Last year MacArthur Park gave diners an unforgettable tour of America's Regional Cuisine - making culinary stops around the USA famous for their time-honoured BBQ traditions. The format was so well received that the restaurant will be once again hosting its American BBQ Road Trip with a total of seven stops this year. For each Road Trip stop, MacArthur Park marries regional BBQ favourites with seasonal produce to offer a prix fixe menu that reflects that area's iconic dishes.
This year, the American BBQ Road Trip promises to twist and turn its way through our nation's grilling greats including:
- New Orleans in February
- Kentucky in May
- Back home to California for June
- Texas in July
- Georgia in August
- Tennessee for Memphis style BBQ in September; and,
- The big flavours of those classic steakhouses of Chicago for October.
The restaurant's first stop for 2016 is New Orleans in time for "Fat Tuesday" on February 9, where an authentic Cajun three course prix fixe menu pays homage to The Big Easy. BBQ Oysters, Cornmeal Crusted Whole Mississippi Catfish, Duck and Andouille Sausage Gumbo, and Cajun Baby Back Ribs are some of the stars of the evening along with desserts Corn Bread Pudding and Bananas Foster. A full menu is available at www.macarthurparkpaloalto.com.
A creative beverage program complements the food with a cocktail list including Hurricanes and Sazeracs and a solid selection of Craft American Rye Whiskey.
The iconic Julia Morgan designed building - an example of the early 20th century Craftsman movement - is home to MacArthur Park and a traditionally styled venue perfect for enjoying the bold, smoky flavours of American BBQ. Chef-owner Faz recalls; "MacArthur Park has always been about BBQ, and smoking American style. Along with our Signature MacPark Baby Back Pork Ribs, we love bringing forth bold flavours and subtleties of regional American BBQ."