NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2014
DINING
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LIFESTYLE
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ENTERTAINMENT
DRINK LOCAL
Amber’s
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501.771.9099
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301 N. SHACKLEFORD RD. STE. F2 · LITTLE ROCK, AR · 501-228-5120
Jacobs Law, PLLC Attorneys at Law
• Family Law » Adoptions » Guardianships » Prenuptial/Post-nuptial Agreements » Uncontested divorce • Estate & Tax Planning » Tax Controversy/Audits » Tax Exempt Organization • Nonprofit Law • Probate Administration • Business Law » Business Planning » Contracts » Entity Selection and Formation • Real Estate & Title • Agricultural Law • Social Security Disability • Criminal Law Joshua D. Jacobs,
JD, CPA Leah Jacobs, JD
Jacksonville
901 N. 1st St., Ste. C Jacksonville, AR 72076
501-476-0093
Hazen
www.jacobslawpllc.com
67 Highway 70 E Hazen, AR 72064
870-255-4175
Call today for your FREE consultation!
Local. Magazine Local_LittleRock
PUBLISHER Richard Niemeyer ART DIRECTOR Kaitlin Schmidt WRITERS Charlette Beasley Kaitlin Schmidt
TABLE OF CONTENTS
PITA PIT 4
Check out your local Pita Pit for a new spin on Healthy Eating!
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ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE Richard Niemeyer
SHOP LOCAL 5
Check out some of your local featured boutiques for some great holiday shopping!
BOBROOK FARMS 6
Since 2006, BoBrook Farms has been the perfect place for all Arkansans to pick their own berries and enjoy all the seasonal activities the farm has to offer. Now they are offering a new surprise...hand crafted wine!
FEATURED RECIPE 7
Enjoy this light and low calorie meal, super easy and delicious! Brought to you by Gary Dillon at the Players Grill in The Little Rock Racquet Club
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PHOTOGRAPHERS Mike Russell [cover photo] & Ashley Huntsman (w/ Mike Russell Photography) Kaitlin Schmidt
NATIONAL COMPANY, LOCAL BEER 8
Local draft beer is a favorite at Old Chicago, and partnering with local breweries is a top priority. The newest collaboration will be with local brewery, Stone’s Throw Brewing!
LOCAL ENTERTAINMENT 10
Check out some great concerts from these featured venues!
EAT LOCAL 11
Experience North Little Rock’s newest, popular place to dine! Cilantro’s Grill, an authentic Mexican restaurant, is located in Lakewood Village.
ARKANSAS CHERRY DAMES 12
A new, up and coming pin-up organization has surfaced in Central Arkansas. What began as a group of girls meeting at the bar once a month has now transformed into a full-grown women’s empowerment organization. These ladies are spectacular, both inward and outward!
Local. Magazine is published bimonthly by 411 Publications, P.O. Box 1835, N. Little Rock, AR 72115 411publications@gmail.com The contents of Local. are copyrighted and material contained herein may not be copied or reproduced in any manner without the written consent of the publisher.
CONTRIBUTER SPOTLIGHT CHARLETTE BEASLEY Charlette Beasley is an accounting professional who spends most of her free time writing and providing ideas and inspiration through journalism. She received her Bachelors of Business Administration in Accounting from Henderson State University during 2010 and is now working towards her M.B.A. at Harding University. MIKE RUSSELL For over 10 years, Mike has been honored to be chosen as photographer for many weddings and portraits throughout Central Arkansas and around the world. He has a love for portraits, weddings and the photographic arts. Check out his website or drop by his studio located in the Argenta Arts District. mikerussellphotography.com
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pened in January of this year, the local Pita Pit franchise has put a new spin on healthy eating. Served on specially made Pita bread, you can dine here for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Breakfast pitas range from selections such as the Ham n’ Eggs with black forest ham, eggs, cheese, and a variety of vegetables to Morning Glory that’s made
with eggs, hash browns, cheese, and vegetables. Meat pitas range from traditional BLTs to Chicken Souviaki that includes Mediterranean seasoned chicken, spinach, tzatziki, etc. There are even special choices for your little ones. Lil’ Hummus, Quesapita, and Lil’ Turkey are a few selections they may be excited to try for under $4. Pita Pit has something for everyone.
