Sneak Peak of NYC Event Scheduled for June 26th at 21c Museum Hotel Bentonville

Bentonville-May 1, 2013…Three of Bentonville's top restaurants have the distinguished honor of demonstrating their culinary skills at the James Beard House in New York this November. Chefs from  Tusk and Trotter, Eleven at Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art, and the Hive at 21c Museum Hotel will prepare a meal for friends and guests at the historic Beard House in Greenwich Village.

This Bentonville at the Beard House evening will showcase northwest Arkansas' unique culinary offerings, emphasizing the edible culture of the area. Dishes include locally sourced ingredients such as Arkansas black apples, pasture raised chicken, lamb, and Arkansas's own Kent Walker artisan cheeses.

The mission of the James Beard Foundation is to “celebrate, nurture, and preserve America's diverse culinary heritage and future.” A cookbook author and teacher, James Beard helped educate and mentor generations of professional chefs and food enthusiasts.  The evening event at the Beard House continues in this same spirit by exposing food lovers to a variety of culinary talent and distinct food culture from different parts of the world. 

The three  Bentonville restaurants were invited after a consortium from the Beard Foundation visited Bentonville and were impressed with the community's culinary happenings.  Since 2009, Downtown Bentonville, Inc. has implemented a culinary strategy to create a favorable economic climate for restaurant entrepreneurs, professional chefs, and hospitality workers. 

From 2008-2013, downtown Bentonville's restaurant scene grew from two restaurants to 16, including four seasonal food trucks.  Much of the growth is attributed to a boom in consumer demand with an influx of cultural travelers visiting Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art and 21c Museum Hotel.  

 With the art and culinary scene exploding  in Bentonville, people are taking notice.  In 2012, Southern Living posted an article claiming that Bentonville could be the South's new cultural mecca. And, in January 2013, the Washington Post named Bentonville's dining scene to its “IN” list. 

The connection between Bentonville and the James Beard Foundation is a game changer for our community. As the preeminent institution for the advancement of American culinary heritage, James Beard Foundation's guidance and support for our efforts to strengthen our own emerging culinary identity has been critical,” states Daniel Hintz, executive director of Downtown Bentonville, Inc.

The restaurants were chosen based on their promotion of local sourcing of foods, hand crafted cuisine, farm to table initiatives, and overall involvement with perpetuating the Bentonville dining scene as a true contender on the nation's culinary stage.

While the opportunity to perform at the Beard House is an honor, it is not free.  The group is currently spearheading fundraising efforts to pay for the purchase of food, transportation, and lodging for the trip.  The Road to the Beard House fundraiser is scheduled for June 26th at 21c Museum Hotel where chefs from each restaurant will test their potential Beard House menu on curious locals. Tickets are $100 for DBI members and $125 for non-members.   Tickets are on sale now and can be purchased on line at www.downtownbentonville.org or in person at the DBI office on Blake Street.  Seating is limited and monies raised will help fund the New York trip for the Bentonville trio of chefs.

For more information please visit www.downtownbentonville.org

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Contact: Blair Cromwell, VP Communications, Bentonville CVB

Email: Blair@bentonville.org

Phone: 479-271-9153