We have no shortage of food news throughout Arkansas, so each week, we’ll be providing you with a snapshot of the goings-on inside the culinary world, from events to specials to restaurant openings to awards. Do you have news to share? Please email our food editor, Kevin Shalin, at kshalin@aymag.com.

 

In August, we reported in this blog that a Wahlburgers was coming to the Bass Pro Pyramid in Memphis. Well, last week it officially opened under the name Wahlburgers Wild. Read all about it in our sister publication, Arkansas Money & Politics.

 

The Arkansas Democrat-Gazette reports that the Keet family’s JTJ Restaurants has purchased some additional land/storefront space in North Little Rock (the almost-Maumelle part), which includes the recently closed The Hangout Grill & Bar. The Keets reportedly plan to partner up with some old friends to open yet another Count Porkula location. This would be the third stationary location for the popular food truck-turned-restaurant, joining its current digs at The Rail Yard and soon-to-come Heights location (which is also in the works with the Keets). It would also mark the second restaurant off Maumelle Boulevard with the Keets’ fingerprints in as short a time, as the conglomerate’s Cypress Social opened in the old Cock of the Walk space last year.

 

The Argenta Arts District in North Little Rock is hosting Boos and Brews in Faucett Park on various nights this month. The first one is Wednesday, Oct. 6 from 7 to 9 p.m. Organizers say it will feature similar stories to the Haunted Argenta Ghost Tours, but also plenty of new tales with a “lusty and lascivious” slant — perhaps to line up with the “Brews” side of the coin.

 

And in case you missed it, “Fright Night in Argenta” is on Saturday, Oct. 30 at 7:30 p.m. Here’s all the info, including a link to purchase tickets.

 

We reminded you last week, but here’s another: The 10th Annual World Cheese Dip Championship is back. This year’s event is Sunday, Oct. 10 at noon in the Little Rock River Market.

 

Our friends at Rock Town Distillery have kicked off October Cocktail Classes, which take place every Tuesday this month.

 

Diamond Bear Brewing Company has a very important birthday coming up; the award-winning brewery turns 21 this month. It’s hosting a birthday party, Cheers & Beers to 21 Years!, on Friday, Oct. 8 from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Themed specials for the event include $0.21 root beer floats, 21 percent off retail items and $2.10 pints

 

The Arkansas Rice Festival is Saturday, Oct. 9 in Weiner.

 

Around here at AY, we’ve fully invested into the fall season (even if the temperatures haven’t exactly caught up to us.) Check out this recipe for a pumpkin spice latte and this one for crockpot apple cider. (Oh, and this brown sugar banana nut bread recipe.)

 

It’s officially October, which means it’s time for another monthly food blogger spotlight.

 

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