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Special experiences at Lasang Pinoy
Karaoke! Yes, you read that right, Lasang Pinoy has karaoke.
“ It’ s hard to separate a Filipino from a microphone,” Smith laughed.“ Filipino culture is deeply intertwined with karaoke, making it a national
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due to its widespread popularity and cultural significance. Lasang Pinoy has two private karaoke rooms, Go Bananas and Go Coconuts. They seat up to 12 people and can be reserved online for one-hour increments.
Another unique offering at the
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“ It’ s a communal, hands-on dining experience that symbolizes equality, brotherhood and camaraderie,” Smith said.“ Guests will be seated at our family table and enjoy the ultimate Filipino finger food feast. Reservations are required at least three days in advance.”
Another experience that they are excited to launch is the Supper Club, offering a four-course meal with a drink pairing. Memberships are available now for the club, set to begin in the fall and meet monthly.
“ Our Supper Club is our storytelling time,” Smith said.“ It is a monthly supper club exploring the rich history of the Philippines through its culinary connections with other countries. Each month, we spotlight a different nation, uncovering how its culture, trade and history have influenced Filipino cuisine, one plate at a time.”
Lasang Pinoy also offers a Filipino brunch on Sundays from 10 a. m. to 2 p. m. It’ s a soulful celebration of Filipino comfort food with silogs( Filipino breakfast dishes) combining garlic fried rice, perfectly cooked eggs, and your choice of house-made tapa, longanisa or tocino, fresh pandesal( made by the Pinay owner of Sourdough & Mo’), fruits, champorado and arroz caldo. Dine al fresco on the colorful patio with a mango mimosa and enjoy the day.
“ It’ s very important to me that we bring the cultural experience along with the food,” Smith noted.“ With that in mind, we will be hosting special events, dances, music, arts and crafts throughout the year.”
Making the transition from the corporate world to restaurateur
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has been quite rewarding for Smith.
“ I’ m an introvert by nature,” she said.“ So, it’ s really interesting to put myself out there and talk to people. But I have found that this is the most enjoyable part of my job. For the small moment that we get to feed them and take care of them, I strive to get to know them a little. And then they come back, and I get to know them a little more. It brightens my day to see someone who has come back again and again. I hope they know that they are special.”
Smith also believes that downtown Rogers is the ideal location to be launching her dream business.
“ I’ m so very blessed to have our business in downtown Rogers,” she said.“ The merchant community and the Rogers-Lowell Chamber of Commerce have been so supportive and collaborative. The vibe in Rogers is real.”
The love of other cultures and cuisines started when Smith was a girl. Her father, Joseph Martfeld, is a local Rogers boy who joined the Navy during the Vietnam War and met her mother, Teresa, in the Philippines. All three of their children were born in the Philippines as well – Maria in Zambales; brother Bill Martfeld in Angeles City, Pampanga; and sister Gina at Clark Air Base.
“ Being military brats, we grew up all over the world in places like Okinawa, Guam, Philippines, England, California and Maryland.” Smith said.” And I love that we bring the comforting flavors of home-cooked Filipino food and culture to the heart of Northwest Arkansas. Food that is authentic, made with love, and always worth the bite.”
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