Rumbles: Checking in With Kent Walker and At the Corner, HTT Open for Business

Last week, we were able to break the news of the Kent Walker Artisan Cheese opening. So, how did things go? “It was nice and steady…we really got settled into the tasting room. We are going to blow it out this weekend with music Friday and Saturday evening. It will be our grand opening, and we will have special offers to celebrate that,” says owner Kent Walker.
I also wanted to check in with one of downtown’s newest restaurants … @ the Corner. The one-month-old eatery seems to have settled in quite nicely. “We want to thank everyone who came and dined with us during our first month of operation. We are so happy to finally be open and serving the great city of Little Rock,” says co-owner Kamiya Merrick. Also to note, @ the Corner has designated Tuesday as “Taco Tuesday” and Friday as “Fry-day,” with specials like the fried chicken poutine. For more information, check out the website.
Arkansas Fresh Café recently announced new hours on its Facebook page: “We are excited to announce that due to popular demand, we are opening on Mondays now. We are also extending our hours until 7 p.m. every day. So starting THIS Monday the 20th we will be open for our new hours, 6:30 a.m. to 7 p.m.”
Heights Taco & Tamale Co. officially opens today! Greg Henderson was there for the soft opening and has your full rundown.
The next St. Margaret’s Mondays Food Truck Meet Up is set for  Monday, April 27  from 5-8 p.m. at St. Margaret’s Episcopal Church (20900 Chenal Parkway). The event has 10 trucks lined up.
South on Main will be hosting Mary & Friends, which benefits the Oxford American, on May 15 at 7 p.m. Join Mary Steenburgen and friends for an evening of music, bites, and spirits. Tickets are $200 per person. “Your tax-deductible donation will directly support our creative projects, such as the music and literary programming at South on Main. You will help us print four issues per year with some of the most exciting and insightful reading in the nation, and your support will allow us to keep making the music issues & CDs that you love.” Limited tickets available.
This from Josiah Moody, brewmaster/owner of Moody Brews: “I’ll be bringing Moody Brews Aria’s Bier (brewed at Damgoode Pies River Market) and Damgoode Golden Ale to Etsy Fest this Saturday 11-7 for sale at Etsy Fest in Hillcrest. Aria’s Bier is a sessionable saison or Belgian farmhouse ale brewed with orange peel and hibiscus flowers. Damgoode golden is another sessionable golden ale, DGP’s delicious alternative to the ubiquitous American light lager.”
The Preservation Crustaceans event is set for Thursday, May 5 at Argenta Plaza (520 Main St, NLR). A VIP reception is from 5-6 p.m. with general admission at 6 p.m. “Preservation Crustaceans has grown from a backyard gathering in 2001 to the HPAA’s most-anticipated Arkansas Heritage Month event. Now back at its very first location in the Argenta neighborhood of North Little Rock, and still serves all-you-can-eat crawfish and shrimp, potatoes, and corn on the cob – plus beer and sodas.” Tickets can be purchased here.
The Bernice Garden Farmer’s Market is on Sundays from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. at 1401 S. Main St. Also, May 10 is all about the strawberry: “Strawberry Season is upon us and we couldn’t be more excited! Come out the the Farmers’ Market May 10th for all things strawberry: cookies, pastries, recipes, and fresh, local STRAWBERRIES!”
From Christie Ison: “We’re holding this month’s arfoodjobs.com Industry Night social event on Earth Day, Wednesday, April 22 at 109 & Co. Michael is making us a special Earth Day drink for the night. Foodservice and hospitality folks will get a discount on food and drink. No program, just come hang out. Drop in between 10 p.m. and 2 a.m.”
News from WLR’s Pinnacle Valley Restaurant: It’s Crawfish Time at PVR! Last weekend was such a hit that owner and Cajun Mike Fullerton will once again be boiling up crawfish on Friday from 5-8 p.m. and Saturday from 11 a.m.-8 p.m.
Ciao Baci has some new seasonal cocktails and our own Becca Bona has the full menu, descriptions, and beautiful pics. As a reminder, the restaurant also offers a Wednesday Happy Hour all night long. This includes: $4.50 wells, $5.50 well martinis, $5 sangrias, and $5 mango margaritas.
The Pantry is turning 6! And there’s a celebration (at the WLR location). The restaurant will also be running a beer special on Lost Forty Belgian Blonde ($5 a glass) during the party. “No reservation or anything just come and go as people please.” Finally…The Pantry Crest’s outdoor patio is open. Looks nice.
The Jewish Food & Cultural Festival is this Sunday from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. at War Memorial Stadium. Admission is free. “Again this year, the 2015 Jewish Food Festival will include traditional Jewish foods such as old fashioned corned beef sandwiches, lox, bagels and cream cheese, kosher hot dogs, rugelach and many more wonderful Jewish delicacies. Want a traditional Israeli meal of kabobs, falafel and Israeli salad? Then the 2015 Jewish Food Festival is the place to be.The Jewish Food Festival will also feature cultural and religious booths that will showcase various aspects of Jewish life from Arkansas to ancient Israel. Learn about Jewish holidays and life cycle customs and enjoy an exciting kid’s area with plenty of activities from face painting to a whole area for jumping activities.”