Inspiring your Home and Lifestyle
Nothing beats the sweet and refreshing taste of our Summertime Rosé Sangria
SHOP
1 cup fresh strawberries
1 cup fresh raspberries
1 lemon, sliced
1 750ml bottle Rosé wine
3/4 cup raspberry flavored vodka
2 cup lemon sparkling water
PREPARE
Mix all ingredients. Chill then serve over ice. Garnish with mint and lemon slices.
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.”…
Little Rock’s Catering to You shares the recipe for their flavorful version of this rich-and-creamy winter favorite
INGREDIENTS
12 Roma tomatoes, peeled
3 cups tomato juice
2 cups chicken stock
15 fresh basil leaves, finely chopped
1 ½ cups whipping cream
¾ cup unsalted butter, cut into pats
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon fresh ground pepper
grated Parmesan cheese, for topping
PREPARATION
In a large saucepan, combine tomatoes, tomato juice, and stock and allow to simmer for 30 minutes. Transfer the mixture to a food processor and pulse until smooth. Note that you may need to do this in several portions depending on the size of your processor. Return the mixture to the saucepan and continue cooking on low heat. Whisk in the basil, whipping cream, butter, salt, and pepper, and continue stirring until butter is melted and soup is thoroughly heated. Top with Parmesan cheese before serving.
Catering to You, Little Rock, (501) 614-9030, cateringtoyouinlittlerock.com
Perfect for a cocktail party or luncheon, these tea sandwiches can be garnished with stunning—and edible—flowers
INGREDIENTS
8 ounces cream cheese, softened
¼ cup fresh dill weed, plus extra sprigs for garnish
½ teaspoon garlic powder
1 tablespoon lemon juice
black pepper to taste
harvest grain bread, sliced
8 ounces smoked salmon, sliced thin
2 radishes, sliced
viola or pansy blooms
PREPARATION
In a medium-sized bowl, stir together the cream cheese, dill, garlic powder, lemon juice, and black pepper until well mixed. Spread the cream cheese mixture on slices of bread. Top each slice with smoked salmon and garnish with dill weed sprigs, radish slices, and flowers. Note that any flowers you choose to consume should be organic and categorized as edible flowers.
The owners of Fayetteville’s Alchemy macarons and tea shop have the art of tastefulness down to a science
It’s not every day that a member of a hard rock band decides to trade in his drumsticks and world-tour schedule for a mixer and a quaint and charming downtown shop. “I have definitely gone from one extreme to the other,” says Oliver Crumpton, co-owner of Alchemy Macarons and Tea. And, while the change did not occur overnight, it seems to have been a smooth and welcome transition—not only for Crumpton, but also for the hundreds of customers who pour into his Northwest Arkansas store each week….
Instead of apples, use seasonal pears to create a treat that’s sure to delight grownups and children alike
INGREDIENTS
6 pears
1 stick of butter
2 cups light brown sugar
1 cup light corn syrup
1 (14-ounce) can sweetened condensed milk
1 teaspoon vanilla
Additional toppings as desired (we used melted chocolate, sea salt, walnuts, and crumbled toffee candy)
PREPARATION
Wash the pears and set aside. In a medium-sized saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Slowly add sugar, syrup, milk, and vanilla. Bring the mixture to a boil, stirring continuously until caramel reaches a temperature between 235 and 240 degrees Fahrenheit, when measured with a candy thermometer.
Lay out a sheet of wax paper. Dip the pears in the caramel mixture, then place on the wax sheet and allow to set (approximately 30 minutes or you can refrigerate for faster results). If you wish to add a second layer of toppings, do this before the caramel is firmly set (approximately 10 minutes after dipping). We added (from left to right) melted chocolate and walnuts, sea salt, and melted white chocolate with crumbled toffee candy.
An easy-to-make fall favorite, this warm and healthful dish is sure to be a hit at the dinner table
INGREDIENTS
1 butternut squash, peeled, seeded, and chopped
1 medium yellow onion, diced
1 red bell pepper, chopped
1 medium Granny Smith apple, peeled and diced
3 ½ tablespoons olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste
2 ½ cups chicken stock (may use more, depending on desired consistency)
4 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled (reserve one for topping)
1/4 cup goat cheese, crumbled (for topping)
PREPARATION
Preheat oven to 425°F. Cover a baking sheet with foil and spray with nonstick cooking spray. Place the butternut squash, onion, bell pepper, and apple in a bowl and toss with 2 ½ tablespoons of olive oil and salt and pepper. Arrange in a single layer on the baking sheet, and cook for 25 minutes or until tender.
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add bacon and cook until crisp. Set aside. Heat the remaining tablespoon of olive oil in a large stockpot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add cooked vegetables and cook for 2 minutes, stirring continuously. Stir in chicken stock and then puree the entire mixture using an immersion blender.
