Weekly theme listings reflect a range of dining possibilities in central Arkansas, across a spectrum of settings and price ranges. Reviewers' visits are anonymous and all expenses are paid by the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette. Bargain: a meal (without beverage or dessert) typically less than $12; moderate: $12-$25. Expensive: $25 and up.
Tex-Mex/Modern Mex/Southwestern
BAJA GRILL
5923 Kavanaugh Blvd., Little Rock, (501) 722-8920
A beloved Benton-based food truck gone brick-and-mortar offers an easygoing atmosphere and simple fare, including the don't-miss Cuban Burrito.
Lunch, dinner Mon-Sat. Full bar. Bargain-moderate.
THE FOLD BOTANAS & BAR
3501 Old Cantrell Road, Little Rock, (501) 916-9706
This Riverdale hot spot features upscale taco plates, ceviches and botanas (small plates) with a definite Southwestern kick -- and prices to match.
Lunch, dinner daily. Full bar. Moderate-expensive.
HEIGHTS TACO & TAMALE CO.
5805 Kavanaugh Blvd., Little Rock, (501) 313-4848
Scott McGehee and his Yellow Rocket Concepts partners have brought back Ark-Mex, reminiscent of Browning's Mexican Grill, which occupied the newly remodeled building for more than four decades, including the "Plato 1947," which bears more than a passing resemblance to Browning's Saltillo Plate, but also innovative tacos, Southern tamales and a composite of five classic cheese dip recipes -- all made with fresh and, where possible, local ingredients.
Lunch, dinner daily. Full bar. Moderate-expensive.
LOCAL LIME
17815 Chenal Parkway, Little Rock, (501) 448-2226
The owners of Big Orange have used that formula to create a superb Mexican/Southwestern menu focusing on fresh-ingredient taco plates and top-end margaritas.
Lunch, dinner Tue-Sun. Full bar. Moderate-expensive.
Latin American
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.
NEW! LA TERRAZA RUM & LOUNGE
3000 Kavanaugh Blvd., Little Rock, (501) 251-8261
A couple from Caracas and their son and daughter-in-law have transplanted their Venezuelan restaurant to Hillcrest, offering Venezuelan arepas sandwiches and other authentic dishes accompanied by black beans, plantains and yucca, plus a range of Spanish and other Mediterranean food with conquistador connections; the bar offers more than two dozen rums.
Lunch, dinner Tue-Sat, brunch Sun. Full bar. Moderate-expensive.
NEW! LULU'S LATIN ROTISSERIE & GRILL
315 N. Bowman Road, Little Rock, (501) 228-5564
Heinz Kurt, a former manager at ZaZa Fine Salad & Wood-Oven Pizza Co., is offering flavors of the Andes -- chicken and steak with chimichurri, tangy black beans and dishes made with plantains and queso fresco -- in a storefront in a Bowman Road strip center with just the right amount of South American decor.
Lunch Sun, Tue-Sat, dinner Thu-Sat. Beer, wine, South American cocktails. Moderate.
Weekend on 01/28/2016