Flavors of Northwest Arkansas

Happy November and welcome to EPISODE 100 of the Flavors of Northwest Arkansas podcast!!! I can’t believe we’re finally here!! I want to thank you all, and ask a small favor... Please tell a friend about us and our little podcast here. It’s growing and we’re thankful for everyone that listens and watches. Please subscribe and rate- can’t wait to see where this thing is at episode 200! Today, we celebrate with tropical drinks behind an art gallery wall, as we’re at Callisto in Bentonville and talking with the VERY engaging Gabe Barrett, who is part-owner and the beverage director, but before we talk with Gabe?!?! FOOD NEWS!!! Brewski’s is holding a Mac & Cheese cookoff on Sunday. We’ll tell you how to enter! Happy 1-year anniversaries to Magnolia House in Prairie Grove, Isabella’s in Bentonville, and Gelatissimo in downtown Rogers. One of them is having a HUGER giveaway! Yankabilly Smokehouse and Casa Alejo are looking for new spots! Viet Buffet in Rogers has announced their opening date! We found where Chicken Headz is opening in Bentonville! We’ll tell you where Desi Fusion is opening in Springdale The Windwood Missionary Baptist Church on Township has a new future, according to the Fayetteville City Lifestyle Magazine Last chance to get your tickets to the Kelham Wine dinner at Gaskins on Emma Bentonville’s Callisto is a family affair. Gabe and Izaak Barrett came from the Phoenix area to start Callisto with their Uncle Braxton, who grew up in NWA. Gabe had an early introduction into what a speakeasy was, and it happened on accident on his 21st birthday. He’ll tell you the story. Also, if you’ve been there, you know that you enter through an art gallery called the Midnight Gallery. It was almost something else, and Gabe will tell us how the speakeasy entry would have been different. Finally, Gabe will get into some elaborate drinks, including how they make their own non-alcoholic rum. That’s episode 100, here on the Flavors of Northwest Arkansas.  

Welcome to this week’s edition of the Flavors of Northwest Arkansas podcast, I’m John Engleman, thanks for being here! This week, we’re at one of the most popular breweries in our area, Rendezvous Junction Brewing Company in Rogers where we’re talking with Founder and Owner Mike Peerson and Head Brewer and COO Kenny Warden, but before we get to them?!? (*FOOD NEWS*) Mallory Files of the Ozark Charcuterie and Wine Bar BREAKS NEWS WITH US!! The Cellar on B Street opened last weekend Top Chef NWA took place on Saturday. We’ll hear from the winner! Sugar Llama’s opened over the weekend in downtown Rogers. We’ll hear about their journey! Happy Anniversary to El Rey Bar and Grill and Pleasant Counter! We’ll tell you all about Bistro 16’s wine dinner and how you can score free tickets! The iconic Herman’s Ribhouse is for sale. We’ll hear why. The soon-to-open Sestina at the soon-to-open Compton Hotel in the Bentonville Square has named their chef! Sassafras Springs Winery has a gorgeous new spot on their premises The Dumont Creamery opened their doors in Bentonville this weekend Wright’s Barbecue’s Johnson location is close... VERY close to being done. Mike Peerson didn’t start Rendezvous Junction at their current location. In fact, it started at the old Foster’s Pint and Plate in Rogers... Of course, Foster’s closed and that left them without a home and without folks to drink their beer. Who bought it during that time? We’ve interviewed them on here, so it won’t be a surprise to many of you. In fact, Mike ended up taking one of his employees and now he’s the head brewer and COO of the company, Ken Warden, who we’ll be talking to as well. Mike and Ken will tell us how they got into beer, the successes and failures, and Mike talks about dying. Yes, he’s officially died and been brought back. Some great stories- thanks for being with us here on the Flavors of Northwest Arkansas!

