I took my youngest 2 daughters to dinner last night at the Sterling Market (515 Shall Ave, Little Rock) – for those who don’t know, it is in the newly developing neighborhood just south of the river and Heifer International and East of I30 in Little Rock.
It has become home to new hot spots like Camp Taco, The Railyard, Fidel & Co. and is just a short distance from the Clinton Presidential Library Center and River Market. No doubt this area will contribute to downtown Little Rock’s further success in becoming a destination spot for locals and tourists to enjoy food, beverage, song, and atmosphere.
Sterling Market did not disappoint. I was expecting it to be good, but it was much more than just good in all aspects. It has successfully captured a setting that is fun and lively, but clean and easy to maintain/control, formal enough to make you feel special but casual enough to make you feel at ease; the menu was extensive/varied, but not overwhelming – quality and character of food was unique, interesting, and excellent; and while all I had was a glass of wine with dinner, there was a full bar, and eclectic beer/wine selection.
On top of all this, it has “The Alley,” which is their spot directly next door featuring an indoor/outdoor spot for events or private parties or small concerts, etc.
I was very impressed and gratified that Little Rock is really starting to expand its offerings in this area for food/drink and fun. A significant investment has been made and the planning and execution shows it. Go support and have fun when you can – you will enjoy all aspects!
We just got back from spring break with my 2 daughters who are seniors in high school – it was our first trip to Grand Cayman’s 7 mile beach. We stayed at a nice condo development called Casa Caribe and enjoyed the week on a very beautiful beach with many eating and drinking spots within walking distance on the beach.
On Thursday of the week, we rented a boat with our group and explored starfish cove and stingray city with a great crew. I was talking to one of the crew, Chris about how much we were enjoying the island, but the one thing I was missing was a good ole “joint” for a food alternative. I love the nicer places, but as you know if you are reading this, a place with a good story, a lot of character and a proprietor who devotes his/her life to that endeavor is something that I just absolutely love and respect. I told Chris all this and he said….”you need to go the Czech Inn Grill over in Bodden Town.”
Well, we did just that – told the family I had found a possibility for a great place and we needed to go on an adventure! We went and loved it! Apparently the chef is Czechoslovakian and retired from a more high powered fancy gig somewhere in Europe, to the Islands and opened a surf board decorated cheeseburger / taco / schnitzel / steak / seafood / rib / lamb shank full fledged “joint!”
It was great! One of the best burgers and schnitzel I have ever had coupled with cold Cayman Lager – CayBrew in a perfect eclectic setting of memories and other memorabilia decorating an outdoor patio and bar facing the road in Boddentown. If you make the trek to Cayman – check it out!!!!
After visiting my friend today at Origami Sake in Hot Springs, Arkansas, he took me to Deluca’s new location in downtown Hot Springs. I need to disclose that I am normally an old timey cheeseburger fan – the type of cheeseburger you get in an old drive-thru or side of the highway dairy bar, so when we sat down (by the way the new location is awesome! The bar imported and put together is beautiful and the new kitchen is immaculate with 4 pizza ovens!!! Incredible!) and Matt said, “have you ever had the cheeseburger here?” I immediately thought of a big gourmet style burger with too many condiments and too tall to take a bite…. Well, I couldn’t have been more wrong. It came out – small pretty thick cylinder of a patty, COVERED in cheese (which was beautiful), on a small toasted bun with three pickles (home made mind you) on the side. I asked, respectfully, “do we need condiments at all? What do you recommend?” I was told immediately and emphatically – NO – “just try it and if you want anything, we will get it for you.”
It didn’t need a thing – it was the perfect blend of ground beef, cooked perfectly, spiced even more perfectly and quite possibly and probably the best cheeseburger I have ever had. It was simple and complex at the same time. My mouth is still watering, and I can’t wait to go back and get another one. By the way, Matt says that Deluca’s has dedicated one whole pizza oven just to creating these cheeseburgers – they are on to something special!!!
Btw, my side was an arugula salad with homemade lemon/honey dressing – it was great too – as salads go anyway – hahahhahhaha! https://www.facebook.com/DelucasPizzeriaNapoletana/
Recently we took a trip to Aspen, Colorado – I had never driven over Independence Pass (and airline tickets were through the roof!), so we decided to drive. We were reasonable enough to expect to need to spend the night along the way – it is a 17-hour drive on google maps after all. But we decided that we would “see how we felt” as we went… we made it all the way to Walsenburg Colorado – just before you turn off the interstate to head up and over Independence Pass… about 4 hours from Aspen. When we stopped at a “side of the interstate motel,” I asked, “where is best place to eat and get a drink in town?” The desk clerk immediately said, “Rollin Smoke!” So, we settled into the room and then headed to Rollin’ SmokeGarage BBQ in town. It was a quaint town, but it looked like it had been hit hard by whatever hits most small towns hard, so it had a lot of older buildings that had been fixed up. But all in all, a fairly typical American small town.
