Thunder Ridge Nature Arena hosted a media day on Monday, July 15 to give a sneak peek at the exclusive dishes specifically created for the venue. Those who have experienced something created by Johnny Morris and his team know that hospitality and shining a spotlight on the Ozarks are two things that they consider of the utmost importance.
Upon entering the arena, nestled in 1,200 acres of land donated by Morris to create the first-of-its-kind venue, it's easy to notice the amount of work that continues to be put into making each experience unique, for each person who buys a ticket to an event.
However, the food tasting event held in the White River Party Barn offered insight to just what is included with premium upgrades. A high-quality menu of hand-crafted items offers something for everyone. Guests were greeted with an appetizer of smoked trout dip on a toasted crostini with capers and micro greens. The trout is locally sourced for the venue from Mountain Springs Trout Farm in Highlandville, Mo.
After a welcome from Chef David Wright, attendees got a taste of the wild array of locally inspired food and mocktail selection; Sunset Plateau (limeade with fresh limes and blueberries) and Ridgedale Smash (pineapple juice with mango puree, topped with club soda and rimmed with chamoy and Tajin).
Custom concession food selections included Johnny Morris' premier grilled Bison dogs served on "TR" branded potato buns, house-smoked BBQ brisket sadwiches, roasted ears of corn plus street-stule corn with cilantro, Tajin, cotija cheese, and Mexican creme.
Premium food selections offered were hand-carved herb-crusted prime rib with Au just and horseradish sauce, arugula pear salads with bacon, candied pecans, feta, and bacon vinaigrette, all-beef cheeseburger sliders, smoked garlic rope sausage with spicy mustard and Uncle Buck's kettle chips, bass bites, house-made candied bacon and trail mix.
“We smoke about an average of 1,500 pounds of meat for every show we do,” said Chef David.
The BBQ sauce served is actually a recipe of his own personal BBQ sauce which has won awards on its own. The sweet, subtle spice added a wonderful layer to the already smokey flavor of the variety of meats.
The venue also offers a range of dessert selections including mini apple and cherry pies, banana walnut cake (a vegan option), banana pudding, stuffed cookies with raspberry and dulce de leche flavors and a S'mores kit.
“One of the things Johnny Morris said to me was that when he’s gone, he wants to leave jobs behind. He said he wants everyone in the Ozarks to feel like they can take care of their family and have a job to fall back on,” Chef David added. “Johnny’s in his 70’s, he doesn’t need to be adding new things to his business life, but he wants to keep them going to make sure that everyone in this area that wants one, has a job. It’s just awesome what he’s doing here.”
Morris’ vision for creating “America’s most beautiful outdoor amphitheater” is deeply rooted in conservation. The property’s land and all buildings and infrastructure have been donated and permanently set aside as part of a not-for-profit foundation committed to the cause of conservation.
“We know that conservation is the goal here – and that is unlike any other venue out there. With that in mind, we try to use sustainable products, locally-sourced foods, all the way down to the plates,” Chef David added. “Our plates are made out of fallen palm leaves.”
The historic White River Party Barn at Thunder ridge has been beautifully restored, offering a retro, yet elegant charm. Inside, Waylon’s WAtering Hole creates a welcoming space for mingling and enjoying the show with stunning views and expansive decks for a unique atmosphere during the events.
The White River Party Barn also has dedicated restrooms and air conditioning, as well as the all-inclusive pre-event culinary experience in the Sunset Ridge Lounge.
Reserved terrace seating in the Sunset Ridge Lounge offers an exclusive vantage point in a separate setting outside the White River Party Barn, with an exceptional view of the stage and the Ozarks beauty surrounding.
The Terrace features premium parking and access to the all-inclusive pre-event dining, beverage credit and a reserved terrace table with seating.
Full information about premium experiences at Thunder Ridge Nature Arena can be found by visiting thunderridgenaturearena.com/premium-experiences.
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