In this week’s edition of the Flavors of Northwest Arkansas podcast, we talk with Meredith Butler and Chef Mike Robertshaw of Pizzeria Ruby, where we go over SO much, including some breaking news, but before we get into them?? FOOD NEWS!!! It’s Top Chef Week, and I’m giving away a pair of tickets. Learn how to enter! Three Arkansans will be competing at the International Championship Chili Cook-Off in Terlingua after qualifying in Prairie Grove this past weekend. The owners of Mermaids have a new event venue in Fayetteville and will be opening a new burger joint in the Mill District soon! Speaking of the Mill District, Arsaga’s has closed. We’ll tell you who’s moving in. The Stonebreaker Hotel has a new executive chef. Faymosa has opened in the Fayetteville Square. Dave and Jenny Marrs will be opening a coffee and ice cream shop. We’ll tell you where! Chef Mike Robertshaw and his partner Meredith Butler aren’t from the area... in fact, they met in Seattle and they weren’t from there either. Chef Mike will tell you about hanging out with some regulars at his restaurant there who happened to be in Pearl Jam and Soundgarden. Meredith will tell you her pizza crush, who I will tag when I post this. How did they end up in NWA, and what did they do once they got here? That’s a good story. Also, they’ll talk about how they prepared for Pizzeria Ruby having never worked in a pizza spot before. And finally, they’re opening a spot called Pizza Lottie in Bentonville. MANY folks are curious about when it’ll open. Chef Mike and Meredith will tell you when!! One note for you, there’s some explicit language in this one, so earmuffs for the kids, OK?  Thanks for tuning in.

Welcome to this week’s episode of the Flavors of Northwest Arkansas podcast! Quick request off the top, if you have yet to subscribe, like or rate, please do me a favor and do so. It helps us grow and is a big help. Thank you! Now to this week’s episode- we’re at Marsouls in downtown Rogers, talking with owner and founder Jordan Conley. We taped this JUST as Bikes, Blues and BBQ was rolling into town,  so you’ll hear a few rumbles. But first?!?! FOOD NEWS!! Mellow Moose Burgers is back at the World Food Championships. We’ll hear from Owner/Chef Adrian Lem. Townie’s Burgers & Bevvies is finally open. General Manager Adam Brewer tells us about the process to get the doors open! Parlay on 8th is going in at the old Hollar at 8th Street Market. We’ll tell you all about it. Oktoberfest NWA is back in downtown Rogers this weekend! BV65 has changed into a brunch spot in Bella Vista! The Melting Pot is coming to Rogers! Chicken Headz is moving! Founder and owner of Marsouls Jordan Conley grew up VERRRY influenced by his grandmother’s cooking. After spending some time away from home as an adult, he came home during covid and had a new dream in the form of a culinary love-letter to his family heritage, and most notably his grandmother. You’ll hear about their buildout in what was once a gas station, you’ll also hear how they handled the tornado... Finally, he’ll talk about the food, and grandma’s quality control. She’s not shy about it, I’m told. That’s next here on the Flavors of Northwest Arkansas podcast.

Hear from the Top Chef NWA competing chefs: Chef Bill Martfeld from Lasang Pinoy, Chef Sara Guevara from the Walmart AMP, Chef Jesus Rodriguez from San Miguel Mexican Grill & Bar, and the defending champion, Chef Roni Mathis from the Arkansas Food Innovation Center at the Market Center of the Ozarks.  They'll talk about why they're competing in Top Chef NWA this year, and a few may just flat-out tell you what they'll be cooking for the competition.  Get to know these awesome people on this bonus edition of the Flavors off Northwest Arkansas podcast!

On this week’s edition of the Flavors of Northwest Arkansas podcast, we head to beautiful downtown Siloam Springs, where we’re at the new Kilroy Public House talking with owners Justin Melonson, Kyle Reidy and Brandon Norrell... but before we get to them?!?! FOOD NEWS! The Fayetteville location for Confident Coffee opened last week. We’ll hear from owner Amber Dietrich AQ Chicken House will open in downtown Springdale instead of Elm Springs. Hear why from co-owner Tom Lundstrum Casa Magnolia announced that they will close There’s a new BBQ spot in the Har-Ber area! We’ll tell you about Smith & Betts Fayetteville’s Dollar Slice Club has a new concept and name Top Chef NWA is around the corner. We’ll tell you how’s competing and how to get your tickets! The Kilroy Public House is now open in downtown Siloam Springs. They offer sensational Irish fare, drinks and a cozy atmosphere. Chances are, if you’ve been a wedding recently, you’ve had their food as Co-Owner and Executive Chef Justin Malonson also owns and operates the popular Sous Chef Catering Company. In fact, he didn’t buy the space to be a restaurant. He’ll tell you what his initial vision was. Also, what’s going to be the most popular item on the menu? Well, it won’t be on the menu for starters. Finally, and most importantly, Justin is very much into a non-profit where he spends what little time he has working to feed others. He explains that and so much more, next here on the Flavors of Northwest Arkansas.

