Around the Rock: Another Great Meal at Natchez

My weekly food views…
Truth be told, I damn near wrote off Natchez after a subpar and expensive dinner last year during the holidays. Two excellent meals in the past few weeks have changed that line of thinking, the latest being a plate of perfectly fried quail with faro and stewed okra. This dish exemplified what true Little Rock cuisine is all about—taking simple, Southern ingredients and elevating them through proper execution and beautiful technique. And for dessert? We split a highly creative and delicious brownie sandwich filled with Shiraz ice cream and drizzled with Merlot caramel sauce.
Unfortunately, I experienced two separate service issues this past week, the first at Big Orange West on Sunday evening. A slow kitchen, even with the restaurant at about 40% capacity, lead to a lengthy period without food reaching the table. And last night’s dinner at Igibon had my kids polishing off their meal before my Spider Roll made an appearance. Horrible offenses? No, but certainly worth noting.
I love a great cup of coffee and both Boulevard and Guillermo’s nailed it on that front this week. Props to both establishments for prompt, friendly service as well.
Did you know Wendy’s now does pulled pork cheese fries? Please drop me a line if you ever brave that gut bomb.
And the news…
Eggshell Kitchen Co.’s latest class features cocktail master Lee Edwards. Click here for the full details on an evening you won’t want to miss.
Good Food by Ferneau and Butcher & Public are now open.
The Tales From the South Fundraiser will be held at the St. Joseph Farm on Saturday, September 27th at 6:00 p.m. in North Little Rock. Doors open at 5:30 and seating is first come, first served. There will be live music by Bonnie Montgomery, along with a farm-to-table dinner prepared by Alexis Jones of Natchez (with Loblolly ice cream and Vino’s beer).
Little Rocktoberfest 2014 is this Saturday, September 27th (6:00 p.m.) at War Memorial Stadium.
Big Orange Midtown’s Four Roses Whiskey Dinner is set for Tuesday, October 7th at 7:30 p.m.
The 11th Annual Christmas in the Quarter will be on December 2nd from 2 p.m.-5 p.m. Click here for more details.
Pizzeria Santa Lucia’s grand opening is set for October 10th at 5:00 p.m.
Mac-O-Laterns is set for October 25th at MacArthur Park.