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 arkansasonline. com/restaurants
Asian
LEMONGRASS ASIAN BISTRO
4629 E. McCain Blvd., North Little Rock, (501) 945-4638
Perhaps a little more Thai fusion than Thai, the dishes range from traditional (Pad Thai, Tom Yum Goong) to exotic (White Wine Alligator), at somewhat higher prices than at area competitors. Spice fans do heed the menu’s “pepper code.”
Lunch, dinner daily. Beer, wine. Reservations (large parties). Moderate-Expensive.
LILLY’S DIM SUM THEN SOME
11121 N. Rodney Parham Road, Little Rock, (501) 716-2700
Owner Nancy Tesmer widens local dining horizons with commendable Pan-Asian food ranging from Pad Thai to Korean Bibim Bop with grilled steak to sukiyaki-style Japanese noodles.
Lunch, dinner daily. Beer, wine. Reservations (six or more people). Bargain-Moderate.
THAI TASTE
1516 W. Main St., Jacksonville, (501) 985-1854
This authentic Thai restaurant offers delicious dishes deftly seasoned to the customer’s taste in a homey storefront. But stick to the menu rather than the buffet.
Lunch Mon-Fri, dinner Mon-Sat. No alcohol. Reservations. Bargain-Moderate.
VANLANG
3600 S. University Ave., Little Rock, (501) 570-7700
The menu at what used to be a Vietnamese eatery is now about half Vietnamese and half Korean, and it draws a good many Asian customers, perhaps a testament to the authentic nature of its seafood dishes and other fare.
Lunch, dinner daily. Beer, wine. Reservations. Bargain.
Brazilian
CAFE BOSSA NOVA
2701 Kavanaugh Blvd., Little Rock, (501) 614-6682
Diners who stereotype Brazilian cuisine by envisioning hefty chunks of grilled meat will have their eyes opened by owner-chef Rosalia Monroe’s varied menu, which is strong on chicken, seafood and vegetarian fare.
Lunch, dinner Tue-Sat; brunch Sun. Full bar. Corkage fee. Reservations (five or more people). Moderate.
Weekend, Pages 38 on 08/09/2012