Less than a year after opening, The Capital’s Seafood House in downtown Little Rock appears to be closed. The electronic marquee last week read “Closed” all week; now, it’s turned completely off and several signs and posters have been removed from the windows. There’s been no response at the listed phone number, and the restaurant’s Facebook page has not been updated in more than two weeks. The Capital’s Seafood House sought to make a home where previous restaurants Old World Pizza and Fresh: An Urban Eatery tried and failed. It featured an ambitious seafood-centric menu, but no doubt the high rent for the area and high price of buying fresh seafood was difficult to overcome. We will update you if we hear more on this story.
The late-night crowd has a new option on Saturdays that I consider one of the most delicious in town. Ceci’s Chicken and Waffles on Colonel Glenn has been staying open late Saturday nights into Sunday morning, until 3 or 4 a.m. It’s called Midnight Madness, and it’s a boon for those who have to work late. Ceci’s whips up a limited menu for the night owls, including chicken strips, wings, gizzards and a few other items. The first couple of events have been busy, with dozens of people lining up to order. Don’t feel like staying up past midnight? Come to Ceci’s fourth-anniversary celebration on Sunday, December 1. Ceci’s will be celebrating with live music and a chicken and waffles bar (which sounds amazing). This is a ticketed event, so make sure to buy yours online or at Ceci’s before December 1.
A new marijuana-themed restaurant is coming to Little Rock. Colorado-based Cheba Hut has filed for a mixed drink permit with the state’s Alcoholic Beverage Control for a new location at 10825 Kanis Road, near the intersection with Shackleford. While Cheba Hut does not sell marijuana, the menu and promotion are chock-full of references to weed, including “toasted” sandwiches named after cannabis strains and cocktails with unmistakable names like Hot Box and Hash Can. There are also plenty of menu items devoted to curing the munchies, like variations of Rice Krispies treats and something called Pretzel Nuggets. The Little Rock location has no timetable for opening yet, though usually restaurants want to open soon after filing for a liquor permit. Cheba Hut has plans for another Little Rock location and two more in Northwest Arkansas in the future.
Thanksgiving is approaching, but for those who might not get to see family this year, Petit and Keet has a special event. Next Monday through Wednesday, the restaurant is hosting Friendsgiving, a prix fixe dinner designed to help you celebrate Thanksgiving with your closest friends. The three-course meal includes your choice of Kale Apple Salad or Wild Mushroom Soup, a Turkey Cassoulet, and your choice of Pumpkin Mousse or Ginger Snap Parfait. Friendsgiving meals are $38 per person and don’t include alcoholic beverages. You can make reservations, but Friendsgiving is also available for walk-in guests.
You may remember us previewing Rusty Tractor Vineyards a few weeks ago. They are ready for a grand opening to the public and they are planning a two-day Holiday Open House party to celebrate. On November 23rd and 24th (this Saturday and Sunday) they will have a public opening for the first time featuring food trucks, Stone’s Throw beer, music, and of course, plenty of wine. On the food truck front they will have Southern Craving and On the Go Food Truck Saturday from 11-4, then Taco Godoy, Low Ivy, and Cheesecake on Point that evening from 5-10. Sunday will feature Adobo to go, Nach’yo Nachos, and Little Crepsey from 10-5. On Saturday they will hold a wine pairing with winemaker Riley Mason, tickets to that portion of the event are $25.
Of course, if you want to celebrate Thanksgiving at home, Little Rock’s restaurants are ready to help! Here’s our annual guide to ordering main courses, sides and desserts from some of the city’s best chefs to serve at your Thanksgiving table.
And as the weather gets cooler, why not a locally blended cup of tea to warm you up? We stopped in at Abbi’s Teas and Things and found a dazzling fall menu that will appeal to just about all tea drinkers.
RIP Damgoode Pies
November 20, 2023
