Eat Arkansas

Thanks Kat! My suggestion might go over about as well as a McDonalds Executive at a Farmers Market, but worth a shot.

For dinner this evening was red beans and rice in the crock pot. Yum! Let me tell you, it is NOT easy to find smoked sausage without MSG. If you ever find yourself in New Orleans, pick up a couple pounds of Creole Country Sausage. They have your standard andouille and boudin, but my favorite is the crawfish and green onion sausage. Story at clicky..

I must admit to having never had authentic boudin and andouille. It is on my list, but I am a slacker in that respect.

I am eating my way through some left overs tonight but got an OW Pizza for lunch and have some thoughts on that I will work up.

And Kat, now I am craving waffles. Blast it. Time to check the cupboard and see if I have the makings...

Me too Joel! Only I have one pretty big hurdle--no waffle iron! Not sure how Mr. EY and I get on without one other than years of Good Eats has drilled into us skepticism of the unitasker.

Red beans and rice? You're the second person to have mentioned that for dinner. Sounds better every time I hear it.

EY, have you not seen the waffle episode of Good Eats??? Waffle irons are approved! Don't remember how he got around the whole unitasker aspect of it, but he talked about the pros and cons of the various models and made a recommendation.

Removable cast-iron coated plates allowed it to function as a multi-tasker.

Specifically, AB has endorsed the use of Villaware Waffle Irons. (See the clicky) Professional Classic 3000 model. Cuisinart got honorable mention for their Belgian Waffle Iron.

I'm going to share one of my favorites for lunch--Daddy's Deli. My first trip to Daddy's was back in the early 90's when they were located off of Green Mountain Drive. They may be known more for their catering, but they also serve great lunches at a reasonable price. They have a special every day that is $7.95 for your meal including ice tea. The meal is a good portion of the day's entree, a salad and a vegetable--or 2 vegetables, and bread. The menu changes daily and you can find the daily special on their website (linked at name).

They also offer a variety of sandwiches, wraps, paninis, salads, soup etc. Everything is freshly made and the sandwiches run around $6.50 with a side of chips, fruit, or potato salad included.

Everything I've tried there is good and the service is quick and friendly. They are only open Monday through Friday at lunch time in their location in Breckinridge Village. Put it on your list for a vist sometime soon.

Yes, I have and I love the Waffler. Still, we've never picked up an iron. Right this minute, yes I do think about running out to address that, but since it's almost 10, I suppose I won't.

I'm using the pic to get my partner to make overnight waffles. I love me some waffles!

Need some feedback por fa vor: anyone know first hand or thru a buddy the scoop on the ASN/locally grown food club. I'm considering locally, grown Arkansas farmers for grocery stuff and would like to hear about any good-bad-uglies.
Thanks

http://littlerock.locallygrown.net/welcome

I've been in a cooking mood all week. I was going to make waffles along with the hand-mixed beef sausage Tuesday morning, but ended up with pancakes instead (the hubster was on the hungry side).

Made chili and cornbread in large amounts Monday to prepare for what turned out to be a minor weather event here in town. Tonight, I repurposed a good portion of the chili as chili mac.

The chili:

I have a pretty standard chili recipe. But I'm also good at improvising. Paul can't do bean protein (don't ask, it's ugly) so I make my standard chili a little different when it's the two of us. Also found out I'd picked up the Kroger version of Rotel instead of plain diced -- so I went ahead and did this instead.

3 pounds ground chuck, browned and drained
1 white onion, shredded
1 red onion, chopped
2 packages Three Pepper and Onion frozen veggie blend, thawed and thoroughly drained
1 can diced tomatoes
2 cans Italian diced tomatoes
2 cans diced tomatoes and jalapenos (think Rotel)
2 tablespoons chopped garlic
2 tablespoons cumin
1 tablespoon freshly ground white pepper
1 tablespoon freshly ground black pepper
1 tablespoon ground red pepper
2 tablespoons salt
Vegetable oil for browning

In a large pot, heat browned meat and add 1/2 tablespoon chopped garlic. Brown onions in skillet with 1/.2 tablespoon garlic and add to meat. Add tomatoes. Cook pepper blend in skillet until onions are translucent and add to pot. Add spices indicated or to taste. Simmer on low heat for two hours or more -- the longer, the better. Stir frequently.

To convert to chili mac:

4 cups chili
1 can diced tomatoes
8 ounces tomato juice or V8
1 packet dry spaghetti sauce mix
1 normal package of pasta (shells, elbows, even spaghetti)

In a deep skillet, bring tomatoes and juice to a simmer. Stir in dry sauce mix packet. Add in the pasta. Cook until tender. Add in the chili and allow to heat through. Serve as is or with a sprinkling (or handful) of cheese.

