Selected restaurants

By The Arkansas Democrat-Gazette

LITTLE ROCK — Weekly theme listings reflect a range of dining possibilities in central Arkansas, across a spectrum of settings and price ranges. To read recent restaurant reviews in their entirety, visit www2.arkansasonline. com/restaurants/. Sandwiches

BOULEVARD BREAD CO.

1920 N. Grant St., Little Rock, (501) 663-5951; University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences College of Public Health, 4301 W. Markham St., Little Rock, (501) 526-6661; Ottenheimer Market Hall, River Market, 400 President Clinton Ave., Little Rock, (501) 374-1232

Freshly baked breads and the generous use of fresh herbs help make the panini and other sandwiches a couple of cuts above the ordinary, while the soups and salads are also first-rate at this eatery.

Breakfast, lunch, dinner Mon-Sat. Beer, wine. (River Market location: breakfast, lunch only Mon-Sat. UAMS location: breakfast, lunch only Mon-Fri, no alcohol.) Bargain.

JIMMY'S SERIOUS SANDWICHES

5116 W. Markham St., Little Rock, (501) 666-3354

Sandwich savant Jimmy Weisman takes seriously indeed his crusted creations, such as The Garden: fresh spinach spread, mushrooms, sprouts, sunflower seeds and three kinds of melted cheese on pumpernickel.

Lunch Mon-Sat. No alcohol. Bargain.

DELICIOUS TEMPTATIONS

11220 N. Rodney Parham Road, Little Rock, (501) 225-6893

The extensive menu at this clean, bright and family-friendly bistro features a variety of breakfast items, including a list of Benedicts, served into midafternoon alongside stylish sandwiches.

Breakfast, lunch daily. No alcohol. Reservations weekdays. Bargain.

DOWNTOWN DELI

323 Center St., Little Rock, (501) 372-3696

Flocks of noontime customers testify to the steady quality of the sandwiches, salads, soups and football-size baked potatoes at a breakfast-also place that thrives on clever menu names like Fists of Fury wrap.

Breakfast, lunch Mon-Fri. No alcohol. Bargain.

OLD MILL BREAD AND FLOUR CO.

12111 W. Markham St., Little Rock, (501) 228-4677

Old Mill is a firmly established stop for the roving band of Ladies Who Lunch - thanks to a sunny interior and the scrumptious breads baked for its small but superior sandwich selection.

Breakfast, lunch Mon-Sat. No alcohol. Bargain.

PANERA BREAD

Pleasant Ridge Town Center, 11525 Cantrell Road, Little Rock. (501) 227-0222; www. panerabread.com

The long-awaited first central Arkansas franchise of this popular chain offers fine specialty soups and breakfast and lunch sandwiches, plus eye-catching baked goods and friendly service.

Breakfast, lunch, dinner daily. Moderate.

PURPLE COW

8026 Cantrell Road, Little Rock, (501) 221-3555; 11602 Chenal Parkway, Little Rock, (501) 224-4433

Best known for its burgers and ice cream and nostalgic soda-fountain feel, the family-friendly Purple Cow surprises with sophisticated salads, like the generous, zippy Santa Fe Salad, and gourmet sandwiches like the bitey balsamic-dressed Portabella Mushroom.

Lunch, dinner daily at both locations, brunch Sat-Sun. Beer, wine, limited liquor. Bargain.

Weekend, Pages 40 on 06/18/2009