Congratulations are in order for Bentonville chef Matthew McClure, who was voted “Best New Chef: Midwest” by readers of Food & Wine Magazine. McClure, executive chef at The Hive in Bentonville’s 21c Museum Hotel, was up against chefs from St. Louis, Kansas City, Minneapolis, Milwaukee and more. According to the magazine, McClure made the cut “because he’s not just elevating Southern cooking in the town where Wal-Mart got its start, he’s melding local ingredients (smoked ham, peaches, cornmeal, field peas) with those brought to Bentonville by its growing immigrant population in dishes like garam masala roast chicken with okra ratatouille.”
In Little Rock, Southern Living food writer Morgan Murphy will kick off a book tour for his forthcoming Off the Eaten Path: On the Road Again at 6:30 p.m. April 27 at The Main Cheese. The gourmet grilled cheese restaurant is one of three Arkansas restaurants featured in the book, which functions as part cookbook, part travel guide and features 60 restaurants from 18 states. Murphy said in a news release that he looks for inventive and creative fare “and boy, does The Main Cheese have it.”
Tickets to the April 27 signing event include a signed copy of the book and can be purchased by calling (501) 367-8082 or online at themaincheese.com/wine-signdine themaincheese.com/wine-signdinethemaincheese.com/wine-signdine.
Conway is set to get a new frozen custard option this summer. The first central Arkansas location of Andy’s Frozen Custard will make its home at the intersection of Dave Ward Drive and Moix Boulevard. The Springfield, Mo.-based chain currently operates locations in Rogers, Fayetteville and Jonesboro.
Also on the way, this time in Little Rock, is a new brewery dubbed Asana Alehouse. The brewery has no set location just yet, but plans by brewers Caleb Looney and Drew Speer include making the space a combination brewery and yoga studio. For now, follow their progress at facebook.com/asanaalehouse.
We reported recently that Raimondo Family Winery was on the hunt for a new location in downtown Little Rock after plans for a tasting room in the River Market fell through. Last week, owner Margie Raimondo announced that she had secured a new location on the first floor of the former Arkansas Democrat building at 615 Main St. According to a report from our friends on the business desk, Raimondo will continue to ship her grapes from California and process her wines in North Little Rock, but aging and bottling will take place at the new Main Street location. The space will include a tasting bar and small dining area for small plates including ravioli, cured meats and fresh breads. Raimondo says the new location should be open by October. For more on the winery, head to raimondowinery.com raimondowinery.com.
At Boulevard Bistro & Bar, a new season means a new menu. Chef Chris McMillan’s spring lineup includes crab cakes, lamb chops, smoked pork shank, bouillabaisse and a few new salads. The restaurant is in the Heights at 1920 N. Grant St. Phone is (501) 663-5949.
Two forthcoming food-related events for your calendar: Arkansas Foodbank’s Empty Bowls event is set for 5:30 p.m. April 23 at Next Level Events, 1400 W. Markham St. The event features an art auction along with food and drink from The Pantry, YaYa’s Euro Bistro, Good Food by Ferneau, Local Lime, Whole Hog Cafe, Trio’s and more. Tickets are $75 for the whole night or $35 for the after party, which starts at 7:30 p.m. For tickets, go to emptybowls2015.eventbrite.comemptybowls2015.eventbrite.com.
On April 24, Bronze & Brewskis — a young professional after party for Sculpture at the River Market’s preview party that day — is set for 8:30-10:30 p.m. at the Little Rock River Market pavilions. Food will be from Copper Grill and Loblolly Creamery, with Stella Artois as the featured beer. Tickets are $30 in advance or $35 at the door. Tickets can be bought at SATRM.com SATRM.com.
Has a restaurant opened — or closed — near you in the last week or so? Does your favorite eatery have a new menu? Is there a new chef in charge? Drop us a line. Call (501) 378-3513, or send a note to Restaurants, Weekend Section, Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, P.O. Box 2221, Little Rock, Ark. 72203. Send email to:
emily@arkansaslife.com