Arkansas Times - April 2, 2015 by Arkansas Times

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VOLUME 41, NUMBER 30 ARKANSAS TIMES (ISSN 0164-6273) is published each week by Arkansas Times Limited Partnership, 201 East Markham Street, Suite 200, Little Rock, Arkansas, 72201, phone (501) 375-2985. Periodical postage paid at Little Rock, Arkansas, and additional mailing offices. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to ARKANSAS TIMES, 201 EAST MARKHAM STREET, SUITE 200, Little Rock, AR, 72201. Subscription prices are $42 for one year, $74 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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APRIL 2, 2015

COMMENT

Tom Cotton and American fascism

APRIL 2, 2015

ARKANSAS TIMES

1976 Buckley decision held that money is speech. Now, taken altogether, the Supreme Court is saying corporations and the ultra-rich have free speech protections to spend unlimited amounts of money to buy candidates, elections and ultimately the laws. It is legalized bribery and corruption. Unfortunately, the poor mice cannot $peak beyond a squeak, while the wealthy banshees scream at a million decibels on every TV channel. Now, avalanches of money are suffocating our elections to the point that a 2014 Princeton study concluded America is no

longer a democracy. After examining data from 1,800 policy initiatives between 1981 and 2002, researchers Martin Gilens and Benjamin Page found that the richest few control the country in an oligarchy. Gilens and Page write: “The central point that emerges from our research is that economic elites and organized groups representing business interests have substantial independent impacts on U.S. government policy, while mass-based interest groups and average citizens have little or no independent influence.” There is one last vestige of democracy holding back complete oligarchy: what remains of the Bill of Rights, after being undermined by Dubya and Obama’s terror war. Our votes for puppets may not matter as much as money, but we still have First Amendment protections of actual speech, press, religion and assembly. Let us remember the words of Woody Guthrie, “... You fascists may be surprised, people in this world are getting organized ... . All you fascists bound to lose.” Abel Tomlinson Fayetteville

Open letter to the governor

Photo by Dero Sanford

Tragically, many Americans unknowingly support fascism. Many prominent leaders are de facto fascists and their followers are clueless. History teachers generally fail us. Responsible teachers would require that every student read FDR’s Vice President Henry Wallace’s 1944 New York Times article titled, “The Danger of American Fascism.” Among other important characteristics, Wallace explains American fascism here: “The American fascist would prefer ... to poison the channels of public information. With a fascist the problem is never how best to present the truth to the public but how best to use the news to deceive the public into giving the fascist and his group more money or more power. ... If we define an American fascist as one who in case of conflict puts money and power ahead of human beings, then there are undoubtedly several million fascists in the United States.” FDR also said “... the liberty of a democracy is not safe if the people tolerate the growth of private power to a point where it becomes stronger than their democratic state itself. That, in its essence, is Fascism — ownership of government by an individual, by a group, or by any other controlling private power.” According to these definitions, it is very safe to say American fascism has grown immensely, both in leadership and unwitting followers. Most directly, politicians and the Supreme Court are attacking democracy, unleashing floods of corrupting money in elections, and supporting policies that advance and protect concentrations of wealth and power. Simply put, this is building fascism. They also twist truth constantly to manipulate gullible minds. Propaganda and financial election controls are the keys to their car. Fox News, right-wing radio and right-wing religion are the primary engine, but all mainstream media is partially responsible, too. The Koch brothers are exemplary fascist shadow rulers who would destroy everything we hold dear in the name of false “liberty.” Tom Cotton, the darling of the Kochs, Wall Street and the Israel Lobby, is the poster boy of American fascism. If the Kochs were 11-year old girls, Tom would be their Justin Bieber. Virtually all the policies this ilk supports are in the interest of the richest few. Writing for the Harvard Crimson, younger Tom wrote, “The only real way to solve our current problems is to deregulate campaign financing ... (and) sharply increase contribution limits or eliminate them altogether ... .” This is in complete

harmony with David Koch’s 1980 Libertarian campaign platform for vice president. In addition to abolishing Medicare, Medicaid, Social Security, minimum wage and everything else that helps the elderly, sick and poor, Koch stated, “We urge the repeal of federal campaign finance laws.” The Kochs and lapdog Tom got their wish with the Supreme Court’s decisions in Citizens United and McCutcheon. These decisions build on jurisprudence that is sulfuric acid to self-government. In addition to cases giving corporations constitutional rights under corporate personhood dating back to Santa Clara in 1886, the landmark

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House Bill 1228 and the others like it that have come out of this legislative session are hate-filled and venomous attacks on a portion of citizens of the State of Arkansas. How in good conscience can you say to LGBT constituents that they don’t matter? I understand the idle nature of this and other laws. Gov. Hutchinson, you and I both know they will never be upheld by the Supreme Court. But you and your colleagues in the legislature can look like you’re tough on the issue. You and I are both intelligent enough, and politically savvy enough, to realize that this is a hollow gesture. But governor, to the young person struggling daily to accept his or her sexuality, these don’t seem like empty words. A 16-year-old that is coming of age and not understanding the hormonal signals that are going on in his or her body hears your words loud and clear. You sir, an authority in our state, someone that people look up to and aspire to be like, have said to this young person that he or she is inherently flawed. It’s because of actions like these, that gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgendered Americans are almost twice as likely as their straight counterparts to commit suicide. Make no mistake governor, if you sign this bill, or refuse to act, then you will have very real blood on your hands. That’s not something I could live with. I am of the opinion that all citizens in this great state deserve the same shot in life. Michael Nickerson

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APRIL 2, 2015

EYE ON ARKANSAS

WEEK THAT WAS

Quote of the Week “This bill is what I called it this morning from my pulpit: It is blasphemy. It is an abomination, and it is an affront to the gospel of Jesus Christ.” — Rev. Robert Lowry of First Presbyterian Church in Clarksville, remonstrating against HB 1228 at a rally held by Human Rights Campaign at South on Main on Sunday afternoon.

The news last week was dominated by HB 1228, the “conscience protection bill” that would make it potentially easier to discriminate against LGBT people in Arkansas under the auspices of religious freedom. Rep. Bob Ballinger (R-Hindsville), the bill’s author claims HB 1228 is not intended to allow discrimination, but the bill has sparked outrage from quarters near and far and filled the halls of the Capitol with hundreds of protesters, led by Human Rights Campaign and a group of Presbyterian ministers ardently opposed to discrimination. As this week’s paper was going to press, the House of Representatives gave final approval to the measure and sent it to Gov. Asa Hutchinson’s desk. The governor has said in the past that he’d sign HB 1228, but there’s reason to think he may now have his doubts. Business opposition to the bill, which was slow to rally at first, began building after a similar measure in Indiana earned that state the wrath of major companies and events; it looks as if the bill cost will end up costing Indiana tens of millions of dollars in economic activity. Aside from a chorus of denunciation from outside Arkansas, establishment opposition within the state has included Acxiom, Walmart, the Little Rock Regional Chamber of Commerce, Little Rock Mayor Mark Stodola and former House Speaker Davy Carter, a Republican. They know just how bad this bill makes Arkansas look to the rest of the nation and the world. Your move, governor.

Trade war dies on the vine It was the sort of bill so dumb that the anarchist inside us hoped it would pass, just for the spectacle. HB 1934 by Rep. Dan Douglas (R-Bentonville) would have allowed Arkansas to stop the importation of wine from California in retaliation for that state’s rules that eggs sold in California grocery stores must come from hens provided with enough space 6

APRIL 2, 2015

ARKANSAS TIMES

BRIAN CHILSON

Arkansas Republicans versus the world

GETTING AN EARFUL: People angered by HB 1228 shout “shame” at its author, state Rep. Bob Ballinger (R-Hindsville), as he leaves a state Capitol committee room on Monday.

to extend their wings and turn around. Many Arkansas egg producers do not meet those animal welfare standards. “Any state that imposes agricultural standards on us — we do not want their wine!” Douglas declared to the House, which passed the bill easily. Its success surprised even Douglas, though, who said the bill was supposed to simply deliver a symbolic message. He pulled it down before it reached the Senate.

Transparency, rejected Republican Jana Della Rosa of Rogers forwarded an ethics bill that would have required all candidates to file their campaign finance reports online, a change that 40 states have now instituted. By making such records easily searchable, it would have shone a light on who controls the money behind Arkansas politics. Republicans, and a shameful number of Democrats, voted it down. Rep. Dave Wallace (R-Leachville) said, “I may not be smart enough to be able to do this online.” Rep. Jeff Wardlaw (D-Warren) said he was voting no because his district included “a huge paper industry.” And in an earlier debate in committee, Rep. Bob Ballinger (R-Hindsville), said he was concerned that using the Internet would be too difficult for his “old accountant.” Uh huh.

Budget priorities, by the numbers

$7.7 million

$350,000

The eventual cost of pay increases for state elected officials, including legislators and judges, as finalized by an independent citizens commission earlier this month.

The estimated fiscal impact of a failed bill by Rep. Clarke Tucker (D-Little Rock) to grant six weeks of paid maternity leave to state employees. It gained some Republican support, but other GOP lawmakers blocked it and the bill died in committee.

$11.8 million

$1 million

The eventual cost of reinstating the full capital gains tax break, as approved by the legislature in the last days of the session. The benefits of a capital gains tax cut accrue mostly to the wealthiest taxpayers in the state.

The cut to state library funding this year, which represents a drop of 18 percent. The decreased funding will help pay for the capital gains tax break.

$40 million $40 million The amount of General Improvement Fund money that the legislature and governor will be setting aside to spend on earmarked projects (some worthy, some not), despite having promised to end such pork barrel spending.

The eventual revenue impact of a bill by Rep. Warwick Sabin (D-Little Rock) to offer an earned income tax credit to some 279,000 low-income working Arkansans, most of whom received no tax cut this year.

OPINION

Last-minute dirty work

eaders of this space know of our suspicion of Sen. Jon Woods, the Springdale Republican who has no discernible means of support outside the legislature, where he’s made a living on the ethical margins. It was Woods who breathed life into a so-called ethics amendment in 2013 that has now produced a 150 percent pay raise for legislators; a shot at 18 years in the Senate (with the accompanying much greater retirement benefits) for people like Woods; and a continued free hog slopping of legislators by lobbyists despite the nominal prohibition on gifts in the “ethics” amendment that Woods championed. Now ethics champion Woods is back, already amending the voter-approved “ethics” amendment with pages and pages of legalese that will get scant attention as the legislature rushes to a close. • CHEATING MEANS ONLY

HAVING TO SAY YOUR’E SORRY: The most obvious stinker in the little amendMAX ment to ethics BRANTLEY maxbrantley@arktimes.com law by Woods is a get-outof-jail-free card for public officials caught taking illegal gifts. If you’re caught taking an illegal gift, if you merely repay the gift within 30 days of “learning” of an alleged violation, there is no investigation, no foul, no blemish on your record. This is styled as protection for the innocent. It is nothing but protection for the guilty, fearful that a waiter might report somebody for taking some fancy wine and steak from a lobbyist. Get caught, admit it, pay the money back and you are innocent. Don’t get caught? Nobody

is the wiser. How hard is it really, simply to accept NO gifts? No misunderstanding is possible if you follow the Walmart rule. • A LITTLE GRAFT IS OK: Nominal rules have been proposed by Woods for the unlimited swillathons that lobbyists have continued this legislative session. But big whoop. Only a 24-hour email notice to legislators (not the public), qualifies a “planned event” for exemption from the no-gift rule. Oh, and lobbyists are limited to one swillathon a week. But there are plenty of other lobbyists to pick up the slack on a handoff on similar issues. • EVERYBODY GETS FREEBIES: Woods seems to expand the freebie rule from a governmental body to persons not actually elected to the invited body. • THERE IS A FREE LUNCH: Woods reinstitutes the lobbyistpaid working lunch by exempting meals provided to legislators on days they are receiving per diem (in theory, tax-free reimbursement for meal expenses). Hard days, you know. It’s nice when a lobbyist can truck in a lunch to the Capitol for a meeting in which they have a high

interest. • JUNKETS GALORE: The amendment spends a great deal of time making it clear that legislators can take freebies for trips to regional and national conferences. And freebies from events “coordinated” with such events. Lobbyist dinners, in other words. • NEPOTISM IS COOL: The amendment takes pains to clear any payments to spouses and relatives for state employment. That would not be considered an improper emolument Anyone who’d suggest that a spousal job at the legislature “arises” from a legislator’s elected job would just be a sorehead crank. • CONNECTIONS ARE COOL: If a legislator gets a fat position on a board of some organization, it’s cool. He need only assure us that the sweet gig has nothing to do with the fact that he is a legislator. Of course not. • CAMPAIGNING AT CAPITOL OK: Yes, sure, you can park your truck with campaign decals in a prime taxpayer provided spot in front of the Capitol where lots of people will see it. Mr. Ethics Woods will place some limits on the size CONTINUED ON PAGE 63

God and guns, gays and the poor

ure, it is presumptuous to assign a place in history for a session of the Arkansas legislature on its final day rather than from some vantage point far into the future, but the 90th General Assembly seems to beg for it. Although governors and legislative leaders always declare a session a historic triumph for the people, most sessions are simply a triumph of trivia — 1,500 or so new laws that except for the routing of your taxes to government services have little or no material effect on the lives of ordinary people. Occasionally, a legislative session stands out for some reason. The Ku Klux Klan session of 1923 comes to mind. The Exalted Cyclops of the KKK, a fiery Republican politician, elected a horde of Klan legislators, including the whole Pulaski County delegation, and they got the Klan’s business done. The 1958 legislature passed a raft of unconstitutional laws to stop integration and punish sympathizers by making

public employees sign loyalty oaths and swear they were not members of subversive groups like the ERNEST NAACP and ACLU. DUMAS The session of 1971 passed the largest array of political, social and tax reforms in the 20th century. I have to stop here and qualify my derogation of the 1923 Klan legislature. It passed one act that would be anathema to Bob Ballinger and other Republican lawmakers today. Act 430 of 1923 prohibited anyone from owning a handgun unless the sheriff gave him permission and he registered it and paid a one-dollar annual tax to the schools. But if you checked “colored” on the gunregistration form the sheriff (in Pulaski County, it was a Klansman and future governor) always concluded that you couldn’t own a gun because you were not of good character.

The 2015 legislature will be notable if only for the fact that it was the first in 140 years where the Republican Party was fully in control because it had big majorities in both houses and a friendly check in the executive branch. The session had one objective accomplishment and that was what it did not do. It did not kill the half of Obamacare that insured 225,000 Arkansans, although Republicans had the votes to do it. Otherwise, it will be known as the session where the resurgent Republican Party converted into law its entire political strategy, commonly known as God, guns, gays and tax relief for the prosperous. It was the legislative session where the always-with-us poor more or less officially became public enemy No. 1. All the energy and most of the publicity of the 80 days were spent empowering gun owners to carry heat wherever they wanted and protecting the right of businesses and individuals to discriminate against sexual minorities in commerce and hiring. Bigotry, ignorance and superstition, as they always have, rode to victory under the banner of religious freedom. If you believe you’re carrying out God’s will, that’s all that matters. In the South and in border states

like Indiana it always works, just as it did with slavery and segregation. Legislators voted by sizable majorities, with Democratic help and presumably with God’s blessing, to erect a monument to the Ten Commandments on the state Capitol grounds, which will be among perhaps a dozen laws that will be struck down for their flouting of the Constitution. The same legislators voted to violate one of the Commandments, Thou Shalt Not Kill, and the deep religious sensibilities of hundreds of thousands of Catholics and other believers, by reinstating the death penalty, which has not been used since 2005 when Mike Huckabee was throwing the switch. The judicial branch, which takes its cues from the Bill of Rights and the Fourteenth Amendment, will take care of those matters, probably sooner rather than later, but not the economic consequences of the 2015 Assembly. Since Obamacare was flushing more than a hundred million dollars a year into the state treasury, the legislature in 2013 and 2015 voted to offset it by cutting taxes for manufacturers, other commercial interests and the well-todo. Governor Hutchinson wanted to cut taxes a little for everyone except the working poor but hold off on much CONTINUED ON PAGE 63 www.arktimes.com

APRIL 2, 2015

Making everyone the Pope

t’s a good thing Americans have no serious problems, because the time and energy we expend fighting over symbolic issues could become a problem. Sure, symbols can be important. The swastika is a symbol, also the U.S. flag. But this week’s farcical casus belli involves a couple of spectacularly ill-conceived “religious freedom” statutes in Indiana and Arkansas. As originally written, these laws would give every private business in both states — every butcher, baker and wedding cake maker — powers and privileges equivalent to the Pope of Rome. But is that what their authors actually intended? Moreover, even if the laws stand, which looks unlikely at this writing, would anything important really change in actual practice? As a longtime Arkansas resident, I very much doubt it. Political posturing aside, person to person, are people here really so self-righteous and mean-spirited as to treat their LGBT neighbors like lepers? Or, more to the point, like blacks in the bad old days before the civil rights revolution of the 1960s? Would we revert to open discrimination in broad daylight? No, no and no. Those days are gone forever. Nobody really wants them back. What’s happened here is that the Chicken Little right has worked itself into yet another existential panic over the U.S. Supreme Court’s expected ruling legalizing gay marriage, badly overplayed its hand and set itself up for yet another humiliating defeat. Anyway, here’s what I meant about the Pope of Rome. A while back, I got myself into hot water with old friends by failing to express indignation about a Catholic girls’ school in Little Rock firing a lesbian teacher who announced her marriage to her longtime companion. My view was simple: As a lifelong Catholic, the teacher knew the church’s position, and she ought to have known what would happen. It’s an authoritarian institution, the Holy Roman Catholic and Apostolic Church. By all accounts a terrific teacher — she landed another job immediately — the newlywed had somehow persuaded herself that as her homosexuality had long been an open secret, openly defying church doctrine wouldn’t be a problem. Wrong. Now you’d think the Catholic Church’s 8

APRIL 2, 2015

ARKANSAS TIMES

own appalling failures would have rendered it mute on questions of sexual morality for, oh, a century or so. But GENE that’s not how they LYONS see it. When and if the doctrine changes, it won’t start in Mount St. Mary Academy’s faculty lounge. Damn shame, but there it is. Was I being smug because I’ve never faced such difficult choices? Could be. But here’s the thing: No American has to be a Roman Catholic; it’s strictly voluntary. But the United States isn’t supposed to be an authoritarian country. And that’s precisely what’s so potentially insidious about both the Indiana and Arkansas statutes as written, and why they cannot be permitted to stand. Under the guise of “religious liberty” they would give zealous individuals and private businesses near-dictatorial powers with no legal recourse. Under Arkansas HB 1228, a.k.a. the “Religious Freedom Restoration Act,” it’s every man his own religious dogma — “person” being broadly defined as any “association, partnership, corporation, church, religious institution, estate, trust, foundation, or other legal entity.” Dogma would trump civil rights at every turn. What it could mean in practice is that if your landlord’s God objected to your being gay, he could evict you. Should your employer’s religious scruples cause him to object to your marrying another woman, he could fire you. And there wouldn’t be a thing you could do about it. Advertised as preventing “government” from forcing conscience-stricken wedding photographers to document Bob and Bill’s nuptials, the Arkansas law would also make it nearly impossible for private citizens to file lawsuits against “persons” professing religious motives. “Persons,” remember, including corporations, estates and trusts. You could end up losing your job because some dead person’s will stipulated “no faggots.” Or no Muslims, Catholics or redheads, I suppose. But what such laws really threaten isn’t so much tyranny, University of Arkansas at Little Rock law professor John DiPippa points out, as anarchy. “With HB 1228,” he writes “county clerks CONTINUED ON PAGE 63

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APRIL 2, 2015

ARKANSAS TIMES

Share the Road

Share the road For Cyclists

Tips for SAFE cycling on the road.

• Bicycles are vehicles on the road, just like cars and motorcycles. Cyclists must obey all traffic laws. Arkansas Uniform Vehicle Code #27-49-111 • Cyclists must signal, ride on the right side of the road and yield to traffic normally. Code #27-51-301/403 • Bicycles must have a white headlight and a red tail light visible from 500 feet and have a bell or warning device for pedestrians. Code #27-36-220 • Make eye contact with motorists. Be visible. Be predictable. Head up, think ahead. • On the Big Dam Bridge... go slow. Represent! • As you pass, say “On your left... thank you.” • On the River Trail... use a safe speed, don’t intimidate or scare others. Watch for dogs and leashes.

Tips for prEVENTiNG iNjury or dEaTh.

For more information... Bicycles are vehicles on Bicycle Advocacy of Arkansas www.bacar.org the road, just like cars and League of American Bicyclists motorcycles. Cyclist should www.bikeleague.org/programs/education Share the Road obey all traffic laws. Arkansas For Cyclists Tips forVehicle SAFE cycling on the road. Uniform Code #27-49-111

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• Bicycles are vehicles on the road, just like cars and motorcycles. Cyclists must Cyclists should signal, rideobey on all traffic laws. Arkansas Uniform Vehicle Code the right side of the road, and #27-49-111 •yield traffic likeside Cycliststo must signal,normally ride on the right of the road and yield to traffic normally. any other road vehicle. Code Code #27-51-301/403 •#27-51-301/403 Bicycles must have a white headlight and a red tail light visible from 500 feet and have a bell or 3 warning device for pedestrians. Give feet of clear space when Code #27-36-220 passing (up to a $1000 fine!) • Make eye contact with motorists. Be visCodeBe#27-51-311 ible. predictable. Head up, think ahead. • On the Big Dam Bridge... go slow. Cyclist by law can not ride on Represent! •the As you pass, say “On left... thank you.” sidewalk in your some areas, • On the River Trail... use a safe speed, don’t some bikes can onlyRoad handle Share the intimidate or scare others. Watch for dogs and leashes.roads For Cyclists smooth (no cracks,

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NOTES ON THE PASSING SCENE

Partners

he Observer is a great lover of language, which makes us a great lover of conversation, which makes us a great lover of debate. We’ve been witness to a lot of debate in recent days over House Bill 1228, the bill that sponsor Rep. Bob Ballinger hopes will turn this state into a haven for Church of Ganja devotees smoking the stankest of the dank on every street corner without legal repercussions. Wait. Did I say “will allow religious-based halfway houses for convicted child molesters who ‘found Jesus’ in the clink to relocate next door to your kid’s school”? I actually meant to say “will protect religious freedom.” Every time HB 1228 comes up online or in public, there’s always one person who appears, as if drawn to the spot by a dog whistle, to say: “These business owners built their restaurant/photography studio/bakery/store with their own two hands! They pay the bills! They should have the freedom to refuse service to The Gays if they want!” Now, The Observer is no lawyer, obviously. If I were a lawyer, I wouldn’t be writing this. Instead, I’d be somewhere writing the brief that will eventually buy me a new boat once I file suit over one of the many, many clearly unconstitutional laws passed by this legislature — a legislature which, The Observer predicts, will someday be known as The $50 Million Dollar Legislature because the laws they’ve passed this session will eventually cost the taxpayers of Arkansas a cool 50 million clams in attorney fees and settlements. But I digress. Back to the point, I’m no lawyer, but I am a freelance arguer. So here’s The Observer’s response to those who use the ol’ “But they built it!” argument: See those taxpayer-subsidized power lines running to that restaurant? See all that fresh, clean water running out of the taps? See the sewer lines running away from that restaurant, to the fragrant wastewater treatment plant at the edge of town? See the highway

running outside, that connects to other highways, that connect to other cities, all the branches of that taxpayerfunded tree bringing customers in to enjoy your delicious coconut cream pie? See that legal, government-backed currency in your register? See the cops who’ll rush in at the ready if you get held up? See the firefighters who’ll come — siren blaring, ears of the firehouse Dalmatian flapping — to save you if the joint catches fire? See the soldiers out there in the dark (free to serve gay or straight these days) making sure you have the freedom to choose between pork chops or meatloaf for the special on Thursdays without first considering what the appointed head of the local Politburo might want? See the courthouse full of clerks, bailiffs, judges and prosecutors, making sure you don’t have to pay a weekly kickback to some dirty cop, AK-47 toting warlord or selfappointed potentate in order to do business? See your workers in the back, birthed in taxpayer-subsidized hospitals, educated in public schools, alive to sling hash and wash plates because they were protected on their way to work by yield signs, stoplights and cops running radar to make sure some idiot didn’t try to get his 1991 Chevy Silverado up to 140 miles per hour on the freeway? See that meat and dairy in the cooler, free from E.coli because of some government inspector? See the thousand other things that I helped pay for, all of which you are free to use to find your American Dream, my treat, because I understand that’s what it costs to live in a safe, prosperous and open society? See all that — dare I say it? — SOCIALISM you use to help make your daily bread, cook it up golden brown and get it to the table piping hot for your customers? That’s me, pal. That’s my big, happy, gay-tolerating ass. That’s every American. That’s the generous financial support of your 318.9 million business partners: all colors, all creeds, all faiths (or none), all sexual orientations, all gen-

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APRIL 2, 2015

Arkansas Reporter

THE

IN S IDE R

Mayflower spill might prompt reform Exxon-Mobil’s Pegasus pipeline ruptured in Mayflower two years ago March 29. Homes were lost, ground was tainted and there are still issues to be resolved in court. Could there be a silver lining? Elizabeth Douglass of Inside Climate News, which partnered with the Arkansas Times on reporting on the spill last year, reports that the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration is “floating what could become a new regulation to address problematic vintage pipe and other obvious risks that were factors in the rupture” of the 70-year-old section of the Pegasus pipeline. Douglass quotes Carl Weimer, executive director of the Pipeline Safety Trust, as saying “PHMSA is now telling pipeline companies, ‘Here’s what you should think about if you have older pipelines, and when you should replace them,’ — and you never would have heard that coming out of their mouths before Mayflower.” The new rules would require companies to “prove that they know what kinds of pipe they have, that the lines have been pressure-tested, and that they don’t contain repairs made using substandard techniques,” Douglass writes. They would apply to pipelines in areas of high population or environmental sensitivity — like Lake Maumelle, Little Rock’s drinking water supply, which the Pegasus line runs alongside. Douglas notes there’s no guarantee that PHMSA will order Exxon and other companies to submit to stricter safety verification on older pipelines. But if it does, Douglass writes, “about 95 percent of all hazardous liquid pipelines would be subject” to the rule. Exxon reversed the flow of oil in the pipeline to carry Canadian heavy crude to the Gulf, which PHMSA and experts say contributed to the crack in the 70-yearold pipe. Last September, Douglass reports, PHMSA “issued a first-of-its-kind advisory that warned the pipeline industry that reversing the flow of oil and natural gas pipelines or changing the product they’re carrying can have “a significant impact” on the line’s safety — and that it “may not be advisable” in some cases. Not surprisingly, the American Petroleum Institute and the Association of Oil Pipe Lines are calling the rules “onerous.” Here’s what is onerous: Having your life turned upside down by a gusher of heavy, noxious crude oil.

