Heaping Spoonful
121 episodes - English - Latest episode: 5 months ago - ★★★★★ - 14 ratings"Heaping Spoonful" is a twice-monthly conversation with restaurateurs, chefs, growers and others who have helped generate the legends associated with eateries across the Mid-South. The team at Ben E. Keith is proud to sponsor this adventure with the goal of preserving the stories that have helped cultivate an amazing food scene across the Mid-South.
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Episodes
Jason Cottingham of Trauma Hogs BBQ in Brookland, AR
November 02, 2021 06:00 - 34 minutes - 23.5 MBJason Cottingham of Trauma Hogs BBQ in Brookland, Arkansas, stopped by the Heaping Spoonful studio to explain how a barbecue-loving emergency room nurse ended up transitioning to a full-time culinary career that includes catering, a large and tricked-out food trailer and a collection of rubs and other products sold on websites and in retail stores.
Patrick Reilly of The Majestic Grille in Memphis, TN
October 19, 2021 06:00 - 42 minutes - 29 MBLegendary chef/restaurateur Patrick Reilly of The Majestic Grille in downtown Memphis called the Heaping Spoonful studio to tell listeners how an Irish native who already had forged an outstanding career came to put down roots in Memphis after what he thought would be a short stint there.
Michael Robertshaw of Pizzeria Ruby in Springdale, AR
October 05, 2021 06:00 - 44 minutes - 30.9 MBIt was a long path from his native Maine to Seattle for chef Michael Robertshaw, and after 12 years there he landed in Northwest Arkansas, first at Pressroom and then with his own food truck and now at Pizzeria Ruby, a strong contender for "best pizza in Arkansas" honors. He gave Heaping Spoonful a call to tell his very interesting tale.
David Connell, owner/operator of Homer's West in Little Rock, AR
September 21, 2021 06:00 - 24 minutes - 17 MBDavid Connell, owner/operator of Homer's West in Little Rock, stopped by the Heaping Spoonful studio to talk about the exciting news that his legendary home-cooking restaurant is moving just a little farther west into a larger space that will make even more wonderful kitchen magic possible.
Tracy Carter of JAC's Craft Smokehouse in West Monroe, LA
September 07, 2021 06:00 - 37 minutes - 26.2 MBTracy Carter of JAC's Craft Smokehouse hopped on the phone with Heaping Spoonful to explain how his wife Kristi and he launched a sauces and spices business that years later morphed into a food truck operation and just in September 2020 became a renowned restaurant in West Monroe, LA.
Lisa Zhang of Three Fold Noodles & Dumpling in Little Rock, AR
August 17, 2021 06:00 - 27 minutes - 18.7 MBLisa Zhang never thought she'd own a restaurant. But the native of China -- after a very successful white-collar career -- now creates dumplings, noodles and steamed buns at her Three Fold restaurant in downtown Little Rock, Arkansas, and she came to the Heaping Spoonful studio to tell her unlikely story.
Scott Caradine of Proud Larry's in Oxford, MS
August 03, 2021 06:00 - 43 minutes - 30.2 MBScott Caradine of Proud Larry's in Oxford, Mississippi, gave Heaping Spoonful a call to talk about how his "come for the food, stay for the music" combo has generated a 28-year track record of success.
Cheryl Roorda and Zac Smith of SQZBX in Hot Springs, AR
July 20, 2021 06:00 - 35 minutes - 24.2 MBCheryl Roorda and Zac Smith of SQZBX in Hot Springs, Arkansas, stopped by the studio to tell the amazing story of how a husband and wife musical duo -- who play tuba and accordion, no less -- ended up building and owning one of the coolest (and maybe the only) pizzeria/brewery/radio station combos imaginable.
Chris Tanner of Cheers, Samantha's Wood Grill & the Oyster Bar in Little Rock, AR
July 06, 2021 06:00 - 41 minutes - 28.9 MBChris Tanner -- owner of Cheers in the Heights, Samantha's Wood Grill and Tap Room, and the Oyster Bar -- stopped by the Heaping Spoonful studio to talk about how his start as a caterer and wine wholesaler led him to own three of Little Rock's most popular restaurants.
