The Mighty Rib’s Cornucopia: July Version

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

Every month, I will likely be writing a couple of cornucopia of meals matters, which embody a recap of my consuming adventures, food and drinks information, my basic ideas on the Central Arkansas culinary scene, and a fast High 10 listing. So, with that in thoughts, let’s get to it.

Roma Italian Restaurant in Jacksonville

Kevin Shalin

Of us have been clamoring for me to take a look at Roma Italian Restaurant. Nicely, I’m pleased to report it lastly occurred in any case these years. Glad it did. What the restaurant lacked in ambiance, due to a considerably drab decor, it made up for with huge flavors and sizable parts. First issues first, you’ll be tempted to load up on the insanely addictive complimentary rolls with seasoned olive oil dipping sauce. Go for it! Make a idiot of your self. The bread is that good. The truth is, if I’m being fully trustworthy, you may not discover higher within the space. After sharpening off just a few rolls, my tablemate and I set our sights on a few lunch specials: cheese ravioli and rooster marsala. The ravioli got here loaded with mozzarella, leading to epic cheese pulls all through the meal, whereas the rooster within the marsala dish was skinny, tender, and paired effectively with the mushroom and onion-loaded spaghetti. Did I point out the bread?

Eat Nicely at So Full Cafe

Kevin Shalin

North Little Rock’s So Full Cafe is a bit off the crushed path, however, because it turned out, the soul meals was effectively well worth the seek for the tiny eatery throughout from a KOA campsite. Be forewarned, seating, at the very least on the time of this writing, is kind of restricted (possibly a desk or two), so think about So Full as extra of a takeout spot. Baked rooster, mashed potatoes, collards and a subtly candy cornbread muffin all delighted on our go to. It’s uncommon to search out baked rooster on a restaurant menu. The poultry resonated with my nostalgic aspect as my mom used to make it a minimum of as soon as every week rising up. Tender to the chew, So Full’s model additionally had a pleasant peppery, crisped pores and skin. It paired effectively with the potatoes and barely salty greens. My tablemate’s hamburger steak wanted a thicker accompanying brown gravy and possibly some sauteed onions to raise the dish to must-order standing. The down-home vibe and type, attentive service additionally stood out.

Lunch and Dinner at The Oyster Bar

Kevin Shalin

It has taken me a minute to embrace the brand new model of The Oyster Bar. No actual cause why. I do know many of us had a nostalgic connection to the earlier extra rustic rendition of the restaurant, which has stored them away from the brand new Oyster Bar. That’s not me. Some locations simply slip by the cracks. Anyhow, glad I lastly made my means over to the Stifft Station scorching spot. After two visits in a two-week span, it’s protected to say that I’m hooked. Whereas my lunch particular of a half a grilled catfish po’boy and cup of gumbo was pretty ho-hum, the onion rings and grilled oysters have been a unique story. Eight golden rings, some thick lower, some skinny, together with a half dozen grilled Gulf oysters topped with butter and a mix of mozzarella and Parmesan, have been feverishly polished off by our desk of two. Per week later, a mini skillet of fried okra had me pondering why I’d forgotten about The Oyster Bar these previous few years, as did the perimeters of creamy grits, cucumber salad, and collards which got here loaded with Coursey’s bacon. There’s nothing fairly just like the unmistakable smokey taste of this Arkansas swine, so kudos to the restaurant for together with it. My solely true knock on The Oyster Bar? The restaurant can get a contact loud. I do know, I do know. I’m getting outdated.

Maryam’s Grill Does Brunch Proper

Kevin Shalin

Information flash: Maryam’s Grill has a Saturday brunch from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Go. Now. You gained’t remorse it. The workers is so heat and pleasant, and the meals is off-the-charts good. Most necessary of all, it’s a novel brunch with artistic dishes like Baklava Pancakes, Rooster Shawarma Eggs, and Falafel Tacos. I acquired the Gyro & Eggs and Shakshuka, together with the Dip It Platter with falafel, baba ghanoush, hummus, and tzatziki. Every part stood out, however be sure that to order the falafel. Maryam’s is so delicate and contemporary to the chew, not like a lot of the frozen crap with the feel of a hockey puck. Just a few pastries, which I used to be informed are made contemporary every morning at 4 a.m., additionally must make their method to your desk. Ask for one stuffed with rooster and (I imagine) feta. This baked good seemed so heavy, however the crust was delicate and light-weight to the chew. General, I couldn’t be happier with the expertise, however greater than something, we as a meals group must assist eating places like Maryam’s Grill — ones that add variety and uniqueness to our rising scene.

