Monday, August 18, 2008
Layla's
Gyros. Hummus. Falafel. Good.
Possibly the best Mediterranean food in this area. Certainly giving the rest a run for the money as far as quality and selection go. Everything we had was very fresh and tasty from the spicy falafel to the elegantly understated baklava. And absolutely the hugest portion of meat on a gyros sandwich that I have ever witnessed.
There is much to explore on this menu and I will be back...
9501 N Rodney Parham Road, Little Rock, Arkansas.
Possibly the best Mediterranean food in this area. Certainly giving the rest a run for the money as far as quality and selection go. Everything we had was very fresh and tasty from the spicy falafel to the elegantly understated baklava. And absolutely the hugest portion of meat on a gyros sandwich that I have ever witnessed.
There is much to explore on this menu and I will be back...
9501 N Rodney Parham Road, Little Rock, Arkansas.
Friday, August 15, 2008
Bobby's Country Cookin'
I have been going to Star of India for years now, and oddly enough I never even noticed Bobby's Country Cookin' a couple of doors down. Not until a co-worker took me there. And it is what it says it is.
Amply sized portions of Arkansas country style cooking in a cafeteria setting for around $7.00 plus drink and tax. Go for the fried chicken. Stay for the pie. Southern sweet iced tea and a selection of 12 vegetables every day.
Open only for lunch, Monday through Friday.
Amply sized portions of Arkansas country style cooking in a cafeteria setting for around $7.00 plus drink and tax. Go for the fried chicken. Stay for the pie. Southern sweet iced tea and a selection of 12 vegetables every day.
Open only for lunch, Monday through Friday.
Wednesday, April 23, 2008
Coming Full Circle
The Circle
318 Main Street, North Little Rock, Arkansas
501-244-9599
An eatery with a sense of humor.
Brand new in the Argenta district of downtown North Little Rock, I almost didn't find this place. I was aware of it's existence through word of mouth, but literally drove past it the first time without seeing it. It's located in a quaint old storefront that used to be a bank as evidenced by the rather large safe in the wall next to the beer cooler. (A surprisingly well stocked beer cooler, but more about that further on...) When I asked about the safe, they said they had not been able to get it open, so this is also an eatery with a mystery...
The food is no mystery, and there's a little (or a lot) of something for everyone here including die-hard vegans (stinkin' hippie tofu dog). The "French Quarter" sandwich was good and filling with three kinds of meats, cheese and an olive tapanade that was served on marble rye bread. The "Circle Up" sandwich looked really good, but I didn't get to try it. The turkey served here is 100% natural which I think is a good thing without making too much of it.
I think the tuna salad is somewhat unique with a "touch of pesto" along with the usual apples, walnuts, etc. The apple and walnut were finely chopped so as not to intrude on the consistency of the spread. I think this makes for a better sandwich. The pesto just made its presence known without being overpowering and I really think this is worth a recommendation.
The hummus is home-made and I fully intend to try that next time I'm in. I did try the Chili and can extrapolate that the Argenta Chili Dog is probably quite good. If you like your chili with a kick, you may want to request some hot sauce with it.
I forget how many beers and ales they told me they have at the Circle, but it is one of the most diverse selections I've seen and you'd be hard pressed not to find something to your liking in the selection. They also offer mimosas and something called a Donkey Punch. The Donkey Punch is only $5.00 and that's something I've always wanted to try, but I suspect that it's really hard on the wait staff...
Moderately priced, relaxed atmosphere, and friendly staff, open breakfast through dinner, 9:00 to 9:00.
318 Main Street, North Little Rock, Arkansas
501-244-9599
An eatery with a sense of humor.
Brand new in the Argenta district of downtown North Little Rock, I almost didn't find this place. I was aware of it's existence through word of mouth, but literally drove past it the first time without seeing it. It's located in a quaint old storefront that used to be a bank as evidenced by the rather large safe in the wall next to the beer cooler. (A surprisingly well stocked beer cooler, but more about that further on...) When I asked about the safe, they said they had not been able to get it open, so this is also an eatery with a mystery...