In this week’s edition of the Flavors of Northwest Arkansas podcast, we talk to a couple of do-gooders who are hell-bent on helping others. We’ll hear from the Hive’s Executive Chef Micah Klasky and Leverett Lounge/Sidecar co-owner Reese Roberts about their awesome, amazing missions, but first?!?! FOOD NEWS! We were at the Miracle League Burger Competition. We’ll hear from the winner who got the Golden Ticket to the World Food Championships. We’ll tell you about the 10th annual Frisco Inferno in downtown Rogers for Bikes, Blues & BBQ! Confident Coffee opens their Fayetteville location today! Downtown Fayetteville is hosting the 3rd annual Falltoberfest this weekend Faymosa will open soon on the Fayetteville Square Theo’s in Fayetteville will have its former chefs help prepare their 20th anniversary dinner. We’ll tell you who’s participating and where to get tickets! 15% benefits the Fayetteville Independent Restaurant Alliance. Speaking of the amazing Fayetteville Independent Restaurant Alliance, you’re about to hear much more about it from Reese Roberts. They work to take care of the people in the Fayetteville restaurant industry who have been laid off, or not able to work. She’ll tell us how it started and what their future looks like. Also, we sat down with Micah Klasky to talk about food waste, and how we go from waste to nourishing those that need it most. Did you know that we waste over 40% of our food? Micah talks about a program called Re-Think Food that he’s introducing to our area. Also, Chef Cycle sign-up has opened again, and it benefits No Kid Hungry. He’ll talk about why this year is more important than ever, and why fewer hungry kids will be seen. He’ll explain what that means, next, in this do-gooder’s episode of the Flavors of Northwest Arkansas.

In this week’s edition of the Flavors of Northwest Arkansas podcast, we talk to University of Arkansas Athletics Executive Chef Tim Walsh, Director of Football Nutrition Brooks Gillerlain, and Captain/Defensive Tackle/BBQ Pitmaster Cam Ball. We hear from them all, but FIRST?!?! FOOD NEWS!!! A true Battle of the Bartenders happened in Bentonville on Monday night. If you haven’t, get your tickets for Sunday’s Miracle League Burger Competition! A mac and cheese cookoff in Fayetteville in November? YES. We’ll tell you how to enter and judge! Happy anniversary to the Creekside Taproom in Siloam Springs! A new Irish Pub with amazing food opens Saturday in Siloam Springs. We’ll tell you about the Kilroy Public House! The Viet Buffet in Rogers is SO CLOSE to being open. Dodo Coffee is making moves! Ever wondered what it takes to feed a division 1 college football team in the SEC? I wondered it too, so I reached out to the University of Arkansas football team, and they were gracious enough to set me up with folks who answered that question in full. Also, what’s their favorite meal? How hard it is to schedule meals on the road? You’ll hear about odd food combinations, food sourcing, and their take on sweets. Finally, team captain Cam Ball talks about his barbecue past and his barbecue future. One note for you, this was recorded during training camp, so you’ll notice a few earlier references... and that’s coming up next here on the Flavors of Northwest Arkansas!

In this week’s edition of the Flavors of Northwest Arkansas podcast, we talk to Jeffro Brown of the Odd Soul in bustling downtown Springdale, but before we talk to Jeffro?!?!?! FOOD NEWS!! Rewired Fest is coming to NWA, and The Hive’s Micah Klasky is collaborating with one of the creator’s products. We’ll hear from Chef Micah. Cobblestone Farms is having their big fundraising dinner tomorrow night, and some tickets remain. Wait until you hear the all-star lineup of chefs for this one! We wrap the World Champion Squirrel Cookoff, and have some great video if you watch on YouTube! Confident Coffee has announced their opening date for their Fayetteville location. Daddy Smackin Wings is moving from Russellville to the Hill. We’ll tell you where. A longtime Fayetteville restaurant has closed for good. Happy anniversary to both Ozark Charcuterie and Wine Bar and Marley’s Pizza! Jeffro Brown is as Springdale as the city itself. In fact, his family can be traced back in Springdale to the early to mid-1800’s and were probably there even earlier than that. Since high school, he’s and more jobs that most guys have had girlfriends, while continually going back to one job like he was getting back together with an ex-girlfriend over, and over again... He’ll tell that story... He’ll also tell us how he almost accidentally blew his head off at one job... We can all laugh about it now.. Jeffro spent some time in Europe, where he learned, he loved, and eventually came back to Springdale where he employed what he learned overseas behind a bar... He’ll tell us where he started and what he worked his way up to. Finally, the Odd Soul... How did he get involved? How has it evolved since it opened? He’ll talk about adding pizza to the menu and how it’s become VERY popular in downtown Springdale... We hear from Jeffro Brown of the Odd Soul, next here on the Flavors of Northwest Arkansas.