Death penalty-related lawsuit

VIDEO VISITATION: To pay or not to pay is just one of the questions.

Captive audience ‘Video visitation’ expanding in Arkansas jails; critics say it costs poor families. BY DAVID KOON

magine the prospect of speaking to a loved one solely via a television screen for weeks, months or years rather than in person and you start to see the issue with the expansion of “video visitation” in Arkansas jails. Essentially a for-pay version of the free video-call service Skype, video visitation allows families to visit their jailed loved ones by sitting in front of video screens equipped with a camera, either from home or a kiosk usually located in the lobby of the jail. For thousands of families in Arkansas, video visitation is now the only option. Since 2013, almost a dozen jails in the state have installed video visitation systems, with many of those facilities phasing out free, throughthe-glass visits entirely. Families are sometimes charged up to $1 a minute to speak with a loved one, even if they travel to the jail. Jail administrators say that eliminating face-to-face visits between inmates and their families cuts down

on contraband, keeps detention officers safe by eliminating the need to move prisoners from their cells to the visitation room, and allows relatives to visit with an inmate through the Internet even if they’re far away. Critics of the technology say it’s another example of corporations seeking to monetize inmate/family interactions. According to a report on video visitation released by the Prison Policy Initiative in January, more than 500 facilities in 43 states and the District of Columbia have installed video visitation systems. In Arkansas, that includes detention centers in Jefferson, Miller, Greene, White and Crittenden counties. Jails in Hempstead and Saline counties have recently announced they will install video visitation systems as well. A spokesman for the Pulaski County Sheriff’s Office said that the technology isn’t being considered for the Pulaski County Regional Detention Center. Cathy Frye, spokesperson for the Arkansas Department of Correction,

said that the ADC is considering video visitation, though she said it would be offered as an option for those who can’t travel to visit incarcerated loved ones, not as a substitute for in-person visits through glass. The PPI report points out a number of positives for video visitation, including making it possible for families to visit despite distance from the jail or prison and visitation hours that make it difficult or impossible for working people and young children to visit. However, the report says that the drawbacks to video visitation are considerable, including the expense of video visitation systems at the jail that charge by the minute; the substantial cost of obtaining a laptop, webcam and broadband service for poor families who already can’t afford to travel to a facility; the impersonal nature of communicating by camera and video screen (including the placement of cameras above the screen rather than at screen level so there can be eye contact between visitor and inmate); and technological glitches. “The technology is poorly designed and implemented,” the report says. “It is clear that video visitation industry leaders have not been listening to their customers and have not responded to consistent complaints about camera placement, the way that seating is bolted to the ground, the placement of video visitation terminals in pods of cells, etc.” One of those cited in the PPI report is Dee Ann Newell, founder of Arkansas Voices for the Children Left Behind, a nonprofit that works with the children of the incarcerated. As noted in the report, Newell said she was present during a video visit in which a 3-yearold child was so upset and confused by seeing his incarcerated parent on a video screen that he hyperventilated, requiring a trip to the emergency room. “He was so distressed and banging on the box,” Newell said. “For a lot of your very young, preschool age children, it’s confusing. It’s one thing if you see your mom or dad on TV, but it’s not the same thing as seeing them in person.” Newell said that she is concerned about the rush to video visitation in CONTINUED ON PAGE 62

APRIL 2, 2015

ARKANSAS TIMES

THE

BIG PICTURE

LISTEN UP

Scenes from a protest

Tune in to the Times’ “Week In Review” podcast each Friday. Available on iTunes & arktimes.com

Protests over HB 1228, Arkansas’s so-called “religious freedom” bill, have dominated the final days of the 2015 legislative session. Human Rights Campaign and a group of Presbyterian ministers have the led the charge against the bill.

INSIDER, CONT.

threatened

We’ve been following the protests and the politics surrounding HB 1228 closely. Find more the latest news and analysis on the Arkansas Blog, arkansasblog.com.

ALL PHOTOS BY BRIAN CHILSON

Little Rock attorney Jeff Rosenzweig, a longtime death penalty opponent, has sent a letter to members of the Senate State Agencies Committee, pointing out that the drug-provider secrecy provisions of HB 1751, which seeks to tweak the drug cocktail used to execute prisoners in the state, would put Arkansas in breach of a signed 2013 agreement between Rosenzweig and a former chief deputy attorney general, in which the state — in exchange for Rosenzweig “dropping certain parts of the lethal injection lawsuit” — agreed to provide Rosenzweig with “the relevant information regarding the [execution] drugs,” including packing slips that show where the drugs originated. A shortage of the drugs traditionally used in lethal injections has many states looking for an alternative, sometimes with horrifying results. HB 1751, by Rep. Douglas House (R-North Little Rock) states that the “entities and persons” who participate in the Arkansas execution process and/or who “compound, test, sell or supply the drug or drugs” used in lethal injection executions will be kept secret. “There is no question that this bill would place the State in breach of that contract,” Rosenzweig wrote to the committee. As such, Rosenzweig further writes, “we already have drafted a complaint that will be ready to file on the day this law is signed. The secrecy provision is invalid not only because it contradicts the State’s contract obligations but also because it violates the First, Eighth, and Fourteenth Amendments. No court is going to allow the ADC [Arkansas Department of Correction] to take back promises it made in a binding contract. So, this provision is not going to get executions started back up again but will instead — again — tie the State up in pointless and wasteful litigation for years.” The bill was still under consideration by the Senate State Agencies Committee at press time.

DRAMA AT THE CAPITOL: (clockwise from top left): Rep. Clarke Tucker (D-Little Rock) urges a “No” vote; Rep. Bob Ballinger (R-Hindsville), the chief sponsor of HB 1228; protestors on Monday outside a Capitol committee meeting room; Presbyterian minister Marie Mainard O’Connell at an early morning event outside the Governor’s Mansion on Monday; and activists with a Transgender Pride flag wait for the legislature to convene Tuesday.

Crowdfunding continues A reminder: The Arkansas Times is amid a crowdfunding campaign (arktimes.com/beyondrehoming) to support a large-scale investigative project into Arkansas’s child welfare system. We’re raising money through ioby. org, a platform that supports do-good projects. Donations are tax deductible. We’ve already raised more than $10,000 and are far along in negotiations with a very experienced reporter to join the project. Help us get to $15,000, so we can continue the effort for the months to come. www.arktimes.com

APRIL 2, 2015

BRIAN CHILSON

BOULEVARD BREAD: Makes the best sandwiches, readers say.

READERS CHOICE 2015

VOTERS TALK WITH FOOD IN MOUTHS.

oodies, rejoice: The Arkansas Times, for the 34th year, brings news of where to eat what when you want a great meal. Readers all over the state weigh in on remarkable restaurants (Big Orange is our Overall winner this year), delicious dishes (like the catfish at Flying Fish) and wonderful wait staff (the prize goes to Brad Knighten of Big Orange). Speaking of Big Orange (and speaking and speaking), Amber Brewer, the creative director of the restaurant group Yellow Rocket Concepts that owns the Oranges west and midtown, ZAZA (Best Pizza) and Local Lime (Best Mexican), talks about the creative

APRIL 2, 2015

ARKANSAS TIMES

development of the group’s forthcoming Heights Taco & Tamale Co. Also: You’ll see how dumplings are made at downtown newcomer Three Fold Noodles and Dumpling Co., take a trip to the White River, where Dondie’s serves up finned delights on

the water; learn about Fayetteville’s locavore and locaphile restaurant the Farmer’s Table, and for dessert, read a poetic dissertation on the time-tested Arlington Hotel Brunch. Tuck your napkin under your chin and read on.

OVERALL

Little Rock: Big Orange Finalists: Brave New Restaurant, The Pantry, The Root Cafe, South on Main Around the state: The Hive (Bentonville) Finalists: Arkansas Fresh Bakery Cafe (Bryant), James at the Mill (Johnson), Mike’s Place (Conway), Postmasters Grill (Camden)

NEW

Little Rock: Three Fold Noodles and Dumpling Co. Finalists: Baja Grill, Kemuri, Pantry Crest Around the state: The Farmer’s Table (Fayetteville) Finalists: Arkansas Fresh Bakery Cafe (Bryant), Delta Q (Forrest City), Wood Stone Craft Pizza (Fayetteville)

BRIAN CHILSON

CHEF

Little Rock: Scott McGehee (Big Orange, Local Lime, Lost Forty, ZAZA Fine Salad & Wood Oven Pizza Co.) Finalists: Matthew Bell (South on Main), Peter Brave (Brave New Restaurant), Donnie Ferneau (Good Food By Ferneau), Alexis Jones (Natchez Restaurant) Around the state: Matthew McClure (The Hive) Finalists: Tyler Hensley (Postmasters Grill, Camden), Miles James (James at the Mill, Johnson), Patrick Lane (Arsaga’s at the Depot, Fayetteville), Rob Nelson (Tusk & Trotter, Bentonville)

SERVER

Little Rock: Brad Knighten (Big Orange) Finalists: Kelly Lambert (The Pantry), Scott Robertson (Boulevard Bistro & Bar), Joann Sims (Cache Restaurant), Sheri Smith (South on Main)

Around the state: None

BAKERY

Little Rock: Community Bakery Finalists: Boulevard Bread Co., Rosalia’s Family Bakery, Silvek’s European Bakery, Sweet Love Around the state: Arkansas Fresh Bakery Cafe (Bryant) Finalists: Ambrosia Bakery Co. (Hot Springs), Apple Blossom Brewing Co. (Fayetteville), Serenity Farm Bread (Leslie), Sugarbelles Cupcakes (Ward) CONTINUED ON PAGE 16 www.arktimes.com

APRIL 2, 2015

Readers Choice continued from page 15

THANK YOU FOR VOTING US

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BEST PLACE FOR KIDS BEST BUFFET DOWNTOWN LITTLE ROCK • LANDMARK • NORTH LITTLE ROCK Visit us at some of our other Central Arkansas locations: BRIAN CHILSON

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BEST BURGER: Big Orange brings home the bacon cheeseburger.

BARBECUE

Little Rock: Whole Hog Cafe

GOODBYE WINTER

Finalists: Chip’s Barbecue, Corky’s BBQ, HB’s Bar-B-Q, Sims Bar-B-Que Around the state: McClard’s Bar-B-Q Restaurant (Hot Springs) Finalists: Craig’s Bar-B-Q (DeValls Bluff), Delta Q (Forrest City), Jones’ Bar-B-Q Diner (Marianna), Whole Hog Cafe (Conway)

BREAKFAST

Little Rock: The Root Cafe

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Finalists: Delicious Temptations, Mugs Cafe, Mylo Coffee Co., Red Door Restaurant Around the state: Mud Street Cafe (Eureka Springs) Finalists: Arkansas Fresh Bakery Cafe (Bryant), Arsaga’s at the Depot (Fayetteville), The Hive (Bentonville), Stoby’s Restaurant (Conway)

BRUNCH

Little Rock: The Root Cafe Finalists: Loca Luna, Red Door Restaurant, Trio’s Restaurant, YaYa’s Euro Bistro Around the state: Arlington Hotel Venetian Dining Room (Hot Springs) Finalists: Arsaga’s at the Depot

(Fayetteville), Emelia’s Kitchen (Fayetteville), The Hive (Bentonville), Stoby’s Restaurant (Conway)

BUFFET

Little Rock: Larry’s Pizza Finalists: Franke’s Cafeteria, Star of India Restaurant, Taj Mahal Indian Cuisine, Tokyo House Around the state: Brown’s Country Store & Restaurant (Benton) Finalists: Dondie’s White River Princess (Des Arc), India Orchard (Bentonville), Kelley’s Restaurant (Wynne), The Skillet Restaurant (Mountain View)

BURGER

Little Rock: Big Orange Finalists: Buffalo Grill, David’s Burgers, Five Guys Burgers and Fries, The Root Cafe Around the state: David’s Burgers (Conway) Finalists: CJ’s Butcher Boy Burgers (Russellville), Greenhouse Grille (Fayetteville), The Hive (Bentonville), Postmasters Grill (Camden)

BUSINESS LUNCH

Little Rock: Capital Bar & Grill Finalists: Brave New Restaurant, CONTINUED ON PAGE 43

APRIL 2, 2015

ARKANSAS TIMES

BEST CHOICE: SMOKE-FREE

Nothing stands between your Incustomers’ a smoke health free environment, or the flavor nothing stands between your of your delicious food. customers’ health or the flavor Everyone wins in a smoke free environment.

of your delicious food.

Congratulations to the winning restaurants of this year’s Readers Choice Awards!

CLEARTHEAIRARKANSAS.COM

www.arktimes.com

APRIL 2, 2015

Dreaming of dumplings With Lisa Zhang of Three Fold. BY BENJAMIN HARDY

alk to Lisa Zhang while she’s making dumplings and you get the same impression as watching Bob Ross whip out a landscape on “The Joy

of Painting” in less than 30 minutes. Is that all there is to it? you think to yourself, as her hands fly over the materials. Just like that? Well, come on, that’s easy.

It’s not easy, of course. Zhang, the owner and chef at Three Fold Noodles and Dumpling Co., just makes it look that way. “You have to be very careful, or they’ll come apart. … It takes years to be professional,” she said one recent afternoon as she spooned dabs of ground pork, vegetables and spices into the center of small circles of dough. With three deft folds, she then molded each one into its familiar shape and arrayed the results in careful ranks upon a lightly floured tray. Dumpling-making is practi-

cally in her blood, Zhang said. “I was born this way,” she laughed. “I learned to make them when I was 5. Of course, dumplings are a traditional food in the north of China — like a family food, like a barbecue. You get all the people together, the kids see how fast we can do it … the mother meets the son-in-law. It’s a lot of fun, at family gatherings.” Here in her immaculate, white-tiled kitchen in downtown Little Rock, her methods depart somewhat from the techniques she learned as a child growing up in Manchuria. “The big thing for CONTINUED ON PAGE 20

APRIL 2, 2015

ARKANSAS TIMES

BRIAN CHILSON

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APRIL 2, 2015

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this operation is we use the American kitchen, the American cooking tools, to do the traditional cooking of China. … I call it an adventure.” The space formerly belonged to Your Mama’s Good Food, a soul food joint, and Zhang has retrofitted the kitchen’s commercial deep fryer into a boiler that now cooks hundreds of dumplings per day. The dough is kneaded in a Kitchen Aid mixer the size of a blue USPS mailbox squatting in one corner of the kitchen. Nearby, a pasta machine stands ready to flatten the dough into thin sheets, after which a well-floured kitchen worker stamps out circles about the circumference of a pickle jar. Then, they’re ready to be filled and folded and boiled. “Now, let me show you how we traditionally make it,” Zhang said, cutting off a large block of dough that had yet to be flattened. “We don’t have a mixer, we don’t have a pasta machine.” She pinched off small chunks of the dough and reached for a small wooden rolling pin perhaps 8 inches long and tapered slightly at both ends. “When you’re talking about dumplings, really the only tool you need is this one,” she continued, swiftly flattening the lumps of dough into perfect discs with brisk rolls of the pin. Then she grinned: “But if you couldn’t find this one, you can even use a beer bottle.” Little Rock diners clearly have embraced Three Fold since it opened in December — just check out the lunch line on a weekday — but Zhang says it’s only the beginning of her dreams for the place, which she sees as much more than just a business.

DUMPLING DELIGHTS: A Three Fold order, topped with spicy sauce.

It’s a way of preserving “traditional food with a long history” that is intimately tied to family and community: “a philosophy that people lived on for thousands of years.” She lamented that “Chinese kids now — they like to eat the dumplings,

but they don’t know how to make it. The parents buy the frozen ones from the grocery.” But it’s not just Chinese culture, she noted: “It’s a lot of cultural traditions. You know, American traditions, too, are getting lost.” Right now, she has her hands full

with the day-to-day of running a new and very successful restaurant, which is “good stress” she said, but she has bigger plans for down the road. “After this stabilizes, I want to do two things. One is to use more local sources,” she said. When the Times spoke to Zhang last week, she said she’d recently met with a local farmer. “I said, don’t worry, whatever you grow, I can cook with it, because a dumpling can really incorporate any kind of vegetable. … You grow tomatoes, I use my way to cook tomatoes.” And second, “I really want to teach people how to make traditional food … we want American consumers or professional cooks to learn how to cook here, instead of just eating the dumplings.” Let’s hope that means dumpling classes sometime in the near future at Three Fold. Zhang went to culinary school in Dallas, where she studied American regional cuisine, so she’s thought long and hard about balancing American tastes with the integrity of the Chinese recipes she prepares. Chicken dumplings are one option at Three Fold that one would not often see in China, for example. When the restaurant was preparing to first open, she said, some told her that she could never expect Arkansans to accept boiled dumplings instead of the fried pot stickers more commonly seen in your average American-Chinese restaurant. “People said, ‘This dumpling won’t be sold. You need to change it to the panfried dumpling.’ ” But, she insisted on doing things her way, she said, “because of the dream.”

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ARKANSAS TIMES

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CALL TODAY FOR MORE INFORMATION! 501-224-7200 www.goodshepherdcommunity.com

APRIL 2, 2015

ARKANSAS TIMES

BRIAN CHILSON

FLOWING LIKE THE BRUNCH MIMOSAS: John Puckett, the Arlington’s longtime pianist in residence, entertains the morning crowd.

Champagne days Down and out (and brunch) at the Arlington Hotel. BY WILL STEPHENSON

A weekend in Hot Springs. City of ghosts and cracked porcelain doorknobs. Where old-world tourism once bloomed in the shadow of the Ouachita Mountains — a place of yellowed decadence, amphibious tour buses and wax statues of recent U.S. presidents.

A city whose most prized attributes are underground: the geothermal wellsprings, the much-hyped subterranean mob tunnels. Steam rises off the public fountains along Central Avenue. Men wear their sunglasses propped up on the brims of their hats. Mothers smoke cigarettes in the very streets where Babe Ruth and Will Rogers once went

We’re Honored! Thank you for voting us Best Italian. We look forward to serving you.

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APRIL 2, 2015

Feast at The Arlington ARKANSAS’ BEST BRUNCH • World-Famous Sunday Brunch • Friday Night Seafood Feast

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For Reservations: (800) 643-1502 For Packages: Visit www.ArlingtonHotel.com 24

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CHAMPAGNE DAYS, CONT.

Thank you for your support for

BRIAN CHILSON

20 years!

BEST CHINESE

GET ’EM WHILE THEY’RE HOT: Fresh omelettes on the Arlington buffet line.

looking to get hammered. The children all look vaguely disinterested. They have come from Malvern, Bryant and Little Rock, from Alabama and Tupelo, Miss. They have come for the bathhouses, the horse races, the alligator farm. They have come to be healed.

The Arlington Hotel looms into view no matter the direction of your approach. It is like a great rustic Spanish villa, with two twin watchtowers and walls of brick and stucco trim. A

wide exterior staircase leads you from the street up to the pink veranda and the glass-planed revolving door. One of the great American resorts: built in 1875, moved in 1893, burned in 1923, reborn the following year — The Arlington, “where men may cease their toil,” the old promotional materials promised, “lay down their cares and rest in quiet enjoyment amid marvels not made with hands nor devised by the minds of man.” We have come in the middle of racing season, so the lobby is filled with

sullen men in golf shirts nursing sunburns. The bar sits at one end of the room, the bandstand at the other. A platform of tables rises in between. The front desk clerk has a bushy gray beard and hums loudly while he checks us in. “I’ve had the theme song from ‘Wagons East’ stuck in my head all day,” he says with a wink. We admit we’ve never seen it. “John Candy?” We shake our heads. He looks disappointed. “It’s a farcical comedy,” he mutters, sliding us our keys. They place us on the fifth floor, a few

1900 N. Grant, Little Rock, AR

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www.arktimes.com

APRIL 2, 2015

CHAMPAGNE DAYS, CONT.

Thanks For The Votes!

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doors down from the Ronald Reagan Suite. I’ve read that Al Capone used to rent out the whole fourth story when he’d come to town. His room was 443. We’re in 513. Above the elevators are those classic golden dials, the arms of which used to rotate up and down to mark the ascent and descent of the cars, but now seem mostly broken. You are not walking on the floors of the Arlington unless you are walking on clouded marble, thatched tile or refurbished Hartford-Saxony carpet. Our room is modest and not airconditioned. I notice the bottled water isn’t complimentary. Out of our windows we can see a wall of exposed earth behind the back of the hotel, the roof of which is lined with Mexican red tile. The swimming pool is up on the other side, perched at the edge of what looks like a huge chasm. Walking back to the elevators we meet a frowning hotel security officer named Jim. He wears a sharp black suit, a black goatee and a huge silver belt buckle. “When would you say was the high point of the tourist season here?” I ask him, just to make conversation. He scoffs. “The proper question to ask would be when is the lowest point, and I think that would be January,” he says, crossing his arms at his chest. I imagine working security at the Arlington would be a demanding job, what with all the jazz music. He gets a garbled message on his walkie-talkie and grunts, shaking his head. My girlfriend asks if anything’s wrong. “Nah,” he says. “They would’ve said a code.” She asks what code they use when something’s wrong and he stares at her, seeming wary and confused, as if the answer should be obvious. “Red,” he says. “It would be red.”

