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.
Chinese, etc.
A.W. LIN'S ASIAN CUISINE
Promenade at Chenal, 17717 Chenal Parkway, Little Rock, (501) 821-5398
This western outrider of a Tennessee-based mini-chain, which just enhanced its menu to include more Thai and other Southeast Asian dishes, offers great plate presentation, good service and flavorful Chinese dishes, especially among the Chef's Specials, along with sushi and Japanese fare.
Lunch, dinner daily. Full bar. Reservations. Moderate-expensive.
CHI'S DIM SUM & BISTRO
6 Shackleford Drive, Little Rock, (501) 225-8878
CHI'S FINE CHINESE CUISINE
17200 Chenal Parkway, Little Rock, (501) 821-8000
CHI'S ASIAN CAFE & SUSHI BAR
3421 Old Cantrell Road, (501) 916-9973,
(501) 916-9975
Lulu Chi's onetime over-the-counter Chenal Parkway restaurant is now a full-service, sit-down establishment (while retaining the popular to-go entrance) and the Riverdale outlet has a sushi bar and additional pan-Asian entrees. The original Shackleford Drive "headquarters" still serves good food (including a menu of authentic Chinese dishes and particularly-popular-on-weekends dim sum).
Lunch, dinner daily. Full bar (wine and beer only at Chenal and Old Cantrell). Reservations (Shackleford location). Moderate-expensive.
UPDATE! FANTASTIC CHINA
1900 N. Grant St., Little Rock, (501) 663-8999
A consistent top choice in reader polls (and deservedly so), its food is much like its contemporary decor -- interesting and bold, yet soothing and not the least bit intimidating, and with an emphasis on fresh, quality ingredients, good service and special touches (like the tableside Moo Shu preparation show and a seafood combination chef's special served in a great big shell).
Lunch, dinner daily. Full bar. Reservations. Moderate.
FORBIDDEN GARDEN
14810 Cantrell Road, Little Rock, (501) 868-8149
Run by the friendly folks who operated the now-defunct Forbidden City in Park Plaza, this west Little Rock restaurant emphasizes fresh, quality ingredients and presentation, including, in addition to traditional Chinese, some Thai-influenced dishes like cumin shredded beef and basil chicken.
Lunch, dinner daily. Full bar. Moderate.
MR. CHEN'S AUTHENTIC CHINESE COOKING
Village Shopping Center, 3901 S. University Ave., Little Rock. (501) 562-7900
MR. CHENG'S AUTHENTIC CHINESE COOKING
4629 E. McCain Blvd., North Little Rock. (501) 955-9988
Two operations -- first cousins, you might say -- with the same menu but different franchises, where many of the dishes will be a little weird, or at least challenging, for Western tastes. But as the name says, it's authentic, all right, with the produce and, at the Little Rock location, particularly the fresh seafood coming from the Asian supermarket that encloses it.
Lunch, dinner daily. Reservations for large parties. Moderate.
Weekend on 01/14/2016