Monday Munchies: Ryn pairs local harvest with luxury
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The view of Ryn from the side, where guests wander mid-meal. Photo: Alex Golden/Axios
NWA's new farm-to-table fine dining restaurant that grows its own ingredients right outside is one of the most unique experiences you can have in the region.
👨🍳 Flashback: Chef and owner Matthew Cooper showed me around earlier this year when construction work to restore the pre-Civil War home that now houses Ryn was in progress.
- He explained the restaurant will be stocked with herbs and produce from its on-site farm that's also intended to serve as an educational space for children and culinary students. Ryn sources from other local farmers, too.
🧑🌾 The vibe: Going to Ryn feels like visiting some off-the-beaten-path estate. It's on the rural outskirts of northeast Bentonville, facing a barn, and the place is picturesque. Cooper had described a simple, thoughtful aesthetic and said the indoor space would be beautiful with stained glass and a fireplace. Correct.
- An intermission mid-meal allowed for a little walk outside, wine in hand, giving guests the chance to see where all these fresh herbs are being grown, and it feels like a mini-field trip to a garden.
🍽️ The intrigue: It's one of only two tasting menu-only restaurants in the region, meaning diners receive a curated dinner of eight to 10 courses without knowing what will appear on their plates until they arrive. And the menu changes.
- Everything is gluten-free, and the restaurant accommodates for allergies or dietary restrictions.
- This is called a tasting menu "experience" for a reason. Each course is a new event, and you can add on a wine pairing for $125 to have a taste of the best wine tailored to each course. And plan to spend a few hours here.
👏 Zoom in: Something tells me most diners will find a few dishes they'll either find so unique or so well done they'll stick out in their memory.
- For me, the unique one I can't get over is the squash risotto with pecorino cheese, pistachio and lemon balm. This was an insanely good flavor combination that only a culinary pro could have concocted.
- And the pork belly was just damn good pork belly served with an apple tarte tatin. Similarly, the potato gratin in a separate dish had me say out loud, "I didn't know potatoes could taste like this," as in they were like butter.
💰 By the numbers: Ryn might be the most expensive restaurant in NWA at $150 a person before tax and tip, meaning you're looking at about $200 per person before drinks. The sticker shock when I got the $515 bill for two people who like their wine and cocktails was surreal.
- That's not to discourage you from going, as Ryn makes for an incredible place to celebrate an occasion or have a special treat if you can swing it. But fair warning that this is a substantial splurge for most.
🍸 Zoom out: While I believe good wine is required with the meat-and-potatoes (if you will) portions of a meal like this, you will not be sorry for starting off with a cocktail while nibbling on bread and an amuse-bouche.
- The Grandma's Favorite ($17) with brown-butter washed bourbon, honey, vanilla and chocolate bitters came with a little cookie. Such a nice touch.
📍 Stop by: Reservations are required and can be made for 5:30-7:30pm Wednesday through Saturday at 9617 Price Coffee Road in Bentonville.