Around the Rock: Affordable, Tasty Sushi at Sakuri in Sherwood and a Visit to the Farmers Market

My weekly views…
Major props to my buddy who suggested a group of us try out Sakura Japanese Restaurant up in Sherwood. The sushi rolls proved to be a hit and an excellent value. Three rolls (six pieces each) cost $14–a pretty damn good deal for tasty eel, spicy scallops and spicy salmon rolls. Is it a bit of a drive for those of us living in the heart of Little Rock? Yes. But it’s worth it, especially when you can cap things off afterwards with a visit to the arcade just a few doors down.
You know I love me some Le Pops, the gourmet popsicle store located in the heart of the Heights. I had my first shaved ice, a cherry-flavored, handmade delight that is every bit as good as the popsicle. Owner Laurie Harrison uses only real fruit syrups, but she’s not heavy-handed with her pour, a trait I both like and appreciate.
The Pantry Crest is close to opening up, but that doesn’t mean things have dropped off at the original location. My jagerschnitzel, a dish comprised of a thin, fried pork cutlet resting on a pile of spaetzle and covered in a brown mushroom gravy, is European comfort food at its finest. Consistent, well-made food at reasonable prices is what The Pantry does best, and last Friday night’s dinner was no exception. As always, the cocktails, service and lively atmosphere helped make for an enjoyable evening. Shout out to Kelly, our server, for doing such a wonderful job, especially with the attention and kindness she showed toward our children.
The Hillcrest Farmers Market was hopping last Saturday morning. I visited several booths, including Bonta Toscana, Arkansas Fresh Bakery, Rattle’s Garden, North Pulaski Farms and Freckle Face Farm. Per usual, I came home with way too many items, but the inspiration they provided led to a weekend full of awesome cooking creations. Please go check out the market on Saturday mornings from 7:00 a.m.-noon. BTW, pictured above is some eggplant Parmesan I whipped up … eggplant was from Rattle’s Garden.
And the news…
Starting this week, The Pie Hole will be selling its desserts at Damgoode Pies. As a part of Little Rock Restaurant Month, DGP will be giving out samples of these tasty desserts to anyone who orders a pizza from August 22-31. Right now, all Little Rock Damgoode Pies locations have sour cream cheesecake, lemon icebox, and Samoa (coconut cream with chocolate and caramel on an Oreo crust).
Speaking of Restaurant Month … South on Main has $2 off Blue Plate Specials at lunch. The restaurant is celebrating back-to-school-week by offering lunch desserts at half price. In other news, South on Main is hosting a benefit for the Arkansas Festival Ballet. From the restaurant: “A Midsummer’s Night Dream at South on Main to benefit the Arkansas Festival Ballet Sunday, August 24 at 7:00 p.m. Embrace the sultry summer with sangria & signature hors d’oeuvres. Enjoy enticing raffle opportunities! Tickets are $35 and can be purchased by visiting: AFBatSoM.eventbrite.com or by emailing info@arkansasdance.org.”
The Pantry is hiring! From the restaurant: “Please keep us in mind as we need positive hard working people to join our teams at Pantry West and Pantry Crest! Taking applications at the West location, needing extras for all positions: 11401 N Rodney Parham 501-353-1875.”
The August SoMa Food truck night (August 28th from 5:00 p.m.-8:00 p.m.) has been moved to Arkansas Flag And Banner. Indoor seating and bathrooms will be available, as well as a whole bunch of parking space! Waffle Wagon will be there, as well as Beast Food Truck, Hot Rod Weiners, The Southern Gourmasian, and possibly Kbird and Loblolly Creamery.