Displaced foodies living in random towns across the United States – from Oklahoma to Arkansas to every fly over state in between - it’s time to rejoice. Pinnacle Station Local Market in Rogers, Arkansas is here to ease your gourmet needs.
What’s a “displaced foodie?” you might ask. Well, my “displaced foodie” journey began five years ago when I gave up living in a large, “foodie friendly” city for love. I fell in love at work (I know, so cliche, right?), and before I knew it I lived in Stillwater, Oklahoma. One of the things I miss most about living in a metropolitan area, besides my friends, is the wide availability of gourmet food. I often find myself fantasizing about a shopping trip not to Neiman Marcus or Saks Fifth Avenue, but to Whole Foods. Sometimes I can’t help but sigh in foodie frustration when I find myself situated in a small town with not one – but two– Super Wal-marts.
Imagine my surprise this weekend, as I was visiting my parents in Rogers, Arkansas, when I found a gourmet food market that could very well be a pint-sized version of Whole Foods. Here’s the catch – the gourmet food market is half market and half gas station. Can you picture it? Fill up your car with some gas and then go shop for some Mahi Mahi. Now that’s my idea of a true one stop shop.
Me just livin' the dream. The actual gas station was called "White Oak Station." But the market is called Pinnacle Station Local Market.
I have to admit that I’m skeptical by nature, so I didn’t really believe that I could buy real gourmet food at this place. I decided to put Pinnacle Station Local Market to the ultimate test. Make a gourmet dinner with recipes from Ruth Reichl’s Gourmet cookbook. I chose to serve Chilean Sea Bass with Chile Lime Butter for the main entrée. I also wanted to prepare some Saffron Rouille as a side dish. (I planned to serve it on a toasted baguette.) And, of course, a meal wouldn’t be complete at my house without a chocolate dessert. I opted for the deliciously simple Truffle Fudge recipe.
The results?
I found fresh, succulent Chilean Sea Bass for the main entrée. I was stunned to find saffron threads in the spice aisle for my Saffron Rouille. I was delighted to discover a broad selection of gourmet chocolate. I chose Askinosie Chocolate, 62% cacao and Michel Cluizel chocolate, 72% cacao. The only ingredient I couldn’t find at the market was a fresh Serrano pepper. Not too shabby for gas station food.
The gluten-free section. What?! At a gas station!
Saffron threads, black sesame seed...
Ingredients for the Truffle Fudge








