EATS & DRINKS | SPOTLIGHT
By Priscilla Willis | Photos by Meredith Mashburn
Isabellas Italian Opens in Bentonville
Chef Todd and Nickki Golden have done it again! Fayetteville’s much-loved culinary duo have extended the reach of their beloved Italian fine dining concept, Isabellas, to Bentonville. The menu remains the same, and they’re also connecting with their avid followers by offering a few tantalizing events in both locations.
Isabellas Bentonville opened its doors Nov. 5, 2024, at 1400 SE Walton Blvd., Ste. 46, presenting a dining experience generally found in more urbane environs.
Let’s start with the ambiance. Isabellas exudes luxury through its incorporation of Italian design elements — glamour with a touch of drama.
Elegantly sophisticated, the interior abounds with stylish lighting and shapes. Slender gold pendants illuminate cozy tables, and sparkling chandeliers distinguish curvy, azure booths. Blue walls and bold black-and-white flooring provide a perfect backdrop for the deco-style white chairs.
The seascape-inspired color palette, curated Italian scenes, sculptural art pieces and splashes of gold transport you to the Italian Riviera.
Isabellas focal point is an elegant semi-private dining room. Dramatically framed by dark, geometric textured walls, the sleek dining table seats 12 and glows from the light of a crystal chandelier entwined with delicate golden branches and starbursts.
Yes, I know, let’s get to the food.
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CitiScapes’ restaurant reviewer extraordinaire Case Dighero wrote about Isabellas Fayetteville in July 2022 shortly after it opened. Many of the dishes he highlighted became favorites among Isabellas followers. Fans enthusiastically devour the Diver Scallops and French Onion Skillet appetizers. Among the most popular pasta entrees are the Tagliatelle, Orecchiette and Beggars’ Purses. The well-rounded menu also features expertly prepared steaks and fresh seafood. In addition, Isabellas may be the only restaurant in Northwest Arkansas that prepares sublime Veal Sweetbreads seared with brandy, cream and prosciutto.
Google reviews reveal the Caesar Salad and Chocolate Crêpe filled with Basil Ice Cream are must-haves, so on my visit, I tried them myself. I’m happy to say, “I concur!”
But really, how unique can a Caesar salad be? I venture to say that Isabellas Caesar Salad is unlike any you’ve ever tasted. It’s all about the edible parmesan bowl. Do not hesitate to tear off a piece of the bowl to add a rich, tangy nuttiness to the lightly dressed, crispy romaine.
Carpaccio is one of my all-time favorite Italian appetizers, and Isabellas version does not disappoint. The thinly sliced, rare beef is drizzled with Dijon cream, sprinkled with capers and rye bits, and topped with arugula and carrot curls. Finished at the table with black pepper, it is superb in its simplicity.
For our entrées, my dining companion ordered the Norwegian Salmon, served with potato gnocchi and a pesto cream sauce. Leaning into beef that night, I chose the Gorgonzola Beef Tenderloin. The medium-rare, barrel-cut tenderloin is layered with dauphinoise potatoes and topped with melty gorgonzola and tomato chutney.
Chocolate Crêpe
Norwegian Salmon
As mentioned, you must leave room for the Chocolate Crêpe. A delicate chocolate crêpe filled with chef Todd’s Hugs basil ice cream is topped with macerated strawberries and chocolate sauce.
Isabellas excels in the cocktail department and has a respectable wine list, which includes selections from Italy, France and South Africa. We savored a beautiful Stellekaya 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon from South Africa, which I would order again.
That brings me to the new culinary events chef Todd and Nickki have added. The events include Cooking with Chef Todd demonstrations on Wednesdays, Live Jazz Night also on Wednesdays, Afternoon Tea on Sundays and Wine Pairing Dinners. These special events alternate between the Fayetteville and Bentonville locations, so follow Isabellas on Facebook and visit its Eventbrite to keep track.
Chef Todd and Nickki know many have missed Mermaids Seafood Restaurant in Fayetteville, so Isabellas now features Mermaids menu items during lunch on Tuesdays and Thursdays at both locations. They’re bringing back all your favorites, such as the Cajun Pasta, Tortellini, Chicken Marie and Salmon Spinach Salad. Additionally, the Golden team is opening a Mermaids Seafood Restaurant in Rogers at 2011 S. Promenade Blvd., Ste. 440, soon. Don’t be mad, Fayetteville; they plan on reopening Mermaids for you as soon as they find the perfect location.