BEST ITALIAN

APRIL 2, 2015

ARKANSAS TIMES

My dad once visited the Arlington and compared it to Norma Desmond, the aging silent film star played by Gloria Swanson in “Sunset Boulevard.” A desperate and sinister woman holed up in her mansion fantasizing about her return to an industry that has long since passed her by. It’s a sad and, for the most part, accurate analogy. The Arlington doubles as a museum commemorating the Arlington. Every room is both a functioning room and a kind of living exhibit of what the room once was. The walls are lined with framed photographs of the hotel as it existed in its prime, to the extent that I can’t help wondering what kind of art used to be there, how they could have gone

about decorating the place at all before it had a history to draw on. The entire tourist district is like this in a way, but so what? At the famous Ohio Club across the street, a thorough history of the bar takes up two pages of the menu. This is just the nature of the enterprise. In another sense, too, the Arlington is in its Golden Age. What does it even mean for a hotel to be passed its prime? The building aims for a vanished, 1940s standard of glamor. It has always aimed for this standard, and it remains very successful at achieving it. The place isn’t rendered irrelevant just because other standards have emerged or become dominant in the interim, other styles of wallpaper and light fixtures, other genres of Muzak. Its history has granted it a louche, unseemly quality, but this is only in its favor. We come back to the hotel after a night out, and the lights and commotion from the lobby fill the sidewalk outside. A horse-and-carriage taxi is parked at the curb. My girlfriend pets the horse, which is pale white and, the owner tells us, named Grady. It occurs to me that Grady is also the name of the old hotel caretaker in “The Shining,” the one who haunts Jack Nicholson. That night I will have a dream about this horse, or at least I think it was this one. It’s hard to say — everywhere we’ve gone in town, horse races have been on television, just as background noise. The names of the competitors run together like bad poetry: Cinco Charlie. Humble Indian. Champagne Days. Inside the lobby, which has turned into a vibrant scene, the band is playing “Moon River” and “Mustang Sally” and “Girl From Ipanema.” The guests, many of whom have been at the races all day, spend their winnings on whiskey sours and Michelob Ultras. Some of the men wear visors or bolo ties, and their wives wear colorful sweaters and heavy makeup and glow with happiness. It’s like we’re in old Havana, or like we’re all passengers together on a doomed cruise ship. The older guests have a way of shimmying over to the dance floor, transitioning slowly but firmly from a walk into a full-fledged dance. It starts in the elbows. It’s beautiful to watch.

Brunch begins the next morning at 10:30 sharp. We begin loitering outside the dining room a few minutes before, waiting for the doors to open. There is a palpable tension in the air. We are all

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www.arktimes.com

APRIL 2, 2015

CHAMPAGNE DAYS, CONT.

Best Home Cookin’?

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BEST SEAFOOD, AROUND THE STATE

(501) 525-7437 Welcome To Fisherman’s Wharf 28

APRIL 2, 2015

ARKANSAS TIMES

BRIAN CHILSON

THANK YOU ARKANSAS!

HUNGRY CROWD: At the Arlington buffet line.

pretending to be casual, nonplussed by the growing size of the crowd, but inside we are raging, manic, preparing to rush the doors at the slightest hint of welcome. When we are finally allowed entry, we continue to wait in line. One of the primary aspects of the Arlington brunch experience is waiting in line. You wait to be seated and then you walk to one of the buffet stations (the meal is a $25 flat rate) and wait. It requires a degree of patience, even empathy. While you wait, though, there are plenty of things to look at. The dining room is one of the hotel’s most glorious features. All around us are oil portraits of proud hounds, great columns accented with gold flake, enormous mirrors with little hairline cracks and brightly colored jockey’s jerseys pre-

served in individual glass cases. I estimate the median age in the dining room to be 47. A sea of Razorbacks logos and Nike swooshes and fleece vests. The diners this morning are slightly haggard in appearance, dead-eyed before the sheer luxury and excess of the occasion. The older men in the room seem to savor their bacon more than the rest of us, to really relish it. With each bite they are transported further inside of themselves. They eat alone with their thoughts. At the center of the room sits John Puckett, the hotel’s longtime pianist in residence, who plays soft selections from the Great American Songbook while we eat. A server walks by briskly carrying a plate of doughnuts. Mimosas flow freely. The amount of champagne necessary to satiate the guests

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here is humbling. There is a commotion by the main courses, which turns out to have been eggs Benedict-related. A man complains that he has made four trips now to the Benedict tray only to find it empty. The staff smiles reassuringly. At some point during the meal, I somehow manage to get chocolate icing on my pants. The location and extent of the stain appears implausible — short of straddling the dessert table, I don’t see how it could have been done. I didn’t even eat chocolate. The situation proves particularly frustrating given the buffet format, which requires you to stand up frequently. I try positioning my plate or jacket in such a way as to disguise the stain, but eventually I give up. I vow to keep a closer eye on the cakes in the future. Otherwise, the food is nourishing and plentiful, though subject to the unavoidable difficulties of mass production. Eggs not cooked to order and biscuits a little too starched and stiff, that sort of thing. Frankly, it’s delicious. We eat bagels and lox, mounds of grits, sausages shaped like hockey pucks. We pile on waffles, straight from the hot iron of the waffle maker. We carve up slabs of roast beef, scoop fresh greens and double back for lemon cake and pecan pie. Syrup drips from the corners of our mouths. We down a string of Bloody Marys, scraping the olives off toothpicks with our teeth. We laugh half-crazed with endless breakfast. It is a quiet, respectful carnival. And then, nothing. We pay and are shown out as the next group of guests takes our places. It feels worse than I expected, having to vacate the Arlington. In our short stay I’ve come to understand it as a suitable home. There is a photo in a corridor off the main lobby of the boxer Jack Dempsey dining here with the silent film star Rudolph Valentino, and in a vulnerable moment I imagine myself being absorbed into the frame, sitting between the two of them. Like Jack Nicholson at the end of “The Shining,” I could be frozen there in the eternity of the hotel, buttering my bread or sipping a highball, forever.

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Thank you

Arkansas for voting for us!

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22 S. Main St. Eureka Springs, AR 479.253.6732 mudstreetcafe.com

Suzy Oakley Batesville

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amazing honor. Thanks to the Society of Thoracic Surgeons for giving its highest praise to Baptist Health Medical Center-Little Rock. When Suzy developed a serious heart condition, she turned to the team at Baptist Health Heart Institute to put her on the road to wellness. And it’s stories like hers that led the Society of Thoracic Surgeons to give us its highest rating possible for quality of coronary artery bypass surgery – an honor reserved for only about 15% of the nation’s hospitals. It’s one more benefit of our dedication to keeping you amazing.

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In the end, though, we drive home the way we came. Wagon’s East. We pass billboards advertising Choctaw Casinos and Creationism, the Arlington haze still in our eyes. We decide against our plans to visit the city’s famous alligator farm on the way out of town, figuring some things are better left to the imagination.

Call Baptist Health HealthLine at 1-888-BAPTIST for a referral. Find more tips and take a free heart assessment at

BaptistHealthHeart.com www.arktimes.com

APRIL 2, 2015

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Conway · Russellville · stobys.com 30

APRIL 2, 2015

ARKANSAS TIMES

ou need to try one of our chicken that is spicy and sweet all at once. Vegetarian and vegan diners need not feel broth drinks,” says Adrienne Shaunfield, even before menus left out, either — the Garbanzo Burger is are opened. “Be sure to get some pancakes, what every falafel should aspire to be when it too.” And with that, she’s gone off to angrows up, and there are no animal products other table, because with a line stretching involved (nor are they needed). all the way out the door of Fayetteville’s In addition to the daily breakfast and Farmer’s Table Cafe, there’s not a lot of lunch menus, Farmer’s Table has also time for small talk. begun hosting special farm-to-table dinShaunfield, who with her husband, Rob ners, and are making an attempt to keep the Shaunfield, owns dinners reasonable the small cafe on in price. The restauSchool Street, has rant’s recent “Shake been a part of the the Hand That Feeds local food scene in You” series kept Northwest Arkanticket prices around sas for a long time. $20 per person (a She formerly steal), and provided worked with Feed a chance for diners Fayetteville, an to meet the farmers organization that who raised the food collects surplus that is so lovingly FARM FRESH: Locally grown ingredients food from growers prepared by the cafe. fill a Farmer’s Table Cafe Salad. and farmers marSuch events are kets for distribution to area food pantries just part of what the Shaunfields hope to and community meal centers. Now the achieve with Farmer’s Table Cafe. Like Shaunfields are using local food to make all local restaurants, they want to provide delicious food with excellent service, but interesting twists on classics (the recomthe Shaunfields are in more than just the mended pancakes arrive with a side order of spicy sauteed local kale, for instance) and food business — they are in the converembracing the seasonal bounty that keeps sation business. Each ingredient on each things interesting all year. plate has a story behind it, and the Farmer’s A chalkboard in the Farmer’s Table Table staff is more than happy to pass a few Cafe includes the names of each farm or minutes talking about where the various local artisan producer from which Farmvegetables and proteins are from. It’s the er’s Table Cafe gets its ingredients. That sort of place where vegetables and fruit just chalkboard is full and the writing is small. picked that morning arrive in the back of dusty pickups. With over 100 local partners, this is one restaurant that takes local food seriously. Farmer’s Table Cafe is a healthy option It’s an ambitious business model that has for more reasons than just the freshness paid off in the cafe’s first year of operation: of its ingredients. The Shaunfields have The votes of local diners landed the farmmade it their mission to give back to the to-table restaurant at the top of the “Best community, from the formerly unpopular New Restaurant” category in this year’s neighborhood they chose as the site of their Arkansas Times Readers Choice poll. restaurant to the charity work that continThe lines don’t stop when breakfast is ues to be a part of the cafe’s daily routine. In over, as homemade biscuits and farm-fresh addition, the majority of the money that the eggs give way to a large menu of sandwiches, people waiting in those long lines spend is salads and soups. The Farmer’s Chef salad plowed right back into the local food comis a joyous mix of fresh greens, sustainably munity, helping promote sustainability and sourced ham and bacon, more of those fresh security among area farmers and artisans. As awareness grows about how delicious eggs (hard-boiled this time), sunflower the food at Farmer’s Table is, that “Best sprouts and radishes grown right on site. Want to go heartier than that? Go for the New Restaurant” award should transJalapeno Molasses BBQ Chicken sandwich, late into many awards to come in the a rich and satisfying concoction of pulled future. BETH HALL

BEST HOME COOKING AROUND THE STATE BEST FRIED CHICKEN AROUND THE STATE

BEST BREAKFAST AROUND THE STATE BEST BRUNCH AROUND THE STATE BEST PLACE FOR KIDS AROUND THE STATE (CONWAY)

Where food, community meet. BY MICHAEL ROBERTS

CAFETERIA-STYLE • FRIENDLY SERVICE • CONSISTENTLY GOOD FOOD

thanks for the votes!

Farmer’s Table Cafe

Congratulations To All The Readers Choice Award Winners and Runner-ups.

Thanks For Voting For Us. We Think You’re The Best!

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Come experience award-winning cuisine from Chef, Founder and owner Diana Bratton at Taco Mama and, right next door, Café 1217, Collaborating with her husband, Shane, the Brattons have created two unique atmospheres with fresh approaches on worldly flavor.

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GETTING CREATIVE: Amber Brewer is the mind behind Yellow Rocket’s successful blend of decor with food.

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ARKANSAS TIMES

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Yellow Rocket’s secret weapon Amber Brewer explains how a restaurant comes together. BY LINDSEY MILLAR

ellow Rocket Concepts, the Little Rock restaurant partnership, is Central Arkansas’s culinary juggernaut. The group, led by principal partners John Beachboard, Scott McGehee and Russ McDonough, owns Little Rock’s most popular restaurants according to Arkansas Times readers. Yellow Rocket’s Big Orange was voted Best Overall restaurant and it, Local Lime and ZAZA won more than half a dozen other awards. Look for their new

brewery and pub, Lost Forty, and forthcoming “Ark-Mex” restaurant, Heights Taco & Tamale Co., to figure in next year’s results. These guys can do no wrong. McGehee, Times’ readers pick for best chef, and Beachboard tend to get most of the attention for their food and now beer. And justifiably. But the unsung hero in the group’s success is Amber Brewer, Yellow Rocket’s creative director. Her hand is on every part of the group’s restaurants,

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from concept, to construction, to interior design, to presentation, to promotion. She and Beachboard are married, though no one who knows her work would ever suggest that she is in her position because of nepotism. Below, as told to the Times, Brewer offers a window into her process.

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How to design a restaurant

To be a good designer, you have to be part hoarder. You cannot be a designer and not have little stuff everywhere. Do I need another vintage safari hat? No, but I’m going to get it because, “Look at it. I could use this one day.” At Local Lime, I had the white steer head that sits above the bar about a year before Local Lime was a concept. I was at an antique store, and I saw it and I had to have it. There was something about

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THANK YOU FOR YOUR VOTE AND SUPPORT!

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APRIL 2, 2015

ARKANSAS TIMES

BEST SEAFOOD

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the expression on that cow’s face. John was so mad at me! A $800 crate had to be built to ship it to the house because it was so unwieldy. I just knew I was going to use it one day. It’s all about just collecting things that are true to your aesthetic. The food and concept inspire my restaurant design, but a lot of it is my taste. I grew up on a farm in rural Alabama — pecans, beef cattle, soybeans, cotton, corn and peaches — and I drove tractors. So I have this love for industrial elements and rustic elements just because that’s what I grew up around, and I went to design school, so I have a real love for modern design and clean design. I can’t get away from myself: I’ll try to modern it up, and then I’ll buy a big pile of wood. I love food. I take a lot of pictures of food. But that doesn’t qualify me to be a chef. I don’t have a lot of understanding of food’s history like my partners. The first thing I do when we’re starting a new restaurant is hit the books. That was really important for Heights Taco & Tamale Co.: It’s a historic space for Arkansas and for the neighborhood [in the former home of Browning’s], and I wanted to understand a little bit more about it and its lineage. So I read Rick Bayless’ book “Mexican Kitchen.” I talked to people about what they liked when they went out to eat Tex-Mex and what they didn’t like. And something the Yellow Rocket team always does is go out to eat together, here and out of town. The second part is understanding what the chefs want to do and delving into every aspect of that for an inspiration point and to understand it aesthetically. With Big Orange it was the modern interpretation of a classic American favorite, and that’s what I tried to do with the interior. With ZAZA, it’s a simple interpretation of a very rustic process in a very modern serving style, which is what I did with the interior. I start to try to imagine the food on the plate, on the table and what it looks like, and try to flesh it from there. I don’t think I’d ever say, “We need light fixtures,” and go online and look for light fixtures. You have to know what you’re doing conceptually first, so that slows me down a lot. Until I nail it and really make a decision, I won’t move. That may be what eventually gets me fired. Because we’re three weeks behind because I can’t match a light fixture to a taco. This concept, food and aesthetic, is based on something we are calling ArkMex. As Texas stands for Texas-styled Mexican food, we are hoping to present Arkansas-style Mexican food. Mexican food in Arkansas is a result of Mexican

GROWLING: Yellow Rocket has moved into the beer business.

and Tex-Mex food traveling north and east, including through the Delta. We’re taking inspiration from every stopping point along the way. We have dishes that are very Mexican in nature. Then we have some dishes that are very Tex-Mex. Then we have some dishes that are very Delta in nature. We are creating these TexMex favorites and Delta-Mex favorites using things that are available in Arkansas and our own food culture and lore to create Ark-Mex. And the design follows suit. Everything takes an inspiration point from that journey. Usually before we sign a lease, we’ll start to doing exploratory stuff with an architect. Typically, and this makes us a little different, we search out spaces that

are awesome and then feel out what could go there. The first step is finding a space we like. Then determining what would go there best. Then coming up with the loose ideas. Then I create mood boards. The chefs think about food and menu. Then I talk to architects and explore possibilities and cost. Then we take that full package to the building owners and tell them, “This is what we want to do. This is how much it’s going to cost. What can you offer us?” Then the day we sign the lease, that’s when I go back to architects to firm up that foundation. They release the drawings, then we choose a contractor and move forward. It’s sort of like “Mission: Impossible”style. You’ve got to bring the budget in from over here and bring the architects in from over there and draw down what you’ve got in your mind. I usually have a running list of numbers we have for budget. Before we pick light fixtures, before we pick logos, we have to get the cake made: Where are the walls? Can we afford to put the bar here, because we’re going to have to run the plumbing 20 feet? After we’ve started setting that foundation, that’s when I start the icing on the cake. That includes working with local craftsmen, deciding whether we’re

going to do custom tables or custom seating or we’re going to order stuff. I work with the chefs hand in hand the whole way through. Sometimes what happens is they’ll start seeing the interior and get an idea for a dish. It’s been kind of happenstance finding craftspeople. There are very few people who’ve done something for me in each concept. Situations changes. A lot of the people I work with, they do one thing. I work with this one guy who’s an awesome welder, but he’s got a weird sense of style, so I can only call on him to do things when I can draw out and lay out every single piece. I’ve got a painter who I love who I can only call on for certain things because he only does small stuff. When we started ZAZA in 2008, there was no Instagram. Twitter wasn’t even a deal and Facebook was in its infancy. That was zero percent of my job. It really kicked up about the time we opened Local Lime. That’s when everything was taking off and we had to get in the game. That fell to me. I wanted to do it, being the person who styles the spaces, I knew how to style the images and create the copy and the words to showcase the brand the best. In the last concepts, I’ve tried to set the stores up for success visually as inter-

preted by photographs. Because that is a huge part of getting the message out. So with Big Orange Midtown and the brewery and Heights Taco & Tamale, I’ve tried to set up spaces with the right kind of lighting for photos. So if we’ve got a person who’s amazing at taking photos in Instagram, I can show her where the best lighting is and she’s set up for the best success. And it saves us time. I have these different settings. At the brewery there are pockets of exposed wood that I purposely didn’t put anything on because that’s where we stand to hold our specials. We have certain spots marked off on the floor where we shoot specials straight down. Then there are certain areas where they know they’re not supposed to take photographs because the light’s bad or because it’s where people pass by the most. That comes from being an art director for almost 15 years now. That’s what I’ve done the most is art directing photo shoots for ad campaigns or fashion. I’ve learned from the very best photographers like Jason Masters and Rett Peek and Arshia Khan. I try to set it up like, what would Jason do. It feels like sometimes I don’t so much design the restaurants as curate them, pulling all these little pieces together. It takes a village.

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APRIL 2, 2015

Big Orange The Hive Community Bakery Arkansas Fresh Bakery Cafe Whole H Country Store & Restaurant David’s Burgers Capital Bar & Grill Hillcrest Artis Eats & Sweets Southern Gourmasion AQ Chicken House ZAZA Fine Salad & Wo Bruno’s Little Italy Pasta Grill Local Lime Taco Mama Taziki’s Mediterranean Ca Ermilio’s Italian Home CookinBar & Grill Big Orange The Hive Community Bak Hotel Venetian Dining Room Brown’s Country Store & Restaurant David’s Burg Arsaga’s Cafe Cafe 1217 Charlotte’s Eats & Sweets Southern Gourmasion AQ Ch Loblolly Creamery New Delhi Cafe Bruno’s Little Italy Pasta Grill Local Lime Ta Winner - noun | win·ner | wi-nər | Bread Co. Doe’s Eat Place Bordinos Ermilio’s Italian Home CookinBar & Grill B one that wins:Dining as Room Brown’s Coun Hog Cafe Mud Street Cafe Arlington Hotel Venetian one that is successful especially Meats Flying Fish Fantastic ChinaA: Arsaga’s Cafe Cafe 1217 Charlotte’s Eats & S Oven Pizza Co. Homer’s Restaurant Loblolly Creamery and hard workNew Delhi Cafe Bruno’s Rolando’s Gaskin’s Cabin Boulevard Co. Doe’s Eat Placein Bordinos Ermilio a victor especially games and B: Bread Arkansas Fresh Bakery Cafe Whole Hog Cafe Mud Street Cafe Arlington Hotel V C: one that wins admiration Capital Bar & Grill Hillcrest Artisan Meats Flying Fish Fantastic China Arsaga’s C House ZAZA Fine Salad & Wood Oven Pizza Co. Homer’s Restaurant Loblolly Mama Taziki’s Mediterranean Cafe Rolando’s Gaskin’s Cabin Boulevard Bread Ben E. Keith Foods is proud to work with Big Orange The Hive Community Bakery Arkansas Fresh Bakery Cafe Whole H Big Orange • The Hive • Community Bakery • Arkansas Fresh Bakery Cafe •W Country Store & Restaurant David’s Burgers Capital Bar & Grill Hillcrest Artis Brown’s Country Store & Restaurant • David’s Burgers • Capital Bar Eats & Sweets Southern Gourmasion AQ Chicken House ZAZA Fine Salad & Wo Arsaga’s Cafe • Cafe 1217 • Charlotte’s Eats & Sweets • Southern Gourma Bruno’s Little Italy PastaHomer’s Grill Restaurant Local Lime TacoCreamery Mama•Taziki’s • Loblolly New DelhiMediterranean Cafe • Bruno’s LittleCa It Ermilio’s Italian Home CookinBar & Grill Big OrangeBread TheCo. Hive Community Bak Rolando’s • Gaskin’s Cabin • Boulevard • Doe’s Eat Place • Bordinos Hotel Venetian Dining Room Brown’s Country Store & Restaurant David’s Burg Arsaga’s Cafe Cafe 1217 Charlotte’s Eats & Sweets Southern Gourmasion AQ Ch Loblolly Creamery New Delhi Cafe Bruno’s Little Italy Pasta Grill Local Lime Ta Bread Co. Doe’s Eat Place Bordinos Ermilio’s Italian Home CookinBar & Grill B Hog Cafe Mud Street Cafe Arlington Hotel Venetian Dining Room Brown’s Coun

CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR AWARD

APRIL 2, 2015

ARKANSAS TIMES

ole Hog Cafe Mud Street Cafe Arlington Hotel Venetian Dining Room Brown’s Artisan Meats Flying Fish Fantastic China Arsaga’s Cafe Cafe 1217 Charlotte’s & Wood Oven Pizza Co. Homer’s Restaurant Loblolly Creamery New Delhi Cafe n Cafe Rolando’s Gaskin’s Cabin Boulevard Bread Co. Doe’s Eat Place Bordinos Bakery Arkansas Fresh Bakery Cafe Whole Hog Cafe Mud Street Cafe Arlington Burgers Capital Bar & Grill Hillcrest Artisan Meats Flying Fish Fantastic China Q Chicken House ZAZA Fine Salad & Wood Oven Pizza Co. Homer’s Restaurant me Taco Mama Taziki’s Mediterranean Cafe Rolando’s Gaskin’s Cabin Boulevard r| rill Big Orange The Hive Community Bakery Arkansas Fresh Bakery Cafe Whole Country Store & Restaurant David’s Burgers Capital Bar & Grill Hillcrest Artisan ally through praiseworthy & Sweets Southern Gourmasion AQability Chicken House ZAZA Fine Salad & Wood uno’s Little Italy Pasta Grill Local Lime Taco Mama Taziki’s Mediterranean Cafe milio’s Italian Home CookinBar & Grill Big Orange The Hive Community Bakery and sports otel Venetian Dining Room Brown’s Country Store & Restaurant David’s Burgers ga’s Cafe Cafe 1217 Charlotte’s Eats & Sweets Southern Gourmasion AQ Chicken olly Creamery New Delhi Cafe Bruno’s Little Italy Pasta Grill Local Lime Taco Bread Co. Doe’s Eat Place Bordinos Ermilio’s Italian Home CookinBar & Grill with this celebrated group of restaurants ole Hog Cafe Mud Street Cafe Arlington Hotel Venetian Dining Room Brown’s fe • WholeMeats Hog CafeFlying • Mud Street • ArlingtonChina Hotel Venetian DiningCafe RoomCafe 1217 Charlotte’s Artisan FishCafe Fantastic Arsaga’s al Bar & Grill • Hillcrest Artisan Meats • Flying Fish • Fantastic China & Wood Oven Pizza Co. Homer’s Restaurant Loblolly Creamery New Delhi Cafe ourmasion • AQ Chicken House • ZAZA Fine Salad & Wood Oven Pizza Co. n Cafe Gaskin’s Boulevard Bread Co. Cafe Doe’s Eat Place Bordinos ittle Italy •Rolando’s Pasta Grill • Local Lime • Cabin Taco Mama • Taziki’s Mediterranean Bakery Arkansas Fresh Bakery Cafe Whole Hog Cafe Mud Street Cafe Arlington dinos • Ermilio’s Italian Home Cooking Burgers Capital Bar & Grill Hillcrest Artisan Meats Flying Fish Fantastic China Q Chicken House ZAZA Fine Salad & Wood Oven Pizza Co. Homer’s Restaurant me Taco Mama Taziki’s Mediterranean Rolando’s Boulevard 1200 Pike Ave, NorthCafe Little Rock, AR 72114 |Gaskin’s 501.978.5000 Cabin | benekeith.com Interested in partnering with Ben E. Keith? Contact Rusty Mathis for more information. rill Big Orange The Hive Community Bakery Arkansas Fresh Bakery Cafe Whole Country Store & Restaurant David’s Burgers Capital Bar & Grill Hillcrest Artisan

RD-WINNING BUSINESS PARTNERS

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PROVISIONS FOR THE CULTURED GENTLEMAN

DAVID KOON

11220 N Rodney Parham Rd. Suite 3|501.246.5466|shopcultureclothing.com

MAGNIFICENT: Dondie’s catfish and spicy crawdads, with a view.

