News
After taking a month off to travel and do some work, Richard Glasgow is planning to reopen kBird on Monday with some brand new hours. This month, the city of Little Rock approved Glasgow’s request to expand his hours to include a full dinner service. Starting Monday, kBird will be open from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m. for lunch (Monday through Friday), and 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. for dinner (Monday through Thursday). In addition, Glasgow says he is streamlining his lunch menu to cut down on wait times. A more varied menu will be available for dinner. If you have never eaten there, kBird is easily one of the best Thai options in Arkansas, one you should check out very soon.
Desserts from prolific pastry chef Zara Abbasi (formerly of Natchez Restaurant) continue making their away across Little Rock. Abbasi’s latest client is The Faded Rose, which this week began selling her lemon doberge cake (a popular New Orleans treat). This makes five restaurants now selling Abbasi’s desserts; you can also find her at Local Lime, Raduno, The Fold and Heights Taco & Tamale Co. Abbasi tells me a few more businesses could be coming soon, as well as some special collaborations.
Beer-making is finally underway at Rebel Kettle Brewing Company. Head brewer John Lee tells me he started the brewing week with blonde ale and a cream stout. For the rest of the week, Lee will be making spring saison and Belgian white IPA. Lee tells me Rebel Kettle is shooting for an early March grand opening, though he says he’ll have a better idea of that by the end of the week.
Speaking of beer, nanobrewery Prestonrose Farm and Brewery Company has begun brewing its first four beers before opening next week. Prestonrose will debut its imperial IPA, American brown ale, bitter blonde, and coffee porter to start. The brewery is so small that only tastings will be initially offered at the farm. Growlers will be available for sale at the taproom and at the Paris farmers market. Prestonrose says it is also planning on participating in the 2016 Hot Springs Craft Beer Festival.
Ryan Ashcraft of BASH Burger Co. reports that construction on the new restaurant on Bowman Road is still ongoing. A few small bumps pushed back his opening day, which he now has around mid-February. You remember, BASH started out as a Saline County food truck, but its rapid success prompted Ashcraft to take his concept to a more permanent location.
I checked in with the Bruno family this week, and they tell me that construction is underway on the new Bruno’s Deli next door to Bruno’s Little Italy on Main St. Construction is projected to take 60 days, which would put the deli opening in mid- to late March. Unlike the restaurant, plans for the deli have it opening for lunch, serving up Italian-themed sandwiches, soups and salads. We’ll keep you posted as construction continues.
Downtown Little Rock is about to get a new juice bar. Locally owned Juice Leaf is set to open in a couple of weeks on Louisiana Street. Juice Leaf will offer the standard juice and smoothie menu, as well as something called “smoothie bowls.” We’ll be checking that out as opening day draws closer.
Arkansas’ unofficial dessert has to be the pie, right? Our own Daniel Walker has the 10 best you can find in the Little Rock area.
We recently reported a couple of new menu updates. South on Main has its new winter menu out, and Ciao Baci recently added its new cold-weather items to the lineup.
Looking for Valentine’s Day ideas? Be sure to check out our list of 30 Little Rock-area restaurants offering specials that weekend.
Also, make sure to vote for your favorite bartender, host or server in our 2016 Best Service Award poll.
Events
January 28th Sonoma Cider Tap Takeover at Big Orange Midtown – The California cider company comes to Little Rock with six of their ciders on tap. Big Orange will also have a cider-inspired bratwurst board as a snack.
January 30th Big Red Ball Homebrewing Contest – This annual event sponsored by the Little Rock Kickball Association brings together local home brewers from around town to compete to become the official Beer of Kickball. In addition the winning beer will be brewed professionally by Stone’s Throw Brewing. Tickets to attend start at $25, and it is $10 to enter a beer in the contest.
January 31st Little Rock Soup Sunday – The 35th annual celebration will be held at the Statehouse Convention Center from 4 p.m until 7 p.m. Restaurants from all over Little Rock will be on hand serving up their best soup recipes. Proceeds from the event go to Arkansas Advocates for Children and Families.
January 31st Beer, Wine, & Cheese Pairing – Kent Walker Artisan Cheese, Stone’s Throw Brewing, and Chateau Aux Arc Winery are pairing up for a unique beer, wine, and cheese pairing at Kent Walker’s tasting room at 5pm and again at 7pm. Seating is limited for both. Each of the 4 courses will include a tasting of beer, wine, and cheese as well as a bit of food. $40 per ticket
$70 for 2 tickets. Contact gwen@kentwalkercheese.com or 501-301-4963 to make a reservation.
February 3rd Lost 40 Brewing Night at Riverdale 10 Cinema – With Lost 40 beer now on sale at the cinema, the two are hosting a special movie night with the film of your choice. Click the link to vote on the film you want to see (right now it’s close between Labyrinth and The Big Lebowski).
February 6th HeART of The Bar: a Handmade Holiday Market – South on Main once again will host its semi-regular craft market, featuring more than a dozen local artisans with their handmade jewelry, crafts, art and more.
February 7th Super Bowl Party at Flyway Brewing – Guest chef Trevor Swedenburg of South on Main will be serving up watch party favorites, including a special Chex mix, Frito chili pies, homemade kielbasa and bacon-wrapped water chestnuts.
February 18th Roxy’s Twisted Sandwiches Soft Opening – New Central Arkansas food truck Roxy’s Twisted Sandwiches will make their opening official by setting up shop at Flyway Brewing in North Little Rock.
Specials
Baja Grill wants to be your happy hour spot this month. All January, house margaritas are just $4, and all special margaritas are $2 off.