Remove the immersion blender and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer until slightly thickened, about 5-10 minutes. If the soup is too thick, add more chicken stock as needed, until desired consistency is reached. Garnish with goat cheese and additional bacon; serve immediately.
If you’re on the hunt for a new dish that’s colorful, easy to prepare, and healthy, try edamame. Commonly known as soybeans, these small, light-green beans are a protein-rich addition to dinnertime favorites like salads and pizzas. Read on for a trio of recipes that will have you serving edamame all season long.
Edamame Summer Salad
Ingredients
1 cup cooked edamame, cooled and shelled
½ cup red bell peppers, diced
½ cup yellow or orange bell peppers, diced
¼ cup red onion, diced
1 cup tomatoes, chopped (or use cherry tomatoes, halved)
½ cup corn, cut fresh from cob and pan-fried in spray olive oil for 5-10 minutes (may also substitute canned corn)
¼ cup whole flat leaf and/or curly parsley (stems removed)
pinch of salt
½ teaspoon garlic, minced
2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
1 tablespoon olive oil
juice of one lemon
fresh ground pepper, to taste
Preparation
Combine all ingredients in a large bowl, and toss to mix. Allow salad to chill in refrigerator for three hours before serving.
Veggie Pizza With Edamame Crust
Ingredients
1 cup cooked edamame, cooled and shelled
1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil
1 large egg
½ teaspoon garlic, minced
¼ teaspoon dried oregano
¼ teaspoon salt
Prepare your family’s favorite pizza toppings—here’s what we used:
peppers, chopped
squash, chopped
red onion, chopped
tomatoes, chopped
jalapenos, chopped
dash dried oregano
dash garlic powder
½ cup three-cheese blend (Parmesan, Romano, and asiago) shredded cheese
¼ teaspoon olive oil
Preparation
Preheat oven to 425°F. In a food processor, blend together all crust ingredients until well-mixed and semi-smooth. Coat a cookie sheet with non-stick cooking spray, and spread the mixture into a circle no more than 1/4-inch thin on the sheet. Bake for 10 minutes. Remove from oven and run a metal spatula under the edges of the pizza crust, then add toppings. See our suggested topping list at left or create your own. Return to oven for 10 minutes or until cheese is melted.
Green Garden Salad topping
Ingredients
Dressing
1 cup mayonnaise
2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
1 teaspoon minced garlic
Salt and fresh ground pepper,to taste
Salad
2 cups cooked edamame, cooled and shelled
2 cups fresh broccoli, chopped into bite-sized pieces
1 cup green onion, chopped
1 cup English cucumber, peeled and chopped
mixed greens, for serving
Parmesan cheese, for serving
Preparation
In a medium bowl, stir together the dressing ingredients. Set aside. In a large bowl, combine the salad ingredients, except for the mixed greens and cheese. Pour the dressing over the salad, and toss to cover thoroughly. To serve, scoop onto a bed of greens and top with Parmesan cheese.
A renewed craving for fresh fare and an abundance of skilled artisans and farmers make now the perfect time to head to a local market for all the essentials on your grocery list
TASTY HERBS>> Store-bought, dried herbs can’t hold a candle to those picked fresh from the garden. Think about your week’s menu and pick up a few different herbs that you can use to infuse flavor into meat, vegetables, and other dishes.
PRIZE PRODUCE>> Fresh fruits and vegetables take center stage at the market, and rightfully so! Alongside sought-after selections, such as Arkansas-grown strawberries, you’ll find a rolling mix of in-season staples. Stock up on your favorites and can or freeze them to enjoy year-round.
SOAPS & LOTIONS>> In addition to edibles, you’ll also find a growing number of artisan-made bath and body products. Scented with fresh herbs or fragrant oils, these items are often loved for the peace of mind that comes from their pure, non-toxic list of ingredients. Touted as “all natural, cruelty free, and wonderfully scented products for the home,” Tammy Sue’s Critters (tammysuescritters.com) offers lotion, laundry soap, body soap, lip balm, and more. Her products can be found at locations throughout the state, including the Argenta Farmers’ Market in North Little Rock.
PASTA TO GO>> Carbs at a farmers’ market? Yes, please! Flavored-pastas including spinach and tomato are a hit at Sophie’s Stand at Hillcrest Farmers’ Market. Purchase fresh vegetables and herbs to create a sauce, and you’ll have all the ingredients you need to whip up a delicious meal.
HEALTHFUL JUICES>> As delicious and nutritious as they are colorful, juices from Garden Press Juice & Produce Co. (gardenpressar.com) are made from produce from Arkansas farms. Their blends, which include green juices, nut mylks, and teas, are all seasonal. Current varieties are Beet & Greet, Kale Force 5, Spicy O.J., Spring Mixer, and Low Tunnels. Find them at the Bernice Garden Farmers’ Market in Little Rock’s SoMa neighborhood.