I am glad this paper finally put to rest the notion that Feltner's WhattaBurger in Russellville is the best hamburger in that town. Frankly, it's not been good in 10+ years, and the persons running it after Mr. Feltner passed have been Grade A jerks to the persons of Russellville, especially those who spend time across AR-7 at Arkansas Tech.

CJ's is way better, always freshly made (both meat and potatoes). If you look around at least the 'old' location on 7T, you'll see meat grinding and processing gear, as they may grind their own meat. Feltner's buys it in a box - if it doesn't come in a box or bag there they don't use it at all.

Just a rant from a Tech Alum. I have no connection other than Feltner's is overpriced McD, and CJ's is the real deal.

yapperjohn.

Since I started the ASN Local Food Club, I may not be very objective, but I'll try. I think the good is that you can eat local food throughout the year. We started the club mostly so that we can keep enjoying the produce from the Armstead Mountain Farm. Sue and Rusty Nuffer who run the farm decided to stop coming to the Rivermarket Farmers' Market and sell only to the restaurants in 2006. A bunch of us thought that if the Nuffers are coming to Little Rock anyway to drop off produce at the restaurants, maybe they can drop some for us, and we could sell the food. The club, therefore, used to be more about the farmers so that they didn't have to stand at the markets all day. I think it works out for foodies, though, because we get to eat fresh, local produce, cheese, meats, and honey throughout the year.

The bad may be that since they are local farms, they have limited supplies, and that you may not get what you ordered. You have to pay the membership fee, which is $5 a month, and 5% of the sales go to ASN. ASN doesn't make money on products. It makes money through membership and 5% donations from the farmers.

The uglies? Trying to secure local food sources in winter, but that was because I used to run it and be stressed out about it.

I hope you join, yappejohn, because I think it's a good model that has been replicated in Hot Springs and Conway. And we get to eat local. Can't get any better than that.

I swear by ASN food club. Not to put down the basket a month club in any way, because I know Jody Hardin is doing God's work, but for my little family (3 people around age 30 who love to cook), the ASN club is a better option. We get to decide each week what we're in the mood for, order it online, and pick it up on Saturday. It just offers a little more choice and flexibility.

Zaoy was bragging earlier about her frozen summer produce, but for the past few weeks ASN has been offering frozen strawberries and peaches, so if you join and pick some up, you can brag too!

Only one or two of the farmers use greenhouses, so the pickings for vegetables right now are slim (though not absent altogether). They do, however, have tons of meats, eggs, and fresh herbs, as well as baked goods, honey, homemade soaps, candles, jellies, etc.

The proviso, as zaoy said, is that they sometimes run out of things. The farmers have to say on Monday what will be available on Saturday, and sometimes the crops don't cooperate. If you ordered something you think might be in high demand, get there RIGHT at 10 to pick up your haul.

I have found everything I get from ASN to be really high quality and if you've never used local produce before you will be shocked at how long it lasts after you buy it. My produce is usually good for over two weeks, whereas something I get at Kroger goes bad in 5 or 6 days.

Sorry, that might have been more info than you asked for, but we swear by it at my house.

Oh, and as for food last night, the roommates and I finally used the Gypsy's gift card that has been taking up space in my wallet for over six months now. The escargot was great, the chaos shrimp were well seasoned and the heat in the dipping sauce was a pleasant surprise.

The only real disappointment was the crab cakes, which were mostly cake and very little crab, and the roasted red pepper in them seemed out of harmony with the other flavors. The potatoes and asparagus that came with them were both perfectly cooked. In fact, the asparagus, which was still slightly crunchy and sprinkled with lemon juice, was the highlight of the meal for me.

The first round of Beefeater g&t's were very flat, but they were quickly replaced when we mentioned it to the waiter. In fact, even though we sat in the bar so we could enjoy drinks and apps without interfering with reservations, the service all night was good, and almost invisible, which is a personal preference on my part.

We shared the dark chocolate creme brulee for dessert. It needed more yolks, and we all preferred the one at Community Bakery, but it was good and unoffensive.

I don't know if it's a place I would have regularly eaten (for those who missed it, the place is closing this weekend) -- it's so far away and there weren't a lot of vegetarian offerings -- but it's always a shame to see a good, local restaurant close its doors.

Joel, I'm eagerly awaiting your thoughts on O W Pizza. Since I work at the capitol, it's a staple for me.

