DISHES WE CRAVE
creamery’s handmade ice cream, then finished with a swirl of chocolate and just a few pecans. Worth a trip to South Main by itself, these ice cream sammies go well with an old-fashioned soda from the Green Corner Store soda fountain. Available at The Green Corner Store Soda Fountain, 1423 Main St.
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LAYLA’S GYROS CALZONE Spit-roasted lamb doesn’t normally make appearances within crispy pockets of bread seasoned with Italian herbs and filled with gobs of mozzarella cheese, but it certainly feels at home there. Douse with tangy tatziki, bright with lemon and dill, and it’s a big fat Greek-Italian flavor wedding you’ll definitely want to be invited to. Multiple locations, including 9501 N. Rodney Parham Road.
LYNN’S CHICAGO FOODS ITALIAN BEEF SANDWICH The hoagie comes dipped in beef juices, the dense Italian bread sopping up just enough broth to amplify flavors without leaving a gloppy, soggy mess. It gets a small helping of giardiniera — a spicy, pickled blend of bell peppers, jalapeño, cauliflower, and celery. Resist all urges to dip your whole head in broth. 6501 Geyer Springs Road.
LOBLOLLY CREAMERY ICE CREAM SANDWICH
MADDIE’S PLACE
Looking like the happy offspring of a traditional ice cream sandwich and a hot fudge sundae, the Loblolly open-faced brownie sandwich is the sort of thing that can be enjoyed with a fork and knife or eaten on the go. A thick layer of gluten-free brownie is topped by a heavy layer of the small-batch
BRAISED ARKANSAS RABBIT & DUMPLINGS Ordinary “chicken and dumplings” feels pedestrian when stacked up against this stew, rich with cream and smoked cheddar
and hopping with braised Arkansas rabbit. Tender flour dumplings also come along for a swim. The rabbit is just faintly gamey, but fork tender — so delicious, you’ll never look at Bugs Bunny the same way again. 1615 Rebsamen Park Road.
better with an accompanying cold bottle of pineapple Jarritos. 7411 Geyer Springs Road.
MORNINGSIDE BAGELS LOX AND BAGEL
MARYCLARE MACARONS Bite into a MaryClare macaron and the delicate outer shell and cookie almost deflates in your mouth, giving up its last dying breath for your consumptive pleasure. Fragrant, floral flavors from the smooth, creamy filling tantalize the taste buds — and now, polishing off a half dozen is not only feasible, but a moral obligation. Order online or via phone. Info at maryclaremacarons.com. Pick-up available at Hillcrest Artisan Meats.
It’s a trip to the Big Apple without the hassle of cab fares. Smoked salmon, whipped cream cheese, thinly sliced red onion, briny capers and red tomato slices all sit atop a chewy “everything” bagel with toasted garlic, poppy seed, and sesame. Eat enough of these things and you’ll swear you can see the Empire State building out the bagel shop window. 10848 Maumelle Blvd., North Little Rock.
MR. CHEN’S CRAZY SPICY CHICKEN
MERCADO SAN JOSE TORTA It’s not every day that you get to squirt salsa on your sandwich. Here, buttered rolls take a trip to the flat-top, coming out hot, toasty, and crunchy. Fill with your choice of meat plus cheese, lettuce, tomato, sour cream, avocado and refried beans. It’s only made
Don’t be fooled by the normal version of this dish: The kitchen at Chen’s will up the heat to crazy levels on this stir-fry on request. Just ask for “extra heat.” The result is a plate of crispfried chicken and seitan bits that burns with the excellent fire of Sichuan peppers. Don’t fight the heat; get a cup of hot tea and sweat your way to satiety. 3901 S. University Ave. CONTINUED ON PAGE 38
BEST CHINESE
Sharing good things with good friends. 1900 N. Grant, Little Rock, AR • 501-663-8999
Thank You Arkansas For Voting For Us Country Cookin’
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FEBRUARY 28, 2013
ARKANSAS TIMES
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Cafeteria-Style • friendly ServiCe • ConSiStently Good food
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120 Harkrider • Conway • 501.328.9738