GROW YOUR OWN>> Ready to try your hand at a garden? Farmers’ markets are also a great place to pick up soil-ready plants, which have been started from seed by local growers. Depending on the time of year, you’re likely to find a variety of options. For example, when we visited Hillcrest Farmers’ Market in May, we found everything from tomatoes to jalapenos and Thai basil at the Little Rock Urban Farming (littlerockurbanfarming.com) booth.
SWEET TREATS>> Cinnamon rolls and breads are a big hit with early morning shoppers. In addition to pastries, you may find ice cream, popsicles, and other confections at your local market.
BRIGHT BLOOMS>> Much like a home garden, local growers often produce flowers alongside fruits and vegetables. Pick up a few favorite stems to create a bouquet for your table or to repot and enjoy outdoors.
SAY CHEESE>> Locally made artisan cheese is another staple you’re likely to find on your next farmers’ market trip. We spotted this mouth-watering display at the Kent Walker Artisan Cheese (kentwalkercheese.com) booth at Hillcrest Farmers’ Market. They offer an array of choices, including goat feta, goat gouda, Roccina (their take on Asiago), and Habanero cheddar.
CHECK YOUR LOCAL LISTINGS>> Find a farmers’ market near you to take part in the community fellowship and, of course, bring the harvest home.
Hot Springs Village Green Market, Grove Park, Thursdays, 8 a.m. – 12 p.m., hsvpoa.org
Jonesboro ASU Regional Farmers’ Market, 3350 Aggie Road, Tuesdays (June – September), 12 – 5:30 p.m., Saturdays (May-October), 7 a.m. – 1 p.m., asuregionalfarmersmarket.org
Little Rock Bernice Garden Farmers’ Market, SoMa District – Corner of South Main Street and Daisy Gatson Bates Drive, Sundays, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m., Mid April – Mid-November, Rain or Shine, thebernicegarden.org; Hillcrest Farmers’ Market, Pulaski Heights Baptist Church, 2200 Kavanaugh Boulevard, Saturdays, 7 a.m. – 12 p.m., Open Year-round, phbclr.com; Rivermarket Farmers’ Market, Rivermarket Pavilion, 400 President Clinton Avenue, Tuesdays (May – August) and Saturdays (May – October), 7 a.m. – 3 p.m., Rain or Shine, rivermarket.info
North Little Rock Argenta Farmers’ Market, Argenta District – Corner of 6th and Main Streets, Saturdays, 7 a.m. – 12 p.m., argentaartsdistrict.org
Fayetteville Fayetteville Farmers’ Market, Fayetteville Downtown Square, Tuesdays and Thursdays, 7 a.m. – 1 p.m., Saturdays, 7 a.m. – 2 p.m., May – October, fayettevillefarmersmarket.org
Bentonville Bentonville Farmers Market, Bentonville Community Center, Wednesdays, 2:30 – 7 p.m., Downtown Bentonville Square, Saturdays, 7:30 a.m. – 1 p.m., May – October, downtownbentonville.org
Siloam Springs Siloam Springs Farmers Market, Corner of Olive and University Streets, Tuesdays, 3 – 7 p.m. Saturdays 8 a.m. – 1 p.m., siloamsprings.locallygrown.net
Springdale Springdale Farmers’ Market, Corner of Hwy. 265 and East Emma, Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays, 7 a.m. – 1 p.m., May – October, springdalefarmersmarket.org
Located in downtown Little Rock’s SoMa district, PIRO Brick Oven and Barroom is quickly becoming a popular haunt for locals and visitors alike. Equal parts easygoing and edgy, the restaurant’s décor is as pleasing to the eye as the fare is to the palate. Read on to learn more about the new eatery and pub.
>>THE RESTAURANT CONCEPT
Jason Neidhardt is no stranger to the Arkansas restaurant scene. After having worked at, been part-owner of, or helped to launch more than a dozen central Arkansas eateries, he had a yearning for a place all his own. Enter his brother, Eric Nelson and business partner Bart Barlogie Jr.—who, together, own The Fold, in Little Rock’s Riverdale district. Nelson and Barlogie had secured a building on South Main Street in Little Rock and were waiting for the right concept and team before launching their next venture. After deciding to center the restaurant on brick-oven pizzas, they turned to central-Arkansas advertising agency Eric, Rob & Isaac, and the name PIRO—as well as the emblematic logo—were born. As the storyline of the eatery unfolded, Neidhardt took the reins as head chef and operations partner, positions from which he currently oversees the day-to-day portion of the business.
