A native Arkansan with roots in Pine Bluff and, more recently, Hot Springs, Julia Marshall first fell in love with the industry while working in a bakery. Since that 2017 gig, she studied culinary arts, baking and pastry arts, and dietary management at Pulaski Technical College and has also gained experience in a variety of kitchens, working her way up to the role of executive chef. Through the years, she’s witnessed the dedication restaurateurs pour onto their plates and into their customers, prompting her to start the Facebook and Instagram accounts known as Diamond State Foodie to recognize these individuals.
Here, we turn the tables to put the spotlight on Julia as she shares more about her love of food.
Favorite meal growing up?
I’ve always been a meat-and-potatoes kind of girl—steak with potatoes has been, and always will be, one of my all-time favorites.
Do you have a favorite recent discovery in the restaurant scene?
Cajun Boilers. I’ve tried nearly everything on the menu and haven’t found a single dish I don’t enjoy. Their seafood is always fresh, which makes a huge difference. On top of that, the owners are incredible people who are doing great things for the community.
Sweet or salty?
I definitely have a big sweet tooth, which you’ll probably notice if you follow along. There’s just something special about desserts made from scratch; they carry a kind of comfort and nostalgia that store-bought treats can’t match. I’m always on the lookout for spots that serve up authentic, homemade sweets, and I love sharing those finds with my readers.
What new restaurant have you been most excited to try?
I recently visited Brina Thai & Pho in Hot Springs, and the food was fantastic. Up next on my local list is 10Fiyahside Island Grill, a Jamaican restaurant.
Can you recommend a food event or festival that should be on our radar?
Diamond Chef Arkansas. This exciting competition pairs local celebrity chefs with Pulaski Tech culinary students as they go head-to-head in a timed cooking challenge. Guests not only get to enjoy the thrill of the competition, but also sample dishes from multiple tasting stations featuring some of the area’s best restaurants.
What is your dream food destination?
I’ve always dreamed of visiting France to experience the country’s patisseries and cafés firsthand. During culinary school, I had the opportunity to learn many French techniques, and I would love to see them brought to life in their native setting.
When someone comes to visit from out of town, where are you taking them to show off Hot Springs’ food scene?
DONS Southern Social for an incredible upscale speakeasy experience, Superior Bathhouse Brewery for the world’s only beer brewed with thermal spring water, Cajun Boilers for authentic cajun food, and Rocky’s Corner for authentic Chicago-style pizza. Hot Springs truly has a wealth of amazing spots that are worth exploring!
What has been your favorite thing about posting food? How have you seen your following grow since you started?
I honestly love every part of this blog, and sometimes I wish I had started it years ago. It’s been such an amazing journey getting to meet my followers—it honestly feels like I’ve built my own little community of foodie friends. I started in February 2023, not really knowing what to expect, and now it has grown to over 14,000 followers with millions of views every month. Every comment, like, and message reminds me why I started in the first place, and I’m beyond grateful for every single person who’s joined me along the way. I really believe Arkansas is full of amazing restaurants and even more amazing people—so many that I’m still discovering every day.
Find Diamond State Foodie on Facebook and Instagram (@diamondstatefoodiear).
Photo courtesy of Julia Marshall
