Nothing beats the sweet and refreshing taste of our Summertime Rosé Sangria
1 c. fresh strawberries
1 c. fresh raspberries
1 lemon, sliced
1 750ml bottle Rosé wine
3/4 c. raspberry flavored vodka
2 c. lemon sparkling water
Mix all ingredients. Chill then serve over ice. Garnish with mint and lemon slices.
This Fayetteville native is the creator behind Lauren James, the popular women’s apparel brand known for their sweetly Southern T-shirts, dresses, and accessories
Lauren James has become one of the most well-known brands for women’s casual wear and dresses. Where did you first get the idea for the clothing line? I am a Registered Nurse but due to pre-term labor with my first child, I was put on bed rest 10 weeks prior to my due date. During that time I discovered my passion for designing sundresses, which—unbeknownst to me at the time—was the start of Lauren James!
The reason I became a nurse in the first place was because I’ve always wanted to be a mother and nursing was a way for me to “mother” people in need. When my son Lofton was born, I couldn’t imagine leaving him so my husband suggested I start my own business based off of my love of design. We launched our first website in 2013 and have continued to expand since then.
So, did your signature sundresses or your iconic comfortable Sweet Tees come first? I designed the dresses first, but my husband Lance is a brilliant entrepreneur and suggested that I expand my vision for the company to fill an area that was not being served fully. We realized there weren’t any Southern lifestyle brands focusing on women’s apparel. T-shirts were our first products to market and are still our largest product category, but we carry everything from outerwear to leather goods now.
Where did you come up with the name Lauren James? The name is a combination of my name and my son’s. Having Lofton James was the inspiration for me to take control of my career and do what I loved while also being able to spend time with him. We really wanted the name to have a strong meaning behind it, and we wanted our customers to understand why we do what we do. It’s all about family, which is the most important thing to us.
Do you create all of the designs or is it a collaborative team effort? Fortunately, I have some awesome people who help me with the designs. We have a creative art director who illustrates all of our T-shirt graphics by hand and comes up with a lot of the concepts himself. We are also fortunate to have an apparel designer who moved to Arkansas from South Carolina. She has such an amazing understanding of the brand, and it’s been awesome to collaborate with her. We also let our entire team have a say in what we design and what makes the line. I think it’s so important to get real opinions from our team regarding what they would buy and what they want to see.
All of your items seem to have such an approachable, Southern feel. How do you continue to create things with this aesthetic in mind? We believe that being Southern runs deeper than geography. It’s an intimate understanding of gratitude, family, and grace. Every design and everything we do is a representation of those qualities unbounded by state lines. Our goal is to produce quality apparel and goods for the modern woman with comfort and elegance at our core and the South in our hearts.
We also have a brand slogan of “your day just got better,” because we believe that everything we do—from designing our clothing to the customer service we provide—should strive to make our customer’s day a little bit better!
What’s on the horizon for Lauren James? Customers will see our new custom bridesmaid shop, which lets brides pick their favorite style and then choose from a list of custom colors and fabrics. We make these woven dresses in Dallas, so it’s easy for us to do a run of dresses for our brides and turn them around in just six to eight weeks.
We also have an exciting new line of licensed collegiate apparel launching in 2018. We are currently licensed with over 25 schools around the country, and we print all of our shirts in-house in our state-of-the-art printing facility. This allows us to react to special events and games to create custom shirts. We have seen great success with our March Madness shirts, National Championship shirts, and our brand new NCAA Baseball Tournament shirts, and will continue to offer event-specific shirts. The next couple of years are going to be huge!
Lauren James, Fayetteville, (479) 445-6503, laurenjames.com
In Arkansas, Lauren James clothing and accessories are available in their Fayetteville flagship retail store, through their website, and through numerous other specialty retail stores throughout the state. Visit their website for a complete list.
