Rumbles: IndiaFest Sunday, Excaliburger Heads East, South on Main Tailgate Menu

One of the state’s most underrated food festivals is this weekend in downtown Little Rock. IndiaFest 2018 is Sunday at the Little Rock River Market pavilion and amphitheater from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. While there are plenty of festivals that get more attention, IndiaFest might just have the best food experience out of all of them. Eight stations in the pavilion area will be serving food from eight different regions of India. I’ve been the last two years, and among my favorite dishes are the festival’s biryani, chicken tikka masala, samosas and gulab jamun dessert. IndiaFest also features live performances from the amphitheater stage and several vendors selling Indian fashion and jewelry. There is no charge to get in to IndiaFest; you can pay cash or card at all of the food stalls. Even if you haven’t liked Indian food in the past, you’ll almost certainly find something you enjoy.
Beloved Little Rock-based food truck Excaliburger is heading back east … but isn’t coming home just yet. Owner Kyle Pounders has been touring the West Coast in his truck this summer, but with the destruction of Hurricane Florence in the Carolinas, Pounders decided to make a change in plans. Excaliburger is heading to the East Coast, and Pounders needs your help. He wants to give away cheeseburgers to those affected by Florence rather than selling them. Obviously, he can only donate for so long before going out of business. That’s why Excaliburger has set up a GoFundMe account so that you can buy a cheeseburger for someone in need. Pounders has also teamed up with Electric Ghost to offer perks for every donation level reached. It’s a great cause, and hopefully Excaliburger will far exceed its $10,000 goal. By the way, Pounders has promised he will bring the truck back during the holidays (for those of us who have been craving his burgers in his absence).
Well, let’s face it: this isn’t going to be the year for the Hogs football team. But that doesn’t mean your Saturday tailgate experience has to suck. South on Main has come out with a new tailgate menu that will definitely improve your gameday experience, no matter how bad things get. The restaurant has nearly 20 items on the menu, including its outstanding ribs and some classics like mac and cheese, coleslaw and pimento cheese. However, I couldn’t overlook the fact that South on Main is selling Frito Chili Pies … by the half gallon. I will definitely be checking that one out. To get South on Main for your tailgate this weekend, make sure to have your order in by Thursday before the game. You will then pick it up from the restaurant after 3 p.m. the Friday before gameday. Give it a try this weekend; at least you’ll know one part of your day will be memorable.
It’s no secret to food lovers that Ken Dempsey’s barbecue is worth standing in line for. You can do just that this Saturday, when Dempsey Barbecue visits the Me and McGee Market in North Little Rock. Dempsey is cooking up pulled pork and brisket sandwiches from 10:30 a.m. until 2 p.m. (or until he sells out). Dempsey is also bringing “pork and pintos,” citrus slaw, watermelon lemonade and a bananas foster banana pudding for dessert. Me and McGee Market is a farmers market and grocery store on Highway 70, near the junction of 440 and Interstate 40. Me and McGee Market also features items from Ralston Farms, White River Creamery, Honey Pies, Loblolly and other Arkansas businesses.
Ever want to know how to make the perfect Manhattan, or a classic Old Fashioned. We found out that Rock Town Distillery wants to teach you those drinks and more at its new series of cocktail classes.
If there’s one thing Little Rock does well, it’s burgers. We want to know what burger is your favorite! Make sure you vote in our readers’ choice poll this week.

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