Breakfast is served

The grand opening and operation of the Queen Anne Mansion and Resort, originally scheduled for April 4, got sidelined, along with rest of Eureka Springs’ hospitality industry, by the appearance of Covid-19. Now that the town is slowly reopening under CDC guidelines, the Queen Anne is preparing to welcome people into its elegant environs, beginning with breakfast al fresco.

Instead of the grand event expected last month, the Queen’s first public affair will begin Fathers’ Day weekend with the most important meal of the day, according to CEO Ann Gray.

Gray had an idea for outdoor dining and called on Chef Bobbie Sinklear, whose fledgling catering business had been grounded by covid; and in short order a new plan was on the menu. “Once I told him how many people we could seat on the beautiful Queen Anne lawn and pool area and still only be at one-third capacity, his creative mind went to work,” Gray said. “He understood right away what an exceptional experience this could be, and in no time had thought out a complete dining plan, starting with breakfast.”

The June 19 soft opening of the Queen Anne’s outdoor Beacon on the Hill Bistro will include all the breakfast favorites – eggs as you prefer them, specialty omelets, Benedicts, and anything from grits to blue cheese biscuits.

“Everything’s fresh from scratch,” Sinklear said, “and the menu will be ever-evolving. This will be a farm-to-table experience starring local produce”

Meanwhile, the landscape is being manicured, a canopy will be set up, and tables and chairs are being placed in regulation distance from one another around the bountiful lawns in preparation for those who enjoy relaxed dining accompanied by birdsong and fresh air.

For now, breakfast will be served Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 7 – 11 a.m. In keeping with guidelines, all guests are required to wear a mask until seated at their table. Seating is on a first come basis. Free parking is available inside the main gates off US 62.