ALL STADIUM SEATING
Vegetarians and vegans need not feel left out, either. There are veggie pitas like the Garden, Falafel, and Spicy Black Bean pitas. Those on low-carb diets can also relax. You can order anything on the menu fork-style! This means you get everything you want minus the Pita bread, which is sure to cut at least 200 calories. You can’t beat that! Located in the Centre at Ten shopping center on Cantrell in West Little Rock, it is conveniently located near the Big Dam Bridge, Pinnacle Mountain and Ten Fitness. This makes it easier for all of the gym and fitness enthusiasts to grab a quick bite to energize before their workouts or recover after a hardcore session. The interior is warm and welcoming with earthtone hues throughout, and the staff are very friendly. The store radio even plays a genre of songs specifically tailored to the owner’s selection which makes for a great atmosphere. Ever need catering? Pita Pit strives to be your local go-to choice for your next event. Many local businesses, i.e., doctors’ offices, real estate agencies, schools, churches, and pharmaceutical offices repeatedly order lunches and specialty platters for their gatherings. While 24 hours advance notice is preferred, the local franchise always does its best to accommodate any and all requests. While this grand franchise is the only of its kind in Arkansas, it is not the only one in the world. It’s a Canadian-based restaurant that
BIRTHDAY PARTIES & MEETINGS
GIFT CARDS AVAILABLE!
opened in 1995. The company expanded into the United States in 2005, and Pita Pit USA’s corporate headquarters is in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho. The Little Rock franchise owner, Colby Ruple, was a fireman/paramedic in Memphis, Tennessee several years ago, and this is when he began to notice the need for healthy eating. “I saw first-hand what people’s diets can do to them,” he said. Bringing Pita Pit to Arkansas gave him the opportunity to help fight back against some of the health problems he saw others facing throughout his career.
By Charlette Beasley
VISIT PITA PIT: 12911 Cantrell Rd. Little Rock, Arkansas
Bring this coupon in for $2 OFF your entire order!
REGAL CROWN CLUB CARD
UL T SO IMA UN TE D
TE A TIM HT L U IG S
2 LOCATIONS!
REAL D 3D EXPERIENCE
McCain Mall Stadium 12 & RPX 3929 McCain Blvd North Little Rock, AR 72116
Breckenridge Stadium 12 1200 Breckenridge Dr Little Rock, AR 72205
Scan to purchase tickets or check times! www.Regmovies.com or 1-800-Fandango Closed Caption Capabilities
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SHOP
At The Heights store, you’ll find a wide range of trendy clothes, accessories and shoes from brands like Show Me Your MuMu, Lauren Moshi, Wildfox, Hudson Jeans, Chaser Brand, Textile, Goddis, and Amanda Uprichar, with new arrivals coming in everyday. 5915 Kavanaugh Blvd. Little Rock
Culture Clothing Co. is a brand new mens clothing boutique. Our focus is to provide hard to find styles, great fits, and great prices. Our company strives to provide quality goods and services to help our customers look and feel their best. 11220 N Rodney Parham Rd Ste 3. Little Rock
Family Practice Clinic Joe Lee Buford, M.D. · Darin Wilbourn, M.D.
“A special kind of caring.” Now welcoming Dr. Darin Wilbourn Specializing in:
Family Practice
Box Turtle is an artist driven boutique carrying a wide array of items from women’s clothing, accessories and handmade jewelry to housewares, toys and unique gifts. It specializes in finding independent designers from all over the world with an emphasis on local artists. 2616 Kavanaugh Blvd. Little Rock
Physical Medicine Joint Injections
501-771-0674 Flu Shots Available!