Planning a trip? Look no further than the city that comes to life for outdoor summer fun. Visitors and locals alike can enjoy historic hotels and bathhouses, nationally acclaimed lakes, and more in this conveniently located Arkansas destination
A Hot History
Hot Springs, appropriately named for the naturally occurring hot spring waters found in the area, has been a draw for travelers from its earliest days. The now legendary waters were rumored to hold healing powers; thus the town’s bathhouses became a destination for guests looking for R&R. Eight bathhouses were built between 1892 and 1923, and this collective grouping became what is known today as Bathhouse Row, a National Historic Landmark District. Two of these original bathhouses are still in operation today, Buckstaff Bathhouse and Quapaw Baths & Spa. Over the years, Bathhouse Row and the waters of the hot springs helped the town to earn the nickname it still carries: The Spa City.
Rich in history, Hot Springs actually has numerous claims to fame. The city briefly served as the state capital during the Civil War. During the late 1800s, it also hosted spring training for the Chicago White Stockings baseball franchise. As a nod to this, markers for the Hot Springs Historic Baseball Trail are now posted throughout the city to boast the town’s legacy in this field and allow visitors a glimpse into the past. Additionally, a true staple of Hot Springs culture, Oaklawn Park, became home to thoroughbred racing in 1905, paving the way for its importance in the sport today through big name events such as the Racing Festival of the South, which includes the Arkansas Derby.
What Happens at the Lake
In a town with a deep appreciation for its action-packed history and a flair for thrills and entertainment, there’s also a desire for time to enjoy the lazy days of summer. As home to three lakes, Hot Springs is a haven for any water enthusiast—no matter what you love.
Looking for fun? Visit Lake Hamilton
With plenty of resorts and condos on the water’s edge, lake goers can also catch a ride on a National Park Duck Tour or the Belle of Hot Springs riverboat.
Looking for fish? Visit Lake Catherine
Anglers take note: Bass, crappie, catfish, walleye, bream, and rainbow trout are waiting for you.
Looking for water sports? Visit Lake Ouachita
Known as one of the cleanest lakes in the country, Lake Ouachita is the state’s largest lake—offering plenty of room for boaters to roam.
Summer in the Spa City
Hot Springs Farmers and Artisans Market
What: Enjoy homegrown produce, fresh meats, local arts, live music, and more.
Where: Pavilion located at 121 Orange Street
When: Saturdays, 7 a.m.-12 p.m. and Tuesdays, 4-7 p.m.
See hotspringsfarmersmarket.com for additional information and events.
Garvan Woodland Gardens Tours
What: With 210 acres to explore, enjoy beautiful landscapes while learning the history of the botanical garden, its architecture, and the surrounding area on guided or self-guided tours.
Where: Garvan Woodland Gardens
When: Open every day, 9 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Visit garvangardens.org for more upcoming events.
Downtown Gallery Walk
What: Take in the sights and sounds as art galleries stay open late for special events.
Where: Local art galleries in the downtown area
When: First Friday of each month, 5-9 p.m.
Learn more at hotsprings.org or hotspringschamber.com.
Science Summer Camp Mid-America
What: Enjoy weeklong camps for ages 6-12 on a variety of topics from “Star Trackers” to “Epic Engineering.”
Where: Mid-America Science Museum
When: Weeklong sessions held between June 19th and July 28th
See all of the exciting exhibits and fests happening at Mid-America by visiting their website midamericamuseum.org.
Spa Blast
What: Celebrate Independence Day with a family friendly event
featuring free concerts, a petting zoo, and a fireworks show.
Where: Oaklawn Racing & Gaming
When: Monday, July 3rd,
Gates open at 4 p.m.
Visit hotsprings.org for more information
Mark Your Calendar!
With events like wine tastings, a cheese making workshop, an ice cream and beer pairing event, special exhibits, and more, Garvan Woodland Gardens provides a feast for your eyes and appetite. See the full calendar of events at garvangardens.org.
Hold Your Horses
Racing season may have ended, but that doesn’t mean the show is over at Oaklawn. A year-round gaming area offers Vegas-style games including Blackjack, Poker, Roulette, and more, while music fans can enjoy the summer concert series at the Finish Line Theater. Find show times on their site.