Rollin’ on the river Dondie’s in Des Arc offers catfish, White River views. BY DAVID KOON

here are restaurants in Arkansas that clearly get a much coveted ambiance bump. McClard’s Barbecue in Hot Springs is like that. Hugo’s near the square in Fayetteville. Lassis Inn in Little Rock. A hundred more. If you want to witness an off-thecharts ambiance bump, head to Dondie’s White River Princess in Des Arc. While the nice little buffet of catfish and sea-

food delights is good, the view from the windows — featuring a broad, magnificent bend of the White River crowned by the basket handle of the Highway 38 bridge — is what really seals the deal. It’s hard to imagine a better place to eat catfish. Add to that the fact that it’s one of the only things to do in Des Arc (a solid 30 minutes north of I-40 after taking a hard left from the freeway at CONTINUED ON PAGE 40

APRIL 2, 2015

ARKANSAS TIMES

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APRIL 2, 2015

A Taste of Brazilian Cuisine 501.614.6682

BEST GLUTEN FREE BEST OTHER ETHNIC BEST VEGETARIAN/VEGAN

! Holy Feijoada

DAVID KOON

GLUTEN FREE & VEGAN OPTIONS AVAILABLE HERE! DES ARC DESTINATION: Dondie’s packs in crowds Friday and Saturday nights.

’s a i l a s o R a s ’ It kind of day! BEST BAKERY

501.319.7035 2701 KAVANAUGH BLVD HILLCREST 40

APRIL 2, 2015

ARKANSAS TIMES

Hazen) and you can see why Dondie’s is packed to the gills (har-har) every Friday and Saturday night. Situated in a reasonable facsimile of a beached riverboat (we’d been told by friends before we went that it actually WAS a riverboat, possibly even one that was floating at the edge of the White River), Dondie’s has been open since the 1980s. It was started by local resident Dondie Guess, who christened the good ship with his name. Dondie’s features a buffet that’s petite by the standards of most all-youcan-eat seafood places, with fried catfish in both fillet and bone-in steaks, crawfish in season, perfect boiled shrimp, fried shrimp, stuffed crab, a salad bar and other goodies. I was actually glad to see the buffet wasn’t one of those milelong affairs. Those joints, in my experience, spend so much time trying to get the turnip greens and pickled beets right that they often fall down on the main event, which is the fish. It’s hard to fault the fish at Dondie’s. While they don’t live up to the milehigh standard that was the late, great

Georgetown One-Stop that once stood a little farther up the White River, Dondie’s catfish was some mighty fine eating, especially the thick and meaty catfish steaks, which only needed a splash of hot sauce or two to be rendered very good. A companion got himself a nice steak, and I pitied him having to watch me eat all the flaky mudcat I could hold (and then some), with a side of perfect crawfish, so spicy they left me with tingling lips for 30 minutes. Out the window, the White River was swollen, filled with swirls and eddies from rains further north, the bridge shining in the dusk. Ah, ambiance! When I’d had my fill of catfish, the very friendly waitress came by and asked if we were up for dessert. Having heard great things about Dondie’s finishers, how could I say no to a thick wedge of their homemade carrot cake? I had them box it up, but when I chowed down on it later, I found it to be just perfect: a neon-orange doorstop of deliciousness, so moist it was nearly damp,

with thin layers hung together by a fine buttercream frosting. While you can get fair-to-middlin’ catfish and seafood all over the state, the older I get, the more I see that dining isn’t just about filling your tank or satisfying your cravings. Good food, like everything else in life, should be about making a good memory; something to think back on when you’re forced to settle for that chain burger or frozen pizza. While the drive to Des Arc is a haul from just about anywhere, getting there — crossing farmland as flat as a pool table as the sun creeps slowly into the dirt at the edge of the world; standing with the local folks from surrounding farms as they wait for their big Saturday night dinner in town; sitting down to eat the spoils of the river as the river creeps past, as it has since forever — is definitely a memory worth making. In short, Dondie’s is a boat ride every Arkansas foodie should probably take at least once, if only to say they did.

We Have The #1 Customers In The State! BEST RESTAURANT HOT SPRINGS

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BEST GLUTEN FREE AROUND THE STATE

Open Daily at 11am 7 Days A Week • 210 Central Avenue • Hot Springs 501.318.6054 • rolandosrestaurante.com

The winning team at Arkansas Fresh Cafe proudly welcomes Travis McConnell to carry on the vision created by Jonathan Wilkins. Thank you to all the Readers Choice voters.

BEST BAKERY AROUND THE STATE

BEST OVERALL AROUND THE STATE

CHRIS SANTACRUZ SOUS CHEF

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BEST SANDWICH AROUND THE STATE

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DELI/GOURMET TO GO AROUND THE STATE

TRAVIS MCCONNELL CHEF/MANAGER

501-847-6638 501-213-0084 1506 N Prickett Road · Bryant 304 N. Reynolds Road, Ste. 5 • Bryant www.arkansasfresh.com www.arktimes.com

APRIL 2, 2015

I AM THE AEA Echo Miller serves her community by keeping students engaged.

cho Miller is what keeps all the moving parts of a school day on track. The in-school suspension teacher for the Ouachita River School District’s Acorn campus, Miller also is the study hall teacher, serves lunch duty for both the middle and high schools, and is the afternoon library aide. It is never a dull moment for Miller, and she likes it that way. “I love the kids I get to work with,” she said. “I like talking to them and finding out about all the different lives they have.” As an in-school suspension (ISS) teacher, Miller helps to keep more kids in school where they can be engaged rather than at home or in the community unsupervised. In-school suspension serves to be an effective learning tool, one that is part of the district’s strategy for creating and maintaining a positive, respectful and disciplined environment. When executed effectively, ISS helps students, teachers, faculty and parents realize that conflicts of all kinds will occur at school, and there are strategies in place to resolve those conflicts and address problems so students can continue to learn. In addition to her many duties at the Ouachita River School District in Mena, Miller also serves as the local president of the Arkansas Education Association and is the National Education Association delegate for Region 6 in Arkansas. Miller says her participation in the AEA grew from membership to holding an office is because of what the organization provides. “I started out joining the AEA for the insurance,” she said. “I also joined because I knew that if I need help with anything at my job, they would do whatever they could do. I then started attending the workshops they provide, and over the years, I have really enjoyed meeting other members. In fact, I just have fun whenever I am involved with AEA.” In particular, Miller appreciates that the AEA is open to everyone who works in education, not just teachers and faculty. According to the National Education Association, education support professionals (ESP) like Miller are the first and last school employees to see students in the school community. Through their various careers they touch the lives of students and ensure student success. The benefits of joining the AEA for education support professionals include the respect that comes with the support and backing

of the largest, most effective employee organization in the country—NEA and its affiliates; strong, effective representation if employment problems arise; leadership training for members and their local association; and professional development training on issues that affect ESP members, among others. “AEA is a big family that looks out for you and teaches you along the way,” she said. “I think the AEA is a great organization because it doesn’t just help teachers but also aides, bus drivers, cafeteria workers, secretaries, custodians, school nurses and anyone else connected with education. I have learned so much, such as classroom management and how to communicate with the students, and as a member, you get to go to a lot of fun places and take part in a lot of helpful workshops. I got to go to a convention in Denver, Colorado, for a week, and it was a blast. I learned a lot about voting on amendments and laws, and everyone you meet is glad to have you as a part of the association.”

1500 W. 4th St. Little Rock 501.375.4611 aeaonline.org 42

APRIL 2, 2015

ARKANSAS TIMES

Readers Choice continued from page 16

Cache Restaurant, Copper Grill, One Eleven at the Capital Around the state: Mike’s Place (Conway) Finalists: Arsaga’s at the Depot (Fayetteville), Belle Arti Italian Ristorante (Hot Springs), The Hive (Bentonville), Fayrays (El Dorado)

Thanks for Voting Us One of Your Favorites

BEST DELI / GOURMET TO GO BEST BUTCHER BEST INDIAN

BEST BUFFET

BEST SANDWICH

Charcuterie • soups & Sandwiches Specializing in soups, sandwiches, smoothies, vegetarian and other healthy options. Located directly across from the River Market.

BUTCHER

Little Rock: Hillcrest Artisan Meats Finalists: Butcher & Public, Edwards Food Giant, Hogg’s Meat Market

thanks for voting!

501.244.2622

301 N Shackleford • Little Rock • 501-227-9900 lrstarofindia.com

405 President Clinton Ave • Little Rock www.4squaregifts.com

2807 Kavanaugh Blvd. • 501.671.6328 • mon-fri 10-6 • sat 10-5

CATFISH

Little Rock: Flying Fish Finalists: Burge’s, Cock of the Walk, Faded Rose, Lassis Inn Around the state: Catfish Hole (Fayetteville) Finalists: Dondie’s White River Princess (Des Arc), Eat My Catfish (Benton), Flying Fish (Bentonville), Woods Place (Camden)

CHINESE

Little Rock: Fantastic China Finalists: Chi’s Chinese Cuisine, Mr. Chen’s Authentic Chinese Cooking, Fu Lin Chinese Restaurant, Three Fold Noodles and Dumpling Co. Around the state: Hunan Manor (Fayetteville) Finalists: Jade China Restaurant (Conway), Madame Wu’s Hunan Restaurant (Russellville), Oriental Gardens Restaurant (El Dorado), Wok Express (Hot Springs)

COFFEE

Little Rock: Mylo Coffee Co. Finalists: Boulevard Bread Co., Community Bakery, Mugs Cafe, River City Coffee Around the state: Arsaga’s Cafe (Fayetteville) Finalists: Blue Sail Coffee (Conway), Jitterbug Coffeehouse (Heber Springs), Onyx Coffee Lab (Fayetteville), Perfect Cup (Camden)

DELI/GOURMET TO GO

Little Rock: Hillcrest Artisan Meats Finalists: Boulevard Bread Co., Bray Gourmet, Good Food by Ferneau, Jason’s Deli Around the state: Cafe 1217 (Hot Springs) Finalists: Arkansas Fresh Bakery Cafe (Bryant), Bentonville Butcher & Deli, Cabot Cafe and Cake Corner, The Green Submarine Espresso Cafe & Sub-Shop (Fayetteville)

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golf

Live. From natural landscapes to wonderful amenities, the neighborhoods of Chenal Valley bring to life everything you could dream of in a community. Surrounded by green belts, walking trails and 36 holes of picturesque golf, this amazing community makes coming home more like a walk in the park. To begin your search for a new lot or home in Chenal Valley, go to Chenal.com.

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ar e Y h t f l e Our Tw

k n i r D , ! Eat y r a r e t i e B L &

Pub ! h s i Per

It’s

with:

Arkansas poets Ka Chris “The Jou ren Hayes, rn Mary Angelino ey” James, , Katie Nichol, Dylan Jackson and 2014 Arka nsas Fiction Contest Times win SETH ELI BAR ner LOW!

Poetry, fiction and memoir readings, live in the big room at Stickyz Rock-N-Roll Chicken Shack.

nd Hosted by Bryan Borlaess. of Sibling Rivalry Pr.com Bryan.Borland@gmail

Saturday, April 25 7-9 pm

ÀStickyz AT

n Shack. Rock-N-Roll Chicke

arktimes.com

FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT BRYAN BORLAND AT BRYAN.BORLAND@GMAIL.COM 44

APRIL 2, 2015

ARKANSAS TIMES

Pub or Perish is a related event of the Arkansas Literary Festival.

Readers Choice

BRIAN CHILSON

continued from page 43

SWEET MORNING TREATS: Community Bakery is once again a finalist in the dessert category, and its doughnuts are a favorite.

DESSERTS

FOOD TRUCK

FRIED CHICKEN

FUN

Finalists: Community Bakery, LePops Gourmet Ice Lollies, South on Main, Trio’s Restaurant Around the state: Charlotte’s Eats & Sweets (Keo) Finalists: The Bulldog Restaurant (Bald Knob), Cocoa Rouge (Bryant), Arsaga’s at the Depot (Fayetteville), The Hive (Bentonville)

Finalists: Katmandu MoMo, The Pie Hole, Southern Salt Food Co., Waffle Wagon Around the state: Crepes Paulette (Bentonville) Finalists: Hammontree’s Grillenium Falcon (Fayetteville), Natural State Sandwiches (Fayetteville), Nomad’s Natural Plate (Fayetteville)

Fried Chicken Finalists: Popeyes, Slim Chickens, South on Main, Stickyz Rock ’n’ Roll Chicken Shack Around the state: A.Q. Chicken House (Fayetteville) Finalists: The Hive (Bentonville), Holly’s Country Cookin’ (Conway), Monte Ne Inn (Rogers)

Finalists: The Fold, Local Lime, South on Main, Stickyz Rock ’n’ Roll Chicken Shack Around the state: Mike’s Place (Conway) Finalists: Arsaga’s at the Depot (Fayetteville), Central Park Fusion Cuisine (Hot Springs), Gaskins Cabin Steakhouse (Eureka Springs),

Little Rock: The Pie Hole

Little Rock: Southern Gourmasian

Little Rock: Gus’s World Famous

Little Rock: Big Orange

Merci beaucoup to all who voted! BEST FOOD TRUCK AROUND THE STATE

Please visit us soon at our upcoming storefront in THRIVE Bentonville!

take your appetite off the beaten path www.arktimes.com

APRIL 2, 2015

Readers Choice continued from page 45 The Hive (Bentonville)

INDIAN

GLUTEN-FREE

rant Finalists: 4square Cafe and Gifts, Banana Leaf, Taj Mahal Around the state: The New Delhi Cafe (Eureka Springs) Finalists: Desi Den Indian Restaurant (Bryant), India Orchard (Bentonville), R&R’s Curry Express (Fort Smith)

Little Rock: Dempsey Bakery Finalists: Baja Grill, Big Orange, Izzy’s, Local Lime Around the state: ZAZA Fine Salad & Wood Oven Pizza Co. (Conway) Finalists: Arsaga’s at the Depot (Fayetteville), Greenhouse Grille (Fayetteville), Rolando’s Restaurant (Hot Springs), Serenity Farms Bakery (Leslie)

HOME COOKIN’

Little Rock: Homer’s Restaurant Finalists: Bobby’s Country Cookin’, David Family Kitchen, Kitchen Express, Sweet Soul Around the state: Holly’s Country Cooking (Conway) Finalists: Anne’s Country Cafe (Pine Bluff), Calico County (Fort Smith), Mama Max’s Diner (Prescott), Monte Ne Inn (Rogers)

ICE CREAM/COOL TREATS

Little Rock: Loblolly Creamery Finalists: LePops Gourmet Ice Lollies, Red Mango, Yogurt Mountain

Little Rock: Star of India Restau-

ITALIAN

Little Rock: Bruno’s Little Italy Finalists: Ciao, Graffiti’s, Ristorante Capeo, Vesuvio Bistro Around the state: Pasta Grill (Conway) Finalists: Bordinos (Fayetteville), DeVito’s Restaurant (Eureka Springs), Ermilio’s Italian Home Cooking (Eureka), Pesto Cafe (Fayetteville)

JAPANESE

Little Rock: Sushi Cafe Finalists: Hanaroo Sushi Bar, Igibon Japanese Food House, Kemuri, Mt. Fuji Japanese Restaurant Around the state: Meiji Japanese Cuisine (Fayetteville)

Finalists: Crazy Samurai (Hot Springs), Fuji Japanese Steakhouse & Sushi Bar (Searcy), Kimono Japanese Steak House (Paragould), Umami Sushi Lounge and Grill Fusion (Conway)

MEXICAN

Little Rock: Local Lime Finalists: Baja Grill, Cantina Laredo, Casa Manana, La Hacienda Around the state: Taco Mama (Hot Springs) Finalists: Burrito Loco (Fayetteville), El Acapulco (Conway), Table Mesa (Bentonville), Vina Morita Restaurant and Wine Bar (Hot Springs)

OTHER ETHNIC

Little Rock: Taziki’s Mediterranean Cafe Finalists: Cafe Bossa Nova, kBird, Layla’s Gyros and Pizzeria, The Pantry Around the state: Rolando’s (Hot Springs) Finalists: A Taste of Thai (Fayetteville), Layla’s Gyros and Pizzeria (Conway), Salathai (Fayetteville), Wiederkehr Weinkeller Restaurant (Altus)

PIZZA

Little Rock: ZAZA Fine Salad & Wood Oven Pizza Co. Finalists: Damgoode Pies, Pizza Cafe, U.S. Pizza, Vino’s Around the state: ZAZA’S Fine Salad & Wood Oven Pizza Co. (Conway) Finalists: Deluca’s Pizzeria Napoletana (Hot Springs), Rocky’s (Hot Springs), Tommy’s Famous (Mountain View), Wood Stone Craft Pizza and Bar (Fayetteville)

PLACE FOR KIDS

Little Rock: Purple Cow Restaurant Finalists: All Aboard Restaurant and Grill, Big Orange, Larry’s Pizza, Playtime Pizza Around the state: Purple Cow Restaurant (Hot Springs) Finalists: Bulldog Restaurant (Bald Knob), Calico County (Fort Smith), Stoby’s (Conway), ZAZA’S Fine Salad & Wood Oven Pizza Co. (Conway)

ROMANTIC

Little Rock: Brave New Restaurant

Thanks again to Arkansas Times readers for your continued support and for recognizing Brave New Restaurant among the best in Arkansas year after year. Chef Peter Brave

Best Business Lunch Best Chef, Peter Brave Best Overall Best Seafood

Most Romantic

APRIL 2, 2015

ARKANSAS TIMES

BRIAN CHILSON

Acclaimed Non-violence Scholar to Speak at Little Rock Events Dates and Times

GREAT CUPPA JOE: Mylo Coffee Co. in Hillcrest is tops among the readers.

April 7 at 7 pm: UALR, Stella B. Smith Hall, Fine Arts Building “Civil Resistance in the Arab Spring and Beyond” April 8 at noon: DR ERICA CHENOWETH Clinton School for Public Service, Sturgis Hall Acclaimed Non-violence to Speak at Little “Why Civil Resistance Works:Scholar Nonviolent Struggle in Rock Events the Past and Future” at 7 pm: Co-author of the 2012 Woodrow Wilson Foundation These are the public venues; she will alsoApril be 7speaking UALR, Stella B. Smith Hall, Fine Arts Building prize-winning book: “Why Civil Resistance Works - The at local high schools and at Hendrix College. “Civil Resistance in the Arab Spring and Beyond” Strategic Logic of Nonviolent Conflict” April 8 at 12 pm: “The historical record clearly shows that professor civil Erica Chenoweth, PhD, associate at the Korbel Clinton School of Public Service, Sturgis Hall resistance is an enduring force for change... School of International Studies at the University of is “WhyDenver, Civil Resistance Works: Nonviolent Struggle nonviolent campaigns achieve goals that have in the Pastand and its Future” one of the world’s leading authorities on non-violence eluded armed fighters for decades”

effectiveness in conflict situations. She is the co-author of “Why Civil Resistance Works – The Strategic Logic of Nonviolent Conflict” (2011, Columbia University Press), which Presented by Arkansas Coalition for Peace & Justice (ACPJ), the UALR Middle Eastern Studies Program, the Clinton School of was awarded the 2012 Woodrow Wilson Foundation prize as Public Service, the Chamberlin Family Foundation, and Arkansas WAND (Women’s Actions for New Directions). the top book on government, politics or international affairs. She was ranked among the Top 100 Global Thinkers in 2013 www.arktimes.com APRIL 2, 2015 by Foreign Policy magazine for “proving Gandhi right.” Also, in 2013, she was awarded the Grawemeyer Award for “Ideas

Readers Choice continued from page 46

BEST BUFFET - AROUND THE STATE

• 100-foot Buffet • Candy Shop • Gift Shop

• Gift Certificates • Buses and Tour Groups Welcome!

Open 7 Days a Week, 10:30 a.m. - 9:00 p.m. 18718 I-30 • Benton • 501-778-5033 www.BrownsCountryRestaurant.com

order online • menus • assorted niceties

DGPIES .COM

LITTLE ROCK

6 64 - 2 2 3 9

2701 Kavanaugh Boulevard 6706 Cantrell Road 10720 Rodney Parham (Take Out & Delivery only) 500 President Clinton Avenue

THANK YOU LITTLE ROCK for Damgoode’s amazing win as the Next Best Pizza in Little Rock! Congratulations ZaZa!

The vein in our forehead is only popping out because we’re so happy for you! k<

>clin

RED RIBBON REVELRY!

Come celebrate Damgoode’s near Win in our shiny, new location in the River Market (500 Pres Clinton) & chug a pint of our house-made Red Ribbon Golden Ale. 48

APRIL 2, 2015

ARKANSAS TIMES

START THE MORNING RIGHT AT THE ROOT: The cafe wins in both breakfast and brunch, as well as Best Vegetarian/vegan.