410 West Pershing Blvd. N. Little Rock, AR
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Discover Arkansas’ Best Kept Secret . . . AT
A
B O B ROOK FARMS
rkansas natives, Bobby and Karen Bradford, are bringing handcrafted wine to Central Arkansas. Nestled along the Arkansas River, BoBrook Farms is now home to the River Bottom Winery. With a dream of being a farmer, Bobby and Karen Bradford purchased the farm 21 years ago. Neither of their families had any history of farming, but they began teaching themselves and harvested their first crop (soybean) in 1995. Row crop was not the most financially successful endeavor, so they then decided to focus more on agritourism. Agritourism involves any agriculturally based operation that brings visitors to the farm. Keeping it in the family, Bobby and Karen have utilized the help of their children, Bo and Brook for many years. Now, at ages 27 and 22, their children still help keep things rolling as well as Bobby’s parents and Karen’s sister and her family. Karen states, “Everyone pitches in where needed. We couldn’t do all of this without them.” Since 2006, BoBrook Farms has been the perfect place for all Arkansans to pick their own berries and enjoy all the seasonal activities the farm has to offer. Crops include, but are not limited to blueberries, blackberries, pumpkins, and more! In the fall, BoBrook offers a wide range of activities such as their famous pumpkin patch, hay rides, sunflower maze, farm animals, and a corn pit.
The newest edition to BoBrook Farms is River Bottom Winery, one of a few local wineries that grow, harvest and bottle their own fruit wines directly from berries grown on the farm. A HUGE hit at the Arkansas State Fair, the River Bottom Winery has proved themselves to the local wine lovers. River Bottom specializes in 6
Blueberry, Blackberry, Pear, Pumpkin, and Muscadine wines. Other available wines include Elderberry, Grape, Peach, Riesling, White Zinfandel, Pinot Noir, and Chardonnay. Aside from the delicious, handcrafted wines and the numerous fun family activities, BoBrook offers just about everything a bride and groom could dream of for their wedding day. The 235 acre, manicured, private country setting includes a darling cabin for your bridal party to dress, a romantic ceremony site amidst the pecan trees, and a 4,000 square foot pole barn for you and up to 500 guests to dance the night away.
Locally Owned & Operated Since 1962 Tax Planning and Tax Return Preparation Services for individuals & Small Businesses
Payroll Services Monthly Small Business Services
BoBrook understands that planning a wedding can be overwhelming at times, with the endless choices and decisions to make, so they also offer an (optional) all-inclusive wedding package to simplify the process and make the time leading up to your special day less stressful and more enjoyable. The all-inclusive package includes your own personal wedding coordinator, Mrs. Laura Hilburn, who will take care of all the details on the day of your wedding so that you can sit back and enjoy your special day. BoBrook Farms is confident that your wedding day will be one of the most memorable moments of your life and would be honored to be a part in your special day. BoBrook invites you to come visit and sample the amazing taste and fragrance of their fruit wines and check out their store for handmade goods, honey, jams, canned goods, and fresh fruits and vegetables in season. It is also a perfect venue for all types of special events. BoBrook Farms is located at 13810 Combee Lane in Roland, AR. (Head west on Cantrell Road approximately 6 miles to Chenal Parkway. Turn right and stay on Highway 300 and follow the signs!)
Accounts Payable Services
(501) 225-2154
Professionalism, good solid advice, and someone you can call any time of the year, not just during tax season; that’s what you expect and that’s what you get at EKW Advantage.
16723 Cantrell Road Little Rock, AR 72223
FEATURED RECIPE
Light and low calorie meal! Almond crusted tilapia with citrus spinach Beginner Yoga * Intermediate Yoga * Advanced Yoga * Hot Yoga * Prenatal Yoga * Mommy & Me Yoga * Kids Yoga * Restorative Yoga * Yin Yoga * Power Yoga
3515 Old Cantrell Road, Little Rock, Ar 72202
MARBLE · GRANITE · QUARTZ LIMESTONE · TRAVERTINE Locally owned & operated since 1996 Specializing in fabrication/ installation. Remnants as low as $45 installed! Builder/ Contractor grade materials
Total Time: 20 min Prep: 5 min Cook: 15 min
What You Will Need: • 8 oz. Tilapia Filet • Parmesan Chese • Almonds • Seasoning of Choice (we use a blackened red fish seasoning) • 1 tablespoon chopped Garlic • 1 tablespoon Olive Oil • Salt and Pepper • 2 Handfuls of Spinach • Juice from 1/2 a Lemon
Level: Easy
1. Season your fish, cover with parmesan and almonds (crush your almonds down and mix up with the parmesan cheese). 2. Bake at 350 for 15 minutes.
