Thea Foundation’s arts efforts fed by Blue Plate

Cabernet Braised Boneless Beef Short Ribs, Smoked Gouda and Chipotle Polena, served up by Capi Peck and Shanna Merriweather of Trio’s.

Little cheesecakes and mini-macaroons, compliments of Macha Norwood of Cinnalightful.

Root Beer-braised Pork Shoulder Sopes with Apple Chutney, prepared by Petit and Keet’s Steve Binotti, who also threw in some key lime pie.

These were just a few of the morsels available to attendees of Blue Plate Special, the annual gustatory event benefiting Thea Foundation. It was held Oct. 15 in its customary location: the mezzanine of Little Rock’s Capital Hotel

Area chefs and “mixologists” — Alex Smith of The Fold and Luiggi Uzcategui of Big Orange Midtown — were assisted by community leaders who represent the six categories in which Thea Foundation awards scholarships each year: visual arts, performing arts, film, creative writing, spoken word and fashion design. Among those assisting the chefs and mixologists were glass artist James Hayes, vocalist Genine Latrice Perez, author Janis Kearney, musician Rodney Block, artist Kevin Kresse, artist Amy Garland Angel, fashion designer Linda Rowe Thomas, and spoken-word poets Stacey and Leron McAdoo.

While Danny Fletcher and Co. provided music, guests found whatever flat surface or corner they could find to sample such gourmet delights as “Hot Station Gnocchi” (Fresh Parsley Gnoccchi) with Roasted Garlic Shrimp and Mixed Seasonal Mushrooms, presented by Marc Guizol of Capital Bar and Grill. Seafood Gumbo, provided by Payne Harding of Cache restaurant. Arancini with Marinara and Parmesan Crisps, offered by Amanda Ivy of Sauced Bar and Grill. “Bacon Biscuit” with Cracked Pepper Buttermilk Biscuit, Gochujang Braised Pork Belly and Peach Miso Mostarda submitted for approval by Gilbert Alaquinez of 42 Bar & Table. Lemon Meringue Pie with a Raspberry Coulis and Yeast Doughnut with Chocolate Glaze and Hazelnut Mousse, compliments of Kelli Marks of Cathead’s Diner. And more.

Proceeds from Blue Plate Special will help support Thea Foundation’s mission to ensure that all students in the state have access to the arts. Boosting the event was a challenge grant of $25,000 by the Charles A. Frueauff Foundation to match the first $25,000 raised by that night.

— Story and photos by

Helaine R. Williams

Kelli Marks of Cathead’s Diner; chef’s assistants Leron and Stacey McAdoo; and Courtney Plyler, also with Cathead’s

Thea Foundation founders Paul and Linda Leopolos with Lou Ann Howard

Mark and Katie Melton with Kay and John Smith

Aaron Lyons, JoJo Sims, Jayni Healy and Payne Harding with Cache restaurant

Rusty and Stacy Mathis with Joe Thomason and Cindy Pickett

Sherri Maxey, Bee Edmondson, and Kim and Kayli Farris

Bernadette Messina of Helena-West Helena and Joe Griffith, Thea Foundation board vice president

Pamela Smith, Leslie Peacock and LaTanya Fletcher

Ginger and Terry White with Trish Roberson

Tom Crow and Lee Muncy of Scott