Prepare for a plaid-clad invasion.
National chain Tilted Kilt Pub & Eatery opened its first Arkansas location on North Mall Avenue in Fayetteville, making it one of about 70 such restaurants in the country.
The franchise is already looking to expand in the state, says Assistant General Manager Aarron Morgan.
The restaurant concept blends Irish, Scottish and American flavors, and the menu reflects that with offerings as Irish as Shepherd’s Pie and as American as a pulled pork sandwich. The restaurant opened about two months ago in a former TGI Fridays location and has what Morgan describes as a “fun, pubby atmosphere.”
Appetizer choices include the Irish nachos, which include chips, cheese, ground beef and tomatoes ($6.99);
Drunken Clams, which are steamed in beer and served with garlic bread ($9.99); and the hot wings, which come in several sauce options, including the Kilt Burner ($7.99).
Popular entrees include the Gaelic chicken, which pairs pan-seared chicken breasts, onions and mushrooms in a whiskey cream sauce. The dish is served with garlic mashed potatoes and garlic bread ($10.99). No Irish restaurant is complete without a shepherd’s pie. Tilted Kilt’s version tops ground beef, carrots and peas with a mound of mashed potatoes and mushroom gravy ($8.99).
Flatbread pizzas ($6.99-$8.99)are also popular, including a barbecue chicken pizza and the Scottish cheesesteak pizza, topped with shaved ribeye steak, peppers and cheese.
Although many of the restaurant’s entrees and dishes are battered and fried, several salads can be found on the menu as well. Among them is the Bleu Cheese Steak Salad, which places a cookedto-order flat iron steak on a bed of romaine lettuce and bleu cheese crumbles ($11.99).
All of the food is delivered by the Tilted Kilt girls, who wear short kilts and white shirts tied tight and cinched high above the waist. It’s no more skin than is visible at a beach, Morgan says, and he notes many families are frequent visitors to the restaurant.
The restaurant plays up the international theme, too, offering a wide selection of Irish beers and having practice runs for St. Patrick’s Day. On the 17th of each month, the restaurant offers drink specials and corned beef sandwiches.
Tilted Kilt is considering offering catering services in the future, Morgan says.
Whats Up, Pages 17 on 06/22/2012