The state’s premier cooking competition returns tomorrow night. The 12th annual Diamond Chef Arkansas competition will be held Thursday at Pulaski Tech Culinary Arts and Hospitality Management Institute starting at 6 p.m. Six finalists will compete for this year’s title:
- Joseph Coleman – Little Rock Marriott
- Jordan Davis – Chenal Country Club
- Brandon Douglas – Green Leaf Grill
- Amanda Ivy – Low Ivy Catering
- Jamie McAfee – Pine Bluff Country Club
- Izaak Winter – Yaya’s Euro Bistro
Three of the finalists – Davis, Douglas and McAfee – were also finalists last year. This is Douglas’s third straight year reaching the finals. All will be competing for the title most recently held by Mary Beth Ringgold of Cajun’s Wharf, who is not eligible to compete after winning the contest twice in a row. This is always one of the most entertaining events on the calendar. Tickets are still on sale for $150 each, and proceeds go to support UA Pulaski Technical College. Of course, we’ll post the winners on our Facebook page soon after the competition ends.
Downtown Little Rock’s newest coffee shop will be opening its doors this weekend. Revival Coffee will be open at 400 W Capitol Ave. this Saturday evening from 6:30 p.m. until 8:30 p.m. The shop will have free food and offer 15 percent off all beverages for the event. The official grand opening party is Monday, April 15, from 7 a.m. until 3 p.m. Those will be Revival’s hours going forward Monday through Friday; they’ll be open from 9 a.m. until 3 p.m. on Saturdays. Revival Coffee will feature traditional coffee shop offerings like pour-over coffees and espresso beverages, as well as house-made flavored syrups and even a specialty cocktail menu. Revival is located in the Regions Center downtown.
War Memorial stadium is the place to be this weekend. That’s where the Jewish Food and Cultural Festival will be held Sunday from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m. The festival features traditional Jewish cuisine like braised brisket, cabbage rolls, blintzes and kosher hot dogs. There will also be Jewish desserts, like babka and chocolate-covered matzo. The festival features live entertainment throughout the day and some immersive, interactive experiences, like a replica of the Western Wall where people can leave a note of prayer. The festival is inside the concourse, so the weather shouldn’t be an issue. War Memorial will also play host to the Little Rock Rangers Soccer Club’s second preseason game Saturday at 7. Local food trucks that will serve that evening include Katmandu Momo, Tren Al Sur, Luncheria Alicia and more.
The state’s most well-known beer is back on shelves in Little Rock, though almost certainly just for a short time. Ozark Beer Company’s BDCS 2019 has made its way to Central Arkansas. You can find four-packs at most popular liquor stores, like Colonial Wine and Spirits and 107 Liquor. However, it’s also been found at smaller locations this time, like Hillcrest Liquor. BDCS is the state’s top-rated beer according to several websites and attracts buyers from all over the country at its annual release party.
Keeping up with Little Rock’s food trucks day-to-day can be challenging. That’s why we’ve created our new feature Truckin’! Check out where your favorite truck can be found this week.