We have a bonus edition of the Flavors of Northwest Arkansas podcast for you today, and THIS one will be a memorable one. Tomorrow is the World Championship Squirrel Cookoff, and we interviewed the head of the whole thing, Mr. Joe Wilson. Joe is a master storyteller and talks about previous winners, previous entries and other events taking place tomorrow at the J.B. and Johnelle Hunt Family Ozark Highlands Nature Center. He’ll also talk about you chances to sample some tree-chicken! It’s free and open to the public. It’ll get crowded so parking will be hard to come by. Joe will tell you where to go! Hope to see you there!!!

In this week’s edition of the Flavors of Northwest Arkansas podcast, we talk to Katie Boykin, co-owner and Chief Operating Officer of Bentonville Brewing Company... Also?? It’s the big BITE NWA ticket giveaway episode... But before we get to those?!?! FOOD NEWS!!! Hawk Moth Brewing has an update! A former Conifer manager is opening her a spot in Fayetteville. We’ll tell you about Handshake. Moonhouse has announced their grand opening date in Fayetteville. Bienvenue flipped to Bistro 16. Quickly. The Mermaid’s team is re-opening in Fayetteville, but it’s not quite a restaurant. We’ll explain. Our buddy @reesewithnospoons took a poll and the results? Not great. The River Grille Steakhouse has another Dining in the Dark coming! We’ll tell you when. WE GIVE AWAY A PAIR OF TICKETS FOR THE WHOLE WEEKEND OF @BITENWA. Watch the drawing! The folks at Bentonville Brewing Company have been through a lot. Remember when you were in your 20’s and moved apartments every so often? That’s kind of how Bentonville Brewing started. In fact, Bentonville Brewing wasn’t always in Bentonville. You’ll hear that scar tissue from Co-Owner and COO Katie Boykin. She’ll also talk about how she was able to keep the staff paid during covid, and there were some genius ideas that very much helped. Finally, what about that beer? Katie will talk about the first beer they ever brewed commercially, and talk about their staples, including their Homewrecker IPA and Space Goose Hazy IPA, and a beer that won a big national award! We’ll talk with Katie Boykin next, here on the Flavors of Northwest Arkansas.

John talks about how you can win tickets to BITE NWA. Also, BITE NWA announced their lineup last week of who all will be participating, we talk about some of them, and that includes some that haven’t opened yet! You’ll be able to try them out before they even open their doors. Also, you’ll find out where to park this year, where to go, and of course, where the party is. We talk with Tatum Murray of BITE NWA next on this bonus edition of the Flavors of Northwest Arkansas podcast!

On this week’s edition of the Flavors of Northwest Arkansas podcast, we have a story of perseverance as we interview Junto Executive Chef, Donovan Johnson. That’s a man who’s been through a lot, but before we get to him?!?! FOOD NEWS!! Botanical Live in Fayetteville has now turned into two different spots that have two different themes. We’ll hear from one of the others, @fnoway The Barber opens Friday! The Fox Trail Distillery is transitioning their tasting room. We’ll tell you what they’ll be doing You can now take Stoic Brews home! Greenhouse Aleworks has their new home in downtown Rogers. Speaking of downtown Rogers, happy anniversary to Tusk & Trotter’s second location! The doors are open at Blue Ember Smokehouse in Rogers! We’ll hear from GM Chance Sneathern. Keep your eyes out- WE HAVE BITE NWA tickets! We’ll be telling you how to win them this week! The Collective in Fayetteville soft opens with entrée’s tonight. Los Compas Margaritatown is selling their food truck. KDK’s Chicken and Waffles are moving into a brick and mortar. Folklore Ice Cream grand opened in the Fayetteville Square. Junto Sushi opened in the Motto Hotel in Bentonville a year ago, almost to the day. Chef Donovan Johnson has been there from the start, and it was a hard road for him to get there. VERY hard. It was a road paved with addiction, rehab, relapses, and cooking around northwest Arkansas... One of his earliest jobs in his teens in Mountain Home might have been his most important. It helped shape his professional cooking preference and through it all, he never lost sight of it or let it go. That’s one of the many things that helped get him to where he is today. He talks about it in detail, and the scare that sparked his turnaround. How did a guy from Mountain Home who had always cooked in Fayetteville gain the favor of a James Beard Award winning chef that has worked in a Michelin-star restaurant? We hear from Junto Executive Chef Donovan Johnson next, here on the Flavors of Northwest Arkansas.

