Rumbles: kBird Annual Closing Soon, Count Porkula on Cooking Channel

There is a lot of news to tell you about this week, so let’s start with one of our favorite spots. Thai restaurant kBird in Hillcrest will observe its annual month-long closing beginning on Monday. That’s right: if you are reading this story as soon as it comes out, you now have just two days to get your kBird fix before it’s gone until mid-February. For those who are new to this, owner Richard Glasgow takes a month every year and goes to Thailand to visit friends and explore new recipes and cooking ideas. For 2020, Glasgow will be shutting down kBird starting Jan. 13 and ending Feb. 14. For the next two days, only lunch will be served; there is no dinner service.
We love when local restaurants get national exposure, and that’s happening again early next week. Count Porkula at The Rail Yard in East Village will be featured Tuesday on Cooking Channel’s show Burgers, Brew & ‘Que. Legendary Cleveland-based chef Michael Symon, a Food Network and Cooking Channel mainstay, hosts the episode, which will feature Count Porkula’s Rib Meat Chimichanga and Bull & Boar Sandwich. Count Porkula is hosting a watch party Tuesday evening to celebrate. If you can’t make it in person, you can check out the episode at home Tuesday at 8 p.m. on Cooking Channel.
Two and a half years after losing the historic location in Scott to a fire, Cotham’s is expanding. The restaurant has spawned Hubcap Burger Company, which is taking over the spot on Cantrell Road that was once home to Arkansas Burger Company and Casey’s BBQ. Right now, the focus is on plumbing, sewer lines and grease trap installation, which means opening day is still probably a month away. The sign is up in front of the restaurant. Hubcap Burger Company is named after the famous Hubcap Burger at Cotham’s, a one-pound indulgence that helped put Cotham’s on the map.
We’ve never really had a reason to celebrate National Hot Tea Day in Little Rock before, but Abbi’s Teas and Things has changed that. To celebrate the occasion on Sunday, Abbi’s is offering “All You Can Sip” tea for just $5. Come to Abbi’s to try several blends, including the excellent Banana Nut Roo, Spiced Apple Chai, Blueberry Basil and the new Persimmon Lemon. Abbi’s will also hold a drawing for a 2020 prize pack for a lucky customer. If you haven’t checked out Abbi’s yet, take a look at our fall menu review and make plans to attend this Sunday from 1 to 6 p.m.
Did you see our piece yesterday on The Lab Food Truck? The truck was set up outside Proof Bar + Lounge in Hillcrest when we stopped by for the story. Proof owner Gene Lee tells me he’s going to begin booking regular food trucks on Sundays, starting this weekend with Low Ivy Catering. Chef Titus Holly brings Holly Smokes to Proof on Jan. 19, and newcomers The Southern Standard will set up on Jan. 26. Proof features one of the best-stocked bars in the city and an excellent patio, so this is a great way to spend your Sunday.
As of this morning, The River Market officially has its newest restaurant. Check out our First Look of The Library Kitchen + Lounge at the new spot in the former Gusano’s space downtown.