Nestled in the heart of Fort Smith, Arkansas, 21 West End is a culinary gem that has captivated the palates of locals and visitors alike. This renowned restaurant seamlessly blends traditional recipes with modern culinary creativity, offering a dining experience that is both comforting and innovative.
Located in the vibrant downtown area, 21 West End’s warm and inviting atmosphere sets the stage for an unforgettable gastronomic journey. The restaurant’s commitment to using locally sourced ingredients and embracing regional flavors has earned it a reputation as one of the finest dining destinations in the region.
With a menu that celebrates the rich culinary heritage of the South while incorporating contemporary techniques and global influences, 21 West End promises to delight even the most discerning food enthusiasts. From the moment you step through the doors, you’ll be enveloped in a world of exceptional flavors, impeccable service, and a true passion for the art of cooking.
Appetizers
21 West End’s appetizer menu is a delightful start to your culinary journey, showcasing the chef’s creativity and commitment to using fresh, high-quality ingredients. The Crab Cakes are a standout, with a crisp outer layer that gives way to a creamy interior bursting with succulent crab meat, complemented by the tangy chipotle lime aioli.
For those seeking a lighter option, the Italian Style Tomato Relish is a refreshing choice. Ripe tomatoes are tossed with rock shrimp and served over grilled Tuscan bread, creating a harmonious blend of flavors and textures that will awaken your taste buds.
Indulge in the Cream Cheese Dip, a bubbly and decadent treat topped with Parmesan cheese and served with crispy wontons for dipping. This appetizer is the perfect balance of creamy and crunchy, making it a crowd-pleaser for any occasion.
The Spinach Salad is a delightful combination of fresh greens, feta cheese crumbles, red onions, carrots, fresh raspberries, and brown sugar cinnamon pecans, all tossed in a tantalizing raspberry vinaigrette. This salad is a testament to the chef’s ability to harmonize flavors and create a truly memorable starter.
Soups and Salads
At 21 West End, the soups and salads are a testament to the restaurant’s commitment to using fresh, high-quality ingredients and creating flavorful dishes that tantalize the taste buds.
The Tomato Basil Soup is a creamy and comforting delight, bursting with the rich flavors of ripe tomatoes and fragrant basil. Each spoonful is a delightful blend of velvety texture and robust taste, making it a perfect starter or accompaniment to any meal.
For those seeking a refreshing and nutritious option, the Arugula Salad is a must-try. Tossed in a house-made white balsamic and champagne vinaigrette, this salad is a symphony of flavors and textures. Crisp arugula leaves are complemented by toasted almonds, golden raisins, crispy bacon, white cheddar, and fresh shaved radish, creating a harmonious balance of sweet, savory, and tangy notes.
The classic Caesar Salad is a timeless favorite, and 21 West End’s rendition is sure to impress. Fresh romaine lettuce is tossed in a house-made Caesar dressing, creating a creamy and tangy coating for each leaf. Topped with crunchy croutons and shaved Asiago cheese, this salad is a perfect blend of richness and crispness. For those who enjoy a touch of brininess, anchovies are available upon request.
Seafood Main Courses
Dive into a seafood lover’s paradise with 21 West End’s exquisite selection of ocean-fresh delicacies. The Crab Crusted Cod is a true showstopper, featuring a succulent cod fillet encrusted with a crispy layer of lump crab meat. Served over a bed of roasted corn polenta, this dish is elevated by the rich and velvety sauce bearnaise, creating a harmonious blend of flavors and textures.
For those seeking a bold and flavorful experience, the Blackened Scottish Salmon is a must-try. This premium salmon fillet is expertly seasoned with a robust blend of Cajun spices, resulting in a beautifully charred exterior that locks in the natural moisture and tenderness of the fish. Accompanied by a roasted sweet corn puree and a creamy white cheddar au gratin, each bite is a delightful explosion of flavors that will tantalize your taste buds.
Vegetarian Main Courses
For those seeking delectable vegetarian options, 21 West End offers a tantalizing array of dishes that are sure to delight. One standout choice is the Stuffed Eggplant, a culinary masterpiece that showcases the restaurant’s commitment to creativity and flavor. Tender eggplant halves are filled with a decadent blend of creamy boursin cheese, wilted spinach, and perfectly cooked eggs. The stuffed eggplant is then roasted to perfection, allowing the flavors to meld together harmoniously. Served alongside a vibrant sweet and spicy marinara sauce, this dish is a true celebration of vegetarian cuisine.
