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ARKANSAS’S WEEKLY NEWSPAPER OF POLITICS AND CULTURE ■ FEBRUARY 9, 2011

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Supreme Court race

n Ray Abramson of Holly Grove, currently serving by appointment to complete an unexpired term on the Arkansas Court of Appeals, is letting it be known that he plans a race for Arkansas Supreme Court in 2012. Abramson apparently plans to run for the seat currently held by Justice Jim Gunter. Gunter has not yet made a formal announcement, but he is expected to announce he is not seeking re-election next year.

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Glasgow death declaration

n Our Arkansas Blog broke the news this week that Melinda Glasgow had filed a petition in probate court to have her husband, John Glasgow, declared dead. Glasgow, who had been the successful chief financial officer of CDI Contractors, a major construction firm, disappeared Jan. 28, 2008, and exhaustive searches and international publicity have failed to turn up any evidence he is alive. No one has found a reason yet for Glasgow’s disappearance and the petition doesn’t offer one. Arkansas law generally holds that a person may be declared dead after disappearing for five years. But an earlier declaration can be sought. Mrs. Glasgow’s petition said the “near certitude” that her husband is dead “is overwhelming and unbearably painful. Yet, they have no body and no closure. They need to begin moving beyond this painful tragedy.” The petition said that Mrs. Glasgow, who earlier had been granted a power of attorney over the couple’s assets, said the declaration would allow issuance of a death certificate and “she can the start the process of healing the loss of her beloved husband and begin an orderly administration of the estate.” A legal notice in this week’s Times gives John Glasgow 60 days to contest the declaration. It is considered a legal formality.

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n Lawyers in Little Rock have been receiving a questionnaire from the American Bar Association’s committee on judicial appointments on Amy Russell, who Sen. Mark Pryor apparently is pushing for a federal judicial vacancy in Little Rock. She was among three candidates initially rejected by the White House (former Sen. Blanche Lincoln favored another candidate at the time), but changing politics and a failure to fill the seat seem to be working in Russell’s favor. Several have expressed opposition because of a lack of practice experience, her past financial support for a Republican presidential candidate, George W. Bush, and the appearances of giving the lifetime appointment to the wife of Pryor’s former chief of staff, Bob Russell. Continued on page 35

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Smart talk

Contents

A ticket to non-violence

The laugh’s on Arkansas

n The Dalai Lama, the Tibetan spiritual leader, will be at the University of Arkansas at Fayetteville May 11 and lead a discussion and lecture on non-violence. He’ll be joined by anti-deathpenalty writer Sister Helen Prejean and Vincent Harding, a civil rights pioneer. It’s not too soon to think about tickets. The UA expects a crowd at Walton Arena. Student tickets are free and will be available on-line March 1. Tickets for faculty and staff will go on sale March 7, then March 15 for the general public. The cost will range DALAI LAMA: Coming to UA. from $15 to $18 for the morning panel discussion and $15 to $22 for the evening lecture. Tickets for both events will cost from $25 to $30. More information is available at dalailama.uark.edu

n You might recall that a Harp’s grocery in Mountain Home put a shield over the cover of an Us weekly magazine that carried a photo of the newborn son of Elton John and his partner David Furnish. The shocking photo of a child of a gay couple apparently was obscured to protect shoppers. John, given an opportunity in an interview on Sky News, chose to emphasize the positive. “One store in America hid our faces on the magazine with the baby but you know what — we’ve had so much love and so much positive things that you can’t dwell on the negativity. “Some of the facts they print are just ridiculous — I’m more interested in bringing up my child. I want him to grow up not feeling bigoted, not feeling hatred towards anybody who is different. I want him to feel that somebody different is still a good person. Good values and discipline and love, that’s all I want him to have.”

marred safety record Welspun, recipient of millions in taxpayer incentives to come to Arkansas, has been making pipe in Little Rock for less than three years, but it has piled up a long list of workplace safety violations. — By Gerard Matthews

10 Let’s eat

Hot dogs and more are among the special features as we reveal the winners of our annual readers’ selection of the Best Restaurants in Arkansas. — Arkansas Times Staff

36 What do

conservatives want Careful how you describe the “conservative agenda.” It’s not so narrow as some of the extremists among them would like to believe. — By Max Brantley

DEPARTMENTS

Huckabee on the world stage n As former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee continues to position himself to run for president again in 2012, his exposure on international issues becomes more important. A recent trip to Israel found him lining up with Dick Cheney — and against most everyone else credible — in defending teetering Egyptian dictator Hosni Mubarak. And then there was his suggestion that Palestinians were unwelcome settlers on the West Bank and that countries run by Arab Muslims should make a home for them, leaving the disputed land to Israelis. The well-regarded Fact Checker column in the Washington Post said Huckabee’s idea was unrealistic

8 New industry’s

and added: “If an American president were to formally propose such an idea, it would spark outrage throughout the Muslim world. It might even start a war.” The Post said that Huckabee, if factually correct on some of his opinions on the Middle East, was “completely divorced from reality.” As a result, the Fact Checker said it would start a new feature — suggested name, Pander Bear — which would grade politicians on how unrealistic they are. “Huckabee’s proposal sets a pretty high bar. ...” Presidential performance? Not exactly.

3 The Insider 4 Smart Talk 5 The Observer 6 Letters 7 Orval 8-35 News 36 Opinion 39 Arts & Entertainment 50 Dining 61 Crossword/ Tom Tomorrow 62 Lancaster

Words VOLUME 37, NUMBER 23

n It’s not what Grant wore at Appomattox (at least not where you could see it) nor what ironworkers wear to a meeting of their local: Tommy Durham writes, “I got a chuckle from a recent headline in the Northwest Arkansas Democrat-Gazette Business and Farm section: ‘ABF files appeal to revive union suit.’ ” “I’d vote to bring it back,” Durham says. “I still have an old one in my closet that I bring out for parties. That business editor is probably too young to know what a union suit is.” Probably wouldn’t even know what the trapdoor is for. If Tommy wears his union suit with swagger — and we’ve heard from party guests that he’s a caution — he’ll win the approval of Gov. Mike Beebe, who 4 FEBRUARY 9, 2011 • ARKANSAS TIMES

Doug S mith doug@arktimes.com

wants all of us to do more swaggering. “I hope that what they write is that in my time we found ourselves as a state and as a people and that we started that swagger,” the governor told a gathering last week. “I don’t mean in a bad way. I don’t mean in an egotistical, evil way. I’m talking about in a positive proud way where we have the swagger that we can do anything, we can take on anybody, we can solve our problems and help other people solve theirs just about better than anybody else.”

Beebe himself, we’ve heard, has taken to carrying a swagger stick around the Capitol, and passing out licks to feral legislators with it. Some of them won’t go positive without that sort of persuasion. There’s always somebody who doesn’t get the message, though, or gets it incorrectly. Sen. John Boozman reportedly understood that Beebe wanted more “Swaggart” in Arkansas, and is seeking federal funds to pay for performances by Jimmy Swaggart at white churches across the state. Accused of violating the First Amendment, Boozman allegedly responded that he’s never without his sidearm. n Let a swagger be your umbrella on a rainy, rainy day.

ARKANSAS TIMES (ISSN 0164-6273) is published each week by Arkansas Times Limited Partnership, 201 East Markham Street, 200 Heritage Center West, P.O. Box 34010, Little Rock, Arkansas, 72203, phone (501) 375-2985. Periodical postage paid at Little Rock, Arkansas, and additional mailing offices. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to ARKANSAS TIMES, P.O. Box 34010, Little Rock, AR, 72203. Subscription prices are $42 for one year, $78 for two years. Subscriptions outside Arkansas are $49 for one year, $88 for two years. Foreign (including Canadian) subscriptions are $168 a year. For subscriber service call (501) 375-2985. Current single-copy price is 75¢, free in Pulaski County. Single issues are available by mail at $2.50 each, postage paid. Payment must accompany all single-copy orders. Reproduction or use in whole or in part of the contents without the written consent of the publishers is prohibited. Manuscripts and artwork will not be returned or acknowledged unless sufficient return postage and a self-addressed stamped envelope are included. All materials are handled with due care; however, the publisher assumes no responsibility for care and safe return of unsolicited materials. All letters sent to ARKANSAS TIMES will be treated as intended for publication and are subject to ARKANSAS TIMES’ unrestricted right to edit or to comment editorially.

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If The Observer was the maudlin sort, we’d say that last Sunday, while you were busy gorging yourself on seven-layer dip and watching the Super Bowl, was the day the music died. But Don McLean and his good ol’ boys drinkin’ whiskey and rye have no place in this story. Rather, we’ll simply say that, when the clock struck midnight Sunday night, one of the few remaining sovereign states of radio disappeared from the map: Clyde Clifford’s “Beaker Street” went dark. In the show’s final five hours, Clifford played The Beatles at their most lysergic; a nine-minute, moog-laden Yes cover of Simon & Garfunkel’s “America” and the Barbara Raney and Deepwater Horizon folk-romp “Cindy’s Crying.” Songs faded out into brief dead space, rather than transitioning neatly into what followed. Between tracks, Clifford talked in the platonic ideal of mellow-DJ-voice, while the background hummed with bleeps and blips and the sorts of sounds fitting to soundtrack drug trips — in space. At one point, Clifford said he was trying to fill the show “according to some of the vibes that’ve been floating around here.” Sunday’s was a special show, but had you tuned in 10 or 20 or even 45 years earlier, you would’ve recognized a similar tilt. Clifford, whose real name is Dale Seidenschwarz, started “Beaker Street” in 1966 at Little Rock’s KAAY AM-1090 (“The Mighty 1090”). Much like today, commercial radio at the time was programmed based on precise formulas. “Beaker Street” was an experiment in defying convention. Clifford’s bosses were game, in part, because he could broadcast the show from the station transmitter in Wrightsville, where he was already working as an engineer. “The station manager had the whole shooting match in one salary,” Clifford told The Observer earlier this week. To understand how an AM radio signal travels, Clifford asked The Observer to consider shining a flashlight at a glancing angle in a long mirrored room. An AM radio signal travels similarly, radiating to the ionosphere (the charged upper layer in the atmosphere), where it bounces back down to earth, skipping across the globe. The Mighty 1090’s directional signal almost guaranteed it airspace throughout the middle swath of North America. When

the conditions were right and when there were no other AM stations using the same frequency (in the early days of “Beaker Street,” Wolfman Jack broadcast on a station located just south of the U.S. border that used 1090, too), “Beaker Street” could reach just about every part of the globe. Early on, Clifford struck a chord. Initial feedback, he said, was “amazing.” Gradually, the show expanded from occupying a half-hour slot to an hour one, then a twohour window and finally, to six nights a week for three-and-a-half hours. Clifford got calls from people all across the country and letters from around the world (seawater has “great conductivity,” he said). Longtime Little Rock radio personality Tom Wood, currently at 94.9 TOM-FM, remembers listening to Beaker Street in the early ’70s when he was growing up in the suburbs of Chicago. “It was the only place you could hear Jimi Hendrix’s “The Wind Cries Mary.” Bill Eginton, owner of Arkansas Record and CD Exchange, listened to the show growing up in Minnesota and figured, before he moved South, “Arkansas had to be cool” if Beaker Street was based here. Clifford stopped hosting “Beaker Street” in 1972, but returned in the 1980s, the day before “The Mighty 1090” got religion and became “The Almighty 1090,” to do one final edition of “Beaker Street.” Another years-long hiatus followed, before KZLR-FM asked Clifford to revive the show on Sunday nights, and there it stayed, living for years on Magic 105 FM and finally, after Magic 105 changed formats, on The Point for the last few years. Management at The Point described the cancellation “Beaker Street” as “a business decision.” Earlier this week, Clifford told The Observer he was disappointed. “I’d expected to hang on there until I finally decided to retire.” Clifford told The Observer that he’s looking into the possibility of recording the show from his home and syndicating it through the state. But on Sunday, he left listeners with a more philosophical proposition, from Joni Mitchell’s song “The Circle Game.” It goes like this: “We’re captive on the carousel of time/We can’t return/ We can only look behind from where we came/ and go round and round in the circle game.”

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SERVING WOMEN AND THEIR FAMILIES IN CRISIS Heart Ministries, a non-profit agency, has been responding to the needs of central Arkansas since 2006 serving through: • Individual and group counseling • Creative Arts for Healing workshops for anger management • Emergency legal services Heart Ministries is dedicated to the help and healing of women as a vital source and center of families within our communities. HMI offers youth-at-risk needed opportunities through workshops and individual care to learn alternative and creative solutions to behavioral problems. Our unique interdisciplinary approach has the potential to effect change in at-risk groups of women and their family unit, neighborhood, and the community. Volunteers interested in advocacy for victims, education and art therapy are always welcome. New funding sources are important as our generosity depends on the generosity of individuals.

1015 W. Second St., Suite 203 • Little Rock, AR • 501-375-4300 www.arktimes.com • FEBRUARY 9, 2011 5

Letters arktimes@arktimes.com

A reader with questions I have long valued the Arkansas Times as a source of trenchant analysis and a more progressive slant on Arkansas people and events than I get from the Dem-Gaz. I was puzzled, though, by your Jan. 27 editorial, “Austin Learning Limits.” It seemed more like a wild parody of journalism than anything else, but had no disclaimers to indicate that you were only funnin’ us. So what gives? What were you trying to do? Garrett McAinsh Little Rock The news of a deal for C-130s from our air base to land at Fayetteville’s old Drake Field airport could be a boon for Air Force morale, recruitment and training. Basically, the old city field is surrounded by hills and will provide our pilots with a local simulation of Afghanistantype landing approaches. But think of all the good public relations and morale this could generate among our service members, our local Junior ROTC cadets, and University of Arkansas ROTC cadets. Imagine in your mind’s eye all the Hog fans locally volunteering for Operation Hogs. As two A-10s from Fort Smith’s Air Guard unit circle overhead, two of our C-130s drop out of the sky and rapidly unload two loads of security forces to “secure” the airfield in Operation Hogs’ invasion phase. After “securing” the field and local bus transportation, they radio the “invasion task force” to land. After simulating under fire the unloading of their “gear (an overnight bag), their units and “command ground transportation,” the task force with its “borrowed” buses heads to the University of Arkansas to “rescue” ROTC, Junior ROTC cadets and local officials being “held hostage” the night before or the morning of a big Hog game at Razorbacks Stadium! After securing the hostages, the exercise would “pause” so our airmen could be the guests of the University of Arkansas at the game in the student section and on Fayetteville’s Dickson Street. On Sunday afternoon, the exercise would resume with the evacuation from Drake Field and back to Little Rock Air Force Base. When the Hogs are playing in Little Rock, the exercise could be staged to “rescue” units at War Memorial Stadium. Imagine the number of Hog fans among the local airmen and officers who would volunteer for this exercise. And the amount of good TV coverage, the amount of morale boosting and recruitment efforts this would provide. Keith Weber Jacksonville 6 FEBRUARY 9, 2011 • ARKANSAS TIMES

A year without guns Another MLK day has come and gone and we almost missed it. The shooting rampage at a Safeway store in Arizona pre-empted much of the media attention Martin Luther King Day would normally have gotten. One must wonder what Dr. King would say if he were alive today. King would probably say that the gun is not the answer. After all, James Earl Ray’s gun did not stop King’s influence. Dr. King was a fighter, but King’s weapons were imagination, creativity and gumption. Even Malcolm X had to admit that King’s methods were more

effective. There was much in the world worth fighting for, but to kill each other was to lose the fight. King’s lesson is important today because too many people lack the imagination and creativity to think of better answers than the gun. 2011 is a new year. Let us try to do better this year, and do it without a gun. Gene Mason Jacksonville

Build the mosque America is the greatest Country on the Planet. It is our Constitution and the principles stated therein, that make us what we are. Everybody says they know and

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understand this. But in practice, few do. I say the mosque near Ground Zero should be built because we are a nation that believes in Freedom of Religion. America was not attacked on 9-11 by Islam. We were attacked by Al Qaeda. Those people responsible for 9-11 killed women and children, non-combatants. This is forbidden by the Quran. America should send the message to the followers of Islam that we are what we say we are. If we let the right wing, so-called religious nuts control this debate and prevent the mosque from being built, we send a message to the followers of Islam that we blame their religion and all who believe, for the actions of Al Qaeda. That is morally wrong. Do we allow the argument against building this house of worship carry over and not allow Jewish synagogues near Christian churches because the Jews murdered Jesus, and do not believe he is the son of God? Do we not allow a Catholic church to be built near, well any living thing, because of the Inquisition? No, that would be insane. If we think we are protecting our rights by denying others theirs, we have already lost what is great about America. Build the mosque. Butch Stone Maumelle

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President Obama recently signed the Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act — first major bipartisan bill enacted since the election by a deeply polarized Congress. The act will replace junk food in school lunches and vending machines with more healthful options. Several jurisdictions have taken similar action. The Hawaii, California, New York, and Florida legislatures passed resolutions recommending vegan school options. Last year, the Baltimore public school system became the first in the nation to offer its 80,000 students a weekly meat-free lunch. According to the School Nutrition Association, 65 percent of U.S. schools now offer vegetarian lunch options. In the past, USDA has used the National School Lunch Program as a dumping ground for surplus meat and dairy commodities. Not surprisingly, 90 percent of American children consume excessive amounts of fat, and only 15 percent eat the recommended servings of fruits and vegetables. These early dietary flaws become lifelong addictions, raising the risk of diabetes, heart disease, and stroke. Those who care about our children’s health should demand healthful plantbased school meals, snacks, and vending machine items. Lewis Mermell Little Rock

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The Arkansas Reporter

THE WEEK THAT WAS FEB. 1-8, 2011 IT WAS A GOOD WEEK FOR …

Phone: 501-375-2985 Fax: 501-375-3623 Arkansas Times Online home page: http://www.arktimes.com E-mail: arktimes@arktimes.com ■

The REPUBLICAN PARTY. John Casteel, an active member of a “prowhite” organization, resigned as Jackson County GOP chairman. That spared the party a potentially split vote on a forced removal by party officials, who’d already embarrassed themselves by first asking, pretty please, wouldn’t Casteel resign from the successor group to the pernicious White Citizens Council. Running against the black president has served Republicans too well for officials to be forceful against Casteel. IT WAS A BAD WEEK FOR …

ETHICS. When both houses of the Arkansas legislature give near-unanimous approval to so-called ethics reform legislation, you KNOW it doesn’t accomplish much. In four years, the legislation might cost one of them a lobbyist job for a year. Yee haw. The STATE CORRECTION DEPARTMENT. It declined to provide information about the source of the drug it uses to kill condemned inmates. The state is likely covering up for a flyby-night provider in England that has stepped in to fill the ghoulish need because of an absence of the drug at reputable suppliers. JOHN PELPHREY. As the Razorback men’s basketball team continued to lose (and thousands of seats in Walton Arena sit empty of paying customers), the head coach’s future employment became more problematic.

Correction n The Week That Was column last week said incorrectly that Daniel Gatrell had been sentenced to 28 years after pleading guilty to manslaughter in the death of Michael Palmer and first-degree murder in the death of Palmer’s daughter Hannah Dowdie Palmer. Gatrell was sentenced to 40 years for murder and 10 years for manslaughter. He will be eligible for parole in 28 years. 8 FEBRUARY 9, 2011 • ARKANSAS TIMES

■

CONSULATE GENERAL OF INDIA, HOUSTON

GOV. MIKE BEEBE. He forthrightly opposed overreaching legislation on a couple of hot button topics. He opposed legislation to prevent insurance coverage for abortion for rape victims and also said he saw no need for legislation to encourage open carry of handguns.

WELCOMING: Gov. Mike and Ginger Beebe, Little Rock Mayor Mark Stodola and Welspun officials at company’s dedication ceremony in 2009.

Worker safety at issue for corporate recruit Welspun putting workers at risk, OSHA says BY GERARD MATTHEWS

n In April 2009, at a ceremony celebrating Welspun’s expansion of its nearly new facility in Little Rock, Gov. Mike Beebe talked about how special the steel pipe manufacturing company was, comparing it to a “first date” that you “have a special feeling, a special place for.” The ceremony was a lively one and featured Indian music (Welspun is an Indian company) and local officials sporting Hindu tilakas, red dots on their foreheads. But according to Occupational Safety and Health Administration records, the company — which has benefited from numerous state and local tax breaks since coming to Arkansas — has a safety record that isn’t so special when it comes to worker safety — dozens of federal findings of safety violations. Between March 2009 and February 2010, Welspun was cited by OSHA, as a result of three inspections, for two “serious” violations and two “other” violations, including the failure to provide “a place of employment which was free from recognized hazards that were causing or likely to cause death or serious physical harm to employees.” Fines for those violations totaled $5,000. In one of those incidents, in July 2009, Welspun was cited for failure to ensure proper crane operation procedures that put employees at risk of being “struck by hazards.” In March 2010, the company was

again cited for improper crane operation procedures that “exposed employees to a fall of approximately 20 feet.” Last December, one worker, Frederick Bogar of Jacksonville, was killed and another man was injured when both were trapped between pipes weighing approximately 20,000 pounds each. Gloria Bogar filed a complaint in Pulaski County Circuit Court, suing Welspun for the wrongful death of her father — “a direct result of the defendant’s negligence,” the complaint says. The incident is still under investigation by OSHA. In June last year, just months before the accident that killed Bogar, OSHA fined Welspun $5,000 for an incident in which an employee sustained “severe leg injuries.” The citation says Welspun employees were exposed “to the hazard of entrapment between [transfer] lifts and pipe.” In late January, Welspun was issued another round of citations by OSHA for 21 health and safety violations found during an August inspection. The company was fined $88,000, but has the right to contest those violations. Richard Janicki, senior vice president for Welspun, says the facility is a safe place to work and the accident rate at the plant is lower than other companies in the industry. “It’s absolutely a safe place and as a matter of fact,” Janicki says. “All steel mills and pipe mills are graded on a total incident recordable rate. It’s the number of OSHA-

recordable injuries per 2,000 man-hours worked. The average for the industry is between seven and eight [per year]. Our average last year was 1.9. So we’re well under the industry average. The year before that we were around three, so we were still under it. We’ve been well under the industry average.” An OSHA spokesperson could not confirm Janicki’s claim, saying it’s difficult to compare companies’ safety records because “all are very different as to size, location, violations, etc.” Welspun was welcomed with open arms, and open wallets, by state and local officials. When the company broke ground in 2007, promising $100 million in investment and 300 new jobs, it received $3.25 million from the state’s Economic Infrastructure Fund, a $5 million bond guaranty from the Arkansas Economic Development Commission and a $6 million bond guaranty from the Arkansas Development Finance Authority. Welspun also received performance-based incentives including a sales tax rebate for materials, income tax credits on 10 percent of total investment and a rebate on payroll for newly created jobs for 10 years. When the company expanded in 2010, more incentives came, including $2 million from Gov. Beebe’s Quick Action Closing Fund. The company also receives tax breaks from the city of Little Rock. Mayor Mark Stodola says other companies receive similar breaks, but that doesn’t give the city any sway over how a company operates. “Those health and safety rules have been handled for years through the regulatory areas of the federal government,” Stodola says. “You never want anyone to get hurt or injured on the job so I would imagine the safety issues that are under review by the management there to do whatever they can to prevent those things from happening. It’s not something they want to see happen and I’m sure they pride themselves on safety and that they’re reviewing it to make sure that this doesn’t happen in the future.” Matt DeCample, spokesman for Gov. Beebe, also says a company’s safety record has no bearing on the types of incentives they receive. “I’m pretty certain that nothing with the incentives is tied into that,” DeCample says. “As far as state government goes, the Department of Labor are the ones who would have any type of oversight or sway there. The fact that we obviously helped to bring them here does not put us in a unique position versus any other company that might be addressing similar issues. It doesn’t put us in a different position.” Continued on page 35

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866-940-2585 pellareplacement.com/at

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1 Minimum purchase required. Valid for replacement projects only and must be installed by Pella professionals. Only valid on select Pella® products or installation of select Pella products. Not valid with any other offer or promotion. Prior sales excluded. Other restrictions may apply. See store for details. Offer ends 2/28/11. 2 Consult with your local Pella professional to determine which products are eligible. Windows and doors must be purchased and installed by 12/31/11 to be eligible for 10% up to $200 off windows and 10% up to $500 off doors. Up to a $500 lifetime credit is available. Consult with a qualified tax advisor to confirm eligibility. Visit pella.com/taxcredit for more information. 3 The Pella Windows & Doors Visa® credit card is issued by Wells Fargo Financial National Bank. Special terms apply to purchases charged with approved credit at participating merchants. The minimum monthly payment will be the amount that will pay for the purchase in full in equal payments during the promotional period. Interest will be charged to your account from the purchase date at the regular APR if the purchase balance is not paid in full within the promotional period or if you make a late payment. For newly opened accounts, the regular APR is 27.99%. The APR may vary. The APR is given as of 10/01/10. If you are charged interest in any billing cycle, the minimum interest charge will be $1.00. If you use the card for cash advances, the cash advance fee is 5% of the amount of the cash advance, but not less than $10.00. Offer expires 02/28/11. © 2011 Pella Corporation

www.arktimes.com • february 9, 2011 9

BRIAN CHILSON

LINED UP: ZaZa Conway is the top new restaurant around Arkansas according to Times readers.

READERS CHOICE 2011

The food of the people The 2011 edition of the Best Restaurants in Arkansas.

ho’s hungry? How about a couple dozen suggestions of places to eat, throughout the state, as chosen by the readers of the Arkansas Times? Our annual Readers Choice poll is the oldest and most respected restaurant survey in the state (we’re celebrating our 30th anniversary this year! See our look back at Readers Choice on page 13). This year, as we have in recent years, we published a ballot in a weekly paper and also took votes online. Below are this year’s winners. As usual, we have winners in a number of categories, plus special votes for the top restaurants in four areas with vibrant restaurant scenes. Browse through for your favorites and read on for our related features on good eats that follow. OVERALL

LITTLE ROCK Winner: Trio’s Runners-Up: Ashley’s, Brave New Restaurant, Faded Rose. AROUND ARKANSAS Winner: Mike’s Place, Conway Runners-Up: Belle Arti Italian Ristorante, Hot Springs; Gaskin’s Cabin Restaurant, Eureka Springs; James at the Mill, Johnson.

10 FEBRUARY 9, 2011 • ARKANSAS TIMES

NEW

LITTLE ROCK Winner: Dugan’s Pub Runners-Up: Bravo! Cucina Italiana, Dizzy’s Gypsy Bistro, Terry’s the Restaurant. AROUND ARKANSAS Winner: ZaZa, Conway Runners-Up: Bleu Monkey, Hot Springs; Green Cart Deli, Conway; Hjem Restaurant, Fayetteville.

ITALIAN

AROUND ARKANSAS Winner: Michelangelo’s, Conway Runners-up: Belle Arti Italian Ristorante, Hot Springs; Ermilio’s, Eureka Springs; Pesto Cafe, Fayetteville.

