Welcome to Emelia's!

Photo by Melanie Wilkins

The eagerly awaited day has arrived: Emelia's Kitchen is open for business! Monday evening was the official grand opening, with a fabulous party for a wide array of invited guests. There was a glorious buffet, and also musical entertainment. The elegantly appointed atmosphere, awash in the glow of candlelight provided an excellent venue for mingling, dancing and dining. Here are some highlights of the evening:

Downtown movers and shakers Ron Drake of DRC, Shelley Simmons of Main Street Siloam Springs, and Realtor Christina Drake, owner of Local Flair Art Gallery.

The evening's entertainer, Arthur Hervey. He was incredible! He is currently an entertainer at Harrah's Lake Tahoe, while also maintaining residency in Siloam Springs with his lovely wife Randy. I just visited his website, and I am completely amazed by his range of talent and experience. I mean, he has sung a duet with James Brown. Seriously! Now that he's local, I can only hope there will be more opportunities to check out his act.

The young lady in the green skirt also performed during the event. Her name is Alexis Wilkins, and she is a tremendously talented singer. She divides her time between Fayetteville and LA, where she attends the School of Rock. She is pictured with George Ouyoumjan, owner of Emelia's, and her mother, Melanie Wilkins. Talent certainly runs in their family, as Melanie took many of the lovely photos featured in this post. Many thanks again, Melanie!

Rachel Beck from the St. Francis Clinic and Quiznos owners Monica and Eliud Saldivar.

Photo by Melanie Wilkins

Photo by Melanie Wilkins

Photo by Melanie Wilkins

Photo by Melanie Wilkins

Photo by Melanie Wilkins

Mayor David Allen congratulating George Ouyoumjan and Sara Lusher, the owners of Emelias'.

Photo by Melanie Wilkins

Ron Drake and George overseeing the party.

Photo by Melanie Wilkins

Photo by Melanie Wilkins

Here is a group of satisfied revelers: Starting with Kathy Coleman (the woman in pink) and moving to the right, Sharon and Bob Wasson, Nancy and M.L. “Moose” Van Pouke, Sue Ellen and Jack Chase and Carla Wasson.

Emelia's Kitchen serves a wide variety of dishes, from aged Rib Eye ($28.99), Orange Roughy ($21.99), and Mediterranean Pasta ($21.99) to Falafels ($7.59), Gyros ($7.59), and their homemade Armenian Hummus ($6.99). They are open for lunch Tuesday-Friday from 11-2, dinner Tuesday -Thursday from 5-9, dinner Friday and Saturday from 5-10, and brunch on Saturday-Sunday from 9-2. They are located at the corner of University and Mt. Olive. Call 524-4411 for reservations and more information.