The food is no mystery, and there's a little (or a lot) of something for everyone here including die-hard vegans (stinkin' hippie tofu dog). The "French Quarter" sandwich was good and filling with three kinds of meats, cheese and an olive tapanade that was served on marble rye bread. The "Circle Up" sandwich looked really good, but I didn't get to try it. The turkey served here is 100% natural which I think is a good thing without making too much of it.
I think the tuna salad is somewhat unique with a "touch of pesto" along with the usual apples, walnuts, etc. The apple and walnut were finely chopped so as not to intrude on the consistency of the spread. I think this makes for a better sandwich. The pesto just made its presence known without being overpowering and I really think this is worth a recommendation.
The hummus is home-made and I fully intend to try that next time I'm in. I did try the Chili and can extrapolate that the Argenta Chili Dog is probably quite good. If you like your chili with a kick, you may want to request some hot sauce with it.
I forget how many beers and ales they told me they have at the Circle, but it is one of the most diverse selections I've seen and you'd be hard pressed not to find something to your liking in the selection. They also offer mimosas and something called a Donkey Punch. The Donkey Punch is only $5.00 and that's something I've always wanted to try, but I suspect that it's really hard on the wait staff...
Moderately priced, relaxed atmosphere, and friendly staff, open breakfast through dinner, 9:00 to 9:00.
Saturday, March 29, 2008
Rocky's Pub
6929 JFK Blvd, North Little Rock, Arkansas (501) 833-1077
I don't know why I've waited so long to review this place. We normally go there at least once a week and have for quite some time. It's not that I think it should be kept a secret, that was blown a long time ago and the place stays packed pretty much all the time. It's not because it's unremarkable, it's definitely worth a review - the food is quite good and I really like the folks that work there. So why wouldn't I tell you about it?
Probably because I'm lazy, but let's just say that I just never got around to it until now. Why now? Because the other night when we went in there, I tried something different and was so impressed I felt compelled to write about it. We've tried the Italian food there. It's quite good. The Philly Cheesesteak is the best you can get this side of Pat's Steaks in Philadelphia. [They don't have the hot sauce like Pat's, though :-( ] I love their home made potato chips. But that night I tried the "Rocky's Griller" sandwich. Ham, bacon, tomato, cheese all grilled up on big thick, buttery slabs of Italian bread. I may not eat anything else when I go there ever again. If you've read here for any length of time you know that I'm like that.
Nestled in the Indian Hills Shopping Center along with Kroger and other retailers, you may not find this place on your own. But word of mouth has been a good friend to the Dunlaps, and business is brisk in their little store front.
Rocky's is a good place to have a drink, too. There's lots of regulars there and the repartee between the staff and the regulars is entertaining and you find yourself being pulled into the conversation with them. I've gotten where whenever we want to get take out from there, I don't call it in. I just go sit at the bar, place my to-go order and have a couple of drinks and soak it all in. Pat, the owner (there is no Rocky,) always comes out from the kitchen and greets me by name when I come in. He knows what brand of beer I want to order, and he makes sure that things are running smoothly and everyone is getting what they want.
Mind you, this is not a fast food place. Don't go if you are in a hurry to be somewhere else. But if you don't mind a leisurely pace, friendly (and entertaining) staff, and great food combined in one feel-good atmosphere, this is the place to go. Maybe if enough of us become regulars there, Pat will take over the empty restaurant down the hill where Gabriel's used to be. Then there'd be room for all of us.
Moderate pricing, generous portions, clean, pleasant and friendly. Highest recommendation.
I don't know why I've waited so long to review this place. We normally go there at least once a week and have for quite some time. It's not that I think it should be kept a secret, that was blown a long time ago and the place stays packed pretty much all the time. It's not because it's unremarkable, it's definitely worth a review - the food is quite good and I really like the folks that work there. So why wouldn't I tell you about it?