Areas of Interest: A few of our favorite stops in Hot Springs
Arkansas Furniture
1901 Albert Pike Road
(501) 623-3849
arkansasfurniture.com
Arlington Hotel
239 Central Avenue
(501) 623-7771
arlingtonhotel.com
Oaklawn Racing
& Gaming
2705 Central Avenue
(800) 625-5296
oaklawn.com
Sandy Sutton Design Center
4112 Central Avenue
(501) 624-6700
sandysuttonsdesigns.com
Statements for the Home
3820 Central Avenue
(501) 620-4545
statementsforthehome.com
Kevin Walsh creates a backyard party with Southern charm and a patriotic palette
“Family. Friends. Food.” These are the words Kevin Walsh of Bear Hill Interiors uses to describe his take on Fourth of July festivities. Along with a dose of classic Americana design, Walsh used this mantra to create a backyard celebration full of fun activities with a flavorful menu. “I really wanted to keep this simple,” Walsh says. “For me, this holiday is more about spending time with people. Food is just the vehicle to get people there,” he says with a smile. Read on for ideas for your own Independence Day gathering.
Create a Patriotic Palette
“This is a very strong blue and white theme with little touches of red,” Walsh says of the traditional American color scheme. When hosting a special occasion or themed event, he encourages hosts to take a look around their home. “A lot of people don’t think to use what you have. This homeowner already had a lot of blue and white pieces. We carried that palette outside by using their existing plates and paired that with red food,” proving a color scheme can come to life from unexpected places. “Even the brick is red,” he adds with a laugh. An American Flag banner hangs from the covered patio, while simple flower arrangements of blue hydrangea are placed throughout the space for unity.
Serve Summer Staples
“This is what I call classic Fourth of July food,” Walsh says. With barbecued ribs straight off the grill, roasted corn on the cob, fresh-cut tomatoes, Arkansas watermelon, a lemon tart, and more, appetites are sure to be pleased. “And it doesn’t get more Fourth of July than lemonade,” he adds of the beverage selection.
Make It Fun for Everyone
“I wanted to have something fun for guests to do while cooking or clean up is going on,” Walsh says. A croquet set was placed in the yard for both kids and adults to enjoy. “You could do any kind of yard game—badminton or bocce ball.” Walsh also adds that it’s a great icebreaker and conversation starter for guests who don’t know one another.
Planning your own backyard bash?
Kelly Lovell from Count Porkula/Rock BBQ Catering Company shares his personal tips for preparing your party menu:
Get a Headcount
The first rule of hosting? Don’t run out of food! Figure approximately how many people are coming to your event and plan accordingly.
Consider the Seasoning
When serving meat, the seasoning should enhance the taste, yet not take away from the flavor of the cut. For pork and chicken, use a dry rub to add flavor. For steaks and brisket, use salt and pepper only.
Time it Right
Allow enough time to make sure all the food is prepared and ready when guests arrive. This is especially important when cooking meat—whether serving right off the grill or smoking ahead of time, you don’t want the meat to dry out or become chewy.
Keep the Appropriate Temperature
Use proper serving dishes to keep the hot food hot and the cold food cold. Consider chafing dishes for warm foods and containers designed to hold ice for cool menu items.
Remember, Fresh is Best
The fresher the ingredients, the better the reviews. Shop your local farmer’s market—or your backyard garden—for ingredients. Bonus: If you grew it yourself, you’ve earned green-thumb bragging rights.
Design Resources
Event design Kevin Walsh, Bear Hill Interiors
Accessories Arkansas Flag and Banner and Bear Hill Interiors
Catering Kelly Lovell, Count Porkula/Rock BBQ Catering Company
Exterior designer Daniel Keeley creates a backyard retreat for a Fort Smith family that is equipped for any summertime occasion, from pool parties to weeknight barbecues
“I have known this family for several years and worked on other major projects at different residences,” Daniel Keeley of DK Design says of the friendship and history with his Fort Smith clients. After moving to this home, the owners had a desire to breathe new life into its exterior spaces. Read on to see how he, along with the home’s interior designer Chris Goddard of Goddard Design Group, created a backyard setting that’s perfect for a crowd or a quiet night at home.