In this week’s edition of the Flavors of Northwest Arkansas podcast, we’re talking with Chef William Mauk of Bienvenue in downtown Springdale which will flip into a new restaurant VERY soon, but before we do?!?! FOOD NEWS!! We hear about the new champagne bar @Muselet.nwa in Bentonville from its owner Time’s running out to try your hand at the Miracle League burger competition. You could get a golden ticket to the World Food Championships! Top Chef NWA will be at the Walmart AMP! Arsaga’s Mill District has sold. We’ll tell you what’s coming. An update from Wrights BBQ about their Johnson location. Folklore Ice Cream opens on the Fayetteville Square soon! An update on Confident Coffee’s soon-to-be Fayetteville location. Bienvenue has been in operation in downtown Springdale for almost 2 years now, and in less than a month, will be something else as Owner & Executive Chef Will Mauk will be flipping the format, and he’ll explain why and what it’s going to be... Also. He’s involved in a few other things, like the launch of Goat Lab Red at the former Renzo’s in Fayetteville on Garland, and he’s one of the esteemed chefs for the Cobblestone Farms 2025 Cultivating Community Fundraiser dinner... He’ll tell us all about it next, here, on the Flavors of Northwest Arkansas.

In this week’s edition of the Flavors of Northwest Arkansas podcast, we’re at Casa Alejo in downtown Rogers, where we hear great stories from the Mayorga family, but first!?! FOOD NEWS!! There’s a new date and new location for this year’s Top Chef NWA, benefitting the Rogers Public Library Foundation. Chuo Izakaya will be opening soon in Rogers. It’s owned by Meiji’s Darwin Beyer, who will tell us when he plans to open it! Cura Culinary will finally be back soon! We’ll tell you where and hear from them! Bienvenue will be flipping formats. We’ll tell you what’s coming in its place! Wildberry Smoothie Company opened Monday in Fayetteville. There’s a new Asian buffet at the old Eat My Catfish spot in Fayetteville. We’ll tell you about Osaka House! Savory Hibachi will open soon on MLK in Fayetteville! The work is done at the Springdale Pool Lounge. Owner Ross Jackson will tell us when it opens! Thai Cuisine in Bentonville looks to have closed. Remember, if you have a food news tip, just shoot it to me at the Flavors of Northwest Arkansas social media, or at FlavorsOfNWA@gmail.com!! Casa Alejo is a family restaurant run by brothers that grew up in the family business. Originally from San Luis Potosi in Mexico, the family emigrated to Searcy to work in the restaurant business. Brothers Said and Luis Mayorga had their first restaurant together in their adopted hometown of Searcy, and let’s just say that it didn’t go as planned, you’ll hear why. Of course, with age comes wisdom and the brothers will tell you their path to opening the first Casa Alejo in downtown Springdale and then Rogers. It’s quite the ride, including the torn-up road on Emma RIGHT when they opened!! Also, they’ll talk about family recipes and what the elders thought about birria, and Said’s fascination with finding places on and off-menu for waffle fries. It’s a funny story, but there’s also a good reason behind it. Finally- are they done, or are there more Casa Alejo’s on the horizon? We’ll talk with Said, Luis and Kacey Mayorga next, here on the Flavors of Northwest Arkansas.

Bentonville Restaurant Week officially starts on Sunday. We caught up with Visit Bentonville’s Natalie Stika to find out more on this bonus edition of the Flavors of Northwest Arkansas. Learn how you can win free gift cards to some of Bentonville’s favorite restaurants and we highlight some of the deals that are going on for the week! Natalie’s got the deets. Also? John shares his favorite deal, and it’s the most GenX thing ever! Be sure to check out VisitBentonville.com to see the latest list of offers and get out and support local! As always, Tip you servers!!!

In this week’s edition of the Flavors of Northwest Arkansas podcast, we interview at the oldest restaurant in Benton County, Wesner’s Grill, where talked to owners Jack Debner and Brandy Moreland, but before we hear from them?!?! FOOD NEWS!! If you can make a burger, you have a chance to compete with it at the World Food Championships! UnDeuxTrois has opened in Rogers! There’s a new buffet serving all-you-can-eat sushi. They’re also serving all-you-can-eat freshly shucked oysters, crab legs and mussels on the weekends! Great Harvest NWA is now open in Bentonville. Happy 9th anniversary to Bucks Emma Tap. The party is ON this weekend! Wesner’s Grill is indeed the oldest restaurant in Benton County, as they celebrate 70 years this year. Harry Wesner founded it on Walnut Street in 1955, and it’s had many ownership changes as well as a location change since. That said, it’s always been in downtown Rogers and maintained its charm and strong reputation. We’ll talk about its history and the history of its current location, as well as the menu – classic American diner food. That’s in this week’s edition of the Flavors of Northwest Arkansas.