CHINESE

LITTLE ROCK Winner: Fantastic China Runners-up: Chi’s Dimsum and Bistro, Fu Lin, PF Chang’s. AROUND ARKANSAS Winner: Jade China, Conway Runners-up: Hunan Palace, Hot Springs; Lucky Dragon Cafe, Berryville; Oriental Kitchen, Conway.

JAPANESE

LITTLE ROCK Winner: Sushi Cafe Runners-up: Benihana, Igibon, Mt. Fuji

IT’S LIKE BEING DROPPED

OFF IN

NEW ORLEANS

Thank you Conway! What a great city we have!

$24.95

Bienvenue!

Twitter @EATGCD Facebook/GreenCartDeli www.greencartdeli.com

LITTLE ROCK’S BEST FOOD VALUE 400 N. Bowman Road 501-224-3377 1619 Rebsamen Road 501-663-9734

Eat. Enjoy. Experience.

FOUND

ONLY AT

LITTLE ROCK Winner: Bruno’s Runners-up: Cafe Prego, Ristorante Capeo, Vesuvio Bistro.

BENNETT’S

302 MAIN STREET • LITTLE ROCK

501.372.2944

MON.-SAT. 9-5 www.bennettsmilitary.com

How would you like to call these chefs your friends? It’s great for business, but it can be hard on the waistline.

AROUND ARKANSAS Winner: Domoyaki, Conway Runners-up: Fuji Japanese Steakhouse, Fort Smith; Sakura, Sherwood; Shogun Steak House of Japan, Fayetteville.

MEXICAN

LITTLE ROCK Winner: La Hacienda Runners-up: Cantina Laredo, Casa Manana, Senor Tequila. AROUND ARKANSAS Winner: La Hacienda, Hot Springs Runners-up: Casa Colina, Eureka Springs; El Acapulco, Conway; La Huerta, Conway.

OTHER ETHNIC

LITTLE ROCK Winner: Star of India Runners-up: Cafe Bossa Nova, Layla’s, Lily’s Dim Sum, Then Some. AROUND ARKANSAS Winner: New Dehli Cafe, Eureka Springs Runners-up: Rolando’s, Hot Springs; Taste of Thai, Fayetteville; Pho Hoang, Fort Smith.

FOOD TRUCK

LITTLE ROCK Winner: Hot Dog Mike Runners-up: The Food Truck, Luncheria Mexicana Alicia, Taqueria Jalisco San Juan. AROUND ARKANSAS Winner: Green Cart Deli, Conway Runners-up: Rendi’s Mudbugs, Hot Springs. Continued on page 15

Ben E. Keith Foods • (501) 978.5000 • (800) 777.2356 • www.benekeith.com • 1200 Pike Avenue • North Little Rock, AR 72114 www.arktimes.com • FEBRUARY 9, 2011 11

¡MUY BUENO! ®™

3024 Cantrell Rd. • Little Rock • (501) 661-0600 12315 Chenal Parkway • West Little Rock • (501) 223-2716 3836 Central • Hwy. 7 S. • Hot Springs • (501) 525-8203 Live Mariachi! Fri 6-9 • 17401 Interstate 30 • Benton • (501) 776-9959

¡Mil gr acias a todo s!

Award Winning Original Family Mexican

Thirty years of Readers Choice A look back at a culinary institution. BY LINDSEY MILLAR

uch has changed in the Times over the years. We’ve had more facelifts than Joan Rivers and printed work from enough writers to form a nation state to rival Liechtenstein. Sadly (or perhaps not), our publisher no longer poses nude in ads. Nor do our designers pair every topic with a pretty woman with a come hither look (the early ’90s were a sexy time at the Times, y’all). Far in the rearview mirror are the days of 8,000 word essays, glossy covers and triple digit page counts.

1981

Grand Prize Restaurant: Restaurant Jacques Best Overall: That Little Restaurant

Best New: Black-Eyed Pea Runner-Up: Le Casse Croute Presaging the domination of a handful of restaurants over the years: “One thing is clear: there is a whole lot of opinion, and people can be stubborn indeed in sticking by their favorite, be it a dish or a restaurant.”

1986

Best Overall Central: Jacques and Suzanne Runner-Up: Coy’s, Sir Loin’s Inn

Best New: Graffiti’s Runners-Up: Chili’s, Il Foro Elegant French cuisine may have been our readers’ favorite in ’86, but we still kept it Arkansas with the inclusion of one of the bestnamed recipes ever: Sweet Potato Pone 2 cups grated sweet potato 1 cup butter 1 cup sugar 1/2 cup milk 1 teaspoon powdered ginger Grated rind of one orange Blend the sugar and butter, add grated sweet potato and milk; beat well and then add ginger and orange rind. Place in a shallow baking pan and bake in a slow oven.

But some things endure. Alan Leveritt, our publisher, has steered the ship, naked and otherwise, since the beginning. Our trusty catfish mascot is nearly as old as the paper and even survived a terrifying cover illustration that had it popping out of a cake — with breasts. And now, this year, we celebrate the 30th anniversary of another old favorite, our annual Readers Choice Restaurant Poll. Sure, everyone and their mom does one today, but back in 1981, we were doing something new and exciting, man. Or maybe

1991 Best Overall: Graffiti’s Runners-Up: Coy’s, Cafe St. Moritz, La Scala Best New: Regas Grill Runners-Up: Blue Mesa Grill, Olive Garden

The agony and the ecstasy.: “… our deepest sympathy to the Little Rock diner who voted for Alouette’s for ‘best overall,’ ‘best French,’ ‘best desserts,’ and ‘best atmosphere,’ but also for ‘most overpriced.’ We suspect the poor fellow spends a lot of time in one kind of agony or another.”

To see a complete list of the winners of the first, fifth, 10th, 15th, 20th and 25th editions of Readers Choice, go to arktimes.com/readerschoicerecap or use your phone’s scanner on this QR code.

1996

Best Overall: Brave New Restaurant Runners-Up: Cafe St. Moritz, Regas Grill, Romano’s Macaroni Grill Best New: Spaule Runners-Up: Cozymel’s, Jason’s

Max Brantley digs into a bygone fine dining favorite:

“At Spaule, good old pork and rice becomes crisply seared pork medallions in a pool of fennel-accented cream sauce, layered on a scoop of bacon-gruyere risotto and sided with sauteed purple cabbage. Chicken breast comes stuffed with figs and napped with sage creme fraiche; scallops rest in a pool of a garlicky brown sauce, each moist scallop crowned with toasted sesame seeds. And there’s duck breast with poached pear, red snapper and ginger, huge grilled shrimp, sauteed salmon, tenderloin marinated in ale, pasta highlighted by such as pesto, sun-dried tomato, artichoke, brie.”

simply placing an age-old discussion about food in new context? Here’s the introduction from our first Readers Choice: “Over the years, perhaps no activity has occupied as much of man’s attention as the getting and serving of food: not sex, not religion, not even war. First, man was a gatherer, then a hunter, and finally a farmer who raised crops and animals that made their way to their board by dint of the plow or the hatchet. Way back there, it didn’t matter so much how a meal was prepared: a Neanderthal was tickled with a loin chop just off the hoof, with little or no roasting.” Thankfully, a Central Arkansas-centric review of 30 years of Readers Choice summons far more appetizing images than our ancient brethren’s love of raw loin chops. Though many of our past winners have gone the way of the nickel hot dog, a surprising number live on. Here’s to their continued success and to 30 more years of readers picking favorites in these pages.

2001

2006

Overall: Trio’s Runners-Up: Brave New, Spaule, Capers, 1620 Best New: Whole Hog Cafe Runners-Up: Boulevard, Drawings, Chit’s, Arkansas Burger Company Whole Hog co-founder Steve Lucci explains his restaurant’s early success to Max Brantley: “Our yin and yang came together.” Leslie Peacock on Ozark Mountain Smokehouse, perennial winner of best breakfast in Central Arkansas: “The wait staff is pretty patient with the customers. On a recent Saturday, one gentleman whose vocabulary seemed to have gone South asked the waitress if he could have his egg cooked kind of medium, but hard on the edges, not runny, well not real runny but a little runny … ‘How about fried over easy?’ she said. He nodded.”

Overall: Brave New Restaurant Runners-Up: Faded Rose, Lilly’s, Trio’s Best New: Ferneau Runners-Up: Aydelotte’s, Bubba and Garcia’s, Lulav, Nu Cuisine Lounge

Secrets revealed:

Best Chef winner Peter Brave tells Leslie Peacock the key to his roasted bell pepper pesto is “smoushing” the peppers before adding them to a butter sauce. Donnie Ferneau explains a core philosophy to Jim Harris: “I don’t believe in making small salads.”

www.arktimes.com • FEBRUARY 9, 2011 13

In 1991 Brave New Restaurant Opened its Doors and was voted “BEST NEW RESTAURANT” TURE POLITICS AND CUL Y NEWSPAPER OF ARKANSAS’S WEEKL

STILL HOT!

Fast forward to 2011 and Brave New Restaurant continues to be voted the BEST.

WINNER BEST CHEF RUNNER-UP BEST OVERALL RUNNER-UP BEST SEAFOOD RUNNER-UP ROMANTIC

STILL THE BEST AFTER 20 YEARS “We would like to thank the Arkansas Times readers for their continued overall support and for recognizing Brave New Restaurant year after year!” Lunch M-F 11-2 / Dinner M-S 5-10 Reservations of any size accepted for lunch and dinner.

2300 Cottondale Lane • 501-663-2677 Full menu at www.bravenewrestaurant.com 14 FEBRUARY 9, 2011 • ARKANSAS TIMES

BRIAN CHILSON

www.arktimes.com

BRINGING BRAZIL TO LITTLE ROCK: Rosalia Monroe, with the simple bean and chopped collard green dish, arroz com feijao.

Pass the pao quiejo, please Only at Bossa Nova. BY LESLIE NEWELL PEACOCK

here’s no pasta alfredo on the menu, no chicken Caesar salad, no hamburger and no cheese dip. Those delectables you can get on every street corner in Little Rock. But only at Bossa Nova will you find pao de quiejo, cheese bread made with yucca root flour; bolinho de bacalhau, cod fish cakes with pepper sauce, and feijoada, what owner Rosalia (Ro-SA-lia) Monroe says is Brazilian soul food, a hearty dish of sausage, black beans, baby back ribs with a side of chopped collard greens and a de-

licious mound of rice. Bossa Nova, celebrating its 10th year in Hillcrest, is one of those restaurants where you can count on its unique dishes to be well-prepared. You can’t count on a table, the place is so small, and if you do get a table and it happens to be the one in the corner by the window in the second dining room, a beep that signals someone has come in the front door may drive you mad. So use earplugs, already. If you want kibe de abobora assada, an unbelievably good (and filling) combination Continued on page 18

BRIAN CHILSON

2011 Arkansas Custom Knife Show

Feb 12 & 13 • Sat 10-5, Sun 10-3 Robinson Center Exhibit Hall

One of the finest shows in the country featuring some of the best knife makers in the world!

Eureka Spring’s most popular restaurant! Award Winning Ermilio’s is family friendly, with dozens of authentic Italian choices served in a casual, comfortable, just-like-home atmosphere. No reservations are taken…Come as you are!

Open for Dinner 5 pm to 9 pm Every Night Best Italian -Around Arkansas Best of Eureka Springs

(479) 253-8806

BRIAN CHILSON

26 White Street • Eureka Springs. Located on the upper Historic Loop, old Highway 62B, just a few short blocks from the Crescent Hotel. www.ermilios.com

VEGETARIAN FARE: 4Square Cafe and Gifts.

RESTAURANTS Continued from page 11

VEGETARIAN

LITTLE ROCK Winner: ZaZa Runners-up: 4Square Cafe and Gifts; Lily’s Dim Sum, Then Some; Whole Foods. AROUND ARKANSAS Winner: ZaZa, Conway Runners-up: Annodal’s Vegetarian Cafe, Conway; Greenhouse Grille, Fayetteville; New Dehli Cafe, Eureka Springs.

BAKERY

LITTLE ROCK Winner: Community Bakery Runners-up: Boulevard Bread Co., Panera, Silvek’s. AROUND ARKANSAS Winner: Ed’s Custom Bakery, Conway Runners-up: Klappenbach Bakery, Fordyce; Rick’s Bakery, Fayetteville; Serenity Farm Bread, Leslie.

BARBECUE

LITTLE ROCK Winner: Whole Hog Runners-up: Corky’s, Cross-Eyed Pig, Sims. AROUND ARKANSAS Winner: McClard’s, Hot Springs Runners-up: Craig’s, DeValls Bluff; Mean Pig, Cabot; Penguin Ed’s Bar-B-Que, Fayetteville. Continued on page 17 www.arktimes.com • FEBRUARY 9, 2011 15

The ascendancy of Hot Dog Mike A study in street food, done right. BY LINDSEY MILLAR

his is one answer: Hot Dog Mike saw a niche, and he filled it. The question is built on several others: Why does Hot Dog Mike have more than 1,000 Twitter followers? Why does Hot Dog Mike sell T-shirts (and not just T-shirts, but T-shirts that you probably covet)? Why does Hot Dog Mike appear on the evening news, on two networks no less, every time he unveils a new hot dog creation? And, ultimately: Why are Hot Dog Mike and his small hot dog cart the most exciting culinary development in Little Rock since the birth of cheese dip? Another answer, sort of: Hot Dog Mike has been preparing to be Hot Dog Mike for a long time. He grew up in New Jersey, where his friends knew him as Michael Juiliano. He speculated to a reporter on a recent post-lunchtime rush that growing up in Jersey gave him “the edge to be on the streets and have a good time.”

BLTdog

All beef dog bacon lettuce seasoned tomato jalapeno mayo Special dog

FRITOCHILIPIEdog

All beef dog Fritos chili cheese jalapeno Special dog

HO-HO-HOTDOG

All beef dog black forest ham garlic mashed potatoes spicy brown mustard

Before he took on hot-dogging full-time, he worked for a DJ and, later, for more than a dozen years, in the hotel business. He moved to Little Rock, several years back, as an opening consultant at the Capital Hotel. Working as a DJ and in the hospitality business made him comfortable in front and amongst crowds, he said. Plus, before all that, he went school for ad design: “I didn’t finish, but I learned enough I guess for a hot dog cart.” Which prompts another answer: Hot Dog Mike is something of a marketing whiz. Which is to say, his brand is bigger than yours. It starts with his name and his uniform. You will not see Hot Dog Mike slinging hot dogs without a fedora atop his head and thick, Elvis Costello-style black-framed glasses on his face. Naturally, the Hot Dog Mike T-shirt, conceived in part by Rock City Outfitters, is a drawing of an anthropomorphized hot dog, wearing thick glasses and a fedora.

ITALIANOdog

All beef dog inside a pita grilled onions, peppers grilled potatoes spicy brown mustard Special dog

PEACEdog

IL BANDITO

Special dog 16 FEBRUARY 9, 2011 • ARKANSAS TIMES

“THEE” Chicago dog

All beef dog, poppy seed bun pickle spear tomato neon relish onion mustard sport peppers celery salt Always on the menu

TNTdog

All beef dog macaroni and cheese toasted Parmesan panko bread crumbs blackberry sauce

All beef dog slaw onion mustard Sriracha

Created special for a Parents Educating Arkansas about Children with Epilepsy (PEACE) benefit.

Created special for Hot Dog for a Cause, a benefit for a marathon runner raising money for cancer research.

SRIRACHAdog

All beef dog cucumber and onion mayo Sriracha sauce

Only during the holidays

All beef dog wrapped with bacon grilled sauteed peppers grilled onions tomato ketchup, mustard, mayo whole grilled jalapeno

As far as the presentation for the menu goes, it’s fairly straightforward. There are variations on the Chicago dog, there’s a polish dog, there’s one that’s topped with Fritos, chili and cheese and another, the awesomely named the WooPigHotDog, with bacon, slaw, onion, BBQ and Sriracha (it put Hot Dog Mike on the map, according to the menu). But then there are limited edition dogs that come and go. Some are seasonal. Some are tied to catered functions. Some, like his latest creation, TheCAPITALdog (cream cheese, relish and sport peppers), are limited simply for the sake of creating buzz. On a recent Friday, after the lunchtime rush, Hot Dog Mike explained to a reporter his creative process. “I’m like Eminem with hot dogs — you know how he scribbles in a notebook all the time? — I always think of new ones and I always write them down. So I have hundreds that I’ve thought of, but I only roll out as needed. My wife gets mad because I’m always like, ‘I wonder if this would be good on a hot dog?’ everywhere we go. Because if it seems like it might go, I’ll try it.” In the spring, Hot Dog Mike will roll out a second cart. He sees a future where an army of Hot Dog Mikes roam the streets of Little Rock. Which leads us to what might be the ultimate answer: Hot Dog Mike has a vision.

WING-a-DINGdog

All beef dog spicy wing sauce blue cheese cole slaw celery salt Special dog

THANKSdog

Turkey dog cornbread dressing cranberry relish gravy Only during Thanksgiving week

WOOPIGHOTDOG!

All beef dog bacon slaw onion sweet barbecue sauce Sriracha Always on the menu

Thanks Arkansas For Voting For Us! BEST FRIED CHICKEN best home cooking

Bobby’s Country Cookin’ BRIAN CHILSON

501-224-9500 • 301 N.Shackleford Road West Chase Plaza at the corner of N. Shackleford & W.Markham bobbyscountrycookin.com PERFECTO: Vesuvio Bistro.

Hot Springs’ Newest Restaurant For Fine Cuisine From Around The Globe Bleu Monkey Grill is honored to receive this prestigious award. Thanks to the people that voted us the best! If you haven’t visited us yet, make us your choice the next time you visit Hot Springs.

(501) 520-4800 • 4263 Central avenue • Hot SpringS bleumonkeygrill.com

RESTAURANTS Continued from page 15

BREAKFAST

LITTLE ROCK Winner: B-Side Runners-up: Ashley’s, IHOP, Ozark Mountain Smokehouse. AROUND ARKANSAS Winner: Mud Street Cafe, Eureka Springs Runners-up: Home Plate Diner, Bryant; The Old South, Russellville; New Dehli Cafe, Eureka Springs.

BRUNCH

LITTLE ROCK Winner: B-Side Runners-up: Ashley’s, Capi’s, Ya Ya’s Euro Bistro. AROUND ARKANSAS Winner: Stoby’s, Conway Runners-up: The Arlington Lobby Cafe, Hot Springs; Michelangelo’s, Conway.

CATFISH

LITTLE ROCK Winner: Flying Fish Runners-up: Adams Catfish Express, Catfish City, Grampa’s Catfish House.

AROUND ARKANSAS Winner: Catfish Hole, Fayetteville Runners-up: Dondie’s, Des Arc; Georgetown One Stop, Georgetown; The Fish House, Conway.

FRIED CHICKEN

LITTLE ROCK Winner: Popeye’s Runners-up: Bobby’s Country Cookin’, Kitchen Express, Your Mama’s Good Food. AROUND ARKANSAS Winner: AQ Chicken, Fayetteville Runners-up: Holly’s Country Cooking, Conway; Chick-a-Dilly, Magnolia; The Venesian Inn, Tonitown. Continued on page 21 Thyroid Cancer ad-AT.indd 4

www.arktimes.com • FEBRUARY 9, 2011 17 2/2/11 11:10 AM

ly opened the bakery Rosalia’s in space formerly occupied by a video store next door to Bossa Nova. Ezequiel Nascimento, a baker who worked the lunch and dinner kitchen at Cafe Bossa Nova for some time, is finally getting to live his dream — or, in Portuguese, sonho, which is what you call the custard- and-caramel-filled sugared donuts he turns out. Rosalia’s offers all manner of breads ands sweets, including croissants (currently the favorite item, Rosalia says) and tarts and big sweet rolls and baguettes and, of course, the cheese bread so popular in the restaurant. Potent Dean’s Beans coffee, fair-trade of course, is served either medium-strong or strong-strong. (You’ll find the cream at a self-serving stand in the corner.) Rosalia Monroe has been working 12- and 14-hour days seven days a week, thanks to the opening of the bakery. The day this reporter talked to her, she said one of her sons had just told her he wanted to take over the restaurant. “It’s going to take hard work,” she said, shaking her head. But, she added, “It’s very rewarding.”

Continued from page 14

of butternut squash, raisins, spices, ricotta cheese and baked onions, and this writer always does, you’ll use your earplugs and use them gladly. (A glass of wine, or perhaps a caipirinha — lime, sugar and Brazilian rum — helps in that corner, as well.) Rosalia and husband, Dan Monroe, opened the cafe March 19, 2001, with little more than a hot plate and a conventional oven in the kitchen. Thus was Little Rock introduced to a new way to serve black beans, rice and chopped collard greens and, for dessert, tres leites cake, a sweet milky piece of heaven. Monroe was born in Belo Horizonte (population 6 million); she moved here, to what must seem like a very small town, in 1991. She was first in the dry cleaning business; fortunately for the dining public here, she loves to cook and decided to go into the restaurant business and sell the cleaners to her sons. Not being satisfied with success at lunch and dinner, the Monroes just recent-

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BRIAN CHILSON

BOSSA NOVA

ROSALIA TREATS: From the new bakery.

Thank You Arkansas For Voting For Us We only use U.S. farm-raised catfish! We have added many new menu items, we have a lot more than catfish!

Award Winning Catfish Mon-Sat 11am-9pm • Closed Sunday 116 South Harkrider • Conway 501-327-9901 or Toll Free 877-NO.1 Fish (877-661-3474)

:::@#10,$(/$'0$(@-(%

For all your Catering Needs. We can feed 50-5000 people!

“my voice is my instrument. i can’t let it be damaged by smoke. CODY BELEW, Singer “

LET’S CLEAR THE AIR

Everyone deserves a smoke-free workplace. Comprehensive smoke-free policies do not hurt business. To learn more, visit ClearTheAirArkansas.com 18 FEBRUARY 9, 2011 • ARKANSAS TIMES

Thanks for The VoTes

from our family To yours! Trio’s: Winner – Best Overall, Desserts, Wine List • Capi’s: runner-up – Brunch TriO’s anD Capi’s: Winner – server, Justin Horton; runner-up – Chef, Capi peck

8201 Cantrell Rd, Ste. 100, Little Rock 501.221.3330 • triosrestaurant.com

11525 Cantrell Rd, Ste. 917, Little Rock 501.225.9600 • capisrestaurant.com

Best New Restaurant?

Yes!

Best New Restaurant

One Hundred Thousand Thanks! May you always have a clean shirt, a clear conscience, and enough coins in your pocket to buy a pint!

Located at the corner of 3rd & Rock St. in the River Market District 401 East Third, Little Rock • 501-244-0542 • www.duganspublr.com www.arktimes.com • february 9, 2011 19

no skinny steaks.

Where Little Rock Goes To Taste Perfection

f r e e va l e t Pa r k i n g • P i a n o B a r t u e s - s at 335 Wine seleCtions • fine sPirits from around the World i n q u i r e a B o u t o u r P r i vat e C o r P o r at e l u n C h e s

BRIAN CHILSON

Best steak IRISH CHEESE FRIES?: A popular appetizer at Dugan’s.

Westward, pubs 5 0 0 P r e s i d e n t C l i n t o n av e n u e ( i n t h e r i v e r M a r k e t d i s t r i C t ) C a l l f o r r e s e rvat i o n s 5 0 1 . 3 2 4 . 2 9 9 9 • w w w. s o n n y w i l l i a M s s t e a k r o o M . C o M

A new Irish migration. BY DOUG SMITH

Wildwood’s Outdoor Winter Festival February 18 – 20, 2011 • 6 PM

LANTERNS! brings eight cultural vistas to light in the winter woodlands of Little Rock’s unique botanical gardens. Visitors travel paved walkways lit by lakeside fire pits and luminaries to enjoy entertainments from around the globe! Enjoy a warming selection of international foods to purchase. Admission is $10 for adults, $5 for kids ages 6 - 12 and free to children 5 and under. Visit www.wildwoodpark.org for all the illuminating details or call 501.821.7275! Wildwood Park is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization. Wildwood’s educational programs and the growth and maintenance of Wildwood’s gardens are made possible by generous donors and volunteers.

20919 Denny Road Little Rock, AR 72223 www.wildwoodpark.org OPEN DAILY • FREE ADMISSION 20 FEBRUARY 9, 2011 • ARKANSAS TIMES

(except festival weekends)

hile the old-time Irish pubs are disappearing from Ireland, new, quasi-Irish pubs are flourishing in America. One of them, Dugan’s Pub, was chosen by Arkansas Times readers as the best new restaurant in Little Rock. A number of Irish pubs have opened in Little Rock in recent years. In fact, Don Dugan says that while he’d been thinking for some time about opening an Irish pub himself — about reaching back to his Irish roots — what really pushed him over the line was a visit to one of the new pubs in the area. He found, he says, that it “was not the way I’d do it,” so he decided to do it his way, and opened Dugan’s at Third and Rock Streets in the River Market District. The place was packed on a recent Thursday night when a couple of journalists dropped in for dinner. Pubs in Ireland could use that kind of business. Travel writers say the famous Irish pub is in serious decline, especially in rural Ireland. The trouble started in 2004, with adoption of a national ban on smoking in Irish workplaces. Surely among the smokingest people in the world until then, the Irish did not adapt well to the ban on smoking in pubs. Conversations between friends became intermittent. Non-smokers found themselves sitting alone much of the time while their mates slipped outside for a smoke. Stories were told of romances that began or ended because half of a cou-

ple was a smoker and the other half was not. So, people began buying booze to take home and drink, and they found alcohol was cheaper that way. Married couples didn’t have to worry about babysitters, either. All of the stay-at-homes could socialize exclusively with friends and family. Having reduced public smoking, the government took action to reduce drunken driving, a big problem in Ireland, especially on low-quality rural roads. Random breath tests came into use; a zerotolerance policy was adopted. Drinkers became afraid to drive — which was the idea — and buses and taxis weren’t available in rural areas. Deprived of their former customers, many publicans closed their doors. There’ve been Irish pubs in America since the great Irish emigration of the 1840s, during the potato famine. The early Irish-American pubs were in the big cities of the Northeast that had large Irish populations. In the 1990s, Irish pubs started appearing in much greater numbers, and scattered across the land. American smokers were accustomed to dealing with restrictions, and they’d become a vanishing breed anyway. Different forms of transportation were more readily available in the U.S.A. And, of course, the Irish were known for their ability to have a good time. Continued on page 23

BRIAN CHILSON

Come taste what all the fuss is about!

Holly’s Country Cookin’

BRIAN CHILSON

Thanks for voting for us 6 years in a row! Award Winning Country Cooking... Right Here!

PILING ON: Capi’s.

