The Mighty Rib’s Cornucopia: November Version

Cornucopia (noun): an ample provide of excellent issues of a specified type.

Every month, I will probably be writing a couple of cornucopia of meals matters, which embody a recap of my consuming adventures, food and drinks information, and my basic ideas on the Central Arkansas culinary scene. So, with that in thoughts, let’s get to it.

Oh, My

Wonderful information to report. O’My Golly Tamales & More put my 10-year hunt for incredible tamales in Little Rock to an abrupt finish. Their model in some way marries components of each Delta and Mexican types, incorporating corn husks to maintain the rooster and cornmeal inside tremendous moist and flavorful. Of us, belief me on this one, as a result of I’m an absolute tamale snob, and these are the true deal. Nonetheless, be forewarned, the tamales run slightly spicy, which is extra of a praise than criticism. The fried catfish can be no joke. Identical with the tamale rice, which eats extra like a comforting porridge. Actually, I’m trying ahead to working my approach down the remainder of the menu of this new restaurant at 10014 N. Rodney Parham.

Kevin Shalin

Espresso Speak

I spend a ton of time in espresso outlets. Working at residence throughout peak COVID-19 has given me a newfound appreciation for being round different people. Only a fast due to Guillermo’s Connoisseur Espresso, Nexus Espresso and Artistic, and Fidel & Co. for offering an exquisite work atmosphere this month. It goes with out saying, however please don’t freeload on espresso outlets. Order one thing, tip nicely and take a look at to not camp out all day. Get work achieved and be in your approach. And for goodness sakes, please chorus from the Zoom calls. Nobody needs to listen to it. Additionally, heads up, Fidel & Co. makes a killer bagel, so in case you see one within the case, get it, irrespective of the flavour (though the cheddar is especially superior).

The Pantry Delights, As soon as Once more

Ever had a nasty meal at The Pantry? Me neither. Like severely, I’ve most likely eaten there 50 instances and it’s at all times on-point, and that features the service. Effectively, add one other optimistic expertise to the checklist, thanks largely to a dynamite Fields of Eden cocktail (with Oak & Eden Whiskey, Strawberry Giffard and Licor 43) and a smoked salmon flatbread. Our desk additionally shared orders of bacon-wrapped dates and Brussels sprouts. My spouse occurs to be hooked on the dates, and who am I to upset her by not ordering them? I imply, we’re speaking about one of the crucial well-liked appetizers on the town, proper? The kitchen workers should be sick of constructing them. In any case, as for the flatbread, in case you love smoked salmon (not the chilly smoked lox), don’t hesitate on this one. It even comes with a cute little aspect salad in the midst of the plate.

Kevin Shalin

House Candy House

Homer’s Kitchen Table pulls in a single heck of a lunch crowd. I might barely discover a noontime seat on the bar, solely snagging one close to the kitchen after awkwardly pacing behind patrons for an excellent two minutes. As soon as seated, a tasty grilled rooster tender salad quickly adopted. On paper, this looks as if a dreadfully boring lunch, however Homer’s nailed the salad. Kudos on these chunks of juicy rooster and a pleasant honey mustard. And sure, I’m 12-years-old and love honey mustard on my salad.

Kevin Shalin

El Palenque, How A lot Do I Love Thee?

Let me rely the methods. Brass tacks right here, El Palenque is the perfect Mexican meals restaurant in Little Rock, sentiments I’ve expounded on for almost a decade. Something they do — just like the rooster enchiladas verdes or shrimp a la plancha or the legendary taco arriero — they do nicely, however my go-to order is the shrimp burrito. So easy, but so pleasant, this burrito is loaded with grilled shrimp, a skinny layer of refried beans, rice, lettuce, bitter cream, pico and shredded cheese, all in a flour tortilla. There’s simply no telling what number of of them I’ve eaten by way of the years.

Kevin Shalin

The Nice Cornbread Debate

Thanks, Arkansas. Since transferring right here, I’ve change into a complete cornbread snob, and it’s all of your fault. So many nice choices, and heck, we even had a pageant at one time devoted to it. Cornbread is all a couple of steadiness of flavors, and no place straddles this advantageous line fairly like Cypress Social with its Do-it-yourself Cypress Cornbread appetizer. Bits of jalapeno convey the warmth and the correct amount of sugar provides the candy for these muffins that include a sundried tomato butter.

Kevin Shalin

The Pale Rose, For the Win

I’m not often one to make modifications to dishes, however I did recognize The Faded Rose for permitting me to modify out the fried catfish for a grilled model for the po’boy. They might have simply stated no, nevertheless it’s the little issues like that which helps a restaurant be within the good graces with patrons for almost 40 years.

Tidbits, Openings, and Closings

North Little Rock has a brand new pizza joint with the opening of Dog Town Pizza (5500 MacArthur Drive). Early studies have been favorable. RIP to kBird, the neighborhood eatery that served up genuine Thai meals. Shedding a restaurant like this, particularly one which specialised in a delicacies we’re missing within the Little Rock space, really hurts. All the perfect to Richard Glasgow. Depraved Taco Manufacturing unit (215 Middle St.) closed a couple of weeks in the past, and whereas I loved the meals, a troublesome downtown location coupled with the pandemic by no means allowed this restaurant to really set up itself. Red Moon Tavern (6015 Chenonceau Blvd.) has new possession. The Case Household, house owners of The Butcher Store, Sauce(d), and ZIN Wine Bar, took over earlier this month. I’ll preserve an eye fixed out for any main modifications, however none are anticipated at this level.

Kevin Shalin

Congrats to the oldsters from the favored Coffee Corner cafe in North Little Rock on their current opening of a second location, Italian Espresso Nook contained in the Simmons Tower. Hours of operation are 7 a.m.-3 p.m. on weekdays. If this espresso store is something like their different location, downtown patrons are in for an actual deal with. Talking of downtown, Tamalcalli (308 Major St.), beforehand a meals truck on Cantrell, is open. And that’s nice information for the evening owls hankering for late evening Mexican meals, as they’ll be open late on the weekends (1 a.m. on Friday and Saturday). I simply acquired phrase that All in a Bowl, what seems to be a takeout spot at 3000 Kavanaugh Blvd. is open and serving varied espresso, tea, salads and sandwiches.

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