Finalists: Cache Restaurant, One Eleven at the Capital, South on Main Around the state: Gaskin’s Cabin (Eureka Springs) Finalists: Arsaga’s at the Depot (Fayetteville), The Hive (Bentonville), James at the Mill (Johnson), Luna Bella (Hot Springs)

SANDWICH

Little Rock: Boulevard Bread Finalists: Hillcrest Artisan Meats, The Root Cafe, Whole Hog Cafe Around the state: Arkansas Fresh

Cafe (Bryant) Finalists: Craig’s Bar-B-Q (DeValls Bluff), Green Submarine Espresso Cafe & Sub-Shop (Fayetteville), Hammontree’s Grillenium Falcon (Fayetteville)

SEAFOOD

Little Rock: Flying Fish Finalists: Bonefish Grill, Brave New Restaurant, Oceans at Arthur’s, The Oyster Bar Around the state: Fisherman’s Wharf (Hot Springs)

Finalists: Central Park Fusion (Hot Springs), Dondie’s White River Princess (Des Arc), Eat My Catfish (Bryant), Mike’s Place (Conway)

STEAK

Little Rock: Doe’s Eat Place Finalists: Arthur’s Prime Steakhouse, Sonny Williams’ Steak Room, The Butcher Shop, The Faded Rose Around the state: Doe’s Eat Place (Fayetteville) Around the state: Gaskins Cabin Steakhouse (Eureka Springs), Herman’s

BRIAN CHILSON

ARKANSAS’S SOURCE FOR NEWS, POLITICS AND ENTERTAINMENT

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APRIL 2, 2015

Readers Choice continued from page 50

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WINE LIST

Little Rock: By the Glass Finalists: Cache Restaurant, One Eleven at the Capital, SO Restaurant-Bar Around the state: Bordinos (Fayetteville) Finalists: Central Park Fusion Cuisine (Hot Springs), Gaskins Cabin Steakhouse (Eureka Springs), The Hive (Bentonville), Tavola Trattoria (Bentonville)

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APRIL 2, 2015

ARKANSAS TIMES

Eureka Springs: Ermilio’s Italian Home Cooking Finalists: Bavarian Inn, DeVito’s Restaurant, Gaskins Cabin Steakhouse, Local Flavor Cafe Fayetteville/Springdale/Johnson: Hugo’s (Fayetteville) Finalists: Arsaga’s at the Depot (Fayetteville), Bordinos (Fayetteville), James at the Mill (Johnson)

Hot Springs: Rolando’s Finalists: Deluca’s Pizzeria Napoletana, Don Juan Authentic Mexican Restaurant, Osaka Japanese Steakhouse and Sushi Bar, Taco Mama Rogers/Bentonville: The Hive (Bentonville) Finalists: Carrabba’s Italian Grill (Rogers), Havana Tropical Grill (Rogers), Eleven (Bentonville), Tusk & Trotter (Bentonville)

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APRIL 2, 2015

Arts Entertainment AND

STAGING A TONY WINNER: The amateur Little Rock cast of “Nine.”

‘NINE’ WILL BE A 10

So says The Rep’s Castanera, who directs at the Studio Theatre. BY LESLIE NEWELL PEACOCK

he great thing about theater people is their infectious passion. Talk to them for five minutes about the play they’re acting in or directing or designing and you’re aching to see it. Rafael Castanera’s ardor for the upcoming production of “Nine” at the Studio Theatre is particularly catching, heightened by the fact that he is both director, designer and costumer of the Tony Awardwinning musical. He’s tired, he says, but he doesn’t look it. Instead, he’s all gesture and gush. The musical is “a beautiful piece,” the cast is perfect, 52

APRIL 2, 2015

ARKANSAS TIMES

the musical’s score is one of the best he’s ever heard, and “when you put it on its feet, there’s another dimension” to it. Castanera, in his 14th season as the Arkansas Repertory Theatre’s production manager whose background in costume design includes a stint at the New York specialty costume house Izquierdo Studio, says he’s giving “Nine” — an amateur production — his all. Castanera sweeps the community theater stereotype away: “I’m treating this production as if it were a show at The Rep,” he says. Community theater “is theater

for the community the same way The Rep is here for the community,” Castanera said, and for its company, acting “is not a pastime.” Though the musical has won five Tony Awards, including Best Musical up against “Dreamgirls” in 1982, “Nine” is not often performed, Castanera said. Originally a play by Maury Yeston (book by Arthur Kopit on Broadway), “Nine” is based on Federico Fellini’s “8 1/2.” (The extra half supplied by the music, Yeston is said to have explained.) It is about a man about to turn 40 who has a wife, a mistress and a muse and discovers that his life is adding up to nothing. The cast includes 12 women (one of whom will be played by a man because of his great chemistry with another principal character, Castanera said), the man (a filmmaker) and a boy, the man’s younger self. “Even from the get-go, you’ll know it’s not going to be a normal show,” Castanera said. It’s set in Italy, at a spa where the man is struggling to find inspiration for his movie. “He’s struggling, at a crossroads,” Cas-

tanera said. “His last two films have been flops. He has marital problems. Then his producer starts hounding him.” The women in his life — on stage during the whole of Act 1 — act as Greek chorus. It is a musical about his obsession with affairs, yes, “but it is more about a man who has defined himself by doing that and he’s lost. He hasn’t grown up. He needs to grow up.” The boy is played by Price Clark, 10, who recently was seen on The Rep stage in “Elf.” His character gets a lesson in love by a prostitute in one scene, but Castanera said the cast is protective of Price, a “pro” who “brings such innocence and beauty to the show.” James Norris as the moviemaker, Guido Contini, is executive director at the Weekend Theater. He’s looking forward to a chance to “compete with the big boys” in professional theater. At the Weekend Theater, Norris said, “I work behind the scenes now dealing with frustrating and technical things, but being involved in the cast side of it is really a very special and cool experience. “We’re all doing this together and we rely on each other — it’s a crazy trust.” All the actors are from Little Rock; several have appeared in productions at the Weekend Theater, The Rep and the Studio Theatre. “Nine” will be the fifth production at the 100-seat theater and the biggest, Castanera said. Previous productions include “Nuncrackers,” “The Last Five Years,” “Vampire Lesbians of Sodom,” “You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown” and “Little Shop of Horrors.” The musical “Xanadu” is scheduled for July. “Nine” opens April 3 with a special preshow reception from 5:30 p.m. to curtain that will include an open beer and wine bar, heavy hors d’oeuvres and a cash bar after 7 p.m. Tickets are $50. The show continues Saturday, April 4; Thursday through Sunday, April 9-12; and Thursday through Sunday, April 16-19. Sunday performances are at 2 p.m.; otherwise, curtain is at 7 p.m. Tickets after the opener are $20 for adults and $15 for seniors and students. The Studio Theatre is at 320 W. Seventh St.

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FOR THIS MONTH’S ARKANSAS TIMES Film Series screening, cosponsored by the Little Rock Film Festival, we’ll be welcoming writerdirector Rebecca Thomas, who will present her 2012 debut feature “Electrick Children.” The film follows a fundamentalist Mormon teenager who comes to believe she’s been impregnated by listening to a cassette tape, her first experience with rock music, and runs away to Las Vegas looking for answers. The New York Times called it “a playful urban fable, about the collision of country and city mice that suggests a variation of ‘The Wizard of Oz,’” and “neither comedy nor drama nor satire but a surreal mélange infused with magical realism.” The film, which opened at the Berlin International Film Festival and SXSW, stars Julia Garner, Rory Culkin, Liam Aiken and Billy Zane. Thomas, who like her protagonist grew up Mormon in Las Vegas, made the film while a student at Columbia University, and was nominated for an Independent Spirit Award in 2012. Thomas is coming to town thanks to the University of Central Arkansas, where she is hosting a screening and workshop (look for more details soon), and will be on hand to give a postscreening Q&A at the Ron Robinson Theater showing April 22. The movie is at 7 p.m., $5. Looking ahead in the Arkansas Times Film Series, we’ll be showing the Levon Helm-narrated NASA epic “The Right Stuff” May 21, Alfred Hitchcock’s spy-thriller masterpiece “North By Northwest” June 18 and cult favorite documentary “Hands on a Hard Body” July 16. All screenings are at 7 p.m. and cost $5. www.arktimes.com

APRIL 2, 2015

THE TO-DO

LIST

BY WILL STEPHENSON

THURSDAY 4/2

BENNIE WALLACE QUARTET 8 p.m. South on Main. $20.

The New York Arts Journal has called Bennie Wallace “the most important reed player since [Eric] Dolphy’s and [Ornette] Coleman’s startling work in the early sixties.” Wallace is from East Ridge, Tenn., just outside of Chattanooga. Often, on record, his tone can take on a warm, still smoothness that sounds more like Stan Getz than Eric Dolphy or Ornette Coleman. But unlike Stan Getz, Wallace wrote the soundtrack to the film “White Men Can’t Jump.” Also unlike Stan Getz, he has recorded with Aretha Franklin, Dr. John and Stevie Ray Vaughan. He has released an album (“The Old Songs”) that is about as close to being simultaneously kidfriendly and psychedelically off-putting as it is possible for jazz to be. So — he’s unpredictable. He’s not averse to melody. He’s brilliant, by all accounts. He is, as DownBeat magazine once put it, “a modernist who understands the past.”

FRIDAY 4/3

MULEHEAD RECORD RELEASE 9:30 p.m. White Water Tavern. $7.

Mulehead, the beloved Little Rock alt-country band that broke up 11 years ago only to return stronger and sleeker, wiser and more powerful, has finished a new record, “Forever Out Of Tune,” which will be out via Max Recordings on April 28. For those of you who can’t wait that long or who feel inclined to support an important and deserving local cultural institution, you can also pre-order the record today at Pledge Music (pledgemusic.com/projects/mulehead) and get immediate access to a free download. They’re offering a CD, an LP and a digital copy — plus other things, like signed posters, woodcut prints and handwritten lyric sheets. Serious fans (or very lonely people) can pay extra to have coffee with front man Kevin Kerby ($100), have Kerby give a solo acoustic show at your house ($300) or have the full band play ($1,000), provided you live within 200 miles of Little Rock. Also, more pertinently, another great option would be to come celebrate the release of the record this weekend at White Water Tavern, with Brother Andy and His Big Damn Mouth and Conway’s Matt Ross. CDs will be available for $10. 54

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ARKANSAS TIMES

SCENES FROM THE FEST: (from top) “Billy Mize and the Bakersfield Sound,” “Northern Borders” and “The Frontier.”

FRIDAY 4/3-SATURDAY 4/11

OZARK FOOTHILLS FILMFEST University of Arkansas Community College at Batesville. $5-$25.

The Ozark Foothills FilmFest, held at Independence Hall on the campus of the University of Arkansas Community College at Batesville, includes 28 features, documentaries and shorts, including “Northern Borders,” starring Bruce Dern; “The Frontier”; “Stomping Ground” (billed as “a scary relationship com-

edy about love and Bigfoot hunting”); “Billy Mize and the Bakersfield Sound” and “Misfire: The Rise and Fall of The Shooting Gallery,” a crowd-funded documentary about the production company behind “Stand By Me” and “Sling Blade.” The festival will also screen a rediscovered and restored print of the silent film “Lonesome” (described by critic Jonathan Rosenbaum as a “classic example” of silent cinema’s

“perfection of expression”), with live musical accompaniment by the Doug Talley Quartet. Other screenings include “Eureka! The Art of Being,” about Eureka Springs, and “Woke Up This Mornin’ in the Arkansas Delta,” a travel film directed by Benjamin Meade. Twenty filmmakers whose works are part of the schedule will be in attendance for Q&As. A complete list of films and ticketing information can be found at the festival website.

IN BRIEF

THURSDAY 4/2

SATURDAY 4/4

ERROL WESTBROOK

8 p.m. Quarter Note Club.

Three of my favorite performances by Errol Westbrook (a.k.a. E-Dubb, a.k.a E Dubya Bush) are “Gettin’ It,” “Mobbin’” and “How My Day Go,” off his 2008 record “E-Dubb.” They’re about his routine, his habits, his inner monologue. They’re full of jokes that are only casually funny, and all of them feel honest and stark. They’re self-reflective and profoundly local in a way that I think traditionally makes for good country rap, and that’s the mode Westbrook has always thrived in. He’s from another era — literally, in the sense that he’s from the Arkan-

sas rap scene in which Playboy Shane and Rod-D (and, of course, he himself) were royalty. But also stylistically. We spent an afternoon on the phone once, after he’d just gotten out of prison. He’d been there for two-and-a-half years and his return to Little Rock was undeniably a culturally significant event. But he seemed confused and a little lost. He talked about listening to the radio and feeling out of touch. His son put on a Migos record and, he told me, “I can’t even understand what they’re saying.” Still, he was committed already to coming back. He owed it to us, as he put it. “FREE E-DUBB” was a common refrain in his absence, and now

he’s free. He feels an unusual and gratifying degree of pride in his Little Rock prominence. “I’ve been on stations you can’t even get on now, like [Hot] 96.5,” he said. “There’s clubs in Little Rock that people will never get to perform in that I have performed in. Like the White Diamond, people probably don’t even know what the White Diamond is. The Palace, it’s burnt down now.” He laughed at himself, saying this. It showed his age. “I’ve been doing this rap thing for a minute,” he said. By now he’s gotten his voice back, and his confidence. It’s on us now, in a way. We’ve already welcomed him back; now we have to make him feel welcome.

FRIDAY 4/3

WEDNESDAY 4/8

ISKA DHAAF

9 p.m. White Water Tavern.

Based in Brooklyn now, Iska Dhaaf is nevertheless still considered a Seattle band. Macklemore was in one of their music videos; that’s about as Seattle as it gets, I guess. There are only two members — Benjamin Verdoes and Nathan Quiroga. There were supposed to be more of them, I’ve read, but sometimes this is the way things work out. “We wrote music for three people,” Quiroga told The Stranger in an interview. But, he said, “We couldn’t figure out who the third person was. Then we found out that there wasn’t a third person.” In that same interview, they cite Faulkner, Rumi, the book of Revelation, Lars von Trier and T.S. Eliot as influences. Their band name is Somali for “Let it go.” Verdoes speaks fluent Somali. I think he went to grad school. The band, which plays moody indie rock, certainly sounds like the work of more than two people — they are adept mul-

Leocadia Zak, director of the U.S. Trade and Development Agency, gives a lecture at the Clinton School’s Sturgis Hall at noon. The Martha Redbone Roots Project Trio performs at UALR’s Stella Boyle Smith Concert Hall at 7 p.m., free. Alabama Americana group The Mulligan Brothers perform at Wildwood Park for the Performing Arts, 7 p.m., $20-$50. Comedian JR Brow is at the Loony Bin at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, $7 (and 7:30 p.m. and 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday, $10). Live comedy and current events panel show Too Long Didn’t Read is at The Joint, 8 p.m., $7. Devon Allman, son of Gregg Allmann and founder of the band Honeytribe, comes to Revolution with Steve Hester, 8 p.m., $12-$25. Maxine’s in Hot Springs hosts its Hip-Hop Open Mic night.

titaskers. No drummer in this band, unless he is also triggering samples and fiddling around on a miniKORG with his left hand. “Nothing’s changed, not even my laundry,” they sing on a

track called “Same Indifference.” Why bother with laundry, they seem to suggest. Why bother. Let it go — this is their sinister grad school creed. Little Rock’s The Coasts will open.

Dr. Mamie Parker gives a lecture on women and minorities in conservation at the Witt Stephens Jr. Central Arkansas Nature Center, 6 p.m. Local improv troupe The Main Thing presents its new comedy production “I Love You But You’re Sitting On My Cat” at The Joint in Argenta, 8 p.m., $22. Cosmic local metal band Mothwind play at Maxine’s in Hot Springs with Ghosts of Kali Ma. Alan Hunt, Cons of Formant, The Shotgun Billies, Big Shane Thornton and more play at the Thunder on the Mountain Throwdown at Revolution, 8 p.m., $5. Vino’s hosts a hardcore punk showcase featuring Vice and Swamps, 9 p.m., $5.

SATURDAY 4/4

EVEN THE SUN WILL BURN: Iska Dhaaf plays at White Water Tavern 9 p.m. Wednesday with The Coasts.

Conway author and noted alligator gar enthusiast Mark Spitzer will read and sign books at WordsWorth Books & Co., 3 p.m. Rapper O.Z. Slimm is at Juanita’s, 9 p.m., $8. Tragikly White is at Revolution, 9:30 p.m., $10. Brother Moses is at Bear’s Den in Conway with The Topographist, 10 p.m.

WEDNESDAY 4/8 WEDNESDAY 4/8-4/11

DELTA SYMPOSIUM

Arkansas State University. Free.

The 21st annual Delta Symposium of Arkansas State University’s Department of English and Philosophy features lectures, presentations and performances that explore Delta history and culture, with a particular focus on blues and

other regional music. “The South Goes to the Movies” is this year’s theme, so the event will include a Delta Film Festival (screenings of “A Face in the Crowd,” Elia Kazan’s “Baby Doll,” a documentary on the Carter Family and more), as well as scholarship focusing on Bob Dylan, Johnny Cash, gospel and rockabilly, Creek and Seminole songs, Louis

Jordan, Sonny Burgess and other topics. On Friday, April 10, the folk musician John McCutcheon will give a free concert in ASU’s Riceland Hall. This year’s Roots Music Festival, held on Saturday from noon until 6 p.m., will feature the great Black Oak Arkansas, plus Little Rock’s Lucious Spiller and Jessie Charles Hammock.

Jazz R Us plays a free show at the River Market pavilions in this week’s Jazz in the Park, 6 p.m. Oklahoma emo band Fossil Youth plays at Vino’s with Enchant, Lifer and I Was Afraid, 7 p.m., $7. Northwest Arkansas bluegrass band Cutty Rye plays at South on Main as part of its Local Live series, 7:30 p.m., free. Sway hosts its weekly Drag-eoke night with Chi Chi Valdez. www.arktimes.com

APRIL 2, 2015

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

Central Ave., Hot Springs. www.maxinespub. com. Mulehead (record release), Brother Andy and His Big Damn Mouth. White Water Tavern, 9:30 p.m., $7. 2500 W. 7th St. 501-375-8400. www. whitewatertavern.com. Route 66. Agora Conference and Special Event Center, 6:30 p.m., $5. 705 E. Siebenmorgan, Conway. Soulution (headliner), Richie Johnson (happy hour). Cajun’s Wharf, 5:30 and 9 p.m. 2400 Cantrell Road. 501-375-5351. www.cajunswharf. com. Ted Ludwig Trio. Capital Bar and Grill, 9 p.m., free. 111 Markham St. 501-370-7013. www.capitalbarandgrill.com. Vice, Swamps. Vino’s, 9 p.m., $5. 923 W. 7th St. 501-375-8466. www.vinosbrewpub.com.

THURSDAY, APRIL 2

MUSIC

Bennie Wallace Quartet. South on Main, 8 p.m., $20. 1304 Main St. 501-244-9660. southonmain. com. Devon Allman, Steve Hester. Revolution, 8 p.m., $12-$25. 300 President Clinton Ave. 501-8230090. www.rumbarevolution.com/new. Ghost Town Blues Band. Another Round Pub, 8 p.m. 12111 W. Markham. 501-313-2612. www. anotherroundpub.com. “Inferno.” DJs play pop, electro, house and more, plus drink specials and $1 cover before 11 p.m. Sway, 9 p.m. 412 Louisiana. 501-907-2582. Jim Dickerson. Sonny Williams’ Steak Room, 7 p.m. 500 President Clinton Ave. 501-324-2999. www.sonnywilliamssteakroom.com. Karaoke. Zack’s Place, 8 p.m., free. 1400 S. University Ave. 501-664-6444. Live music. No cover charge Sun.-Tue. and Thu. Ernie Biggs. 307 President Clinton Ave. 501-3724782. littlerock.erniebiggs.com. Martha Redbone Roots Project Trio. UALR, Stella Boyle Smith Concert Hall, 7 p.m., free. 2801 S. University Ave. 501-569-8977. Maxine’s Hip-Hop Open Mic. Maxine’s. 700 Central Ave., Hot Springs. www.maxinespub. com. Mayday by Midnight (headliner), Joey Fanstar (happy hour). Cajun’s Wharf, 5:30 and 9 p.m. 2400 Cantrell Road. 501-375-5351. www.cajunswharf.com. The Mulligan Brothers. Wildwood Park for the Performing Arts, 7 p.m., $20-$50. 20919 Denny Road. Nicky Parrish, Rodney Block, Tawanna Campbell, Keith Savage. Club Elevations, 9 p.m., $5. 7200 Colonel Glenn Road. 501-5623317. Open Jam. Thirst n’ Howl, 8 p.m. 14710 Cantrell Road. 501-379-8189. www.thirst-n-howl.com. Open jam with The Port Arthur Band. Parrot Beach Cafe, 9 p.m. 9611 MacArthur Drive, NLR. 771-2994. RockUsaurus. Senor Tequila, 7-9 p.m. 10300 N. Rodney Parham Road. 501-224-5505. Ted Ludwig Trio. Capital Bar and Grill, 7:30 p.m., free. 111 Markham St. 501-370-7013. www.capitalbarandgrill.com. The Trophy Boyfriends, Glittercore, Glowing Life. White Water Tavern, 9 p.m. 2500 W. 7th St. 501-375-8400. www.whitewatertavern.com.

COMEDY

JR Brow. The Loony Bin, 7:30 p.m., $7. 10301 N. Rodney Parham Road. 501-228-5555. www. loonybincomedy.com. Too Long Didn’t Read (TL;DR). The Joint, first Thursday of every month, 8 p.m., $7. 301 Main St. No. 102, NLR. 501-372-0205. thejointinlittlerock.com.

EVENTS

Food Truck Meet-Up. The Good Earth Garden Center. 15601 Cantrell Road. 501-868-4666. www. thegoodearthgarden.com. 56

APRIL 2, 2015

ARKANSAS TIMES

COMEDY

OUTLAW BLUEGRASS: Fayetteville Americana group Cutty Rye plays at South On Main at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, free.

Hillcrest Shop & Sip. Shops and restaurants offer discounts, later hours, and live music. Hillcrest, first Thursday of every month, 5 p.m. 501-6663600. www.hillcrestmerchants.com.

LECTURES

Leocadia Zak. A presentation by the director of the U.S. Trade and Development Agency. Sturgis Hall, noon. 1200 President Clinton Ave. 501-683-5200. clintonschool.uasys.edu.

FILM

LRFF Youth Filmmaker Screening. Ron Robinson Theater, 5 p.m., free. 1 Pulaski Way. 501-320-5703. www.cals.lib.ar.us/ron-robinson-theater.aspx.

BOOKS

Mark Spitzer. Faulkner County Library, 7 p.m. 1900 Tyler St., Conway. 501-327-7482. www.fcl. org.

FRIDAY, APRIL 3

MUSIC

Alan Hunt, Cons of Formant, The Shotgun Billies, Big Shane Thornton. Thunder on the Mountain Throwdown. Revolution, 8 p.m., $5. 300 President Clinton Ave. 501-823-0090. www. rumbarevolution.com/new. All In Fridays. Club Elevations. 7200 Colonel Glenn Road. 501-562-3317. Brother Moses, Dividend. The Lightbulb Club, 9 p.m. 21 N. Block Ave., Fayetteville. 479-444-6100. Club Nights at 1620 Savoy. Dance night, with DJs, drink specials and bar menu, until 2 a.m. 1620 Savoy, 10 p.m. 1620 Market St. 501-2211620. www.1620savoy.com. Harley Hamm. Another Round Pub, 9 p.m. 12111 W. Markham. 501-313-2612. www.anotherroundpub.com. Live music. No cover charge Sun.-Tue. and Thu. Ernie Biggs. 307 President Clinton Ave. 501-3724782. littlerock.erniebiggs.com. Mothwind, Ghosts of Kali Ma. Maxine’s. 700

“I Love You But You’re Sitting On My Cat.” An original production by The Main Thing. The Joint, 8 p.m., $22. 301 Main St. No. 102, NLR. 501-372-0205. thejointinlittlerock.com. JR Brow. The Loony Bin, 7:30 p.m., 10 p.m., $10. 10301 N. Rodney Parham Road. 501-228-5555. www.loonybincomedy.com.

