Savor the fun
A food lover’s dream was served up Sept. 8 as 20 restaurants opened their doors for the seventh Savor the Flavor culinary experience in downtown Fayetteville. The Faith in Action fundraiser satisfied the tastes of Dickson Street patrons and offered several new dining options for this year. Sara Bartlett, the nonprofit’s Washington County program director, said several new restaurants participated — including bars — for a new twist on the organization’s signature event.
Jennifer Michaels, owner of At Your Service and a Faith in Action volunteer, prepared desserts for an after-party held in The Garden Room. The personal and pastry chef prepared 475 pumpkin spice cakelets, 506 baklava rolls and 600 Mediterranean nut and date cups.
“I tried to prepare desserts that will pair well with wine,” Michaels said.
After a glance at the restaurant map, I skipped back and forth to old favorites and new restaurants. This is my fourth year to attend Savor the Flavor, and the food and beverage selections did not disappoint. After sampling spicy Mediterranean Grilled Pasta at Emelia’s Kitchen, I rounded the corner to Smiling Jack’s Fresh Foods, an eatery that was new to me. The roasted red pepper and tomato soup and roasted red pepper hummus were sublime.
Owner Jack Stewart said he was hoping to win the Best Kept Secret! category during the event.
“We use organic, locally grown food.”
Powerhouse Seafood & Grill, a repeat Savor the Flavor participant, presented a seafood buffet of lobster bisque, grilled shrimp and crab rolls and more.
Railhead Saloon offered its Railhead Gunslingers, 2-ounce beef patties that were the perfect slider size for carrying in my hand as I ate my way up to Gelateria Teatro Scarpino for a cool chocolate treat. I had to take a break at this point. Granted, you have four hours to visit all the eateries, but I like to take my time and drink in each restaurant’s ambiance.
For those who love a Razorback-themed treat, Gullet Gourmet’s Hog Dip is a good choice for hearty tailgaiting fare. The thick and chunky dip is made from a family recipe including ranch seasoning, chicken chunks, hot sauce and Monterey Jack cheese.
Just when I was needing a shot of energy, Common Grounds answered the caffeine call with its Espresso Cheesecake squares.
Smoke and Barrel served scotch and whiskey instead of food, which was perfect for those who were waiting in a long line nearby to enter Jose’s.
The creme brulee from Bordino’s is a repeat dish from last year. It’s one that you hear people swooning about as they walk out the door.
Theo’s presentation and taste were among the more elegant choices. Slow roasted pork shoulder with Asian pear and Napa Slaw and washed down with a basil martini signifed the end of a culinary tasting extravaganza.
Other establishments participating in the fundraiser were Hammontrees, The Wine Cellar Wine Bar, The Flying Burrito, Qdoba Mexcian Grill, Jimmy John’s Gourmet Subs, On the Rocks Patio and Grill, Hog Haus Brewing Company and US Pizza Company.
Savor the Flavor helps provide services that continue to help support the elderly and homebound in our communities. Some volunteers provide rides to doctors or grocery shopping, while others stop by for a visit. For more information on volunteering, call (479) 463-7860 or (479) 855-7894.
Short URL: https://flavorfixx.com/?p=3
Posted by admin
on Sep 13 2009. Filed under Food Scene.
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