by AFIC@MCO
See Schedule
A Celebration of Local Flavors, Culinary Growth, and Community Connections
The Savor the Ozarks Dinner Series is a culinary journey honoring the Ozarks’ seasons, food traditions, and local agriculture. Each dinner showcases the best ingredients of the season while giving emerging chefs and food business owners from the AFIC@MCO shared-use kitchen an opportunity to:
- Refine their craft
- Collaborate with celebrated local and national chefs
- Build sustainable pathways to grow their businesses
These memorable dining experiences not only highlight the vibrant flavors and culinary talents of Northwest Arkansas but also raise vital funds for the AFIC@MCO Scholarship Program, supporting the next generation of food entrepreneurs and strengthening our region’s local food economy.
$150 Ticket – The Gathering Room Experience
Dinner begins at 6:30 pm
Enjoy a thoughtfully curated seasonal tasting menu with beverage pairings in the beautifully designed Gathering Room. This intimate setting offers:
- A warm, communal dining atmosphere
- A direct view of the featured chef and culinary team as they prepare the evening’s menu
- A special takeaway gift to carry the evening’s flavors beyond the table
$50 Add-On – The First Taste Experience
Elevate your evening with our new VIP pre-dinner option.
Arrive by 5:30 pm and enjoy:
- A curated selection of specialty drinks crafted to complement the evening’s menu
- Chef-inspired hors d’oeuvres created exclusively for VIP guests
- A lively and intimate pre-dinner gathering that sets the stage for the culinary journey ahead
Available as an add-on to your $150 dinner ticket.
* Please note that we are unable to accommodate dietary restrictions or substitutions for this event. We appreciate your understanding.
Schedule / Menu
November 21, 2025 – Taste of the Fall Bounty ~ Chef Randell Ray, Chef Ashley Stafford & Chef Michael Bujold
COURSE I
Good Medicine
Native Corn Soup Consommé, Mini Fry Bread
Natural State Tea
COURSE II
A Winter Hunt
Local Rabbit Saddle, Local Apple and Cranberry Garniture, Rabbit Demi-Glace, Cranberry Tuile, Purple Bachelor Button
Duck Horn Sauvignon Blanc
COURSE III
Three Sisters of Autumn
Pickled Purple Hull Peas, Roasted Baby Butternut Squash, Poached Candied Roaster Squash, Local Candied Pecans, Local Hydroponic Lettuce, Local Black Apple Vinaigrette, Corn Shoots, Pink Lady Apple Chip
Nivole Moscato Di’ Asti
COURSE IV
The French Explorer
Petit Bison Wellington of Duck Prosciutto, Sochan, Hen of The Woods Duxelles, Local Purple Sweet Potato Puree, Bison Stock Bordelaise, Local Haricot Verts, Charred Wild Onion
Anatomy Cabernet
COURSE V
A Northern Gift
Native American Parfait of Local Berries, Apples, Corn Pudding Toasted Pine Nut Granola
Fall Mulled Wine
$50 Add-On: The First Taste Experience
Orchard Offering
A seasonal creation crafted from a local harvest, designed to surprise and delight with every sip
Okáxpa Taco
Bison Bouguignon, Native Fry Bread, Micro Mirepoix, Micro Leek
Arkansea Beignet
Local Smoked Trout, Local Pink Lady Apple Chutney, Mini Bulls Blood, Apple Blossom
Sikkwittá Miⁿ Xa Deviled Egg
Duck Egg, Maple Syrup, Smoked Juniper Berry, Sumac Garnish, Micro Pickled Cucumber
* Please note that we are unable to accommodate dietary restrictions or substitutions for this event. We appreciate your understanding.
Register Now
February 20, 2026 – Heritage Harvest Feast ~ Chef Rafael Rios, Yeyo’s, Casa Magnolia
TBA
* Please note that we are unable to accommodate dietary restrictions or substitutions for this event. We appreciate your understanding.
Register Now
May 29, 2026 – Global Journey ~ Chef Elliot Hunt – Atlas The Restaurant
TBA
* Please note that we are unable to accommodate dietary restrictions or substitutions for this event. We appreciate your understanding.
Register Now
About the Division of Agriculture
The University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture’s mission is to strengthen agriculture, communities, and families by connecting trusted research to the adoption of best practices. Through the Agricultural Experiment Station and the Cooperative Extension Service, the Division of Agriculture conducts research and extension work within the nation’s historic land grant education system.
The Division of Agriculture is one of 20 entities within the University of Arkansas System. It has offices in all 75 counties in Arkansas and faculty on three campuses.
The University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture is an equal opportunity institution. If you require a reasonable accommodation to participate or need materials in another format, please contact AFIC@MCO as soon as possible.