Modoko Asian Kitchen in Rogers, Arkansas

Hailing from San Francisco, Michelle and Reid Combellack knew after visiting Northwest Arkansas that they needed to make Rogers, Arkansas home after a family friend approached the couple with the opportunity to partner and open a restaurant.  The Combellack's have two other local partners who also have additional local businesses in Northwest Arkansas.

 

Modoko came to be when the owners decided to open a restaurant that boasts good quality and locally sourced as much as possible.  They wanted a unique vibe that offered classic Asian dishes in a modern setting with hand crafted cocktails.

Reid knew the next step was to hire a chef that shared the owner's same vision.  He asked a dear friend, Ryan Brown, who had just returned from China where he was living and working in Shanghai opening a few restaurants.  This was perfect timing as Modoko's menu brings in flavors and dishes from Vietnam, China, and Thailand.  Reid and Chef Ryan had worked together at The Slanted Door in San Francisco and Reid knew that Ryan would be the perfect fit for Modoko .

Chef Ryan says, "Although it's been a big change moving from San Francisco, I'm excited to get involved in the up and coming Northwest Arkansas culinary scene.  I'm also an avid fisherman, so moving to an area that has some of the best fishing around is a huge bonus for me."

Modoko cuisine is designed to be shared and served à la carte.  With so many flavors on the menu, Chef Ryan recommends that guests order a few different dishes to really experience the different flavor profiles offered.  Start your meal off with the pork & shrimp Shumai Dumplings; Sichuan peppercorn, shrimp, pork, and garlic Sichuan Wontons, or choose from three options of rolls - Fresh Spring Roll, Crispy Egg Roll, or Fresh Veg Spring Roll.  On to the main course, two of the most popular options are the Shaking Beef (Bo Luc Lac) featuring a wok fried filet mignon, red onion, tomato, and watercress and the Caramelized Shrimp with white onion, chili paste, garlic, and caramel sauce.  You can't go wrong with either entree, but you should probably go ahead and order both!  Round out your meal with the Ginger Limeade.  This light and refreshing cocktail is made from Tito's Vodka with freshly made-in-house lime juice and ginger syrup with locally sourced honey simple syrup and topped with soda water.

Modoko is proud to source locally for as many of their ingredients as possible.  All micro greens, chicken, pork, and honey are sourced right here locally in Northwest Arkansas.  All honey used at the restaurant is sourced from one of their business partners who is a bee keeper.  Modoko also partners with JoyHouse Coffee Co. that partners with Haiti employing workers in sustainable jobs and returns 50% of profits to Haiti directly.

Looking for a restaurant for your next company dinner or team building event?  Look no further!  Modoko hosts their own cooking classes, events can be found on their website, or you can book a private party just for your group.  Custom menus can be made for an event or dinner for corporate events, wedding rehearsals, wedding receptions, family events, and social events.  There are three separate meeting spaces that can open to one room that will seat 60 guests comfortably.  Modoko also offers a patio for those larger events that might need a little extra space.

Reid says, "My wife and I were drawn to Northwest Arkansas because of the friendly community feel and the opportunities that came with a growing area.  We are honored to be a part of this thriving community."

For more information about Modoko Asian Kitchen, please visit their website, Facebook page, and Instagram.

Modoko is located at 5204 W. Village Parkway, Suite 1 Rogers, AR 72758.  To book a private event, please contact (479) 268-6871 or reidc@komodonwa.com.