Eat Arkansas: September 2007 Archives

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Saturday, September 29, 2007 - 12:38:26

Red meat

This correspondence badly needs a good photo of a six-pound Doe's sirloin, mounded with fries and swimming in juice, but I'm not in possession of one here at the motel by the Shannon Airport. Pix and comments welcome on this critique from a faithful Eat Arkansas reader (my own comment is that Doe's is a state of mind and when they hit the steak right -- crusty outside, blood red clear through -- and the fries are fresh and crispy, it's a wonderful place, and the service is generally as good as it gets. But the kitchen can be inconsistent when slammed, and sometimes when not, though rarely at lunch):

Let’s talk steak… and let’s start with Doe’s.

I worked at Doe’s in the late 80’s and early 90’s and got to enjoy the crazy days of Carville and Stephanopolis, Rolling Stone interviewing Clinton, Hunter S. Thompson, and more lobbyists than you could shake a double scotch at. Ole Bonny Mac (R.I.P.) could crank out perfectly cooked steaks by the ton. It was fun while it lasted, and I got a zillion meals of choice sirloin and other massive carnivorous treats. But that was then, and I’ve hardly been back.

There’s some damn good meat to be had there for sure, but I’ve always preferred a flame-kissed filet with a good béarnaise sauce or some good buttery mushrooms. Basically, less is more- 8 or 10 ounces of tenderloin is just more appealing to me than a two-friggin-pound T-bone. And with a steak, a good baked potato beats french fries, hands down. So what do you think?

Aside: lunch at Doe’s rocks, and the tamales are outstanding. I’m glad to see ole George spending some bucks on advertising, but I have to laugh at the ads with tamales in them. There’s chili on top, but they’re still in the shucks. Back in the day, we’d laugh our butts off at the occasional Yankee who’d do that and then try to eat the paper!

P.S. from Max -- I prefer good fries with a steak, emphasis on good, though I'm fond of bakers, too. I also love steak on the bone likeyou get at Doe's. And how could you mention Doe's without mentioning the nonpareil salad -- iceberg soaked in lemon juice and oil. Some people hate it. I'm not some people. Finally, there's the Texas toast to soak up the drippings. The more I think about it, the hungrier I get. I like to take a crowd and do the full Doe's -- starting with both shrimp and tamales.

Posted by Max Brantley at 12:38 PM | Permalink | Comments [5]

Friday, September 28, 2007 - 16:12:16

Bubba Proof

An Arkansas dry rub claims to be "Bubba Proof"-

Lets see if its Belly Boy proof.

We decided to grill some ribs. I know, I know, I should have slow smoked them but I was lazy. We threw in some soaked hickory for effect.

I had put the dry rub in about 2 or 3 hours before.

I gotta say it turned out pretty well for a product named "Hillbilly Willies". I expected a novelty product, but the rub gave it a little zing that I liked. Anybody had this before? As always, homemade dry rub recipes are encouraged, so please tell us yours.

Posted by Belly Boy at 04:12 PM | Permalink | Comments [2]

Thursday, September 27, 2007 - 10:44:55

Louisville Slugger

A reader who goes by "Sernin" returns from a conference in Louisville, Kentucky. She knocks one out of the park with this fine photo from Rivue Restaurant-

She described it as "a new restuarant that revolves and overlooks the Ohio River, I ordered the shrimp, pork, and pine nuts- my new favorite thing".

We can see why. I'm getting hungry.

Always remember to take your camera along on your culinary adventures!

Posted by Belly Boy at 10:44 AM | Permalink | Comments [0]

Monday, September 24, 2007 - 16:02:57

'You want multi-culturalism, you got it'

From Sai Gon Cuisine, Chicken Red Curry, thanks to reader Desiree, who writes that "for only $8.25, you get a big, heaping double serving portion of chicken sauteed in red curry paste, cocnut milk, red and green bell peppers, onion, bamboo shoots, and basil leaves. The curry coconut sauce is wonderful, ladled over the sticky rice."

Posted by Lindsey Millar at 04:02 PM | Permalink | Comments [1]

Saturday, September 22, 2007 - 13:43:51

Slim Pickins...

World Fest this year had a good turnout, but the food, well, lets just say maybe next year.

Nothing says multi-culturalism like a burger.

ooh- Greek food!

I'm not kidding- this is the menu for the greek food place-

But Samantha 2 showed up and gawd how I love their food-

I defy you to find me a better taco in Little Rock.

Five bucks for three awesome beef soft tacos. So- all in all, it wasn't too bad- but I kinda expected more at a "world fest". Its hard to get upset when you get a belly full of Samanthas tacos though.

Lots of good stuff going on down there at McArthur Park- check it out if you've got time.

Posted by Belly Boy at 01:43 PM | Permalink | Comments [3]

Birthday food

Mrs. Belly had her birthday last night. I grilled some kabobs, one of her favorite food groups. The yellow thingys are sunburst squash from Fresh Market. The veggies are yellow and red bell peppers, onions, and mushrooms.

And of course, shrimp. Simply seasoned with a bit of lime juice, sea salt and black pepper.

All were cooked on my Little Rock made Portable Kitchen Grill.

Whats your favorite birthday food (other than cake)?

Posted by Belly Boy at 04:53 AM | Permalink | Comments [2]

Thursday, September 20, 2007 - 06:44:35

This calls for hogs

A friend in Fayetteville swears by Rick's Bakery on North College. The photo here is, I'm guessing, more about visual impact than taste, but it's appropriate to the season.

Posted by Max Brantley at 06:44 AM | Permalink | Comments [1]