News
Downtown bakery Brown Sugar Bakeshop will close its retail location on 3rd Street on Christmas Eve. The move doesn’t mean the end of Brown Sugar, however. The business is moving to a new commercial kitchen to expand its dessert delivery and catering service. Also, Brown Sugar has announced it will launch a new dessert food truck sometime next year that will mainly service the downtown area. Brown Sugar got its start in 2009 in the River Market Pavilion making cakes, cupcakes and cookies.
Also on the move is the longtime Indian favorite Banana Leaf food truck. The owners have announced they are moving into the Simmons First building downtown and should be open by the middle of December. The truck has closed down for the winter. We’ll be keeping an eye on Banana Leaf’s progress in the coming days.
Speaking of food trucks opening permanent restaurants, here’s our story on BASH Burger Co. getting ready to open its location on North Bowman Road.
Deluca’s Pizzeria Napoletana in Hot Springs will be taking a few weeks off at the end of the year. Deluca’s will close up after its dinner service on Dec. 13 and won’t open back up until January. Deluca’s is considered by many (including myself) to have some of the best pizza in Arkansas, so you’ll want to get to Hot Springs soon if you want one more slice in 2015.
Table 28 and The Burgundy Hotel are teaming up for the second year to offer a special New Year’s Eve food and stay package. Included is a full meal from a special menu that chef Scott Rains will feature just for the occasion, champagne and chocolate-covered strawberries in your room, and breakfast for two the next morning. There is also a package without dinner at Table 28, but skipping out on a meal from Rains is a big mistake. Prices start at $329. Order soon, these sold out quickly last year.
Conway food truck Burritas has seen some recent success and will now be open six days a week. The truck is open Monday through Saturday from 11 a.m. until 8 p.m. at its location on Old Morrilton Highway.
Grass Roots Cooperative and Chef Shuttle seem to be forming quite a bond. The pair already worked together to deliver Arkansas turkeys for Thanksgiving, and now they’re presenting a monthly delivery of local, farm-raised right to your doorstep. For $120 a month, you get 12 pounds of pork, chicken and beef dropped off at your home. The meat is all from animals raised on Arkansas farms. More information is available here.
Arbela Middle Eastern Grill is open in the space once occupied by Natchez Restaurant. Our First Look shows off the Mediterranean menu.
And in a bizarre story, the owner of Café Bossa Nova is apparently responsible for an accidental shooting that ended up shattering a window at U.S. Pizza across the street. The police report shows that the owner was clearing his gun in the office when it discharged, sending the bullet through two walls and a window at Bossa Nova, over Kavanaugh and into U.S. Pizza. Nobody was hurt and no charges were filed. Credit to Forbidden Hillcrest for breaking the news.
Events
December 3rd Trucks & Trees Food Truck Meet Up – The final food truck meet of 2015 at Good Earth Greenhouse in West Little Rock from 5 p.m. until 8 p.m. Confirmed trucks include Katmandu Momo, Hot Rod Wieners, El Cubano Loco and Fork in the Road.
December 6th Eggshells Annual Nog-Off – This eggnog competition is open to the public and runs from 2 p.m. until 4 p.m. I’ll be entering my aged eggnog recipe, so please stop by and have a taste.
December 8th Lee Edwards Pop Up Bar – Former Yellow Rocket Concepts beverage director Lee Edwards is coming back home for a one-night pop-up at Big Orange Midtown from 8 p.m. until 10 p.m. Off-menu bar snacks and some new cocktails are promised
December 11th 11th Ever Nog-Off at the Historic Arkansas Museum – Little Rock chefs and bartenders compete to see who has the best eggnog in town.
December 13th Art of the Bar at South on Main – This holiday craft market will feature caroling by Bonnie Montgomery and Amy Garland, drinks by David Burnette, and snacks by Matthew Bell.
December 13th Toys for Tots Toy Drive and PJ Party – Show up in your PJs and bring some unwrapped toys to Raduno Brick Oven & Barroom between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. and get 10 percent off your meal. Enjoy a special Sunday brunch menu with some breakfast pizzas and even gluten-free options.
December 21st Hoppy Anniversary Party at Lost Forty Brewing – Lost Forty is celebrating its first birthday with an all-out party, featuring a brand new doppelbock beer release, live music and a special German food menu from Scott McGehee. Get a babysitter for this final party before Christmas. The party starts at 4 p.m. and ends at 10 p.m.
As always, if you have news, events, or specials over the next week, let us know.