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 should heed the menu’s “pepper code.”
Lunch, dinner daily. Beer, wine. Reservations (large parties).
Moderate-Expensive.
UPDATE! LILLY’S DIM SUM THEN SOME 11121 N. Rodney Parham Road, Little Rock, (501) 716-2700 Owner Nancy Tesmer has remodeled and reconfigured her service model to cut prices and speed food delivery. Meanwhile, her menu continues to widen 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 Pass up the low-common-denominator buffet and stick to the menu for top versions of Pad Thai and curry selections at this authentic Thai restaurant that offers delicious dishes deftly seasoned to the customer’s taste in a homey storefront.
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 dishesand other items.
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 entrees. Monroe now also offers baked goods at her eponymous Rosalia’s Family Bakery in the same curved shopping center.
Lunch, dinner Tue-Sat; brunch Sun. Full bar. Corkage fee. Reservations (five or more people).
Moderate.
Weekend, Pages 38 on 07/25/2013