Get ready to turn up the flavor – Arkansas TV is serving up something brand new. The all-new, Arkansas TV-produced healthy cooking show “Arkansas Taste Kitchen” will make its debut in March, demonstrating that eating well doesn’t have to be boring, expensive or intimidating.
Hosted by beloved Arkansas personality Craig O’Neill, “Arkansas Taste Kitchen” brings the joy of home cooking to the forefront. Each episode blends expert culinary skill and practical nutrition advice, all with a distinct Arkansas flair.
A Recipe for Real-Life Cooking
At its core, “Arkansas Taste Kitchen” is about making affordable, healthy, flavorful meals that actually work in real kitchens. Filmed in the kitchens at the University of Arkansas Pulaski Technical College (UA-PTC), the show pairs O’Neill with two top-tier experts:
- Dr. Robert Hall, local master chef and culinary instructor at UA-PTC
- Alyssa Frisby, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences Culinary Medicine nutrition expert and registered dietitian
Together, they show viewers that great food can be affordable, approachable and delicious, no matter your budget or cooking experience.
Along the way, they dish out practical tips on:
- Understanding nutritional value
- Managing portion sizes
- Reading and decoding food labels
- Making smarter choices without sacrificing flavor
Meet the Master Chef and Nutritionist Behind the Magic
Hall’s culinary journey started in Arkansas in 1991, when he worked as a prep cook at A Place to Eat in Conway. From there, his passion took him across the country, sharpening his skills and building an award-winning career.
Hall has earned multiple medals from the Southwest Regional ACE Challenge and even served as an executive chef at the 2008 Beijing Olympics. Today, he brings all that experience back to Arkansas as the lead teaching professor of culinary arts at UA-PTC, mentoring the next generation of chefs and sharing his expertise with viewers at home.
Frisby is a registered and licensed dietitian at UAMS, serving as an instructor and senior brand and project manager for the Culinary Medicine program. She earned her degree in mass media communications from the College of Charleston before completing her post-baccalaureate and master’s degree in nutrition at the University of Central Arkansas.
A Show That Feels Right at Home
Whether you’re a seasoned home cook or someone who’s still figuring out which pan to use, this show meets you where you are.
With expert guidance, local roots and a welcoming, upbeat tone, “Arkansas Taste Kitchen” is set to become a must-watch for anyone who loves food and wants to feel good about what’s on their plate.
Be on the Look Out
Grab a seat at the table and tune in – Arkansas Taste Kitchen premieres in March on Arkansas TV. Visit arkansastv.gov/schedule for more.