David Todd of Longshot at the Arrive Hotel in Memphis, TN
June 15, 2021 06:00 - 45 minutes - 31.2 MBDavid Todd, better known as "DT," gave Heaping Spoonful a call to talk about his 25-year career on the Memphis restaurant scene, and how what he has learned along the way has shaped his creative approach at Longshot, the restaurant at the Arrive Hotel.
Jess McMullen of Flyway Brewing and Brood & Barley in North Little Rock, AR
June 01, 2021 06:00 - 43 minutes - 29.9 MBJess McMullen visited with Heaping Spoonful about how his love of craft beer in college, and a dream hatched a decade ago with a buddy, led the two to co-found Flyway Brewing -- and more recently Brood & Barley, a trend-setting gastropub just around the corner.
Perry Smith of Minute Man in Little Rock, AR
May 18, 2021 06:00 - 45 minutes - 31 MBPerry Smith stopped by to tell Heaping Spoonful listeners how his love for Minute Man’s food 50 years ago combined with lessons learned from a successful career in the corporate restaurant world led him back to Arkansas to resurrect the famed Minute Man brand.
Daniel Bryant, prolific restaurateur in and around Little Rock, AR
May 04, 2021 06:00 - 39 minutes - 27 MBDaniel Bryant, owner of more restaurants around Little Rock, AR, than we can list here came to the Heaping Spoonful studio to talk about how he, a self-professed "real estate" guy, got in the bar business "by accident" and how that led to the empire he oversees today.
Christy Ouei of Mule Kick in Magnolia, AR
April 20, 2021 06:00 - 51 minutes - 35.7 MBChristy Ouei gave Heaping Spoonful a call to discuss her vision and mission for Mule Kick, a coffee shop -- and so much more! -- adjacent to Southern Arkansas University in Magnolia, an establishment the likes of which that small city of 11,000 had never seen ... but appreciates greatly.
Jack Sundell of The Root Cafe and Mockingbird Bar and Tacos in Little Rock, AR
April 06, 2021 06:00 - 48 minutes - 33.6 MBJack Sundell, owner of The Root Cafe and Mockingbird Bar and Tacos in the SOMA District of downtown Little Rock, stopped by the Heaping Spoonful studios to explain how his work in the Peace Corps in Morocco and then on the Heifer Ranch in rural Arkansas developed his appreciation of local foods and understanding of the culture that surrounds them.
Marshall Bartlett of Home Place Pastures in Como, MS
March 16, 2021 06:00 - 47 minutes - 32.6 MBMarshall Bartlett grew up on his family's farm near Como, Mississippi. After an Ivy League education, he knew he wanted to come home but not be a row-crop farmer. Marshall called Heaping Spoonful to explain how he carved out a chunk of the family farm to raise, process and butcher well-tended animals that has led to 100-plus restaurants selling his farm's products.
James Hale of the Grumpy Rabbit in Lonoke, AR
March 02, 2021 07:00 - 40 minutes - 28.2 MBJames Hale, executive chef at the Grumpy Rabbit, stopped by the Heaping Spoonful studio to explain how a Lonoke native and husband who chose to return to the small town in Central Arkansas chose to launch a premier restaurant and how James, a James Beard nominated chef, is realizing his vision to help the owners achieve theirs.
Lynn Hewlett of Taylor Grocery in Taylor, MS
February 16, 2021 07:00 - 37 minutes - 26 MBLynn Hewlett gave us a call to explain the phenomenon that is Taylor Grocery, a general-store-turned-catfish-restaurant that draws people from all over the region, particularly from Oxford, the home of the University of Mississippi, which is just seven miles up the road.
Rodney Slane, chef and owner of Grotto and Sauced in Eureka Springs, AR
February 02, 2021 07:00 - 55 minutes - 38 MBRodney Slane, chef and owner of Grotto and Sauced -- two thriving restaurants in Eureka Springs, Arkansas -- gave Heaping Spoonful a call to talk about the long, winding and exciting road that led him from high-end restaurant work in Florida to serving as a chef on private luxury yachts and then back to America's heartland.