Mr. Hui’s Travels Nicely

Kevin Shalin

Mr. Hui’s has grow to be my go-to, to-go Chinese language restaurant. Every part I’ve tried, from the wonton soup to beef and broccoli to inexperienced beans to sauteed cabbage, is price ordering, but it surely’s the insanely addictive Singapore Mei Enjoyable that may blow your thoughts. It got here extremely really useful by a buddy, so thank goodness for associates who know their stuff. How do skinny rice noodles laced with curry, shrimp, pork, and rooster, sound? Mr. Hui’s even throws in some carrot and inexperienced onion for good measure. Anticipate somewhat warmth, however nothing overwhelming. Should you haven’t ordered this dish inside an hour after studying this submit, then you might have failed at life.

Tidbits, openings, and closings

The long-awaited Wright’s Barbecue is pushing for a late August opening in Little Rock’s Riverdale neighborhood. If they’ll someway replicate the meals on the Johnson location, then we’re speaking a couple of BBQ gamechanger.

SoMa’s Arkansas Cornbread Festival is making its triumphant return on Saturday, Nov. 4. No additional particulars at this level however maintain an eye fixed out for updates.

Staying in SoMa, Raduno Brick Oven & Barroom now has a Tuesday-Friday lunch service that begins at 11 a.m.

Ever needed to personal a espresso store? Excellent news: the Petit Jean Coffeehouse & Mercantile is on the market. Listed below are all the details.

The trials and tribulations of operating a restaurant by no means let up. 3 Sam’s BBQ was out of fee for some time, due to a drunk driver who took out their smoke room. Please think about patronizing the restaurant because it continues to get again on to regular.

The Rail Yard, situated at 1212 E. Sixth St., was lately bought to a brand new group of homeowners: Madi Hamp, Brandon Dorse, Amber Hamp and Conrad W. Hamp Jr. The 4 look to convey new blood to the East Village enterprise. That features a contemporary lineup of meals vans, music, drink specials, and a Reverse Comfortable Hour. Control their social media for updates.

Right here’s somewhat self-promotion for a sec. The Mighty Peach, a Loblolly Creamery taste my household and I got here up with, is on the market within the Little Rock space and all through Arkansas at choose shops. It has a vanilla base and consists of peaches and a bourbon caramel sauce. The ice cream is fairly incredible, if I do say so myself, and will likely be out there all through the summer season. Better part: a portion of every sale goes to Arkansas Hunger Relief Alliance.

Potluck Meals Rescue’s annual “Driving Away Hunger” occasion is Thursday, Aug. 31 at 6 p.m. at The Rail Yard. The dinner will function cooks from 4 Quarter Bar, Ciao Baci, Park Grill, CARTI, Ben E. Keith, Raduno, Petit & Keet and Rely Porkula.

Hwy 270 Grill in Poyen lately made some main renovations on the eating room and it’s now again open. Excellent news for Melinda’s Cafe & Espresso in Sizzling Springs Village as effectively. The eatery has been closed for an prolonged interval after the retail strip it resided in suffered a serious fireplace. They’re again open, full with a brand new location at 372 E. Glazypeau Highway. Hours of operation are 8 a.m.-3 p.m. Mon.-Sat.

Control Blue House Bakery and Cafe in Bryant. They’re shifting to a bigger location elsewhere in Bryant within the fall. Observe their social media for pics and updates on the progress.

Sherwood has a brand new meals truck known as Saucy Pig. Talking of meals vans, Cook’s Hook in Cabot is now promoting their new Hook’s Warmth scorching sauces, smoked rubs, and salsas at The Bernice Backyard Farmers Market on Sundays.

Ciao Baci has rolled out its new summer dinner and cocktail menu.

Sugar Llamas will likely be opening a Little Rock location very quickly, promising a household pleasant retailer that’s domestically owned and operated (franchise-based) in Tulsa. The store will carry quite a lot of cold and warm espresso drinks in addition to lemonade, Purple Bull mixers, frozen scorching chocolate, contemporary fried mini donuts and ice cream.

And Lastly … My High 10 Onion Rings within the Little Rock Space

Kevin Shalin

1. Lazy Pete’s
2. The Oyster Bar
3. Scott Station (Scott)
4. Burger Shack (Benton)
5. Three Sam’s BBQ
6. Copper Grill
7. Leo’s Greek Fort
8. America’s Road Meals
9. Capers Restaurant
10. Copper Mule Desk and Faucet

That’s it from me. See you in August!

The submit The Mighty Rib’s Cornucopia: July Edition appeared first on Arkansas Times.