Probably because I'm lazy, but let's just say that I just never got around to it until now. Why now? Because the other night when we went in there, I tried something different and was so impressed I felt compelled to write about it. We've tried the Italian food there. It's quite good. The Philly Cheesesteak is the best you can get this side of Pat's Steaks in Philadelphia. [They don't have the hot sauce like Pat's, though :-( ] I love their home made potato chips. But that night I tried the "Rocky's Griller" sandwich. Ham, bacon, tomato, cheese all grilled up on big thick, buttery slabs of Italian bread. I may not eat anything else when I go there ever again. If you've read here for any length of time you know that I'm like that.
Nestled in the Indian Hills Shopping Center along with Kroger and other retailers, you may not find this place on your own. But word of mouth has been a good friend to the Dunlaps, and business is brisk in their little store front.
Rocky's is a good place to have a drink, too. There's lots of regulars there and the repartee between the staff and the regulars is entertaining and you find yourself being pulled into the conversation with them. I've gotten where whenever we want to get take out from there, I don't call it in. I just go sit at the bar, place my to-go order and have a couple of drinks and soak it all in. Pat, the owner (there is no Rocky,) always comes out from the kitchen and greets me by name when I come in. He knows what brand of beer I want to order, and he makes sure that things are running smoothly and everyone is getting what they want.
Mind you, this is not a fast food place. Don't go if you are in a hurry to be somewhere else. But if you don't mind a leisurely pace, friendly (and entertaining) staff, and great food combined in one feel-good atmosphere, this is the place to go. Maybe if enough of us become regulars there, Pat will take over the empty restaurant down the hill where Gabriel's used to be. Then there'd be room for all of us.
Moderate pricing, generous portions, clean, pleasant and friendly. Highest recommendation.
Friday, March 14, 2008
If You Didn't Get It All Over You, You Didn't Do It Right
Whole Hog Cafe
5107 Warden Rd
North Little Rock, Arkansas 72116
Ya'll know that I'm very provincial when it comes to barbeque. As I've mentioned before, with the exception of the Rendevouz, I think Memphis barbeque is highly overrated. I can't tell you how many times I've been in Memphis and had people swear that this place or that was the best 'que in the world. I didn't buy it then and I don't buy it now. Compared to Arkansas, Memphis barbeque is just sub-standard. I'd rather eat boiled pork with catsup sauce at a dairy bar.
Which brings to mind just how important sauce can be on a perfectly smoked piece of meat. I love the delta style vinegar based sauce like you get at the Dixie Pig. The Carolina style mustard based sauce at Sims has been a favorite of mine for nearly thirty years. But what if you could get the best of both of those worlds in one place?
The answer to that question is the Whole Hog Cafe. And the fact that they always seem busy will attest to just how appealing that can be. But here's a tip: folks in Little Rock being uneasy about crossing the river (something about fear of water, hydrophobia or something...) the one in North Little Rock always seems to have at least one table available. Never fails. And with six different distinct styles of sauce on the table, you can combine to your heart's content to make the perfect sauce. Mine is the tangy mustard sauce (#6) with an overlay of vinegar and spices sauce (#4). Oh, and there is a seventh, volcano sauce, that's only available on request.
Perfectly smoked meats, this is the vitamin Q that your body craves. And I'm particularly enamored with the half smoked chicken plate. Yes, I know, real barbecue typically consists of pork (we ain't Texas, ya know). That's good too, but give the chicken a try if you haven't. This, folks, is the real deal. Arkansas barbeque at its finest. A hybrid if you will.
5107 Warden Rd
North Little Rock, Arkansas 72116
Ya'll know that I'm very provincial when it comes to barbeque. As I've mentioned before, with the exception of the Rendevouz, I think Memphis barbeque is highly overrated. I can't tell you how many times I've been in Memphis and had people swear that this place or that was the best 'que in the world. I didn't buy it then and I don't buy it now. Compared to Arkansas, Memphis barbeque is just sub-standard. I'd rather eat boiled pork with catsup sauce at a dairy bar.
Which brings to mind just how important sauce can be on a perfectly smoked piece of meat. I love the delta style vinegar based sauce like you get at the Dixie Pig. The Carolina style mustard based sauce at Sims has been a favorite of mine for nearly thirty years. But what if you could get the best of both of those worlds in one place?