2225 Cottondale Ln. · Little Rock, AR
501.280.9777
3. When you’re about a minute out from finishing the tilapia, sauté your spinach. Using the tablespoon of olive oil, brown the chopped garlic. Season with sea salt and cracked pepper.
www.all-natural-stone.com
Barbara J. Sallen Realtor
Cell: (501) 240-6001 Fax: (501) 907-5958 barbara@barbarasallen.com www.barbarasallen.com
Each office is independently Owned & Operated
12814 Cantrell Rd. Little Rock, AR 72223
4. Once it starts to brown put down your spinach a top the garlic and oil mixture then add juice from half a lemon. Toss a few times, not to long, you still want some leaves for texture. The citrus knocks out the gritty flavor of the spinach and makes it a little easier to eat if you know what I mean! 5. Place your baked tilapia on top and enjoy! Light and low calorie meal, super easy and delicious! Recipe brought to you by Gary Dillon, Players Grill in The Little Rock Racquet Club located in Foxcroft. 501-225-5711 garydillon@lrac.com
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ON THE COVER
DRINK
NATIONAL COMPANY BRINGING YOU LOCAL BEER! By Charlette Beasley | Photography By Mike Russell
Should you ever find yourself craving a hearty pizza and a cold beer, grab your keys and make your way to North Little Rock immediately. Old Chicago is sure to exceed anything your imagination can possibly conjure up. With a management team that thrives on recognizing customers as family, fresh food that is made from scratch daily, and a beer selection that showcases the company’s loyalty to local craft beer, your satisfaction is guaranteed. Old Chicago opened its doors in North Little Rock approximately five years ago but originated in Colorado during 1976. A few buddies came together with an idea to serve delicious, handmade pizza, offer the best lineup of cold beers in town, and treat everyone who walks through their doors like family. Even today, in North Little Rock, Arkansas, Old Chicago holds true to those principles. In fact, it has established itself as a leader in the area. All management and staff have undergone extensive beer knowledge training, and bartenders/cocktail servers are trained and certified as official Beer Guides. Incidentally, they are all able to describe the tastes of various beers by merely reviewing the ingredients, which is a treat for all customers. These beer enthusiasts can recommend a drink for anyone before tasting even a drop! Jocelyn Johnson, the Bar Manager, who is also the franchise’s only Certified Beer Server, is preparing to test to become a Certified Cicerone, the second level of beer certification in the Cicerone program, this upcoming Spring. This will make her the third certified and first female certified Cicerone in Arkansas. During this multi-level exam, she will be expected to identify off-flavors of beer in front of a panel during a blind-test taste, analyze the tastes of beer, i.e., malts, hops, water composition, etc., and a variety of other beer8
and others direct-sell, are featured during the night and give away door prizes every thirty minutes. Tuesday nights, which are leading the popularity race, have been deemed “Pint Night.” Certain breweries or beers are featured, as was Stone’s Throw, and after you make your first purchase of a featured beer, you are given a free pint glass. On Wednesday nights, everyone comes out to enjoy “Live Trivia.” Customers gather around the bar to enjoy the night’s entertainment, and the ones lucky enough to answer the most pop-culture questions OLD CHICAGO BARTENDER, JACOB correctly walk away with financial incentives: first, second, and third place win related facts, such as the best glassware for ale. $50, $20, and $10 gift cards, respectively. It’s not every day you run across this many Once Thursday night rolls around, party-goers beer enthusiasts in one place. Commitment come out for “Party on the Patio.” This event to this level of expertise is what continues to encourages a relaxing night outside with good differentiate Old Chicago from its competitors. food and great beer, live music, and seasonal Fortunately, staff are not the only ones Old cocktails. Guests who have attended already Chicago commits to educating. Customers enjoy the atmosphere, but when the new fire pit are included, too! In one pairing event, called arrives, they just might not want to leave! It’s a Brewer’s Dinner, thoughtful pairings between good thing Old Chicago prides itself in being beer and food are offered to a limited number of people. Typically four or five small courses a place where customers can gather. Regardless of food that complement certain beer styles of the reason you are there, i.e., business, family, are served with a few beer samples. During leisure, etc., or who you are with, the team at the tasting, the host discusses notable beer Old Chicago will most definitely invite you to history along with the logic behind the evening’s stay! You should not be shocked if by your third pairings. Guests enjoy