Around the Rock: Capital Bar and Grill Returns to Form

My weekly views…
Back-to-back fantastic lunches at Capital Bar and Grill has finally eliminated all discontent from a past dinner experience that, quite frankly, soured me on the restaurant for several months. This is due, in large part, to a thoughtful and attentive wait staff whose actions were only trumped by the fine food coming out of the kitchen. CBG is an important restaurant to our Little Rock food scene, so I only hope this positive trend will continue. On the food front, the admittedly odd-sounding, yet delicious smoked catfish burger is worth coming back for, as is the iconic Wednesday Special fried chicken, but you already knew that.
Coffee was the name of the game this week. A quick Guillermo’s pop-in had me sucking down some delicious Velvet Hammer, which is still some of the best coffee in Arkansas, due in large part to the roasting mastery of Hans Oliver. Next, I had a nice java at the newly opened Café Brunelle in the Promenade. Finally, it seems as if Mylo Coffee Co. has settled into a groove. The pour over coffee tastes as good as it’s ever been, as does the rustic bread and the chocolate kouign amann. Kudos to all three spots.
I wasn’t exactly blown away by Hanaroo’s sushi the other evening, however, the bibimbap, a signature Korean dish that includes rice, marinated sprouts, carrots, a fried egg and diced chicken served up in a hot pot, did impress. Look for it on the menu and please give it a shot.
The Old Pal (bourbon, dry vermouth and Campari) at Local Lime is delightful. If you’re a fan of Campari, this drink is for you. If not, just get a frozen margarita and call it a night.
Surprisingly, I made my first, but certainly not my last, visit to the original Homer’s near the airport. I enjoyed the down home atmosphere and simple, no-frills approach to menu items like the mashed potatoes and cream gravy, okra and tomatoes, smothered cabbage and purple hull peas.
And the news…
Check out Tiki Time Fridays at Big Orange Midtown. The restaurant will feature a special tiki-inspired burger and cocktails (served in vintage tiki glassware). Runs 5 p.m. to close.
Going to Riverfest this weekend? Get all of your food and drink details right here.
Ben E. Keith and Arkansas Times in conjunction with the Little Rock Gran Fondo present Pop on Main: “5 Great Chefs all in one great place.” Come join Thomas Bohm, Donnie Ferneau,Travis McConnell, Matt Bell and Arturo Solis for some great food and fun on May 31 (12 noon- 4 pm). Adult tickets are $35 (children 12 and under are $10, 6 and under are admitted free).
Eggshells Kitchen Co. is offering 20% off everything in the entire store….this Friday and Saturday (5/22-5/23).