As for a waffle iron, for my birthday last week my mom got me a great contraption: waffle iron, grill, and sandwich maker (the kind that makes little smushed triangles like in the infomercial) all in one device, with interchangeable plates.

Never Vote Republican,

I couldn't agree more with your voting habits, but I'm not sure I can follow your advice on the deli.

I've seen Daddy's Deli many a time, on my way to dance classes, or movies, but it never really provokes a desire to eat, but rather just childish giggles. Could they have named it anything worse? Daddy's Deli. Do you order the smoked sausage sandwich? Hehehehe... I'm sorry I couldn't resist.

You can't get pancakes at the Waffle House but you can get waffles at the In't House of Pancakes.

Joel:

Tomorrow night could work if you, Argenta Girl, Food Dude, bonviant, zaoy and any one else interested are down for a little Foodie get-together. The more the merrier, I say.

I realize this is super short notice so we can of course reschedule for another wknd if it best suits every one else.

All thoughts welcome regarding when and where.

I'm thinking somewhere downtown might be a neutral enough location for every one to get to easily.

What say you?

Wish I could this weekend but my plate if full. I'd be up for next weekend if possible.

As far as suggestions go???
Hanaroo is a favorite of mine. Downtown...locally owned...nice folks...and good seating.

ArgentaGirl--I don't know why it has the name Daddy's Deli but there are restaurants with names that don't make sense to all of us that still have good food. Let me ask you this--have you eaten at "Cock of the Walk"? Or does the name make you giggle too?

I second mcbsmith on the ASN Food Club. I am a BAM member also, and enjoy the variety of the baskets that Hardin has put together, but the weekly ordering option of ASN is invaluable. Not only do you get to pick what you want, but you get fresh stuff every single week rather than just once a month. The eggs are killer, too.

And I can add my vote solidly for the Locally Grown in Conway. The website is easy to use, the food is good and I love that I can get to know the people growing the food. We even had a Locally Grown dinner where there was at least one producer at each table. I met a very nice lady from Petit Jean farms and learned a lot about their practices.

Any raw milk advocates should be aware of (AR leg, not congress) HB1114 which will be the topic of a hearing of the Senate Committee on Public Health Labor and Welfare. The meeting will be held at 10 a.m., Wednesday, February 4, 2009, in Room 272 at the Arkansas State Capitol in Little Rock.

Attend th emeeting if you can and talk to your Senator!

Food Dude:

Funny that- I was totally thinking the same thing. Hanaroo sounds good. I love Hanaroo.

Honaroo is one of the best sushi places (and deals) in the city. I've never had anything bad in the place! The lunch special - 2 rolls plus soup or salad - is a steal at $8. They have a bunch of different lunch options, its definitely worth a trip if you're downtown.

And I'm definitely in for a foodie dinner! Tomorrow night might not work, but I'll check back and see what the plan is and make it if I can!

Real boudin can be found at Floyd's Meat Market in Sherwood. They have lots of frozen fishes, good cuts of steaks and such, and real Gulf shrimp (not that South East Asian farm raised stuff). They specalize in Cajun foods, so you can also find tasso, alligator, and spice mixes.

Last time I was there they had regular boudin, hot boudin, and crawfish boudin. It's all frozen and from Lafayette, so it's the real deal.

Some folks boil their boudin, then spew it out of the casing. I prefer to either grill or broil it. This crisps up the casings, making for a much better texture.

Floyd's is located on Kiel Avenue, not far from the freeway, and close to a Harvest Foods. Also, close by there's Sherwood Liquor, which usually has some really cheap prices on some of their wines.

This is one of the few weeks, I actually have a clear schedule for the weekend. Was going to take it as my once every four months mental health weekend. While I definitely like Hanaroo, I will now utter the great heresy of foodies - I am not wild about sushi. It is nice about as often as I have my mental health weekends. Yes, I am the weird one, I know.

Pollen, thanks for that recommendation on the boudin. I will have to get out there so I can try it sometime soon.

One of these days, I will have the option of more local and fresh goods that do not require the unsightly hours of the morning of Saturday. My one day to consistently sleep in and I am not going to sacrifice it! Hence my excitement for The Station right down the street from me.

Oh, on a Post Script - I found some old pictures from a pancake dinner I made a few months back that I don't think I sent in to the blog. Will have to check the archives but . . .

As for this weekend, I have a birthday fete to attend on Saturday night, but I could do a lunch or an early dinner. Tonight is totally booked. Four events. I just stopped in to change into blue jeans (and check the blog).

Boudin is DELICIOUS.

