Food. When you read that word what was the first bite that came to mind? For me it was the last really good meal I had from Browning’s Mexican Restaurant in Little Rock. It was the citrus-braised carnitas with black beans and rice and homemade corn tortillas, absolutely incredible.
The thing about food is that sometimes we view it as this necessity or a fleeting thought that it could just be a pack of honey roasted sunflower seeds (free in the student center) or a pack of crackers. Now, I know money plays a part in there somewhere. But how often do you truly treat yourself to a culinary experience? And how many of you think that means paying $40 a person?
Growing up, my family ate together almost every meal of the week. Maybe it was a home-cooked meal or going out that weekend to a restaurant we all liked, but we did it together and it was an event. If more than two people in my family are together there will be a spread on the table with plenty of to-go boxes available.
My point here is, let’s make time. Over the next few weeks I would like to do my best to show you how to make time. Whether it’s in the kitchen or a place in Little Rock or closer that you can take time and share an experience with someone else.
Food is so important. Just think about it, our first dates, weddings, birthdays, funerals, graduation parties, social club functions and … not to mention that we need it to live. All of those events are centered or bookended by a meal.
If you don’t cook, you should learn. There is nothing more satisfying than preparing a meal for someone else and serving it to them. Anyone can cook; if you don’t believe me watch “Ratatouille.”
Let’s get down to the nuts and bolts. Where should I eat this week and what should I cook, right?
First place I’m going to suggest is a Little Rock standard for me. It’s Zaza Fine Salad and Pizza Co. If you’ve been to Italy then you will love this place. Hand-tossed pizzas and fresh salads made to order. For dessert, homemade gelato. I was there just a few weeks ago and had the Baja shrimp salad with chipotle vinaigrette. My favorite pizza there is the “Perella.” It’s got goat cheese, mozzarella, tomatoes, prosciutto, rosemary, basil, garlic, Parmesan and san marzano tomato sauce. You can find Zaza Fine Salad and Pizza Co. in Little Rock at 5600 Kavanaugh Blvd. and on the Web at zazapizzaandsalad.com.
My next suggestion is again one of my absolute favorite places to eat in Little Rock, Flying Fish. Located in the heart of Little Rock’s River Market, it is one of the best places for fresh fish. When I go I get the grilled tilapia tacos. One of my favorite things about this place is when you order your fish and tell them to “make it snappy” the guy at the register yells “make it snappy!” and the whole kitchen crew in unison responds back with “make it snappy!” It really is the simple things in life that make it grand. You can find Flying Fish in Little Rock at 511 Clinton Ave. and on the Web at flyingfishinthe.net.
I hope I help you in the coming weeks to find your new favorite recipe and a new restaurant you may have never heard of.