Good Bones
Sitting on over two acres, the expansive greenspace was a perfect starting point for Keeley’s outdoor design. “The hardscaping was there, so the yard had great bones,” he says. Existing features, such as the double-sided outdoor fireplace, pool area, stone terraces, and brick work, ushered in an outdoor design primed for entertaining. A stone feature wall—one of the few newly added elements—accented with greenery and flowering bushes adds grandeur to the front elevation.
Mix and Match
When choosing outdoor furnishings, Keeley notes his fondness for an eclectic mix of textures and surfaces. “I didn’t want this to be too matchy,” he says. Throughout the different areas, Keeley blended hand-forged iron elements with classic wicker furniture. Metal chairs around a stone table create a dining space for eight, while groupings of wicker chairs surround glass-topped, iron tables to create intimate spaces for relaxation. A mix of patio flooring options, from stone to red brick pavers, adds to the design.
English Elements
“The homeowner loves English design,” Keeley says. These touches are easily seen throughout the landscape with numerous topiaries, evergreen plantings and hedges, urns filled with colorful blooms, and classic garden ornaments. Keeley notes the same appreciation of English architecture is found in the home’s interior style.
Inside-Out
“What the homeowners asked of Chris Goddard and me was to help update the home to its fullest potential, while tailoring the living spaces, indoors and out, to complement the family’s needs and style,” Keeley says. By creating separate zones for conversation, dining, grilling, and sunning, Keeley made cozy room-like spaces, each with a specific function. Taking cues from the interior floor plan, the outdoor rooms are positioned accordingly. For example, double doors from the home’s interior living room open up to the outdoor dining area. “We centered this grouping right off the living room doors in order for traffic to flow outside seamlessly.” The outdoor furnishings, upholstery pieces, and accessories also tie the outdoor spaces to the inside décor and overall style. “Chris and I picked out the seafoam accent color on the outdoor dining upholstery directly from the interior wall color,” Keeley says of the cohesive design and color palette. Through new landscaping and furnishings that add style and function, Keeley restored this outdoor retreat’s charm.
Design Resources
Contractor Tony Kimes Construction, Inc
Exterior design Daniel Keeley, DK Design
Interior design Chris Goddard, Goddard Design Group
Lighting, outdoor furniture, and plantings DK Design
Tropical hues, casual cover-ups, and graphic-print accessories create a fun, laidback look for the pool, beach, or lake
Multicolor woven Aztec beach bag and L*Space by Monica Wise “Jaime” bikini top and “Barracuda” bikini bottom
Steamroller Blues, Jonesboro, (870) 935-9465, Little Rock, (501) 661-4067, Rogers, (479) 319-6363, steamrollerblues.com
Band of Gypsies distressed denim shorts and A.J. Morgan floral-print sunglasses
Beehive, Little Rock, (501) 219-7195, lovebeehive.com
Cherish button-down, midi-length top
Maddox, Little Rock, (501) 313-4242, shopmaddoxonline.com
Shihreen UPF 50+ hat
Cynthia East Fabrics, Little Rock, (501) 663-0460, cynthiaeastfabrics.com
This artisan’s handcrafted wooden bathtubs are making a splash of global proportions in the bath industry
You create bathtubs—beautiful, fully functional bathtubs—from wood. How does that work? It’s a process. From start to finish, it takes about two months to build each one of these. I begin by gluing up a board and cutting a circle with a bandsaw. Once I get a rough form, I carve it down with all of the curves. And then, the magic happens with a fiberglass cloth. This is what makes the wood usable and able to hold water. It’s also the longest part of the process. You form the fiberglass cloth around the tub and then a clear epoxy goes on it. It’s a similar process to creating a yacht or a kayak. So you actually aren’t sitting on the wood, but rather on the epoxy. It gives strength and prevents the tub from leaking.
That’s a pretty amazing process. What first gave you the idea to do this? The first one I made was 13 years ago for a business competition called the Governor’s Cup [Donald W. Reynolds Governor’s Cup]. A buddy of mine and I were going to make a canoe but I was building a house and needed a bathtub, so I said let’s try that and enter it into this competition. So we did, and we won the technology award. That tub is still in my old house today. That’s part of why we were confident in doing this venture—because we had an almost 14-year beta test to see how it would stand up, and it’s doing great. We bathed all our kids in it and really abused it, and it’s still in great shape.