the opportunity to visit, the staff knows your name and your try various beer flavors while obtaining the food and beverage preference. The personal knowledge behind it. One such pairing that was service exhibited by the North Little Rock offered in a past event was the Apple Walnut team is phenomenal. In most restaurants, Chicken Salad with the Angry Orchard Crisp the staff ’s main concern is money, but here, Apple Cider draft beer. The apple flavor within you can rest assured that the main concern is the dish and the drink complemented one indeed you. Whether your first visit or your another in ways that made even the experienced tenth, both servers and bartenders are always beer tasters’ toes curl. prepared to help you find your beer “fit,” and Another in-house event is Monday night once they know you, they do not forget. Come “Ladies’ Night” and all female customers ready for anything. They may suggest a daring are given a 25% discount on food orders. In addition, local companies, some women-owned new hoppy pale ale draft or even a malty dark
STONE’S THROW BEER ON TAP AT OLD CHICAGO
wheat. It is suggested that first-time visitors and inexperienced beer drinkers start with a flight to taste-test. A flight includes four- 4 oz. samplings of hand-picked beers paired by style, type, or origin, and for the bold, a “Create Your Own” flight is available. You can select a sampling of any four draft beers to get started. Once you begin to settle into the restaurant, you are sure to hear of the World Beer Tour. Customers travel all around the world trying different beers in the comfort of an Old Chicago bar chair. This allows you to acquire points for prizes and money on a card the restaurant issues to redeem however you wish. When you try all 110 beers, your name goes into the Hall of Foam, a plaque near the entrance of the restaurant, and when you complete the tour ten times, you receive a personalized beer stein that hangs up by the bar. Recognition and expertise, what more could a customer ask for? How about a commitment to local business? Local draft beer is a favorite at Old Chicago, and partnering with local breweries is a top priority. Little Rock’s Diamond Bear Brewery has already found its place in the restaurant. The newest collaboration will be with Stone’s Throw Brewing, located on 9th St. in Little Rock. Haven’t had the pleasure of hearing about Stone’s Throw? It was created by four guys who met in the local home brew club, the Central Arkansas Fermenters. Theron Cash, Brad McLaurin, Shawn Tobin, and Ian Beard have transformed a dusty, old building that was once a liquor store and bakery in Little Rock’s MacArthur Park Historic District into Arkansas’ newest “nano-brewery” with a lot of patience from their loved ones and even more elbow grease. Doing a majority of the work themselves, it’s remarkable that they were able to accomplish this while maintaining their day jobs and testing beer batches. They’ve all won ribbons with their recipes at local and regional
competitions and are excited about taking their beer snootiness to the next level! The relaxing atmosphere and reasonable prices are bonuses. Stone’s Throw Brewing has an “All Night Happy Hour” on Wednesdays, free guided tours at 1:00 p.m. every Saturday, first pour of the latest brew at 4:00 p.m. on Fridays and a weekly offering of freshly infused beer at 4:00 p.m. on Saturdays. The company is proactive and innovative, brewing new recipes every first Friday of the month. Customers find it hard to resist. Earlier this year, Old Chicago did a small tap take over with Stone’s Throw beers. Featured on Pint Night, the restaurant offered four or five of their beers for customers to try, and it was a success! Customers loved them! Later this year, Old Chicago will join forces with Stone’s Throw Brewing again to host a Brewer’s Dinner. They are anticipating another successful event. One thing that makes Stone’s Throw so special is the quality of their draft beer. Customers rave about the wide variety and thoughtful selections they are able to choose from. Each owner expresses his uniqueness through their various beer specialties. Beers like the Shamus Stout, the first beer ever made at the brewery, are easy to drink for both seasoned beer enthusiasts and stout newbies. The Petit Jean Pear is another favorite as it was the brewery’s first cider and gluten free beer. If you like the distinct flavor of pear, you’ll love this one! If you prefer your beer to be maltier, the Amer Belge Belgian IPA may be a treat. It’s Belgian. It’s American. It’s Amer Belge! It’s based on the brewery’s Bernoulli Pale ale but is aggressively hopped seven times with American hops. It’s been recognized as one of the brew master’s favorites. Yum!
perfectly with the values that true Arkansas businesses cling to. With the Craft Revolution now coming to Arkansas, Old Chicago and Stone’s Throw Brewing are supporting the movement and plan to be a part of any future beer tourism that is sure to follow.
