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« June 2007 | Main | August 2007 »
Tuesday, July 31, 2007 - 16:38:43
Special occasions call for ...
A Special dining experience. A good friend is leaving after two years in the natural state and we want her to remember Little Rock and Arkansas fondly. So we took her out to dinner. To the Brave New Restaurant.
Began things with a bit of cheese, crackers, and fruit.
The special was scallops smothered in buttery, creamy goodness.
Our friend who is leaving ordered the mixed grill with succulent items such as pheasant sausage and quail.
The mammoth sized stuffed chicken.
And of course...
We arrived fairly late, so we got a table with no problem. The food and the service were outstanding as always. The wine list ain't too shabby either. Our friend seemed to enjoy the meal and everyone's company. In fact, its fair to say a good time (and a good meal) was had by all. And thats really what matters, right?
Where do you go to dine for that special occasion?
In stores no more
Little Rock grocers are reporting that they're no longer receiving milk from Mountain Springs Creamery, the little dairy in Marshall that became a local hit for bringing back milk in glass bottles. Fans claim the milk had a "grassy" taste -- from contented Ozarks-fed cows such as the one pictured here -- just like in the olden days. We've been trying to call the creamery, but getting no answer on the dairy and deli phone in Marshall. This suggests the end has come.
Sunday, July 29, 2007 - 16:52:26
Smokey and the Bandit
Steak Night at our homestead. The "Smokey" came from the soaked mesquite chips on the charcoal.
The "Bandit", well, thats the interesting part. I give you Arkansas' own Bandit's Famous Huntin' Camp Rub & Seasoning.
The label states:
"For Grilling & Smoking Fish, Fowl, or Meat. This rub and seasoning was perfected by Bandit after years of serving at hunting camps all over the South. For best results rub spices directly on the surface of your fish, fowl, or meat and let it sit a minimum of an hour.
Bandit is a Texican Terrier that now lives in Little Rock where he serves as Chief of Home Security for a local family. He enjoys eating and sleeping during his spare time. For more information call (501) 225-2800."
This wonderfull dry rub was purchased at the Arkansas State Capitol Gift Shop, but I'd bet that the Sauce Co. in the heights and a few other places also carry it. Salty at first, but tangy on the back end. I have to say it worked out great on the steaks seen above. I can't wait to try it on some fish or fowl.
Arriba! SWLR
We took a Sunday drive to Super Mercado Fresco, the made-over Affiliated Foods-related grocery at Geyer Springs and Baseline, which had a grand opening Saturday.
Looks like a winner. The story has bilingual signage and produce, meats and staples geared to the neighborhood's growing Hispanic population. Anybody who's been to a Fiesta market in Texas will know the concept. There are pinatas strung from the ceiling; a group of independent vendors create a bazaar-type atmosphere with jewelry, clothing and cookware sales.
Our quick tour notes: Vast selections of multiple types of peppers, plus several types of mangoes and plaintains. We bought a sack of fresh tomatillos to make a special sauce we first encountered at Ninfa's in Houston. Lots of cactus, of course.
In the meat section, you'll find skirt steak, chicken feet, octopus and lots of other specialty cuts. There's a big assortment of Mexican cheese and sausage. Free samples were offered of a spicy chipotle flavored link sausage.
The deli offered homemade tamales (two for $3) packed with piquant pork, along with burritos, tacos and other snacks. Tres leches cakes filled a refrigerator case if you're looking for a special occasion sweet, not to mention the usual colorful selection of pan dulce.
There's also a huge selection of Mexican sodas and fruit drinks, including Topo Chico, my favorite. There's also bottle horchata.
You'd think this concept has staying power. A question arises, however, about the impact of a big market on the many tiny neighborhood markets that have sprung up along Geyer Springs and Baseline.
PS -- How's this for kismet? My son and I went to lunch at Taqueria Karina after our supermarket reconnaisance and ran into Belly Boy and Mrs. Belly Boy. Neither of us was blogging, just eating. My excellent Spanish brought me an order of carne asada when I thought I'd ordered menudo. No matter. It was excellent.
Saturday, July 28, 2007 - 19:59:27
Check the Copper Grill
We had dinner tonight at the Copper Grill, Mary Beth Ringgold's sleek new restaurant in 300 West Third. It's an airy, bright and contemporary setting, but comfortable, neither stuffy nor pretentious. If I had a place upstairs, I'd be down frequently for an icy martini and food that ranges from comfort food and burgers to more ambitious entrees and sauces.
About comfort food: That top image is a delightful invention, balls of excellent macaroni and cheese dipped in panko, the Asian-style bread crumbs, and deep fried. How can you lose? The blackberry dipping sauce is quite good, but why bother?
We had some fine grilled fish -- halibut and tuna -- and a ribeye steak. Portions here are enormous.
Desserts were fine. We wanted to show you the architectural entry -- a stack of fried cinnamon dusted tortillas sandwiched with chocolate mousse and sauteed bananas -- but while we were pulling our camera out, a couple of eaters were demolishing the tower.
The temperature-controlled wine room reflects a major investment in vino, with dozens of interesting wines by the glass and half-bottle.
Thursday, July 26, 2007 - 16:01:00
Did ya leave room for dessert?
A few of my wife's favorites-
Bread Pudding from the Faded Rose.
Creme Brulee from Ciao downtown.
Creme Brulee from Cafe Prego in the Heights (OK- she likes Creme Brulee- a lot!).
To be honest, I don't eat much sugar, but my wife loves all of these desserts. And they sure do smell good.
Got a favorite place for dessert?
Sunday, July 22, 2007 - 19:49:32
Guess the Taco Truck
Hint #1- Thats a Chicken Burrito for $4.50, and it's HUGE and delicious. It has lettuce, tomatoes, rice, beans, chicken, and sauce all rolled up in a flour tortilla. It comes with a verde sauce on the side.
Hint #2- It's come up in at least one coversation here before.
Hint #3- Its not quite in SW Little Rock, but many of you have likely seen it.
For the first one to answer correctly- A beverage and an appetizer of your choice is on me when have a blog get-together.
Good Luck!
Update- That was fast. Arkansaist nailed it.
If you haven't already, stop by Alicia's- good, cheap, fresh, and filling. Next to the carwash on Bowman in West Little Rock (Wal-Mart parking lot).
NOTE FROM MAX: Alicia moves from time to time. On weekends, once the carwash workers have had lunch, she moves on to Col. Glenn, I think in the vicinity of Westwood Liquor.
Kool-Aid pickles and okra
Quick Fixes
Eggplant Emergency
Copper mining
Pie, oh my
Berry picking time in NWA
Ciao Baby....
Gumbo Ya Ya
Surf and Turf
MarketPlace coming to LR
Tastes Like Chicken?
Go fish
Bet you can eat just one
Jim Bob's Live Bait and Sushi Shop
Second Saturday
Arrivaderci Lucchesi's
We're just that responsive folks....
Call us jealous
Whatcha Grillin/Smokin?- UPDATE
Starving Artist on the move?
Fayetteville food news
Hitting the bottle.
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