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
CHANG THAI & ASIAN CUISINE
9830 Arkansas 107, Sherwood, (501) 835-4488
This 4-year-old mom-and pop operation has expanded into a third storefront in a north-of-North Hills strip center and there’s no longer a buffet. It’s worth the drive if you’re interested in genuine, decently priced Thai food (the menu also has a few pan-Asian options) made with fresh ingredients. They’ll make it mild or as hot as you want it with, as a bonus, nice plate presentation.
Lunch, dinner Mon-Fri, dinner Sat, lunch Sun. No alcohol. Bargain-Moderate.
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.
LILLY’S DIM SUM THEN SOME
11121 N. Rodney Parham Road, Little Rock, (501) 716-2700
Owner Nancy Tesmer’s menu continues to widen local dining horizons with commendable Pan-Asian food ranging from Pad Thai and Korean Bibim Bop with grilled steak to sukiyaki-style Japanese noodles.
Lunch, dinner daily. Beer, wine. Reservations (six or more people). Moderate.
THAI TASTE
1516 W. Main St., Jacksonville, (501) 985-1854 Pass up the low-common-denominator buffet and stick to the menu (including top-notch versions of Pad Thai and curry selections) at this authentic Thai restaurant, which 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 dishes and other fare.
Lunch, dinner daily. Beer, wine. Reservations. Bargain-Moderate.
Brazilian
CAFE BOSSA NOVA
2701 Kavanaugh Blvd., Little Rock, (501) 614-6682
Owner-chef Rosalia Monroe’s varied menu, strong on chicken, seafood and vegetarian fare, will open the eyes of diners who stereotype Brazilian cuisine by envisioning hefty chunks of grilled meat. She also offers baked goods at her eponymous Rosalia’s Family Bakery in the same curved strip center.
Lunch, dinner Tue-Sat; brunch Sun. Full bar. Corkage fee. Reservations (five or more people). Moderate.