Randy Ellis of Feltner's Whatta-Burger in Russellville, AR
January 19, 2021 07:00 - 27 minutes - 18.7 MBRandy Ellis of Feltner's Whatta-Burger in Russellville, Arkansas, gave Heaping Spoonful a call to talk about his family's legendary burger restaurant and how a commitment to quality -- and the community -- has driven decades of success.
Lou Martin of Uncle Lou's Fried Chicken in Memphis
January 05, 2021 07:00 - 45 minutes - 31 MBLou Martin of Uncle Lou's Fried Chicken in Memphis chatted by phone with Heaping Spoonful, and credited his success to the publicity generated by his appearance on Food Network's "Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives" in 2012 -- and all the reruns, the gift that keeps on giving.
Lou Martin of Uncle Lou's Fried Chicken in Memphis, TN
January 05, 2021 07:00 - 45 minutes - 31 MBLou Martin of Uncle Lou's Fried Chicken in Memphis chatted by phone with Heaping Spoonful, and credited his success to the publicity generated by his appearance on Food Network's "Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives" in 2012 -- and all the reruns, the gift that keeps on giving.
Brian Deloney, owner and chef at Maddie's Place
December 15, 2020 07:00 - 22 minutes - 15.5 MBBrian Deloney, owner and chef at Maddie's Place in Little Rock, Arkansas, dropped in to tell Heaping Spoonful listeners how working in high-energy kitchens at two legendary restaurants owned by Emeril Legasse prepared him to open and run his own restaurant with a New Orleans themed menu.
Brian Deloney, owner and chef at Maddie's Place in Little Rock, AR
December 15, 2020 07:00 - 22 minutes - 15.5 MBBrian Deloney, owner and chef at Maddie's Place in Little Rock, Arkansas, dropped in to tell Heaping Spoonful listeners how working in high-energy kitchens at two legendary restaurants owned by Emeril Legasse prepared him to open and run his own restaurant with a New Orleans themed menu.
Elihue Washington, Jr. of the Lassis Inn in Little Rock, AR
December 01, 2020 07:00 - 20 minutes - 14.2 MBElihue Washington, Jr., -- owner and head fish fryer at the Lassis Inn in Little Rock, Arkansas -- stopped by the Heaping Spoonful studio to talk about his restaurant, which dates back to 1905, his commitment to serving only piping-hot, freshly fried fish and the awards that have come his way, including a coveted American Classics designation by the James Beard Foundation.
Elihue Washington, Jr. of the Lassis Inn
December 01, 2020 07:00 - 20 minutes - 14.2 MBElihue Washington, Jr., -- owner and head fish fryer at the Lassis Inn in Little Rock, Arkansas -- stopped by the Heaping Spoonful studio to talk about his restaurant, which dates back to 1905, his commitment to serving only piping-hot, freshly fried fish and the awards that have come his way, including a coveted American Classics designation by the James Beard Foundation.
John Currence of Big Bad Breakfast in Oxford, MS
November 17, 2020 07:00 - 47 minutes - 32.8 MBJohn Currence, who has built a restaurant empire in Oxford, Mississippi, explains how his sense of market opportunities and people's tastes have helped him create four winning concepts, including Big Bad Breakfast, which he is rapidly expanding across the Mid-South.
Diana Bratton, owner and chef of Taco Mama and Taco Mama Side Town in Hot Springs, AR
November 03, 2020 07:00 - 33 minutes - 22.7 MBDiana Bratton, owner and chef of Taco Mama and Taco Mama Side Town in Hot Springs, Arkansas, stopped by to talk about how her south Texas heritage, culinary school experience and time in the kitchen of a renowned Dallas eatery combined to create the chef-driven Mexican food that has made her award-winning restaurants popular.
