Rumbles: Bruno's Deli Nears Completion, The Root Expansion Update, David's Burgers Ready for River Market

News
A quick check-in with Bruno’s Little Italy shows the business’s new delicatessen is inching ever so close to completion. Gio Bruno tells me he is just waiting on the ok from the fire marshal before he starts moving in food and training staff in the new space. He estimates that will take about two weeks once final approval comes in. The deli would have been finished by now, but heavy rains in March poured through some leaks in the building and caused some damage that had to be repaired.
Speaking of construction, it’s proceeding nicely at The Root Café. Owner Jack Sundell tells me five of the eight shipping containers being used in the expansion are now in place. Next week, The Root’s new walk-in refrigerator will go online, allowing construction to begin in the current kitchen area. Once its all done, The Root will be serving a regular dinner service. You can get a taste of what’s to come twice a month with special dinner events. The next dinner event has not yet been announced.
David’s Burgers remains the fastest growing local restaurant group in Central Arkansas. Earlier this year, David’s opened its seventh location in Cabot, and its making moves on its eight spot in the River Market. David’s will be taking over the space once occupied by Boulevard Bread Company in Ottenheimer Hall. Currently, David’s is getting through the red tape that comes with both opening a restaurant and setting up in the River Market. Owner Allan Bubbus tells me he is going to be donating part of his space as a public seating area for anybody to use.
For you cocktail lovers out there, Big Orange Midtown is celebrating National Negroni Week right now. The restaurant has put together a “build-your-own-negroni” menu that lets you picks from hundreds of possible combinations. For each negroni sold this week, Big Orange will donate $1 to the Arkansas Foodbank.
Speaking of cocktails, one of our favorite bartenders Lee Edwards, is back in town this week. Lee previously was head of the cocktail program at Yellow Rocket and now works for liquor importer Haus Alpenz, his drinks are always special if you have never had a chance to grab one. He has popup events all over the city including one tonight at Raduno, a cocktail tasting tomorrow at O’Looney’s followed by a dinner at Table 28. Last night he also did a Manhattan dinner at South on Main.
We now know what’s going to become of the former Afterthought Bistro and Bar. Mylo Coffee Co. is taking over the space to create a new restaurant and concert venue. We got all the details in our big story this week.
One of Arkansas’ oldest breweries is also one of its lesser-known. We sat down with Windell Gray of Refined Ale Brewery for an interview in our Drink Insider.
Events
June 9th Cocktail Dinner at Table 28 – Former Yellow Rocket Concepts beverage director Lee Edwards is back in Little Rock for this special dinner with chef Scott Rains. The five-course meal is $90 per person and features some innovative work from both Rains and Edwards. Call 501-224-2828 to reserve your seat.
June 10th Feast in the Field – Annual fundraiser for Heifer International, spotlighting the importance of operating using zero waste. Tickets start at $150, and sponsorship levels are still available.
June 11th Argenta Farmers Market 9th Anniversary Celebration – The market will celebrate its ninth year with several events, including a food truck challenge using produce from market vendors. Admission is free.
June 18th Midtown Food Truck Festival – This is the first-ever food truck meet-up at Midtown Park Apartments on Markham St. Katmandu Momo, Hot Rod Wieners and Slader’s Alaskan Dumpling Co. are among the trucks slated to appear.
June 19th Fathers Day Crawfish Boil – Kent Walker Artisan Cheese and Diamond Bear Brewing Company are partnering for this unique event. Tickets are $35 each and are available on the Kent Walker website.
June 21st Five Beers Five Bites Dinner – The monthly beer pairing dinner between The Southern Gourmasian and Stone’s Throw Brewing. Tickets are $50 or $90 for a pair and are available at the restaurant.
June 22nd Flyway Brewing Dinner at YaYa’s Euro Bistro – Beer pairings are the name of the game in this special dinner at YaYa’s in West Little Rock. Ticket pricing has not yet been announced.
June 25th 2016 Arkansas Brewers Festival – This festival at the Arkansas State Fairgrounds will feature beer from around the state. Tickets are currently on sale here.
June 26th Arkansas Tomato Festival – Celebrating Arkansas’ outstanding heirloom tomatoes, this festival at the Bernice Garden Farmers Market will feature an heirloom tomato showcase, cooking demonstration and some giveaways.
June 26th Pop-Up Wine Dinner/Taste of Asia – First in a series of monthly pop-up dinners to be held at the former 1620 Savoy restaurant. Tickets are available here.