Little Rock has fully embraced the weekend brunch service, so it was only a matter of time before somebody turned it into a festival. Little Rock Brunchfest is this Saturday from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m. at Heifer International in East Village. More than two dozen locally owned Little Rock restaurants will be represented at the all-you-can-sample festival. Names like Cathead’s Diner, At the Corner, Ceci’s Chicken and Waffles and many others show this festival is serious about making an impression. This is a ticketed event; for $25 you can enjoy sample plates from all restaurants and non-alcoholic beverages. Upgrading to the $35 ticket unlocks access to adult beverages (obviously, you have to be 21 or older). VIP tickets are already sold out. Proceeds from Little Rock Brunchfest go to benefit Centers for Youth and Families, which provides special services to promote emotional and social wellness for children and families in Arkansas.
We’re in the middle of one of the most important weeks of the year for the Big Orange family of restaurants. Once again, Big Orange has teamed up with the Arkansas Foodbank for End Hunger Week. All week long, 50% of sales from three menu items will be donated to the Arkansas Foodbank: the special Ratatouille Burger, Sweet Potato Fries and the Velvet Orange frozen cocktail. The Ratatouille Burger is a great monthly special and reason enough to order one on its own. End Hunger Week lasts through Friday dinner service, so you still have a few days to get some great food and make a difference in the lives of hungry Arkansans.
There were a couple of beer-related stories that slipped past us in our regular Growlers feature. First, Flyway Brewing and Loblolly Creamery have teamed up for a special frozen treat that recalls one of the best beers released this year. It’s a Chocolate Stout ice cream made with Flyway’s Lord God Imperial Chocolate Stout, which was released earlier this year. Lord God is Flyway’s annual special release; this year’s brew got a barrel-aged version that was one of the best beers the taproom has ever created. Fortunately for younger customers, you don’t need to be 21 and older to try Loblolly’s Chocolate Stout ice cream. This is Loblolly’s first fall release of the season.
And Diamond Bear Brewing Company is playing host to a fun doggie-themed event this weekend. Brews and Barks is this Saturday from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. The event features unlimited sample pours from Diamond Bear, Stone’s Throw, Lost Forty and Flyway Brewing, as well as hot dogs and veggie dogs. There will also be plenty of games and activities for your best doggo to enjoy. Tickets to Brews and Barks are $25 in advance and $30 at the door. Proceeds from the event go to benefit the Humane Society of Pulaski County.
Dizzy’s in downtown Little Rock is under new ownership, and with the change comes an updated cocktail menu. We dropped by to check out the new drinks that feature a modern take on some timeless classics.
And the Arkansas Cornbread Festival is bringing back its popular essay contest. Check out how you can participate in a truly unique storytelling contest.
RIP Damgoode Pies
November 20, 2023