Diana Bratton, owner and chef of Taco Mama and Taco Mama Side Town
November 03, 2020 07:00 - 33 minutes - 22.7 MBDiana Bratton, owner and chef of Taco Mama and Taco Mama Side Town in Hot Springs, Arkansas, stopped by to talk about how her south Texas heritage, culinary school experience and time in the kitchen of a renowned Dallas eatery combined to create the chef-driven Mexican food that has made her award-winning restaurants popular.
Miles McMath of Junior's in Hernando, MS
October 20, 2020 06:00 - 30 minutes - 21 MBMiles McMath gave Heaping Spoonful a call to talk about the huge following his Junior's restaurant in Hernando, MS, has developed by doing straightforward home cooking from scratch ... and how his 10 years as executive chef at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital in Memphis changed his career -- and his life.
Food blogger Kevin Shalin of The Mighty Rib
October 06, 2020 06:00 - 34 minutes - 24.1 MBKevin Shalin, a popular food blogger known as The Mighty Rib, dropped by the Heaping Spoonful studio to explain how a former school teacher can become an influential blogger with more than 15,000 Facebook followers. He also tells some of his favorite items at "hidden gem" restaurants around Arkansas.
Paul Holt of 4-Dice Restaurant in Fordyce, AR
September 15, 2020 06:00 - 29 minutes - 20.5 MBPaul Holt of 4-Dice Restaurant in Fordyce, Arkansas, gave Heaping Spoonful a call to talk about the colorful history of the restaurant his mother founded in 1967, including the infamous meal Rolling Stones' guitarists Keith Richards and Ron Wood ate there in 1975 on their way from Memphis to Dallas.
Paul Holt of 4-Dice Restaurant
September 15, 2020 06:00 - 29 minutes - 20.5 MBPaul Holt of 4-Dice Restaurant in Fordyce, Arkansas, gave Heaping Spoonful a call to talk about the colorful history of the restaurant his mother founded in 1967, including the infamous meal Rolling Stones' guitarists Keith Richards and Ron Wood ate there in 1975 on their way from Memphis to Dallas.
Andrew Adams, executive chef at Acre in Memphis, TN
September 01, 2020 06:00 - 45 minutes - 31.4 MBAndrew Adams, executive chef at Acre in Memphis, gave Heaping Spoonful a call to explain how a part-time job in high school was the springboard to an amazing career that years ago reunited him with the man who gave him his first break and remains his mentor today.
Andrew Adams, executive chef at Acre in Memphis
September 01, 2020 06:00 - 45 minutes - 31.4 MBAndrew Adams, executive chef at Acre in Memphis, gave Heaping Spoonful a call to explain how a part-time job in high school was the springboard to an amazing career that years ago reunited him with the man who gave him his first break and remains his mentor today.
James Woods of Woods Place in Camden, AR
August 18, 2020 06:00 - 31 minutes - 21.5 MBJames Woods of Woods Place checked in by phone to explain the tried-and-true philosophies that have made his restaurant in Camden, Arkansas, a true legend for more than 35 years -- primarily his commitment to made-from-scratch cooking and taking great care of his customers and staff.
James Woods of Woods Place
August 18, 2020 06:00 - 31 minutes - 21.5 MBJames Woods of Woods Place checked in by phone to explain the tried-and-true philosophies that have made his restaurant in Camden, Arkansas, a true legend for more than 35 years -- primarily his commitment to made-from-scratch cooking and taking great care of his customers and staff.
Kelly English, chef and owner of Restaurant Iris and the Second Line
August 04, 2020 06:00 - 33 minutes - 23.4 MBKelly English, chef and owner of Restaurant Iris and the Second Line, two popular Memphis eateries that are next door to one another near Overton Square, checks in by phone to talk about his path from college to culinary school to working for one of New Orleans' most renowned restaurateurs and how that opened up doors for him to own his own spots.
Kelly English, chef and owner of Restaurant Iris and the Second Line in Memphis, TN
August 04, 2020 06:00 - 33 minutes - 23.4 MBKelly English, chef and owner of Restaurant Iris and the Second Line, two popular Memphis eateries that are next door to one another near Overton Square, checks in by phone to talk about his path from college to culinary school to working for one of New Orleans' most renowned restaurateurs and how that opened up doors for him to own his own spots.
