In Staff Picks, each of us tells of our favorite foods around town. In no particular order, here are our Favorite Desserts in Little Rock.
Daniel Walker
1. Double Vanilla Ice Cream (with salted caramel sauce and whipped cream) at Loblolly Creamery
2. Sticky Toffee Pudding at Table 28
3. Banana Pudding at Capital Bar & Grill
Commentary: The ice cream wizards at Loblolly are consistently churning out intriguing and sometimes exotic flavors…but there’s something special about the double vanilla that always draws be back. The vanilla provides a perfect back drop for any of their excellent house-made toppings — many of which are worth your attention — but I’m always up for the sweet, sticky, slightly salty caramel sauce.
Becca Bona
1. Macarons (various flavors, but preferably lime basil) at Mylo Coffee Co.
2. Seasonal Sorbets at Loblolly Creamery
3. Crème Brulee at 109 & Co. by Zara
Commentary: Working on this list made me realize I order beer and champagne before I ever think about dessert, and therefore, usually skip it entirely. However, when Mylo’s macarons slip onto their menu I find myself at their door; Loblolly’s sorbets spin fun flavors and are never overly sweet; and Zara’s Crème Brulee is literally top-notch because, spoiler, I don’t even like crème brulee.
Greg Henderson
1. Tres Leches Cake at Local Lime
2. Apple Fried Pie at Cotham’s in Scott
3. Brownie at Mugs Cafe
Commentary: I am not a big dessert eater at all. So something has to be just right to get me to shell out some money for a sweet. These three are simple desserts done right that are great with a cup of coffee. I don’t get dessert much when I am out, but when I am at one of these three places, I make an exception.
Jacob Ellerbee
1. Churros de Cajeta at The Fold
2. Mexican Coke Float at The Fold
3. Pure Sunshine at Le Pops
Commentary: Super sweet Mexican Coke paired with Loblolly ice cream makes for an indulgent, yet simple sweet treat. On the more healthful side of things, Le Pops makes great locally sourced ice pops and cream pops with no artificial additives.
Ken Dempsey
1. Peanut Butter Pie at Maddie’s Place
2. Cinnamon Bread Pudding at Zaffino’s
3. German Chocolate Cake at Natchez by Zara
Commentary: The German Chocolate Cake was special. My grandmother made the best German Chocolate cake I’ve ever had and Zara’s reminded me of hers. May have been even better.
Kevin Shalin
1. Cheesecake at The Pantry
2. Bread Pudding at Maddie’s Place
3. Chocolate Soufflé at One Eleven
Commentary: Very tough to pick just three, but in the end, I had to go with these desserts. It’s a damn shame if you’ve never tried The Pantry’s cheesecake. The bruleed top is what separates it from any other you’ve ever had. The chocolate soufflé at One Eleven is on another level of excellence, while Maddie’s bread pudding is dessert comfort food at its finest.