DANCE

Ballroom Dancing. Free lessons begin at 7 p.m. Bess Chisum Stephens Community Center, 8-11 p.m., $7-$13. 12th and Cleveland streets. 501221-7568. www.blsdance.org. Contra Dance. Park Hill Presbyterian Church, first and third Friday of every month, 7:30 p.m.; fourth Friday of every month, 7:30 p.m., $5. 3520 JFK Blvd., NLR. arkansascountrydance.org. “Salsa Night.” Begins with a one-hour salsa lesson. Juanita’s, 9 p.m., $8. 614 President Clinton Ave. 501-372-1228. www.littlerocksalsa.com.

EVENTS

Food Truck Meet-Up. The Good Earth Garden Center, through. 15601 Cantrell Road. 501-8684666. www.thegoodearthgarden.com. Foul Play Cabaret. Stickyz Rock ‘n’ Roll Chicken Shack, 9:30 p.m., $10-$15. 107 River Market Ave. 501-372-7707. www.stickyz.com. LGBTQ/SGL weekly meeting. 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. LGBTQ/SGL Youth and Young Adult Group, 6:30 p.m. 800 Scott St.

FILM

Ozark Foothills Film Fest. University of Arkansas Community College at Batesville, through April 11:, $5. 2005 White Drive, Batesville. 870-6122000. www.uaccb.edu.

SATURDAY, APRIL 4

MUSIC

Brother Moses, The Topographist. Bear’s Den Pizza, 10 p.m. 235 Farris Road, Conway. 501-3285556. www.bearsdenpizza.com. Club Nights at 1620 Savoy. See April 3. Errol Westbrook. Quarter Note, 8 p.m. 4726 Asher Ave. Karaoke at Khalil’s. Khalil’s Pub, 7 p.m. 110 S. Shackleford Road. 501-224-0224. www.khalilspub.com. Karaoke. Casa Mexicana, 7 p.m. 7111 JFK Blvd., NLR. 501-835-7876. Zack’s Place, 8 p.m., free.

1400 S. University Ave. 501-664-6444. Karaoke with Kevin & Cara. All ages, on the restaurant side. Revolution, 9 p.m.-12:45 a.m., free. 300 President Clinton Ave. 501-823-0090. www.rumbarevolution.com/new. K.I.S.S. Saturdays. Featuring DJ Silky Slim. Dress code enforced. Sway, 10 p.m. 412 Louisiana. 501-492-9802. Live music. No cover charge Sun.-Tue. and Thu. Ernie Biggs. 307 President Clinton Ave. 501-3724782. littlerock.erniebiggs.com. Lucious Spiller Band. Stickyz Rock ‘n’ Roll Chicken Shack, 9:30 p.m. 107 River Market Ave. 501-372-7707. www.stickyz.com. Mr. O.Z. Slimm. Juanita’s, 9 p.m., $8. 614 President Clinton Ave. 501-372-1228. www. juanitas.com. Of the Heavy Sun, Dead Indian. The Lightbulb Club, 9 p.m. 21 N. Block Ave., Fayetteville. 479444-6100. Pickin’ Porch. Bring your instrument. All ages welcome. Faulkner County Library, 9:30 a.m. 1900 Tyler St., Conway. 501-327-7482. www.fcl.org. Roy Hale, Erin Enderlin. Another Round Pub, 7:30 p.m. 12111 W. Markham. 501-313-2612. www.anotherroundpub.com. Ted Ludwig Trio. Capital Bar and Grill, 9 p.m., free. 111 Markham St. 501-370-7013. www.capitalbarandgrill.com. Tragikly White. Revolution, 9:30 p.m., $10. 300 President Clinton Ave. 501-823-0090. www.rumbarevolution.com/new. Wayne the Train Hancock. Maxine’s. 700 Central Ave., Hot Springs. www.maxinespub.com.

COMEDY

“I Love You But You’re Sitting On My Cat.” An original production by The Main Thing. The Joint, 8 p.m., $22. 301 Main St. No. 102, NLR. 501-372-0205. thejointinlittlerock.com. JR Brow. The Loony Bin, 7:30 p.m.,10 p.m., $10. 10301 N. Rodney Parham Road. 501-228-5555. www.loonybincomedy.com.

EVENTS

Falun Gong meditation. Allsopp Park, 9 a.m., free. Cantrell and Cedar Hill Roads. Family Fun Saturday featuring Dr. Mamie Parker. Mosaic Templars Cultural Center, 10 a.m. 501 W. 9th St. 501-683-3593. www.mosaictemplarscenter.com. Hillcrest Farmers Market. Pulaski Heights Baptist Church, 7 a.m.-2 p.m. 2200 Kavanaugh Blvd. Historic Neighborhoods Tour. Bike tour of historic neighborhoods includes bike, guide, helmets and maps. Bobby’s Bike Hike, 9 a.m., $8-$28. 400 President Clinton Ave. 501-613-7001. Pork & Bourbon Tour. Bike tour includes bicycle, guide, helmets and maps. Bobby’s Bike Hike, 11:30 a.m., $35-$45. 400 President Clinton Ave. 501-613-7001.

FILM

Ozark Foothills Film Fest. University of Arkansas Community College at Batesville, through April 11:, $5. 2005 White Drive, Batesville. 870-6122000. www.uaccb.edu.

BOOKS

Mark Spitzer. WordsWorth Books & Co., 3 p.m. 5920 R St. 501-663-9198. www.wordsworthbooks.org.

SUNDAY, APRIL 5

MUSIC

Irish Traditional Music Session. Hibernia Irish Tavern, first and third Sunday of every month, 2:30 p.m. 9700 N. Rodney Parham Road. 501246-4340. www.hiberniairishtavern.com. Karaoke. Shorty Small’s, 6-9 p.m. 1475 Hogan Lane, Conway. 501-764-0604. www.shortysmalls.com. Karaoke with DJ Sara. Hardrider Bar & Grill, 7 p.m., free. 6613 John Harden Drive, Cabot. 501-982-1939 ‎. Live music. No cover charge Sun.-Tue. and Thu. Ernie Biggs. 307 President Clinton Ave. 501-3724782. littlerock.erniebiggs.com. Qui, Bik Fliqqr. The Lightbulb Club, 9 p.m. 21 N. Block Ave., Fayetteville. 479-444-6100.

All American Food & Great Place to Watch Your Favorite Event

EVENTS

“Live from the Back Room.” Spoken word event. Vino’s, first Sunday of every month, 7 p.m. 923 W. 7th St. 501-375-8466. www.vinosbrewpub.com.

MONDAY, APRIL 6

MUSIC

Live music. No cover charge Sun.-Tue. and Thu. Ernie Biggs. 307 President Clinton Ave. 501-3724782. littlerock.erniebiggs.com. Monday Night Jazz. Afterthought Bistro & Bar, 8 p.m., $5. 2721 Kavanaugh Blvd. 501-663-1196. www.afterthoughtbistroandbar.com. Open Mic. The Lobby Bar. Studio Theatre, 8 p.m. 320 W. 7th St. Richie Johnson. Cajun’s Wharf, 5:30 p.m. 2400 Cantrell Road. 501-375-5351. www.cajunswharf. com.

LECTURES

Tyson Gersh. A presentation by the founder of the Michigan Urban Farming Initiative. Sturgis Hall, 6 p.m. 1200 President Clinton Ave. 501683-5200. clintonschool.uasys.edu.

TUESDAY, APRIL 7

MUSIC

The Body, Not On Your Life. The Lightbulb Club, 9 p.m. 21 N. Block Ave., Fayetteville. 479444-6100. Gil Franklin & Friends. Holiday Inn, North Little Rock, first Tuesday, Wednesday of every month. 120 W. Pershing Blvd., NLR. Jeff Ling. Khalil’s Pub, 6 p.m. 110 S. Shackleford Road. 501-224-0224. www.khalilspub.com. Jim Dickerson. Sonny Williams’ Steak Room, 7 p.m. 500 President Clinton Ave. 501-324-2999. www.sonnywilliamssteakroom.com. Karaoke Tuesday. Prost, 8 p.m., free. 322 President Clinton Ave. 501-244-9550. willydspianobar.com/prost-2. Karaoke Tuesdays. On the patio. Stickyz Rock ‘n’ Roll Chicken Shack, 7:30 p.m., free. 107 River Market Ave. 501-372-7707. www.stickyz.com. Live music. No cover charge Sun.-Tue. and Thu. Ernie Biggs. 307 President Clinton Ave. 501-3724782. littlerock.erniebiggs.com. Music Jam. Hosted by Elliott Griffen and Joseph Fuller. The Joint, 8-11 p.m., free. 301 Main St. No. 102, NLR. 501-372-0205. thejointinlittlerock.com. Tuesday Jam Session with Carl Mouton. Afterthought Bistro & Bar, 8 p.m., free. 2721 Kavanaugh Blvd. 501-663-1196. www.afterthoughtbistroandbar.com.

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APRIL 2, 2015

ARKANSAS TIMES

COMEDY

Stand-Up Tuesday. Hosted by Adam Hogg. The Joint, 8 p.m., $5. 301 Main St. No. 102, NLR. 501372-0205. thejointinlittlerock.com.

DANCE

“Latin Night.” Juanita’s, 7:30 p.m., $7. 614 President Clinton Ave. 501-372-1228. www.littlerocksalsa.com.

EVENTS

Trivia Bowl. Flying Saucer, 8:30 p.m. 323 President Clinton Ave. 501-372-8032. www.beerknurd. com/stores/littlerock.

FILM

“The Beast With 1,000,000 Eyes.” Vino’s, 7:30 p.m., free. 923 W. 7th St. 501-375-8466. www. vinosbrewpub.com.

LECTURES

“American Economic Leadership in an Uncertain World.” A lecture by Fred Hochberg. Sturgis Hall, 6 p.m. 1200 President Clinton Ave. 501683-5200. clintonschool.uasys.edu.

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 8

MUSIC

Acoustic Open Mic. Afterthought Bistro & Bar, 8 p.m., free. 2721 Kavanaugh Blvd. 501-663-1196. www.afterthoughtbistroandbar.com. Brian and Nick. Cajun’s Wharf, 5:30 p.m. 2400 Cantrell Road. 501-375-5351. www.cajunswharf. com. Cutty Rye. Local Live. South on Main, 7:30 p.m., free. 1304 Main St. 501-244-9660. southonmain. com. Drageoke with Chi Chi Valdez. Sway. 412 Louisiana. 501-907-2582. Fossil Youth, Enchant, Lifer, I Was Afraid. Vino’s, 7 p.m., $7. 923 W. 7th St. 501-375-8466. www. vinosbrewpub.com. Gil Franklin & Friends. Holiday Inn, North Little Rock, first Tuesday, Wednesday of every month. 120 W. Pershing Blvd., NLR. Iska Dhaaf, The Coasts. White Water Tavern, 9 p.m. 2500 W. 7th St. 501-375-8400. www.whitewatertavern.com. Jazz in the Park: Jazz R Us. River Market pavilions, 6 p.m., free. 400 President Clinton Ave. 375-2552. www.rivermarket.info. 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. MUSE Ultra Lounge, 8:30 p.m., free. 2611 Kavanaugh Blvd. 501-663-6398. Live music. No cover charge Sun.-Tue. and Thu. Ernie Biggs. 307 President Clinton Ave. 501-3724782. littlerock.erniebiggs.com. The Mallett Brothers Band. Stickyz Rock ‘n’ Roll Chicken Shack, 8:30 p.m., $7. 107 River Market Ave. 501-372-7707. www.stickyz.com. Open Mic Nite with Deuce. Thirst n’ Howl, 7:30 p.m., free. 14710 Cantrell Road. 501-379-8189. www.thirst-n-howl.com. Rich McKean. Another Round Pub, 6 p.m. 12111 W. Markham. 501-313-2612. www.anotherroundpub.com. Ted Ludwig Trio. Capital Bar and Grill, 7:30 p.m., free. 111 Markham St. 501-370-7013. www.capitalbarandgrill.com.

COMEDY

The Joint Venture. Improv comedy group. The

7 P.M. WEDNESDAY, APRIL 22

Joint, 8 p.m., $7. 301 Main St. No. 102, NLR. 501372-0205. thejointinlittlerock.com.

We’re showing “Electrick Children” with filmmaker Rebecca Thomas attending and participating in a post-screening Q&A.

DANCE

Little Rock Bop Club. Beginning dance lessons for ages 10 and older. Singles welcome. Bess Chisum Stephens Community Center, 7 p.m., $4 for members, $7 for guests. 12th and Cleveland streets. 501-350-4712. www.littlerockbopclub.

FILM

Delta Flix Film and Media Festival. A symposium on the topic of “The South Goes to the Movies.” Arkansas State University, April 8-11. 2105 Aggie Road, Jonesboro. 870-972-2100. astate.edu. “Last Days in Vietnam.” MacArthur Museum of Arkansas Military History, 6:30 p.m., free. 503 E. 9th St. 376-4602. www.arkmilitaryheritage.com.

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RON ROBINSON THEATER 100 RIVER MARKET

MAY 21: “THE RIGHT STUFF” JUNE 18: “NORTH BY NORTHWEST” JULY 16: “HANDS ON HARD BODY”

LECTURES

“Why Civil Resistance Works: Nonviolent Struggle in the Past and Future.” A lecture by Erica Chenoweth. Sturgis Hall, noon. 1200 President Clinton Ave. 501-683-5200. clintonschool.uasys.edu.

POETRY

Wednesday Night Poetry. 21-and-older show. Maxine’s, 7 p.m., free. 700 Central Ave., Hot Springs. 501-321-0909. maxineslive.com/shows. html.

ARTS

THEATER

“90DayProbation.” Philander Smith College, Thu., April 2, 7 p.m., $15-$35. 900 W. Daisy L. Gatson Bates Drive. “Mary Poppins.” Arkansas Repertory Theatre, through April 4: Fri., Sat., 8 p.m.; Sun., 2 p.m.; Wed., Thu., Sun., 7 p.m.; Sat., 2 p.m., $35. 601 Main St. 501-378-0405. www.therep.org. “Nine: The Musical.” The Studio Theatre, through April 19: Thu.-Sat., 7 p.m.; Sun., 2 p.m., $20. 320 W. 7th St.

NEW GALLERY EXHIBITS, EVENTS

New shows in bold-face

CHRIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH, 509 Scott St.: “Plein Air Painters of Arkansas,” work by Victoria Harvey, Clarence Cash, Tom Herrin, Greg Lahti, Sean LeCrone, John Wooldridge and Diana Shearon. BENTONVILLE CRYSTAL BRIDGES MUSEUM OF AMERICAN ART, One Museum Way: “Fish Stories: Early Images of American Game Fish,” 20 color plates based on the original watercolors by sporting artist Samuel Kilbourne, April 4-Sept. 21; “Van Gogh to Rothko,” masterworks from the Albright-Knox Gallery, through June 1; American masterworks spanning four centuries. 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Mon., Thu.; 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Wed., Fri.; 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Sat.-Sun., closed Tue. 479-418-5700. FORT SMITH REGIONAL ART MUSEUM, 1601 Rogers Ave.: “Dawn Holder: Several Collections of Commemorative Plates,” mixed media by Dawn Holder, April 2-July 19, reception 5-7 p.m. April 2 (free to members, $5 to nonmemwww.arktimes.com

APRIL 2, 2015

AFTER DARK, CONT.

ALL ARE WELCOME HERE! The following groups & businesses serve and hire equally.

BOSWELL MOUROT FINE ART

Hot Springs ALISON PARSONS GALLERY, 802 Central Ave.: Sculpture by Lori Arnold, Gallery Walk reception 5-9 p.m. April 3. 501-625-3001. GALLERY CENTRAL, 800 Central Ave.: Paintings by Jennifer Wilson, Amy Hill-Imler, Gallery Walk reception 5-9 p.m. April 3. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Mon.-Sat. 501-318-4278. HOT SPRINGS FINE ARTS CENTER, 626 Central Ave.: “The Fine Artworks of Hot Springs,” curated show of works inspired by Hot Springs, April 3-May 30. Gallery Walk reception 5-9 p.m. April 3. 10:30 a.m.-5 p.m. Tue.-Sat. 501-624-0489. JUSTUS FINE ART, 827 Central Ave.: Work by Taimur Cleary, Matthew Hasty, Rene Hein, Robyn Horn, Dolores Justus, Tony Saladino, Dan Thornhill, Emily Wood, Michael Ashley and others. Gallery Walk reception 5-9 p.m. April 3. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Wed.-Sat. 501-3212335.

CALL FOR ARTISTS

OPENING RECEPTION

THREE ARCHITECTS

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bers); “The Orlanda Series,” printmaking by Anne Reichardt, through May 24. 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Tue.-Sat., 1-5 p.m. Sun. 479-784-2787.

The Fort Smith Regional Art Museum is accepting entries for a show themed “Man versus Machine: The Art of Expression and the Wired World” to run July 31 to Nov. 1. Deadline is July 1. Submissions should be sent to FS RAM, 1601 Rogers Ave., Fort Smith 72901. Call 479-784-2787. The Arkansas Arts Council is accepting applications for its 2015 Individual Artist Fellowships program. Up to nine fellowships worth $4,000 each will be awarded in screenplay writing, choreography and sculpture or installation art. Deadline to apply is April 17. Applications are available at www.arkansasarts. org or call 324-9766.

CONTINUING GALLERY EXHIBITS

ARGENTA GALLERY, 413 Main St., NLR: “Carole Katchen’s Art, Then and Now,” oils and pastels, in conjunction with “Carole Katchen: 40 Years of Art” at the Laman Library Argenta branch, through April 10. 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Tue.-Thu., 11 a.m.-7 p.m. Fri.-Sat. ARKANSAS ARTS CENTER, MacArthur Park: “Mid-Southern Watercolorists 45th Annual Juried Exhibition,” through April 12, Strauss Gallery; “Humble Hum: Rhythm of the Potter’s Wheel,” recent work by resident artist Ashley

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Morrison, Museum School Gallery, through June 21. 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Tue.-Fri., 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Sat., 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Sun. 372-4000. ARKANSAS CAPITAL CORP. GROUP, 200 River Market Ave., Suite 400: Works by Tammy Harrington, Neal Harrington and David Mudrinich. BOSWELL MOUROT FINE ART, 5815 Kavanaugh Blvd.: “An Italian Experience: Reflections on the Past and Present,” works by Laura Raborn, through April 2. 664-0030. BUTLER CENTER GALLERIES, Arkansas Studies Institute, 401 President Clinton Ave.: “A Different State of Mind,” exhibition by the Arkansas Society of Printmakers, loft gallery, through June 27; “Captured Images,” photographs from the permanent collection; “Reflections on Line and Mass,” paintings and sculpture by Robyn Horn, through April 24. 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Mon.-Sat. 320-5790. COX CREATIVE CENTER, 120 River Market Ave.: Arkansas Society of Printmakers exhibition. 918-3090. 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. 664-0880. THE EDGE, 301B President Clinton Ave.: Paintings by Avila (Fernando Gomez), Eric Freeman, James Hayes, Jerry Colburn, St. Joseph Thomason and Stephen Drive. 9921099. ESSE PURSE MUSEUM & STORE, 1510 S. Main St.: “What’s Inside: A History of Women and Handbags, 1900-1999,” vintage purses and other women’s accessories. 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Tue.-Sat., $8-$10. 916-9022. GALLERY 221, Pyramid Place, Second and Center streets: “Internationally Artified,” works from private collections; “Sean Lecrone,” paintings, both open April 2, receptions 5-8 p.m. April 9. 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Mon.-Fri., 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Sat. gallery221@ gmail.com. GALLERY 26, 2601 Kavanaugh Blvd.: Nancy Dunaway, Katherine Strause, recent works, through May 9. 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Tue.-Sat. 6648996. GALLERY 360, 900 S. Rodney Parham Road: “Poison Into Medicine,” work by Melissa “Mo” Lashbrook and Kelley Naylor Wise. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Mon.-Fri, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Sat. 663-222. GINO HOLLANDER GALLERY, 2nd and Center: Paintings and works on paper by Gino Hollander. 801-0211. GREG THOMPSON FINE ART, 429 Main St., NLR: “Southern Landscapes,” featuring work by Walter Anderson, John

AFTER DARK, CONT. Alexander, Carroll Cloar, Sheila Cotton, William Dunlap, Charles Harrington, Dolores Justus, Edward Rice, Kendall Stallings and Rebecca Thompson. 664-2787. HEARNE FINE ART, 1001 Wright Ave.: “Faces in Certain Places: An Exhibition of Fine Art Quilts,” quilts by Bisa Butler, through May 2. 372-6822. HISTORIC ARKANSAS MUSEUM GALLERIES, 200 E. 3rd St.: “Recent Acquisitions,” objects acquired between 2012 and 2014, including a Niloak punch bowl and cup set, 1890 portrait of Sitting Bull, 1860s derringers and more, “John Harlan Norris: Public Face,” through May 3; Lisa Krannichfeld: “She,” through May 3; “Capturing Early Arkansas in Depth: The Stereoview Collection of Allan Gates,” through April 5; “The Great Arkansas Quilt Show 3,” juried exhibit of contemporary quilts, through May 3; “Arkansas Made,” ongoing. 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Mon.-Sat., 1-5 p.m. Sun. 324-9351. J.W. WIGGINS GALLERY OF NATIVE AMERICAN ART, 2801 S. University: “Inuit Sculpture from the Top of the World,” carvings in antler, stone, whale bone and ivory, through April 3. 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Mon.-Fri. 658-6360. LAMAN LIBRARY, 2801 Orange St., NLR: “Mail Call,” Smithsonian traveling exhibition that tells the history of the military postal system with artifacts, including a “Victory Mail” kit, through April 15. 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Mon.-Thu., 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Fri.-Sat. 758-1720. LAMAN LIBRARY ARGENTA BRANCH, 420 Main St., NLR: “The Art of Carole Katchen — A 40 Year Retrospective,” in conjunction with “Carole Katchen’s Art, Then and Now” at Argenta Gallery, through April 13. 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Mon.-Sat. 758-1720. L&L BECK ART GALLERY, 5705 Kavanaugh Blvd.: “Spring Flowers,” April exhibition, drawing for free giclee 7 p.m. April 16. LOCAL COLOUR, 5811 Kavanaugh Blvd.: Rotating work by 27 artists in collective. 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Mon.-Sat. 265-0422. M2GALLERY, 11525 Cantrell Road (Pleasant Ridge Shopping Center): “M2 8YRS,” gallery’s 8th anniversary show includes work by new gallery artist Sabine Danze, V.L. Cox, Dan Holland and others. 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Tue.-Fri., 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Sat. 944-7155. MUGS CAFE, 515 Main St., NLR: “Over the Influence,” recent paintings by UALR artist-inresidence Taimur Cleary and emerging artists Mitch Gathings, Heather Harmon, Jennifer Perren, Katherine Purcell, Mesilla Smith and Spencer Zahrn, through April 15. 442-7778. RED DOOR GALLERY, 3715 JFK, NLR: Paula Jones, new paintings; Jim Goshorn, new sculpture; also sculpture by Joe Martin, paintings by Amy Hill-Imler, Theresa Cates and Patrick Cunningham, ornaments by D. Wharton, landscapes by James Ellis, raku by Kelly Edwards and other works. 753-5227. 10 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Mon.-Fri., 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Sat. STEPHANO’S FINE ART: 1813 N. Grant St.: New work by Mike Gaines, Maryam Moeeni, Ken Davis, John Kushmaul and Gene Brack. 563-4218. STUDIOMAIN, 1423 Main St.: “Designs of the Year,” AIA, ASLA and ASID design awards. facebook.com/studio.main.ar. UNIVERSITY OF ARKANSAS AT LITTLE ROCK: “Pragmatism + Design + Practice,” work by graphic design professor Kevin Cates, Gallery II, through April 29; “UALR Student Competitive Show,” Delita Martin juror, through April 19, Gallery I. 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Mon.-Fri., 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Sat., 2-5 p.m. Sun. 569-3182. BENTON

DIANNE ROBERTS ART STUDIO AND GALLERY, 110 N. Market St.: Work by Dianne Roberts, classes. 10 a.m.-9 p.m. Wed.-Fri., 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Sat. 860-7467. BENTONVILLE 21C MUSEUM HOTEL, 200 N.E. A St.: “Duke Riley: See You at the Finish Line,” sculpture; “Blue: Matter, Mood and Melancholy,” photographs and paintings. 479-286-6500. CALICO ROCK CALICO ROCK ARTISAN COOPERATIVE, 105 Main St.: 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. CONWAY ART ON THE GREEN, Littleton Park, 1100 Bob Courtway: Paintings by Kristen Abbott, Eldridge Bagley, Nina Ruth Baker, Elizabeth Bogard, Steve Griffith, William M. McClanahan, Mary Lynn Nelson, Sheila Parsons and others. 501-499-3177. HARRISON ARTISTS OF THE OZARKS, 124½ N. Willow St.: Work by Amelia Renkel, Ann Graffy, Christy Dillard, Helen McAllister, Sandy Williams and D. Savannah George. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Thu.-Sat., noon-4 p.m. Sun. 870-429-1683. HEBER SPRINGS BOTTLE TREE GALLERY, 514 Main St.: New silver collection by Mary Allison; also work by George Wittenberg, Judy Shumann, Priscilla Humay, April Shurgar, Julie Caswell, Jan Cobb, Johnathan Harris, Antzee Magruder, Ann Aldinger, Sondra Seaton and Bill and Gloria Garrison. 9:30 a.m.-4 p.m. Tue.-Sat. 501-590-8840.