So, you didn’t immediately start your business, WaterWood? That’s right. I wanted to see how they would stand the test of time, and had some other life experiences. My wife and children and I ended up moving to Russia and then eventually to Mongolia. That’s where I saw the opportunity to be planted and start the business. We are currently splitting our time between the Mongolia workshop and my wife’s family farm in Searcy, Arkansas, where I also have a workshop.
What is the best way for Arkansans who are interested in seeing or purchasing a piece to learn more? We have a model set up at PC Hardware in Little Rock. You can go to the showroom to see the tub and feel the finish, and then we can customize options. We are actually making a square one from walnut now for a customer that saw the one on display and wanted a more modern design.
What’s next on your radar? We are currently hoping to expand our reach here in the States. We are looking at showrooms in Aspen, Atlanta, and North Carolina. Many people tell us these tubs are a great fit for mountain homes, lodges, or lake houses, so we are trying to make that accessible. We also build sinks based on the same concept and are looking to expand that market as well.
WaterWood, (501) 612-8572, waterwoodtubs.com
The capital city is alive this summer. Check out some of the best places to eat, unwind, and enjoy the area
Explore the Local Museum Scene
The Museum of Discovery
Ideal For: Families who want to bend their brains and expend a bit of energy—all the while learning. museumofdiscovery.org
Arkansas Arts Center
Ideal For: A quick day date that will make you make feel miles away. Don’t miss the opportunity to have lunch at the onsite restaurant, Canvas. arkarts.com
Historic Arkansas Museum
Ideal For: Anyone who wants to learn about Arkansas history and cultivate an appreciation for the past. historicarkansas.org
Summer in the Rock: 5 Ways to Spend the Season
Shop & Sip in Hillcrest
First Thursday of Each Month
Browse participating merchants’ shops while enjoying small bites, libations, and live music. hillcrestmerchants.net
Happy Hour in the Heights
Third Thursday of Each Month
Head out to shop local merchants, register for giveaways, and enjoy community spirit at this event, which takes place in stores and on porches around the neighborhood. intheheightslr.com
Argenta Art Walk
Third Friday of Each Month from 5-8 p.m.
Pop in to one of the numerous art galleries in the Argenta Arts District to see the latest local pieces, and then visit a nearby local restaurant for dinner. argentaartsdistrict.org
80th Annual Miss Arkansas and Miss Arkansas Outstanding Teen Pageants
June 13-17th; Robinson Auditorium
The Miss Arkansas pageant returns to the capital city. Make plans to attend all the festivities that will lead up to the crown. missarkansas.org
Movies in the Park
Every Wednesday Beginning at Sundown
July 7 – July 26
First Security Amphitheatre
Bring your family, your picnic basket, and even your pup to enjoy a movie under the stars. All children under 18 must be accompanied by an adult.
Here’s this year’s lineup:
June 7 “La La Land”
June 14 “Maleficent”
June 21 “The Karate Kid”
June 28 “Creed”
July 5 “Daddy’s Home”
July 12 “Finding Dory”
July 19 “Captain America:
The First Avenger”
July 26 “The Magnificent Seven”
Kevin’s Little Rock Picks
Wondering where to grab an after-dinner drink or which coffee shop to frequent? Food blogger Kevin Shalin of “The Mighty Rib” (themightyrib.com) is the guy to ask. As a teacher, writer, and self-proclaimed food lover living in the capital city, he knows “just the place.” Here are a few of his favorites in the metro.
Best Date Night Restaurants
One Eleven at the Capital Hotel
Ciao Baci
Kemuri
The Pantry Crest
Best Coffee Shops
Boulevard Bread Company
Mylo Coffee Co.