On this week’s Flavors of Northwest Arkansas podcast, we sit down with Onyx Co-Owner Andrea Allen at the new Onyx in downtown Springdale, but first?!? FOOD NEWS!! It’s Tontitown Grape Festival Week! We’ll tell you when you can get those famous spaghetti dinners! An update about Wright’s Barbecue’s Johnson location from Jordan Wright himself! We have a BIG update on the Fermentary Public House in Lowell! A popular cafein Devil’s Den is temporarily closed. It’s finally that time for Nomad’s Southtown. Great Harvest is about to open in Bentonville. The Barber Bar in Bentonville is making big progress and might open this month! Coffee has been a passion for Onyx owners Jon and Andrea Allen for a long time. They worked together at Arsaga’s in Fayetteville not even having an inkling of what they would build together. Andrea would eventually manage a few Arsaga’s coffee shops, where she would learn the business side of the trade, and then she and Jon would get an offer that they just couldn’t refuse. That’s when Onyx was born. Speaking of Onyx, Andrea will tell us about the name and why it fit what they were building. Also, you’ll hear her talk about their growth through the years and what’s coming. She’ll also tell the story of why their cafe Hail Fellow Well Met has such a special place in her heart. It’s a great story. Also a great story? How hospitality runs deep in her family. She’s got a few stories about that, and you’ll hear them here, on the Flavors of Northwest Arkansas.  

In this bonus edition of the Flavors of Northwest Arkansas Podcast, we talk with the 126th Tontitown Grape Festival Chair Clint Engle as he and his team are ramping up this year’s edition that kicks off tomorrow (Tuesday, August 5, 2025). He’ll go over some of the highlights, like live entertainment (which includes the Bellamy Brothers and Walker Montgomery) and food (the famous spaghetti dinners, grape ice cream, and more). You can also win a Ford Bronco Sport- Clint has all the details on this special edition of the Flavors of Northwest Arkansas podcast.

In this week’s edition of the Flavors of Northwest Arkansas podcast, we talk to Elliot Hunt, co-owner and executive chef of Atlas the Restaurant in Fayetteville. We’ll talk to chef Elliot in a second but first?!?! FOOD NEWS! We have a LOADED Food News segment today, so pack a lunch because here we go! The Ropeswing Hospitality Group announces three food and beverage programs for the Compton Hotel in downtown Bentonville. We find out how much spaghetti is made for the Tontitown Grape Festival. Great Harvest Bakery & Café opens soon in Bentonville. Onyx Coffee lab opens a new location in Fayetteville. A new coffee shop is about to open in Highfill. We’ll tell you about Kaleidoscope Café. The Johnson location of Wright’s BBQ is having construction delays. We’ll tell you when they’re aiming to re-open. Smith & Betts BBQ is opening a second location. We’ll tell you where! Sugar Llamas is closed in Springdale, but they’re about to open at a new location. Pizzeria Ruby is holding delicious fundraiser next month and we’ll tell you all about it. Speaking of Pizzeria Ruby, they’re opening a new location in Bentonville called Pizza Lottie. A Parisian-inspired café will open soon in Rogers. You’ll hear about Un Deux Trois Café Fayetteville’s Wildberry Smoothie Co. opens soon, and they do more than smoothies! Fuego Tortilla Grill is coming to Fayetteville. If you have any food news or want us to check into something, just shoot us a note on Instagram or Facebook at Flavors of Northwest Arkansas or email us at FlavorsofNWA@Gmail.com. Elliot Hunt got into cooking by accident, and it’s taken him all over the country and globe. From working in kitchens in France, Ecuador, Australia and Chicago (and that’s just for starters), the Fayetteville-raised chef never stops learning and never stops travelling. In this episode, we hear stories from both long and short kitchen tenures both stateside and abroad. What was it like working for a Michelin star chef in France as an 18-year-old? What was it that kept him in Chicago so long? And why did he decide to come back home to Fayetteville? We talk to Elliot Hunt of Atlas the Restaurant on this edition of the Flavors of Northwest Arkansas.