News
After years of preparation and planning, Flyway Brewing Company has started brewing beer at its Maple Street location in North Little Rock. This is the first batch created in the new 10-barrel system that will be capable of putting out roughly 300 gallons of beer each week. Flyway’s bar and kitchen areas still have to undergo some finishing touches and final inspections. Still, not much more stands in the way of opening day at Central Arkansas’ first new brewery taproom in 2015. Expect Flyway to be open sometime in December.
Management at La Hacienda on Cantrell Road has confirmed to me that the restaurant will be shutting its doors for renovations sometime in 2016. The details are still being worked out, but it sounds like the project could keep the restaurant closed for a significant amount of time. We’ll keep you posted on this one.
Speaking of Mexican restaurants, good luck getting a table at Mi Ranchito 2 in Bryant today. As we reported last week, the restaurant is reopening today after a fire closed it down almost a year ago.
The past few weeks have seen a few new restaurants get their official starts. The Next Level Kitchen in Hot Springs celebrated its grand opening on Nov. 10. Next Level is the brainchild of Porter Montgomery and Louis Williams. You might know Williams better as a food blogger who covered the Hot Springs restaurant scene for a while. The menu boasts Southern, barbecue and Asian influences. Currently, Next Level is only a delivery and carry-out business, but seating is coming soon. Hours are 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Friday.
Also new to the restaurant scene is Vallarta Grill in Little Rock. Vallarta Grill is run by the same business owners at Mercado San Jose Grocery and Bakery on Geyer Springs Road. The restaurant is directly next door to the market and features a traditional Mexican menu. One good note: Vallarta Grill does serve breakfast. Hours are 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday and 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.
Thanksgiving is just eight days away. If you’re in charge of bringing or making food, check out our Thanksgiving Ordering Guide to keep your load light.
If you’re vacationing in Branson this Thanksgiving, we have some restaurants for you that won’t kill your foodie street cred.
Oh, and definitely don’t miss Daniel Walker’s take on eating in the Riverdale neighborhood.
Events
November 18th (tonight) Clifton Street Eats food truck meet – It’s the final meet-up for food trucks in Conway this year. Event runs from 5 p.m. until 7 p.m.
November 18th (tonight) Anne Amie Vineyard Wine Tasting at One Eleven at the Capital – This special tasting won’t feature any food, but will offer the opportunity to talk with winemaker Thomas Houseman of Anne Amie in Oregon.
November 21st Moody Brews tap takeover at Colonial Wine and Spirits – Colonial says it will have at least five taps dedicated to Josiah Moody’s newest beers, including a milk stout I haven’t tried yet.
November 21st Izard Chocolate Randall Infusion at Stone’s Throw Brewing – Two great local businesses team up for one unique brew.
December 11th 11th Ever Nog-Off at the Historic Arkansas Museum – Little Rock chefs and bartenders compete to see who has the best eggnog in town.
December 13th Art of the Bar at South on Main – This holiday craft market will feature caroling by Bonnie Montgomery and Amy Garland, drinks by David Burnette, and snacks by Matthew Bell.
As always, if you have news, events, or specials over the next week, let us know.