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RESTAURANTS Continued from page 17

DELI/GOURMET TO GO

LITTLE ROCK Winner: Jason’s Deli Runners-up: Argenta Grocery, Boulevard Bread Co., Dianne’s Gourmet. AROUND ARKANSAS Winner: Green Cart Deli, Conway Runners-up: Cafe 1217, Hot Springs; Coursey’s, St. Joe; The Gourmet Gallery, Fort Smith.

HAMBURGER

LITTLE ROCK Winner: Buffalo Grill Runners-up: Arkansas Burger Company, Five Guys Burgers and Fries, The House. AROUND ARKANSAS Winner: Feltner’s Whatta-Burger, Russellville Runners-up: CJ’s Butcher Boy Burgers, Russellville; Cotham’s, Scott; Hugo’s, Fayetteville.

PIZZA

LITTLE ROCK Winner: Damgoode Pies Runners-up: American Pie Pizza, U.S. Pizza, ZaZa. AROUND ARKANSAS Winner: ZaZa, Conway Runners-up: Larry’s Pizza, Bryant; Rod’s Pizza Cellar, Hot Springs; U.S. Pizza, Fayetteville.

SEAFOOD

LITTLE ROCK Winner: Cajun’s Wharf Runners-up: Bonefish, Brave New Restaurant, Flying Fish. AROUND ARKANSAS Winner: Mike’s Place, Conway Runners-up: Cajun Boilers, Hot Springs; Dondie’s, Des Arc; Michelangelo’s, Conway. Continued on page 28

The William J. Clinton Presidential Center

Celebrates Black History Month Feb. 19

Feb. 24

Congressional Gold Medal Exhibit Opening Program*

“1861” A Black History Month Performance by the students of Parkview Arts and Sciences*

11 a.m. Tours to follow program Great Hall

Join President Clinton and members of the Little Rock Nine as they celebrate the opening of this new exhibit

Feb. 21

Free Admission Day 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Free admission and free accoustiguide audio tours

7 p.m. Great Hall

Additional one-hour programs: Feb. 24 – 9:30 a.m., 11 a.m., 7 p.m. Feb. 25 – 9:30 a.m., 11 a.m.

Feb. Date: To Be Announced

Arkansas Black Hall of Fame’s Distinguished Laureate Series* Great Hall

“The War on HIV: Who’s Winning” featuring Dr. James Hildreth

*Reservations required.

Call 501-748-0425 or e-mail operationslr@clintonfoundation.org to make your reservations.

1200 President Clinton Avenue • Little Rock, Arkansas 72201 • 501-748-0419 • clintonpresidentialcenter.org www.arktimes.com • FEBRUARY 9, 2011 21

INSIDE: The crowd is often more interestd in drinking than eating.

FINE DINING, GOOD TIMES AND MORE.

Thank You Arkansas! BRIAN CHILSON

Best In Eureka Springs

Best Steak – Around Arkansas Best Desserts – Around Arkansas Most Romantic – Around Arkansas Best Overall – Around Arkansas Best Wine List – Around Arkansas

Reserve Now For Valentine’s Day! BRIAN CHILSON

Private Club License

Mama sez: “Thanks to our customers! You ‘ve made us a winner!!”

JOIN US FOR DINNER AND SEE WHY WE ARE VOTED

“BEST SEAFOOD!”

BRIAN CHILSON

JIGGS’ FAVORITE: Corned beef and cabbage.

TRADITIONAL: Bangers and mash.

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Award Winning Down-home Cookin’ Downtown 22 FEBRUARY 9, 2011 • ARKANSAS TIMES

live music every night

Thanks For The Votes!

Big Swingin’ Deck Parties on Thursdays

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NIGHTTIME AT DUGAN’S: It’s hoppin’ at the River Market’s newest bar.

PUBS

Continued from page 20 The pubs made money for their owners too. A restaurant authority says, “In an industry where profits can be very low, margins in Irish pubs are significantly higher than those achieved within the mainstream casual-dining sector, mainly because of the very high and profitable ratio of beverage to food.” Many of the customers at Dugan’s appeared more interested in drinking, socializing and listening to the band than they were in eating. Our authority on Irish-American pubs says further, “Often, the Irish theme extends only to the name and the decor, while the menus are much like those in other North American bars or full of fauxIrish dishes like ‘Irish nachos’ and ‘Reuben egg rolls.’ ” Dugan’s has a “Molly

(501) 221-9400

Malone’s Seafood Platter.” Much of Dugan’s menu is the same as that in non-Irish bars. They make a good cheeseburger, and you can build your own, adding such things as fried jalapenos, avocado and peppered bacon. And then they have what they call “Traditional Irish Favorites.” But they were out of the Bangers & Mash (a waitress said they were out of casings for the sausage). The shepherd’s pie we had instead was not entirely pleasing. Our companion approved of the fish and chips. The fried cod was firm and the beery batter tasty. The chips, nothing special. Guinness and other imported beers are on tap, and several kinds of Irish whiskey and Scotch are available. There are also specialty drinks, like “Dublin Iced Tea — Melon liqueur, Stoli, Bombay Sapphire, Bacardi, triple sec, sweet and sour, and Sprite. ‑ $8.50.”

Located at the corner of Kanis & Bowman rd

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¡Gracias Amigos! Best Mexican – Around Arkansas Lunch Special 11-3pm Mon.-Sat. Show your student ID and receive 10% off your total purchase.

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Kat Robinson’s Eat Arkansas Blog is all things food. Contributing writers include local chefs, foodies and an assortment of people that just love to eat out. The Eat Arkansas email newsletter is delivered each Thursday with an eclectic mix of restaurant reviews, restaurant openings, great new menus and other eating and drinking news. The perfect foodie newsletter!. SubScribe for thiS local newS email!

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Thank you for voting for Vesuvio Bistro, we are proud to serve the great people of Little Rock!

Buon Appetito! Located in the Wyndham Hotel 2 Riverfront Place North Little Rock Open for Lunch Mon Fri 112 Open for Dinner Mon Thur 5p9:30p Open for Dinner Fri & Sat 5p10p Open Sunday 12p8p

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There s a reason they re called PUBLIC charter schools. There are many misconceptions when it comes to public COREY GARCIA

charter schools. Since the level of education received by students often rivals that of private schools, it’s believed that public charter schools cost money to attend. But

THE STAR: No. 82.

the reality is that public charter schools get the majority

Banh Mi bonanza

of their money the same way traditional public schools do – through state funding. So students do not have to pay to attend.

The powerful appeal of Pho Vietnam’s vegetarian sandwich. BY LEIGH WOOD

hy would any reasonable person drive to Fort Smith for lunch? “It’s all about the sandwich,” a friend said. Or this, said with the same sort of evangelical solemnity that comes with an invitation into a secret society: “It’s like there’s something magical inside of it.” I was skeptical when I drove to Fort Smith for lunch the first time. It was 10 years ago, when I was living in Fayetteville. At the time, I was only risking 45 minutes each way. In the intervening years, I’ve spent a big part of my life away from Northwest Arkansas — liv-

ing out of state and, more recently, in Little Rock — and I’ve returned to the question of why drive to Fort Smith for lunch often, only now it goes like this: Why am I not driving to Fort Smith for lunch today? A reasonable person, it turns out, would/should drive to Fort Smith for lunch to get the No. 82, the star of the voluminous menu at Pho Vietnam — the vegetarian banh mi sandwich. Like Korean BBQ tacos, the Sriracha hot dog and other pinnacles of global cuisine, the Continued on page 27

speak up for schools BETTER SCHOOLS FOR A BETTER ARKANSAS

IT’S TIME TO LEARN THE TRUTH ABOUT PUBLIC CHARTER SCHOOLS. LEARN MORE AT SPEAKUPARKANSAS.COM. www.arktimes.com • FEBRUARY 9, 2011 25

ride the

Featuring John Legend & The Roots

Robert Plant & The Band of Joy Jeff Beck John Mellencamp Tom Jones Dr. John Wyclef Jean Arlo Guthrie Kenny G The Decemberists Bon Jovi Keb’ Mo’ Mighty Clouds of Joy Justin Townes Irma Thomas Robert Cray Ricky Skaggs Ivan Neville’s

s u B z z Ja To The

April 29, 30th and May 1

$675 per person (double occupancy • $289 single supplement)

Price Includes:

Round-trip Transportation on the Arkansas Times Jazz Bus Three Nights at the Holiday Inn French Quarter Jazz Fest Tickets for Friday, Saturday and Sunday Louisiana Heritage Lunch On the Way to New Orleans Friday

Dumpstaphunk The Dixie Cups Vicki Winans Alejandro Sanz Jason Mraz Amos LeeRance Allen Ahmad Jamal The Avett Brothers Mumford & Sons… And a hundred other great musicians and groups. Go to nojazzfest.com for the full line up! Your tickets get you in to see all these acts and more!

Escorted by Times publisher Alan Leveritt and music editor Lindsey Millar.

rve Reseseat yourday! to

The Arkansas Times Jazz Bus leaves Little Rock early Friday morning and will arrive at the French Quarter Holiday Inn about 5 p.m. You will receive Jazz Fest Tickets for Friday night, all day Saturday and all day Sunday. The Jazz Bus will depart New Orleans mid-morning Monday and will arrive Little Rock about 8 p.m. that evening. Motor Coach Transportation Provided by Arkansas Destinations/Little Rock Trailways

Charge by phone (all major credit cards) at 501-375-2985 or mail check or money-order to Arkansas Times Jazz Bus, Box 34010, Little Rock, AR 72203.

COREY GARCIA

SURE BET: Spring rolls and peanut sauce.

Thanks For VoTing Us BesT Chinese!

PHO VIETNAM Continued from page 25

COREY GARCIA

vegetarian banh mi sandwich thrives at the intersection of two really different food cultures. In this case, it’s the marriage of Vietnamese and Southeast Asian ingredients like pickled carrots and onions, tofu, hoisin, Sriracha, hot peppers and cilantro with two powerhouses from the French, freshly baked, crusty baguette bread and that magical emulsion, mayonnaise. Eating Pho Vietnam’s banh mi involves crunchy, salty, spicy, sweet and tart taste sensations all at once. And each sandwich is only $2.95. Plus, if you buy five sandwiches, you get a sixth one free (you can keep multiplying, too; 10 for the price of 12 and so on). The sandwich is so beloved it has its own Facebook fan page. Or rather the restaurant has its own fan page, with a sizeable subset devoted to No. 82. This is a typical comment: “One time Tony left a sandwich from the deli in my car (in the middle of summer) while we explored downtown for a few hours. The smell was both unreal and persistent. I want a sandwich right now.” When I asked Lilly Nguyen, who coowns Pho Vietnam with her husband, Eric Nguyen, why she thinks the vegetarian sandwiches are so popular, she said she was surprised to hear that they were. Maybe she’s unassuming, or maybe fans of No. 82 are a quiet segment of the restaurant’s legion of fans. The menu boasts more than a hundred items, including pho, crispy and soft noodle dishes, broken rice and pricier, more adventurous Vietnamese dinners, such as braised spicy quail or fish fondue. The Nguyens’ pho is excellent (and cheap, too, at just $4.95), full-bod-

ied and savory with accents of cinnamon and anise and not too overwhelming for one person, unlike the mammoth bowls usually seen and often left more than half full at other restaurants. Fresh spring rolls with Thai basil and a spicy peanut dipping sauce are a sure bet as is the Thai-iced tea, a not-too-sweet concoction of strong black tea, star anise and sweetened condensed milk. The Nguyens, who emigrated from Vietnam in 1975, opened a grocery store on Rogers Avenue in Fort Smith in 1986. Ten years later, they converted the store into a restaurant. Everything is handmade, which can take a while, but there are plenty of small pleasures to soak in while you wait for your order: lighthouses and seagulls hanging on the walls; the binder of Vietnamese wedding album stationary at the counter; the aquarium with no water in it; the magical tea cups, filled with complimentary tea, that glide across the table, and the anticipation that comes with not knowing which of the two complimentary desserts will come at the end of each meal. Now, here’s the real question: When are you driving to Fort Smith for lunch? Pho Vietnam, located at 2214 Rogers Ave., is open 10:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday and Wednesday through Saturday and 10:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday and Sunday. The phone number is 479-782-3227.

Many, many thanks to our customers for this honor and for their continuing support. We couldn’t do it without you!

1900 N. GRANT n IN THE HEIGHTS n 501.663.8999 www.arktimes.com • FEBRUARY 9, 2011 27

THANK YOU

AIMEE STOCKTON

AND DIZZY’S GYPSY BISTRO STAFF

FOR A FUN AND

OUTSTANDING

YEAR IN LITTLE ROCK!

E OF TH

ON FACEBOOK

GY P S Y B I S T R O 501.375.3500

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GREEN CART DELI: The Conway hot dog cart has a successful first year.

RESTAURANTS

Whatta-Burger! russellville, arkansas

Best hamburger – around arkansas 2011 2010 2009 2008 2007 2006 2005 2004 2003 2002 2001 2000 1999 1998

1997 1996 1995 1994 1993 1992 1991 1990 1989 1987 1986 1985 1984 1983

Top 10: Legendary Burger Joints No. 10 Feltner’s Whatta Burger In The United States 28 FEBRUARY 9, 2011 • ARKANSAS TIMES

Continued from page 21

BUFFET

LITTLE ROCK Winner: Franke’s Cafeteria Runners-up: Golden Corral, Panda Garden, Star of India. AROUND ARKANSAS Winner: Dondie’s, Des Arc Runners-up: Buffet City, Benton; Furr’s Fresh Buffet, Fort Smith; Ozark Cafe, Jasper.

STEAK

LITTLE ROCK Winner: Sonny Williams’ Steak House Runners-up: The Butcher Shop, Doe’s, The Faded Rose. AROUND ARKANSAS Winner: Gaskin’s Cabin Restaurant, Eureka Springs Runners-up: Doe’s, Fayetteville, Mike’s Place, Conway, Ruth’s Chris, Rogers.

DESSERTS

LITTLE ROCK Winner: Trio’s Runners-up: Community Bakery, Copeland’s, Silvek’s. AROUND ARKANSAS Winner: Gaskin’s Cabin Restaurant, Eureka Springs Runners-up: Ed and Kay’s, Benton; Family Pie Shop, DeValls Bluff; Mike’s Place, Conway. Continued on page 31

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www.arktimes.com • february 9, 2011 29

BRIAN CHILSON

TRIO’S: This year’s big winner.

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RESTAURANTS Continued from page 28

COFFEE

LITTLE ROCK Winner: Guillermo’s Gourmet Grounds Runners-up: Boulevard Bread Co., River City Coffee Co., Starbucks. AROUND ARKANSAS Winner: Common Grounds, Fayetteville Runners-up: Mud Street Cafe, Eureka Springs; Something Brewing, Conway; Sweet Bay Coffee Co., Fort Smith.

HOME COOKING

LITTLE ROCK Winner: Your Mama’s Good Food Runners-up: Bobby’s Country Cookin’, Dixie Cafe, Homer’s. AROUND ARKANSAS Winner: Holly’s Country Cooking, Conway Runners-up: Bryce’s Cafeteria, Texarkana; Calico County, Fort Smith; Ed and Kay’s, Benton.

FUN

LITTLE ROCK Winner: Dizzy’s Gypsy Bistro Runners-up: American Pie Pizza, Cheeburger Cheeburger, Purple Cow.

Thank you for voting us one of the best since 2000!

AROUND ARKANSAS Winner: Green Cart Deli, Conway Runners-up: Fat Jack’s, Texarkana; Mike’s Place, Conway; Rolando’s, Hot Springs.

Thanks to Our Customers for Making Us a Winner!

PLACE FOR KIDS

LITTLE ROCK Winner: Purple Cow Runners-up: American Pie Pizza, Playtime Pizza, ZaZa. AROUND ARKANSAS Winner: Purple Cow, Hot Springs Runners-up: MarketPlace Grill, Conway; Nickel & Dime Diner, Fort Smith; Playworld Pizza, Conway.

ROMANTIC

LITTLE ROCK Winner: Ashley’s Runners-up: 1620, Brave New Restaurant, Ferneau. AROUND ARKANSAS Winner: Gaskin’s Cabin Restaurant, Eureka Springs Runners-up: Belle Arti, Hot Springs; Michelangelo’s, Conway; Mike’s Place, Conway. Continued on page 33

eat local

World Champion Barbecue 2516 Cantrell Road • Little Rock • 664-5025 12111 W. Markham • Little Rock • 907-6124 5107 Warden Rd • North Little Rock • 753-9227 150 E. Oak St. • Conway • 513-0600 Visit www.wholehogcafe.com for other locations throughout Arkansas!

Again and again and again… there’s a reason why readers choose Bruno’s Little Italy as the Best Italian!

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Serving Fine Italian Food Since 1949 Dine In or Carry Out Dinner: Mon-Sat From 5pm

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The Bowman Colonnade • 315 N. Bowman www.arktimes.com • FEBRUARY 9, 2011 31

S! A S An k r A U o Y k n tHA

An Award winning tradition Since 1928! • Favorite restaurant in Hot Springs • best barbecue Around Arkansas As seen on the Food Network’s “The Best Of”

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BRIAN CHILSON

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KEEPING IT INTERESTING: Sushi Cafe.

RESTAURANTS Continued from page 31

WINE LIST

Best Deli / Gourmet

LITTLE ROCK Winner: Trio’s Runners-up: Ashley’s, Ciao Baci, Ferneau. AROUND ARKANSAS Winner: Michelangelo’s, Conway Runners-up: Bordinos, Fayetteville; Gaskin’s Cabin Restaurant, Eureka Springs; James at the Mill, Johnson.

SERVER

LITTLE ROCK Winner: Justin Horton, Capi’s and Trio’s Runners-up: Aimee Stockton, Dizzy’s; Brent Orlicek, The Faded Rose; Penne McKinnie, American Pie Pizza.

CHEF

LITTLE ROCK Winner: Peter Brave, Brave New Restaurant Runners-up: Capi Peck, Capi’s and Trio’s; Donnie Ferneau, Ferneau; Lee Richardson, Ashley’s and Capital Bar and Grill.

Healthy Food At Reasonable Prices The Alternative To Your Basic Delivery

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Continued on page 35 www.arktimes.com • FEBRUARY 9, 2011 33

2011 Readers Choice Awards

CONGRATULATIONS TO THE WINNERS From the Sponsors of the 2011 Arkansas Times Readers Choice Awards Year after year we are proud to be a part of this prestigious contest honoring outstanding restaurants all over the state of Arkansas. It’s an honor to serve the needs of the restaurant community. Keep up the good work.

• Diamond sponsors •

• gold sponsors •

Best

RESTAURANTS Continued from page 33

OTHER CITY BESTS

BENTON/BRYANT Winner: La Hacienda Runners-up: Brown’s Country Store and Restaurant, Ed and Kay’s, Luigi’s. CONWAY Winner: Mike’s Place Runners-up: Michelangelo’s, Stoby’s, ZaZa. EUREKA SPRINGS Winner: Gaskin’s Cabin Restaurant Runners-up: DeVito’s, Ermilo’s, New Delhi Cafe. FAYETTEVILLE AREA Winner: Theo’s Runners-up: Bordinos, Hugo’s, James at the Mill. HOT SPRINGS AREA Winner: Ronaldo’s Runners-up: Belle Arti Italian Ristorante, Fisherman’s Wharf, McClard’s.

WELSPUN

Continued from page 8 As for what happens next, Janicki says he plans to meet with OSHA officials to discuss the recent citation and fine within the next couple of weeks. He says the company will take issue with some of the violations cited by the regulatory agency and work to correct the rest. “They’ve been working with us,” Janicki says. “We’ve abated everything that they’ve pointed out. We got the citation, however we get to have a hearing on that. That is not final. What was issued was strictly preliminary and now we get to meet with them and discuss that point-by-point. That’s a normal procedure that you go though. It’s called an informal conference, where you meet with the director and walk through pointby-point and come to some agreement, because this is strictly the inspector’s opinion at this point in time.” OSHA officials say the investigation

INSIDER

Continued from page 3

A bridge too far? n The Arkansas Highway and Transportation Department has set aside $45 million to replace the Broadway Bridge in Little Rock. State Rep. John Walker has been pressing highway officials to have a public process before taking that step over a less costly project to cure structural deficiencies. He also questions the community impact of changing the major transportation artery. He said too little thought was given the segregative effects of the Mills Freeway, discussed in David Koon’s recent

over the death at the plant will be concluded within six months. Welspun’s negative press doesn’t end with safety violations. Questions have also been raised about the quality of the company’s product. In 2009, the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration released a bulletin detailing an investigation of seven pipelines in the United States. Their investigation showed five of the seven contained significant amounts of defective pipe. A report by the environmental group Plains Justice summarized the findings: “A number of companies are implicated in producing defective pipe, but it appears that Welspun Corp. Ltd (Welspun), an Indian steel pipe manufacturer, produced most of it. For example, according to released documents, Welspun was responsible for 88 percent of pipe with expansion anomalies.” Janicki, who wasn’t asked about the pipe quality issue in the interview about worker safety, wasn’t immediately available for comment on this report.

Thank you! Guillermo’s Customers are the best!

Burger AgAin & AgAin & AgAin & AgAin & AgAin & AgAin & AgAin & AgAin

Great Steaks and Sandwiches, too! 501-228-4448 Phone www.Twitter.com/G3coffee www.Facebook.com/G3coffee www.G3Coffee.com

cover story.

Pants on the ground

n Rep. Tracy Steele told Broadway Joe on his Power 92 radio show this week that he had plans to introduce legislation to ensure that school districts enforced dress codes that prohibited the wearing of pants that sag so low underwear is exposed. First question: Does the legislature really need to waste time on a “fashion” statement that most school districts, if not all, already prohibit? Steele, who is term-limited but reportedly planning a race for North Little Rock mayor, naturally thinks this is an important topic. He said Broadway Joe’s listeners overwhelmingly liked his idea.

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EYE ON ARKANSAS

Editorial n The Arkansas legislature is seldom so brash as to do what’s right first shot out of the box. Legislative progress is measured in dribs and drabs. What would be right would be to prohibit people from driving and talking on the phone at the same time. Instead, the legislature is debating two bills that would ban the use of hand-held phones in school zones, SB 154 and HB 1049. The superior bill, SB 154, would also ban the use of hand-held phones by drivers in a highway work zone while a worker is present. We recall that during the last big highway improvement project, several years ago, impatient and garrulous motorists picked off about one road worker a week on I-40 between Little Rock and Memphis. That phones are hand-held is not really the problem. Inattention is the problem. Many studies have shown that drivers are as distracted by hands-free phones as by the hand-held jobs, and that with either kind of phone, a chatty driver’s skills degenerate to the level of a drunken driver’s. Still, there is always a case for half a loaf. The legislature took a little action on talking and texting by certain drivers in the last legislative session. They can sidle a bit nearer highway safety by approving the bills now before them. This is real prolife legislation.

Honors for one n Racists can rally around a Ronald Reagan — and did when he was alive — but not around the Great Emancipator, Abraham Lincoln. The modern Republican Party in the South is built on this understanding. Predictably then, Arkansas Republicans sponsored a legislative resolution praising Reagan and declaring Feb. 6, 2011, his 100th birthday, as “Ronald Reagan Day.” Diffident Democrats went along. (Some of the Democratic legislators reportedly said privately that they’d voted for Reagan themselves. We can well believe it.) There was no companion resolution on Lincoln, who also has a birthday this month, a birthday that is a legal holiday in many states, though not in Arkansas, where we celebrate Robert E. Lee’s birthday instead. Lincoln is arguably the greatest president, and unquestionably the greatest Republican president. Reagan used TV well, Lincoln wrote noble and eloquent messages that inspired the people of his day and are recited with awe still. While the legislature was celebrating Ronald Reagan, the chairman of the Jackson County Republican Party was resigning rather than give up his membership in a conservative group that calls itself “pro-white.” Devoted Reaganauts, we’ll wager, and not at all keen on A. Lincoln.

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36 FEBRUARY 9, 2011 • ARKANSAS TIMES

PAUL BARROWS

Save kids and workers

AS THE SNOW FLIES: Snow from a recent storm covers the Arkansas Vietnam memorial. More winter weather is on the way, forecasts call for six to eight inches of snow to blanket central Arkansas beginning Wednesday.

The extremists’ agenda n A reporter for Stephens Media took note the other day of the failure of several pieces of legislation sponsored by “social conservatives.” The reporter unwittingly fell victim to propaganda that the Republican Party base has worked hard to sell. The theme: Conservatives have a rigid set of identical beliefs — embodied in the Republican platform. Deviance from the entirety of that agenda spells political doom for any who fail to obey a single commandment. The result: Stepford GOP candidates. The exceptions — Olympia Snowe and Susan Collins — aren’t long for the Republican political world, not when the Tea Party in Utah is harrumphing about Orrin Hatch’s liberal tendencies. Real-world conservatives are far more diverse than this orthodoxy suggests. Happily, Arkansas Democrats haven’t been wholly spooked, even with the November election massacre. They participated in defeat of several elements of what the reporter described as the “social conservatives’ ” agenda. It is not because they are liberal, or that the state of Arkansas is Taxachusetts. It is because there are degrees of conservatism and what the reporter described as social conservatism actually is extremist conservatism that hasn’t yet wholly taken over all Arkansas and U.S. voters. Solidly centrist and popular Democratic Gov. Mike Beebe was a key player in defeat of some of the extremist proposals. For example: • The Family Council’s anti-lottery push is going nowhere. Many self-described conservatives voted for the lottery, unless you believe 60 percent-plus of the electorate is liberal. • Republican extremists tried to nullify federal health care reform legislation. Many conservatives understand federal supremacy. Some conservatives — and the best sorts of Christians — support using the power of the federal government to insure health coverage for poor people. The legislature, led by Gov. Beebe, wouldn’t back an extremist’s bill to cripple the required insurance coverage in

Max Brantley max@arktimes.com

federal health legislation. • Republican extremists want to prevent women who’ve been raped or impregnated by a relative from using private insurance to pay for abortions — even for a 24-hour pill to expel a microscopic fertilized egg hours after sex. Polling has consistently shown that a majority favor retention of a legal right to abortion, particularly in cases of rape and incest. It’s only extremists, not mainstream conservatives, who want to punish rape victims. Gov. Beebe favored such protection, and it was provided by a legislative amendment that outraged the extremists last week. • Legislation to facilitate open carry of firearms seems headed for trouble. Gun instructors, police, Gov. Beebe again and many other conservatives think Arkansas is sufficiently friendly to guns without encouraging Gunsmoke-style pistol packing. I wish I could claim liberal dominance for these outcomes, but it wouldn’t be true. The defeat of this extremist (not simply conservative) agenda can be credited to a blend of liberals, middle-of-the-roaders and conservatives. I look forward to the debate on the Family Council’s silliest proposal, a bill to “reaffirm” First Amendment religion protections. As the Family Council well knows, the Arkansas legislature has historically been an enemy of religious freedom, with support for everything from creation science to mandated prayer exercises. What the Family Council wants is the assurance that they can impose their religion and bigotry on the rest of us. To call this an affirmation of the First Amendment is an insult to real conservatives.

