<p>Matt McClure, executive chef of the Hive at the 21c Hotel in Bentonville, checked in by phone to describe his culinary school and early restaurant experience in New England and the steps that took him to the Capital Hotel in Little Rock and on to the 21c. Behind all those moves -- staying close to the woman who would become his wife.</p>

Donnie Ferneau of Cathead's Diner in Little Rock, AR

"Heaping Spoonful" is a twice-monthly conversation with restaurateurs, chefs, growers and others who have helped generate the legends associated with eateries across the Mid-South. The team at Ben E. Keith is proud to sponsor this adventure with the goal of preserving the stories that have helped cultivate an amazing food scene across the Mid-South.