Hot in Little Rock

We’re ’bout this!

hotinlittlerock — Thu, 04 Jun 2009 14:38:46 +0000

We’re ’bout this!

June 4, 2009

We are foodies. We love good food. Most of the time this translates into elegant meals – both at home and at restaurants. But sometimes it’s the simple things we crave. So often in our lives we’re in fast-forward mode. So a simple meal is a welcome respite.

Since we’ve relocated our office to the Argenta Area of North Little Rock, we’ve had a chance to try out new places for lunch. Cafe La Pace was one of the first places we tried, and we’ve been back several times. What we like most about Cafe La Pace is it’s simple theme: everything is served on a pita. From the sandwiches to the pizza, it’s all about the pita.

Cafe La Pace is an interesting combination of cultures. The owner, Sam, is from Greek descent, and his restaurant in the style of a New York deli. So the pita makes sense. But how does it taste? Deliciously simple. The pizzas are fresh and made to order, and the produce tastes as if it was grown out back. One of our favorites is the Caprese salad – fresh tomatoes, mozzarella cheese, greens, and balsamic vinegar. It’s served with pita wedges, of course! The greens are so tender, they almost melt in your mouth.

And for dessert? We usually can’t leave without a taste from the sweet side. Sam’s grandmother makes baklava that is so fresh and so delicious, we haven’t been able to try anything else. We wish we had a grandmother like that!

Walking into Cafe La Pace, you’ll be greeted like an old friend. There’s nothing fancy about it – just good food at a good price. We like finding these kind of small, family-owned establishments. They balance everything out, and provide a great alternative when all you want is simple. And the baklava. Oh yes, we’re still thinking about that!

Cafe La Pace

318 Main Street

North Little Rock

(501) 379-9120

Monday – Saturday 9:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m.

Cool Memories

hotinlittlerock — Wed, 03 Jun 2009 15:34:27 +0000

Cool Memories

June 3, 2009

When we were growing up back East, the highlight of our summer was a trip to Maine. Tucked in a small cove, our summer house was magical. It was a simple white clapboard house with no air-conditioning. The wooden stairs creaked to the upstairs bedrooms and we all shared one bath. But the cool summer salt breezes from the ocean kissed our cheeks on the front porch and always inspired art. We wouldn’t have changed a thing about those special summers.

So when we were introduced to Rebecca Thompson, we were immediately taken back to our vacation days in Maine. Rebecca’s art is soft and has a bit of whimsy in the strokes. Her paintings of interiors remind us so much of our little summer retreat, especially the ones that show glimpses of the ocean outside the windows.

Rebecca also paints some fabulous landscapes. Some capture you and make you find a story that fits. Others calm and soothe. We can see our little cove and hear the ocean crashing on the rocks. We can feel the heat of the sun as the light breaks through the trees. The wonderful thing about Rebecca’s work is that it’s tangible. We can insert our memories into each one of her paintings, as if they were painted just for us!

Whether you’ve been to Maine or not, Rebecca’s art is approachable and welcoming. Your memories will fit into her pieces just as easily as ours. And we’ve got the insider scoop on where to find her work locally: she was recently picked up by Greg Thompson Fine Art and many of her pieces will be on display during the opening of his new gallery space during Third Friday Art Walk in historic Argenta on June 19. Come find your memories.

Rebecca Thompson

available at

Greg Thompson Fine Art

429 Main Street

North Little Rock

(501) 664-2787

http://www.gregthompsonfineart.com/

Raise a Glass: Wine Picks of the Week

hotinlittlerock — Tue, 02 Jun 2009 13:35:51 +0000

Raise a Glass:

Wine Picks for June 2

June 2, 2009

Rain or shine, summer is definitely here. For us, summer means house guests at our vacation home. Usually, folks arrive in time for lunch, which we like to serve on the screened-in porch overlooking the river. No matter how hot, a light lunch with a chilled wine is always appropriate and appreciated.

One of our favorite lunches is a quiche with salad, and fresh fruit for dessert. We must confess that when we make quiche we often (OK, almost always) buy a frozen, deep dish crust from the market. The rest is all homemade. The custard is 6 eggs, a half cup of milk or cream, chopped fresh basil and thyme, salt and pepper. But before we pour that into the crust, we place 3 slices of Swiss cheese on the bottom of the crust. To this we add a sauté of diced onion and fresh asparagus and three more slices of Swiss. Bake at 374 until the middle is firm and the knife comes out clean. We like a mustard vinaigrette on whatever fresh greens from our garden or the farmer’s market are in season. Any fresh fruit, served any way, is a perfect dessert.