Another must-try vegetarian option is the Stuffed Bell Pepper, a hearty and satisfying dish that bursts with flavors from around the world. Colorful bell peppers are generously stuffed with a mouthwatering combination of basmati rice, protein-packed black beans, juicy tomatoes, and a zesty chimichurri sauce. This flavorful filling rests atop a bed of wilted spinach, which is then drizzled with a rich and robust rioja sauce. Each bite offers a delightful medley of textures and flavors, making this dish a true crowd-pleaser.
Meat Main Courses
Indulge in the succulent and flavorful meat main courses at 21 West End, where each dish is a masterpiece of culinary artistry. The Duck Breast is a true delight, with its crispy skin and tender, juicy meat complemented by the aromatic rosemary lemon risotto and the sweet-tart blueberry compote. This harmonious blend of flavors and textures is sure to tantalize your taste buds.
The Roasted Pork Tenderloin is a testament to the chef’s skill, with its perfectly cooked, juicy pork topped with a rich cognac demi-glace and caramelized pears. Served alongside roasted potatoes and chef’s vegetables, this dish is a celebration of classic flavors with a modern twist.
For those seeking a comforting and flavorful option, the Rosemary Roasted Chicken Breast is a must-try. The succulent chicken breast is infused with the aromatic notes of rosemary, accompanied by a creamy mushroom risotto and chef’s seasonal vegetables. Each bite is a delightful journey through the flavors of the season.
Special Dishes
At 21 West End, the special dishes truly showcase the culinary creativity and expertise of the chefs. These unique offerings are a must-try for any diner seeking an elevated and memorable dining experience.
Tenderloin Tips
Prepare to be amazed by the Tenderloin Tips, a decadent dish that combines the tender richness of beef with the flaky perfection of puff pastry. Succulent tenderloin tips are roasted to perfection and enveloped in a buttery mushroom duxelle, creating a harmonious blend of flavors. The entire creation is then encased in a golden puff pastry crust, ensuring each bite is a delightful fusion of textures. Served alongside a velvety béarnaise sauce, this dish is a true indulgence for the senses.
Triple Cream Brie
Indulge in the creamy decadence of the Triple Cream Brie, a dish that marries the luxurious richness of cheese with the sweetness of brandy-glazed apples. A wheel of triple cream brie is carefully wrapped in a flaky puff pastry crust, creating a delightful contrast of textures. The star of the show, however, is the topping of brandy-glazed apples, which adds a touch of warmth and sweetness to the dish. Served with a side of apple bacon jam, this dish is a perfect harmony of flavors that will leave you craving for more.
Brown Butter Garlic Shrimp
Prepare to be transported to culinary bliss with the Brown Butter Garlic Shrimp. Plump and juicy shrimp are sautéed to perfection in a rich and nutty brown butter sauce, infused with the aromatic essence of garlic. This dish is a testament to the power of simple ingredients combined with expert technique. Served over creamy dill havarti grits, each bite is a delightful contrast of textures and flavors, with the shrimp’s natural sweetness complemented by the richness of the brown butter sauce and the creaminess of the grits.
Cajun Spiced Dishes
For those seeking a touch of heat and bold flavors, 21 West End offers a selection of Cajun-spiced dishes that are sure to tantalize your taste buds. These dishes are generously topped with a decadent Maytag bleu cheese cream and crumbles, creating a harmonious balance of spice and richness. Whether you choose the Cajun-spiced chicken, shrimp, or vegetable medley, you’re in for a flavor adventure that will awaken your senses and leave you craving for more.
Conclusion
21 West End offers a truly unique and memorable dining experience in Fort Smith, Arkansas. The menu showcases a remarkable blend of traditional recipes and modern culinary creativity, catering to diverse palates with its extensive selection of appetizers, soups, salads, seafood, vegetarian, and meat main courses, as well as special dishes that are sure to delight.
From the crisp and creamy crab cakes to the indulgent triple cream brie wrapped in puff pastry, each dish is a testament to the chef’s skill and commitment to using only the freshest, highest-quality ingredients. The restaurant’s cozy yet elegant ambiance, coupled with attentive service, creates an inviting atmosphere perfect for any occasion.
Whether you’re a local resident or visiting Fort Smith, 21 West End promises a culinary adventure that will leave you craving more. Treat yourself to an unforgettable dining experience by making a reservation today and savoring the flavors that have made 21 West End a true gem in the local dining scene.