Eat Arkansas

About oatmeal creme brulee? I'm a creme brulee purist at heart... and the thought of oatmeal chunks in my smooth creamy sugar-crusted bowl of heaven kinda disturbs me. But I would be interested in giving it a try.

But this is, overall, a good question. Where should we go? I find myself holding back more as a contributor lately because I really don't know if what I'm contributing is worth merit. I can talk at length about my favorite Arkansas-based products in person; sometimes, I think, the passion and joy I feel about such things can't properly be conveyed on a blog. On the other hand, when I have a rather nasty food-related incident, I feel I need to restrain myself -- because you never know when an eatery has a bad night, or when one person makes a mistake. With the mom-and-pop operations, a bad word could mean an end to a livelihood -- and that just sucks.

Perhaps it's the Alton Browns, Mario Batalis, and Iron Chefs of this world who have raised the food lovers' lexicon to a new level... where shall one go to develop and grow the conversation? Are Arkansas readers interested in such things as how to make your own curry powder, the history of butchery, how to splice your own varietals or how to pick a cantalope in the supermarket? What about things like choosing the best vegetables and herbs to grow in your available soil? Best side item among local eateries? Where to eat when you're out of town? What, exactly, are readers looking for?

I'm very interested in seeing the responses on this post. Perhaps they might guide me a bit further.

I, too, am a lover of the NY Times food section. I enjoy Wednesday's Memphis Commercial Appeal--especially a feature called Recipe Finder, where readers write in requesting lost recipes or recipes from (for whatever reason) closed restaurants. Thanks to the web, I enjoy the St. Louis Post-Dispatch's food section. And don't even get me started on blogs--baking blogs, cupcake blogs, etc., etc.
Here in NeArk, the Jboro Sun has also cut back to just a page or two. Sigh...

I have always been disappointed with the DoG's food section. When the previous editor was in charge it seemed like 3 out of every 4 of her columns were repeats. And why they feel it's important to review junk food is beyond me. Hey, how about writing about organics or local food or great healthy meals instead of the latest Yarnell's flavor or yet another rip-off 100 calorie pack of Little Debbies?

I read lots o' food blogs (one of which summarizes the food sections of the NYT and other major papers) through my Google reader. That being said, I do like discussions of the local food scene--Joel and Kat's work in particular. I've never found much in the DoG compelling and that certainly goes for their food section. I do like Lorri Hambuchen's wine column because she's approachable and I know that she's reviewing wines I can buy here. I used to subscribe to Wine Spectator, but the endless parade of expensive wines that will never be available in AR just got depressing.

I appreciate somebody who knows food and wine and knows how to eat and drink locally (statewide) because I don't.

I just go where word-of-mouth leads me.

Personally, I like learning about obscure gems.

We all know where the Big Shots are -- though it's always worth revisiting them to see how they're holding up.

I also enjoy obscure (but relatively easy) recipes and seasonal shopping tips.

Herbs? Gardens? Wonderful tips, but I just can't because of my nails.

I would love to find new and local spots to eat. I am more of a home body that loves to go to the farmer's market and cook 7 days a week.

I am with NormaBates, I love to cook with fresh herbs and spices but I would not know the first place to find any locally.

Kat does an excellent job when I catch her thoughts on here and just started reading her site. Thanks Kat Keep up the great work!