What's Up - Your guide to what's happening in Fayetteville, AR this week!
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LARA JO HIGHTOWER NWA Democrat-Gazette E ven in its first year — when there was only one stage and a handful of musical acts — culinary arts have shared the spotlight with music at the Fayetteville Roots Fest. When Bryan and Bernice Hembree found themselves with more musician friends and acquaintances passing through town than they could fit in their home for a house concert, they asked Greenhouse Grille's Jerrmy Gawthrop if they could use his restaurant instead. "We did some food pairings," Gawthrop remembers. "The food element was curated and thoughtful — we were putting thought into it from the first day." Fast forward to today, and, in the ninth year of the festival, the celebration of food has exploded. More than 50 names are on this year's list of featured chefs, and they range from local superstars like Matthew McClure and Jason Paul to internationally known names like television stars/ authors Graham Elliot and Georgia Pellegrini. "One of our mantras has always been to treat the chefs like rock stars," says Gawthrop. "All of these tastings and pairings and teaching artists and collaborations — it takes an effort to explain it, but chefs agree that it makes it fun for them. We're allowing them to collaborate: 'Come to this event and do something different' versus 'You're in a parking lot, we need 800 samples of something on some Saturday in your life.'" The theme of food is woven throughout the festival, with free community events held at the Fayetteville Public Library and major culinary events throughout the five-day period. Wednesday, Aug. 21 Roots Chef Dinner at the Hive 200 N.E. A St., Bentonville Features eight of the festival's guest chefs, beverage pairings, art installation and live music. "They're building beautiful plates, it's a Located in East Fayetteville 2630 E Citizens Dr. #7 (479) 957-9300 wolfpackhearing.com Our patients succeed. You will, too! Best BestNWA.com of Northwest Arkansas the JUNE 30-JULY 6, 2019 WHAT'S UP! 5 FYI The Fayetteville Roots Fest offers different levels of ticket packages — find out more about tickets and musical events by visiting their website at therootsfest.org. Full Hearts, Full Stomachs Roots Fest culinary side offers more than food Photo Courtesy Michael Woods The Roots Fest's Jerrmy Gawthrop says the Grand Tasting and Folk Family Reunion at Pratt Place has a "real family reunion vibe … it feels like you know everybody there." BENTONVILLE See Roots Fest Page 6