(Thursday, June 1, 2023) – North Little Rock Tourism is excited to host Party in the Garden on August 10th at Ben E. Keith Foods Mid-South on 1 Ben E. Keith Way North Little Rock, AR 72117. Party in the Garden is an event that features a dinner showcasing the talents of local chefs Shane Henderson and Gilbert Alaquinez and raising money for future development in the hospitality and tourism industry.
Chef Gilbert Alaquinez is originally from San Antonio, TX where he started his cooking career at age 16. He has worked as Sous Chef at the Peabody Hotel and Chef at the Arkansas Governor’s Mansion under Governor Beebe, Executive Chef at the Clinton Library where he cooked for dignitaries and celebrities alike, and private chef to President and Secretary Clinton while they visited Little Rock. Gilbert’s style of cooking is a mix of Latin, French, and Asian techniques and flavors, while still incorporating tastes from the south.
Growing up as a preacher’s son, Shane Henderson was surrounded by cooking as food was often the love language in small town communities and with his family. After completion of his degree, he returned to Arkansas and returned to his Southern roots. Shane is now the Executive Chef at Ben E Keith foods, where he has been for over ten years working with customers, helping with concepts, menus, ideas, technology, and trends.
Tickets for Party in the Garden will be available for purchase for $150 starting June 1 at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/party-in-the-garden-tickets-647123332307. Seating is limited, so interested individuals are encouraged to secure their tickets promptly. There are also sponsorship opportunities that include a table at the dinner and a VIP reception.
Party in the Garden is presented by North Little Rock Tourism and Ben E. Keith Foods and sponsored by The City of North Little Rock, and TAGGART Argenta Downtown Council. For more information about Party in the Garden and other exciting culinary events in North Little Rock, please visit https://northlittlerock.org/party-in-the-garden-event-2023/ or contact Heather Kouns at (501) 500-3728 or heather@northlittlerock.org.
About North Little Rock Tourism
North Little Rock Tourism is the destination marketing organization for North Little Rock, Arkansas. It promotes North Little Rock as a positive tourism and hospitality experience thus enhancing economic growth and quality of life for its citizens and visitors. For more information about where to stay, where to eat and what to do in North Little Rock, visit NorthLittleRock.org.
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