RESTAURANT PROFILES - DECEMBER 2021

2021 Restaurant PROFILES SPECIAL FEATURE PRESENTED BY

WORDS Dwain Hebda and Catherine Frederick some interviews have been edited for length and clarity

Do South® is proud to recognize the talents and contributions of select restaurants and owners in our community. They set the bar for excellence and are committed to providing their customers the very best. Join us as we salute the passion they share for their profession!

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won many local and regional awards for best home cooking and best

Calico county

breakfast,” Lance says. “Some customers have been coming here a long time and they expect a level of consistency. We always strive to exceed their expectations.”

A restaurant is the most demanding of Main Street businesses. So, when

Classic American comfort food is the headliner here, the kinds of

an eatery can boast nearly four

meals that stick to your ribs until you’re back for more. One bite of the

decades of serving the community,

chicken fried steak, or any of the pancake-laden big breakfasts, and

you know they’re doing something

you’re hooked. And then there’s the cinnamon rolls. “Those cinnamon

right. That’s exactly what you find at

rolls are amazing,” Laroche says. “We bring them to the table before

Calico County Restaurant, a family with a winning formula of good

your meal and it’s really become our calling card.”

food, fair prices, and the friendliest customer service in town.

It’s clear the love Calico County has for the community is mutual; “We love being part of Fort Smith,” says Lance Laroche, second-

after a devastating fire in 2012, the response from customers was

generation owner and partner. “This is a small community and we have

overwhelming. “The outpouring was amazing and inspired us to

been here many years, so we’ve formed many personal and business

re-open as soon as we could, which we did in 2013,” Lance says.

relationships with the customers who’ve come through our doors.”

“So many of our customers checked on me, my partners and our

Lance, like his parents Gerry and Carole before him, knows what his

employees. It was a true example of them being like family. We love

customers like and Calico County delivers it to the utmost. “We’ve

being a part of that.”

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Revel Restaurant & Bar Ever since Revel Restaurant & Bar opened its doors in May 2021, Fort Smith has been buzzing about the casually elegant restaurant and its fresh, inventive menu. Owner and Chef Jason Haid set out to create something completely new to the local dining landscape and judging by the response, he’s succeeded.

“I describe our menu as New American Fusion with Low Country, Northeastern and West Coast influences,” he says. “We only use the best available ingredients, from organic freepasture eggs to USDA Prime beef and fresh produce. We try to showcase and elevate different products by using strong technique and innovative preparation methods.”

The gorgeous dining space, located in The HUB at Providence in Chaffee Crossing, was designed to be as pleasing to the eyes and spirit as to the palate. Diners enjoy this sensory tour de force from the moment they walk in.

Everything about Revel has been designed to appeal to the senses, from the indooroutdoor bar to the heated patio dining area that allows use ten months out of the year.

Patrons can even rent out part or all of the restaurant for special events. Live music monthly rounds out the atmosphere.

“Our restaurant and bar showcase one thing above all else – experience,” Jason says.

“From the symphony and swag of our bar, a mishmash ambiance of our urban and rural backgrounds, to our innovative indoor - outdoor bar and patio, our mission is to bring a unique dining experience unlike any other to the Fort Smith area. Through this, we echo our core values of culture, inclusivity, intentionality and creativity.”

And, of course, there’s the food and beverage which rivals fine restaurants in much larger cities and satiates Fort Smith’s rapidly evolving culinary scene. Highly recommended are the braised short ribs, the prime filet mignon with black truffle butter, fresh flown-in salmon and Wagyu meatloaf. Pair these or any of Jason’s creations with a New York sour, hibiscus rose margarita, or house specialty cocktail, to complete the experience.

Located in the city’s first designed live-work-play neighborhood, The HUB, many of Revel’s diners are from within the area. Jason says he enjoys interacting with people who are literally his neighbors.

“I love being a part of the community here at The HUB,” he says. “ This neighborhood and Fort Chaffee area is very special and I’m excited that Revel can be a big part of that going forward.”

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River City Bistro

of home. “Our secret ingredient is fresh, quality ingredients,” Bruce

Looking for simple, delicious fare

spread perfectly paired with a tasty mimosa or Bloody Mary.

says. “We roast our meats in-house and make our soups and chicken salad by hand, from scratch. That’s what keeps our customers coming back.” The restaurant is also popular for Sunday brunch, a delicious

that takes you back? Make the short drive to River City Bistro for the

Michelle says the elements that make River City Bistro are greater

comfort-food you crave in a relaxed

than the sum of their parts. Their uncomplicated but essential

and friendly environment. “When

formula for success includes friendly people, great food, and a

guests come to our restaurant, they

genuine, welcoming atmosphere. “Together, Bruce and I have more

can expect to be greeted like family,” says Michelle Spinas who owns

than forty years of restaurant experience,” she says. “Food quality

and operates River City Bistro with her husband Bruce. “We are

and excellent service are very important to us, and it shows through

hands-on restauranteurs, and we personally do everything we can

the many awards we have been blessed with over the years for best

to make sure that our customers are delighted with their experience.”

sandwich shop, best catering and our brunch.

The establishment is known for its hand-crafted sandwiches and

“We love this business because we get to interact with a lot of

slow-simmered soups, perfect for taking the chill off a winter day.

wonderful people, both team members and customers alike. It’s hard

Popular choices here include the cranberry walnut chicken salad,

work, but it’s worth it when you see the smiles on people’s faces, and

Reuben sandwich and turkey Devonshire. Every bite will remind you

they tell you it was the best sandwich they’d ever tasted.”

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Uncork’d For the perfect pairing of fine food and

creative

beverages,

there’s

no place quite like Uncork’d. The restaurant serves familiar dishes with a sophisticated twist that has foodies raving. “I call it fine dining with a Southern twist; beautifully plated foods to remind you of your Southern roots,” says Sarah Brownfield, event coordinator.

“Our menu is vast, providing something for everyone, from shareable tapas plates you can enjoy with friends to steaks that reward you for getting through the week’s grind.” The restaurant’s wine list, regularly voted the best in town, as well as craft beer and innovative cocktails, provide the perfect companion to Chef Jasmine Williams’ (aka Chef Jas) inventive-but-approachable fare.

“Uncork’d’s vibe feels like a cool Colorado pub, with wood adorning the walls and floors and beautiful wooden tables throughout,” Sarah says.

“You can choose from forty craft beers on tap as well as our awardwinning wine menu. We also have a wall of Enomatic machines, holding thirty-two wines that you can self-serve and discover something new.”

The age 21+ establishment prides itself on ambiance, with a relaxed feel that’s always welcoming, whether catching the big game at the bar, a special occasion dinner in the dining room, or toasting the holidays with your company in the party room.

“The experience makes it unique, and we can customize that experience for any occasion,” Sarah says. “Our private room holds about fifteen people; we have a cigar room that can be private that holds about twelve. The cigar room opens onto the heated patio, which can also be private, accommodating an additional twenty-five to thirty guests. You can even bring your dog on our patio. We are perfect choice for business lunches, weddings or other events, both on- and off-site. Chef loves these opportunities because it allows her to be creative with her food options.”

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