EY,

Great to hear about Conway LocallyGrown because I plan to be there next Friday to shoot some pics of the pick up and do a story on my blog. I went to Hot Springs today to cover its LocallyGrown, and I'm excited that the Food Club model is spreading. I also spoke to several people there about HB 1114. It is vitally important that as many people attend the meeting on Wednesday. I've been working with several out-of-state and in-state organizations, as well as the bill's sponsor, to get this bill passed. What's important is that people in various counties call their state senators and ask that they pass this bill. EY, if you live in LR, I'll carpool to the Capitol with you. I'm trying to get Ed of Petit Jean Farm to come down as well as several people in Hot Springs and Fayetteville. We'll see how things will go.

Y'all, I had one of the best cappuccinoes I've ever had in this state today. It's called Vicki's Coffee Corner in Hot Springs on Central Avenue. It only serves shade-grown, organic, fair-trade coffee, and the baristas there know what they're doing. They actually served cappuccinoes with a spoon in a 6 oz. cup. And I actually had to use a spoon to drink it, which is unheard of in any other place in Arkansas (well, River City Coffee used to have a good barista, and Java Roasting Company had this one barista who knew how to pull a shot and foam milk, but I haven't been to Java in ages). Check it out whenever you're in Spa City.

As for Saturday, I think I'm booked, but y'all have fun if you decide to meet. Be sure to give us an update!

Yeah... Haven't been to the Cock of the Walk since I was a kid. Probably couldn't go now without blushing.

Yikes.

Re Pollen's post on boudin.

I've eaten my weight in it.

Whatever you do -- don't, don't, don't, don't BOIL it.

Convenience stores keep it hot typically in those big covered roasters, which steams them up.

I put the links (presuming I haven't eaten them cold) on a baking sheet in a 350 oven and heat them until the skin almost explodes. It gets nice and crackly that way.

A word to the wise from your sponsor. DO NOT BOIL BOUDIN. It would just make a sodden mess.

Amen Max. I was introduced to boudin by some folks from South Louisianna, and they brought back a case of the stuff to share. They told me to broil the sausage, and I love the crispy texture that way. So, a few years pass, and I order boudin in a local restaurant with a name which would lead one to presume that they knew how to cook the foods from that area. They brought me a pale flabby limp sausage. I struggled to even cut through the casing, only to chew and chew and chew ad nauseum. I guess I was sposta just slurp the mass out of the skin and gum away. I thought surely they cooked it wrong, only to find out that some people cook it that way on purpose. No thank you. Give me crispy skin or just leave it behind.

Oh yeah, one final memory. Once on a campout, I cooked some boudin over a fire on a skillet. When pressed with a fork, the sausages let out a disconcerting yelp. Hense the spontaneous song:

Barkin Boudin
Barkin Boudin
Boudin be barkin
when you put it in the pan.

Fraid I can't make the meeting Zaoy. New job and no time off until June (at which point, I certainly hope our crooks at the capitol are gone). Since Good Old Gil is my Senator and I had to ask him 3 times this election cycle to stop calling me and lying about his opponent, I doubt he cares much for me and my opinion.

EY,

That's okay if you can't make it to the meeting. But please keep on spreading the words about this bill and the meeting. Have you gotten an email about it? I've been emailing people I know, and they have been forwarding to others, but if you haven't gotten it I'll email it to you. It has the link to find out how to contact the state senators as well as the link to find out the status of the bill.

Just drop your email at my blog, and I'll send it to you.

I have been. I'm also in the Faulkner Country Supporters of Sustainable Communities and got an email from them, which I've sent out to anyone I think might be interested.

I had 6 friends that lived in the duplexes (or doubles) on David street across from Creole Country Sausage back in '81. I was working for Whole Foods and that was the only sausage we would carry. Mighty fine stuff. Highest quality... and with what they say about making sausage, well, highest quality is what you want to hear.

I've been to Creole Country many times, great sausage, tasso, etc. I wonder if they survived the hurricane? Have you tried Savoie's out of Opalousas? They have great andouille and boudin.

Maybe I missed the update.... what happened to the Italian Couple? I wasn't a fan, but I was walking by this weekend & saw that they were gone.

luv2eat - CCS did indeed reopen after Katrina. We went about 18 months ago, and a group of us ordered and split about 40 lbs. of sausage. Thanks for the tip on Savoie's!

Rummy, I drove by and saw everything gone as well. To be honest, I am not disappointed at all. It was . . . subpar, frankly, as Italian food.

Perhaps someone can snoop around about Italian Couple and whether it is closed or just relocated . . .