Some Views…

Thanks to a reader, I found out that Little Rock has a new bakery … Cinnamon Crème. Apparently, this shop is from the same family as Country Village Oven Bakery in Star City. It’s located near Chi’s/Kiyens off Chenal Parkway and is open on Tuesday-Saturday from 10 a.m.-5:30 p.m. I popped in yesterday for a chocolate glazed donut (pictured above) and a cinnamon roll, both of which were fantastic. The sizable, rustic, misshapen donut hit the spot, as did the cinnamon roll, which had a wonderful balance of cinnamon and sugar. The icing wasn’t overwhelming, instead relying on a soft, slightly chewy dough that really vaulted this version to my favorite in Little Rock. That’s the good news. The not-so-good news? Cinnamon Crème, IMHO, needs to get a Facebook page (like yesterday) … and if it’s going to serve donuts and cinnamon rolls, a 10 a.m. opening is just far too late. I hope they figure things out because this bakery has some real potential to make a big impact on our market. Breads, cheesecakes, pies, cakes, and cookies were also in the casing, so I’m pretty damn excited to get back soon and try out some more items. Please go check Cinnamon Crème out and let me know what you think.

We had a little bit of a mixed bag with our dinner at Capital Bar and Grill last Saturday night. Three out of four at our table (including myself) ordered the Special, a glazed cod with soba noodles. The fish proved to be dry and tough, but the other components of the dish, including the noodles, sauce, and edamame, were excellent. My wife’s chicken fried steak was met with favorable results, as was each of our cocktails, including my Southern Comfortable, which is still one of my favorite drinks in town. Service was also outstanding throughout the entire dinner, as is generally the case at Capital Bar and Grill.

A quick lunch at Burge’s found me ordering the Smoked Turkey Salad Sandwich with a side of fries. If you live in Little Rock and haven’t been under a rock, then you know how good the smoked turkey salad (a.k.a. turkey crack) is at Burge’s. But I’d pass on the fries in favor of the onion rings.

I am beyond ecstatic we now have a Dairy Queen in Little Rock … and it’s close to my casa! Dipped cones galore.

Some News…

Mosaic Templars Cultural Center is accepting applications for the 2017 “Say It Ain’t Say’s” Sweet Potato Pie Baking Contest, which will be held on Sunday, December 3 from 2-5 p.m. Registration is open now and can be done right here (deadline is November 17 at 4 p.m.). Each year, MTCC hosts its signature “Say It Ain’t Say’s” Sweet Potato Pie Baking Contest in conjunction with its annual Holiday Open House. The festive, family-friendly event includes 12-16 participants who compete for bragging rights for the best sweet potato pie in Central Arkansas.

Arthur’s Prime Steakhouse will once again offer its Thanksgiving brunch buffet on Thursday, November 23 from 10:30 a.m.-3 p.m. The menu features: Fresh Rolled Sushi by Chef Alex Guzman & Team, Chef Carved Horseradish Crusted Prime Rib, Roasted Whole Turkey, Brown Sugar and Coca Cola Glazed Ham, Salt Crusted Whole Salmon, Oysters and Raw Bar, Maple Thyme Baby Carrots, Cheesy Brussels Sprouts Casserole, Corn, Almandine, Green Bean Casserole, Sweet Potato Casserole, Butter Milk and Boursin Cheese Mashed Potatoes, Cornbread and Sage Dressing, Giblet Gravy, Macaroni and Cheese, and over a dozen desserts to choose (soft drink included). Prices are $43 per adult, $19.50 for children 8-12, $12 for children 3 – 7, children under 3 eat free.

Speaking of Thanksgiving, Simply the Best Catering is taking orders. Click here for the full menu. So is Humble Crumb Bakery and Honey Pies. And don’t forget about Blue Cake Company.

Colonial and Honey Pies and are teaming up later today for the Tasting Bar (4 to 6 p.m.).