Food helps build community and the only way to keep this ball rolling is if each of us continue to try out new and different things. With that said, I’ve made a call to TMR readers to try out new (to them) options throughout the area and share with me their thoughts. Below is a collection of actual responses. If this strong participation continues, we’ll make this a regular thing. Simply put, I encourage you to keep discovering new restaurants, dishes, baked goods, coffees, and just about anything related to food and drink. Then share it with me through a direct message on Facebook. Then I’ll share with our audience.

“My daughter and I tried a new restaurant this weekend in NLR and it was amazing! Rivera Italian Restaurant. I had the pasta combo and my daughter had the Chicken Nicola. I would highly recommend you try them out. I asked how long they had been open and they said 4 months. It was our first time but definitely not our last.”-Shea H.

“I’m a follower in New Jersey whose daughter teaches at UCA. I ordered the Truth Seasoning, barbecue sauce, and hot and sweet. Fixed them with pork and chicken. Used the powered seasoning on salmon. They were delicious.”-Marlene S.

“Latest tries … Mawmaw’s quesabirria tacos. That broth is drinkable. So delicious. The Croissanterie’s chicken sandwich with caramelized onions and pimento cheese on a croissant bun. Forgot the official name, but oh so good.”-Vicki W.

“My wife and I tried Jimmy’s Jerk Chicken food truck tonight in Bryant. We had both the chicken and the beef birria tacos and they were incredible! So, so, good. They only do tacos on Tuesdays, also completely appropriate. Looking forward to a return trip to try the pineapple bowls we saw on their Facebook page. The only downside was we waited in our car for literally an hour for the order, moderately busy. Not a deal breaker but will definitely call it in next go around.”-Brandon R.

“Thanks to you I have a quest for Taylor’s Steakhouse. I was passing through Dumas last Friday but the wait was a bit much. I will check the box over the next couple of weeks.”-Joel N.

“I went to Cafe Bossa Nova for the first time today! It was great! We enjoyed our food and our waitress was super patient with our poor Portuguese and she even taught us a couple words! I’d definitely go back. We had the pão de queijo, stroganoff de fango and salpicão!”-Brittany R.

“Lots of fun options for this challenge at Flyway Brewing. I gave up meat a few years ago, so I don’t eat most of the menu anymore… but wow is a talented chef running that kitchen.”-Kirsten E.

“A very interesting place in Sherwood called The Humble Crumb. I went yesterday. It features afternoon teas and lunches. Also breakfast. They are known for their homemade cinnamon rolls. Here is a sample I was really impressed. The food was well prepared and fresh.”-Sherry B.

“I actually tried a new place tonight. Grill Pollo on Hwy 10. Was pretty dang good. I’ll definitely go back.”-Niko K.

“Tried Tailgaters2Go Sunday. The Philly sandwich was good, but those crinkle fries were SO GREAT!”-Amy C.

“I did try a lingua (tongue) taco last week at Tacos El Gordo food truck. Excellent.”-Rita R.

“We tried the Mather Lodge restaurant on Sunday. Never been before. It was a very good experience with a super hard working, friendly staff. My fried catfish platter was great. You can’t beat the view from the restaurant either.”-Laura F.