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« March 2008 | Main | May 2008 »
Thursday, April 24, 2008 - 09:36:02
Vermillion
Mike Selig’s Vermillion has opened the rooftop of the Capital Commerce Center for private events. Opening the roof to the general public in afternoons and evenings may follow. Selig has also introduced his first bar menu, which includes items from the raw bar, sandwiches and appetizers.Click here for the menu.
At 6:30 p.m. on Monday, April 28, Vermillion will host a J. Lohr wine dinner on the rooftop for $65. Here's the offering:
Apertif Wine
J. Lohr Wildflower Valdique
Appetizers from Vermillion Raw Bar
Sesame Sashimi (Hawaii)
Mussels (Maine)
Clams (Florida)
Oysters (Louisiana)
Shrimp (Texas)
J. Lohr Johannesburg Riesling, Monterey
Salad
Crisp Spinach and Seared Gorgonzola Cheese
Lavosh Crostini with Sun-Dried Cherry Relish and a Pistachio Vinaigrette
J. Lohr Chardonnay, Arroyo Vista Vineyards
Entrée
Sweet Basil Pan-Seared Duck Picatta on a Bed of Braised Fennel with a Balsamic Hazelnut Reduction
J. Lohr Cabernet Sauvignon, Seven Oaks
Dessert
Gateau Layered with a Timbale of Flourless Chocolate with a Dark Chocolate Butter Cream Nestled on Sugar Straw Finished with a White Chocolate Lattice
J. Lohr Wildflower Validique
Wednesday, April 23, 2008 - 10:57:16
Cupcakery
Cupcakes on Kavanaugh has opened at 5625 Kavanaugh Blvd. across from Mary Healey’s in the Heights. Every day the store offers four “classics,” all of which involve some combination of vanilla and/or Ghirardelli chocolate, and three to five specialty varieties. Because of a high demand and start-up kinks, the cupcakery has been open only from noon to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday, though in the two weeks the store has been open, the cupcakes have frequently sold out before five. Look for an 11 a.m. opening time in the coming weeks. The phone number, appropriately enough, is 664-CAKE (2253).Anyone been?
Not a good sign
Velo Rouge Brasserie has stopped serving lunch. “Business has been slow,” a waiter confided to one of our staffers.Previously.
Monday, April 21, 2008 - 14:12:46
Can We Get Some Service Around Here?
I am disappointed and annoyed to report that I had to walk out of Capers recently. Understand that while I was only slightly intrigued by their menu, I still really wanted to give this place a chance. After all, I had read only positive reviews in the AR Times and had been meaning to check it out for years.
First and foremost, it's hugely off-putting when you can practically hear the passing seconds of a ticking clock after you are seated and your tables are "watered." No communication, no drink orders taken, nada. The window for taking drink orders is narrow in my book; 2-4 minutes, tops. We waited upwards of 15 minutes. A waiter even made direct eye contact with our table, but then swiftly returned to the business of ignoring the entire back deck. The hostess gazed upon us with complete emptiness as we left. We watched tumbleweeds scatter to the wind as we sulked our way back to our vehicle.
Secondly, I found their wine menu to be slightly outrageous. The price fluctuations from $21.50 to $130.00 were dizzying, to say the least. For example, a Rosemount Estate Shiraz for $36.95? Seriously? I mean… seriously?
And finally, LIST the VINTAGE on the wine menu, for crying out loud. For the sake of the grape varietal, for the sake of the vineyard, for the sake of food pairings- why not give your customers a little guidance? It makes a lot of difference when I eat out.
Any despondent restaurant experiences you’ve had as of late?
Thursday, April 17, 2008 - 10:00:24
The new Italian couple
There won't be any need to change the name: Claudio and Varina Formaris have purchased the Italian Couple from Michael and Yuli Waters. The Waters plan to devote their energies to their limoncello brand, Lombardi.
Claudio Formaris said that he will maintain the core of the restaurant's cuisine, but incrementally, he plans to introduce dishes inspired from his hometown of Torino in the Piedmont region of Northern Italy. (Waters comes from Tuscany.) Look for Torino wine and some changes to the decor as well, Formaris said. The hours, initially, will remain 5:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. Monday to Saturday, with lunch on Friday. The phone number is still 372-4448.
Cheddar's
Add Cheddar's Casual Cafe to the list of already confirmed restaurants set to soon begin construction at the Shackleford Crossing development. The Chili's-style chain will join other national chains Copeland's Famous New Orleans Restaurant and Bar, Texas Roadhouse and Zaxby's and local concepts Samurai Steakhouse and Panda Chinese Buffet. This addition leaves at least three more spaces for restaurants at the retail center.
Anyone have any first hand reports on what Cheddar's is all about?
Wednesday, April 16, 2008 - 11:05:45
Enchilada help sought
A mention here about 3 a.m. enchiladas back in the 1970s at the late Town Hall in downtown North Little Rock -- a blood relative of Mexico Chiquito of yore -- has sent one reader on a so-far fruitless quest for that enchilada recipe.
Can anyone help?
Cue it up
Spring Bake
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