BRIAN CHILSON

Clinton’s post-mortem n Whatever his failings in everyday life or in governance, put Bill Clinton in front of a roomful of laborers or intellectuals and he always delivers a tour de force. The venue recentlty was the World Economic Forum at Davos, Switzerland, where the former president was invited by its founder, the German economist Dr. Klaus Schwab, to talk about a way out of the problems of the world. Whatever the questions from the brains—the uneven distribution of global economic growth, Haiti, Tunisia, China, disease and human development in sub-Saharan Africa, energy, the environment, the future of the United States or subatomic physics—it sounded like Clinton had studied or thought about nothing else for the past 10 years. Numbers, anecdotes and ideas flowed in a ceaseless torrent. But the subject he knew best because it required only refined intuition and no research was the American political predicament. Schwab said the U.S. society seemed to the rest of the world to be unusually polarized and he wondered whether it was momentary, what it portended and Clinton’s recipe for bringing the country together. “Let’s just look at the political season through which we have just come,” Clinton said. The Democrats were due to lose a lot of seats in Congress in 2010 because they

Ernest Dumas had picked up marginal seats in 2006 and 2008 owing to the terrible economy and the unpopularity of the Middle East wars. But the party took a much worse beating, he said, because the economy was still bad and “because there was a well-organized, well-financed, two-year effort to drive every alienated person nuts by comparing the president and the leaders of Congress to crypto-socialists who were driving the country flat off the brink.” The opposition claims often had not the remotest connection to reality, such as Rep. Michelle Bachmann’s ridiculous assertion in the tea-party response to the president State of the Union message that America had the greatest healthcare system in the world and didn’t need reform. Clinton said he and anyone in the room could get worldclass healthcare in the United States but that was not the same thing as having a system that worked for everyone. He said he didn’t blame the Republicans for driving the lies because their job is to win. Democrats were to blame for not hav-

Race is hard, but justice should not be n There is ripe and racially explosive criticism readily available for what I am about to write. It is that I wade into the extreme and embedded racial polarization in eastern Arkansas, and to the ensuing breakdown in certain areas of the Delta in dispensing criminal justice, only because the matter is related to the brutal death in a prominent Little Rock neighborhood of a young blonde white woman who worked on the air in local television. It is true. Today’s subject got on my radar only because the convicted rapist and killer of Anne Pressly did not get convicted last week in Marianna, his home, of raping another white woman. This other accuser of Curtis Lavelle Vance had come to depressed Marianna as part of the Teach for America program. That is a program by which some of our brightest young college graduates go into chronically underperforming classrooms to try to lift the educational opportunities of children trapped in cycles of poverty, Vance’s DNA was found in semen on the victim’s robe and swabbed in her rape kit.

John Brummett jbrummett@arkansasnews.com

Vance’s lawyer did not dispute this scientific evidence, because he could not. He argued only that it had not been sufficiently explained to the jury. Otherwise, Vance seemed to carry the day for his own defense by telling the jury directly that the only reason he ever admitted to Little Rock police that he was in the victim’s house — an irrelevant element that the prosecution ignored because of the conclusiveness of DNA — was that he was frightened by the police and mobs. He apparently made a connection. There was a hung jury, 7-to-5 for acquittal. Seven of the jurors were black and five were white. The victim has decided not to endure another trial. It turns out, I am told reliably, that juries in Lee and Phillips Counties, poor and majority African-American, have a pattern

ing a strategy to counter then. So Democrats were made responsible for the mushrooming national debt and raging government spending and had been raising everyone’s taxes. The opposite was true but the Democrats never countered with it. He might have pointed out, but didn’t, that federal income tax rates have been coming down for everyone in America for three generations, with a small bump here and there for many people in the highest income groups and that all federal taxes combined—income, excise and payroll— as a share of the nation’s economic output are the lowest in 60 years and will fall even lower this year. But let Clinton tell the story of how the people rewarded the policies that they say they are against by voting for the party that was responsible for them. “Since 1981 when the Republican Party parted from traditional conservatism into demonizing the government as an institution by saying the most important thing you can do is to cut taxes and attack government, America has been dominated by them. We had eight years and they had 20—12 on one side of me, and eight on the other—until President Obama was elected. Now, during that time the conservatives produced 20 deficits. They quadrupled the debt before I took office and doubled it again when I left, and I produced four budgets that were surpluses and paid down 600 billion dollars on the debt. In other words, it’s not what it seems.”

Clinton said he lost control of Congress in 1994 because while the Democrats raised a lot of money they spent it in individual races instead of a national campaign like they do in presidential election years. Republicans always have a unified national strategy and the Democrats rarely do. But the Democrats ran a national campaign in the 1998 midterm elections and won for the first time in a six-year presidency since 1822. “In 2010,” he said, “for reasons I will never understand, the Democrats reverted to the strategy of 1994, raised $1.6 billion and didn’t spend even 10 percent of it to tell the American people what they had done, what they intended to do and what the differences were. So basically we had no national message and they did.” The bleakest scenario, he said, is that the Republicans will prevail and attack the debt issue not by addressing the spending that caused the big run-up in the deficit—military and national security spending, Medicare and other healthcare costs—but by attacking the 15 percent of the budget that is the pathway to the future such as education, the environment and energy development. But he thought it likely that after going to the brink enough people of good will on both sides will get together to avoid doomsday and solve problems as Newt Gingrich and Bob Dole did in his second term. That is the other Clinton trait, brazen optimism.

of getting intractably divided along apparent racial divides when blacks are on trial, and not only when the victims are white. Fletcher Long of Forrest City, the veteran prosecuting attorney in the region, told me that he advised this victim that, while he would try to get justice for her, probably the best they could hope for would be a hung jury. He told me he once had a similar case, a black-on-white rape with DNA evidence that made the odds against the defendant’s innocence 2 trillion-to one — unless, that is, the defendant had an identical twin brother no one knew about. The jury was immovably divided along racial lines the first time and was immovably divided along racial lines in the retrial. Long said this kind of racial polarization in jury trials is surely not unique to these two counties or to the Delta. But he acknowledged that he had no broader direct experience. It probably is not unique. It probably is more pronounced. The nation is becoming multi-racial. The Delta remains starkly black-white, in addition to deeply poor. It was a biracial jury that convicted Vance in the Pressly case in Pulaski County. But that jury did resist the death penalty, perhaps because African-American jurors knew the historical context that a defendant is far more likely to get executed if he commits a capital crime against a white person than against a black person.

To understand and empathize with that kind of racial unfairness and resentment, at least to the extent that a white person can, and to regret all that has gone before and that tragically happens still. . .these are appropriate sensibilities. But they can never be allowed to extend to the point that we excuse an absolute breakdown in law and order. “It’s eating our society up if we don’t deal with it,” Long said. All people, but black people in the Delta in this specific context, must be able and willing to accept plain and overwhelming evidence of criminal guilt. They must be willing in the vital interest of justice to punish appropriately the perpetrator, the menace to the community, no matter the skin color and in spite of understandably deep resentment and distrust brought on by long and sordid histories of racism as manifested most vividly by unfairness against blacks in the criminal justice system. The social, economic and political challenges of race are far more complicated than that, of course. But, especially with genetic evidence, the criminal ones should not be. John Brummett is a columnist and reporter for Stephens Media’s Arkansas News Bureau. You can read additional Brummett columns in The Times of North Little Rock. www.arktimes.com • FEBRUARY 9, 2011 37

Argenta Community Theater Unveiled

The Opening ACT Special Guests Mary Steenburgen, President Bill Clinton, and Governor Mike Beebe

Gala Celebration Saturday, February 19, 2011 VIP Reception 6:30 p.m. Dinner & Program 7:30 p.m. Cocktail Attire The newly constructed Argenta Community Theater will celebrate its grand opening Saturday with the Opening ACT hosted by Oscar winning actress and former North Little Rock resident Mary Steenburgen. Main Street in North Little Rock will be closed and transformed into a dining and performance venue for ACT’s Opening ACT. President Bill Clinton will headline the Gala and other distinguished guests who will attend the gala event include Gov. Mike Beebe, Attorney General Dustin McDaniel, North Little Rock Mayor Patrick Henry Hays and Little Rock Mayor Mark Stodola. The Opening Act Gala will include a reception for sponsors followed by a formal seated dinner where guests will dine in an elaborate tented atmosphere located on Main Street. President Clinton will give a keynote address. Guests will also be entertained with dinner performances by Lawrence Hamilton, Arkansas Festival Ballet, Ballet Arkansas and other talented performing artists. Sponsored by:

The Argenta Community Theater (ACT), located in North Little Rock, Arkansas, is a non-profit organization committed to serving the community and state through education and advancement of the performing arts.

ACTing Together The mission of ACT is to provide a state-of-art theater to: • support Arkansas arts organizations • expose underprivileged and at-risk children to the arts • bring professional actors and dancers for children’s classes and programs Income generated from the use of the theater will go into a grant and scholarship fund. Individuals, non-profits and schools statewide will be eligible to apply. The ACT facility can be used for virtually anything, easily converting from theater-style seating to dinners or lectures and seminars. ACT founders Vincent Insalaco and Judy Tenenbaum established the organization because they saw a need to increase support for arts organizations throughout Arkansas. Gala Tickets: $150 Table of 10: $1,500 Call: 501-353-1443

Please R.S.V.P. by February 10. The Gala is February 19th.

Reserved seating is available for tables of ten. Table purchase includes 2 tickets to VIP reception at 6:30 pm.

ACT is a non profit 501c3 and your contribution is tax decuctible.

arts entertainment

This week in

Kid Rock plays Verizon

Mike Jones to Club Hollywood

PAGE 40

PAGE 41

and

TO-DO LIST 40

CALENDAR 42

MOVIES 48

DINING 50

JUDGES

BRIAN CHILSON

ANDY WARR WHO? Frontman for Brother Andy and His Big Damn Mouth, ATMS 2010 winners; Little Rock’s newest icon. ON YEAR OF THE TIGER. “Destroying it! For their second show! What a supreme collection of badasses.” COOL CATS: Year of the Tiger moves forward to the finals.

Week of

MUSICIANS SHOWCASE 2011

The Year of the Tiger

BONNIE MONTGOMERY WHO? Local songwriter/chanteuse, the mind behind “Billy Blythe.” ON YEAR OF THE TIGER. “Cool atmospheric vibe. Like Las Vegas, maybe? Also, mostly dudes like this band.”

MUSICIANS SHOWCASE 2011

The Underclaire/Moving Front fusion wins Round Two in a photo finish; Week Three this Thursday. BY JOHN TARPLEY

ou’d have to strap on some serious spelunking gear to dig deep enough into the Showcase files to find another semi-final night whose winner was decided by such a tight margin. The night’s lineup — of lounge, jam, garage and synth-y alt-rock — was as tight and creative as it was diverse. Heck, if The Smittle Band, Echo Canyon, The Yipps and Year of the Tiger faced off in the finals, I’d chalk it up as a successful year. But in the end, Year of the Tiger eked out the other high scores with a photo finish win. And for good reason. From the second it opened with a sine wave-dusted vocal sample to the end of its abbreviated, 25-minute set, the band ripped through a mutated mix of electronic post-punk and hard, loud Nation of Ulysses-esque rock, all punctuated by scatterbeats and brash, ambient interludes. It’s the sound (and the quality) you’d expect from the band, led by Mike Mullins of Underclaire, arguably the best alt-rock songwriter in

town, and Jeremy Brasher of, well, just about every other killer local band of the last 12 years. He’s the designated post-punk torchbearer of Little Rock. And rounded out by Josh Tate’s punching drums and fuzzed-out bass from Rob Brackett (who judge Andy Warr called “very well the best bass player under the age of 30 in town”). If this, the band’s second show ever, is any indicator, start bracing yourself for a lot to come from this new band of old veterans. We sure as hell are. On the other end of the spectrum, The Smittle Band minted a sterling reputation for itself as a regular fixture at jazz bars around town and didn’t disappoint Thursday night. Ever melodic and harmonic, the band brought its reliably tight sound, even with keyboardist Jim McGehee playing through a banged-up arm after getting t-boned at a stop light the night before. The keywords for the group’s set: tasteful and cohesive. Like most lounge music, it’s Continued on page 44

TRAVIS HILL WHO? The head of Last Chance Records, creator of the “Live from the White Water Tavern” album series. ON YEAR OF THE TIGER. “MASSIVE.”

MIKE BROWN WHO? Owner of Green Grass Bodega in the River Market, founder of RSVP Society, renowned DJ. ON YEAR OF THE TIGER. “They’re comin’ out original and there’s so much to soak in.” JEFF RIGGS (GUEST JUDGE) WHO? One half of the weekly “Arkansas Showcase” show on KABF. ON YEAR OF THE TIGER. “A great, great show band.”

www.arktimes.com • FEBRUARY 9, 2011 39

■ to-dolist

opening support from soul-filled area jam band FreeVerse.

INGRAM HILL

BY JOHN TARPLEY

7:30 p.m., Juanita’s. $12 adv., $15 d.o.s.

WEDNESDAY 2/9

n For 11 years, the Memphis act has enjoyed moderate success touring mid-sized venues and festival circuits around the country, spreading its almost-offensively inoffensive easy pop-rock stylings and lovelorn ballads for a bigger fanbase than one might expect. For most, the name Ingram Hill will elicit a shrug and no bother, but I’m willing to wager my meager tax refund that for every sorority house in the South, there’s at least one Greek letterchested lady who pores over the group’s easy-listening sentimentality. It’s college rock at its easiest. Think Train, Maroon 5 or OneRepublic rock schmaltz with the lightest dose of Southern edge possible. Guys will probably balk, if not at the music, at their girlfriends swooning along to songs like “Your Smiling Face,” “Love is Just a Word” and “Something to Cry To.” Spokane, Wash., singer/songwriter Jerad Finck opens the night with more touchy-feely, weepy-smiley tunes about girls.

KID ROCK

7 p.m., Verizon Arena. $25-$89.

n What the hell is Kid Rock going to be this month? Is he going to be Kid Rock, the greasy-haired goon emcee with a blunt of ditch weed in his hat? Is he going to be Kid Rock, the strip mall pimp? “Rock n’ roll Jesus?” The wifebeater-clad hick-hopper groaning into a mic, stomping around in front of the stars and bars? Lately he’s tried for what looks like “introspective white trash crooner,” but for Wednesday’s show at Verizon, he’ll probably be an unholy union of all the equally gross above. Now, it’s not that I want everyone with a guitar to be, say, Leonard Cohen: It’s just that when a singer has the capacity to release one of the best, most sublime country duets in recent memory with “Picture” then returns to being the musical equivalent of KFC’s Double Down sandwich with D-list strip club anthem “So Hott” and that godforsaken “Werewolves of London”/”Sweet Home Alabama” mashup “All Summer Long,” it gets exasperating. Simply put, there are moments that suggest Kid Rock could be the white trash answer to Beck. And I, for one, would love to hear a white trash Beck. Instead, he’s content to be another cog in the fast-food music machine, making Bret Michaels look like Jacques Brel.

‘THE SECOND ANNUAL MEETING OF THE LITTLE ROCK LEBOWSKI LEAGUE’ 6 p.m., Market Street Cinema. $10.

FRIDAY 2/11

DIRTY DOZEN BRASS BAND

9 p.m., Revolution. $12 adv., $15 d.o.s.

n Crescent City’s most famous and beloved brass band export has become a fairly regular staple on the Revolution stage. In fact, this is its third show in a year and a half. You’ll have a hard time finding anyone to complain about it. The Dirty Dozen Brass Band, named after the Dirty Dozen Social and Pleasure Club, has made the transition from one of countless other second-line outfits who buck jump, holler and horn through the streets of New Orleans to world-traveling ambassadors of the New Orleans sound, not to mention an instantlyrecognizable face of post-Katrina optimism and positivity. Like so many others, I’ve seen them more times than I can count and I’m never bored with them. Expect hours of in-your-face, relentless grooves from the usual opening number of “My Feet Can’t Fail Me Now” (the title track from their 1984 debut) to the rump-shaking gospels (“I’ll Fly Away”) and Stevie Wonder covers (“Superstitious”). The seven-piece gets 40 FEBRUARY 9, 2011 • ARKANSAS TIMES

HIS NAME IS KID: Kid Rock. And he’s playing Verizon Arena this Wednesday night unless the snow has something to say about it.

DOIN’ THE DOZENS: This Friday, beloved New Orleans brass outfit Dirty Dozen Brass Band comes back to Revolution for what’s sure to be another unfailingly great show.

n Year after year, the Coen Brothers make it harder to deny that they are the defining American filmmakers of the last 30 years. And with every Lebowskifest, the case for “The Big Lebowski” as “the Biggest Cult Movie of All-Time” gets a bit stronger. Dressing up? Quoting the movie? Swilling White Russians? Beginner stuff. Case in point: I recently wandered into a small corner store called “The Little Lebowski,” full of (and dedicated strictly to) everything Lebowski. Shirts, check. Posters, of course. The Time Magazine “Man of the Year” mirror: awesomely, yes. But what slayed me was a book, thick as The Jesus’ bowling ball, called “The Year’s Work in Lebowski Studies,” a send-up of academia, full of essays from the tongue-in-cheek theory of “Logjammin’ and Gutterballs: Masculinities in The Big Lebowski” to dense, Barthes-centric criticism in “Metonymic Hates and Metaphoric Tumbleweeds: Noir Literary Aesthetics in Miller’s Crossing and The Big Lebowski” and heady deconstructuction with “The Big Lebowski and Paul de Man: Historicizing Irony and Ironizing Historicism.” Expect that kind of passion on display around town this weekend for Little Rock’s own Lebowskifest, technically “The 2nd Annual Meeting of the Little Rock Lebowski League.” Friday through Sunday, Market Street Cinema opens its doors for screenings of the awesomely warped cartoon-noir at 4 p.m. and

dropping guest verses with everyone from Bun B to Ron Artest and, now, swinging to Little Rock for a club performance as part of Club Hollywood’s Friday Night Concert Series.

‘MA RAINEY’S BLACK BOTTOM’

7:30 p.m., The Weekend Theater. $10 students and seniors, $15 general admission.

HILL MUSIC: MOR pop-rock softies Ingram Hill return to Arkansas this Friday night for an engagement at Juanita’s.

n The Weekend Theater celebrates Black History Month with a play of race politics, Chicago jazz and opportunism in the recording studio as written by August Wilson, the late, legendary author of brilliant, Pulitzer-winning plays “The Piano Lesson” and “Fences.” “Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom” premiered on Broadway in 1984, winning the 1985 New York Drama Critics Circle Award for Best American Play and kicking off Wilson’s famous “Pittsburgh Cycle,” a 10-part, decade-by-decade exploration of the black experience in 20th century America. The play centers around four jazz musicians waiting for Ma Rainey, the famed “Mother of the Blues,” to arrive in the studio to record her new album. They spend the time telling war stories from segregated clubs, trading jazz-era tall tales and soon find themselves drowning in a competitive tension that comes to a head when Ma arrives with her entourage and two dubious, white producers. Few, if any, playwrights ever wrote with as much clarity and insight into the black experience as August Wilson and this, one of his best pieces, is no exception.

TUESDAY 2/15

‘ARKANSAWR’N’B: THE STATE’S FORGOTTEN RHYTHM ’N’ BLUES LEGACY’ Noon, Old State House Center. Free.

WHO?: Mike Jones, the Houston rapper behind “Still Tippin’ ” and “Drop and Gimme 50” comes to Club Hollywood this Friday night. 7:30 p.m. with trivia and costume contests on Friday and Saturday. Also on Saturday, a 10 p.m. Lebowski Bowl at Professor Bowl.

MIKE JONES

10 p.m., Club Hollywood. $10 early admission.

n In high school, Houston rapper Mike Jones would get regularly kicked out of class for shouting his own name. Apart from being, let’s admit it, kind of hilarious, it turned out to be a killer marketing strategy. His first single, “Still Tippin’,” is one of the best rap tracks of the aughts,

grounded by a wobbly, half-measure violin sample from the “William Tell Overture” and nailed down by, well, you know how it goes: “Mike Jones! Who? Mike Jones! Who?” I won’t go into how much fun it is to listen to the Swisha House Man of the Year roll alliteration and assonance into the microphone. “Pullin’ tricks, lookin’ slick at all times when I’m flippin’/bar sippin’, car dippin’ grand wood grain grippin’” may not be sublime, but it sounds cool. Since, he hasn’t been able to recreate the success and Dirty South brilliance of “Still Tippin’ ” (although “Drop and Gimme 50” came close), but he’s still on the grind, releasing the requisite number of yearly mixtapes,

n The Old State House Center’s weekly “Brown Bag Lunch Lecture Series” returns for another week of sammiches and learnin’ with Stephen Koch, musician, playwright, creator and host of NPR’s invaluable “Arkansongs,” and the capital-a Authority on Louis Jordan. “Arkansawr’n’b: the State’s Forgotten Rhythm ’n’ Blues Legacy” is an overview of Arkansas’s underestimated R&B legacy from the 1940s to the 1970s, from Camden-born Little Willie John to Hot Springs songwriter Henry Glover and iconic Stax chief Al Bell. A long-time champion of Arkansas’s role in the development of rhythm and blues, Koch goes beyond the recordings themselves and takes the music as “a springboard to discuss Arkansas history, politics, social issues, geography – you name it.” It’s a “must-do” for any music geek worth his or her weight in wax.

■ inbrief

THURSDAY 1/10

n Cornerstone Pub and Grill in Argenta hosts another revue of local rap and hip-hop acts with the D-Mite and Tho-d Studios Showcase, 8:30 p.m. Guitarist Steve Davison and special guest Micky Rigby perform a little acoustic guitar magic at Laman Library in North Little Rock, 7 p.m., free. At Cajun’s Wharf, Chris DeClerk entertains the happy hour crowd, 5:30 p.m., before roving bar rockers Tragikly White take stage with their pluggedin modern rock for the late-night crew, 9 p.m., $5 after 8:30 p.m. Comedy everywhere with hypnotist Dr. Jon Taylor at the MacArthur Museum of Arkansas Military History, 6:30 p.m.; Tim Kidd lands in The Loony Bin, 8 p.m., $6-$9.

FRIDAY 1/11

n The Afterthought gets a dose of the electric blues from Big John Miller Band, 9 p.m., $7. Grungy, melodic cowpunk act Dirtfoot returns to Maxine’s in Hot Springs with opening support from throwback country-folk fingerpicker Brian Martin, 8 p.m., $6 adv., $8 d.o.s. Husband and wife duo Carolina Story, Southern blues-soul act King Coalition and Little Rock’s Leonard Cohen, Adam Faucett, hit the backroom at Vino’s, 9 p.m., $10. Nineties-loving alternative rockers Se7en Sharp and femme-fronted hard prog rockers Malcadence play Cornerstone Pub and Grill, 9 p.m., $5. UCA hosts “Who Will Build Arkansas if Her Own People Do Not,” a day-long symposium on the role of the former Arkansas Gazette in the Central High Crisis, including an address by Minnijean Brown Trickey and screenings of “Woodruff: A Lesson in Non-Violence” and “The Crisis Mr. Faubus Made,” 3 p.m., free.

SATURDAY 1/12

n The Arkansas Symphony Orchestra gets lovey-dovey at Robinson Center Music Hall with “Couples that Stole Your Heart,” a review of music picked from classic romance movies ranging from “It Had to Be You” to “My Heart Will Go On,” 8 p.m., $35$65. 1999 pays tribute to Prince and the Revolution at, wouldn’t you know it, Revolution, 9 p.m., $10. White Water Tavern hosts a night of chugging, danceable classic blues from the Dylan-covering John Goode and Friends, 10 p.m. Maxine’s shows off some Hot Springs cuties with the Spa City Sweethearts Burlesque Revue, a fund-raiser to benefit the non-profit Low Key Arts, 8 p.m., $10. www.arktimes.com • FEBRUARY 9, 2011 41

www.arktimes.com

afterdark

All events are in the Greater Little Rock area unless otherwise noted. To place an event in the Arkansas Times calendar, please e-mail the listing and all pertinent information, including date, time, location, price and contact information, to calendar@arktimes.com.

COMEDY

Dr. Jon Taylor, hypnotist. MacArthur Museum of Arkansas Military History, 6:30 p.m. 503 E. 9th St. 376-4602. www.arkmilitaryheritage.com. Tim Kidd. The Loony Bin, through Feb. 10, 8 p.m.; Feb. 11, 8 and 10:30 p.m.; Feb. 12, 7, 9 and 11 p.m., $6-$9. 10301 N. Rodney Parham Road. 501-2285555. www.loonybincomedy.com.

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 9 MUSIC

Acoustic Open Mic with Kat Hood. The Afterthought, 8 p.m. 2721 Kavanaugh Blvd. 501-6631196. www.afterthoughtbar.com. Bolly Open Mic Hype Night with Osyrus Bolly and DJ Messiah. All American Wings, 9 p.m. 215 W. Capitol Ave. 501-376-4000. allamericanwings.com. Brian & Nick. Cajun’s Wharf, 5 p.m. 2400 Cantrell Road. 501-375-5351. www.cajunswharf.com. Freak Owls. Maxine’s, 9 p.m., free. 700 Central Ave., Hot Springs. maxinespub.com. Jim Dickerson. Sonny Williams’ Steak Room, 7 p.m. 500 President Clinton Ave. 501-324-2999. www. sonnywilliamssteakroom.com. Karaoke at Khalil’s. Khalil’s Pub, 7 p.m. 110 S. Shackleford Road. 501-224-0224. www.khalilspub. com. Karaoke. Hibernia Irish Pub, 9 p.m. 9700 N Rodney Parham Road. 501-246-4340. www.hiberniairishtavern.com/index.html. Karaoke with Big John Miller. Denton’s Trotline, 8 p.m. 2150 Congo Road, Benton. 501-315-1717. Kevin Black. Markham Street Grill And Pub, 9 p.m. 11321 W. Markham St. 501-224-2010. www. markhamst.com. Kid Rock, Jamey Johnson. Verizon Arena, 7 p.m., $25-$89. 1 Alltel Arena Way, NLR. 501-975-9001. verizonarena.com‚Äé. Lucious Spiller Band. Stickyz Rock ‘n’ Roll Chicken Shack, 9:30 p.m., $5. 107 Commerce St. 501-372-7707. www.stickyfingerz.com. The St. Olaf Choir. For tickets, visit stolaftickets. com, call 800-363-5487 or e-mail tickets@stolaf.edu. Pulaski Heights Methodist Church, 7:30 p.m., $30. 4823 Woodlawn Drive. Ted Ludwig Trio. Capital Bar and Grill, 5 p.m., free. 111 Markham St. 501-374-7474. www.capitalhotel. com/CBG.