We hadn’t had any rosé for years until a year or two ago when we rediscovered them. Too many unwanted servings of “White Zinfandel” had soured us on blush wine. Too bad for us! The rosé of choice for this meal is a 2006 Domaine de Fondreche L’Instant Rosé. The wine is very pretty, pale rose-petal pink. The grapes are a blend of Cinsault, Grenache and Syrah. The slight aroma of herbes de Provence alone make this wine perfect for this meal. There is strawberry on the nose and the addition of watermelon on the palate. It is a dry and slightly spicy wine that is perfect when chilled and sipped on a warm afternoon.

Available locally for about $18.

Swing Those Hips!

hotinlittlerock — Mon, 01 Jun 2009 13:26:54 +0000

Swing those Hips!

June 1, 2009

We can’t believe it’s already June. And this past weekend sure felt like summer had arrived. With four days left of school, our mini-staffers are wild with the anticipation of summer. And summer always means outdoor to us. We know that the heat will get us at some point, but until then, we want to stay outdoors and enjoy all the beauty around us.

Saturday morning greeted us hot and sticky. But it wasn’t raining, and we were thrilled. So off to the CAFM Farmer’s Market we went. (Yes, it’s a Saturday routine for us.) Things were hopping. And the craft market was open! We wandered in and out of the aisles, enjoying the sight of so many beautiful creations made right here in Arkansas. And then we found the Hula Senations booth. Surrounded by brightly colored hula hoops, a woman was hula dancing. Now, this was intriguing.

Upon further inquiry, we discovered that the woman’s name is Whitney, and she makes hula hoops. After making a very durable ring of black rubber tubing, (much more durable than the plastic ones you find in the big box stores) she creates colorful designs by using electrical tape. She’ll even custom make you one if you ask. She makes the hoops in all different sizes, too. Smaller ones for kids, and then varying sizes for adults. The bigger the hoop size, the easier they are to use because the longer they take to swing around your body. So a beginner wants a larger hoop. She has even developed a portable hoop. So when you go out for a picnic or travel, just pop this hoop in your bag and you’re ready to go!

Well, we couldn’t leave this booth without a few hoops of our own. And the mini-staffers appreciated the fun and different activity. We stayed outside laughing and swinging our hips until the mosquitoes got the best of us. And we’ll do it again today. So whether you’re looking for an activity to add to your summer days, or you need a fun gift for yourself or the kid down the street, Whitney offers a variety of sizes and colors of hoops that will make everyone smile.

Hula Senations

Custom made HOOPS by Whitney

(501) 319-5833

hulasenations@comcast.net

$15 and up.

Weekend Happenings

hotinlittlerock — Fri, 29 May 2009 12:25:06 +0000

Weekend Happenings

for May 29

May 29, 2009

We keep getting fooled into sun. But maybe the sun we see outside our window this morning will last for a few days…at least that’s what the weather reports say. Wouldn’t it be nice to have a full weekend of sun? Even if it does get sticky hot, we love the first (but maybe not the last) days of an Arkansas summer. And so many things happening this weekend are outside events! So let’s keep our sun dances going that everyone of them is successful and dry. Be sure to visit our calendar athttp://www.hotinlittlerock.com/ to see what all is happening and to post your events. Here are our Top Three:

Get Moving. It’s time once again for Dino Dash at the Museum of Discovery! This event continues to grow and is always a favorite with our mini-staffers. Not only is there a 5K race, but also a 1K family race (complete with dinosaurs at the end) and lots of activities to keep everyone busy once the race is over. This is one race you don’t want to miss. Saturday. 8:00 a.m. 5K start; 9:00 a.m. 1K start. Visit http://www.amod.org/for more information.

Get Dancing. Saturday night will hopefully bring cool breezes on the beautiful grounds of the home of Chip and Cindy Murphy. Enjoy food, drink, and live music as you bid on great silent auction items and stroll around the pool on a lovely spring night. And all the time you’re helping to raise money for Women and Children First. The party begins at 6:30 p.m. Call (501) 376-3219 for more information and to purchase tickets.

Get Outside. Want to play some games on the lawn of the Governor’s Mansion? Your chance to do just that is this Sunday afternoon during the Second Annual Governor’s Mansion Garden Party. Enjoy summer food and mix and mingle with friends in the beautiful gardens created by P. Allen Smith. Included with your admission is membership in Friends of the Mansion. $25. Sunday, 4:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m. Call (501) 324-9805.

Doggone Good!

hotinlittlerock — Thu, 28 May 2009 12:04:27 +0000

Doggone Good!

