On any given day, patrons line up to get a hot, homemade lunch served at Neighbor to Neighbor.
But this day was different. Places were set at the many tables and those streaming through the front door were invited to find a seat and be served. Waiting on them were staff and volunteers who filled tea glasses and visited.
Then Oscar Bullard Jr. got busy. By day, he’s a special agent with the Arkansas State Police, where he has served for 24 years and now investigates violent crimes. But perhaps more people know him for his prowess in the kitchen – think Bullsden BBQ and Catering – where he specializes in mouth-watering pulled pork dinners with all the fixings. And, heavens, don’t forget the banana pudding.
Bullard, surrounded by his Phi Beta Sigma fraternity brothers, was part of several special events being held this summer at Neighbor to Neighbor, which is celebrating its 40-year anniversary. On this day, Bullard had been invited by director Pat Tate to prepare the lunch at the food pantry as a “celebrity chef.” He said he and the fraternity members saw it as a way to give back to the community.
“We had talked about doing something nice for Neighbor to Neighbor,” Bullard said. “When Ms. Tate approached me, we talked about the menu, and we put it together and presented it. That’s one of the main things we do.”
Other than the pulled pork on a bun, there was potato salad, baked beans, coleslaw and smoked sausage slathered in barbecue sauce.
“It’s what we’re known for,” Bullard said. “It’s a popular summer meal. I almost forgot the banana pudding, but Pat reminded me. It’s the most asked about item we have.”