COMEDY

Tim Kidd. The Loony Bin, 8 p.m.; Feb. 11, 8 and 10:30 p.m.; Feb. 12, 7, 9 and 11 p.m., $6-$9. 10301 N. Rodney Parham Road. 501-228-5555. www.loonybincomedy.com.

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 10 MUSIC

Arkansas Times Musicians Showcase Round Three with Brethren, The Pink Drapes, Michael Leonard Witham, This Holy House. Stickyz Rock ‘n’ Roll Chicken Shack, 8:30 p.m., $5. 107 Commerce St. 501-372-7707. www.stickyfingerz.com. Brian & Nick. Markham Street Grill And Pub, 9 p.m. 11321 W. Markham St. 501-224-2010. www. markhamst.com. The Compromise, During the Sermon, Next Generation. Stickyz Rock ‘n’ Roll Chicken Shack, 8 p.m., $7. 107 Commerce St. 501-372-7707. www. stickyfingerz.com. D-Mite and Tho-d Studios Showcase. 42 FEBRUARY 9, 2011 • ARKANSAS TIMES

Cornerstone Pub & Grill, 9 p.m. Cornerstone Pub & Grill, 8:30 p.m. 314 Main St., NLR. 501-374-1782. cstonepub.com. “V.I.P. Thursdays” with DJ Silky Slim. Sway, 8 p.m., $3. 412 Louisiana. 501-907-2582. Jim Dickerson. Sonny Williams’ Steak Room, 7 p.m. 500 President Clinton Ave. 501-324-2999. www. sonnywilliamssteakroom.com. Jim Mize, Chris Michaels. The Afterthought, 9 p.m., $7. 2721 Kavanaugh Blvd. 501-663-1196. www. afterthoughtbar.com. Luke Williams. Denton’s Trotline, 9 p.m. 2150 Congo Road, Benton. 501-315-1717. Steve Davison and Micky Rigby, guitarists. Laman Library, 7 p.m., free. 2801 Orange St., NLR. 501-758-1720. www.lamanlibrary.org. Ted Ludwig Trio. Capital Bar and Grill, 5 p.m., free. 111 Markham St. 501-374-7474. www.capitalhotel. com/CBG. Tragikly White (headliners), Chris DeClerk (happy hour). Cajun’s Wharf, 5:30 and 9 p.m., $5 after 8:30 p.m. 2400 Cantrell Road. 501-375-5351. www.cajunswharf.com.

EVENTS

Central Arkansas Genealogical and Historical Society. Linda McDowell with the Arkansas History Commission will offer insight to newspapers and how they can help with family history and genealogical research. Arkansas Studies Institute, 6 p.m., free. 401 President Clinton Ave. 501-320-5792. www.arstudies. org/.

LECTURES

Leo Honeycutt. The former broadcast journalist will discuss his book, an authorized biography of former Louisiana Gov. Edwin Edwards, who served a historic four terms in office before being sentenced to 10 years in federal prison for extortion in 2001. For tickets or more information, e-mail publicprograms@clintonschool.uasys.edu. Clinton School of Public Service, 6 p.m., free. 1200 President Clinton Ave. 501-683-5239. www.clintonschool.uasys.edu.

SPORTS

Horse racing. Oaklawn, $2.50-$4.50. 2705 Central Ave., Hot Springs. 501-623-4411. www.oaklawn.com.

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 11 MUSIC

STILL STRAGGLING: An Oklahoman all-star of the Red Dirt country movement, Jason Boland comes to Revolution (sans his backing band, The Stragglers) on Valentine’s Eve, Sunday, Jan. 13, for a night of bonfired, back home nu-western music.

Adam Carroll, Owen Temple. White Water Tavern, 10 p.m. 2500 W. 7th. 501-375-8400. www.myspace. com/whitewatertavern. Big John Miller Band. The Afterthought, 9 p.m., $7. 2721 Kavanaugh Blvd. 501-663-1196. www.afterthoughtbar.com. Carolina Story, Whiskey King Coalition, Adam Faucett. Vino’s, 9 p.m., $10. 923 W. Seventh St. 501-375-8466. www.vinosbrewpub.com. Chris Henry. Flying Saucer, 9 p.m., $3. 323 President Clinton Ave. 501-372-7468. www.beerknurd.com/ stores/littlerock. Cody Belew and the Mercers (headliner), Richie Johnson (happy hour). Cajun’s Wharf, 5:30 and 9 p.m., $5 after 8:30 p.m. 2400 Cantrell Road. 501-375-5351. www.cajunswharf.com. David LaMotte. First Presbyterian Church of North Little Rock, 7 p.m., $15. 201 West 4th St., NLR. 501-374-7677. Dirtfoot, Brian Martin. Maxine’s, 8 p.m., $6 adv., $8 d.o.s. 700 Central Ave., Hot Springs. maxinespub. com. Dirty Dozen Brass Band. Revolution, 9 p.m., $12 adv., $15 d.o.s. 300 President Clinton Ave. 501-8230090. revroom.com. DJ Ja’Lee. Sway, 8 p.m., $5. 412 Louisiana. 501-907-2582. Ingram Hill, Jerad Finck. Juanita’s, 7:30 p.m., $12 adv., $15 d.o.s. 1300 S. Main St. 501-372-1228. www.juanitas.com. Jeff Coleman. Sonny Williams’ Steak Room, Feb. 11-12, 7 p.m., 7pm. 500 President Clinton Ave. 501-324-2999. www.sonnywilliamssteakroom.com. Randall Shreve. Stickyz Rock ‘n’ Roll Chicken Shack, 9 p.m., $5. 107 Commerce St. 501-372-7707.

UPCOMING EVENTS Concert tickets through Ticketmaster by phone at 975-7575 or online at www.ticketmaster.com unless otherwise noted. FEB. 21: Tapes n’ Tapes. 9 p.m., $12 adv., $14 d.o.s. Stickyz, 107 Commerce St. 3727707, stickyfingerz.com FEB. 26: Pinetop Perkins. 9 p.m., $20. Stickyz, 107 Commerce St. 372-7707, stickyfingerz.com. MARCH 12: Baths. 9 p.m., $10. Stickyz, 107 Commerce St. 372-7707, stickyfingerz.com. MARCH 18: 8Ball & MJG. 9 p.m. Revolution, 300 President Clinton AV. 823-0090, revroom. com. MARCH 27: Destroyer. 9 p.m., $10 adv., $12 d.o.s. Stickyz, 107 Commerce St. 372-7707, stickyfingerz.com. MAY 24-26: “Beauty and the Beast.” 7:30 p.m. Robinson Center Music Hall, Markham and Broadway. 244-8800, celebrityattractions.com. MAY 27-29: Riverfest 2011. Downtown Little Rock. riverfestarkansas.com. www.stickyfingerz.com. Se7en Sharp, Malcadence. Cornerstone Pub & Grill, 9 p.m. Cornerstone Pub & Grill, 9 p.m., $5. 314 Main St., NLR. 501-374-1782. cstonepub.com. Seth Freeman. West End Smokehouse and Tavern, 10 p.m., $5. 215 N. Shackleford. 501-224-7665. www. westendsmokehouse.net. Ted Ludwig Trio. Capital Bar and Grill, 9 p.m. 111 Markham St. 501-374-7474. www.capitalhotel.com/ CBG. Tonya Leeks. Markham Street Grill And Pub, 9 p.m. 11321 W. Markham St. 501-224-2010. www. markhamst.com. Tragikly White. Denton’s Trotline, 9 p.m. 2150 Congo Road, Benton. 501-315-1717.

COMEDY

Tim Kidd. The Loony Bin, Feb. 11, 8 and 10:30 p.m.; Feb. 12, 7, 9 and 11 p.m., $6-$9. 10301 N. Rodney Parham Road. 501-228-5555. www.loonybincomedy. com.

EVENTS

Arkansas RV Show. The annual RV showcase returns with exhibitors, dealers and expositions. For more information, call 501-225-6177 or visit dgattractions.com. Statehouse Convention Center, Feb. 11-13. 7 Statehouse Plaza. LGBTQ/SGL Youth and Young Adult Group. Diverse Youth for Social Change is a group for LGBTQ/SGL and Straight Ally Youth and Young Adults age 14 to 23. For more information, call 244-9690 or search “DYSC” on Facebook. 800 Scott St., 6:30 p.m. 800 Scott St.

LECTURES

James E. K. Hildreth, Ph.D., M.D.. The director of the National Institutes of Health Center for AIDS Health Disparities Research at Meharry Medical College speaks as part of the Arkansas Black Hall of Fame “Distinguished Laureate Series.” For more information, e-mail info@mosaictemplarscenter.com or call 683-3593. Mosaic Templars Cultural Center, 10 a.m. 501 W. 9th St. 501-376-4602. www.mosaictemplarscenter.com. “Who Will Build Arkansas if Her Own People Do Not: A Historical Perspective.” A day-long symposium on the role of the Arkansas Gazette in the Central High Crisis. Events include a keynote address by Minnijean Brown Trickey, one of the Little Rock Nine, a panel discussion and screenings of “Woodruff: A Lesson on Non-Violence” and “The Crisis Mr. Faubus Made: The Role of the Arkansas Gazette in the Central High Crisis.” University of Central Arkansas, 3 p.m., free. 201 Donaghey Ave., Conway. www.uca.edu.

SPORTS

Horse racing. Oaklawn, $2.50-$4.50. 2705 Central Ave., Hot Springs. 501-623-4411. www.oaklawn.com.

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 12 MUSIC

1999. Revolution, 9 p.m., $10. 300 President Clinton Ave. 501-823-0090. revroom.com. Arkansas Symphony Orchestra: “Couples

That Stole Your Heart.” Robinson Center Music Hall, Feb. 12, 8 p.m.; Feb. 13, 3 p.m., $35-$65. Markham and Broadway. www.littlerockmeetings. com/conv-centers/robinson. Big John Miller. Markham Street Grill And Pub, 9 p.m. 11321 W. Markham St. 501-224-2010. www. markhamst.com. Big Brown CD Release Party. Discovery Nightclub, 9 p.m., $12. 1021 Jessie Road. 501-6644784. www.latenightdisco.com. Blind Mary, 3 Miles From Providence, Around the Six, Affectus, The Weeping Gate. Vino’s, 7 p.m., $8. 923 W. Seventh St. 501-375-8466. www. vinosbrewpub.com. DJs Kramer (lobby); Michael Shane, Justin Sane (disco); g-force (Hip-Hop). Discovery Nightclub, 10 p.m., $12. 1021 Jessie Road. 501-6644784. www.latenightdisco.com. DJ Ja’Lee. Sway, 8 p.m., $5. 412 Louisiana. 501-907-2582. Donna Massey and Blue Eyed Soul (headliner), Gina Chavez (happy hour). Cajun’s Wharf, 5:30 and 9 p.m., $5 after 8:30 p.m. 2400 Cantrell Road. 501-375-5351. www.cajunswharf.com. Hawthorne Heights, A Faith Forgotten, Lovers and Liars. Juanita’s, 9 p.m., $10 adv., $12 d.o.s. 1300 S. Main St. 501-372-1228. www.juanitas.com. “Jazz vs. Hip-Hop” with Rodney Block and the Real Music Lovers, Goines. Mediums Art Lounge, 9 p.m., $10, $15 reserved seating. 521 Center St. 501-374-4495. Jeff Coleman. Sonny Williams’ Steak Room, 7 p.m., 7pm. 500 President Clinton Ave. 501-324-2999. www. sonnywilliamssteakroom.com. John Goode and Friends. White Water Tavern, 10 p.m. 2500 W. 7th. 501-375-8400. www.myspace. com/whitewatertavern. Junior Steele. Flying Saucer, 9 p.m., $3. 323 President Clinton Ave. 501-372-7468. www.beerknurd.com/stores/littlerock. Karaoke at Khalil’s. Khalil’s Pub, 7 p.m. 110 S. Shackleford Road. 501-224-0224. www.khalilspub. com. Micahel Leonard Witham. Cregeen’s Irish Pub, 9 p.m. 301 Main St., NLR. 501-376-7468. www. cregeens.com. Mighty Groove Kings. West End Smokehouse and Tavern, 10 p.m., $5. 215 N. Shackleford. 501-2247665. www.westendsmokehouse.net. Mobley, The Sound of the Mountain. Maxine’s, 8 p.m., $5. 700 Central Ave., Hot Springs. maxinespub.com. Pope County Bootleggers. Midtown Billiards, Feb. 13, 12:30 a.m., $8 non-members. 1316 Main St. 501-372-9990. midtownar.com. Runaway Planet. The Afterthought, 9 p.m., $7. 2721 Kavanaugh Blvd. 501-663-1196. www.afterthoughtbar.com. Spa City Sweethearts Burlesque Revue. A fundraiser to benefit Low Key Arts. Maxine’s, 8 p.m., $10. 700 Central Ave., Hot Springs. maxinespub.com. Ted Ludwig Trio. Capital Bar and Grill, 9 p.m. 111 Markham St. 501-374-7474. www.capitalhotel.com/ CBG. The Too Hot “N” Demand Band. Cornerstone Pub & Grill, 9 p.m. 314 Main St., NLR. 501-374-1782. cstonepub.com. Tyrannosaurus Chicken. Midtown Billiards, 12:30 p.m., $8 non-members. 1316 Main St. 501-372-9990. midtownar.com. Wes Jeans. Denton’s Trotline, 9 p.m. 2150 Congo Road, Benton. 501-315-1717. Zoogma. Stickyz Rock ‘n’ Roll Chicken Shack, 9 p.m., $8. 107 Commerce St. 501-372-7707. www. stickyfingerz.com.

COMEDY

Tim Kidd. The Loony Bin, 7, 9 and 11 p.m., $6-$9. 10301 N. Rodney Parham Road. 501-228-5555. www.loonybincomedy.com.

EVENTS

Arkansas RV Show. See Feb. 11. “Chocolate Fantasy Ball.” The eighth annual ball to benefit Ronald McDonald House features an array of fine chocolates, dinner, cocktails and music from The Rockets. For more information, visit rmhclittlerock.org or call 978-3119. The Peabody Little Rock, 6 p.m., $200. 3 Statehouse Plaza. 501-906-4000. www.peabodylittlerock.com. Falun Gong meditation. Allsopp Park, 9 a.m., free. Cantrell & Cedar Hill Roads.

LECTURES

Dr. Gwendolyn Twillie. The African-American

storyteller presents “A Storytelling Journey: America/ the Caribbean/Africa” in the ASU Museum. For more information, visit astate.edu. Arkansas State University, 10:30 a.m., free. Jonesboro, Jonesboro. www.astate.edu. “To Prevent the Effusion of Blood: The Arsenal Crisis of 1861.” A day long symposium by Dr. Michael Dougan, Ian Beard and Tom Ezell commemorating the 150th anniversary of the incident at the Little Rock Arsenal that almost sparked the Civil War two months before the attack on Fort Sumter. For more information, visit arkasnsascivilwar150.com. MacArthur Museum of Arkansas Military History. 503 E. 9th St. 376-4602. www.arkmilitaryheritage.com.

SPORTS

Horse racing. Oaklawn, $2.50-$4.50. 2705 Central Ave., Hot Springs. 501-623-4411. www.oaklawn.com.

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 13 MUSIC

40 oz. to Freedom. Juanita’s, 8:30 p.m., $12 adv., $15 d.o.s. 1300 S. Main St. 501-372-1228. www. juanitas.com. Arkansas Symphony Orchestra: “Couples That Stole Your Heart.” Robinson Center Music Hall, 3 p.m., $35-$65. Markham and Broadway. www. littlerockmeetings.com/conv-centers/robinson. Captured Live from the Met @ UCA: Nixon in China. The Met premiere of John Adams’ opera about the meeting of Nixon and Mao, directed by Peter Sellars. $5 students, $15 public. Reynolds Performance Hall, box office 1-866-810-0012. University of Central Arkansas, 2 p.m. 201 Donaghey Ave., Conway. www.uca.edu. Jason Boland. Revolution, 8:30 p.m., $10. 300 President Clinton Ave. 501-823-0090. revroom.com. Karaoke. Shorty Small’s, 6-9 p.m. 1475 Hogan Lane, Conway. 501-764-0604. www.shortysmalls.com/. Michael Eubanks. Bravo! Cucina Italiana, Feb. 13, 12 p.m.; Feb. 14, 5 p.m.; Feb. 20, 12 p.m.; Feb. 22, 5 p.m.; Feb. 27, 12 p.m. 17815 Chenal Pkwy. 501-8212485. www.bravoitalian.com. “My Funny Valentine” with Cassie Bonner, Nicky Parrish, J. White, Onyx and more. Sway, 6 p.m., $10 early admission, $20 V.I.P. 412 Louisiana. 501-907-2582. The Perimeter, Old News, Ellison’s Cage, Whale Fire, Willie Ray, Chipper Via, Shannon Lafferty. Vino’s, 4 p.m. 923 W. Seventh St. 501-3758466. www.vinosbrewpub.com. Sunday Jazz Brunch with Ted Ludwig and Joe Cripps. Vieux Carre, 11 a.m. 2721 Kavanaugh Blvd. 501-663-1196. www.vieuxcarrecafe.com.

EVENTS

Arkansas RV Show. See Feb. 11.

FILM

2nd annual meeting of the Little Rock Lebowski League. Fans of the Coen Brothers film will gather to watch the film, play trivia games, bowl. For more information contact us at lrlebowski@ gmail.com or visit on.fb.me/lebowskilr. Market Street Cinema, 2 p.m. 1521 Merrill Drive. 501-312-8900. www.marketstreetcinema.net.

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 14 MUSIC

Krafty Kutz, Wolf E. Wolf, Shawn Lee, Big Brown vs. Crawley, Cheetah. Revolution, 9 p.m., $10 adv., $15 d.o.s. 300 President Clinton Ave. 501-823-0090. revroom.com. “Lovers and Friends” with Cammi, DJ Swift, Southern Faze. Juanita’s, 8 p.m., $15, $25/couple. 1300 S. Main St. 501-372-1228. www.juanitas.com. Michael Eubanks. Bravo! Cucina Italiana, Feb. 14, 5 p.m.; Feb. 20, 12 p.m.; Feb. 22, 5 p.m.; Feb. 27, 12 p.m. 17815 Chenal Pkwy. 501-821-2485. www. bravoitalian.com. “Pretty Things Peep Show” with Jessica Carder, Chris Henry, Chelsie’s Angels, Diamond Dames Burlesque Troupe. Revolution, 8 p.m., $10. 300 President Clinton Ave. 501-823-0090. revroom.com. Tim Anthony. The Afterthought, 9 p.m., $10. 2721 Kavanaugh Blvd. 501-663-1196. www.afterthoughtbar.com. Traditional Irish Music Session. Khalil’s Pub, Fourth and second Monday of every month, 7 p.m. 110 S. Shackleford Road. 501-224-0224. www.khalilspub.com.

FILM

“Good Hair.” Laman Library, 6 p.m. 2801 Orange St., NLR. 501-758-1720. www.lamanlibrary.org.

CLASSES

Sign Language Classes. Bonny Hill will teach classes on finger spelling, high frequency signs, key phrases, health, time, food, people and more. Faulkner County Library, 6 p.m. 1900 Tyler St., Conway. 501-327-7482. www.fcl.org.

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 15 MUSIC

Jim Dickerson. Sonny Williams’ Steak Room, 7 p.m. 500 President Clinton Ave. 501-324-2999. www. sonnywilliamssteakroom.com. Karaoke Night. Cornerstone Pub & Grill, 8 p.m. 314 Main St., NLR. 501-374-1782. cstonepub.com. Karaoke Tuesday. Prost, 8 p.m., free. 120 Ottenheimer. 501-244-9550. Karaoke with Big John Miller. Denton’s Trotline, 8 p.m. 2150 Congo Road, Benton. 501-315-1717. Lucious Spiller Band. Copeland’s, 6-9 p.m. 2602 S. Shackleford Road. 501-312-1616. www.copelandsofneworleans.com. Outstanding Red Team, Free Micah. White Water Tavern, 10 p.m. 2500 W. 7th. 501-375-8400. www.myspace.com/whitewatertavern. Susan Gibson, Shannon Boshears, Jana Pochop. Stickyz Rock ‘n’ Roll Chicken Shack, 7:30 p.m., $6. 107 Commerce St. 501-372-7707. www. stickyfingerz.com. Tuesday Jam Session with Carl Mouton. The Afterthought, 8 p.m., free. 2721 Kavanaugh Blvd. 501-663-1196. www.afterthoughtbar.com.

COMEDY

“An Evening with Martin Short.” Walton Arts Center, 7 p.m., $48-$78. 495 W. Dickson St., Fayetteville. 479-443-5600.

DANCE

“Latin Night.” Revolution, 7 p.m., $5 regular, $7 under 21. 300 President Clinton Ave. 501-823-0090. www.revroom.com.

LECTURES

“Art of Architecture Lecture.” Gail Thomas, president and CEO of the Trinity Trust Foundation in Dallas, delivers a lecture entitled “Bridges to the 21st Century: Calatrava Designs for Dallas,” about the city’s efforts to develop the 20-mile Trinity River corridor to better serve the public. To reserve seats, e-mail publicprograms@clintonschool.uasys.edu or call 683-5239. Clinton School of Public Service, 6 p.m., free. 1200 President Clinton Ave. 501-683-5239. www.clintonschool.uasys.edu. Ben Altheimer Lecture on Judaism and Civil Rights. Houda Nonoo, ambassador to the U.S. from Bahrain, will speak. Trieschmann Lecture Hall. Free. Hendrix College, 7:30 p.m. 1600 Washington Ave., Conway. www.hendrix.edu. Brown Bag Lunch Lecture - “Arkansawr’n’b: The State’s Forgotten Rhythm ‘n Blues Legacy.” Steven Koch discusses he lives, music and legacies of Louis Jordan , Johnnie Taylor, Henry Glover, and other Arkansas greats. For more information, call 501-324-9685 or visit oldstatehouse.com. Old State House Museum, 12 p.m. 500 Clinton Ave. 501-324-9685. www.oldstatehouse.com. Stephen Koch. The reporter/editor and creator of “Arkansongs” delivers his lecture, “Arkansawr’n’b: The State’s Forgotten Rhythm ‘n Blues Legacy.” For more information, call 324-9685 or visit oldstatehouse. com. Old State House Museum, 12 p.m., free. 500 Clinton Ave. 501-324-9685. www.oldstatehouse.com.

SPORTS

Philander Smith Lady Panthers vs Central Baptist College. Philander Smith College, 5:30 p.m. 900 W. Daisy L. Gatson Bates Drive.

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 16 MUSIC

Continued on page 45 www.arktimes.com • FEBRUARY 9, 2011 43

■ artnotes Tales from the stacks Thom Hall talks about the Arts Center’s drawings. BY LESLIE NEWELL PEACOCK

HAUPTMAN: One work featured by Hall in presentation.

SHOWCASE Continued from page 39

enjoyable in the background. But with a closer listen, it’s shocking how strong their hooks are. And it’s smart and classy how they don’t call attention to them. Echo Canyon surfed and sliced through four elongated jams that were simultaneously spacey and gritty. A friend insisted it “sounds like bong rips.” Think Herbie Hancock headhunting with Black Sabbath. Although a technical difficulty kept the saxophonist (whose nimble honking provides the ipso facto lead vocals for the group) out of earshot for the first song, it may have been a happy accident. By the time the kink was ironed out, it took the fantastic groove of the first song and elevated it to another level: a hedonistic, winding exploration of scales and tones 44 FEBRUARY 9, 2011 • ARKANSAS TIMES

n The famed Diego Rivera cubist painting at the Arkansas Arts Center, a gift by Abby Rockefeller, features the artist’s wife, his mistress and his dog, Arts Center registrar/fixture Thom Hall revealed to the Fine Arts Club of Arkansas in a talk Monday. And the Robert Motherwell acrylicon-mylar “Elegy Drawing No. 17” is bordered in that ashy pink because the wall the final work was to hang on — in the National Gallery — was pink. Who knew? Thom Hall does, so his talk about the Arts Center’s drawing collection was about more than how to look at art, though it was that as well. He covered the early holdings of the Arts Center’s predecessor, the Museum of Fine Art, which included reproductions, and how the collection grew thanks to Townsend Wolfe’s vision to collect works on paper. Hall pointed out the special appeal of works on paper, especially those that are studies for larger pieces: Here is where the artist reveals his thoughts in what he wants his final piece to look like, creating for the viewer an intimacy — “like the artist is in the room with you” — that fine oils may not. He described Wolfe’s first purchases — an Andrew Wyeth watercolor portrait, a DeKooning abstract charcoal and a Morris Graves drawing of a weasel — as three points on a triangle, describing the directions the collection would take. Hall spiced it up, of course — he is high-heeled showgirl Sylvia Moskowitz’s alter ego, after all — noting certain attributes of the works. That the shadows of a

hand in Susan Hauptman’s 8-foot-tall selfportrait give her a penis, though, he added, she certainly does not have one. That local collectors regret not buying outsider artist Bill Traylor when a wise Wolfe introduced his work to Little Rock years ago (“they’re sick about it now,” he said). He talked about a Metropolitan Museum curator’s delight in being able to muck about in the stacks and grab a Bonnard for a talk she was giving to local arts educators. And that long-time director Wolfe — whose eye guided the Arts Center’s collecting for 33 years — was “insecure” in his ability to judge post-minimalist art; thanks to a friendship he cultivated with a dealer who promoted the art in New York, the dealer made a significant gift of post-minimalist works by Sol LeWitt and Richard Tsao and others to the Arts Center. Hall advised the audience to find the abstract in the figurative, using Georgia O’Keeffe’s “Banana Flower No. 1” as an example of light and dark, and added that it is one of only three banana drawings in museums. He suggested they find the landscape in the abstract “Elegy” study by Motherwell. He noted the difference in French and German art, the lyrical versus the aggressive, using an unsettling Max Beckmann drawing of a Berlin jazz club as an example — and added that the drawing in the collection barely made it out of a Berlin gallery before the Nazis invaded it. He talked about the passion and drive of self-taught artists like Bob Thompson and William Edmondson and

that juked the crowd at every turn. The night ended with a chunking set of guitar rock from The Yipps. These guys have such a huge spectrum of influences that they refuse to define themselves in one (or two or 10) specific sub-genres. All at once you can hear Keith Moon-inspired drumming behind Mike Watt bass fills, Byrds by way of Don Caballero guitar interplay and harmonies inspired by the Beach Boys’ acid potlucks. They’re hard to pin down but easy to like.

the band’s brought the bumping, grinding sound of the Delta to a reeling list of blues festivals the nation over. THINK: Party music. No: party music for real parties.

Round three, 8:30 p.m., Thursday, Feb. 10, Stickyz.

