News
We tend to spend quite a bit of time here talking about breweries, but that’s only because something new is happening almost weekly in Little Rock’s blossoming beer scene. Take Lost Forty Brewing, for example. A few weeks ago, the brewery began selling its Day Drinker Belgian blonde in cans at retail locations around Central Arkansas. Day Drinker is the fourth permanent addition to Lost Forty’s lineup, and they’re not done yet. Yellow Rocket marketing director Amber Brewer tells me the can art is in the works for the fifth permanent beer, Rockhound Imperial IPA. Expect to see that on shelves in the next few months.
After dealing with multiple roadblocks and delays, the wait is almost over for Rebel Kettle Brewing Company. The brewery has received its federal permit to brew beer and is finalizing its plans with Arkansas beverage authorities. Rebel Kettle says it hopes to start brewing beer in the next few of weeks, which could put it on pace for an opening date toward the end of February.
If you missed our big story from earlier today, longtime Little Rock restaurant 1620 Savoy has closed for good. Our editor Greg Henderson spoke with former owner Rush Harding about the closing.
I can’t believe there are still tickets available, but you can still buy your spot in Rock Town Distillery’s upcoming “Warehouse Experience” on Jan. 29. Attendees will follow head distiller Phil Brandon and sample spirits from several barrels in the warehouse. Tickets are $30 and include a free nosing glass. Act fast, there are only 10 spots available in all.
Damgoode Pies has announced it has closed its Rogers location after the owner chose to part ways with the business. The Fayetteville location is still open. Damgoode owner Jeff Trine says he is looking for a franchisee for the Rogers area.
After nearly a month off, Rick’s Beignets will be open for business again starting Friday. When Richard Rogers comes back, he’ll be joined at his Sherwood location by Hot Rod Wieners, whose new menu we covered here. Rogers says he will be a bit more mobile this year, setting up next week at the new food truck court on Chester Ave. and hitting a few food truck meets later this year.
Little Rock favorite Loblolly Creamery has a new winter menu, previewed here.
Don’t miss our latest Drink Insider from Becca Bona with the fascinating Malissa Callaway of Good Food by Ferneau.
And lastly, I checked out the Gillett Coon Supper and lived to write about it.
Events
January 13th (tonight) “It’s Been Sweet” Going-Away Party for Sweet Love – This celebration for Kelli Marks’ well-loved bakery will feature live entertainment and some of Marks’ more popular desserts.
January 14th Hot Rod Wieners + Ice Cream Night – Hot Rod Wieners and Loblolly Creamery are teaming up for a special dinner at Green Corner Store in the SoMa district. Proceeds from the event go to benefit Lucie’s Place, which helps LGBTQ homeless people.
January 19th Second Annual South on Main/Lost Forty Brewing beer dinner – South on Main was the first ever beer dinner for Lost Forty back in January, and the two are teaming up again in 2016. Menu details and beer pairings aren’t yet available. Tickets can only be reserved via email to amy@southonmain.com.
January 26th Stone’s Throw/Southern Gourmasian Beer Dinner – Stone’s Throw and Southern Gourmasian throw some of the best ticketed dinners every month. The dinner features 5 courses that are unique to the dinner and include beer pairings with each. Tickets are $50 for one, or $90 for two. Call 501-313-5645 to reserve seats.
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.
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
Tonight, ZAZA has a good reason for you to stop by for dinner. For $18 tonight only, get the special Buffalo chicken pizza and two pints of any craft beer on draft. ZAZA is throwing in a couple of koozies for you to take home.
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.
