Went out with a friend of mine to a place that made me feel like I wasn't in (Ar)kansas anymore. It is a restaurant-hotel-museum combination. The museum makes it sound a little gimmicky but believe me when I tell you that this is far from any kitschy Applebee's (gross) or wax museum (creepy) you've ever been to. This is a whole new and awesome world.
21c Museum Hotel's newest location is in Bentonville, Arkansas (just north of Fayetteville). This modest chain has two other locations in Cincinnati and Louisville (KY), with an unfinished development in Lexington (KY). When I stepped inside the Bentonville location, I instantly felt transported to a cosmopolitan center of The States. It has an urban feeling; reads like an NYC loft gallery with brick, wood, and huge windows everywhere. The museum permeates throughout the entire space, from the dining room to the showrooms featuring artists' installations to the fitness room used by hotel guests. I won't tell you how it works but there are also lots of penguins; green ones. It's pretty cool.
The Hive (name of the restaurant) has attentive and knowledgable service staff. The server convinced me to order the grilled pork chop entree. I had not a single regret as I finished my last bite. The presentation lacked the over-sophistication one might expect at a nicer restaurant. This was what I loved most about my dining experience. Sometimes a plate will come to the table and be so fancy-looking that you question whether or not you know how to feed yourself. Not the vibe here. Unassuming, totally chill. The pork chop was smoky and tender. The cranberry beans, zucchini, and peaches balanced out the summer taste of the pork's smokiness. It was soooo good.
Altogether, I'll be back. And soon.
The art gives the restaurant more quirk than Zooey Deschanel but without making you feel worn out. It's great. There are some neat surprises during the meal and at the end of it. Plus you can walk off your food baby by seeing some pretty bad ass art. Attire is casual but jeans and a nice shirt is okay too. And make sure to order some bourbon; the selection is nice and the drinks are perfectly strong.
21c Museum Hotel's newest location is in Bentonville, Arkansas (just north of Fayetteville). This modest chain has two other locations in Cincinnati and Louisville (KY), with an unfinished development in Lexington (KY). When I stepped inside the Bentonville location, I instantly felt transported to a cosmopolitan center of The States. It has an urban feeling; reads like an NYC loft gallery with brick, wood, and huge windows everywhere. The museum permeates throughout the entire space, from the dining room to the showrooms featuring artists' installations to the fitness room used by hotel guests. I won't tell you how it works but there are also lots of penguins; green ones. It's pretty cool.
The Hive (name of the restaurant) has attentive and knowledgable service staff. The server convinced me to order the grilled pork chop entree. I had not a single regret as I finished my last bite. The presentation lacked the over-sophistication one might expect at a nicer restaurant. This was what I loved most about my dining experience. Sometimes a plate will come to the table and be so fancy-looking that you question whether or not you know how to feed yourself. Not the vibe here. Unassuming, totally chill. The pork chop was smoky and tender. The cranberry beans, zucchini, and peaches balanced out the summer taste of the pork's smokiness. It was soooo good.
Altogether, I'll be back. And soon.
The art gives the restaurant more quirk than Zooey Deschanel but without making you feel worn out. It's great. There are some neat surprises during the meal and at the end of it. Plus you can walk off your food baby by seeing some pretty bad ass art. Attire is casual but jeans and a nice shirt is okay too. And make sure to order some bourbon; the selection is nice and the drinks are perfectly strong.
Posts
No comments:
Post a Comment