Ed and Zac David of Faded Rose
July 21, 2020 06:00 - 37 minutes - 25.8 MBEd and Zac David of Faded Rose in Little Rock stopped by to talk about the amazing, almost-40-year run the Cajun/Creole restaurant has enjoyed as one of the city's most beloved and enduring eateries.
Ed and Zac David of Faded Rose in Little Rock, AR
July 21, 2020 06:00 - 37 minutes - 25.8 MBEd and Zac David of Faded Rose in Little Rock stopped by to talk about the amazing, almost-40-year run the Cajun/Creole restaurant has enjoyed as one of the city's most beloved and enduring eateries.
Cole Ellis of Delta Meat Market
July 07, 2020 06:00 - 43 minutes - 29.9 MBCole Ellis of Delta Meat Market in Cleveland, Mississippi, checked in by phone to tell his amazing story, which started as a butcher shop, transitioned into a market and now is one of the most renowned restaurants in the South.
Cole Ellis of Delta Meat Market in Cleveland, MS
July 07, 2020 06:00 - 43 minutes - 29.9 MBCole Ellis of Delta Meat Market in Cleveland, Mississippi, checked in by phone to tell his amazing story, which started as a butcher shop, transitioned into a market and now is one of the most renowned restaurants in the South.
Austin Samuelson of Tacos 4 Life
June 16, 2020 06:00 - 30 minutes - 21.2 MBAustin Samuelson gives us a call to tell Heaping Spoonful listeners how the passion his wife, Ashton, and he have for helping others led them to open Tacos 4 Life, which donates money from each meal sold to buy a meal for a starving child somewhere in the world, an effort that has resulted in more than 16 million meals being delivered.
Travis Hester of Eat My Catfish
June 02, 2020 06:00 - 36 minutes - 25.2 MBTravis Hester checks in by phone to discuss how his bold decision to take out a loan to buy a used food trailer and start frying catfish for the first time in his life has grown into a five-restaurant operation known as Eat My Catfish, one of the leading purveyors of one of Arkansas's favorite food.
Jamie McAfee, general manager and executive chef at the Pine Bluff Country Club
May 19, 2020 06:00 - 30 minutes - 20.8 MBJamie McAfee, general manager and executive chef at the Pine Bluff Country Club, spoke by phone about his long career in the country club business as well as his close connection to the University of Arkansas - Pulaski Technical College Culinary Arts and Hospitality Management Institute.
Donnie Ferneau of Cathead's Diner in Little Rock, AR
May 05, 2020 06:00 - 31 minutes - 22 MBDonnie Ferneau talked by phone about the journey that established him as one of the most acclaimed chefs in Arkansas, including lessons learned as the owner-operator of Ferneau and now Cathead's Diner, and how he began to focus on what people wanted to eat vs. what he wanted to cook.
Donnie Ferneau of Cathead's Diner
May 05, 2020 06:00 - 31 minutes - 22 MBDonnie Ferneau talked by phone about the journey that established him as one of the most acclaimed chefs in Arkansas, including lessons learned as the owner-operator of Ferneau and now Cathead's Diner, and how he began to focus on what people wanted to eat vs. what he wanted to cook.
Matt McClure of the Hive at the 21c Hotel in Bentonville, AR
April 23, 2020 20:00 - 49 minutes - 34.3 MBMatt McClure, executive chef of the Hive at the 21c Hotel in Bentonville, checked in by phone to describe his culinary school and early restaurant experience in New England and the steps that took him to the Capital Hotel in Little Rock and on to the 21c. Behind all those moves -- staying close to the woman who would become his wife.
Matt McClure of the Hive at the 21c Hotel
April 23, 2020 20:00 - 49 minutes - 34.3 MBMatt McClure, executive chef of the Hive at the 21c Hotel in Bentonville, checked in by phone to describe his culinary school and early restaurant experience in New England and the steps that took him to the Capital Hotel in Little Rock and on to the 21c. Behind all those moves -- staying close to the woman who would become his wife.