamfa.com Private | Seats up to 25

ZIN WINE BAR 11121 N. Rodney Parham Road | 501.406.7159 zinlr.com Private | Seats up to 20 and 60

RADUNO BRICK OVEN BARROOM 1318 S. Main St., Suite 100 | 501.374.7476 radunolr.com Now offering private dining at The Nest: 112 W. Daisy L Gatson Bates Drive

NORTH LITTLE ROCK CYPRESS SOCIAL 7103 Cock of the Walk Lane | 501.916.2670 cypresssocial.com Private | Seats up to 25 and 60

Photo by Abbey Rolfe courtesy of Raduno Brick Oven Barroom

B E

B E

S E AT E D

Photo courtesy of Samantha’s Tap Room & Wood Grill

DRAFT AND TABLE 301 N. Main St. | 501.441.4044 draftandtable.com Private | Seats up to 12 OL' BART SOUTHERN EATS AT DIAMOND BEAR BREWERY 600 N. Broadway St. | 501.406.7819 olbartsoutherneats.com Private | Seats up to 60 RISTORANTE CAPEO 425 Main St. | 501.376.3463 facebook.com/RistoranteCapeo Private | Seats up to 60

ROGERS LOMA 5102 W. Pauline Whitaker Parkway, Suite 315 479.335.2100 lomamx.com Private | Seats up to 14 THEO’S 3300 S. Market St., Suite 100 | 479.553.7371 theosrogers.com Private | Seats up to 12 Semi-private | Seats up to 8, 16, and 25

Samantha's Tap Room & Wood Grill in Little Rock.

Little Rock, Arkansas Two locations, endless options.

Contact us for private parties, catering and to-go meals.

kemurirestaurant.com @kemurirestaurant 2601 Kavanaugh Blvd.

501.660.4100 17200 Chenal Parkway 501.821.7272

2024 | platedmag.com 39

L A ST

CO U R S E

Get to know

THE MIGHTY RIB Kevin Shalin began The Mighty Rib as a food blog in 2010 while living in Houston and looking for a creative outlet.

A family move took him to Boston, and then Little Rock, where he thought surely there wasn’t enough going on in the local food scene here to keep his hobby going. Boy,

was he wrong. These days, The Mighty Rib’s strongest presence is on Facebook, where Kevin engages some 55,000-plus followers in conversation about can’t-miss food finds around the state. Read on to learn more about the man behind The Mighty Rib.

GO-TO BARBECUE ORDER? Boy, this is a tough one. I’m from Texas, so beef generally needs to happen. If I’m at a restaurant that’s known for its brisket— Knight Fire in Searcy, Ridgewood Brothers in Russellville, Wright’s in Northwest Arkansas and Little Rock, and Reid’s in Booneville all come to mind—then at least one slice will end up on my platter. But, honestly, I absolutely love smoked turkey. In the barbecue world, it’s often overshadowed by other proteins like ribs, pulled pork, and the aforementioned brisket, but I enjoy the lightness of turkey.

Maybe that’s a sign I’m getting old.

Cozy Nook Café in Lonoke. In addition to making the most delicious scratch-made food, the space is also an art studio and gallery. It’s so freaking unique. Tons of charm, and that’s thanks in large part to owner, artist, and head chef Terri R. Taylor. It sounds cliché, but when you’re inside the restaurant, it feels like you’re sitting inside her house. Ten sandwiches are on the menu, all of which are named after famous artists. Make sure to get the Warhol, a dynamite chicken salad handheld. Speaking of sandwiches, Hagarville Grocery in teeny, tiny Hagarville makes some of the very best you’ll find anywhere. Go! You will not be disappointed. Hard to pick one sandwich, but it’s hard to beat the Dogmother, which comes loaded with ham, pepperoni, salami, and provolone.

WHILE TRAVELING FOR THE MIGHTY RIB, WHAT OTHER DISCOVERIES HAVE YOU MADE ABOUT THE STATE THAT DON’T NECESSARILY HAVE TO DO WITH FOOD?

SWEET OR SALTY? Can I say both? Seriously, love that combination of sweet and salty, then add in a little heat.

There’s not a better example of this than the Truth Sauce Wings at Certified Pies in Little Rock.

They use Truth Sauce, which is this perfect balance of sweet and heat.

FAVORITE MEAL GROWING UP? That’s easy. My mom’s skillet fried chicken, mashed potatoes and gravy, and any vegetable she felt like preparing that day.

Fried chicken done right is an art, and my mom, even to this day, is Picasso.

40 PLATED: The Arkansas Dining Guide | 2024

WHAT HAS BEEN THE MOST REWARDING ASPECT OF THE MIGHTY RIB? My favorite thing about the blog is the interaction it generates.

The Mighty Rib is a community. Yes, it’s a food blog, but food is really just the vessel in helping bring people together to build a stronger community. The back and forth, the sharing of ideas and suggestions—I love being part of it all. It’s what fuels me each day.

Many of the readers have been following the blog for well over a decade. I never take that type of loyalty for granted. Never. And don’t get me wrong, highlighting eateries throughout Arkansas is amazing, but my true reward is being able to use this platform to work and raise funds for nonprofits like Arkansas Hunger Relief Alliance, Potluck Food Rescue, Seis Puentes Hispanic Outreach, and many others.

I’ve been traveling around Arkansas quite a bit, going to smaller towns for a podcast project that I’m working on with my good friend John Wilkerson.

It’s called “There’s Something Here,” and we highlight all the ins and outs of these towns. Food is a large part of it, but we cover so much more. Famous buildings, community leaders, storefronts, museums, you name it. And the one thing that always stands out is that each town is not only vastly different but also offers something truly special to check out. Hence the name, “There’s Something Here.” You just have to take the time to look.

Every now and then, Kevin still blogs at themightyrib.com— but you’ll most often find him on Facebook (@themightyrib). Follow along to join the conversation.

Photo by Lori Sparkman Photography and courtesy of Kevin Shalin

YOU TRAVEL THE STATE IN SEARCH OF HIDDEN GEMS. WHAT ARE A FEW OF YOUR RECENT FAVORITE FINDS?

Catering

For the Young of all ages

Burger Bar Hot Dog Bar Milkshake Bar Platters Grab & Go Options + More!

501-500-5332

purplecowlr.com/catering 2024 | platedmag.com 41

THE CONVERSATION CONTINUES ONLINE. VISIT OUR BLOG AND FOLLOW ALONG ON FACEBOOK AND INSTAGRAM. platedmag.com @plated.mag