Recapping my recent eating experiences around Little Rock…
Dinner at Samantha’s
I finally made it out to Samantha’s Tap Room and Wood Grill. I’d heard mixed reviews on the downtown restaurant, and my experience seemed to fall right in line with that. Our table’s smoky shishito peppers and mushrooms with bacon appetizers were absolutely fantastic, but my chicken parm sandwich was boring and poorly presented–sitting by its lonesome on a small plate. The actual chicken, however, was both tender and quite flavorful. Samantha’s menu strikes me as a bit disjointed, but there’s certainly enough about the place that will inspire a return visit. I loved the festive atmosphere, cool vibe, and smartly designed décor. As it stands, the restaurant seems like a perfect place to grab a beer (or glass of wine) and an app after work or before a show. Honestly, we needed a restaurant like that in downtown.
Monkeying Around
We all have fallen in love with Mylo Coffee Co.’s now famous (at least locally famous) KA. However, if you always get the KA, you might be shortchanging yourself on the monkey bread. Mylo’s version is less gooey than the norm, instead relying on a heavy hand of cinnamon. I’m not sure if the monkey bread is a regular daily item, but if you’re there and happen to see it, order it.
Farewell, Natchez
I’m definitely still bummed about the end of Natchez. We literally closed out the restaurant last Saturday night with, not surprisingly, a wonderful meal. Knowing the circumstances, our table ordered numerous dishes, and while the food was excellent across the board, the star of the show was a fried eggplant appetizer with tomatoes and a béchamel sauce. Throughout its existence, I’ve had a real love-hate-love relationship with Natchez, but over the past year, the restaurant, led by chef/owner Alexis Jones, sous chef Joseph Santoro, pastry chef Zara Abbasi Wilkerson, and an excellent wait staff, really settled in and produced amazing food. Here’s wishing everyone associated with Natchez all the best and future success.
Hello, Ark Fresh
I’ve never been to Arkansas Fresh Café. And no, I’m not using the excuse that its Bryant location is too far from my house. That’s bullshit. It’s only 20 minutes from me, and I’ve used public forums before to chastise folks for being too lazy to drive an extra 20 minutes in this town. Truth is, I just haven’t been and I really need to go. My wife went last week and I begged her to bring me home a sandwich. She did…in the form of The Cuban. Even cold from sitting in the fridge for a few hours, the damn thing was still great. I’ll be heading out there soon for a fresh version.
SoM Sounds Good
Stop me if you’ve heard this one before … I like South on Main … especially on Wednesday nights when I can sit at the bar area, have a cocktail and a few apps, and listen to some local musicians. Last Wednesday, we ordered the fried Oysters with roasted garlic, and English Peas, along with and the truffle crab salad with fried green tomatoes. Both plates were winners.