Weekly Food Blog Round-Up — February 8

This week’s food news from local blogs and food writers focuses on foodie tips for Valentine’s Day, as well as highlights the goings on from around the state.
In need of a good story full of Southern roots and, more importantly, Southern comfort food? Kat Robinson of Tie Dye Travels talks Molly’s Diner in Warren this week. Discussing atmosphere, she says the place “wears its heritage on its surface.” As I can imagine reading the overly dressed walls would be entertaining, eating the creatively-named sandwiches seems to be a foodie’s challenge. Robinson dives in, discussing the Double Beltbuster Burger on the menu as well as Dylan’s Suicide Sandwich.
If you’re not into the drive to Warren, let’s head to Conway. The Locals, a community of creative placemakers, community organizers, and co-producers, are working on a creating the first Food Hub in Central Arkansas. This is all made possible by a grant which “will allow the organization to continue supporting local producers, and connecting the community to local food, art, and culture.” Arkansas Food and Farm has more details.
If you’re in need of a quick recipe for a gathering, check out what is happening over at Dining with Debbie this week. Debbie takes us on an adventure into a make-ahead appetizer– a Cauliflower Caviar in Endive. Working with the taste of Petit Jean Bacon, she says, “There was just enough bacon to add some extra depth of flavor and enough cauliflower to make them light and on the healthy side.”
Perhaps you need to mix-up your workweek lunch destination. Little Rock Foodcast talks up Baja Grill’s lunch game. The atmosphere was nice, even for outdoor winter dining: “the closed-in patio space was quite warm.” His final take: “I’ve now visited Baja Grill four times since the Roe family opened the restaurant, and each time my experience has been better than the last. While there are still some hiccups, the constant crowds are there for a reason. This is very good Cali-Mex food, prepared with care and expertise.”
Speaking of getting in the spirit for Valentine’s Eggshells Kitchen Co. has created a list of ideas ranging from sweets, to Arkansas based recipes, to taking a cooking class. How else can you have “the perfect date night” through sharing a “fun look into the culinary landscape of Arkansas?”
If you’d rather create something for your sweetie on Valentine’s Hello Luvvy has a recipe for Rose Syrup. This is sure to prepare you “to make everything come up roses for this Valentine’s Day.”
If Rose Syrup isn’t your thing, opt for the traditional pairing of chocolates and drinks. Soiree’s website touts an event for chocolate and drink lovers happening at Colonial Wine and Spirits later this week. This Sweet Night will take place Feb. 11 from 4 – 7 p.m. at the tasting bar within the liquor store located on 11200 W. Markham St. The details include:
Dessert: Passion Fruit Coconut
Drink: Michele Chiarlo Moscato d’Asti
Dessert: Orange Peel Marzipan
Drink: Villa da Filicaja Vin Santo
Dessert: Raspberry Jam & Hazelnut Ganache
Drink: Banfi Rosa Regale Brachetto
Dessert: Hazelnut Shell
Drink: Niepoort Tawny Porto or Banfi Rosa Regale Brachetto
Dessert: Pate Noisette
Drink: Niepoort Tawny Porto or Villa da Filicaja Vin Santo
Dessert: Strawberry Mousse
Drink: Banfi Rosa Regale Brachetto or Michele Chiarlo Moscato d’Asti
That’s it for this week in food blogs. Do you know of any interesting food blogs that need to be mentioned? Send me a line.