With August just around the corner, folks around these parts are preparing themselves for weather that feels like the sun has come to earth and decided to stay awhile. In such parched times, there’s nothing I like better to eat than a cool, refreshing green salad — and we’re lucky here in Little Rock to have some fine salad makers. From the toppings-heavy creations of U.S. Pizza, to the fresh-tossed masterpieces at ZaZa’s, there’s a salad for almost any taste available. For a quick lunch that’s packed with good flavor, though, nothing beats the salads at Boulevard Bread Company, especially the Italian Chop Salad.
This large salad begins with a foundation of crisp romaine lettuce, upon which is piled tomato, red onion, avocado, bell pepper, blue cheese, and salami. And as if that weren’t enough, a large cup of house-made mustard dressing comes nestled amongst all that goodness, ready to go. It’s the sort of salad that can be eaten as a meal and keep a body full for several hours; Boulevard’s attention to high quality produce, meats, and cheeses is apparent in every bite. There’s nothing here that’s too heavy for hot weather, even the dressing, so when it gets so hot that nothing sounds good, pick up one of these hydrating salads and cool off. The delightful mix of fresh vegetables, savory cheese, and salty salami makes for bite after perfect bite.
The Italian Chop Salad is just one of several salads available, and of course there are a large selection of excellent sandwiches available as well. Boulevard Bread Company is located in the Heights on Grant Street, right off Kavanaugh, in Ottenheimer Hall in the River Market, on South Main Street, and on the campus of UAMS.