Having grown up in Northwest Arkansas, Merrick Beaumont has enjoyed a front-row seat to watch the food scene grow and evolve throughout the area. After graduating from college and starting his career, he decided to use his social platforms for something he finds “meaningful to the community.” On Instagram, at Merrick’s Menu (@merricksmenu), he shares his latest restaurant visits and recs on what to order with almost 7,000 followers. We sat down with the foodie to learn more about this passion.
WHEN YOU’RE NOT POSTING ABOUT YOUR LATEST GOOD MEAL, WHAT DO YOU DO? I work for an omni retail agency full time, where I help companies grow in Walmart stores. Besides that, I love playing or watching most any sport, getting outside, and spending time with my family and friends. I also host a Bible study with some close friends and serve in my church.
ARE THERE ANY NEW PLACES YOU ARE EXCITED TO TRY SOON? Ryn and Written by the Seasons would be two places. I am planning on going to Bentoville Food Theater that’s opening soon in downtown Bentonville.
WHEN SOMEONE COMES TO VISIT FROM OUT OF TOWN, WHERE ARE YOU TAKING THEM TO SHOW OFF NORTHWEST ARKANSAS’S FOOD SCENE? It really depends on what they are wanting to try, but my go-to places would be Callisto Cocktail Bar, Junto Sushi, Pizzeria Ruby, Casa Alejo, Siam Thai, and Toot Beirut.
DO YOU HAVE ANY NEW FOOD DISCOVERIES OR THINGS YOU’VE FALLEN IN LOVE WITH RECENTLY? I’ve really developed more of a love and appreciation for Asian and Middle Eastern food and all that falls under that umbrella, like sushi, pho, pad Thai, khao soi, shawarma, and hummus.
SWEET OR SALTY SNACKS? I’m a savory guy through and through. I grew up in an ingredient-only household—not a snacking one—which has somewhat rubbed off on me in my adulthood. I do love Miss Vickie’s Spicy Dill Pickle and Sea Salt & Vinegar chips, though. As kids, my sister and I would make this weird snack combo of extra sharp cheddar cheese with dill pickles.
COFFEE OR COCKTAILS? Another fact about me is I don’t drink coffee and never have. I love the smell and atmosphere of a coffee shop, though. If I were to get a cocktail, it’d be something fruity with gin or vodka, no shame.
DO YOU HAVE A FAVORITE MEAL OR A SPECIAL FOOD MEMORY FROM CHILDHOOD? A taco night at home has always been a favorite meal for me, but two very specific things I love are my mom’s banana pudding and green bean casserole. As for the memory, Thanksgiving and Easter with my extended family were always favorites for me. And, it may be an unpopular opinion, but honey ham beats smoked turkey on any occasion!
WHAT HAS BEEN YOUR FAVORITE THING ABOUT SHARING YOUR FOOD EXPERIENCES? The best thing has been getting connected with the community, from meeting and helping small business owners to conversations with random people around town about cool food spots and new places. Food brings everyone together, and I love getting to help bring joy to those around me. I’m so grateful that the Lord has given me this opportunity, and I’m thankful for all the support and connections I’ve gained since I started. I’ll tell anybody that my follower count isn’t what qualifies me to be an “influencer;” we all have some sort of influence on those around us. If you ever have a food spot you want to suggest, don’t hesitate to reach out to me.
Photo courtesy of Merrick Beaumont