Blue Sail Coffee
Mugs Café
3 Places to Have Breakfast
The Root Café
At the Corner
Boulevard Bread Company
Favorite Restaurant-Made Pimento Cheese
The Root Café
Capital Hotel Bar and Grill
South on Main
Top Desserts in the Metro
Chocolate Sack at SO Restaurant-Bar
Banana Pudding at Capital Hotel Bar and Grill
Favorite Places to Grab a Cocktail
South on Main
The Pantry Crest
Big Orange Midtown
Areas of Interest: A Few of Our Favorite Stops in The Metro
Shop
The Full Moon
3625 Kavanaugh Boulevard
(501) 663-4367
thefullmoonlittlerock.com
Tulips
5817 Kavanaugh Boulevard
(501) 614-7343
tulipsarkansas.com
Eat
Big Orange Midtown
207 N. University Avenue, #100
(501) 379-8715
bigorangeburger.com
Heights Taco & Tamale
5805 Kavanaugh Boulevard
(501) 313-4848
Lost 40 Brewery
501 Byrd St.
(501) 319-7275
ZAZA Fine Salad & Wood Oven Pizza Co.
5600 Kavanaugh Boulevard
(501) 661-9292
zazapizzaandsalad.com
Home
Botanica Gardens
1601 Rebsamen Park Road
(501) 614-3000
botanicagardens.com
Bear Hill Interiors
1420 Rebsamen Park Road
(501) 907-9272
bearhillinteriors.com
Core iD
3700 Cantrell Road, Suite 103
(501) 944-2535
coreidhome.com
Cynthia East Fabrics
1523 Rebsamen Park Road
(501) 490-9330
cynthiaeastfabrics.com
Fresh I.D.
5914 R Street, Suite B
(501) 478-6006
mertinsdyke Home
1504 Rebsamen Park Road
(501) 280-3200
Providence Design
2314 Cantrell Road
(501) 372-1886
providenceltddesign.com
Ransom Interiors
5501 Kavanaugh Boulevard
(501) 838-7267
ransominteriors.com
White Goat
5624 R Street
(501) 603-9460
whitegoatstyle.com
The design of this classic yet cosmopolitan Little Rock rooftop garden proves to be as inviting as its view of the city
Rooftop venues have long been popular in cities such as Charleston and New York—places where space is often at a premium and must be maximized. However, while necessity may be touted as the mother of invention, it need not be present for one to enjoy the fruits of its labor. Space in Arkansas’ capital city runs rampant in comparison; however, the view is one that, in opinion, may only be fully appreciated from a perch. The owners of this Little Rock condo recognized this and decided to cultivate an exterior space that would allow them to enjoy the skyline, as well as each other’s company. With the help of three local experts, here’s how they created a rooftop oasis in the heart of downtown.
The Groundwork
While the pool was already in place, many of the space’s hardscape areas were in need of renovation. The homeowners called on outdoor living expert David Munsey III of Better Lawns & Gardens to update the pool’s coping and mastermind an intricate installation of pavers and artificial turf. “She wanted a checkerboard-like pattern with pavers and grass,” Munsey says of the homeowner’s vision. “It was a challenge to make this aesthetically pleasing and also functional. Our design now has the entire floor on a custom drain that keeps everything in tact and prevents water from accumulating,” he notes. “Water is a big concern when you’re designing a rooftop space and you need to make sure you can control it. We have the resources to do that and put those to use here.”
In regard to the pool, the directive was to refresh the top surround to give it a sleek and clean look. The same Atlas Concord pavers used for the floor were employed along the sides of the pool for a streamlined feel. Tiles were cut at a radius along the entry steps to add flair. The repetition of this one material, along with the existing charcoal herringbone pattern seen on the base, allows the surroundings to become the focus. “It’s so important to consider the view when you’re working on a rooftop project. You really want to step back and see how everything looks in the environment,” Munsey adds.
The Furnishings
Designer Tobi Fairley, who worked with the family on their home’s interiors, helped to make selections for the outdoor kitchen and furnishings. The kitchen features a grill, refrigerator and bar area, along with a workspace for prepping cocktails or dinner. “The furniture for the exterior is an extension of their chic and sophisticated style,” Fairley says. “The homeowner and I were both fans of the always classic Chinese Chippendale fretwork pattern on the seating, and the black-and-white-striped fabric is the perfect combination of bold and timeless; plus, it is a continuation of a striped floor pattern in the entry of the home. I always love bringing the indoors out so that the exterior space feels much like a real room inside the home,” she says.