BRETHREN. Surely one of the best blues bands in the state, this Hot Springs outfit has spent years providing a versatile, driving backing force for CeDell Davis, the roots legend and a proto-punk if the Blues ever had one. From Clarksville to Minnesota and everywhere in between,

THE PINK DRAPES. “Shoegaze” pops to mind immediately, but behind the blankets of reverb and billows of distortion, The Pink Drapes offer an ’80s pop melodicism not found in the bulk of fellow My Bloody Valentine-loving fuzz-fiends. Regulars in the Little Rock and Fayetteville underground house show circuits, Thursday will mark one of the first club dates for the trio. THINK: Textures, colors, movement and warmth with a twist of high school crush.

MICHAEL LEONARD WITHAM. Fingerpicking his way through the sounds of the Dust Bowl, Laurel Canyon, Omaha and

Clementine Hunter, recalling a visiting stonemason who, seeing Edmondson’s stone rabbit, said he “had to be” selftaught, because he’d gone at the stone the wrong way, against the grain. Edmondson “saw a bunny in that rock and let it out,” Hall said. Hall touched on the special collections as well — the significant Paul Signac watercolors donated to the Arts Center by Jim Dyke and the 290 drawings of early 20th century American artist John Marin, a promised gift by Marin’s heirs and the 1,500 works by Peter Takal donated to the Arts Center by his family. While Hall covered a lot of territory, including some of his own early cloisonné paintings and his current work on paper, he was standing (though no longer in high heels) on the tip of the iceberg; what he knows about the Arts Center’s collection goes deep. Surely he’s writing it down somewhere for posterity? “That might be a good thing for me to do,” he said after the talk. About the future: In response to a question from the audience, Hall said the board has hired a national search firm but is being deliberate in its effort to find the right person to lead the Arts Center “to the next level.” He noted that interim director Joe Lampo is among those seeking the job, left vacant a year ago when former director Nan Plummer resigned. Hall made a reference to the budgetkilling “World of the Pharaohs” exhibit, praising it for its educational value, especially for school children throughout Arkansas. But the exhibit’s September to July run was too long, he said, and “killed” visits by those who wanted and expected to see new work every month or so at the Arts Center. Now, however, “we are back to what we are about,” Hall said: fine art and contemporary crafts that complement and expand on the arts center’s own holdings.

Joshua Tree, Calif., Michael Leonard Witham and his harmonica rasp and bend their way through minor-key melancholy with a contagious sense of humor and colorful eye for characters in song. THINK: All those hokey Midwestern folkies with worn guitars, except really, really good.

THIS HOLY HOUSE. It’s Indie, capitalized, italicized and bolded. Raised in Greenbrier and uprooted to Conway, brothers David and James Velek and frontman Elliott Cotton offer a certain musical whimsy beside their sonic sincerity. Treading the same ground as Band of Horses or Pedro the Lion, This Holy House had the chops to make the cut and the ambition to do well for themselves Thursday night. THINK: The band your college’s Ersophic Society and Bible study group can agree on.

CALENDAR

Continued from page 43 Road. 501-375-5351. www.cajunswharf.com. Buzzov-en, Cough. Downtown Music Hall, 8 p.m., $10 adv., $12 d.o.s. 211 W. Capitol. 501-376-1819. downtownshows.homestead.com. Jim Dickerson. Sonny Williams’ Steak Room, 7 p.m. 500 President Clinton Ave. 501-324-2999. www. sonnywilliamssteakroom.com. Karaoke at Khalil’s. Khalil’s Pub, 7 p.m. 110 S. Shackleford Road. 501-224-0224. www.khalilspub. com. Karaoke. Hibernia Irish Pub, 9 p.m. 9700 N Rodney Parham Road. 501-246-4340. www.hiberniairishtavern.com/index.html. Karaoke with Big John Miller. Denton’s Trotline, 8 p.m. 2150 Congo Road, Benton. 501-315-1717. Lucious Spiller Band. Stickyz Rock ‘n’ Roll Chicken Shack, 9:30 p.m., $5. 107 Commerce St. 501-372-7707. www.stickyfingerz.com. Monkhouse. White Water Tavern, 10 p.m. 2500 W. 7th. 501-375-8400. www.myspace.com/whitewatertavern. Ted Ludwig Trio. Capital Bar and Grill, 5 p.m., free. 111 Markham St. 501-374-7474. www.capitalhotel. com/CBG.

LECTURES

Arvind Singhal. A visiting fellow at the Clinton School, Singhal will discuss his book about ways to improve health care through “positive deviance.” To reserve seats, e-mail publicprograms@clintonschool.uasys.edu or call 683-5239. Clinton School of Public Service, 12 p.m. 1200 President Clinton Ave. 501-683-5239. www.clintonschool.uasys.edu.

SPORTS

UALR Women’s Basketball vs WKU. Jack Stephens Center, UALR, 7 p.m. 2801 S. University Ave.

THIS WEEK IN THEATER “Abie’s Irish Rose.” Abe “Abie” Levy brings home his Irish bride, Rosemary Murphy, and introduces her as “Rosie Murphyski.” Papa Levy is fooled until Rosie’s father, Patrick Murphy, arrives. A comic war erupts. For more information, call 562-3131 or visit murrysdinnerplaybouse.com. Murry’s Dinner Playhouse, through March 13: Tue.-Thu., Sat., 6 p.m.; Wed., 11 a.m.; Sun., 11 a.m. and 5:30 p.m., $22-$30. 6323 Col. Glenn Road. murrysdinnerplayhouse.com. “Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom.” August Wilson’s play explores race, art, religion and the historic exploitation of black recording artists by white producers. For tickets or more information, visit weekendtheater. org or call 374-3761. The Weekend Theater, through Feb. 26: Fri., Sat., 7:30 p.m., $10-$14. 1001 W. 7th St. 501-374-3761. www.weekendtheater.org. “Mamma Mia!.” On the eve of her wedding, a

1321 Rebsamen Park Rd Little Rock

daughter’s quest to discover the identity of her father brings three men from her mother’s past back to the island they last visited 20 years ago. Featuring the music of ABBA. Walton Arts Center, through Feb. 10, 7 p.m.; Fri., Feb. 11, 7:30 p.m.; Sat., Feb. 12, 2 and 8 p.m.; Sun., Feb. 13, 2 and 7 p.m., $53-$75. 495 W. Dickson St., Fayetteville. 479-443-5600. Red Octopus presents “The St. Valentine’s Day Massacre.” The Public Theatre, Feb. 11-13, 8 p.m., $10. 616 Center St. 501-374-7529. www. thepublictheatre.com.

GALLERIES, MUSEUMS NEW EXHIBITIONS, ART EVENTS

ARKANSAS STUDIES INSTITUTE, 401 President Clinton Ave.: “Anticipating the Future — Contemporary American Indian Art,” work from the collection of Dr. J.W. Wiggins, opens with reception 5-8 p.m. Feb. 11, 2nd Friday Art Night; “Making Pictures: Three for a Dime,” photography exhibit based on Maxine Payne’s book, through Feb. 19. 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Mon.-Sat. 320-5791. CHRIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH, 509 Scott St.: Kathy Thompson, needlepoint, oils, watercolors and mixed media, opening reception 5-8 p.m. Feb. 11, exhibit through April 4. 375-2342. CLINTON SCHOOL OF PUBLIC SERVICE: “Art of Architecture” lecture by Dr. Gail Thomas, president and CEO of the Trinity Trust Foundation, “Bridges to the 21st Century: Calatrava Designs for Dallas,” on the development of the Trinity River Corridor, reception 5:30 p.m., talk at 6 p.m. Feb. 15, free, reserve seats at 683-5239 or publicprograms@clintonschool.uasys.edu. HISTORIC ARKANSAS MUSEUM, 200 E. Third St.: “Signs and Signals: Claire Coppola, Michael Davis Gutierrez and Marilyn Nelson,” mixed media, Feb. 11-May 8; “Deluxe Graffiti,” paintings by Liz Nobel,” Feb. 11-April 3; “Model Trains of Bill Albright,” Eclectic Collector show, through March 14. 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Mon.-Sat., 1-5 p.m. Sun. $2.50 adults, $1.50, $1 children for tours of grounds. Open 5-8 p.m. Feb. 11, 2nd Friday Art Night, with artists talks in Trinity Gallery at 6 p.m. and music by the Mockingbird Hillbilly Band. 324-9351. LOCAL COLOUR GALLERY, 5811 Kavanaugh Blvd.: Paintings by Mary Lynn Nelson, February featured artist; art and jewelry by members of artists’ cooperative. 501-265-0422. MacARTHUR MUSEUM OF ARKANSAS MILITARY HISTORY, MacArthur Park: “To Prevent the Effusion of Blood,” symposium and living history event about the Arsenal Crisis of 1861, 9:30 a.m.-4 p.m. Feb. 12; “In Search of Pancho Villa,” artifacts from soldiers of the period, medals and original sketches of the Mexican Punitive

Expedition, the United States retaliatory action in 1916 against the Mexican general who attacked a small border town in New Mexico, through May; “Warrior: Vietnam Portraits by Two Guys from Hall,” photos by Jim Guy Tucker and Bruce Wesson, through April; exhibits on Arkansas’s military history. 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Tue.-Fri., 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Sat., 1-4 p.m. Sun. 376-4602. MOSAIC TEMPLARS CULTURAL CENTER, Ninth and Broadway: “Southern Journeys: African American Artists of the South,” works by 55 AfricanAmerican artists, including Romare Bearden, David Driskell, Jacob Lawrence, Elizabeth Catlett, Hughie Lee-Smith, Leroy Allen, Benny Andrews, Radcliffe Bailey, Richmond Barthé, Beverly Buchanan, Clementine Hunter, Faith Ringgold, Charles White and Dean Mitchell, through Aug. 11; “Creativity Arkansas Art Collection”; “Tommy Terrific Magic Show: Satchel Paige and Negro League Baseball,” 2 p.m. Feb. 12; exhibits on African-Americans

Continued on page 46

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CALENDAR

Continued from page 45

‘BEYOND SCARED STRAIGHT’: Thursday on A&E. fly right or wet themselves, whichever comes first. Whatever the case, it’s bound to be entertaining.

BEYOND SCARED STRAIGHT: SAN QUENTIN 8 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 10 A&E n A few weeks back, this writer made it down to the Varner Unit, the supermax prison where Arkansas’s death row prisoners are housed. One look at that joint — with its electric fences, bare brick walls and decided lack of a food court — was all I needed to help me remember that I never want to commit a felony of any kind, ever. My mouth is too pretty for life in the Big House. That said, there are those who walk among us who didn’t get the message that I did from mom and pop: That no matter what it is you want to get up to, no matter how smart and careful you think you are while committing that crime, you will be found out. At that point, the justice system will enfold you into its bosom before bouncing your ass to the Ironbar Hotel. While I’ve been around crime and the courts system enough to know that’s not always the case, the thought of doing 5-10 with people so self-destructive, sociopathic and reckless that they have to be locked in a cage is enough to keep me out of trouble. For others, not so much. Here, in this new series from A&E, a group of four teens who have already been in trouble with the law get a temporary taste of what will be their permanent situation if they continue to screw up. This week, the little snowflakes are ferried to the notoriously tough California prison at San Quentin, where they’ll be leered at by horny dudes named Duke and Bubba until they either 46 FEBRUARY 9, 2011 • ARKANSAS TIMES

MUST LOVE CATS 8 p.m. Saturdays Animal Planet n Look, cats are cool. I’ve got a cat my own self: a strapping specimen named Mr. Kitty. It’s a good thing that he’s relatively healthy, because every time I take him to the vet, I’m pretty sure they’re going to charge me with animal neglect, both for that name (I wanted to name him “Monkey,” but the spousal unit overruled) and the fact that he weighs 26 pounds. Just for a little perspective, the average housecat weighs between 6-10 pounds. It’s not his fault! All he eats is one bowl of dry cat food a day. He’s just big-boned. Anyway, like I said: I like cats. But there are those in the world who LIKE like cats. This new show from Animal Planet is for those folks. Every week, musician and host John Fulton travels around America, seeking out surprising examples of the feline species and being wholly and completely ignored by them until he starts the can opener. BONUS: On the Feb. 19 show, Fulton visits Little Rock “to learn who is the most popular cat on television in Little Rock.” Unless Kevin Kelly has a kitten stuffed under the desk over at KLRT Fox 16, we’re assuming that means Fulton will be visiting KTHV Channel 11 for a hard-hitting sitdown interview with on-air personality Joey the Garden Cat. Expect topics on the agenda to include: birds, birds, hairball control, birds, his recent stint in rehab for catnip addiction, and whether he had anything to do with the mysterious death of his predecessor, Larry the Garden Cat. n ALSO: THE 53rd ANNUAL GRAMMY AWARDS, 8 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 13, on CBS: Tune in to remember why you never, ever want to go see any of your favorite artists live. — David Koon

in Arkansas, including one on the Ninth Street business district, the Mosaic Templars business and more. 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Tue.-Sat. 683–3593. n Benton BOB HERZFELD LIBRARY: Paintings by Dena Teaster, Mary Beth Thorne and Hot Springs Village residents, through February. 501-778-4766. n Heber Springs THE BOTTLE TREE GALLERY, 514 W. Main St.: Painting demonstration by Lori Weeks, jewelry demonstration by Frank Wimberly (3-4 p.m.) 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Feb. 12. 501-590-8840. n Hot Springs ARTCHURCH STUDIO, 301 Whittington Ave.: “Artists {Heart} Rachel,” silent auction of work by area artists to raise funds for school teacher Rachel Schwartz, ends at reception 5-9 p.m. Feb. 11. 501318-6779, 501-318-6779 for information on fundraiser. JUSTUS FINE ART, 827 A Central Ave.: Paintings by Dolores Justus, Elizabeth Borne, sculpture by Robin Horn, and other work. 501-321-2335. STAR GALLERY, 610 A Central Ave.: Paintings by Jeff Bertrand, all ages Valentine’s performance by Landrest and friends 8 p.m. Feb. 11. 2-5 p.m. Wed.-Thu., noon-5 p.m. Sat., 2-5 p.m. Sun. 501786-0283. n Fayetteville FAYETTEVILLE UNDERGROUND, 1 E. Center St.: “Wood You Be Mine?” collages by Lisa Jo Outlaw; “Persona 2009-2011,” paintings by Drew Gentle; “Lewd,” collages by Jon Peven; “Ancestral Remnants,” photographs by Henry Turner, opens with reception 5-8 p.m. Feb. 10 (rescheduled from last week), show through the month. Noon-7 p.m. Wed.-Fri., 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Sat. www.fayettevilleunderground.blogspot.com. n Helena DELTA CULTURAL CENTER, 141 Cherry St.: “Nothing but the Blues,” watercolor portraits by Laurie Goldstein-Warren, through May. n Pine Bluff ARTS AND SCIENCE CENTER FOR SOUTHEAST ARKANSAS, 701 Main St.: “Collaborations: Two Decades of African American Art,” opening reception 5-7 p.m. Feb. 17, show through May 28; “Arkansas Women to Watch 2011,” work by Emily Wood, Endia Gomez, Janet Frankovic, Nikki Hemphill, Ruth Pasquine, Thu Nguyen and Deborah Warren, touring show sponsored by National Museum of Women in the Arts, through March 19. 870-536-3375.

CONTINUING EXHIBITIONS

ARKANSAS ARTS CENTER, MacArthur Park: “Museum School Faculty Exhibition: Past and Present”; 37th annual “Toys Designed by Artists,” through Feb. 20; “Delta Exhibition,” annual juried show, through Feb. 20; “Currents in Contemporary Art,” “Masterworks,” “Paul Signac Watercolors and Drawings,” ongoing. 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Tue.-Sat., 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Sun. 372-4000. BOSWELL-MOUROT FINE ART, 5815 Kavanaugh Blvd.: Work in all media by Elizabeth Weber, Hugo Erlacher, Mary Ann Stafford, Lam Tze Sheung, Catherine Rodgers, Jon Etienne Mourot, John McDermott, Kyle Boswell and others. 11 a.m.6 p.m. Tue.-Fri., 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Sat. 664-0030. CANTRELL GALLERY, 8206 Cantrell Road: “People, Places & Things,” new paintings by Doug Gorrell, through March 5. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Mon.-Sat. 224-1335. CHROMA GALLERY, 5707 Kavanaugh Blvd.: Work by Robert Reep and other Arkansas artists. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Mon.-Fri., 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Sat. 6640880. GALLERY 26, 2601 Kavanaugh Blvd.: Work by Julie Holt, Susanna Kirk, Fred Nash and Jason Smith, through March 12. 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Tue.-Sat. 664-8996. GREG THOMPSON FINE ART, 429 Main St., NLR: “15-Year Anniversary Exhibit,” work by Kendall Stallings, Benini, Glenray Tutor, William Dunlap, Barry Thomas, Gary Bolding and others, through March 12. 664-2787. HEARNE FINE ART, 1001 Wright Ave.: “Pioneers

of the Paint: Masters of the 19th Century,” paintings by Edward Michael Bannister, Charles Ethan Porter, Robert Scott Duncanson and Henry Ossawa Tanner, through Feb. 20. 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Mon.-Thu., 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Fri., 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Sat. 372-6822. LAMAN LIBRARY, 2801 Orange St., NLR: “The Painted Word: Calligraphic Paintings by Charles Pearce,” through March 13. 9 a.m.-9 p.m. Mon.Thu., 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Fri.-Sat., 1-5 p.m. Sun. 7581720. KETZ GALLERY, 705 Main St., NLR: “Off the Wall Show and Sale,” paintings by Matthew Castellano, jewelry by Cliff Bernard, hand-painted gourds by Sharon Dawn Clark. 529-6330. M2GALLERY, 11525 Cantrell Road (Pleasant Ridge Town Center): Jason Twiggy Lott, William Goodman, Char Demoro, Cathy Burns and others. 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Mon.-Sat. 225-6257. RED DOOR GALLERY, 3715 JFK, NLR: Buddy Whitlock, featured artist, also work by Lola Abellan, Mary Allison, Georges Artaud, Theresa Cates, Caroline’s Closet, Kelly Edwards, Jane Hankins, James Hayes, Amy Hill-Imler, Morris Howard, Jim Johnson, Annette Kagy, Capt. Robert Lumpp, Joe Martin, Pat Matthews and others.10 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Mon.-Fri., 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Sat. 753-5227. REFLECTIONS GALLERY AND FINE FRAMING, 11220 Rodney Parham Road: Work by local and national artists. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Tue.-Fri., 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Sat. 227-5659. SHOWROOM, 2313 Cantrell Road: Work by area artists, including Sandy Hubler. 7:30 a.m.-4 p.m. Mon.-Fri. 372-7373. STATE CAPITOL: “Arkansans in the Korean War,” 32 photographs, lower-level foyer. 7 a.m.-5 p.m. Mon.-Fri., 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sat.-Sun. STEPHANO’S FINE ART, 5501 Kavanaugh Blvd.: Fused glass sculpture by Lisabeth Franco, paintings by Joy Schultz, Mike Gaines, MaryAnne Erickson, Stephano and Alexis Silk, jewelry by Joan Courtney and Teresa Smith, sculpture by Scotti Wilborne and Tony Dow. 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Tue.-Sat., 1-5 p.m. Sun. 563-4218. TOBI FAIRLEY FINE ART, 5507 Ranch Drive, Suite 103: Jane Booth, large abstract oils. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Tue.-Fri. or by appointment. 868-9882. UNIVERSITY OF ARKANSAS AT LITTLE ROCK: “Women Call for Peace: Global Vistas,” work by Emma Amos, Siona Benjamin, Chakaia Booker, Judy Chicago, Linda Freeman, Irene Hardwicke Olivieri, Leila Kubba, Grace Matthews, Faith Ringgold, Aminah Robinson, Betye Saar, Flo Oy Wong, Helen Zughaib, through March 10, Gallery I; “A Spectacle and Nothing Strange,” photographs by Rebecca Sittler Schrock, through Feb. 13; “Scholarship Exhibition,” work by 21 students on art scholarships, Gallery III, through Feb. 15. 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Mon.-Fri., 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Sat., 2-5 p.m. Sun. 569-8977. n Beebe ARKANSAS STATE UNIVERSITY: “The Power of Line,” pen and ink by Mary Shelton, Walter England Center art gallery, through Feb. 18. 501-882-4495. n Benton DIANNE ROBERTS ART STUDIO AND GALLERY, 110 N. Market St.: Work by Chad Oppenhuizen, Dan McRaven, Gretchen Hendricks, Rachel Carroccio, Kenny Roberts, Taylor Bellot, Jim Cooper and Sue Moore. 10 a.m.-9 p.m. Wed.-Fri., 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Sat. 860-7467. n Calico Rock CALICO ROCK ARTISTS COOPERATIVE, Hwy. 5 at White River Bridge: Paintings, photographs, jewelry, fiber art, wood, ceramics and other crafts. 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Tue.-Thu., 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Fri.-Sat., noon-4 p.m. Sun. calicorocket.org/artists. n Conway UNIVERSITY OF CENTRAL ARKANSAS, Baum Gallery: “Improvising Intaglio: Jiri Anderle Prints from the Baruch Foundation”; “Habitats: Portraiture by Kat Wilson”; “Earth: Fragile Planet”; “Intersecting the Book: When Artists, Writers and Graphic Designers Create 2D Worlds”; “Axis Mundi: Levittown,” UCA faculty exhibit, all through Feb. 24. 501-450-5793. n Fayetteville UNIVERSITY OF ARKANSAS: “Ozark Modern,” furniture designed by architect Edward Durrell Stone,

Continued on page 49

CONGRATULATIONS ROUND TWO WINNER

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FEB. 11-13

movielistings All theater listings run Friday to Thursday unless otherwise noted.

Showtimes for the Chenal 9 were unavailable at press time. Check www.arktimes.com for updates. Market Street Cinema showtimes at or after 9 p.m. are for Friday and Saturday only. NEW MOVIES The Eagle (PG-13) – A young Roman goes to Britain to find out who was behind his father’s disappearance. With Channing Tatum. Breckenridge: 1:25, 4:25, 7:25, 10:00. Riverdale: 11:20, 1:55, 4:25, 7:00, 9:40. Rave: 11:40, 2:35, 5:25, 8:15, 11:15. Gnomeo and Juliet (G) – Romeo and Juliet with gnomes. Voiced by James McAvoy, Emily Blunt, Michael Caine. Breckenridge: 1:50, 4:50, 7:35, 9:50. Riverdale: 11:05, 1:35, 3:45, 6:00, 7:55, 10:00. Rave: 11:00, 2:00, 4:30, 7:10 (2D); 12:15, 3:00, 5:30, 7:55, 10:15 (3D). The Illusionist (PG) – A French illusionist finds himself out of work and travels to Scotland, where he goes on adventures with a young local woman. Directed by Sylvain Chomet. Market Street: 2:00, 4:00, 7:00, 9:00. Just Go With It (PG-13) – On a weekend trip to Hawaii, a plastic surgeon convinces his long-time assistant to pretend she’s his wife in order to fool his younger girlfriend. With Adam Sandler and Jennifer Aniston. Breckenridge: 1:10, 4:10, 7:45, 10:20. Riverdale: 11:50, 2:20, 4:45, 7:15, 9:45. Rave: 10:30, 11:15, 1:45, 2:25, 4:40, 5:15, 7:30, 8:30, 10:45, 11:30. Justin Bieber: Never Say Never 3D (G) – Justin Bieber being Justin Bieber. With young Justin Bieber and teen-age Justin Bieber. Breckenridge: 1:30, 4:45, 7:10, 9:35. Riverdale: 11:15, 1:45, 4:20, 7:10, 9:30. Rave: 10:45, 11:30, 1:30, 2:15, 4:15, 5:00, 7:00, 7:45, 9:45, 10:30. RETURNING THIS WEEK 127 Hours (R) – Based on the true story of a mountain climber who resorts to desperate measures after being trapped under a boulder. With James Franco. Rave: 1:00, 3:30, 5:55, 8:45, 11:15. Another Year (PG-13) – A character study of a year in the life of a happily married older couple and their unhappy friends. Directed by Mike Leigh. Market Street: 1:45, 4:15, 6:45, 9:15. Black Swan (R) – Darren Aronofksy’s psychological thriller about a twisted friendship 48 FEBRUARY 9, 2011 • ARKANSAS TIMES

between two master dancers in an elite New York City ballet company. With Natalie Portman and Mila Kunis. Market Street: 4:20, 9:15. Rave: 10:35, 4:45, 10:40. Blue Valentine (R) – Love at first sight takes a turn for the worse in this portrait of a young, contemporary family falling apart. With Ryan Gosling, Michelle Williams. Market Street: 2:00, 7:00. The Dilemma (PG-13) – The bond between old friends and business partners goes crooked when one catches the other’s wife with a strange man. Directed by Ron Howard. With Vince Vaughn. Rave: 9:30. Due Date (R) — A tightly-wound father-to-be is forced to carpool cross-country with a clueless slacker so he can make it to his child’s birth on time. With Robert Downey Jr. and Zach Galifianakis. Movies 10: 12:25, 2:50, 5:20, 7;50, 10:15. Fair Game (PG-13) – Director Dough Liman dives into the Valerie Plame controversy of 2003 in which White House officials outed a CIA agent. Movies 10: 12:30, 7:20. The Fighter (R) — A look at legendary Irish welterweight Mickey Ward (Mark Walberg), his halfbrother and trainer, Dickey (Christian Bale), and their rise out of crime and drugs. Riverdale: 11:45, 2:15, 4:45, 7:35, 10:10. Rave: 10:40, 4:20, 10:00. The Green Hornet (PG-13) – Playboy Britt Reid (Seth Rogen) starts a new career as a crimefighter with help from his kung-fu expert chauffeur, Kato (Jay Chou). Directed by Michel Gondry. Breckenridge: 1:05, 4:05, 7:40, 10:15. Rave: 11:20, 2:20, 5:20, 8:20, 11:20. Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part I (PG-13) — With Voldemort in control over Hogwarts and the Ministry of Magic, Harry, Ron and Hermione have to race against time to overthrow the evil lord. Movies 10: 12:00, 1:35, 3:10, 4:40, 6:20, 7:55, 9:30. How Do You Know? (PG-13) – A former athlete (Reese Witherspoon) finds herself caught in a love triangle between her professional baseball player boyfriend (Owen Wilson) and a corporate suit (Paul Rudd). Movies 10: 12:45, 4:00, 7:10, 9:55. The King’s Speech (R) – After being crowned George VI of an England on the verge of turmoil, “Bertie” (Colin Firth) works to fix his debilitating speech impediment with help from eccentric Lionel Logue (Geoffrey Rush). Breckenridge: 1:00, 4:00,

