Around the Rock: New/Old Bruno's Settles Right In

This darn ice has been wreaking havoc on my social life, but fortunately, I was able to get out just a bit this week.
A few buddies and I finally paid a visit to Bruno’s Little Italy in downtown the other night. A feeling of contentment resided over the group after we polished off two bottles of red wine, along with dishes of antipasto, spaghetti and meatballs, sausage ala Parmigiano, veal and peppers, and lasagna. Even after just one visit, I can safely say Bruno’s execution of classic Italian comfort food easily puts it in the upper echelon of Little Rock restaurants.
Wednesday’s lunch at ZAZA’s marked my first visit since the eatery’s revamp. Looks like the place got new floors, some tile work done and a ton of logs added to the walls. The updated look certainly added a fresh vibe, but if I’m not mistaken, also brought with it slightly higher priced menu items. Beautification certainly comes with a cost. As for the food, my Baja Shrimp Salad proved to be a wonderful lunch option, although next time around, I’ll go sans grapefruit, as the acidity somewhat overpowered the other elements of the salad.
You’ll never confuse the food coming out of Corky’s West Little Rock with its famous brother to the north in Memphis. But I’ll say this much … if you’re looking for a solid, affordable salad, this is your place. My pulled pork salad was loaded with tender, albeit rather flavorless pork, along with all the standard veggies and a cup of honey mustard dressing.
All right, enough about all these salads.
Plenty of food news in our wonderful town…
Eggshells Kitchen Co.’s next cooking class features Chef Mark Abernathy of Loca Luna and Red Door fame. The class will be held at the store (5501 Kavanaugh Blvd, Suite K) on March 27th at 6 p.m. Cost is $50 per person. For reservations, call 501-664-6900 (Menu TBA).
Tonight, South on Main offers up their Bayou Teche Courir de Mardi Gras (on tap) for $4, as well as pork Andouille po’boys with fries for $10 (at the bar).
This Friday, Garden Press plans to release a new March juice with several local flavors to delight and refresh everybody who’s been waiting on berries and spring to arrive.
The Bernice Garden Farmer’s Market is just around the corner! Things start back up on April 6th at 10 a.m. On April 5th (from 1-5 p.m.), patrons are encouraged to check out the killer plant and poultry swap, also held at Bernice Garden.
This month’s Westover Food Truck Wednesday will be held on the 12th from 5-8 p.m. at the Westover Hills Presbyterian Church parking lot. Many of Little Rock’s most popular food trucks will be in attendance (Waffle Wagon, The Southern Gourmasian, and others).
Finally, we asked for pie and we got it! The Pie Shop at Terry’s Finer Foods opens up this Monday, March 10th. The shop plans to offer a wide variety of pies, both whole and by the slice.