The Plantings
Chris Olsen of Botanica Gardens designed a variety of plantings to complement each of the aforementioned elements. Trellises, which were inspired by the fretwork on the furnishings, line the wall space, adding both dimension and texture. Both the iron trellises, which were made by Accent Iron in Benton, and the actual containers had to be able to travel via elevator to the rooftop—a consideration that both Olsen and Munsey had to take into account for all parts of the project. Thus, they were designed and built to travel to the penthouse and be assembled onsite.
Heat and wind were top considerations for Olsen as he selected plantings. White Confederate jasmine, an evergreen with a sweet scent, climbs the trellises and will continue to offer color and cover the expanse of the structure in years to come. Wintergreen boxwoods and dwarf mondo grass fill the planters for what Olsen describes as a “clean and elegant” approach. At the pool’s edge, charcoal black planters hold succulents and blue scaevola, heat-tolerant options that will not drop into the pool. “There are really endless options to what we can do with these,” Olsen says of the containers. The same may also be said for the number of ways in which one can enjoy this refreshing oasis.
Design Resources
Contractor Baldwin & Shell Construction Company
Appliances and tile pavers Antique Brick Outdoors
Furnishings Tobi Fairley Interior Design
Hardscaping and pool resurfacing Better Lawns & Gardens
Plantings Botanica Gardens
Trellises Accent Iron, Inc.
Chef Casey Copeland focuses on locally sourced, fresh—and delicious—fare at Hot Springs’ newest restaurant, The Avenue
Chef Casey Copeland is carving a new path when it comes to dining in downtown Hot Springs. The Texas native is no stranger to the Arkansas food scene having served as executive chef at Little Rock’s SO and been named the winner of the 2015 Arkansas Hospitality Association’s Iron Chef competition, among other notable posts. Copeland feels as though he has found his niche in The Natural State, and now is hoping to make locally sourced cuisine a favorite for diners at The Avenue, his popular new restaurant located inside The Waters Hotel. “I want to bring a better dining scene to this area. I want to be able to use all the local farms we can and also grow produce onsite here for use,” Copeland says. “I’ve built some relationships with local farmers, and I have transitioned in my cooking. I use less seasoning and instead take these beautiful ingredients and highlight them with just a few notes.”
The Avenue currently offers dinner service Wednesday through Saturday with a menu that changes every five to six weeks according to Copeland. “I love to have something new and I don’t let things get stagnant,” he says. Examples from their current offerings include grilled free-range chicken, Southern paella, and duck confit tacos as well as the filet and scallop recipes seen on the following pages. Each dish is served in a tapas or shareable-plate style, encouraging diners to linger, converse, and enjoy the experience. In mid-April, they also began hosting a Sunday brunch which Copeland says allows him to get back to his roots with favorites such as biscuits and gravy, breakfast tacos, and eggs benedict—all at $6-15 per plate.
As for the aforementioned onsite garden, Copeland already hosts hives of bees on the rooftop, allowing him to produce his own honey and he has plans to install tower gardens that will also supply the restaurant. Equally exciting are the owners plans for a rooftop bar, which will allow guests to take in views of the spa city. “There was a rooftop bar near a place I worked in Austin and it was always the place to be,” Copeland says. “I want to be a part of bringing that here. I have some great ideas coming forward; I have a great staff and ownership behind me, and we’re excited about what’s happening here,” the chef says.
Cold Smoked Filet with Whipped Cauliflower, Red Pepper Coulis, Charred Onion Petals & Fried Leeks
Cold Smoked Filet
PREPARATION
Start smoldering wood chips in a smoker grill without actually starting the fire. Place filets in the grill chamber away from any possible heat, but still allow the smoke to surround them for 3-5 minutes. Remove from grill. Allow the meat to rest in the refrigerator until you are ready to grill it. Grill on an open fire to desired level.