>>THE MENU
Although he has been a part of numerous restaurant openings, Neidhardt admits he had “never done pizza before.” Rising to the challenge, he spent time at DeLuca’s Pizzeria Napoletana in Hot Springs and with Georges Launet, the mastermind behind Little Rock’s Pizzeria Santa Lucia. From there, he carefully developed a menu that gives the feel of a fine dining establishment (echoing his prior experience) with the offerings of a true Italian comfort-food restaurant. “We have a small menu that isn’t meant to overwhelm the customer,”
Neidhardt says. “It’s the kind of place where you can come to grab lunch and know you’ll have plenty of time to get your food and enjoy it before you head back to the office,” he adds.
For example, you’ll find locally sourced, fresh-ingredient salads, including the “Date Night,” which features shaved fennel, pistachios, dates, and Gorgonzola dressing and the more traditionally Italian “Caprese,” which consists of mozzarella, tomatoes, basil, and local mixed greens topped with a balsamic vinaigrette. Alongside the salads, guests can also enjoy hearty appetizers such as meatballs, beef Carpaccio, and bone marrow, which Neidhardt says he feels gives the pizzeria distinction. “With my background in fine dining, I wanted to raise the bar with the starters. [Customers] can look at our starters and trust that we know what we’re doing.”
As for the main attraction, the menu’s eight pizzas include everything from the “Funghi,” which delights veggie lovers with a mix of wild mushrooms, caramelized onions, sautéed spinach, mozzarella, and olive oil, to the popular “Salsiccia,” featuring PIRO’s house-made fennel sausage, peppadews, mozzarella, andpomodoro sauce. What’s more, if you’ve managed to save room for dessert, Neidhardt recommends the Gelato Floatato—a scoop of Loblolly gelato (which is made just across the street) covered with root beer, which is served on tap, alongside 19 other craft beer options.
>>THE DESIGN SCHEME
After nailing down the food concept, the partners brought in Little Rock-based designer Shelby Cotton to give shape to the formerly empty SoMa location. “When I first saw the space, in my mind the layout was a given,” Cotton says of the restaurant’s three main areas—the floating bar, the cozy waiting and lounge area, and the dining tables and banquette seating. Because the building is narrow, Cotton notes that “the banquette was a must to maximize seating and allow people to move freely around the bar area.”
As for the overall look of the space, Cotton desired to keep with the authenticity of the old city-block building by using materials that would have been found in the space originally. These include the existing ceiling tiles, vintage exposed brick walls, and a marble counter at the bar. As for the palette, Cotton notes, “People think of red as a pizzeria color, so I wanted to incorporate it but not make it the sole color of the space.” Rather than splashing the hue across the walls, she introduces it in accents, including the dining chairs, and it mixes beautifully with the room’s rich gray for a fresh, contemporary appeal.
>>THE DETAILS
A bevy of features tailored specifically to the restaurant’s brand add to the impact of the décor. For example, what appear to be rough-hewn wooden floor planks were actually harvested from the back of tractor-trailer trucks. “They have lots of character and are very durable,” Neidhardt notes. In keeping with Cotton’s desire to enhance the original presence of the building, she chose industrial pendant lights with an antiquated look and hung them at varying heights for visual interest. The pendants are juxtaposed with modern-style light fixtures in the bar and common areas. These more contemporary pieces blend with the space’s trendsetting palette and also work well with the artwork, which includes a mix of large and small abstract pieces by two Little Rock artists—Ray Wittenberg and Dan Thornhill. “I think the art really pops and solidifies the spaces,” Cotton says of their eye-catching appeal. Finally, she brought in a vintage red trunk and had small seating cubes reupholstered with Kilim pillow covers to give the space depth. “This is my solution to not being able to have rugs and throw pillows as you would in your home,” she concludes of the inviting effect.
Design Resources
Contractor Central Construction Group, Little Rock, (501) 244-9085, centralconstructiongroup.net
Interior design Shelby Wittenberg Cotton, Shelby Cotton Design, Little Rock, (501) 690-0963
Logo design Eric, Rob & Isaac, Little Rock, (501) 978-6329, ericrobisaac.com
Accessories, furniture, and lighting Shelby Cotton Design, Little Rock, (501) 690-0963
Art Dan Thornhill, M2 Gallery, Little Rock, (501) 944-7155, m2lr.com; Ray Wittenberg, Little Rock, (501) 773-4164, raywittenberg.com
Brick Antique Brick and Block, Little Rock, (501) 375-0060, antiquebrickinc.com
PIRO Brick Oven and Barroom, 1318 South Main Street, Little Rock, (501) 374-7476, pirolr.com
At Home in Arkansas offers you a look inside the state's most inspiring homes. The magazine features monthly advice from the experts to help you plan your next remodel or redesign, entertain at home, or find Arkansas's 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.