Eat Arkansas

LITTLE ROCK, ARKANSAS (November 13, 2008) – Downtown Little Rock’s River Market District welcomes two new restaurants this month.  Mason’s Deli & Grill and Bangkok Thai Cuisine will open for business this month in the River Market’s Ottenheimer Market Hall.

Mason’s Deli & Grill is a German/Bavarian style deli owned and operated by brothers Sam and Omar Kassees. Their booth is located in the Market Hall next to Cocoa Belle. Mason’s will specialize in bratwursts, German-style burgers and subs, pretzels, and specialty cheeses. Their Grand Opening is set for Saturday, November 22nd.

Bangkok Thai Cuisine is the endeavor of Srimala Vang, a vendor at the River Market Farmers’ Market who grew up working in the restaurant business in Chiangmai, Thailand. Srimala has long dreamed of opening her own Thai restaurant. Along with her husband Vinnie, they will officially open for business in the space next to Casa Mañana on Saturday, November 29th.

“One of my favorite things about the River Market is the cultural diversity in our offerings,” noted Shannon Light, River Market Manger.  “You can enjoy Mediterranean, Japanese, Mexican, and now German & Thai cuisine. A walk around the River Market is almost like a walk around the world. I’m very happy that we can offer such a variety of foods & gourmet take-out items to our guests.”

In addition to the Bavarian specialties offered at Mason’s Deli & Grill, you can expect to find seafood specials on Tuesdays and Fridays, a few breakfast items, desserts, and fresh salads.

Bangkok’s menu will include such traditional Thai fare as Khao Pad (Thai fried rice), Pad Thai (Thai fried noodles), Tom Yum Goong (a soup with chili paste, lemongrass, mushroom, herbs & spices, and shrimp), and much more. Thai cuisine is designed to stimulate all 5 taste buds: sweet, sour, hot, salty, and neutral. But the charm of Thai cuisine lies not only in its harmonious flavors, but with its nutritional qualities. The fresh herbs and spices used by Srimala such as turmeric, galangal, coriander, lemongrass, and fresh chilies - have immune-boosting and disease-fighting power.

The Ottenheimer Market Hall is open Monday through Saturday from 7am until 6pm. For more information about the River Market, visit www.rivermarket.info.