The answer to that question is the Whole Hog Cafe. And the fact that they always seem busy will attest to just how appealing that can be. But here's a tip: folks in Little Rock being uneasy about crossing the river (something about fear of water, hydrophobia or something...) the one in North Little Rock always seems to have at least one table available. Never fails. And with six different distinct styles of sauce on the table, you can combine to your heart's content to make the perfect sauce. Mine is the tangy mustard sauce (#6) with an overlay of vinegar and spices sauce (#4). Oh, and there is a seventh, volcano sauce, that's only available on request.
Perfectly smoked meats, this is the vitamin Q that your body craves. And I'm particularly enamored with the half smoked chicken plate. Yes, I know, real barbecue typically consists of pork (we ain't Texas, ya know). That's good too, but give the chicken a try if you haven't. This, folks, is the real deal. Arkansas barbeque at its finest. A hybrid if you will.
Legion Hut Grub
Who'd of ever thought that the best kept secret in Little Rock, when it comes to homestyle cooking, would be the American Legion Post over on Capitol Avenue? Promise to keep it to yourself and I'll let you in on it...
Unlike many of the cafes around, the MM Eberts American Legion Post #1 at 315 East Capitol doesn't have a regular rotation of dishes. That is, they don't necessarily have fried chicken on Tuesday and meat loaf on Thursday etc. But it's some of the best homestyle cooking I've had in years.
Yesterday I had salmon croquettes and they were big and hearty and delicious. The mashed potatoes are the real deal and quite creamy (as my daughter pointed out) and the green beans are a must taste. We've seen dishes such as chicken fried steak, b-b-q chicken, bacon wrapped chopped sirloin, and others. Good, wholesome and tasty.
I haven't tried it, but the salad looks good. The only thing I've had there that I wasn't totally thrilled with was the "Mexican" dishes. But it's easy to steer around them because there are always good choices every day. Good iced tea and the best part of all? $6.50 for a heapin' helpin' and a glass of tea. Hard to beat and highly recommended...
Call them at 372-2608 and have them email you the menu every day.
Unlike many of the cafes around, the MM Eberts American Legion Post #1 at 315 East Capitol doesn't have a regular rotation of dishes. That is, they don't necessarily have fried chicken on Tuesday and meat loaf on Thursday etc. But it's some of the best homestyle cooking I've had in years.
Yesterday I had salmon croquettes and they were big and hearty and delicious. The mashed potatoes are the real deal and quite creamy (as my daughter pointed out) and the green beans are a must taste. We've seen dishes such as chicken fried steak, b-b-q chicken, bacon wrapped chopped sirloin, and others. Good, wholesome and tasty.
I haven't tried it, but the salad looks good. The only thing I've had there that I wasn't totally thrilled with was the "Mexican" dishes. But it's easy to steer around them because there are always good choices every day. Good iced tea and the best part of all? $6.50 for a heapin' helpin' and a glass of tea. Hard to beat and highly recommended...
Call them at 372-2608 and have them email you the menu every day.
Friday, February 29, 2008
Thai Food Friday
I think we kind of officially meet every Friday at AP's now. And though the group gets larger or smaller each week, Panne never fails us. Last week was a table full of fish dishes and this week we reprised some curries we'd already tried.
We started off with the curry rolls which are a real treat. We don't get them very often because they are very tedious to make.
Then she brought out those wonderful Thai egg rolls with the unctuous sauce and the green lettuce leaves to wrap them in. One of my favorites of the appetizers.
Next came the papaya salad, spicy hot, fresh and very healthy tasting. We wrapped the salad in an unfamiliar bitter tasting leaf that made the entire mouthful an explosion of heat and flavor.
The main course was green curry with Thai eggplants and little skeins of noodles, spicy and boldly flavorful, this is a regular dish for us here. Becoming a lot like comfort food to me. That and the noodle soup.
All things must come to an end. If you want to meet up with us next Friday, drop me a line at greg at circabellum.com and I'll get you the details. We'll make you feel at home...