3375.

CONTINUING HISTORY, SCIENCE MUSEUM EXHIBITS

ARKANSAS INLAND MARITIME MUSEUM, North Little Rock: The USS Razorback submarine tours. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Fri.-Sat., 1-5 p.m. Sun. 371-8320. ARKANSAS NATIONAL GUARD MUSEUM, Camp Robinson: Artifacts on military history, Camp Robinson and its predecessor, Camp Pike, also a gift shop. 8 a.m.-3 p.m. Mon.-Fri., audio tour available at no cost. 212-5215. ARKANSAS SPORTS HALL OF FAME MUSEUM, Verizon Arena, NLR: 10 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Mon.-Sat. 663-4328. 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.: “Pigskin Peanuts,” Charles Schulz’s football-themed “Peanuts” cartoons, and “Heartbreak in Peanuts,” lovethemed cartoons, plus 5-foot sculptures of Charlie Brown and Snoopy and ephemera, in partnership with the Charles M. Schulz Museum and Research Center in Santa Rosa, Calif., through April 5; permanent exhibits on 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. HISTORIC ARKANSAS MUSEUM, 200 E. 3rd St.: Historic tavern, refurbished 19th century structures from original city, permanent exhibits on the Bowie knife and Arkansas’s Native American tribes (“We Walk in Two Worlds”),

also changing exhibits. 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Mon.Sat., 1-5 p.m. Sun. 324-9351. MacARTHUR MUSEUM OF ARKANSAS MILITARY HISTORY, MacArthur Park: “Waging Modern Warfare”; “Gen. Wesley Clark”; “Vietnam, America’s Conflict”; “Undaunted Courage, Proven Loyalty: Japanese American Soldiers in World War II. 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Mon.Sat., 1-4 p.m. Sun. 376-4602. MUSEUM OF DISCOVERY, 500 President Clinton Ave.: “Wiggle Worms,” science program for pre-K children 10 -10:30 a.m. every Tue. Hours: 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Tue.-Sat., 1-5 p.m. Sun., $10 ages 13 and older, $8 ages 1-12, free to members and children under 1. 396-7050. OLD STATE HOUSE MUSEUM, 300 W. Markham: “Different Strokes,” the history of bicycling and places cycling in Arkansas, featuring artifacts, historical pictures and video, through February 2016. 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Mon.Sat., 1-5 p.m. Sun. 324-9685. WITT STEPHENS JR. CENTRAL ARKANSAS NATURE CENTER, Riverfront Park: Exhibits on fishing and hunting and the state Game and Fish Commission. 907-0636. CALICO ROCK CALICO ROCK MUSEUM, Main Street: Displays on Native American cultures, steamboats, the railroad and local history. www.calicorockmuseum.com. ENGLAND TOLTEC MOUNDS STATE PARK, U.S. Hwy. 165: Major prehistoric Indian site with visitors’ center and museum. 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Mon.-Sat., noon-5 p.m. Sun., closed Mon. $3 for adults, $2 for ages 6-12. 961-9442.

HELENA DELTA CULTURAL CENTER, 141 Cherry St.: “House of Light: The Art and Photography of Hugo and Gayne Preller, 1894-1950,” photos taken along the White and Mississippi rivers, through April 4, Visitors Center. 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Tue.-Sat. 870-338-4350. HOT SPRINGS HOT SPRINGS NATIONAL PARK CULTURAL CENTER, Ozark Bathhouse: “Arkansas Champion Trees: An Artist’s Journey,” colored pencil drawings by Linda Williams Palmer, through August. Noon-5 p.m. Fri.-Sun. 501620-6715. NATIONAL PARK COMMUNITY COLLEGE, 101 College Drive: “The Lost Highway,” scale models of roadside architecture of the 1950s by David Rose, library, through June. 501760-4222. PERRYVILLE SUDS GALLERY, Courthouse Square: Paintings by Dottie Morrissey, Alma Gipson, Al Garrett Jr., Phyllis Loftin, Alene Otts, Mauretta Frantz, Raylene Finkbeiner, Kathy Williams and Evelyn Garrett. Noon-6 p.m. Wed.-Fri, noon-4 p.m. Sat. 501-766-7584. PINE BLUFF ARTS AND SCIENCE CENTER FOR SOUTHEAST ARKANSAS GALLERIES, 701 S. Main St.: “Familiar Figures: Drawings by Alonzo Ford,” through May 16; “Bombs, Bones and Bacteria,” mixed media by Robert Reep and Tom Richard, through June 20. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Tue.-Fri., 1-4 p.m. Sat. 870-536www.arktimes.com

APRIL 2, 2015

CAPTIVE AUDIENCE, CONT. Arkansas jails, especially when it comes to the children of the incarcerated. She said the need for children to see their parent in person rather than on a TV screen is important. “It’s different to go and look through that glass and talk to your mom or dad through the phone, and to be looking at them on a TV screen,” she said. “It’s just not the same, developmentally, for the children. … If you measure it out and weigh it out, the need to stop contraband coming in versus the need for these children to have some direct contact with their parent outweighs it.” Marty Brazell is the warden at the Miller County Detention Center in Texarkana, which installed one of the first video visitation systems in the state

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ARKANSAS TIMES

to handle that inmate to bring him up, you’ve got to handle him to bring him back.” There are two options for video visitation at the Miller County Jail. One is a system called HomeWav, a product of a Virginia-based company that allows inmates to visit with loved ones via the Internet. The other is a bank of video kiosks in the jail lobby, connected to corresponding kiosks in each jail pod. HomeWav visitation is available from 8 a.m. to 11 p.m., and costs $1 per minute. Kiosk visitation is available two nights a week from 7 p.m. to around 9:30 p.m. and is free, Brazell said. There is also an in-person booth where inmates can visit through glass with their attorney or with a family member in the case of a serious illness or death in the family. Though setting up the system was expensive, Miller County has made visitation through the lobby kiosks free because it helps inmate discipline and morale. “We want them to have contact with the outside world,” Brazell said. “You would be surprised by how many [inmate problems] are solved by having family members talk to them.” The video visitation system at the Jefferson County Detention Center in Pine Bluff is similar to the one in Miller County. Families can visit with an inmate through one of five video kiosks in the lobby of the jail, or from their homes via the HomeWav system, which at this detention center costs 50 cents a minute after a $1, one-time setup fee. Those who come to the jail to speak to an inmate through one of the kiosks also pay 50 cents per minute, after a $1 setup fee. Only attorneys are allowed to speak to inmates free and in person. Maj. Tyra Tyler, assistant jail administrator at Jefferson County Jail, said that one reason the jail uses the video visitation system is to keep out contraband that might be carried in by visiting families. “When they come into the facility, for instance, and they go to the restroom,” Tyler said, “if we had [an inmate] porter who would go out and clean the restroom, that was always an opportunity for someone to leave substances here that they should not leave.” Tyler said the jail has received mostly positive feedback about the system. Asked if charging money for inmates to visit with their families who come to the jail is a concern, Tyler said it was not. “We did look at that aspect,” she said. “But we also have commissary at our facility and our detainees spend money every week on commis-

sary. We’ve not had a family member or anyone to complain about having to [pay to talk].” Carrie Wilkinson is the director of Prison Phone Justice, a Seattle-based arm of the nonprofit Human Rights Defense Center. Wilkinson has been watching the spread of video visitation closely, and said the technology has “really ramped up” since last year, likely due to prison telecoms seeking a replacement for lost revenue in the wake of the FCC’s capping interstate prison phone rates starting in 2014. “In general, I think video visitation can be a good option for people, but it has to be an option,” she said. “If your loved one is 1,000 miles away and you can’t get there for a visit, a video visit could be a great thing. But we are very concerned about the facilities that are eliminating in-person visitation.” Wilkinson said she believes that the elimination of in-person visits in favor of for-pay video visits has more to do with profit than either facility security or budgets. Wilkinson notes that the security concerns and staffing required to bring prisoners to the visitation room has been part of the cost of incarceration in America since jails were first built. She said the move to charge people per minute for visitation after they have traveled to a jail is “particularly egregious.” “To make them do a video visit is horrible, but then to charge them for it is even worse,” she said. “That’s reprehensible in my opinion. If you’re going to incarcerate people, you have to pay the costs of incarceration, and visitation is one of those costs.” Wilkinson said working against the spread of for-pay video visitation will be the subject of the next major campaign by Prison Phone Justice. She said studies have shown that keeping prisoners in regular contact with their families is important to keep them from going back to jail. If an inmate is locked up for six months and his family doesn’t have the money to pay 50 cents per minute for regular visitation at the county jail, he’s less likely to be “set up for success” when he — or she — gets out. “You can’t isolate people and then throw them back into society and expect it to work,” Wilkinson said. “It doesn’t work, and we know it doesn’t work, based on what we see now with our prison population. We can change that. And we can start with video visitation.”

BRANTLEY, CONT.

of those decals, however. • CRIME DOESN’T COST MUCH: Woods provides a whopping $150 fine for violations of his law. • MO MONEY: Woods raises the limit on campaign contributions from $2,000 to $2,700, with an escalator clause. • CAMPAIGN LIE MULLIGANS: This one’s sweet. Make a “mistake” on a campaign report and you have 30 days to correct it without fear of fault finding by the “ethics” commission. In other words, lie your ass off in the critical last-minute

filing before an election and then correct your “mistakes” after the election. No foul. There is something wrong with ethics regulation in Arkansas when the Ethics Commission lets Jon Woods decide how the ethics law should read. There is something wrong with a legislature that will rubber-stamp Jon Woods’ work. But they owe him plenty — their 150 percent pay raise, the looser term limits and the steaks and martinis that keep on rolling on the lobbyist tab.

DUMAS, CONT.

MOVIE REVIEW

CARBONATED AND SPRY ALIEN INVASION: Rihanna and Jim Parsons provide voices in “Home.”

When gentrifiers attack ‘Home’ balances cartoon trifle with timely allegory. BY SAM EIFLING

more relief for the very, very rich since (my rationale, but not necessarily his) their overall tax burdens have fallen so sharply the past 35 years. The legislature gave Hutchinson his small middle-class tax cut but extended help also to the rich, by exempting half or more of their unearned investment profits from taxes. If your profits are mammoth enough, you won’t owe anything. Lagniappe for the rich is supposed to make them want to create jobs, and a tiny reduction in marginal tax rates is supposed to make people want to leave California for Arkansas, although there is no evidence that either theory ever works.

When Rep. Warwick Sabin (D-Little Rock) proposed giving the working poor a little relief, too, in the form of Ronald Reagan’s tax credits, the legislature bowed its back: not those people! After all, voters raised the minimum wage for the undeserving in November. The lawmakers had already slashed unemployment benefits and the number of weeks that people without work can claim them. Then, in the closing days, they voted to require poor people who get some form of public assistance to submit to drug tests. This is a legislative session that demands more than a footnote in history.

LYONS, CONT. could seek exemptions from issuing marriage licenses for same-sex couples, or for interracial couples, or divorced couples. Teachers could refuse to teach the required curriculum.” All this because certain literalminded religionists can’t get it through their heads that marriage can be two things: both a legal contract between consenting adults, and a religious ceremony. If your church chooses not to sanction certain kinds of marriages,

nobody says it must. But as a legal matter, other people’s intimate arrangements are really none of your business. Why is that so hard to understand? So no, these laws are not going to stand as written. Hardly anybody wants to go back to the 1950s. When Apple, the NCAA, Angie’s List, Walmart and Charles Barkley are all lined up on the same side of a political controversy, that side is going to win.

OBSERVER, CONT. der identities. And until you’re ready to buy 500 acres with gold you panned out of the river, and move your diner to the middle of your spread on a road you chopped through the wilderness yourself, and build a village there for like-minded customers, and fill your sinks with water hauled up from a well you dug, and power your fridge with solar panels on the roof that you sol-

dered together yourself, and serve only food that you raise and harvest and slaughter all by your lonesome, and sell food only to people who do the same, and barter with them for every crumb without a single U.S. dollar changing hands, I do believe I have a little say in who gets to sit down in your dump and eat a cheeseburger.

inally, someone made a cute animated allegory about gentrification and cast the biggest nerd from “The Big Bang Theory” as the universe’s most adorable yuppie. Jim Parsons, the droll Sheldon of sitcom fame, plays Oh, a chipper-to-thepoint-of-naive member of a planet-hopping alien race called the Boov. They specialize in running away from another alien race that looks like something a Scandinavian hair-metal band drew in black ink while trying to explain what a Romulan is. The Boov, though, are Christmas-ready squidlike purple chunks, with big eyes and a tendency to change colors as they experience different emotions: anger’s red, lying is bright green, affection is a shade of pink you know best from the neon in your favorite topless bar. They’re coming to Earth as another fine refuge, but to do that, they must first relocate every person on the planet to what look like Floridian subdivisions they magically whip up somewhere in Australia. The spaceships come with wandering nozzles and vacuum up the entire world’s population, gloonk, gloonk, gloonk. Then the Boov descend in little ships, each with a single carry-on, and move into the empty apartments. They scoot about literally in bubbles, and tell one another they’re doing the humans a big favor, for improving the planet. Sniff the air, and you’ll swear you can almost smell a coffee drink with the suffix-ccino. Trouble arrives when Oh tries to invite Boov to his warming of house party (he gets his own syntax, in Parsons’ hyperarticulation) and accidentally emails the entire galaxy, including the ferocious rival aliens. In New York and on the lam from his fellow Boov, Oh bumbles into a tween immigrant named Tip, who, like Rihanna, the actress who voices her, was born in Barbados. She’s missing her alienvacuumed mom; Oh needs a getaway car;

so they fall into a worldwide road trip once he modifies her econobox to be a flying mashup of Chitty Chitty Bang Bang and a Dance Dance Revolution arcade machine. The whole setup seems a little too much like baby’s first “Independence Day,” but it at least feels carbonated and spry, with the obligatory lessons about the importance of family and friendship. It stays amusing enough, though, without really generating much in the way of belly laughs. Director Tim Johnson has made a career out of second-tier digitally animated films — “Antz” is probably his best — and ably commands a safe, pleasant way to while away an hour and a half on a weekend. There’s wit enough in the screenplay that the brighter kids will be repeating lines. Adults will notice Steve Martin as the cluelessly antagonistic Boov leader. But the theme of the rich swallowing up cities and displacing residents is also prominent enough that this is a fine film for an 8-year-old showing the early sparks of subversive tendencies. (All the best subversive thought, after all, begins with empathy.) What, you could ask such a child, do we notice about the Boov? Well, they’re self-congratulating and emotionally detached. They don’t want to participate in the culture of their neighbors, and they think parties are lame. They want to move into nice homes in nice areas without considering the consequences for the folks they displace. That Tip is an immigrant herself, who loves to dance and who misses her mother, only underscores the gulf. It’s hard to watch “Home” and not think of the Finance-financed Ivy things who now live in New York’s one-time bohemian enclaves and the flocks of new-money tech bros flooding into California’s formerly weird metropolises. But then, without that strain of upwardly mobile geek, who would draw or write “Home”? www.arktimes.com

APRIL 2, 2015

Dining

Information in our restaurant capsules 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.

B Breakfast L Lunch D Dinner $ Inexpensive (under $8/person) $$ Moderate ($8-$20/person) $$$ Expensive (over $20/person) CC Accepts credit cards

WHAT’S COOKIN’ JUST A FEW MONTHS AGO, Ashton Woodward’s Arkansas Fresh Bakery was just that — a bakery. Arkansas Fresh bread showed up on menus all over Central Arkansas, elevating sandwiches and burgers in dozens of restaurants. Not satisfied with that, Woodward launched Cocoa Rouge, a line of bitesized Belgian-style chocolates that make Godiva look like the post-Valentine bargain bin at the Dollar Tree. Almost simultaneously with the launch of the chocolate line, Woodward also opened Arkansas Fresh Bakery Cafe in Bryant, a breakfast and lunch joint that debuted to rave reviews. Artisan chocolates, excellent bread — what else could folks want from Arkansas Fresh? Woodward hopes the answer to that question is “a butcher,” and he’s gone and snagged one of the premier names in Arkansas butchery, chef Travis McConnell of Butcher and Public. Last week, Woodward said he had been trying to work with McConnell for some time and that the timing had finally fallen into place for the two to match their skills in a restaurant setting. To this end, Woodward says he envisions an expansion of the Arkansas Fresh Bakery Cafe to include a full butcher counter, a development that can only serve to make the Saline County cafe even more of a destination than it already is. As for McConnell, he has no plans of abandoning the Butcher and Public name. He and Woodward are designing a full butchery and kitchen at the bakery’s Prickett Road location, and McConnell will run Butcher and Public as a catering and event company while also managing the Arkansas Fresh Cafe. He says that he and Woodward have been discussing a collaboration for about a year now, and it was only now that things finally fell into place. “I’m so excited to have a place to call my own,” he says, adding that although he is bringing in some new ideas, he has “a lot of respect for what the crew has been doing so far at the cafe.” Asked about his time in Argenta, McConnell says that while he had a good run, he thinks that this opportunity to work with Arkansas Fresh is a unique one that will allow him to do things he’s wanted to do for a while. He’s still splitting time between his current Argenta store and the Bryant location, but expects to have his facilities up and running full time in Saline County some time in May. 64

APRIL 2, 2015

ARKANSAS TIMES

Natchez Restaurant 323 Center St. 372-1167 natchezrestaurant.com

QUICK BITE The lunch and dinner menus at Natchez are fairly similar, but prices are much lower at lunch, so if you want to get a first taste of the restaurant, lunch might be the meal for you. HOURS 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tuesday through Friday, 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday. OTHER INFO Beer and wine only; some credit cards accepted.

TASTY: Curry Vegetable Farro at Natchez.

Now we get Natchez Downtown upscale diner delights.

e read food blogs. We follow foodies’ Facebook streams. We listen to Little Rock Foodcast, the informative podcast from local foodie Steve Shuler. And we usually love the restaurants the foodies rave about. Except Natchez. We went there twice not too long after it opened in November 2012 and just didn’t think the quality of the food or the ambience matched the prices. Neither lunch nor dinner was a good experience for us. So we didn’t go back. Yet folks with whom we almost always agree continued to tout Natchez as among the city’s best. So for the first time in about two years we went back to Natchez — for lunch and for dinner, on the same day. And this time we got

it — in a major way. Natchez is owned and run by chef Alexis Jones, one of at least three young Arkansas restaurateurs who schooled under chef Lee Richardson at Ashley’s at the Capital Hotel. We were thrilled and a little surprised to see Jones at the helm of the kitchen at both lunch and dinner. (That’s not the norm at many restaurants, though it might seem like it should be.) And we’re sure her frontline presence is one reason why our food was so good. Our lunch started with two cups of soup ($5 for a cup; $7 for a bowl): rabbit arugula and chicken with wild rice. The former featured a large nest of shredded rabbit in a very lightly flavored broth; conversely, the chicken broth was much

richer, and the use of dark meat added additional flavor. Our mains were the Hot Brown sandwich ($10) and the lamb gnocchi ($14). The classic sandwich that hails from the historic Brown Hotel in Louisville gets an upscale treatment at Natchez with large hunks of tender dark-meat turkey from Hillcrest Artisan Meats, several strips of premium bacon and a Mornay sauce that tasted more like a classic bechamel, all piled on Leidenheimer bread, the hallmark of New Orleans po-boys. The ingredients worked well together, but we thought the sauce was a bit bland. The accompanying simple salad featured tender greens, a light vinaigrette and shaved Parmesan. We could find zero fault with the lamb gnocchi, one of our favorite dishes of the year. It was pure brilliance — tasty, tender, succulent shards of lamb shoulder teamed with soft potato gnocchi. The creamed kale added a nice gooiness; the grilled onion provided a strong flavor profile and a bit of sweetness. Shaved Parmesan was a nice touch, too. This dish is amazing. Never go to Natchez and not get dessert. Pastry chef Zara Abbasi Wilkerson is a wizard, and you’ll be wooed by her many delights lined up on the counter at Natchez. We fell for the Nutella pie, which was thick and creamy with a chocolate/nut bottom crust that would have been fabulous on its own. Like all desserts, the pie is $7; we remember desserts being $9 when we were there a long while back, one of the turnoffs for us at the time. Dinner started with brisket rillette ($14), delightfully greasy, extremely

