Selected restaurants
Weekly theme listings reflect a range of dining possibilities in central Arkansas, across a spectrum of settings and price ranges. Restaurant reviewers’ visits are anonymous and all expenses are paid by the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette. BOULEVARD BREAD CO. 1417 Main St., Little Rock, (501) 375-5100; 1920 N. Grant St., Little Rock, (501) 6635951 Freshly baked breads and the generous use of fresh herbs help take the panini and other sandwiches a couple of cuts above the ordinary. There are also first-rate soups and salads. The Heights location includes the Boulevard Bistro, serving a higher level of cuisine in what had been a next-door storefront. Main Street: breakfast, lunch only Mon-Sat. No alcohol. Heights: Breakfast, lunch daily, dinner Mon-Sat. Beer, wine (full bar in the Bistro). Bargain-moderate. DELICIOUS TEMPTATIONS 11220 N. Rodney Parham Road, Little Rock, (501) 2256893 The extensive menu at this clean, bright, family friendly, hiddengem bistro features a variety of breakfast and breakfast-forlunch items, including several varieties of eggs Benedict, pancakes, quiche, French toast and omelets, served into midafternoon alongside stylish cold and hot sandwiches and desserts. Breakfast, lunch daily. No alcohol. Reservations weekdays. Bargain. EJ’S EATS & DRINKS
523 Center St., Little Rock, (501) 666-3700 The full-service eatery/bar downtown offers nearly three dozen specialty sandwiches and wraps (plus a build-your-own option and half a dozen burgers) accompanied by house-made chips, plus appetizers, salads, soups and even a limited list of entrees. Lunch, dinner Mon-Fri, brunch Sun. Full bar. Moderate. JIMMY’S SANDWICHES SERIOUS 5116 W. Markham St., Little Rock, (501) 666-3354 Sandwich savant Jimmy Weisman takes seriously indeed his crusted creations, including the national-award-winning The Garden (fresh spinach spread, mushrooms, sunflower seeds and three kinds of melted cheese on pumpernickel). Lunch, dinner Mon-Sat. No alcohol. Moderate. OLD MILL BREAD AND FLOUR CO. 12111 W. Markham St., Little Rock, (501) 228-4677; River Market’s Ottenheimer Market Hall, 400 President Clinton Ave., Little Rock, (501) 3502144 West Little Rock’s Old Mill is a firmly established stop for the roving band of Ladies Who Lunch — thanks to a sunny interior and the scrumptious breads baked for its small but superior sandwich selection. The kiosk in the River Market specializes in mild, but not boring, sandwiches on the bakery’s lively specialty breads and a selection of soups and salads with the occasional lagniappe cookie or bread sample. Breakfast, lunch daily. No alcohol. Bargain. PURPLE COW
8026 Cantrell Road, Little Rock, (501) 221-3555; 11602 Chenal Parkway, Little Rock, (501) 224-4433 Best known for its burgers, ice cream and shakes (family friendly and “adult”) and nostalgic soda-fountain feel, Purple Cow surprises with sophisticated salads, including the generous, zippy Santa Fe, and gourmet sandwiches like the bitey, balsamic-dressed Portabella Mushroom.