6:50, 9:30. Riverdale: 11:25, 1:50, 4:15, 6:40, 9:05. Rave: 10:50, 1:55, 4:55, 7:50, 10:50. The Mechanic (R) – An elite assassin avenges his assassinated mentor with help from a young, impulsive rookie. With Jason Statham, Donald Sutherland. Riverdale: 11:10, 1:30, 3:40, 5:50, 8:00, 10:05. Rave: 1:35, 7:25. Megamind (PG) — A blue maniacal supervillain turns into a restless mess when his sworn superhero enemy is accidentally killed. Voiced by Will Ferrell, Tina Fey, Brad Pitt. Movies 10: 1:15, 3:35, 6:05, 8:25 (2D); 12:05, 2:25, 4:45, 7:05, 9:25 (3D). The Next Three Days (PG-13) — A college professor at his wit’s end decides to break his wife out of prison, years after she was wrongfully accused of a grisly murder. With Russell Crowe and Elizabeth Banks. Movies 10: 1:05, 4:05, 7:00, 9:50. No Strings Attached (R) – Two life-long friends discover that separating casual sex and romance is tougher than they thought. With Natalie Portman and Aston Kutcher. Breckenridge: 1:40, 4:30, 7:00, 9:45. Riverdale: 11:30, 2:00, 4:30, 7:05, 9:35. Rave: 11:05, 1:50, 4:35, 7:20, 10:10. Rabbit Hole (PG-13) – Nicole Kidman and Aaron Eckhart star as a couple coming to terms with the loss of a child. Market Street: 2:15, 4:15, 7:15, 9:15. Red (PG-13) — Three of the CIA’s top agents are jolted out of their peaceful retirements when they’re framed by the agency for murder. With Bruce Willis, Morgan Freeman and Helen Mirren. Movies 10: 12:10, 2:40, 5:10, 7:40, 10:10. The Rite (PG-13) – A seminary student studying exorcism under a legendary priest at the Vatican questions his future after being drawn into an extreme case. With Anthony Hopkins. Breckenridge: 1:20, 4:20, 7:30, 9:40. Riverdale: 11:40, 2:10, 4:50, 7:25, 10:15. Rave: 11:10, 2:10, 5:10, 8:10, 11:10. The Roommate (PG-13) – A deranged college freshman becomes obsessed with her roommate and, wouldn’t you know it, things get freaky. With Leighton Meester and Minka Kelly. Breckenridge: 4:40, 7:05, 9:55. Rave: 12:45, 3:15, 5:45, 8:25, 11:00. Sanctum 3D (R) – A team of underwater cave divers fight nature when a tropical storm forces them deep into uncharted caverns. Breckenridge: 1:35, 4:30, 7:00, 9:40. Rave: 10:50, 12:00, 1:40, 2:50, 4:50, 5:50, 7:40, 8:40, 10:25, 11:25. The Social Network (PG-13) — David Fincher and Aaron Sorkin’s instant classic dives into the drama behind Facebook’s controversial rise from a Harvard dorm room experiment to world-wide ubiquity. Movies 10: 4:15, 10:00. Tangled (PG) — Daring bandit Flynn Rider, Princess Rapunzel and Rapunzel’s 70 feet of hair find adventure and romance during their journey through the outside world. Voiced by Mandy Moore. Breckenridge: 1:15, 4:15, 7:20, 9:35. Tron: Legacy (PG) — The reboot of the 1982 classic has Sam Flynn (Garrett Hedlund) entering the virtual gladiator arena to find his lost father (Jeff Bridges). Rave: 1:15, 7:35. True Grit (PG-13) — Rugged U.S. Marshal Rooster Cogburn (Jeff Bridges) helps a stubborn girl track down her father’s killer. Directed by Joel and Ethan Coen. Breckenridge: 1:45, 4:35, 7:15, 9:45. Riverdale: 11:35, 2:05, 4:40, 7:20, 9:55. Rave: 11:10, 2:05, 5:10, 8:00, 11:05. Unstoppable (PG-13) — Denzel Washington has to stop an unmanned freight train full of explosives and poisonous gas from wiping out a city. Movies 10: 12:15, 2:35, 4:55, 7:25, 9:45. Winter’s Bone (R) – A girl from the Ozarks finds herself in shady situations while trying to track down her drug-dealing father. Winner of the Golden Rock for Best Narrative Film at the 2010 Little Rock Film Festival. Market Street: 1:45, 4:00, 6:45, 9:00. Chenal 9 IMAX Theatre: 17825 Chenal Parkway, 821-2616, www.dtmovies.com. Cinemark Movies 10: 4188 E. McCain Blvd., 9457400, www.cinemark.com. Cinematown Riverdale 10: Riverdale Shopping Center, 296-9955, www.riverdale10.com. Market Street Cinema: 1521 Merrill Drive, 3128900, www.marketstreetcinema.net. Rave Colonel Glenn 18: 18 Colonel Glenn Plaza, 687-0499, www.ravemotionpictures.com. Regal Breckenridge Village 12: 1-430 and Rodney Parham, 224-0990, www.fandango.com.

■ moviereview Time is not on your side Mike Leigh prods middle-aged domesticity in ‘Another Year.’ n You could ask yourself throughout “Another Year” whether it is a film about a happy couple or a film about their unhappy acquaintances. While the answer could be a little of both, there is a better answer, revealed memorably in the film’s bold final shot. Until then, this slice of a middle-aged English couple and the people who are drawn to them mostly hits a pace and tone reminiscent of a parlor drama for the middle class. At 20, you may be bored; at 40, engrossed, and at 60, depending on how much of yourself you see here, the film may flat-out panic you. “Another Year” follows Tom (an affable Jim Broadbent) and his gentle wife, Gerri (Ruth Sheen), through four seasons of a year. The calm of their life is strained when they welcome guests, like Mary (Lesley Manville), a co-worker of Gerri’s, who tries to fill her loneliness with white wine, and makes overtures to her hosts’ grown son, Joe (Oliver Maltman). Tom’s friend Ken (Peter Wight) is a waiting heart attack with a lit fuse, and his brother Ronnie (David Bradley, appearing haunted) a cold

contrast to Tom. Director Mike Leigh (who’s also up for an Oscar for his screenplay) includes little action to reveal his characters, choosing instead to rely on dialogue and, to no small extent, his characters’ eating habits. Gerri and Tom, warm and contented, spend part of each season working in the garden — to mulch, to harvest, to clear frost-coated debris — and eat richly of their own cooking, and touch pre-packaged food only during a time of great stress in the film’s final act. Mary, nervous and oblivious, talks only of eating takeaway and rarely finding the time to cook for just herself; she remarks to Gerri over an after-work wine that she never dated a man who could cook. Ken, gluttonous and bellows-breathed, noshes on bags of ketchup-flavored chips on the train and mows through his supper while scarcely lifting his eyes from the plate. Ronnie, morose and taciturn, cooks not. But he does, in a moment of attempted tenderness, offer to make someone toast. At times the banter feels forced to a point of self-parody, with docile retorts that

CALENDAR

Summerhill and Diana Ashley. 501-318-2787. FINE ARTS CENTER, 626 Central Ave.: Caddo River Art Guild, through February. 501-6240489. GALLERY 726, 726 Central Ave.: Work by new members Priscilla Cunningham and Pati Trippel. 501-624-7726. GALLERY CENTRAL, 800 Central Ave.: Paintings by Jan Gartrell and Sandy Hubler. 501318-4278.

Continued from page 46 through Feb. 16, Fine Arts Center Gallery. WALTON ARTS CENTER, Joy Pratt Markham Gallery: “Watermarks,” mixed media installation by Bethany Springer, through April 13. 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Mon.-Fri., 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Sat. 479-5712747. n Hot Springs BLUE MOON GALLERY, 718 Central Ave.: Mosaic glass by Cassie Edmonds, including equine-themed work, new sculpture by Wayne

MUSEUMS, ONGOING EXHIBITS ARKANSAS INLAND MARITIME MUSEUM,

‘ANOTHER YEAR’: Lesley Manville and Jim Broadbent star. arrive too quickly. Perhaps happy families are indeed all happy in the same way, and to dwell on cheer is to concede that we have no story here. Individually the most profound moments for the lead couple come when they confront a destructive personality in their midst — this harmony of the house may look effortless, but like a vegetable bed, it requires the diligent weeding. The lingering foil to that notion is Mary, aging and alone after two blown marriages. Superficially she’s chatty and voluble, perhaps even kind-hearted, but labors under so many layers of sadness that she can no longer connect with others except on the topic of herself. Manville has been recognized on the awards circuit both as a lead

and as a supporting actress for her performance, which surely contains a plurality of the script’s word count and which, another year from now, will be the first thing people think of when they recall the film. There are clues throughout as to the depths of her problems. Perhaps none is more glaring than her late arrival at a picnic dinner party in which she prattles about her drive over — without first noticing the presence of an infant at the table. Portraits of sadness abound in film. There is wrongfully convicted sad, death-of-a-child sad, “I wish I knew how to quit you” sad, “Take my little girl!” sad, and the rest. If it wasn’t already in the canon, Manville vaults self-isolating spinster sad into the bleakest we’ve seen. — Sam Eifling

NLR: Tours of the USS Razorback submarine. 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Wed.-Sat., 1-6 p.m. Sun. 371-8320. CENTRAL HIGH SCHOOL MUSEUM VISITOR CENTER, Bates and Park: Exhibits on the 1957 desegregation of Central and the civil rights movement. 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m. daily. 374-1957. CLINTON PRESIDENTIAL CENTER, 1200 President Clinton Ave.: “Revolution and Rebellion: Wars, Words and Figures,” two original engravings of the Declaration of Independence produced by Benjamin Owen Tyler in 1818 and William J. Stone in 1823, through May 22; “Historical Figures of the Revolutionary and Civil Wars,” figurines

by George Stuart, through May; exhibits about policies and White House life during the Clinton administration. 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Mon.-Sat., 1-5 p.m. Sun. $7 adults; $5 college students, seniors, retired military; $3 ages 6-17. 370-8000. MUSEUM OF DISCOVERY, 500 President Clinton Ave.: “Illusion Confusion,” optical illusions, through March; interactive science exhibits. 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Mon.-Sat., 1-5 p.m. Sun. Admission: $8 adults, $7 children ages 1-12 and seniors 65 and up, children under 1 free, “Pay What You Can” second Sunday of every month. 396-7050. www.museumofdiscovery.org.

lovers.

complimentary shuttle service from area hotels

Cajun’s is for

Celebrate Valentine’s Day with dinner specials starting at 5 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, February 11 and 12 and Monday, February 14.

monday-saturday from 4:30 p.m. | www.cajunswharf.com | 2400 cantrell road | on the arkansas river | 501-375-5351 www.arktimes.com • FEBRUARY 9, 2011 49

Restaurant capsules Every effort is made to keep this listing of some of the state’s more notable restaurants current, but we urge readers to call ahead to check on changes on days of operation, hours and special offerings. What follows, because of space limitations, is a partial listing of restaurants reviewed by our staff. Information herein reflects the opinions of the newspaper staff and its reviewers. The newspaper accepts no advertising or other considerations in exchange for reviews, which are conducted anonymously. We invite the opinions of readers who think we are in error. Restaurants are listed in alphabetical order by city; Little Rock-area restaurants are divided by food category. Other review symbols are: B Breakfast L Lunch D Dinner $ Inexpensive (under $8/person) $$ Moderate ($8-$20/person) $$$ Expensive (over $20/person) CC Accepts credit cards

LITTLE ROCK/ N. LITTLE ROCK AMERICAN 4 SQUARE GIFTS Vegetarian salads, soups, wraps and paninis and a daily selection of desserts in an Arkansas products gift shop. 405 President Clinton Ave. No alcohol, All CC. $-$$. 501-244-2622. L daily. D Mon.-Sat. APPLE SPICE JUNCTION A chain sandwich and salad spot with sit-down lunch space and a vibrant box lunch catering business. With a wide range of options and quick service. Order online via applespice.com. 2000 S. University Ave. No alcohol, All CC. $$. 501-663-7008. ARGENTA MARKET The Argenta District’s neighborhood grocery store offers a deli featuring a daily selection of big sandwiches along with fresh fish and meats and salads. Emphasis here is on Arkansas-farmed foods and organic products. 521 N. Main St. NLR. Beer, Wine, All CC. $-$$. 501-379-9980. BL daily, D Mon.-Sat. ARKANSAS BURGER CO. Good burgers, fries and shakes, plus salads and other entrees. Try the cheese dip. 7410 Cantrell Road. Beer, Wine, All CC. $-$$. 501-6630600. LD Tue.-Sat.

Continued on page 51 50 FEBRUARY 9, 2011 • ARKANSAS TIMES

A find in England. n One of the things that make Arkansas such a great place to live is just how much good food there is here, often in the most unexpected places. Maybe it’s something about growing up in a culture where everybody’s grandmama learned early how to stretch a 2 o’clock dime into a dinnertime dollar — whipping up big flavor with humble ingredients, as cheaply as possible — but it’s fairly rare to run across a person in Arkansas who doesn’t do at least one dish exceedingly well. What this translates to for a foodie is the delicious understanding that even at the end of the grimmest two-laner in our fair land, you might happen upon heaven on a plate: that slice of pie, perfect cheeseburger, rack of ribs or spread of fried catfish that makes you believe again that God wants good things for us. We delight in sniffing those places out — the local joints, frequented almost exclusively by townies, that nearly nobody outside the zip code has ever heard of. We ran across one of those the other day and had to share: Red Swamp down in England. Situated in a little clapboard building on the town’s main drag, it doesn’t look like much, but it’s what they do inside that counts. Red Swamp, as you might infer from the name, is a Cajun joint, though they do lots of other stuff like barbecue, crab legs, and burgers. From the big menu, the reviewer tried the fried oyster sandwich ($6.99) with a bowl of gumbo on the side ($6.99). Companion 1, meanwhile, tried the catfish platter ($10.69) with a side of baked beans ($1.50), while Ol’ No. 2 tried Red Swamp’s special smoked half-pound Angus burger (a steal at $5.50). The gumbo came out first, and it turned out to be something really special: a thick, meaty stew full of okra, veggies, shrimp and crab. This writer lived in South Louisiana for two years, and it took us right back there again, though I’m sure purists would have wished for more broth. I found myself wishing for more, period, as the portion seemed a bit skimpy for $7. Here endeth the complaints. Our entrees came out quickly and hot. The waitress had warned us when we walked in a little after lunch that they only had a few of the smoked burgers left, and one bite of our friend’s nicely-sized example made us understand why. Red Swamp actually patties them up and then smokes their burgers alongside the barbecue ribs, something we don’t think we’ve ever come across until now. As presented, the burger was nearly as black as a meteorite, but its flavor was divine: smoky, juicy and just lovely all around. When we head back,

BRIAN CHILSON

n Twelve Modern Lounge will open in mid-to-late February in the former Capital View-area home of Star Bar. Telly Noel and Myron Jackson, partners at the advertising and marketing firm The Design Group, are co-owners. Last week, Noel, who as a long time party promoter in the area is better known as Kookieman, said that Twelve will fill a “huge void” in the local night club world by catering to adults 25 and older; in fact, only those 25 and older will be admitted. As the name suggests, the feel of Twelve will be more lounge than dance club, Noel said. The Star Bar decor remains almost entirely intact. There’ll be some live music, but mostly acoustic or small jazz or soul combos. The menu, which Lulav is consulting on, will be all hors d’ouevres. It’s still in the works, Noel said, but he expects it to include the likes of sliders, chicken fingers and fries. Twelve is located at 1900 West 3rd Street. We’ll let you know when a grand opening is announced.

■ dining Swamped with flavor

EASY TO HANDLE: Red Swamp’s fried oyster sandwich.

BRIAN CHILSON

what’scookin’

we’re definitely getting one of those babies with all the trimmings. Digging into my own fried oyster sandwich I found it to be similarly good, featuring loads of expertlyfried oysters in a spicy breading, topped with sweet homemade coleslaw and what appeared to be homemade tartar sauce, all served on a round Kaiser roll. While we’re more used to eating po’ boys on French loaves, the round roll made it much easier to handle and the sandwich itself was near perfect: two-fisted big, the oysters juicy and flavorful, with just enough flavor to make the tangy tartar sauce pop. Companion, meanwhile, also enjoyed her catfish plate, which came piled with big, meaty fillets in a light cornmeal batter that featured a great hint of spice. Her beans were similarly nice: sweet, spicy, and full of onion. Though we were all reaching the caloric danger zone by then, we had to try some of Red Swamp’s fried pies, which we had learned from the waitress were kind of their claim to fame. We’ve had fried pies all over — it’s kind of the national dessert

of the Outer Baronies of Arkansas, we’ve found — but these were right up there: a nice, firm crust surrounding a generous mound of sweet filling (apple and chocolate, in our case). Yes, England is quite a haul from Little Rock, around 25 miles. On the plus side, if you go down there to catch a table at Red Swamp, we think you’ll definitely have something talk about on the way home.

Red Swamp 223 Main St. England 501-842-1300 Quick Bite

Red Swamp offers ribs on Thursday night, boiled shrimp with corn and potatoes on Friday night, and steamed crab legs on Friday and Saturday nights.

Hours

11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Thursday and Friday; 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday.

Other info

No alcohol. Cash or check only.

BRIAN CHILSON

Restaurant capsules Continued from page 50

ASHLEY’S The premier fine dining restaurant in Little Rock marries Southern traditionalism and haute cuisine. The menu is often daring and always delicious. 111 W. Markham St. Full bar, All CC. $$$-$$$$. 501-374-7474. BLD Mon.-Sat. BR Sun. BRAVE NEW RESTAURANT The food’s great, portions huge, prices reasonable. Diners can look into the open kitchen and watch the culinary geniuses at work slicing and dicing and sauteeing. It’s great fun, and the fish is special. 2300 Cottondale Lane. Full bar, All CC. $$-$$$. 501-6632677. LD Mon.-Fri. D Sat. BUFFALO WILD WINGS A sports bar on steroids with numerous humongous TVs and a menu full of thirst-inducing items. The wings, which can be slathered with one of 14 sauces, are the staring attraction and will undoubtedly have fans. 14800 Cantrell Road. Full bar, All CC. $$. 501-8685279. LD daily. BURGER MAMA’S Big burgers and oversized onion rings headline the menu at this down home joint. 13216 Interstate 30. Full bar, All CC. $-$$. 501-225-2495. LD daily. BY THE GLASS A broad but not ridiculously large list is studded with interesting, diverse selections, and prices are uniformly reasonable. The food focus is on high-end items that pair well with wine — olives, hummus, cheese, bread, and some meats and sausages. 5713 Kavanaugh Blvd. Beer, Wine, All CC. $$. 501-663-9463. D Mon.-Sat. CAPITAL BAR AND GRILL Big hearty sandwiches, daily lunch specials and fine evening dining all rolled up into one at this landing spot downtown. Surprisingly inexpensive with a great bar staff and a good selection of unique desserts. 111 Markham St. Full bar, All CC. $$-$$$. 501-374-7474. LD daily. CHEEBURGER CHEEBURGER Premium black Angus cheeseburgers, with five different sizes, ranging from the Classic (5.5 ounces) to the pounder (20 ounces), and nine cheese options. For sides, milkshakes and golden-fried onion rings are the way to go. 11525 Cantrell Rd. No alcohol, All CC. $$. 501-490-2433. LD daily. CIAO BACI The focus is on fine dining in this casually elegant Hillcrest bungalow, though tapas are also available, and many come for the comfortable lounge that serves specialty drinks until late. 605 N. Beechwood St. Full bar, All CC. $$$-$$$$. 501-603-0238. D Mon.-Sat. DIVERSION Hillcrest wine bar with diverse tapas menu. From the people behind Crush. 2611 Kavanaugh Blvd., Suite 200. Full bar, All CC. $$-$$$. 501-414-0409. D Mon.-Sat. DOE’S EAT PLACE A skid-row dive turned power brokers’ watering hole with huge steaks, great tamales and broiled shrimp, and killer burgers at lunch. 1023 W. Markham St. Full bar, All CC. $$-$$$. 501-376-1195. LD Mon.-Fri., D Sat. DUB’S HAMBURGER HEAVEN A standout dairy bar. The hamburger, onion rings and strawberry milkshake make a meal fit for kings. 6230 Baucum Pike. NLR. No alcohol, No CC. $-$$. 501-955-2580. BLD daily. EJ’S EATS AND DRINKS The friendly neighborhood hoagie shop downtown serves at a handful of tables and by delivery. The sandwiches are generous, the soup homemade and the salads cold. Vegetarians can craft any number of acceptable meals from the flexible menu. The housemade potato chips are da bomb. 523 Center St. Beer, Wine, All CC. $-$$. 501-666-3700. LD Mon.-Fri. FIVE GUYS BURGERS & FRIES Nationwide burger chain with emphasis on freshly made fries and patties. 2923 Lakewood Village Dr. NLR. No alcohol, All CC. $-$$. 501-246-5295. LD daily. 13000 Chenal Parkway. No alcohol, All CC. $-$$. 501-225-1100. LD daily. FLYING FISH The fried seafood is fresh and crunchy and there are plenty of raw, boiled and grilled offerings, too. The hamburgers are a hit, too. It’s self-service; wander on through the screen door and you’ll find a slick team of cooks and servers doing a creditable job of serving big crowds. 511 President Clinton Ave. Beer, Wine, All CC. $$. 501-375-3474. LD daily. JIMMY’S SERIOUS SANDWICHES Consistently fine sandwiches, side orders and desserts. Chicken salad’s among the best in town. Get there early for lunch. 5116 W. Markham St. No alcohol, All CC. $-$$. 501-666-3354. L Mon.-Sat. KRAZY MIKE’S Po’Boys, catfish and shrimp and other fishes, fried chicken wings and all the expected sides served up fresh and hot to order on demand. 200 N. Bowman Road. Beer, All CC. $$. 501-907-6453. LD daily. LOCA LUNA Grilled meats, seafood and pasta dishes that never stray far from country roots, whether Italian, Spanish or Arkie. “Gourmet plate lunches” are good, as is Sunday brunch. 3519 Old Cantrell Rd. Full bar, All CC. $$-$$$. 501-663-4666. L Sun.-Fri., D daily. OYSTER BAR Gumbo, red beans and rice (all you can eat on Mondays), peel-and-eat shrimp, oysters on the half shell, addictive po’ boys. 3003 W. Markham St. Full bar, All CC. $-$$. 501-666-7100. LD Mon.-Sat. PERCIFUL’S FAMOUS HOT DOGS If you’re a lover of chilidogs, this might just be your Mecca; a humble, stripmall storefront out in East End that serves some of the best around. The latest incarnation of a LR joint that dates to the 1940s, longdogs are pretty much all they do, and they do them exceedingly well, with scratch-made chili and slaw. Our fave: The Polish cheese royal, add onions. 20400 Arch St. No alcohol, All CC. $. 501-261-1364. LD Tue.-Sat.

■ UPDATE MICK’S BAR-B-Q, CATFISH AND GRILL When the slate-gray clouds finally parted to reveal a crystalline blue sky last week, lunch called for something wrapped in wax, snapped in a Styrofoam box and eaten on a picnic bench. Enter Mick’s, a little roadside shack off of MacArthur serving up unfussy food, quickly and well-made. The burger here is plain and simple, served with lettuce, onion, tomato and pickles and cooked well-done. There are onehalf and one-quarter pound versions. The quarter pounder is good for lunch and it goes perfect with a batch of onion rings. The burger itself is good, although the meat isn’t very heavily seasoned, it’s tasty. The veggies are fresh and it’s not too greasy. A sign right beside the teeny-tiny service window advertises “Five deviled eggs for $1.59,” but don’t let the low price fool you: they’re as good as any deviled egg you’ll find at any picnic. (We’re sure the adventurous eater would find them pretty tasty piled onto a burger.) Like all good Arkansans, we couldn’t pass up the offer of barbecue. Their jumbo chopped pork sandwich places an emphasis on “jumbo,” roughly half a pound of shredded pig on a generous bun, slathered but not soaked in a sweet, seasoned sauce and served with coleslaw on the side. We opted also for Southern popcorn — that is, fried okra — on the side. Truth be told, even the worst fried okra is pretty great. We might have torn through the big, bready squares without even chewing for flavor so, yes, we’ll happily endorse the okra. It’s a leap beyond football game concession stand food and just a few paces behind backyard barbecue: just like roadside grub should be. 3609 MacArthur Dr., NLR. All CC, no checks. 501-791-2773. LD Mon.-Sat. PLAYTIME PIZZA Tons of fun isn’t rained out by lackluster eats at the new Playtime Pizza, the $11 million, 65,000 square foot kidtopia near the Rave theater. While the buffet is only so-so, features like indoor mini-golf, laser tag, go karts, arcade games and bumper cars make it a winner for both kids and adults. 600 Colonel Glenn Plaza Loop. 501-2277529. LD Thu.-Sun., D Mon.-Wed. PURPLE COW DINER 1950s fare — cheeseburgers, chili dogs, thick milk shakes — in a ‘50s setting at today’s prices. Also at 11602 Chenal Parkway. 8026 Cantrell Road. Full bar, All CC. $$. 501-221-3555. LD daily, BR Sat.-Sun 11602 Chenal Parkway. Full bar, All CC. $$. 501-224-4433. LD daily, BR Sat.-Sun. 1419 Higden Ferry Road. Hot Springs. Beer, All CC. $$. 501-625-7999. LD daily, B Sun. SALUT BISTRO This bistro/late-night hangout does upscale Italian for dinner and pub grub until the wee hours. 1501 N. University. Full bar, All CC. $$-$$$. 501-660-4200. L Mon.-Fri., D Tue.-Sat. SCALLION’S Reliably good food, great desserts, pleasant atmosphere, able servers — a solid lunch spot. 5110 Kavanaugh Blvd. Beer, Wine, All CC. $-$$. 501-666-6468. L Mon.-Sat. SHIPLEY DO-NUTS With locations just about everywhere in Central Arkansas, it’s hard to miss Shipley’s. Their signature smooth glazed doughnuts and dozen or so varieties of fills are well known. 7514 Cantrell Rd. No alcohol, All CC. $. 501-664-5353. B daily. SHORTY SMALL’S Land of big, juicy burgers, massive cheese logs, smoky barbecue platters and the signature onion loaf. 1100 N. Rodney Parham Road. Full bar, All CC. $$. 501-224-3344. LD daily 1475 Hogan Lane. Conway. Full bar, All CC. $$. 501-764-0604. LD daily. SONNY WILLIAMS’ STEAK ROOM Steaks, chicken and seafood in a wonderful setting in the River Market. Steak gets pricey, but the lump crab meat au gratin appetizer is outstanding. Give the turtle soup a try. 500 President Clinton Ave. Full bar, All CC. $$$. 501-324-2999. D Mon.-Sat. STAGECOACH GROCERY AND DELI Fine po’ boys and muffalettas — and cheap. 6024 Stagecoach Road. Beer, All CC. $-$$. 501-455-4157. BL daily. D Mon.-Fri. TERRI-LYNN’S BAR-B-Q AND DELI High-quality meats served on large sandwiches and good tamales served with chili or without (the better bargain). 10102 N. Rodney Parham Road. No alcohol, All CC. $-$$. 501-227-6371. LD Tue.-Sat. (10:30 a.m.-6 p.m.). UNION BISTRO Casual upscale bistro and lounge. Try the chicken and waffles. 3421 Old Cantrell Road. Full bar, All CC. $$$. 501-353-0360. WEST END SMOKEHOUSE AND TAVERN Its primary focus is a sports bar with 50-plus TVs, but the dinner entrees (grilled chicken, steaks and such) are plentiful and the bar food is upper quality. 215 N. Shackleford. Full bar, All CC. $$. 501-224-7665. L Fri.-Sun., D daily. WINGSTOP It’s all about wings. The joint features eight flavors of chicken flappers for almost any palate, including mild, hot, Cajun and atomic, as well as specialty flavors like lemon pepper and teriyaki. 11321 West Markham St. Beer. $-$$. 501-224-9464. LD daily.

