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.
Sandwiches
BOULEVARD BREAD CO.
1417 Main St., Little Rock, (501) 375-5100; 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, also with first-rate soups and salads, plus a new breakfast menu in the Heights, which is bursting into the next-door storefront and plans to offer later hours and an expanded menus.
Heights: Breakfast, lunch, Sun-Sat, dinner Mon-Sat. Beer, wine. Main Street: breakfast, lunch only Sun-Sat. River Market: Breakfast, lunch, dinner Mon-Sat, breakfast, lunch Sun. UAMS: breakfast, lunch, Mon-Fri, no alcohol. Bargain-moderate.
DELICIOUS TEMPTATIONS
11220 N. Rodney Parham Road, Little Rock, (501) 225-6893
The extensive menu at this clean, bright, family-friendly bistro features a variety of breakfast items, including several Benedicts, served into midafternoon alongside stylish sandwiches.
Breakfast, lunch daily. No alcohol. Reservations weekdays. Bargain.
UPDATE! EJ'S EATS & DRINKS
523 Center St., Little Rock, (501) 666-3700
This one-time big hit in a tiny storefront in Hillcrest has blossomed into a full-service eatery/bar downtown, offering nearly three dozen specialty sandwiches and wraps (plus a build-your-own option and half a dozen burgers) accompanied by house-made chips, plus appetizers, salads, soups and even a limited list of entrees. Just added: a 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Sunday brunch.
Lunch, dinner Mon-Fri, brunch Sunday. Full bar. Moderate.
JIMMY'S SERIOUS SANDWICHES
5116 W. Markham St., Little Rock, (501) 666-3354
Sandwich savant Jimmy Weisman takes seriously indeed his crusted creations, including the national-award-winning The Garden: fresh spinach spread, mushrooms, sunflower seeds and three kinds of melted cheese on pumpernickel.
Lunch, dinner Mon-Sat. No alcohol. Moderate.
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; Park Avenue Shopping Center, 314 S. University Ave., Little Rock, (501) 664-6878; 10701 Kanis Road, Little Rock, (501) 954-7773; 2812 Lakewood Village Drive, North Little Rock, (501) 771-0168; 1050 Ellis Ave., Conway, (501) 764-1623
This popular chain offers fine specialty soups and breakfast and lunch sandwiches, eye-catching baked goods and friendly service.
Breakfast, lunch, dinner daily. No alcohol. Bargain.
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 (the return of Yarnell's makes its purple shakes possible once again) 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, brunch Sat-Sun. Beer, wine, limited liquor. Bargain-moderate.
Weekend on 07/31/2014