News
If you ask folks the biggest problem facing the excellent Table 28, chances are you’ll hear a lot of complaints about the décor and atmosphere. Those problems are about to get a permanent fix, as chef Scott Rains tells me the dining room is set for a complete overhaul. Starting Jan. 6, the entire space will be torn open to make for a brighter, more modern environment. But don’t worry, the restaurant won’t be closing during that time. Table 28 will simply move dinner service into the lobby, which can already seat at least two dozen people. It’s unknown how long the renovation will take, but Rains would like to have the job complete before Valentine’s Day.
Starting in January, two of Central Arkansas’ top food trucks will be teaming up at one regular location. Justin and Andrea Wilson’s Hot Rod Wieners will set up shop in Sherwood with Rick’s Beignets. Rick’s has spent its first months at the intersection of North Hills and Country Club Road. Hot Rod Wieners has a second truck as well that will stay mobile around the Little Rock area. In addition, the hot dog truck will be working on breakfast items and other new menu features for the Sherwood spot. The new partnership will start when Rick’s Beignets returns from its holiday break on Jan. 15. Hours will be 7 a.m. until 2 p.m.
After taking the last three weeks off, Deluca’s Pizzeria Napoletano in Hot Springs will reopen on New Year’s Eve.
Count Cache Restaurant among the Little Rock restaurants embracing the brunch scene. Starting this weekend, Cache will offer a regular brunch service on Saturdays and Sunday from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. Cache hasn’t yet posted its menu for brunch service, though if its lunch and dinner are any indication, prices will be somewhat higher than average.
New breweries keep popping up in Central Arkansas, and that now includes the home-brew retailer The Water Buffalo. Jack, one of the employees there, tells me they hope to be up and running in March and will sell beers made with supplies that can be bought in the store. This comes on the heels of Flyway’s grand opening this month and the upcoming opening of Rebel Kettle.
Events
January 1st South on Main Hangover Brunch – For those of you who will be enjoying New Year’s festivities more than others, South on Main will hold a special brunch this Friday from 12 p.m. until 5 p.m.
January 1st North Little Rock Restaurant Month – The city has some pretty neat ideas to drive business to local restaurants, including a foodie photo contest, a fundraising drive for Arkansas Foodbank and a chance to win free tickets to the UALR Trojan basketball game at Verizon Arena.
January 2nd Kitchen Invasion at The Second Line in Memphis – For one night only, South on Main chef Matt Bell will take over chef Kelly English’s kitchen at The Second Line. The event runs from 2 p.m. until close and features bar snacks, drink specials and a menu that has yet to be announced.
January 11th Rare Bottle Week at Big Orange Midtown – Every night for the week, Big Orange Midtown will open a rare bottle up to the public. Bottles include the El Dorado 15-year-old rum aged in ruby port casks and Wild Turkey Diamond Anniversary whiskey. Prices will vary each night depending on the spirit.
January 13th “It’s Been Sweet” Going-Away Party for Sweet Love – This celebration for Kelli Marks’ well-loved bakery will feature live entertainment and some of Marks’ more popular desserts.
January 19th Second Annual South on Main/Lost Forty Brewing beer dinner – South on Main was the first ever beer dinner for Lost Forty back in January, and the two are teaming up again in 2016. Menu details and beer pairings aren’t yet available. Tickets can only be reserved via email to amy@southonmain.com.
January 31st Little Rock Soup Sunday – The 35th annual celebration will be held at the Statehouse Convention Center from 4 p.m until 7 p.m. Restaurants from all over Little Rock will be on hand serving up their best soup recipes, including 1620 Savoy, whose chef Tim Morton is 2016’s VIP chef. Proceeds from the event go to Arkansas Advocates for Children and Families.
