The Arkansas Food Hall of Fame was introduced last year by the Department of Heritage to celebrate the state’s culinary heritage while honoring those who excel in the culinary scene. Now entering year two it has the chance to become the signature culinary awards each year.
The Hall of Fame honors restaurants and individuals across five categories: Hall of Fame (long standing restaurants), Proprietor of the Year, Food Themed Event, People’s Choice, and Gone but not forgotten. In all it is a good mix of celebrating long standing places and acknowledging those making waves today.
“Food culture in Arkansas is a significant aspect of our state’s heritage, just like architecture or music,”Department of Arkansas Heritage Director Stacy Hurst says. “The Department of Arkansas Heritage is proud to honor Arkansas’s food traditions through the Arkansas Food Hall of Fame, highlighting this integral part of who we are.”
The nominations are open now and run through the end of the month at ArkFoodHOF.com. Once nominations are made a 13 member committee will select the finalists from the entries, and eventually the winners. Honorees and finalists will be announced at a special ceremony in Spring 2018.
Last year, the judges selected Rhoda’s Famous Hot Tamales, Jones BBQ and Lassis Inn for the inaugural class of Hall of Fame inductees. Denis Seyer, Paul Bash, Louis Petit and Ed Moore all won the proprietor of the year, Cave City Watermelon Festival was the food festival of the year, and Grotto Wood Fired Grill and Wine Cave of Eureka Springs won the people’s choice. The Gone But Not Forgotten is a new category for this year.
Nominations again are accepted through October 31st, you can make your nominations here.
