Around the Rock: A Kid's Meal to Please at South on Main

I’ve written some choice words in the past about our nationwide epidemic of crappy kid’s menus. We want our children to have a variety of healthy food options, but yet most restaurants offer the same old choices of cheese pizza, hot dogs, French fries and mac and cheese. Not at South on Main. My youngest daughter and I recently dropped in for lunch and ordered the chicken strips (breaded and fried in-house), which came with diced cooked carrots and a cute, mini-colander of fresh fruit. And all for $6! I snuck a few bites and thought it was damn good.
What’s not to love about David’s Burgers? The burgers are always fresh, the greasy fries come at you from every direction and the service is extremely prompt and friendly. My single patty burger with all the usual fixings and added grilled onions was met with absolute satisfaction. Please keep doing what you do, David’s.
Speaking of that burger shop, I encourage you to check out Steve Shuler’s newish website (LR Foodcast), where you can listen to his podcast with David’s owner Alan Bubbus. The site is dedicated to bringing you interviews with all the major players in our town’s food scene.
There are plenty of events coming up in Little Rock.
Help support the Arkansas Advocates for Children and Families by checking out Soup Sunday, held this Sunday, February 16th from 4-6 p.m. at the Embassy Suites Hotel in West Little Rock. Patrons can taste soups and treats from over 25 local restaurants, including this year’s celebrity chef… Local Lime’s Ben Brainard. Tickets start at $20 and benefit the AACF.
Check out the SoMa Mardi Gras Parade on Saturday, March 1st at 12 p.m. (starts on Main Street at 24th and ends at 12th). The event features homegrown floats and neighborhood events, with parade-goers encouraged to bring their own folding chairs and blankets.
On a personal note, I’m looking forward to an event next week at E’s Bistro in North Little Rock. The crew over there is hosting a group of us foodies to a 4-course dinner, featuring dishes like baked mussels with tamatar shorba and sea bass with Italian grits. I’ve always been a big fan of the food coming out of E’s kitchen, and encourage you to check them out if you haven’t done so yet.
Crawfish season is almost here! The Faded Rose’s will be serving up boiled crawfish starting Mardi Gras Day, Tuesday, March 4th. The following week begins their regular Wednesday Crawfish Day. Both full and half orders (which start at 4 p.m. until they run out) come with corn and potatoes.
Finally … get ready for grilled cheese sandwiches. No set date yet, but The Main Cheese plans to open sometime later this month in West Little Rock. The eatery will feature an assortment of gourmet grilled cheese sandwiches, homemade soups and fresh salads. Something tells me this place will do quite well in Little Rock.