Old Chicago strives to be the go-to place for craft beer and a true home for local breweries. Just when it seems the company cannot surpass its awesomeness, the management team is busy planning for the next surprise. Soon, bartenders will be able to serve draft beer brewed in the back of the restaurant itself. The franchise is in the process of obtaining its brewer’s license. Owner Scott Stephens is working on a new beer concept in Northern Arkansas, Brick Oven Brewery, that is attached to a Brick Oven Pizza he owns. Since opening, Old Chicago has already carried two of his beers and will likely feature more. One of which, Dirty Sally, proved to be very popular, and it will be making its way back. When everything is all set, Stephens’ beers will be brewed on-site, and samples will be showcased at future beer tasting events. This goes to show with the upcoming new year and thereafter, you will always have something to look forward to at Old Chicago!
The Best Round in Town
4305 Warden Rd, N Little Rock, AR 72116 (501) 812-6262
STONE’S THROW BREWERY
The taproom serves drinkable, delicious brews made on-site as well as local and regional favorites that pair well with great food and good company. This explains why the collaboration with Old Chicago works so well. According to Bar Manager Jocelyn, partnering with local breweries provides personalized opportunities that some of the bigger named breweries do not. It is not unheard of for locals to make a special beer specifically for a local restaurant upon request. This type of support falls in line
402 E 9th St, Little Rock, AR 72202 (501) 244-9154 9
614 President Clinton Little Rock, AR 72201
(501) 372-1228 Joe Bonamassa
NOVEMBER
November 11, 2014
THURS Atmosphere North of Hell Tour 6th 8:00 PM
Trans-Siberian Orchestra December 6, 2014
Chris SAT MC 8:00 PM 8th
SAT 15th
Foxy Shazam 9:00 PM
SAT 22nd Marvel Universe Live January 9-11, 2015
SUN 30th
The Dan Band 9:00 PM
Sabastian Bach
8:00 PM
DECEMBER Harlem Globetrotters February 5, 2015
Carter THURS Aaron 8:00 PM 4th SAT Royal Blood 6th 9:00 PM Fun Tour WED Family Psychopathic Records 17th 8:00 PM
Fleetwood Mac March 11, 2015
Tickets & Info: (501) 975-9000 10
Salsa EVERY Friday night! go to juanitas.com for the FULL concert schedule
Black Angus
EAT
Hamburgers ◆ Steak ◆ Chicken ◆ Fish
EXPERIENCE N. LITTLE ROCK’S NEWEST MEXICAN CUISINE If you haven’t heard of Cilantro’s Grill, the new authentic Mexican restaurant within Lakewood Village of North Little Rock, you’re missing out!