BELLY UP Check out the Times’ food blog, Eat Arkansas arktimes.com

DINING CAPSULES

AMERICAN

ACADIA A jewel of a restaurant in Hillcrest. Unbelievable fixed-price, three-course dinners on Mondays and Tuesday, but food is certainly worth full price. 3000 Kavanaugh Blvd. Full bar, CC. $$-$$$. 501-603-9630. D Mon.-Sat. BEST IMPRESSIONS The menu combines Asian, Italian and French sensibilities in soups, salads and meaty fare. A departure from the tearoom of yore. Inside the Arkansas Arts Center. 501 E. Ninth St. Beer and wine, All CC. $$. 501-907-5946. L Tue.-Sun., BR Sat.-Sun. BIG ORANGE: BURGERS SALADS SHAKES Gourmet burgers manufactured according to exacting specs (humanely raised beef!) and properly fried Kennebec potatoes are the big draws, but you can get a veggie burger as well as fried chicken, curried falafel and blackened tilapia sandwiches, plus creative meal-sized salads. Shakes and floats are indulgences for all ages. 17809 Chenal Parkway. Full bar, All CC. $$-$$$. 501-821-1515. LD daily. 207 N. University Ave. Full bar, All CC. $$. 501-379-8715. LD daily. BIG ROCK BISTRO Students of the Arkansas Culinary School run this restaurant at Pulaski Tech under the direction of Chef Jason Knapp. Pizza, pasta, Asian-inspired dishes and diner food, all in one stop. 3000 W. Scenic Drive. NLR. No alcohol, All CC. $. 501-812-2200. BL Mon.-Fri. BJ’S RESTAURANT AND BREWHOUSE Chain restaurant’s huge menu includes deep dish pizzas, steak, ribs, sandwiches, pasta and award-winning handcrafted beer. In Shackleford Crossing Shopping Center. 2624 S. Shackleford Road. Beer, All CC. 501-404-2000. BLACK ANGUS CAFE Charcoal-grilled burgers, hamburger steaks and steaks proper are the big draws at this local institution. Now with lunch specials like fried shrimp. 10907 N. Rodney Parham. No alcohol, All CC. $-$$. 501-228-7800. LD Mon.-Sat. BOBBY’S CAFE Delicious, humungo burgers and tasty homemade desserts at this Levy diner. 12230 MacArthur Drive. NLR. No alcohol, No CC. $. 501-851-7888. BL Tue.-Fri., D Thu.-Fri. BOSTON’S Ribs and gourmet pizza star at this restaurant/sports bar located at the Holiday Inn by the airport. TVs in separate sports bar area. 3201 Bankhead Drive. Full bar, All CC. $$. 501-235-2000. LD daily. BOUDREAUX’S GRILL & BAR A homey, seatyourself Cajun joint in Maumelle that serves up all sorts of variations of shrimp and catfish. With particularly tasty red beans and rice, jambalaya and bread pudding. 9811 Maumelle Blvd. NLR. Full bar, All CC. $$. 501-753-6860. LD daily. BOULEVARD BREAD CO. Fresh bread, fresh pastries, wide selection of cheeses, meats, side dishes; all superb. Good coffee, too. 1920 N. Grant St. Beer and wine, All CC. $$. 501-6635951. BLD Mon.-Sat., BL Sun. 400 President Clinton Ave. Beer and wine, All CC. $-$$. 501-374-1232. BLD Mon.-Sat. (close 5 p.m.), BL Sun. 4301 W. Markham St. No alcohol, All CC. $$. 501-526-6661. BL Mon.-Fri. 1417 Main St. Beer and wine, All CC. $$-$$$. 501-375-5100. BL Mon.-Sat. BREWSTERS 2 CAFE & LOUNGE Down-home done right. Check out the yams, mac-and-

cheese, greens, purple-hull peas, cornbread, wings, catfish and all the rest. 2725 S. Arch St. Full bar, All CC. $-$$. 501-301-7728. LD Mon.-Sat. BROWN SUGAR BAKESHOP Fabulous cupcakes, brownies and cakes offered five days a week until they’re sold out. 419 E. Third St. No alcohol, All CC. $-$$. 501-372-4009. LD Tue.-Fri. (close at 5:30 p.m.), L Sat. BUTCHER SHOP The cook-your-own-steak option has been downplayed, and several menu additions complement the calling card: large, fabulous cuts of prime beef, cooked to perfection. 10825 Hermitage Road. Full bar, All CC. $$$. 501-312-2748. D daily. CACHE RESTAURANT A stunning experience on the well-presented plates and in terms of atmosphere, glitz and general feel. It doesn’t feel like anyplace else in Little Rock, and it’s not priced like much of anywhere else in Little Rock, either. But there are options to keep the tab in the reasonable range. 425 President Clinton Ave. Full bar, All CC. $$$. 501-850-0265. LD Mon.-Fri., D Sat. CAJUN’S WHARF The venerable seafood restaurant serves up great gumbo and oysters Bienville, and options such as fine steaks for the non-seafood eater. In the citified bar, you’ll find nightly entertainment, too. 2400 Cantrell Road. Full bar, All CC. $$-$$$. 501-375-5351. LD Mon.-Fri., D Sat. CAMP DAVID Inside the Holiday Inn Presidential Conference Center, Camp David particularly pleases with its breakfast and themed buffets each day of the week. Wonderful Sunday brunch. 600 Interstate 30. Full bar, All CC. $$-$$$. 501-975-2267. BLD daily, BR Sat.-Sun. CAPERS It’s never been better, with as good a wine list as any in the area, and a menu that covers a lot of ground — seafood, steaks, pasta — and does it all well. 14502 Cantrell Road. Full bar, All CC. $$-$$$. 501-868-7600. LD Mon.-Sat. CHEDDAR’S Large selection of somewhat standard American casual cafe choices, many of which are made from scratch. Portions are large and prices are very reasonable. 400 South University. Full bar, All CC. $-$$. 501-614-7578. LD daily. CHICKEN KING Arguably Central Arkansas’s best wings. 2704 MacArthur Drive. NLR. No alcohol, CC. $-$$. 501-771-5571. LD Mon.-Sat. 5213 W 65th St. No alcohol, All CC. $-$$. 501-562-5573. LD Mon.-Sat. COAST CANTINA A variety of salads, smoothies, sandwiches and pizzas, and there’s breakfast and coffee, too. 400 President Clinton Ave. No alcohol, All CC. $-$$. 501-371-0164. LD Mon.-Sat. COMMUNITY BAKERY This sunny downtown bakery is the place to linger over a latte, bagels and the New York Times. But a lunchtime dash for sandwiches is OK, too, though it’s often packed. 1200 S. Main St. No alcohol, CC. $-$$. 501-375-7105. BLD daily. 270 S. Shackleford. No alcohol, All CC. $-$$. 501-224-1656. BLD Mon.-Sat. BL Sun. COPELAND’S RESTAURANT OF NEW ORLEANS The full-service restaurant chain started by the founder of Popeye’s delivers the same good biscuits, the same dependable frying and a New Orleans vibe in piped music

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APRIL 2, 2015

NOW WE GET NATCHEZ, CONT.

hearsay ➥ Plantopia, a nursery/garden center, is opening where the old Lakewood Gardens used to be on North Hills Boulevard in North Little Rock on April 4. ➥ L&L Beck Gallery’s April exhibit will be “Spring Flowers.” The giclée giveaway of the month is a piece titled “Egrets”. The exhibit will run through the month of April, and the giclée drawing will be at 7 p.m. April 16. ➥ Boulevard Bread fans who frequent the Argenta Farmers Market will be happy to know that they no longer have to drive to Little Rock to get their fix: Boulevard will now be selling their wares at the farmers market, which is located on Main Street in Argenta. ➥ Need some last-minute ideas for Easter baskets? Check out The Toggery’s selection of toys, games and clothes for that extra special kid in your life. ➥ The newest addition to Krebs Brothers Restaurant Store’s Wüsthof knife selection is the 6-inch Gourmet Cook’s Knife. Although it looks a lot like the Classic line that Krebs also carries, the Gourmet line is actually a stamped knife that has a few differences. This knife has less weight to it than the forged Classic pieces and doesn’t have a bolster at the blade’s edge. It also lower in price. Be sure to take a look if you’re in the market for new cutlery. Krebs’ service and selection can’t be beat. ➥ Gallery 221’s latest exhibits, “Internationally Artified” and a self-titled showing by local artist Sean LeCrone will open April 2.An artist reception for “Sean LeCrone” and “Internationally Artified” will be from 5-8 p.m. April 10 at the gallery, which is located in the Pyramid Place building on the corner of Second and Center streets. Parking available behind Pyramid Place after 6 p.m. in the large parking lot. This event is free to the public and includes refreshments and hors d’oeuvres. Advertising Supplement 66

APRIL 2, 2015

ARKANSAS TIMES

tender beef served with very buttery mashed potato cakes. We also chose the pork belly poutine ($15) from the starters section as a main course; it was fabulous in quality and ample in quantity. Even though the ingredients were different, it reminded us of our lamb gnocchi in its treatment — same bowl, same great combination of flavors, only this time it was crispy potatoes and tender pork bound by tangy Fontina cheese. It was outstanding. There is a daily lunch and dinner special at $12 and $20, respectively. Our dining companion greatly enjoyed her seafood gumbo, though the roux looked a little light for our tastes and,

frankly, a $20 bowl of gumbo should include large lumps of lobster (this one doesn’t). The lamb in the lamb tortellini ($23) was succulent and the accompanying root vegetables were cooked perfectly. This time we opted for peanut butter pie for dessert and declared it even creamier, richer and better than the Nutella pie. It has rocketed to the upper echelon of our “favorite desserts in Little Rock” list. We ate often at the cafeteria that once occupied the Natchez space starting about two decades ago, and the atmosphere didn’t feel so differ-

ent when we last were at Natchez. But since then the long western wall has been repainted in turquoise and deep orange. Art that reflects France, New Orleans and other exotic locales spices up the space, as does a sofa, rug and cool art in the small waiting area. We still think more floor coverings and tablecloths would soften things and cut down on the echo factor. Given the quality of food and service — we had knowledgeable and friendly waitresses — those minor decor complaints are certainly not deal-breakers. Now that we’ve been back to Natchez, we finally understand the buzz among the foodies.

DINING CAPSULES, CONT. and decor. You can eat red beans and rice for a price in the single digits or pay near $40 for a choice slab of ribeye, with crab, shrimp and fish in between. 2602 S. Shackleford Road. Full bar, All CC. $$-$$$. 501-312-1616. LD daily. COPPER GRILL Comfort food, burgers and more sophisticated fare at this River Marketarea hotspot. 300 E. Third St. Full bar, All CC. $$-$$$. 501-375-3333. LD Mon.-Sat. CRACKER BARREL OLD COUNTRY STORE Home-cooking with plenty of variety and big portions. Old-fashioned breakfast served all day long. 2618 S. Shackleford Road. No alcohol, All CC. 501-225-7100. BLD daily. 3101 Springhill Drive. NLR. No alcohol, All CC. 501-945-9373. BLD daily. CRUSH WINE BAR An unpretentious downtown bar/lounge with an appealing and erudite wine list. With tasty tapas, but no menu for full meals. 318 Main St. NLR. Beer and wine, All CC. $$. 501-374-9463. D Tue.-Sat. DAVE’S PLACE A popular downtown soupand-sandwich stop at lunch draws a large and diverse crowd for the Friday night dinner, which varies in theme, home cooking being the most popular. Owner Dave Williams does all the cooking and his son, Dave also, plays saxophone and fronts the band that plays most

Friday nights. 201 Center St. No alcohol, All CC. $-$$. 501-372-3283. L Mon.-Fri., D Fri. DAVID FAMILY KITCHEN Call it soul food or call it down-home country cooking. Just be sure to call us for breakfast or lunch when you go. Neckbones, ribs, sturdy cornbread, salmon croquettes, mustard greens and the like. Desserts are exceptionally good. 2301 Broadway. No alcohol, All CC. $-$$. 501-3710141. BL Tue.-Fri., L Sun. DELICIOUS TEMPTATIONS Decadent breakfast and light lunch items that can be ordered in full or half orders to please any appetite or palate, with a great variety of salads and soups as well. Don’t miss the bourbon pecan pie — it’s a winner. 11220 N. Rodney Parham Road. No alcohol, All CC. $$. 501-225-6893. BL daily. DIZZY’S GYPSY BISTRO Interesting bistro fare, served in massive portions at this River Market favorite. 200 River Market Ave. Full bar, All CC. $$-$$$. 501-375-3500. LD Tue.-Sat. THE FADED ROSE The Cajun-inspired menu seldom disappoints. Steaks and soaked salads are legendary. 1619 Rebsamen Park Road. Full bar, All CC. $$-$$$. 501-663-9734. LD daily. FLYING SAUCER A popular River Market hangout thanks to its almost 200 beers (including 75 on tap) and more than decent bar

food. It’s nonsmoking, so families are welcome. 323 President Clinton Ave. Full bar, All CC. $$. 501-372-8032. LD daily. FOX AND HOUND Sports bar that serves pub food. 2800 Lakewood Village. NLR. Full bar, All CC. $$. 501-753-8300. LD daily. FRANKE’S CAFETERIA Plate lunch spot strong on salads and vegetables, and perfect fried chicken on Sundays. Arkansas’s oldest continually operating restaurant. 11121 N. Rodney Parham Road. No alcohol, All CC. $$. 501-2254487. LD daily. 400 W. Capitol Ave. No alcohol, All CC. $$. 501-372-1919. L Mon.-Fri. FRONTIER DINER The traditional all-American roadside diner, complete with a nice selection of man-friendly breakfasts and lunch specials. The half pound burger is a two-hander for the average working Joe. 10424 Interstate 30. No alcohol, All CC. $-$$. 501-565-6414. BL Mon.-Sat. GADWALL’S GRILL Once two separate restaurants, a fire forced the grill into the pizza joint. Now, under one roof, there’s mouth-watering burgers and specialty sandwiches, plus zesty pizzas with cracker-thin crust and plenty of toppings. 7311 North Hills Boulevard 12. NLR. Beer and wine, All CC. $-$$. 501-834-1840. LD daily. GARDEN SQUARE CAFE & GROCERY Vegetarian soups, sandwiches and wraps just like those to be had across the street at 4Square Cafe and Gifts, plus a small grocery store. 4Square does unique and delicious wraps with such ingredients as shiitake mushrooms and the servings are ample. A small grocery accompanies the River Market cafe. River Market. No alcohol, All CC. 501-244-9964. GIGI’S CUPCAKES This Nashville-based chain’s entries into the artisan-cupcake sweetstakes are as luxurious in presentation as they are in sugar quantity. 416 S. University Ave., Suite 120. No alcohol, All CC. $. 501-614-7012. BLD daily. GRAMPA’S CATFISH HOUSE A longtime local favorite for fried fish, hush puppies and good sides. 9219 Stagecoach Road. Beer and wine, All CC. $$-$$$. 501-407-0000. LD Tue.-Sat, L Sun. GUILLERMO’S GOURMET GROUNDS Serves gourmet coffee, lunch, loose-leaf tea, and tapas. Beans are roasted in house, and the espresso is probably the best in town. 10700 Rodney Parham Road. CC. 501-228-4448. BL daily. HONEYBAKED HAM CO. The trademark ham is available by the sandwich, as is great smoked turkey and lots of inexpensive side items and desserts. 9112 N. Rodney Parham Road. No

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ARKANSAS TIMES

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APRIL 2, 2015

APRIL 10 Opening receptiOn fOr twO new exhibits

• Suggin Territory: The Marvelous World of Folklorist Josephine Graham

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• Suyao Tian: Entangled Beauty

and the Year of arkanSaS Beer continues with Lost forty Brewing’s Belgian Blonde

THE 2ND FRIDAY OF EACH MONTH 5-8 PM

A museum of the Department of Arkansas Heritage

Entangled Beauty 3 by Suyao Tian

INSIDE THE VALLEY ARTISTS OF THE ARKANSAS RIVER VALLEY

AN EXHIBITION OF ARTWORKS BY NEAL HARRINGTON, TAMMY HARRINGTON, AND DAVID MUDRINICH. PLUS

ADAM FAUCETT PERFORMING LIVE! STARTING AT 6 PM 200 RIVER MARKET AVE., STE 400 501.374.9247 WWW.ARCAPITAL.COM ROBERT BEAN, CURATOR NEAL HARRINGTON IS REPRESENTED BY CANTRELL GALLERY.

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APRIL 2, 2015

ARKANSAS TIMES

These venues will be open late. There’s plenty of parking and a FREE TROLLEY to each of the locations. Don’t miss it – lots of fun! Free parking at 3rd & Cumberland Free street parking all over downtown and behind the River Market (Paid parking available for modest fee.)

DINING CAPSULES, CONT. alcohol, All CC. 501-227-5555. LD Mon.-Sun. (4 p.m. close on Sat.). IZZY’S It’s bright, clean and casual, with snappy team service of all his standbys — sandwiches and fries, lots of fresh salads, pasta about a dozen ways, hand-rolled tamales and brick oven pizzas. 5601 Ranch Drive. Beer and wine, All CC. $$. 501-868-4311. LD Mon.-Sat. LITTLEFIELD’S CAFE The owners of the Starlite Diner have moved their cafe to the Kroger Shopping Center on JFK, where they are still serving breakfast all day, as well as plate lunches, burgers and sandwiches. 6929 John F. Kennedy Blvd. NLR. No alcohol. 501-771-2036. BLD Mon.-Sat., BL Sun. MAGGIE MOO’S ICE CREAM AND TREATERY Ice cream, frozen yogurt and ice cream pizza. 17821 Chenal Parkway. No alcohol, All CC. $. 501-821-7609. LD daily. MARKHAM STREET GRILL AND PUB The menu has something for everyone, including mahi-mahi and wings. Try the burgers, which are juicy, big and fine. 11321 W. Markham St. Full bar, All CC. $-$$. 501-224-2010. LD daily. MCBRIDE’S CAFE AND BAKERY Owners Chet and Vicki McBride have been serving up delicious breakfast and lunch specials based on their family recipes for two decades in this popular eatery at Baptist Health’s Little Rock campus. The desserts and barbecue sandwiches are not to be missed. 9501 Baptist Health Drive, No. 105. No alcohol, All CC. $. 501-340-3833. BL Mon.-Fri. MOOYAH BURGERS Kid-friendly, fast-casual restaurant with beef, veggie and turkey burgers, a burger bar and shakes. 14810 Cantrell Road, Suite 190. No alcohol, All CC. $-$$. 501-8681091 10825 Kanis Road. No alcohol, All CC. $-$$. 501-313-4905. LD daily. NEWK’S EATERY 314 S. University Avenue, Suite 180. Beer, All CC. 601-982-1160. OLD MILL BREAD AND FLOUR CO. CAFE The popular take-out bakery has an eat-in restaurant and friendly operators. It’s self-service, simple and good with sandwiches built with a changing lineup of the bakery’s 40 different breads, along with soups, salads and cookies. 12111 W. Markham St. No. 366. No alcohol, All CC. $-$$. 501-228-4677. BL Mon.-Sat. BR Sun. RED DOOR Fresh seafood, steaks, chops and sandwiches from restaurateur Mark Abernathy. Smart wine list. 3701 Old Cantrell Road. Full bar, All CC. $$-$$$. 501-666-8482. BL Tue.-Sat. D daily. RENO’S ARGENTA CAFE Sandwiches, gyros and gourmet pizzas by day and music and drinks by night in downtown Argenta. 312 N. Main St. NLR. Full bar, All CC. $-$$. 501-376-2900. LD Mon.-Sat. RIVERFRONT STEAKHOUSE Steaks are the draw here — nice cuts heavily salted and peppered, cooked quickly and accurately to your specifications, finished with butter and served sizzling hot. Also has incorporated some of the menu of Rocket Twenty-One. 2 Riverfront Place. NLR. Full bar, All CC. $$-$$$. 501-375-7825. D Mon.-Sat. RIVERSHORE EATERY A River Market vendor that specializes in salads, sandwiches, wings and ice cream. 400 President Clinton Ave. No alcohol, All CC. $-$$. 501-244-2326. LD Mon.-Sat. ROBERT’S SPORTS BAR & GRILL If you’re looking for a burger, you won’t find it here. This establishment specializes in fried chicken dinners, served with their own special trimmings. 7212 Geyer Springs Road. Full bar, All CC. $-$$. 501-568-2566. LD Tue.-Sat., D Sun.-Mon. SAMANTHA’S TAP ROOM & WOOD GRILL An eclectic, reasonably priced menu has something for just about everyone. Excellent

selection of wines and beers on tap. 322 Main Street. Full bar, All CC. $$-$$$. 501-379-8019. LD Mon.-Sat. SHARKS FISH & CHICKEN This Southwest Little Rock restaurant specializes in seafood, frog legs and catfish, all served with the traditional fixings. 8722 Colonel Glenn Road. No alcohol, All CC. $-$$. 501-562-2330. LD daily. SO RESTAURANT BAR Call it a French brasserie with a sleek, but not fussy American finish. The wine selection is broad and choice. Free valet parking. Use it and save yourself a headache. 3610 Kavanaugh Blvd. Full bar, All CC. $$-$$$. 501-663-1464. LD Mon.-Sat., D Sun. STICKYZ ROCK ‘N’ ROLL CHICKEN SHACK Fingers any way you can imagine, plus sandwiches and burgers, and a fun setting for music and happy hour gatherings. 107 River Market Ave. Full bar, All CC. $-$$. 501-372-7707. LD daily. SWEET LOVE BAKERY Full service bakery with ready-made and custom-order cakes, cookies and cupcakes. Plenty of in-store seating. 8210 Cantrell Road. No alcohol, CC. $-$$. (501) 613-7780. BL Tue.-Sat. TEXAS ROADHOUSE Following in the lines of those loud, peanuts-on-the-table steak joints, but the steaks are better here than we’ve had at similar stops. Good burgers, too. 3601 Warden Road. Full bar, All CC. $$. 501-771-4230. D daily, L Sat.-Sun. 2620 S. Shackleford Rd. Full bar, All CC. $$. 501-224-2427. D Mon.-Fri., LD Sat.-Sun. TOWN PUMP A dependable burger, good wings, great fries, other bar food, plate lunches. 1321 Rebsamen Park Road. Full bar, All CC. $-$$. 501-663-9802. LD daily. TRIO’S Fresh, creative and satisfying lunches; even better at night, when the chefs take flight. Best array of fresh desserts in town. 8201 Cantrell Road Suite 100. Full bar, All CC. $$-$$$. 501-2213330. LD Mon.-Sat., BR Sun. WHOLE FOODS MARKET Get barbecue, beer — at a bar or in growlers to go — pizza, sandwiches, salads and more at the upscale grocery chain. 501 Bowman Road. Beer and wine, All CC. $-$$. 501-312-2326. BLD daily. WILLY D’S DUELING PIANO BAR Willy D’s serves up a decent dinner of pastas and salads as a lead-in to its nightly sing-along piano show. Go when you’re in a good mood. 322 President Clinton Ave. Full bar, All CC. $$. 501-244-9550. D Tue.-Sat. YANCEY’S CAFETERIA Soul food served with a Southern attitude. 1523 Martin Luther King Ave. No alcohol, No CC. $. 501-372-9292. LD Tue.-Sat. ZACK’S PLACE Expertly prepared home cooking and huge, smoky burgers. 1400 S. University Ave. Full bar, All CC. $-$$. 501-664-6444. LD Mon.-Sat. ZIN URBAN WINE & BEER BAR This is the kind of sophisticated place you would expect to find in a bar on the ground floor of the Tuf-Nut lofts downtown. It’s cosmopolitan yet comfortable, a relaxed place to enjoy fine wines and beers while noshing on superb meats, cheeses and amazing goat cheese-stuffed figs. 300 River Market Ave. Beer and wine, All CC. $$-$$$. 501-246-4876. D daily.

ASIAN

BANGKOK THAI CUISINE Get all the staple Thai dishes at this River Market vendor. The red and green curries and the noodle soup stand out. 400 President Clinton Ave. No alcohol, All CC. $-$$. 501-374-5105. L Mon.-Sat. CHI’S CHINESE CUISINE No longer owned by Chi’s founder Lulu Chi, this Chinese mainstay still offers a broad menu that spans the Chinese provinces and offers a few twists on the usual local offerings. 5110 W. Markham St. Beer, All CC. $-$$. 501-604-7777. LD Mon.-Sat.

You Can Help Speak for a Child in Foster Care. Join Your Local Arkansas Court Appointed Special Advocate Team!

CASA Volunteers are for the child. They are you. “You go into the court room and you will see lawyers who know the law and have dozens of kids’ files, or you have social workers who know the regulations and have dozens of kids’ files. But if a CASA volunteer is in the room, you will see that they have just one file, and what they know is that one child. And that can make all the difference to the decisions regarding how the rest of that child’s life is going to go.” - Anna Quindlen, Pulitzer Prize Winner and Author

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Ride the ARKANSAS TIMES

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Enjoy small stages with authentic blues during the day and at night venture into the surviving juke joints, blues clubs and other indoor stages. Reserve your seat by calling 501.375.2985 or emailing Kelly Lyles at kellylyles@arktimes.com BUS TRANSPORTATION PROVIDED BY ARROW COACH LINES

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Round-trip bus transportation Live blues performances en route Adult beverages on board Lunch at a Delta favorite Wristband for the nighttime events

BUS LEAVES AT 8:30 A.M. FROM IN FRONT OF THE PARKING DECK AT 2ND & MAIN STREETS IN DOWNTOWN LITTLE ROCK AND RETURNS IN THE EVENING.

The Arkansas Times Blues Bus is a Related Event and not affiliated with Juke Joint Festival or the non-profit Clarksdale Downtown Development Association. 70

APRIL 2, 2015

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APRIL 2, 2015

ARKANSAS TIMES

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