From Citiscapes Metro Monthly, February 2003
Reprinted here by kind permission

Chef Spotlight: Chef Chrissy Sanderson

Making Her Mark

Like many fine dining establishments, Bordino’s frequently updates its menu; here patrons enjoy seasonal dishes ranging from classic to eclectic Northern Italian cuisine. Bordino’s also has an ever-changing wine list, with new wines offered by the glass every two weeks.

But last year, a lot more changed at Bordino’s than the menu. Chef Juan Barcenas, who had created Bordino’s menu and award-winning food since the restaurant opened in 1996, bid the staff a sad but friendly goodbye to fulfill his dream of opening a pizzeria. Chef Chrissy Sanderson, who recently completed her studies at the Culinary Institute of America, was brought on board in October to continue the restaurant’s reputation as the home of some of the best Italian cuisine in the region.

Sanderson says she couldn't be happier about returning to Northwest Arkansas to oversee Bordino’s kitchen, for it was there she was first inspired to become a chef herself. Before heading to culinary school, Sanderson worked at both Bordino's and its sister restaurant, Jose’s. (Both establishments are owned by Fayetteville’s restaurateur-extraordinaire Joe Fennel.)

For now, Sanderson is still cooking up delicious dishes developed by Chef Barcenas for Bordino’s fall menu. Yet she’s already begun creating Bordino’s next bunch of offerings; Sanderson will unveil her first menu in April, a time of year that provides a wonderful pallet of fresh vegetables and fruits for her to work with. “Everything is always better during that time,” she said.

Besides fresh springtime fare, Sanderson also has a few other changes in mind for Bordino’s. Although the restaurant already uses some locally produced ingredients, such as Doeling Dairy goat cheese, Sanderson plans to incorporate more local produce and meats.

As she develops the new menu, she also plans to create dining choices that pair well with specific wines. For that strategy, she will depend heavily on the expertise of general manager Angela Stem. Stem is currently completing her Master Sommelier wine certification, which she likens to “getting a PhD in wine.”

“It’s a perfect partnership, really,” Stem says of her teamwork in producing a new menu alongside Sanderson. The two developed a friendship through their previous years of working together, and said they're happy to be working together again.

Bordino’s is open from 5 to 10 p.m., with the bar open until 11p.m., Monday through Thursday, and 5 to 11 p.m., with the bar open until midnight, Fridays and Saturdays. Bordino’s is located at 324 West Dickson Street, behind Jose's.

For reservations, call (479) 527-6795. For more information, visit www.bordinos.com.