Northwest Arkansas Democrat-Gazette
Dynamic Brew-O
Cafe, museum partner for exhibit-inspired blend
Northwest Arkansas seems to have its own dynamic duo when it comes to the intertwined cultures of coffee and art.
Last October, I wrote about how Onyx Coffee Lab and Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art partnered to create Darkroom, a limited-edition coffee in honor of legendary photographer Annie Leibovitz.
Now, the Rogers-based coffee shop and the renowned Bentonville museum have teamed up again for yet another limitedrelease specialty coffee, according to a press release.
This time, the java blend is in celebration of Christopher Marley’s “Exquisite Creatures” exhibition, which opened at Crystal Bridges on March 16.
Onyx’s Mosaic evokes notes of dark chocolate, citrus, walnut and red apple, and it accentuates the vibrant relationship between art and coffee, according to the release. The new coffee blend is available for purchase in Crystal Bridges’ museum shop and on the Onyx website.
“Exquisite Creatures,” on view until July 29, asks viewers to look introspectively and contemplate what it is about the natural world that calls to them, the release states. Marley’s work champions the beauty of every organism, inviting viewers to immerse themselves in even the most minute details of creatures found across the globe.
“Christopher’s work in showcasing the intimate relationship between our appreciation for nature and the infinite beauty found within is nothing short of incredible,” says Onyx co-founder Jon Allen. “It’s an honor to enhance and extend the museum visitors’ experience in Northwest Arkansas with Mosaic in partnership with the world-class team at Crystal Bridges.”
Learn more about the unique exhibit in April Wallace’s recent story here: nwaonline.com/ news/2024/mar/24/exquisitecreatures-brings-nature-creativityto.
Strawberry Festival
The inaugural Fayetteville Strawberry Festival is coming to the downtown square from noon to 6 p.m. May 19, according to the event’s website.
The festival will celebrate the Northwest Arkansas community and highlight local food, music — including Trout Fishing in America — and culture in this free kick-off to summer event, the website says.
Over a dozen local and regional beers with the Arkansas Brewers Guild will be available to sample, according to the website.
Plus, there will be a chance to test your baking skills by entering Rymolene’s Pie Competition, and there is even an opportunity to sign up your costumed canine to walk with Anthony Ball’s NOLA Brass Band as they lead the Hounds Lounge Dog Paw-ty Parade, the website states.
Oh, and don’t forget the festival’s namesake! Be sure to grab some fresh strawberries from a local farm or satisfy your sweet tooth with a variety of dessert vendors.
Should be a berry good day in May!
Lady Slipper
A high-end Bentonville restaurant, cocktail bar and lounge is now serving brunch.
Lady Slipper, located at 138 S.W. Second St., announced in a social media post that the restaurant would now be serving brunch from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. every Saturday.
The new menu includes traditional options like biscuits and gravy, or something a little more exciting like Berkshire Pork Shoulder served with rice grits, a fried egg and pan gravy.
The restaurant’s normal hours vary and can be found on Lady Slipper’s website.
Casa Dos Alas
A new force for good has landed in Northwest Arkansas with the launch of Casa Dos Alas, a nonprofit foundation dedicated to fighting food insecurity within the region’s Hispanic communities, according to a press release.
The nonprofit takes a multifaceted approach, fostering a sense of celebration alongside sustenance.
Casa Dos Alas’ food distribution methods include hosting pop-up markets with Northwest Arkansas Foodbank and a maker culinary series to equip families with the skills to cook healthy meals, the release states.
“Food is a cornerstone of life and cultural identity,” says Juan Bahena, founder and director of Casa Dos Alas and owner of downtown Fayetteville restaurant Tula. “We’re not just distributing calories; we’re building a future where every family can thrive.”
Casa Dos Alas seeks partnerships with food and beverage suppliers and local businesses to launch pilot programs in 2024-25 and invites the community to join the fight against food insecurity, according to the release.
For more information or partnership opportunities, visit the website at casadosalas.com. We’ll be back soon with more restaurant news across Northwest Arkansas and the River Valley. Email your news to bcollins@ nwaonline.com.