501-228-7800
10907 N Rodney Parham ◆ Little Rock, AR
TheThe Best Round in Town Best Round in
Town
I
was immediately impressed upon entry. The main dining room was much larger than one would expect, and the bar and second dining area were also a surprise. Greeted in less than a minute, I was seated quickly. Chips and salsa followed shortly after. Taking time to survey the atmosphere of the place, the Mexican artwork posted on the walls caught my attention. One painting featured Francisco Villa, a famous general of the Mexican Revolution. The scenery, cozy and intimate vibe, and the variety of Mexican music that played throughout my visit helped put me in such relaxed state that I ordered the queso appetizer ($3.99) I did not originally intend to. Needless to say, it was delicious. Another popular appetizer I plan to try on my next visit is the guacamole ($5.99) as it is prepared fresh at your table with onions, tomatoes, cilantro, and my personal favorite, fresh avocado. Yum! The chorizo queso fundido ($5.25) adds an extra pizzazz for queso lovers. With white cheese and spicy Mexican sausage made with fresh tortillas, it is the perfect addition to any future “to-try” list. Instead of my usual chimichanga or burrito entree, I decided to try one of Cilantro’s Specialties, the Roasted Salmon ($14.25). This was a treat I would not be able to get at the average Mexican restaurant, so I made it a point to indulge. I was not disappointed. The roasted salmon was glazed with red chile sauce
served over poblano rice with vegetables and mango-jicama slaw. As expected, the cilantro added a wonderful zing unlike any I have tasted at any other local restaurant. I’m a sucker for seafood, and as much as I’m looking forward to sampling the spinach enchiladas ($8.99) and the shrimp chimichanga ($8.99), the pan-roasted tilapia with chipotle and pico de gallo salsa ($14.99) may be next on my list. After a brief conversation with owners Julio Nunez and Ignacio Jimenez, I learned some intriguing facts that enticed me even more. Instead of buying wholesale, Cilantro’s makes their own fresh tortillas using original flour from Mexico. The vegetables they purchase from U.S. Food Service come from Green Hills, a Mexican company in Siloam Springs, AR. When creating products for their customers, they “try to do the best.” They have specials each week, including drink specials. This includes a variety of margaritas, i.e., strawberry, mango, peach, pina colada, and Cilantro’s very own margarita mix. So whether you’re looking for a nice place to drink with friends, celebrate a special event with thirty or more guests, eat dinner with family, or eat lunch with a few coworkers, Cilantro’s is worth your time! -Charlette Beasley
2629 Lakewood Village Dr. N. Little Rock, AR
made in house. made for you. made every day! 4305 Warden Rd. · N. Little rock, ar
70 Different kinds of Whiskeys! 225 E Markham St, Little Rock, AR 501-324-2449 11
ARKANSAS Cherry Dames By Charlette Beasley | Photography By Mike Russell
A
new up and coming pin-up organization has surfaced in Central Arkansas, the Arkansas Cherry Dames (ACD). Founded by North Little Rock native Jessica Wade and Greenbrier resident Tasha Harvey, November marks the tenth month of existence for the now 14-member women’s empowering group. While these glamorous gals are indeed a sight for sore eyes, there is much more to them than their captivating beauty. Their class, confidence, and desire to support one another as real women should is just the tip of the iceberg. You may see them around Central Arkansas sporting their classic pin-up wardrobe, volunteering at local events/charities, and preparing for their next photo shoots. Long before encountering the Cherry Dames, many people tend to have already had preconceived notions of what a pinup girl is. For some, ideas such as models and sexuality take form and women like Betty Grable and Marilyn Monroe come to mind. But who exactly are the Arkansas Cherry Dames, and what do they stand for? These lovely ladies are everyday women who have chosen to embark on their own personal journeys of self-acceptance. With each passing day, they openly and actively find ways to grow mentally, physically, and spiritually. Whether it be learning a new hairstyle, how to cope with life’s challenges, or a new awe-inspiring pose for their upcoming photo shoot, they embrace it. Their motto is, “Be a lady while showing your inner bombshell.” In other words, be a woman who learns to embrace her own sexuality while remaining confident, classy, and determined in every other aspect of life as well. Thus far, Jessica and Tasha’s focus for the group has been on assisting both official and unofficial members with goal-setting, self-
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sufficiency, hairstyles, make-up appliance, and anything else that adds value to them as women. While being beautiful is not the only attribute the Cherries want to be known for, it is an important one. The Cherry Dames have learned that women who learn how to accentuate their best features, whether curvy, slim, black, white, etc., and are secure in themselves are the happiest, most confident, and cosmically positive women alive. According to Jessica, “The energy you put out there is the energy you receive,” and in ten short months, she has found this to be true. In an effort to get feedback from the new Cherries, the founders assigned them a reflection paper to write. This was to be a letter detailing why they chose to join the group, how it’s helped them, etc. Although it was obvious to Jessica and Tasha that the organization was a success, the feedback they received helped put everything into greater perspective. All had positive feedback regarding improved self-images, more fulfilling lives, and greater knowledge of themselves, and one even credited the group for its contribution to