Rollin Smoke was my kind of place – order at the counter and they had an eclectic menu of smoked brisket, pork, chicken and sausage – they had plates with sides, soft tacos, or you could get a salad with a protein., chicken wings or they even did pizzas (but they were out of pizza and wings the night we were there).
I ordered the smoked brisket plate, my wife had a smoked brisket salad, and my daughter got a smoked chicken quesadilla and we all split a smoked brisket taco. It was some of the best smoked meat I have ever had. Good flavor, but more than that – cooked to the right consistency and with the correct outer crunch – GOOD SEAR – which is hard to do on a smoker, but this was done as well as I have had. And the care with which they took to make the salads, taco and sides showed what a quality place this was. No matter cardboard baskets, plastic utensils, and paper napkins – this was a QUALITY JOINT.
I only wish I wasn’t worn out from a 13-hour trek from Little Rock to Walsenburg and could have hung out some in the adjoining bar or taken advantage of the cool breeze with the outdoor seating. Unfortunately, I was sore and tired and after having a great meal and a good beer, I was ready for a short nap before tackling Independence Pass the next day!!!
But if you find yourself in Southern Colorado and need to stop in Walsenburg – check out Rollin’ Smoke Garage BBQ – it’s worth it.
At Lost and Found, A restaurant in Long Beach, New York
My wife and I went to New York City recently to see some old friends who live there. Our children were off doing their summer activities, so we decided… “what the heck!?!?” and took off for the Big Apple to hang with the locals!!! Our friends have a condominium in a building near the Chelsea neighborhood in Manhattan, which is an unfamiliar area to us, so we were excited to let them be our guide for the weekend – both from a cultural and culinary perspective. We arrived on a Thursday and enjoyed walking the area for the afternoon while our friends finished up their workday. After a drink at their place and re-acquainting ourselves, we walked to a nearby place they recommended called Mark’s off Madison. It was a very interesting concept, with some curve balls on the menu, but all was good and the ambience, friendship and drinks were even better.
The next day would prove to be a drastic off ramp from how I know New York!!! We decided to leave the city and head 22 miles out of town to Atlantic Beach, New York (a 1.5-hour drive in traffic by the way!) – a close relative to the Hamptons. It was my first trip to this area, and I must say, it was very charming, historic, and nostalgic, all of which I am typically a huge fan. I love going to places that I know thousands or even millions have enjoyed and made memories before me… and it has stood the test of time for a reason…. Like….. the owner has a unique personality, or there is one appetizer that is “out of this world,” or they make a drink a specific way, or…. what a view?!?!?!?!…. Something that makes it special and enduring. Atlantic Beach reminded me of this – it wasn’t especially nice or lavish, but it was extremely well kept and most of the places looked like they had “endured well.” We saw beach clubs like I have only seen in movies like The Flamingo Kid (made in 1984 with Matt Dillon). It was an experience to see and understand the type of culture and environment it was for this type of access to a beach – very thought provoking and illuminating.
Anyway, that night our friends took us to Lost and Found. What an experience. This place had about 3 employees, maybe 40 seats at the most (our 4 were at the Bar, where we could watch all meals being prepared). Completely un-pretentious in every way, this place is nestled between bars along W. Beech Street in Long Beach, New York. Getting a parking place is almost impossible and finding an uber/lyft during these covid times is almost as bad… but it is worth it. The area seemed so familiar – it was full, but not crowded; raucous, but not rude; and intoxicating but not irresponsible. We walked across the street, right past a pale yellow 1982 Cadillac Coupe de Ville, which seemed normal, until I pointed it out… then, just slightly out of place, but another contribution to our jovial, back-in-time mood. We walked in and saw the written-out menu that we were directed to photograph with our phones, so that we could refer to it once seated. It was full and lively – we approached and sat at the bar to watch Alexis Trolf at work preparing meals. He had an assistant in the kitchen and there was one other person delivering drinks – wine by the bottle mainly (I assume to cut down on the number of necessary trips to the table). This was the exact concept my father and I had dreamed of creating in Little Rock, Arkansas in/around 1993 – it was amazingly like how he and I talked about it. Very efficient and all about the food and drink. The menu was simple and changed daily depending on available ingredients – see attached picture for that day’s example. We ordered the kale salad, which was the most flavorful kale I have ever had – whatever his dressing was paired perfectly with the bitter kale. Then we had both tar tars – tuna and beef – both were uniquely spiced, perfectly prepared, and the correct temperature. For our main plates, we ordered 1) the braised rabbit white beans and mushrooms, 2) roasted chicken paprika, 3) blackened tuna arugula citrus, and 4) the lamb burger with brie and frites. They were all exceptional, however, the lamb burger with frites was one of the more unique and simple dishes I have ever tried… so full of flavor yet so distinct at the same time – the ultimate in comfort food. And it all paired perfectly with the 2017 Piteira red blend wine from Portugal we chose as a complement. All the dishes and drinks were reasonably priced and to keep with the simplicity theme, the restaurant was cash only – although they did accept Venmo payments.
