Selected restaurants

Weekly theme listings reflect a range of dining possibilities in central Arkansas, across a spectrum of settings and price ranges. Restaurant reviewers' visits are anonymous and all expenses are paid by the

Arkansas Democrat-Gazette. 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; 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 take panini and other sandwiches a couple of cuts above the ordinary; there are also first-rate soups and salads, plus a new breakfast and dinner menu in the Heights, where the new Boulevard Bistro has burst into the next-door storefront.

Main Street: breakfast, lunch only Mon-Sat. Heights: breakfast, lunch Sun-Sat, dinner Mon-Sat. Beer, wine. River Market: breakfast, lunch, dinner (5 p.m.) Mon-Sat, breakfast, lunch Sun, beer. 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.

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, now open seven days a week and 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.

Lunch, dinner Mon-Sat, brunch Sun. 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 daily. 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.

UPDATE! 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 they still offer booze-infused shakes for the over 21 crowd) and nostalgic soda-fountain feel, the family-friendly Purple Cow surprises with a fine weekend brunch and 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 08/13/2015

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