her healthier marriage. Talk about impact! The group that began with two ladies and a wild pin-up idea is changing lives! Since their name began floating around central Arkansas, a multitude of ladies have expressed interest in joining. So how does one join the stunning Cherry Dames on their journeys to self-empowerment? As of September 20, 2014, registration for ACD is temporarily closed. Of course, there’s no need to be alarmed. On January 1, 2015, the organization will start readmitting ladies into the group, and Jessica confirmed that they have a “no turn-away policy.” They just so happened to grow at a much faster rate than previously planned for or expected, and the founders wanted to take a little time to sharpen themselves and their ladies into even more incredible women than they already were. Once the application process is re-opened, applicants will be required to complete a few requirements before earning their “official cherry pins.” This will include attending five to ten events that the group hosts or is invited to, paying a minimal
membership fee of $10/month, and learning how to do at least one new hairstyle. In June of this year, the group hosted the first Arkansas Cherry Dames Meet & Greet, which turned out to be a huge success. It was similar to a potluck, and almost forty people attended, including official and unofficial Dames, their significant others, and their children. Two ladies were even pinned as Official Cherry Dames as they had just completed their five events. This particular event provided the dames with the opportunities to learn new hair and make-up tricks to perfect their pin-up looks. They finished off the night with a few poses and camera shots that allowed them to become more comfortable while showcasing their newfound skills. Tasha and Jessica were there to help each lady become self-sufficient in these areas. Having been a photographer in the past, Jessica is an expert at teaching the Cherries new poses while Tasha’s strong artistic background is a must-have when helping them select the best make-up and colors to accentuate their natural beauty.
It doesn’t stop there. The dames are also very passionate about their communities and the world at large. Recently, they began a fundraising page on the internet to solicit donations for the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP). The AFSP is most notable for its part in suicide prevention initiatives. Research, education, and prevention are all focal points of the organization. The Dames felt so strongly about contributing that they are not only raising funds but also participating in the Little Rock Walk on November 2, 2014 at the Clinton Presidential Library along with thousands of others nationwide. In September of this year, they made an appearance at the Arkansas Street Machines’ car show in Burns Park. Since Tasha works as a marketing director for an auto body shop, she has access to many local car shows. Proceeds from this particular show benefited both the Arkansas Food Bank and Arkansas Boys’ and Girls’ Club. The Cherries took pictures with the cars and raised their own donations to help with suicide awareness. What’s even more amazing about this group of ladies is that even though some of them have only known one another for a short time, judging by the way in which they band together, you wouldn’t know it. Whether for five years or five months, they wouldn’t hesitate to rush over to a fellow Cherry’s house to lend an ear when needed.
The bond that connects them is one of integrity, support, and sisterhood. The structure of the organization reflects this trust among them. It is based on a distributive power system that allocates the most power to those who have been pinned the longest. Should founders Jessica and Tasha ever not be able to attend a group gathering or event, the Pin Cherry, the first officially pinned Cherry, would oversee the activities and ensure everyone is representing the Arkansas Cherry Dames appropriately and according to the organization’s proclaimed values. The longer a Cherry is pinned, the more responsibility she is likely to undertake. For instance, one person is in charge of recognizing and planning for all birthdays, and another takes the lead when it comes to seeking organizing charity functions. In the future, when the organization issues its first newsletter, a Cherry will be assigned it as well. During one of their shopping trips, a sixteen year old girl took interest in the group. Her mother was also fascinated, and they inquired about her joining the Arkansas Cherry Dames. This prompted the group to start the Arkansas Cherry Dame Seedling Program. This allows girls younger than eighteen to join and gain support through their journeys of self-realization and acceptance at a pivotal time in their lives. In the future, each Seedling will be assigned a Cherry Dame who will serve as a mentor and take her on an outing once monthly during the summertime. What began as a group of girls meeting at the bar once a month has now transformed into a full-grown women’s empowerment organization. The ladies are spectacular, both inward and outward, and your Local magazine will continue to be on the lookout for more exciting developments as they grow.
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On behalf of all of us at Local, we would like to extend our deepest condolences to Beverly Carter’s family, friends and colleagues. We are blessed to have been able to work with Beverly over the past few years and will cherish the fond memories of her kindness, quick wit and loud laugh. The Carter family has set up a memorial fund at Centennial Bank in Little Rock to pay for the college education of Carter’s grandchildren. The Beverly Carter Memorial Fund C/O Centennial Bank 4514 Camp Robinson Rd North Little Rock AR 72118
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