May 28, 2009

One of our favorite things to do on a Saturday morning is to head over to the Argenta area of North Little Rock and go to the Farmer’s Market. But you probably knew that about us already. One morning a few weeks ago, we were hovering around the always delicious Argenta Market stand and were offered a treat for our puppy. She ate it up.

As we looked closer into what our puppy had just eaten – we were pretty amazed. It was dog food that is made right there in North Little Rock. Jason and Carissa Godwin have created Frank + Izzy’s dog food. With loving care, they make wholesome (and apparently delicious) food that any canine would be hard-pressed to pass up.

It comes in quarts, although you can pre-order larger sizes. And the ingredients? Nutritious goodies like beef, Arkansas sweet potatoes, Arkansas spinach, wheat germ, eggs, and molasses. Yes, there are no artificial ingredients in there at all, and they use Arkansas products whenever they are available.

We have two dogs. We don’t use it as food, but rather as the treat they will do anything to receive. We keep it in the refrigerator (remember – there are no preservatives!) and each time we reach for the container, our dogs put on their best behavior. We were thrilled to discover such a healthy and delicious treat to offer our dogs, and look forward to each new week at the Farmer’s Market, when our supply is replentished.

Frank + Izzy’s

A Dogtown Delicacy

(501) 749-6713

frankandizzys@gmail.com

A Storybook Tale

hotinlittlerock — Wed, 27 May 2009 12:57:03 +0000

A Storybook Tale

May 27, 2009

Isn’t it nice sometimes to just sit back and escape to a simpler time? We love the theater for just that reason. Sometimes the productions are serious; sometimes they have a profound message; and sometimes they’re just fun. That’s what Arkansas Festival Ballet brings to us in their production of Coppelia this weekend.

Coppelia is a storybook tale about a doll that seems to come to life. Ahhh – the old “doll comes to life story” you say. But did you know that this ballet is the one that introduced marionettes, dolls, and automatons to ballet? This is the original. The ballet is based upon the stories of E.T.A. Hoffman, who also wrote The Nutcracker, so it makes sense that it would have some similar gimicks involved in the story.

But Coppelia is a comedy and a love story more than a fantasy. When a young woman becomes jealous that her fiance seems to love a doll more than her, she switches places with that doll. The toymaker (a slightly mad scientist, as well) believes his doll has come to life, and the comedy begins.

In this ballet, all ends well with a grand wedding. Don’t you just love happy endings? Some members of our staff love opera, and while we enjoy opera, so many of them are tragic and the lead often dies. Ballet provides a lighter and happier side of life (most of the time) and certainly Coppelia is one of those ballets. So join in the laughter this weekend, and enjoy seeing some wonderful dancers from right here in Arkansas.

Arkansas Festival Ballet

presents

Coppelia

Saturday, May 30, 2009

2:00 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.

Sunday, May 31, 2009

2:00 p.m.

Tickets: $20 in advance ($15 for children & students)

$25 at the door ($20 for children & students)

Visit http://www.arkansasdance.org/ for tickets and more information.

Raise a Glass: Wine Picks of the Week

hotinlittlerock — Tue, 26 May 2009 13:25:46 +0000

Raise a Glass:

Wine Picks for May 26

May 26, 2009

After the excesses of the Memorial Day Weekend—which wet weather did not inhibit one bit—we thought pasta topped with roasted vegetables would be both light and satisfying. So we cut an onion into eight pieces, cut up broccoli into bite-size pieces, and did the same with a red pepper. After tossing them in a bit of olive oil and some kosher salt, we spread them on a baking sheet and roasted then in a hot (about 475) oven. Meanwhile we toasted some pine nuts in a dry skillet. When everything was ready we tossed the pasta and vegetables with the pine nuts, a crushed garlic clove, torn fresh basil, olive oil and some good parmesan-reggiano. A salad from our garden completed the meal.

Our Trusty Wine Merchant had suggested we try a 2006 Viognier from Hidden Jewel in Lodi, California. Hidden Jewel is produced by Gold Crown Wine Company and we think that, based on this bottle, it is an appropriate name. Honeysuckle in a bottle, we wrote as we inhaled the aroma of this pale yellow wine. We also noted peach and apricot. On the palate, this un-wooded white added citrus to the tasting equation. We also noted the good, round mouthfeel, and a nice finish.

The only excesses here were of flavor. The Viognier was the perfect accompaniment for our roasted vegetables and pasta. Or perhaps we ought to say the pasta was the perfect accompaniment for the ever-delightful Viognier.

About $14 locally.

