South on Main

South on Main is a renowned restaurant located in the heart of Little Rock, Arkansas, near the Arkansas River and Clinton Presidential Library and Museum. It is known for its creative take on Southern cuisine, which is heavily influenced by the culinary traditions of New Orleans, Charleston, South Carolina, and Nashville, Tennessee. The restaurant has been featured in several publications, including The New York Times, Southern Living, and Garden & Gun, and has been recognized for its contributions to the Little Rock food scene by Food Network and Eater. The restaurant's owners have also been involved in various culinary events, such as the Taste of Little Rock and the Arkansas Food Hall of Fame.

Introduction

South on Main is situated in the South Main Street area of Little Rock, Arkansas, which is known for its vibrant arts and culture scene, featuring venues like the Arkansas Arts Center and the Mosaic Templars Cultural Center. The restaurant's proximity to University of Arkansas at Little Rock and Philander Smith College makes it a popular spot for students and faculty, who often gather at nearby River Market District and Heifer International. The restaurant's commitment to using locally sourced ingredients has earned it recognition from organizations like Arkansas Farm Bureau and Southern Foodways Alliance, and it has been featured in cookbooks like The Southern Cookbook and Arkansas Cooks. The restaurant's chefs have also participated in events like the Little Rock Food and Wine Festival and the Arkansas Cornbread Festival.

History

The restaurant was founded by Matt McClure, a James Beard Foundation award nominee, and his wife, Heather McClure, who is also a well-known figure in the Little Rock food scene, having worked with Celebrity Chef Hugh Acheson and Food Network personality Duff Goldman. The couple's vision for South on Main was to create a restaurant that would showcase the best of Southern cuisine, with a focus on locally sourced ingredients and creative takes on classic dishes, inspired by the likes of Thomas Keller and Daniel Boulud. The restaurant has undergone several menu changes since its opening, with influences from New Orleans chefs like Emeril Lagasse and John Besh, as well as Charleston, South Carolina chefs like Sean Brock and Mike Lata. The restaurant has also hosted events with Southern Foodways Alliance and Arkansas Times.

Menu and Cuisine

The menu at South on Main features a range of dishes, from classic Southern comfort food like fried chicken and biscuits and gravy, to more innovative creations like shrimp and grits and fried green tomatoes, inspired by the cuisine of Nashville, Tennessee and Austin, Texas. The restaurant is particularly known for its use of locally sourced ingredients, which are often featured in dishes like Arkansas catfish and Southern-style barbecue, with influences from Kansas City-style barbecue and Memphis-style barbecue. The restaurant's chefs have also been influenced by the cuisine of Europe, particularly France and Italy, and have incorporated elements of these cuisines into their dishes, with inspiration from Joël Robuchon and Mario Batali. The restaurant's menu has been praised by critics like Jonathan Gold and Alan Richman, and has been featured in publications like Bon Appétit and Esquire.

Location and Atmosphere

South on Main is located in a historic building in the South Main Street area of Little Rock, Arkansas, which is known for its vibrant arts and culture scene, featuring venues like the Arkansas Repertory Theatre and the Museum of Discovery. The restaurant's interior features a rustic, Southern-style decor, with elements like reclaimed wood and vintage furnishings, inspired by the designs of Frank Lloyd Wright and Eileen Gray. The restaurant's atmosphere is cozy and intimate, with a focus on providing exceptional service and a unique dining experience, similar to restaurants like The French Laundry and Per Se. The restaurant's outdoor seating area is also popular, particularly during the summer months, and offers a view of the surrounding neighborhood, which is home to University of Arkansas at Little Rock and Philander Smith College.

Reception and Awards

South on Main has received widespread critical acclaim since its opening, with praise from publications like The New York Times, Southern Living, and Garden & Gun. The restaurant has been recognized for its contributions to the Little Rock food scene by Food Network and Eater, and has been named one of the best restaurants in Arkansas by Arkansas Times and Arkansas Democrat-Gazette. The restaurant's chefs have also been recognized for their contributions to the culinary world, with nominations for awards like the James Beard Foundation award and the Food & Wine best new chef award, and have been featured in cookbooks like The Best Recipes in the World and The Essentials of Classic Italian Cooking. The restaurant has also been involved in various charitable events, including the Little Rock Food and Wine Festival and the Arkansas Food Bank.

Category:Restaurants in Little Rock, Arkansas