Discovering New American Cuisine

Have you ever found yourself wondering about the term “New American” cuisine? It’s a phrase you might have heard in passing, but perhaps you’re not quite sure what it entails. Fear not, we’re here to enlighten you.

Amidst the vast array of restaurant types, we’re going to delve into the world of New American cuisine, exploring what it means, what you might find on the menu, and where you can experience it, specifically at a new gem in Magnolia, Arkansas – Lefty’s on the Square.

Unraveling the Mystery

When you come across a restaurant labeled as “New American”, it signifies a fusion of traditional American cooking techniques with elements from across the globe. This blend is what makes New American cuisine stand out. The dishes you’ll encounter are not your everyday fare.

The concept of “New American” cuisine made its debut in the 1980s, believed to be an evolution from the 1960s “nouvelle cuisine”. It marries the farm-to-table movement with a diverse range of ingredients, providing chefs with a canvas for culinary creativity.

Don’t be daunted by this cuisine; it’s not about extravagant food. It’s about combining different ingredients to give a fresh twist to dishes. The flavors are fresh, unique, and simply amazing. You’ll find yourself marveling at the ingredients and wondering, “Why didn’t I think of that?”

Exploring our New American Menu

Imagine classic recipes with a unique twist – that’s what you’ll find on a New American menu. At Lefty’s, we’ve curated a dynamic  menu that showcases the best of New American cuisine, with dishes that are both innovative and delicious. Check out some early examples.

Innovative Appetizers

Our appetizer menu includes dishes like Brown Sugar Candied Bacon, slow-baked hickory-smoked bacon topped with layers of brown sugar, and Pumpkin Whipped Feta, baked with a honey drizzle and served with a variety of olives and house-made crackers.

We also offer Blue Cheese Stuffed Bacon Wrapped Dates, Medjool dates stuffed with blue cheese, wrapped in bacon and topped with a balsamic vinaigrette and honey reduction. Our Cajun Cheesecake is a spicy and savory dish with andouille sausage, crawfish, crab or shrimp mixed with cream cheese and baked in a Parmesan cheese and butter crust.

Main Course Delights

Our dinner menu features a 12 oz Beef Filet, served with roasted brussel sprouts and smashed new potatoes, resting on a smear of fresh pesto and topped with a spiced butter flower. The Pork Shank served sous vide is presented with a green salad, horseradish mashed potatoes, and green beans wrapped in bacon.

Our Chicken Thighs over Grits and Greens are brined and pan-seared, pairing perfectly with stone-ground yellow grits and spinach, and served with a fried black-eyed pea patty. The Lemon Garlic Scallops are sautéed and served with zucchini pasta in a Parmesan butter sauce, with roasted heirloom tomatoes to finish the dish.

New American cuisine is all about adding different flavors to classic dishes to create something unique. These fresh and inviting spins will tempt your tastebuds to return for more.

Experience New American Cuisine at Lefty’s

If the above-mentioned New American menu items have left your mouth watering, there’s only one thing to do: visit Lefty’s on the Square in Magnolia, Arkansas. Whether it’s lunch or dinner, you’ll immediately recognize the New American flair that makes Lefty’s stand out among other restaurants.

With so many different ingredients infused into otherwise ordinary dishes, we create a new spin on them that will leave your tastebuds delighted. Be sure to stop in and say hello the next time you’re in downtown Magnolia!