Little Rock’s most popular food festival is this weekend in West Little Rock. The 34th International Greek Food Festival kicks off Friday and goes through Sunday at the Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church on Napa Valley Drive. The gyros, spanakopita, Greek chicken and baklava will be there as always, as will a few new menu items, including the “It’s All Greek to Me” combo, featuring a gyro and fries topped with feta, Mediterranean herbs and lemon juice. The drive-thru is also back and will be selling the pastitsio this year to-go. The festival runs from 11 a.m. until 9 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, and from 11 a.m. until 3 p.m. on Sunday. Like last year, admission to the event is $3 or three canned-food donations for the Arkansas Foodbank. Parking and trolley service to the festival are both free.
Rock Town Distillery is again celebrating some international accolades. Rock Town yesterday won a gold medal from the San Francisco World Spirits Competition for its Arkansas Bourbon Whiskey. Rock Town also scored four silver medals for Straight Bourbon, Single Barrel Bourbon, Four Grain Sour Mash Bourbon and Rye Whiskey. It’s the second major honor this year for Rock Town’s flagship bourbon. Arkansas Bourbon Whiskey was also judged “Excellent” by the Ultimate Spirits Challenge in New York last month. This all comes as Rock Town completes its move from the East Village neighborhood to SoMa. Once moved the distillery will be open and is available for tours seven days a week, they are still opening for tastings at the old location ahead of the move.
The Heights collaboration you never knew you wanted is here. The Pizzeria and Le Pops are teaming up for Le Pops shots. The Pizzeria is putting together five different shots and pairing them with their own Le Pops mini popsicle:
- Orange Cream and Vodka
- Cherry Limeade and Tequila
- White Grape Lavender and Gin
- Classic Vanilla and Bourbon
- Pina Colada and Rum
Those are just the five that The Pizzeria is recommending; customers can mix and match popsicles and spirit shots. Le Pops shots hit the menu at The Pizzeria today when the restaurant opens at 5 p.m.
Speaking of the Heights, Poke Hula has opened its doors at its second location on Kavanaugh Boulevard. The poke restaurant is in the spot that used to belong to Red Mango. Poke Hula is owned by the Weng family, which also owns Samurai Steakhouse at Shackleford Crossing. It was the first poke spot to open in Little Rock and offers a fast-service build-your-own concept. Diners can choose from some pre-built menu items or customize their own order with fresh fish and Asian and Hawaiian ingredients. Poke Hula’s Heights location is open for lunch and for dinner until 9 p.m. seven days a week.
The hugely anticipated Cathead’s Diner is giving away some free breakfast ahead of its grand opening. The restaurant is sponsoring the National Bike to Work Day on Friday, including a rally Friday morning at 7:30 a.m. at the Old State House Museum. Those who register in advance for the rally and attend will get free breakfast at Cathead’s Diner right after the rally ends. Registration and information about the rally are at ditchthekeys.com. Cathead’s Diner is the new restaurant by Donnie Ferneau and Kelli Marks. It is scheduled to open before the end of May.
Last year’s biggest restaurant opening turns one year old this week. We take a look at the debut year of West Little Rock’s Petit and Keet, and what the future could have in store for the restaurant.
One of the most sought-after beers in Arkansas is back for 2018. We were at the BDCS release party at Ozark Beer Company in Rogers, where the brew team is getting ready for a big Central Arkansas release.