Whipped Cauliflower
INGREDIENTS
3 cups cauliflower florets
heavy cream (enough to cover cauliflower)
¾ tablespoon salt
1 teaspoon granulated garlic
PREPARATION
Cook all ingredients in a pot on medium heat until cauliflower is very tender. Transfer to a blender and puree. Place in a container in refrigerator to cool. You can spoon or pipe onto plate or into charred onions.
Red Pepper Coulis
INGREDIENTS
5 red bell peppers; charred until black on all sides,
and then deseeded
1 carton of chicken stock
½ teaspoon granulated garlic
½ teaspoon onion powder
½ teaspoon smoked paprika
1/8 teaspoon cayenne
zest of one lemon
PREPARATION
Place prepared bell peppers in a large pot; cover with chicken stock and spices and bring to a boil until slightly reduced. Transfer to a blender and puree the bell pepper mixture until smooth. Add the lemon zest and pulse a couple times to finish.
Charred Onions
INGREDIENTS
1 yellow or white onion
olive oil
salt
pepper
PREPARATION
Remove the skin of one yellow or white onion. Rub with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Cut in half and roast in oven at 350°F for 10 minutes. Remove and transfer to a smoking hot pan to char the flat sides and blacken the edges. Cut into strips to act as cups for the cauliflower whip on the plate.
Sea Scallops with Truffle Potato Coulis, Spinach Oil, Roasted Purple Cauliflower and Black Pepper Tuile
Truffle Potato Coulis
INGREDIENTS
3 Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and diced
heavy cream (enough to cover potatoes)
1 cup chicken stock
½ teaspoon truffle oil
salt and pepper, to taste
PREPARATION
Place potatoes in a small pot and cover with cream. Cook on medium heat until potatoes are very tender and soft. Transfer to a blender and add remaining ingredients. Puree until silky smooth.
Spinach Oil
INGREDIENTS
6 cups spinach
3 cups canola oil
1 teaspoon salt
cheesecloth
strainer or China cap
PREPARATION
Blanch spinach in boiling water for 45 seconds. Remove and place in an ice water bath to shock, so the bright green color remains. Strain, making sure to remove all ice and water; use your hands to ring remaining water out of spinach. Place in blender with oil and salt. Puree until smooth. Place cheesecloth inside of a strainer, creating a lining through which the spinach oil will pass. Hold the lined strainer over a large bowl or container that can catch the oil, and begin to pour the puree through the strainer. Allow to drip until the beautiful green oil has finished running.
Roasted Purple Cauliflower
INGREDIENTS
cauliflower florets
melted butter
salt
pepper
PREPARATION
Toss cauliflower florets in melted butter, salt, and pepper. Roast on a sheet pan in the oven at 350°F. When the cauliflower starts to get a little color, remove from the oven.
Black Pepper Tuile
INGREDIENTS
¾ cup sugar
3 egg whites
½ cup butter, melted and at room temperature
½ cup flour
coarse ground black pepper, to taste
PREPARATION
Mix all ingredients in bowl, and cool in fridge for two hours. Line a sheet tray with parchment paper. Spread a very thin and consistent layer of the mixture onto the tray. Sprinkle with black pepper. Cook in the oven at 375°F until golden brown. Let cool to room temperature, and then break into bite-size pieces.
Sea Scallops
Note: These should be cooked last.
INGREDIENTS
sea scallops
salt
pepper
melted butter
PREPARATION
Salt and pepper each side of the scallops. Place a non-stick skillet on medium-high heat until very hot, and then coat with melted butter. Sear both the top and bottom of the scallop, but do not flip until the first side has a nice brown crust. Place the scallops on a plate with the tuile, cauliflower, and coulis. Drizzle the spinach oil over the finished plate.
The Avenue at The Waters Hotel, Hot Springs, (501) 321-0001, thewatershs.com
At Home in Arkansas offers your first look inside the state's most inspiring homes in a range of styles. The magazine features monthly advice from the experts to help you plan your next remodel or redesign, entertain at home or find Arkansas' best kept secrets. It is your definitive guide to the state's finest homes and gardens, design professionals, fashion and entertaining essentials, and premier shops and showrooms.