Thursday, January 16, 2014

Jo Jo's BBQ...



JoJo's is one of my most fave places in the Sherwood area. Lots of good things on the menu. On Thursdays you can get the special of Chicken and Dumplings with a big hunk of homemade cornbread. And, if you wander in on any other day there are plenty more specials and choices to be made. Had my favorite Loaded Potato with Pork and mild sauce the other day with a helping of wonderful baked beans and the most delightful homemade onion rings. Oh, just about everything here is homemade and you can tell. Great service, delicious food, and something for all palates.

Jo Jo's BBQ on Urbanspoon

Mack's Fish House...






Mike and I were touring the Heber Springs area a few months back and stumbled upon this sweet little restaurant that had very good food. I always judge a fish place by its hushpuppies so, Mack's gets a super gold star! The spicy shrimp and the bowl of pinto beans with onion were like icing on the cake. And, speaking of cake...the above HOMEMADE chocolate layered masterpiece was 2 Di 4!!!!!


Mack's Fish House on Urbanspoon

Wink's Dairy Bar...


Sometimes I go to visit my cousin, Brenda in the Rose City area where she works and has for the last thirty years. When I go see Brenda we usually want to have lunch somewhere fast and close. The other day we went to Wink's Dairy Bar which has been in Rose City for as long as I can remember. And, that's a long time. Anyway, I saw a friend of mine in the kitchen and it has been about 45 years (or more) since I have seen Diane (my friend since grade school)! I can't believe we recognized each other and I can't believe I had no idea this was her family dairy bar. Small world...we did catch up on a lot of the lost years as we talked about who was doing what, where, when, and how. Sort of like a grade school reunion! I digress...back to the food...I had the (small) Frito Chili Pie and it was really very good. I especially liked the salad that came on top of all the Cheddar cheese, Fritos, and delicious chili. Felt a lot less guilty with that salad on top.
2 Di 4...

Wink's Dairy Bar on Urbanspoon

Alley Oops...




Alley Oops had been in the Little Rock area for a long, long time. Remember when they were located on the corner of Shackleford and Kanis? They are certainly one of my favorite restaurants and I always enjoy their food. Had the Chili and Shrimp 'n Grits the other day which I can say, 2 Di 4! Best chili I've had in a good while and the shrimp and grits were super good! Lots of people coming in for brunch...saw a lot of mimosas being served...

Alley OOPS on Urbanspoon

Sharky's in Sherwood...


Gosh, these people can fry some great fish! I've been going to Shark's for a few years at their Camp Robinson Road location in North Little Rock and I have always been impressed with the quality of their food and service. There is now have a Sharky's on Kiehl Avenue in the Sherwood area and you know what that means...just a little bit less driving time (for me) when I'm in the mood for some good ole (never greasy) Southern fried catfish! Absolutely delicious! Found the following youtube video...

Mr. Dunderbak's at the McCain Mall...


This coney from Mr. Dunderbak's at the McCain Mall in North Little Rock, AR was just not up to my 'coney eating par' the other day. Hope these guys get it together. The bun was very hard and the service was very slow. Had potential. Certainly not the Mr. Dunderbak's of long ago at the mall...remember...

Mr Dunderbak's on Urbanspoon

Stroud's Country Cafe...




This is a great little diner for a big ole breakfast! Take the Mayflower exit off Interstate 40 (if you're heading toward Conway) and you will not be disappointed. The server was very friendly, helpful, and down home sweet! Try the humongous omelet on the menu...enough for two! Also, the Levy Crew meets there on the last Friday of each month...

Stroud's Country Cafe on Urbanspoon

Pho Thang My...

Anyone who has ever eaten at Pho Thanh My has certainly gone away with an incredible experience of sensible and nutritious eating. No upset tummies here. Just thoughtful bowls of energy laden and non greasy broths balanced with meats, fish, eggs, noodles, and fresh, mouthwatering vegetables. Such was my experience the other day at this long time existing restaurant in Western Little Rock at 302 N Shackleford Road across from  Kroger. Try the Pho (soup) with tender pieces of squid, shrimp, pork, wontons, and a couple of quail eggs. Di vine. I've never had squid melt in my mouth before. Also, the tasty egg rolls hit the spot with the most delicious light, spicy dipping sauce. For those who want more than soup, there are other meat, rice, and veggie combinations on the menu. But don't be silly...order the Pho! It is a complete meal. How do you say..."Can't wait to go back!" in Vietnamese?




Pho Thanh My on Urbanspoon

Terry's Finer Foods Restaurant...

Daughter and I had lunch at Terry's Finer Foods on Kavanaugh the other day and it was magnificent! Beautiful decor complete with French country flair and exquisite French cuisine. We had a little bit of everything as you can see by the pics however, the green wine bottle was only H2O.  Promise. Daughter had to return to work and who likes to drink alone. Try this place and see for yourself. Be prepared for irresistible urges to return ASAP!








Terry's Finer Foods - The Restaurant on Urbanspoon

Bruno's Little Italy...

The good ole days are back again at my favorite Italian eatery, Bruno's Little Italy downtown on Main.
Checked out the newly opened Bruno's in the SOMA area and dèjá vu was all over the place! The same delicious crusty bread, perfect glass of house Cabernet, fabulous pasta with Italian sausage and meat sauce, and the most delicious Around the World Pizza I've ever eaten. And, I've been to Italy! 

So glad Jimmy Bruno (the family patriarch whose portrait above the bar) was the first to bring authentic pizza to the South way back in 1949. And, double glad he settled in the Little Rock area (remember Bruno's on Roosevelt) and triple glad the boys are back to carry on a delightful family tradition! You must go...






Bruno's Little Italy on Urbanspoon

South On Main...

 



Doing lunch with Daughter a while back at South On Main. Getting a lot of mixed reviews but, I had a very nice meal. Ordered the Chicken Liver Mousse and it was good. Also, enjoyed the Tomato Soup Tarragon Creme Fraiche. Daughter had the Pimento Cheese Sandwich and was not happy. I think she was in a bad mood... Oh well, loved this place and will return. Also, impressed with their association as an Oxford American Magazine project. Nice stuff for the Rock...

South on Main on Urbanspoon

Sunday, January 5, 2014

Thanks to the Pioneer Woman...



Brown ready cooked sausage links and skewer on chopsticks.


Mix two parts buttermilk pancake mix to one part yellow cornmeal, 1 egg, and enough water for a slightly thick batter. Dunk, drench, and twirl (my cooking terms) the skewered links in batter.


Fry till golden brown...drain on paper towel...


Serve with maple syrup...


Yummy and fun to cook with the grand kids...


Thanks to the Pioneer Woman ( Ree has great recipe ideas) I've adapted her recipe and come up with the perfect recipe for Sausage Corn Doggies!