ASIAN ASIA BUFFET Massive Chinese buffet. 801 S. Bowman Road. Beer, Wine, All CC. $$. 501-225-0095. LD daily. CHINA INN Massive Chinese buffet overflows with meaty and fresh dishes, augmented at dinner by boiled shrimp, oysters on the half shell and snow crab legs, all you want cheap. 2629 Lakewood Village Place. NLR. Beer, Wine, All CC. $-$$. 501-771-2288. LD daily. FORBIDDEN CITY The Park Plaza staple has fast and friendly service, offering up good lo mein at lunch and Cantonese and Hunan dishes. 6000 W. Markham St. Full bar, All CC. $-$$. 501-663-9099. LD daily. FU XING Chinese buffet. 9120 N. Rodney Parham Road. Beer, Wine, All CC. $-$$. 501-223-0888. LD daily.

t e f f Bu

GINA’S A broad and strong sushi menu along with other Japanese standards. 14524 Cantrell Road. Beer, Wine, All CC. $$. 501-868-7775. LD daily. HANAROO SUSHI BAR Under its second owner, it’s one of the few spots in downtown Little Rock to serve sushi. With an expansive menu, featuring largely Japanese fare with a bit of Korean mixed in. 205 W. Capitol Ave. Beer, Wine, All CC. $$. 501-301-7900. L Mon.-Fri., D Mon.-Sat. PHO THANH MY It says “Vietnamese noodle soup” on the sign out front, and that’s what you should order. The pho comes in outrageously large portions with bean sprouts and fresh herbs. Traditional pork dishes, spring rolls and bubble tea also available. 302 N. Shackleford Road. No alcohol, All CC. $$. 501-312-7498. SEKISUI Fresh-tasting sushi, traditional Japanese, the fun hibachi style of Japanese, and an overwhelming assortment of entrees. Nice wine selection, sake, specialty drinks. 219 N. Shackleford Road. Full bar, All CC. $-$$. 501-221-7070. LD daily. SHOGUN JAPANESE STEAKHOUSE The chefs will dazzle you, as will the variety of tasty stir-fry combinations and the sushi bar. Usually crowded at night. 2815 Cantrell Road. Full bar, All CC. $$-$$$. 501-666-7070. D daily. WASABI Downtown sushi and Japanese cuisine. For lunch, there’s quick and hearty sushi samplers. 101 Main St. Full bar, All CC. $-$$. 501-374-0777. L Mon.-Fri., D Mon.-Sat.

BARBECUE BARE BONES PIT BAR-B-Q A carefully controlled gas oven, with wood chips added for flavor, guarantees moist and sweet pork, both pulled from the shoulder and back ribs. The side orders, particularly the baked potato salad, are excellent. 5501 Ranch Drive, Suite 4. Beer, All CC. $-$$. 501-868-7427. LD daily. CHIP’S BARBECUE Tasty, if a little pricey, barbecue piled high on sandwiches generously doused with tangy sauce. Better known for the incredible family recipe pies and cheesecakes, which come tall and wide. 9801 W. Markham St. Beer, All CC. $-$$. 501-225-4346. LD Mon.-Sat. DIXIE PIG Pig salad is tough to beat. It comes with loads of chopped pork atop crisp iceberg, doused with that wonderful vinegar-based sauce. The sandwiches are basic, and the sweet, thick sauce is fine. 900 West 35th St. NLR. No alcohol, All CC. $-$$. 501-753-9650. LD Mon.-Sat. KENT’S DOWNTOWN Big sandwiches, barbecue and plate lunches served up at the River Market’s Oppenheimer Hall. Affiliated with Kent Berry’s other operation, The Meat Shoppe in Gravel Ridge. 400 President Clinton Ave. No alcohol, All CC. $-$$. 501-325-1900. L Mon.-Sat.

EUROPEAN / ETHNIC ARABICA HOOKAH CAFE This eatery and grocery store offers kebabs and salads along with just about any sort of Middle Eastern fare you might want, along with what might be the best kefte kebab in Central Arkansas. Halal butcher on duty. 3400 S. University Ave. No alcohol, All CC. $-$$. 501-379-8011. LD daily. ISTANBUL MEDITERRANEAN CUISINE This Turkish eatery offers decent kebabs and great starters. The red pepper hummus is a winner. So are Cigar Pastries. Possibly the best Turkish coffee in Central Arkansas. 11525 Cantrell Road. No alcohol, All CC. $$-$$$. 501-223-9332. LD daily. LEO’S GREEK CASTLE Wonderful Mediterranean food — gyro sandwiches or platters, falafel and tabouleh — plus dependable hamburgers, ham sandwiches, steak platters and BLTs. Breakfast offerings are expanded with gyro meat, pitas and triple berry pancakes. 2925 Kavanaugh Blvd. No alcohol, All CC. $-$$. 501-666-7414. BLD daily.

ITALIAN CAFE PREGO Dependable entrees of pasta, pork and the like, plus great sauces, fresh mixed greens and delicious

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dressings, crisp-crunchy-cold gazpacho and tempting desserts in a comfy bistro setting. 5510 Kavanaugh Blvd. Full bar, All CC. $$-$$$. 501-663-5355. LD Mon.-Fri., D Sat. CIAO Don’t forget about this casual yet elegant bistro tucked into a downtown storefront. The fine pasta and seafood dishes, ambiance and overall charm combine to make it a relaxing, enjoyable, affordable choice. 405 W. Seventh St. Full bar, All CC. $$. 501-372-0238. L Mon.-Fri., D Thu.-Sat. GRADY’S PIZZAS AND SUBS Pizza features a pleasing blend of cheeses rather than straight mozzarella. The grinder is a classic, the chef’s salad huge and tasty. 6801 W. 12th St., Suite C. Beer, Wine, All CC. $-$$. 501-663-1918. LD daily. IRIANA’S PIZZA Unbelievably generous thick-crust pizza with unmatched zest. Good salads, too; grinders are great, particularly the Italian sausage. 103 W. Markham St. Beer, All CC. $-$$. 501-374-3656. LD Mon.-Sat. OW PIZZA Good pizzas served in a variety of ways, sandwiches, big salads and various pastas and appetizer breads. 8201 Ranch Blvd. Beer, Wine, All CC. $-$$. 868-1100. LD Mon.-Fri. 1706 W. Markham St. Beer, Wine, All CC. $-$$. LD Mon.-Fri. (closes at 7 p.m.). U.S. PIZZA Crispy thin-crust pizzas, frosty beers and heaping salads drowned in creamy dressing. Multiple locations: 4001 McCain Park, NLR, 753-2900; 3324 Pike Ave., NLR, 758-5997; 650 Edgewood Drive, Maumelle, 851-0880; 8403 Highway 107, Sherwood, 835-5673; 9300 N. Rodney Parham, 224-6300; 2814 Kavanaugh, 663-2198. 5524 Kavanaugh. Beer, All CC. $$. 501-664-7071. LD daily. 710 Front Street. Conway. Beer, Wine, All CC. $-$$. 501-4509700. LD Mon.-Sun.

MEXICAN

February 12 February 14 Boscos Wine Dinner

Restaurant capsules

CAPI’S The eatery has abandoned its previous small plates format for Nuevo Latino cuisine heavy on tamales, enchiladas and Central American reinterpretation of dishes. Fortunately, they kept the great desserts. 11525 Cantrell Suite 917. Full bar, All CC. $$. 501-225-9600. LD Tue.-Sun., BR Sat.-Sun. COTIJA’S A branch off the famed La Hacienda family tree downtown, with a massive menu of tasty lunch and dinner specials, the familiar white cheese dip and sweet red and fiery-hot green salsas, and friendly service. 406 S. Louisiana St. Full bar, All CC. $$. 501-244-0733. L Mon.-Sat. EL JALAPENO 9203 Chicot Road. No alcohol, No CC. $. 501-772-7471. LD Mon.-Fri. LAS MARGARITAS Sparse offerings at this taco truck. No chicken, for instance. Try the veggie quesadilla. 7308 Baseline Road. No alcohol, No CC. $. LD Tue.-Thu. LA REGIONAL A full-service grocery store catering to SWLR’s Latino community, it’s the small grill tucked away in the back corner that should excite lovers of adventurous cuisine. The menu offers a whirlwind trip through Latin America, with delicacies from all across the Spanishspeaking world (try the El Salvadorian papusas, they’re great). Bring your Spanish/English dictionary. 7414 Baseline Road. No alcohol, All CC. $-$$. 501-565-4440. BLD daily. 2630 Pike Ave. NLR. No alcohol, All CC. $-$$. 501-2464163. TAQUERIA KARINA AND CAFE A real Mexican neighborhood cantina from the owners, to freshly baked pan dulce, to Mexican-bottled Cokes, to first-rate guacamole, to inexpensive tacos, burritos, quesadillas and a broad selection of Mexican-style seafood. 5309 W. 65th St. $. 501-562-3951. LD Tue.-Thu. TAQUERIA LAS ISABELES Mobile taco stand with great authentic tacos, Hawaiian hamburguesas (burgers topped with pineapple and avocado) and more. 7100 Colonel Glen Road. No alcohol, No CC. $. 501-563-4801. L Mon.-Sat., D Sat. TAQUERIA SAMANTHA II Stand out taco truck fare, with meat options standard and exotic. 7521 Geyer Springs Road. No alcohol, No CC. $. 501-744-0680. LD Tue.-Sun.

AROUND ARKANSAS CONWAY BEAR’S DEN PIZZA Pizza, calzones and salads at UCA hangout. 235 Farris Road. Conway. Full bar, All CC. $-$$. 501-328-5556. LD Mon.-Sat. CASA MARIACHI Mexican fare. 2225 Prince St. Conway. No alcohol, All CC. $$. 501-764-1122. LD daily. CATFISH AND MORE As the name suggests, catfish and more -- including an all-you-can-eat buffet, sandwiches, individual dinners and fried pies. 1815 Highway 64 West. Conway. No alcohol, All CC. $$. 501-513-2252. L Tue.-Sun., D Tue.-Sat. CROSS CREEK SANDWICH SHOP Cafe serves salads and sandwiches weekdays. 1003 Oak St. Conway. No alcohol, All CC. $-$$. 501-764-1811. L Mon.-Fri. DAVID’S BUTCHER BOY BURGERS Burgers, fries, shakes and drinks -- that’s all you’ll find at this new Conway burger joint. 1100 Highway 65 N. Conway. No alcohol, All CC. $-$$. (501) 327-3333. DUE AMICHE ITALIAN RESTAURANT Stromboli, pasta, pizza, calzones and other Italian favorites. 1600 Dave Ward Drive. Conway. No alcohol, All CC. $$. 501-336-0976. LD

Mon.-Sun. HOG PEN BBQ Barbecue, fish, chicken 800 Walnut. Conway. No alcohol, All CC. $-$$. 501-326-5177. LD Tue.-Sat.. OLD CHICAGO PASTA & PIZZA Pizzas, pastas, calzones, sandwiches, burgers, steaks and salads and booze.Â The atmosphere is amiable and the food comforting. 1010 Main St. Conway. Full bar, All CC. $$. 501-329-6262. LD daily. THE SALE BARN CAFE Breakfast and lunch for the sale barn crowd on Tuesdays. 1100 S. Amity Rd. Conway. No alcohol, No CC. $. 501-548-9980. BL Tue. SMOKEHOUSE BBQ Hickory-smoked meats, large sides and fried pickles among other classics offered at this 40-year-old veteran of the Conway barbecue scene. 505 Donaghey. Conway. No alcohol, All CC. $-$$. 501-7644227. LD Mon.-Sat. ZAZA The Conway spin-off of the beloved Heights wood oven pizza, salad and gelato restaurant is bigger than its predecessor, with a full bar and mixed drink specials that rely on a massive orange and lime juicer. 1050 Ellis Ave. Conway. Full bar, All CC. $$-$$$. 501-336-9292. BLD daily.

EUREKA SPRINGS CASA COLINA Nuevo Mexican with some truly innovative dishes, accompanied by traditional favorites and several mighty fine steaks. 173 S. Main St. Eureka Springs. Full bar, All CC. $$-$$$. 479-363-6226. D Wed.-Mon. GARDEN BISTRO This locavore and organic restaurant nestled down Eureka Springs’ Main Street features fresh and innovative dishes on a creative ever-changing menu so fresh it’s written anew each night on the wall. 119 N. Main St. Eureka Springs. Beer, Wine, All CC. $$-$$$. 479-253-1281. L Tue.-Sun. D Wed.-Sat. NEW DELHI CAFE, THE This Indian-American fusion cafe tucked under the hustle and bustle of Eureka Springs’ shopping district features a breakfast of ethnically-charged items and American favorites, a lunch buffet and some of the best live music you’ll hear on a patio. 2 N Main St. Eureka Springs. Wine, All CC. $$. (479) 253-2525. BLD. THE OASIS This Eureka Springs lunch spot may not be easy to find, but its hefty menu and daily specials incorporate Arkansas flavors in traditional Mexican dishes for a one-of-a-kind taste experience. 53 Springs St. Eureka Springs. No alcohol, All CC. $-$$. 479-253-0886. L.

FAYETTEVILLE CAFE RUE ORLEANS Top quality Creole food and a couple of Cajun specialties (a soupy gumbo, a spicy and rich etouffee) from a cook who learned her tricks in Lafayette, La., and the Crescent City. Best entree is the eggplant Napoleon. Oyster bar downstairs to make your wait for a dining table pleasant. 1150 N. College Ave. Fayetteville. Full bar, All CC. 479-443-2777. LD Tue.-Sat., BR Sun. COMMON GROUNDS All-day dining on Dickson Street with a broad selection of eats, including breakfast late in the day on the weekend and great coffee anytime. Probably the largest coffee drink menu in Northwest Arkansas. 412 W. Dickson St. Fayetteville. Full bar, All CC. $$. 479-4423515. BLD. DOE’S EAT PLACE This may be the best Doe’s of the bunch, franchised off the Greenville, Miss., icon. Great steaks, and the usual salads, fries, very hot tamales and splendid service. Lots of TVs around for the game-day folks. 316 W. Dickson St. Fayetteville. 479-443-3637. D. ELLA’S Fine dining in the university’s vastly reworked Inn at Carnall Hall. A favorite — it figures on the UA campus — is the razor steak. 465 N. Arkansas Ave. Fayetteville. 479-582-1400. BLD. HUGO’S You’ll find a menu full of meals and munchables, some better than others at this basement European-style bistro. The Bleu Moon Burger is a popular choice. Hugo’s is always worth a visit, even if just for a drink. 25 1/2 N. Block St. Fayetteville. Full bar, All CC. 479-521-7585. LD Mon.-Sat. PENGUIN ED’S BAR-B-Q Prices are magnificent and portions are generous at this barbecue spot with an interesting menu, a killer sausage sandwich, burgers, omelets and wonderful lemonade. 2773 Mission Blvd. Fayetteville. 479-587-8646. BLD. PESTO CAFE This nice little Italian restaurant in, yes, a roadside motel offers all the traditional dishes, including a nice eggplant parmesan. 1830 N. College Ave. Fayetteville. Beer, Wine. $. 479-582-3330. LD Mon.-Sun. VENESIAN INN People swarm in for the Italian fare and feast on what may be the best homemade rolls in the state. 582 W. Henri De Tonti Blvd. Fayetteville. Beer. $$. 479-3612562. LD Tue.-Thu., D Fri.-Sat.

MAUMELLE AMERICAN PIE PIZZA (MAUMELLE) Handmade pizza on perfect thin crust with varied toppings, and inexpensive. We liked the olive-oil-based margherita and supreme, plus there are salads, sandwiches and appetizers, all for cheap. 9708 Maumelle Blvd. Maumelle. Beer, Wine, All CC. $$-$$$. 501-758-8800. LD daily. 4830 North Hills Blvd. NLR. Beer, Wine, All CC. $$-$$$. 501-753-0081. LD daily. 10912 Colonel Glenn Road. Beer, Wine, All CC. $$-$$$. 501-225-1900. LD daily. CHEERS IN MAUMELLE 1901 Club Manor Drive. Maumelle. Full bar, All CC. 501-851-6200. LD daily, BR Sun. COCK OF THE WALK Yes, the chicken and shrimp are great, but go for the unbeatable catfish. Plus, we say the slaw is the world’s best, 7051 Cock of the Walk Lane. Maumelle. Full bar, All CC. $$. 501-758-7182. D Mon.-Sat., LD Sun.

AN ASTUTE DESIGN STAR COMES TO TOWN BY KATHERINE WYRICK PHOTOGRAPHY BRIAN CHILSON

FEBRUARY 9, 2011

now is just starting to fall as Vern Yip enters the bustling lobby of the Capital Hotel. A fan spots him and approaches to shake his hand, and the friendly and personable Yip graciously obliges. Asked if he gets recognized a lot, he says modestly, “It’s the hair. It sticks straight up.” But it’s really not just the hair. Like his work, Vern Yip himself stands out; his personal style and presence are as distinctive as his design aesthetic. Known for balancing precise, clean-lined interiors with a sense of warmth, Yip made over countless homes and restaurants during his four seasons on TLC’s “Trading Spaces,” on NBC’s “Home Intervention” and through his private practice. His most recent projects include his own show on HGTV, “Deserving Design with Vern Yip,” airing every week, and the recently concluded fifth season of the prime-time series, “HGTV Design Star,” where every season he helps to discover America’s next great design talent. Fans can also catch Yip on HGTV in episodes of “HGTV Showdown,” “Bang for Your Buck” and a new series called “First Time Designer.” When not on TV, Yip

Continued on page 56

hearsay

➥ A hometown girl introduces her fabulous new nail polish line, LcB Nail Lacquer. Creator LaKhiva Blann of Little Rock celebrated with a launch party this past weekend. At the moment, BOX TURTLE is the only retailer to carry the line, but Blann plans to take it nationwide. Each color has a provocative name, like Choc-La-Drop and Thin as Rail. ➥ PFLUGRAD’S ANTIQUES in the Heights (formerly featured here in “Shop Birds”) is closing its doors on March 1. Until that time, everything is ½ off. “It’s time, honey,” said Pat Pflugrad by way of explanation. What will the cockatoos, not to mention the customers, do without it? ➥ To learn about the basics and beyond, don’t miss the Laura Mercier Cosmetic Event, “Foundations of Beauty,” February 16-17, at B. BARNETT. ➥ BARBARA/JEAN presents four events on one evening,, Thursday, February 10, 5 p.m.-7 p.m.: a cocktail reception welcoming Susan Posnick of Susan Posnick Cosmetics and Tia Neyman with Tia Mia Jewelry trunk show, as well as an Emil Rutenberg Spring 2011 trunk show and Layfayette 148 Spring 2011 Bellini Event. B/ Jean also invites you to enjoy all of their special events on Friday, February 11 from 10 a.m.-6 p.m. ADVERTISING SUPPLEMENT TO THE ARKANSAS TIMES • FEBRUARY 9, 2011 53

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he smallest Walmart store in the world opened January 14 on the UA campus in Fayetteville, causing all the Supercenters to exclaim, “Oh my gosh, it’s soooo cute! ... Look at its little aisles!” The 3,500-square-foot store is part of the retail shops which line the front of the new parking deck on Garland Avenue. Walmart on Campus, which will serve as a full-service pharmacy and general merchandise store, is roughly 2% the size of an average 185,000-square-foot Wal-Mart Supercenter. The store, the first of its kind, could be part of a plan by Walmart to test smallstore formats for areas that are too small for a massive supercenter. An area like New York City, perhaps? For several years now, Walmart has tried to enter that market without success (due partly, we suspect, to the fact that New Yorkers don’t like to be greeted by smiling strangers).

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day of it

or me, an ideal outing means maximum shopping with minimum stops (oh, and ample snacking). That’s why Pleasant Ridge is such an all-around satisfactory experience. My “day on the ridge” scenario goes something like this: I begin by browsing the tantalizing bulk bins at Fresh Market and choosing a little something with which to fortify myself for the day ahead. I then meander over to Beyond Cotton to check out the new Michael Stars tees and to Glo Limited to pick up some Laura Mercier. Afterwards, I head over to Cobblestone & Vine to get touchy feely with one of their luxuriant throws. After popping into Vesta’s to sniff the l’Occitane and admire the linens, I stroll over to Kitchen Co. to eat some tasty samples and look longingly at the le Creuset. (Did I mention that I purchase a few choice items at each stop along the way?) Of course, I have to browse the racks of Scarlet to see what the thin and hip are wearing these days and to lust over that Wildfox heart-print sweatshirt. I drop by the Toggery, too, since after all there are the children to consider (and how convenient that the Toggery moved from their Rodney Parham location into these nicer digs!). And, well, it wouldn’t be right if I didn’t

pop in the newly opened Cupcakes on the Ridge right next door (the sister store of Cupcakes on Kavanaugh)—just to be polite, of course. While I’ve got food on the mind (and let’s be honest; when is it not?), I make a stop at Panera to get a quick bite and to stock up on bagels for the next morning. (They have the best bagels in town.) Oh, and I really should try that new yogurt place, Orange Leaf, because I haven’t quite satiated that sweet tooth. At this point, I’m tiring but insist on experiencing “the magic of Faux Pas,” as the infectious jingle goes, before I leave. Oh, so many boutiques, so little time (and funds): Jeante, Solemates, Moda, and more. And there’s still so much eating left to be done, too: Capi’s and Istanbul to name but two. It’s all a bit overwhelming; that I might have to make a detour to Rose Spa to regroup and get a massage. How different this is from the mall days of my youth (and not just because I’m no longer wearing parachute pants). In this open, attractive outdoor setting, you don’t exit from a crowded parking deck feeling frazzled, blinking like a small mammal emerging from its burrow into the sunlight. At Pleasant Ridge, you’re already there.

Refresh your nest BY KATHERINE WYRICK PHOTOGRAPHY BRIAN CHILSON

erry Dilday of Cynthia East Fabrics is fresh from market and feeling inspired. Here she shares her insights and tells us that birds are still hanging tough as a 2011 trend. “Market was great,” Terry enthuses. “We saw an overwhelming amount of neutrals, a look I refer to as ‘French Laundry,’ like an old Paris apartment ... burlap, linens ... The look is both very rich and wrinkled, kind of worn-out looking. Baskets are back in a big way. The wood we saw [on baskets] had a white-washed, pickled finish, but not in an ’80s way. Instead it was vintage and aged looking. Script printed on linen was big everywhere. I mean everywhere! And birds. Lots of birds, nests, birdcages.” Pictured here is but a sampling of avian-inspired items currently found at Cynthia East Fabrics. C-R-A-Z-Y about the accompanying egg pillow designed by Abby Kirby. Pure genius!

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YIP

Continued from page 53 runs his own design company in Atlanta and serves as the newly appointed spokesperson for Bentonville-based I.O Metro (hence the visit). At a meet and greet at I.O. Metro’s Little Rock store in January, Yip offered some design therapy and mingled with guests. As part of the new partnership with the furniture retailer, Yip will take part in upcoming advertising campaigns and be featured in “Vern’s Picks” throughout the store—items Yip has personally chosen as must-haves. While discussing this, the shockingly young (and cute) chief executive officer of I.O. Metro, Jay Howard, whom this reporter at first mistakes for an overzealous admirer, comes over to share his excitement about the venture. “We’re thrilled about having Vern partner with I.O. Metro,” Howard enthuses. Yip’s career in interior design began over 15 years ago, the realization of a dream he’d had since childhood. “I’ve always known I wanted to do this,” he says. “Since I was a little boy, my favorite thing to do was build houses and skyscrapers with Legos. I was never interested in building cars or airplanes.” Born in Hong Kong and raised by Chinese American parents who fled during the Communist Revolution, Yip understood the sacrifices his parents made to afford him the best possible education. “And like any dutiful Chinese son,” he explains, “I wanted to make them happy.” That meant becoming a doctor. After graduating from UVA with a degree in chemistry and economics, he was accepted to medical school and got a job with the National Institutes of Health. All the while, however, he felt that he was betraying his true calling. Just weeks away from starting med school, he worked up the courage to say to his mom, “This isn’t what I’m passionate

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Yip shares this wisdom for aspiring designers: “I get asked all the time how to approach a career in design, and I always say, you need to be a really educated individual, educated in a broad based way, meaning, it’s not enough to be educated in design; you have to have solid math skills; you have to have science skills; you have know about history, literature, art because all of those things are resources. To be a great designer you really have to be multi-faceted and have a wealth of experience to draw from.”

about.” It came as no surprise to her that her son’s real love was design and architecture, and she gave him her blessing. He went on to graduate school at Georgia Tech where he received an MA in architecture and an MBA “just to make my mom feel better.” Upon graduation, he got job at one of the top architecture design firms in the southeast. He worked as an

architect, but his passion for design persisted. An irresistible opportunity arose when the head of interior design at the firm approached him and said, “I have a hunch about you.” She appointed him the task of designing the corporate headquarters for Disney Cruise, and the rest, as they say, is design history. Yip feels that his training as architect and even his brief foray into medicine enrich and inform his work. “All disciplines are connected,” he opines. He also finds inspiration in contemporary art (specifically photography, which he collects) and travel. Yip says, “Traveling is a huge source of inspiration for me. It’s one of the most important things you can do as not just as a designer but as a person. It widens your perspective, exposes you to other cultures and is critical to being a good citizen of the world. . . . The more far-flung, the more remote, the better for me.” He cites Tibet, Bhutan, Chile, Russia, Thailand and Laos as favorites. For the time being, however, he’s homeward bound. Yip is currently working on an addition to his Atlanta home before the newest addition to his family arrives. “I’m on a mission to finish this project before the baby comes,” he says. He also has a son who just turned one. Asked to describe the style of his own home, Yip says, “My house is not that different from the house where I was raised. . . It’s a real reflection of me because I always say, your home should be a physical manifestation of you. . . . It’s very eclectic; there are 17th-, 18th-, 19th-, century pieces sitting next to modern, contemporary pieces as well as things I’ve collected from travels.” Of designing a space with a family in mind, Yip says, “For me, successful design is always that confluence of function and aesthetics. It can’t just be one; it has to be both.“ He offers this sage advice: “You should plan the room so that it supports your life.”

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