We started off with the curry rolls which are a real treat. We don't get them very often because they are very tedious to make.
Then she brought out those wonderful Thai egg rolls with the unctuous sauce and the green lettuce leaves to wrap them in. One of my favorites of the appetizers.
Next came the papaya salad, spicy hot, fresh and very healthy tasting. We wrapped the salad in an unfamiliar bitter tasting leaf that made the entire mouthful an explosion of heat and flavor.
The main course was green curry with Thai eggplants and little skeins of noodles, spicy and boldly flavorful, this is a regular dish for us here. Becoming a lot like comfort food to me. That and the noodle soup.
All things must come to an end. If you want to meet up with us next Friday, drop me a line at greg at circabellum.com and I'll get you the details. We'll make you feel at home...Monday, February 25, 2008
Market Cafe Makes Mondays Even More Difficult
BJ's Market Cafe
45 Market Plaza, North Little Rock, Arkansas. 501-945-8884
Monday is a tough day for me to go to the Market Cafe. That's because the specials on Monday include corned beef and cabbage or liver and onions. I like them both,
they're not either one easily found in this area, and I don't like having to make Sophie's Choice type decisions.
Located in the Farmer's Market, over the railroad tracks, near the end of McCain, the Market Cafe has been serving up some good home style cooking for as long as I can remember. Every day presents different lunch specials and knowing which days to go is definitely a plus. For instance, being a dressing junkie, Tuesdays are good for me because they have chicken and dressing. Chicken fried steak and baked ham are the other choices that day, but the dressing is what I get. Wednesday is spaghetti, Thursday is either fried pork chops or chicken and dumplings. But the smoked sausage and kraut has tempted me a few times until I relented. That's good too. Friday is catfish or meatloaf. And everyday has vegetables like beans, squash, homemade mashed potatoes, greens, mac and cheese... well you get the idea.
The closest thing I have to a complaint is the gravy. Don't get me wrong, it's standard cafe fare - thick brown sauce. But it looks, feels and tastes like it comes out of a jar. And, one of the great by-products of liver and onions is the savory liver gravy that you drown your potatoes or rice in. Well, they don't make that gravy, it's the same brown gravy as every other day.
Don't let the crowds intimidate you, they have three rooms of seating and everything moves pretty quickly. You'll be in and out in no time. And you can pick up some veggies for supper at the farmer's market next door.
Pricing is lower end, lunch and drink for less than nine dollars. But very good in quality.
45 Market Plaza, North Little Rock, Arkansas. 501-945-8884
Monday is a tough day for me to go to the Market Cafe. That's because the specials on Monday include corned beef and cabbage or liver and onions. I like them both,
they're not either one easily found in this area, and I don't like having to make Sophie's Choice type decisions.
Located in the Farmer's Market, over the railroad tracks, near the end of McCain, the Market Cafe has been serving up some good home style cooking for as long as I can remember. Every day presents different lunch specials and knowing which days to go is definitely a plus. For instance, being a dressing junkie, Tuesdays are good for me because they have chicken and dressing. Chicken fried steak and baked ham are the other choices that day, but the dressing is what I get. Wednesday is spaghetti, Thursday is either fried pork chops or chicken and dumplings. But the smoked sausage and kraut has tempted me a few times until I relented. That's good too. Friday is catfish or meatloaf. And everyday has vegetables like beans, squash, homemade mashed potatoes, greens, mac and cheese... well you get the idea.
The closest thing I have to a complaint is the gravy. Don't get me wrong, it's standard cafe fare - thick brown sauce. But it looks, feels and tastes like it comes out of a jar. And, one of the great by-products of liver and onions is the savory liver gravy that you drown your potatoes or rice in. Well, they don't make that gravy, it's the same brown gravy as every other day.
Don't let the crowds intimidate you, they have three rooms of seating and everything moves pretty quickly. You'll be in and out in no time. And you can pick up some veggies for supper at the farmer's market next door.
Pricing is lower end, lunch and drink for less than nine dollars. But very good in quality.
