Every two weeks, I’ll bring you my honest, straightforward views from my recent dining experiences, as well as news from all around the Little Rock food scene!
My views…
I realize the going-to-close/not-going-to-close events surrounding the beloved Igibon were a feel-good story, but the fact remains that I’ve now had several sub-par experiences in a row at the restaurant. Igibon was once a personal favorite, but recently–whether it’s a slow kitchen, pedestrian sushi, or bland vegetable tempura–the all-around quality seems to be lacking. Here’s hoping things can get back on track.
Ristorante Capeo, located in North Little Rock’s Argenta District, is such a gem of a restaurant and truly deserves more attention than it typically gets. For appetizers, it’s hard to beat the stuffed eggplant or The Hunter, a plate packed with a variety of sliced Italian meats, including a can’t-miss sausage link. The primi piatti of lasagna is some of the best in town and represents a nice option for folks in favor of smaller portions. Ones with a bigger appetite should opt for the pork chop, while also saving a little room for the dynamite tiramisu or crème brulee. Wines lovers will be impressed with not only Capeo’s expansive selection, but also with a knowledgeable waitstaff ready to pick out a perfect bottle for your table.
If you’ve never had the dim sum at Chi’s on Shackleford and Markham, it’s truly something you need to work into the mix in the very near future. I can’t express enough what an enjoyable eating experience it was for me last week. The offerings are plentiful, but for first-timers, I recommend sticking with the dumplings.
It only took me 2.5 years, but I finally made it out to Sims Barbeque (John Barrow Rd location). Everything we ordered, including the chopped pork sandwich, smoked bologna sandwich and French fries, was met with favorable results. I particularly enjoyed Sims’ vinegar-based barbeque sauce, which provided a perfect tanginess to the meat. And not that I’m a huge fan of bologna, but this sandwich definitely now rates pretty damn high on my list of guilty food pleasures. Definitely order it with the slaw and mustard and squeeze a little hot sauce on top. Is Sims the best barbeque in the world? No …. it’s tender and juicy, but definitely lacks that smoky flavor so many of the top tier joints incorporate into their product. That said, it’s the best I’ve eaten so far here in Little Rock, and in a city in serious need of better barbeque, Sims definitely stands tall.
And the news…
The Stone’s Throw Beer Dinner at South on Main is set for Tuesday, January 27th at 6:30PM. Tickets are $70 per person and that includes dinner, beer, tax and tip. For a ticket information and a full look at the evening’s menu, click here.
Hey … it’s National Pie Day tomorrow, and our The Pie Hole food truck will be celebrating the occasion at Southwest Power Pool for lunch with $1 off slices and $6 off whole pie orders (pre-orders only: 712-6366 or thepieholetruck@gmail.com). Katmandu MoMo will also be in attendance.
Little Rock’s 34th Annual Soup Sunday benefiting Arkansas Advocates for Children and Families will be held on Sunday, February 8th from 4:00PM – 7:00PM at the Statehouse Convention Center in Little Rock. Regular admission tickets are $25 for adults through February 6th at 5PM After that, tickets are $30. VIP tickets are $50, $5 for children ages 5-17, and children younger than 5 are free. “Payne Harding of Cache will be our VIP chef this time. Event sponsors and VIP ticket holders can enjoy his signature soup (we’ve heard rumors he’s preparing truffled lobster and corn chowder), along with complimentary wine and beer provided by Glazer’s. We’ll also have the perfect desserts to end your meal.”
From Brown Sugar Bakeshop: “Online preordering for Valentine’s Day is available at brownsugarbakeshop.com. Select from ‘VALENTINES DAY DESSERTS’ category. We will be open on Valentine’s Day, Saturday, February 14th from 10AM-3PM. You must indicate in special instructions if you want to pick-up then.”
From Damgoode Pies: “We are thrilled to report that Moody Brews will help Damgoode Pies create its own custom beer recipes for the new Riverfront brewpub. We are also reserving two whole fermenters exclusively for Moody Brews beer! To celebrate this union, we are throwing a blow-out, beer tasting shindig! All the mightiest beer tasters in the kingdom (and surrounding areas) will be there. You should be too! This will be the first time all 3 of Moody Brews beers will be for sale under 1 roof (Half Seas Over, Imperial IPA, Earl Gray ESB (collaboration with Apple Blossom Brewery), and 6s and 7s, Imperial Belgian Chocolate Porter) Josiah Moody will be here to talk shop! Free Samples! $2 Slices!” The event is set for Wednesday, January 28th from 4:00PM-7:00PM at Damgoode Pies (6706 Cantrell).
RIP Damgoode Pies
November 20, 2023
