Welcome back to another edition of “Food News Roundup,” where I occasionally try to link to some of the good stuff happening around the state. It’s been a good week for us foodies here at the Times, and if you haven’t had a chance to check out the “Best Restaurants” issue, stop wasting your time reading this and go get one. For the rest of you, here’s the news from the land of food.
*All kinds of buzzed: If you’ve gotten used to starting your day with a cup of joe from Guillermo’s Gourmet Grounds, you might be interested to know you can end your day with G3, too. Follow them on Twitter and Facebook for updates on their ongoing series of wine and beer tasting events. For more about the fun that can be had with G3, check out this post from The Mighty Rib about a recent coffee cupping event held at the Rodney Parham java joint.
*Always a bridesmaid: Our friends at Sync magazine are taking nominations for their own, obviously inferior, readers choice poll through Friday. Why don’t you stick it to them by nominating Eat Arkansas for the “Best Blog“ category?
*How this garden grows: I don’t know how familiar you all are with Dunbar Community Garden, the two acre “classroom” that serves students from Gibbs International Magnet Elementary School and Dunbar Magnet Middle School, but it’s a wonderful community project. Of particular interest to me is the fact that Dunbar grew hops last year, and Brewmaster Josiah Moody of Vino’s has been using them in some of his special cask-conditioned beers. It’s not every brewery that has organic hops growing just down the street, so check them out and consider a donation.
*Oh well, whatever, nevermind: After a month away from Little Rock that followed a month-long “farewell tour,” tearful good-byes, and a good bit of purple prose from this and other publications, Michael Juiliano is returning to take up the mantle of Hot Dog Mike once more. He apparently wants to peddle his own brand of hot dogs and open up to 25 franchise carts around the state. I’m not really sure we need that many hot dog carts, but best of luck to the guy. Full press release on his blog.
*Gone, doggy, gone: Many of you already know, but Dogtown Coffee closed their doors on Sunday. Just two years removed from a World Cheese Dip Championship, the harsh and competitive world of food took its toll. They will be missed.
*Why, God, why: As a last bit of news, my colleague Daniel Walker informs me that Taco Bell will be serving their insanely popular Doritos Locos Tacos with a new Cool Ranch flavor shell starting March 7th. I’ve heard the flavor goes well with the taste of horseflesh.
Got any food news we can use? Let us know down there in the comments.