It was a great meal, in a great/unique setting, with great drinks, and even better fellowship – I cannot think of anything about the evening which could have made it any better. Finding places like this to “Savor the Experience” is the exact purpose of EveryDay SoMalYaY and to communicate them in a forum so that others may seek out and enjoy. I don’t know if I will ever make it back, but oh what a night!
That Saturday Night Live Cheeseburger skit is one of the best! I always think of it when trying to figure out where and when the best cheeseburger is/was. The burger is a part of American culture… we are known for it, sometimes even negatively, but it is an iconic representation of our way of life. From fast food burgers to gourmet wagyu burgers to picnic backyard burgers from the grill, we love them all. Jimmy Buffet says it best:
Cheeseburger in paradise Heaven on Earth with an onion slice Not too particular, not too precise I’m just a cheeseburger in paradise
I have had my fair share, but I also have my favorites (in no particular order):
Doe’s Eat Place – Little Rock, Arkansas: Perfect size, perfect patty made with the right ground beef (probably 70/30 lean), with hot cheese and fries – those great real potato fries. Also, makes it even better to start with a few of their famous hot tamales!
Buffalo Grill – Little Rock, Arkansas: Local place to Little Rock that Lex also helped to start with Richard Harrison (who has started multiple LR restaurants including the predecessor to the above Doe’s called Rock City Café – also with Lex, and currently has Pizza Café in Little Rock). Larger burger than I normally like but still awesome, great handmade patty, soft bun and great fries – same as Doe’s – real potato fries.
The Box – Little Rock, Arkansas – old place that used to be on Main Street but with new owners moved to 7th street. They know how to do a cheeseburger!!!! Again, great size and great grease content…(hehehehehe) and fries too!!!!
McDonald’s Quarter Pounder with Cheese – how can we talk about cheeseburgers without talking about this one….. how many served? Over a billion? I know McDonald’s sometimes gets a bad rap for health issues, but this is a great simple burger…. And the fries are known worldwide…. And the lines at the drive thru in downtown Little Rock are still long and 2 deep! So, while I may be chuckled at for mentioning it, you know you love it – hahahha!
Freddy’s Steakburgers – These have fast become my favorite burger – but seeing the end product, I just know that it can’t be that good for me, but it is hard to care when it tastes that good! The Double is their signature burger with mustard and pickles, which always takes me back to what I have been told about my grandfather’s diner (Ray’s Diner – Batesville, Arkansas), which was way before my time, but apparently had a similar burger – but was “breaded,” – an old trick to soak up the grease and enhance flavor and the number of burgers per pound of ground beef. Don’t’ think Freddy’s has adopted this process but they are great none the same!
Cheeseburger in Paradise – Rumored to both be loved by Jimmy Buffet as a cheeseburger in paradise are Pirate’s Cove in Gulf Shores, Alabama and Tinghum Village in Harbor Island Bahamas. Very different in character, but similar in result – awesome burgers but in equally awesome and local surroundings. Pirate’s Cove with its outdoor swimming area in the bay and picnic tables and Tinghum Village with its homey small bed and breakfast family style hotel on the interior of Harbor Island, are each unique and memorable for their experiences.
PJ Clarke’s – New York City: This is an iconic old place in NYC – it has been re-done and become a little swanky, but they have kept the old charm and the old style burger! Small burger served on an onion slice….. fries or onion rings or home fries on the side…. Red checked table cloths, dark wood walls and an old timey bar in the front that has seen more than its share of NYC lunch hour beers and/or martinis. Incredible atmosphere – this place will remain iconic in my mind.
Hubcap Burger Company – Little Rock, Arkansas – started in the tradition of the original Hubcap Burger from Cotham’s Country store (a burger as big as a hubcap!), Erin and Jon Griffin started Hubcap Burger Company as an off shoot of their Cotham’s in the City lunch restaurant in the old TGI Friday’s building in downtown LR. Great Burger, great people, great tradition.
So many others…. The Terrace in Little Rock supposedly has an incredible gourmet burger. Feltner’s Whataburger in Russellville, Arkansas (not a part of the Whataburger chain) has an old timey burger that is hard to beat. And who doesn’t love a good flat burger from the multiple remaining Dairy Bar style restaurants on the side of the highway – Kream Kastle on Hwy 71 to Hot Springs; The Lion’s Den in Clarendon, Arkansas; or Spradlin’s Dairy Delight in England, Arkansas. And don’t forget the old joint, Sportsman’s in Stuttgart, Arkansas! That bacon cheeseburger and a bottle of COLD Miller Lite is perfect sendoff to the prairie or the woods for some hunting.
Just a few of my favorites – hope you can respond with a few of yours wherever you are or wherever you have been. Always on the lookout for a great cheeseburger in a great spot!!!