Rainy Days & Mondays

hotinlittlerock — Mon, 25 May 2009 13:44:10 +0000

Rainy Days & Mondays

May 25, 2009

Oh, what a Memorial Day! The rain seems like it’s never going to stop – and that’s not good for our plans to get outside today. We were going to share with you some of our favorite outdoor destinations today, just in case you wanted to get out and get moving on this last Monday in May. But we’ll have to share those with you on a sunny day.

So instead, if your plans to hang out by the pool or bar-b-que in the backyard seem to be looking washed out, we’ll share with you some of our favorite inside stops. These are places you can take your whole family on this Memorial Day Monday, have fun, and escape the dreary elements.

Our first stop is The Museum of Discovery. Yes, they’re open today! This is a really good thing when the stir-craziness of rain gets the best of you. Pack up the kids and have fun being a pirate or catching some lobster in their Room to Grow area, stop by the Imagination Station and let your creativity go wild, or enjoy their current special exhibit, “Science & Art.” This is a really neat exhibit where you can experience the interplay between science and art in five mini-exhibits. Enjoy some amazing origami art and connect it to geometry, look through the microscope, or “play” with water on a digital screen. This is always a great choice for kids of all ages to learn and play. 500 President Clinton Ave, Suite 150. (501) 396-7050.

Next up: the Clinton Presidential Center. Today is the last day to enjoy their current exhibit, Peter Max Paints America. This is a fun trip through time as you see Max evolve from realist to pop artist. His work is not only in the gallery, but scattered throughout the museum. So enjoy the permanent collections, stay for lunch, and spot the Max’s along the way. 1200 President Clinton Ave. (501) 374-4242.

While you’re downtown, stop by the Historic Arkansas Museum. Our mini-staffers love to visit the old homes and pretend they live in the “olden days.” They also have a plethora of exhibits inside to keep you interested and dry. Learn about the Caddo, Osage, and Quapaw Indian tribes in “We Walk in Two Worlds,” or learn about the history of the sword in “A Double Edged Weapon: The Sword as Icon and Artifact.” They’ve got plenty to keep you busy today. 200 E. Third Street. (501) 324-9345.

So get out of the house. Don’t let the rain keep you from enjoying some of the great treasures Central Arkansas has to offer – inside! Enjoy your Memorial Day, and take time to remember we have this day off to honor those men and women who have given their lives to keep our country safe.

Weekend Happenings

hotinlittlerock — Fri, 22 May 2009 14:28:59 +0000

Weekend Happenings

for May 22

May 22, 2009

Happy Memorial Day Weekend! The sun is shining, the pools are open, and we have a three-day break. Could life get any better than this? If you’re leaving town this weekend – be safe. If you’re staying around to celebrate right here, like we are, there’s lots to keep you busy. Be sure to check out our online calendar atwww.hotinlittlerock.com/calendar and post your events if we’ve missed them. Here are our Top Three:

Join in the Fun. Yes, it’s time once again for Riverfest! This fun festival takes place on both sides of the Arkansas River and offers something for every member of the family. Tonight’s musical line up may take a coin toss to decide where to go as the B-52s, Willie Nelson, and Gavin Rossdale all take to their various stages at 9:30 p.m. Saturday brings the KidsZone, arts and crafts, and of course, food! The fun continues through Sunday and culminates with the Osborne Family Fireworks. Don’t miss out! Friday, 6pm – 11pm; Saturday, 10am – 11pm; Sunday 12pm – 10pm. Tickets $25 for all three days. Kids 7-10 are $5 each day and 6 and under are free. Visit http://www.riverfestarkansas.com/ for a complete line-up of the weekend’s festivities.

Grab a Bite. Before you head over to Riverfest on Saturday morning, be sure you stop by one (or both) of the farmer’s markets. There’s one at the River Market, with fresh produce and arts and crafts from Arkansas and beyond. Then there’s the Certified Arkansas Farmer’s Market at the corner of 6th & Main Street in downtown North Little Rock. This market allows only Arkansas grown produce and expands each week as new produce becomes available. Don’t miss the fresh baked goods from the Argenta Market or the locally roasted fair trade coffee. Your day will be better because of this stop. Both markets open at 7am.

Take a Break. Hot? Tired of the crowds? Then plan a break from the outdoor fun with an evening at the Weekend Theater. This is the last weekend for their current production, Rabbit Hole. This play won the Pulitzer Price for Drama in 2007 and takes you on a journey with a family recovering from the death of a child. This play is heartwrenching, of course, but there is lots of humor to relieve the soul. Join this couple and share in their search that takes them deep into the dark, but ultimately brings them back to the light of day. Saturday & Sunday, 7:30pm. Visithttp://www.weekendtheater.org/ for more information.