What's Up - Your guide to what's happening in Fayetteville, AR this week!
Issue link: https://www.epageflip.net/i/1079961
FEBRUARY 10 - 16, 2019 WhAt's Up! 43 Questions about this or other dining features? Contact Karen Rice at 479-571-6474 or krice@NWADG.com What have you been surprised by? For me the most surprising thing about Eleven and Crystal Bridges is the global and community outreach we have. The cultural impact in the region alone is awe inspiring and the work the education team does with regional schools is so important. Being able to give back to our community makes it all worthwhile. What do you see for the future? Eleven has been closed since January 2 while construction was underway for a newly designed service area. The grand re-opening of Eleven was February 8 and we're thrilled to have a more user- friendly experience for our visitors and a more updated and aesthetically-pleasing look thanks to the architect Marlon Blackwell, who also designed the Coffee Bar and Museum Store. We have a full roster of programs throughout the year including Cr(EAT) e on March 10 with wines from Wente Vineyards and a High South Moments with Chef Miles James on March 27. How do you think food relates to art? Eleven's overall culinary concept is inspired by the art, nature, and architecture at Crystal Bridges. The menu is inspired by the American spirit, artworks in the galleries, and the natural surroundings. An exquisite cuisine with stunning views of Ozark forest underneath Jeff Koons's Hanging Heart connects culinary, art, nature and architecture, all in one place. What is your favorite type of food to create? My favorite food to create is one that provides a source of comfort. It's important to have foods that you can feel good about consuming. Our signature cornbread is a great example of this. What is your favorite thing about Northwest Arkansas? My favorite thing about NWA is the people. The people of this community, be it locals or transplants, are proud about where they live. They work hard to create a place that welcomes all and gives back. I feel that almost weekly there is a new event to benefit a local non-profit or specific foundation that is doing incredible work in the community. Tell us about the new menu: We will continue to provide dishes that are locally sourced and inspired by art and artworks in the museum, and we will rotate items in and out of the menu depending on the season or exhibition. The overall concept will still be High South cuisine with an Ozark flare. The menu reveals my philosophy that food is a social experience, with more small plates and appetizers encouraging sharing among friends and family, including Forrest Mushroom Toast, Charred Spiced Carrots, and Stuffed Sweet Potato Biscuits. The new dinner menu is unique in the fact that we are incorporating family style dining. We encourage our guests to share a meal amongst themselves. Much in the same way that families here have dined for generations. We want to capture that feeling of Sunday supper but blend it with modern cooking techniques and unique offerings that build upon updated classics. Eleven, the restaurant at Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art Eleven at Crystal Bridges LOCATION: 600 Museum Way Bentonville, AR PhONe: 479-418-5700 hOURS: LUNCH Monday, Wednesday- Saturday, 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. diNNeR Wednesday- Friday, 5 to 9 p.m.; BRUNCH on Sunday, 11 a.m.- 2:30 p.m. ONLINe: crystalbridges.org/eleven Photo courtesy of Dero Sanford