Bienvenue à Méridienne!

As both a francophile and a downtown Rogers enthusiast, there are few things I can think of that are more personally exciting to me than the recent opening of Méridienne Dessert Salon & Café at 112 South First Street!

However, it turns out I am not alone in my ardor.  It's been a delight to see a stellar crowd at Méridienne each time I've visited.  I confess I haven't strayed far from the salade niçoise avec saumon (humor me, won't you? I rarely get to turn a French phrase with proper accents...).  Suffice it to say you will not be disappointed.  And, lest the more masculine among you fear that the offerings are girly or attempt some line such as "real men don't eat quiche," I'd suggest you hold your tongue until it has sampled the outstanding food.  

You'll find a simple (as in, exquisite but not overwhelming in its variety) menu with several specials, and the dessert tray alone is well worth saving a little room.  However, in typical French Women Don't Get Fat fashion, you'll find the meals served are perfectly filling but not overwhelming.  Owners Wednesday Arend and Tammy Varney are also continuing their wonderful custom "couture cake, pastry and dessert" business along with other delights. 

The space is comfortable, unique and attractive, and there is a small sampling of cute merchandise available.  It's the perfect treat for a little girl just out of school for the summer (I have one in particular in mind), or an excellent spot for you to suggest someone indulge you for a special lunch.  Visit their website and Facebook page, and stop in soon to check it out!

*Selfishly, I must also mention that Méridienne will be hosting a little gathering to benefit the Ozark Natural Science Center on June 16!  Let me know if you'd like more information.

The Rail: Opening Soon!

Hopefully, you read the previous post about The Rail, A Pizza Company. 

Get ready for some good times - they plan to open in February!  Connect with The Rail on Facebook - their page is in development, but it will be a great way to stay in the loop and keep tabs on their grand opening!

The Icing on the Cake

Hurry!  If you haven't been to Kirby's Kupcakes, get to it!

Kirby and Lisa have a fun concept that's sure to find its niche and flourish in downtown Rogers.  Their cupcakes ($2.50 for a generously frosted, diet-defying treat) are outstanding.  They'll let you grab one from the display case if you like your frosting a little crunchy, or they'll swoop into the back with your chosen cupcake and frost it with a flourish if soft and creamy frosting is your thing.  I love this little nod to individual taste - it shows the thoughtfulness they put into all that they do.

I recently descended upon both ladies near closing time on a slow day with a gaggle of girls pre-sleepover, and Kirby and Lisa set up a little "frost and decorate your own" station for them.  The girls, as seven year olds are prone to do with frosting, had a blast.  Kirby's will be the perfect spot for a unique birthday party, and they have some creative tricks up their sleeves.
 

They are also serving some unique, homemade lunch treats - check out their menu at www.kirbyskupcakes.com or swing by during the work day for something a little different.  Their fun pink boxes make picking up a dozen mini or regular cupcakes to deliver to a friend or bring to work an especially fun treat.

It's up to all of us to support our downtown businesses and help them thrive - that's what makes downtown Rogers all that we hope it can be!  Swing by to say hello to Kirby and Lisa at the corner of 2nd Street near the Rogers Little Theater, Chicago Dog, the Daisy Airgun Museum and M.D. Bishop & Sons Candy in historic downtown Rogers.

And, be sure to connect with Kirby's Kupcakes on Facebook and Twitter!  Plus, dollar cupcake day when they reach 300 Facebook likes - send them some love!