Nominations now being sought for Arkansas Food Hall of Fame

LITTLE ROCK -- The nomination period for the Arkansas Food Hall of Fame is open and will continue through Oct. 31, Department of Arkansas Heritage Director Stacy Hurst announced recently.

This is the third year for the statewide program to recognize the legendary restaurants, proprietors and food-themed events from every part of the state.

"Food is an integral part of who we are as Arkansans. The Arkansas Food Hall of Fame honors Arkansas food culture as a significant and specific aspect of our state's heritage," said Hurst. "We want to hear about your local favorites when it comes to food, food events, people and places."

Nominations are being accepted at ArkFoodHOF.com in five categories:

• Arkansas Food Hall of Fame -- The award recognizes long-standing restaurants that have become legendary attractions in Arkansas.

McClard's Bar-B-Q Restaurant, located at 505 Albert Pike in Hot Springs, was among three restaurants selected for the 2018 Hall of Fame, along with Franke's Cafeteria, of Little Rock, and The Venesian Inn, of Tontitown, in Washington County.

• Proprietor of the Year -- The award honors a chef, cook or restaurant owner in Arkansas who has made significant achievements in the food industry.

• Food-Themed Event -- The award honors a community food-themed event or festival that makes the state a great place to live and visit.

• People's Choice -- Identifies the public's favorite. The restaurant or food truck that receives the highest number of votes wins.

• Gone But Not Forgotten -- Remembers the collective culinary legacy of a once-and-always influential Arkansas restaurant that has since ceased operations.

Coy's Steaks and Seafoods, formerly of Hot Springs, was a finalist for the award in 2018. The winner was Cotham's Mercantile in Scott.

Winners will be chosen this winter by a committee of Arkansans who are historians, chefs, foodies and food authors. Committee members include Paul S. Austin, Evette Brady, Chip Culpepper, Cindy Grisham, Stacy Hurst, Montine McNulty, Tim Morton, Rex Nelson, Tim Nutt, Kat Robinson, Wendy Richter, Christina Shutt and Swannee Bennett.

Honorees and finalists will be announced at a special ceremony on Feb. 25 at the Ron Robinson Theater.

The mission of the Department of Arkansas Heritage is to identify Arkansas's heritage and enhance the quality of life for residents and visitors by the discovery, preservation and presentation of the state's natural, cultural and historic resources.

Local on 10/15/2018

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