CONGRATULATIONS TO ALLAN GOODWIN, OF LITTLE ROCK, WINNER OF THIS WEEK'S PAM'S PICKS CONTEST

ALLAN AND A GUEST GET TO TRY LUNCH AT UMP'S IN NORTH LITTLE ROCK.  ALLAN, BE SURE TO POST A NOTE ON THE BLOG AND LET US KNOW WHAT YOU THINK.

THANKS TO EVERYONE FOR PARTICIPATING... STAY TUNED FOR YOUR CHANCE TO WIN AGAIN, NEXT WEEK.  LITTLE ROCK'S NEWEST EATERY, TICO'S CANTINA, IS PROVIDING A MEAL FOR TWO.    ALL YOU HAVE TO DO IS WATCH PAM'S PICKS ON WEDNESDAY'S LIVE AT FIVE PROGRAM TO FIND OUT MORE ABOUT GREAT RESTAURANTS AND FOR YOUR CLUES -  THEN   VISIT MY BLOG, "PAM'S PICKS" ON KATV.COM FOR THE TRIVIA QUESTION.  AND IF YOU GET IT RIGHT, YOU'LL BE ENTERED INTO A DRAWING THE NEXT DAY WITH THE WINNER BEING ANNOUNCED ON MIDDAY.  IT'S AS SIMPLE AS THAT.  AND... PARTICIPANTS PLEASE LEAVE US YOUR CONTACT NUMBER OR OTHER INFO SO WE'LL KNOW HOW TO GET IN TOUCH WITH YOU, IF YOU WIN - WE WON'T PUBLISH THAT ON THE BLOG!!!! 

UNTIL, NEXT TIME,

BON APPETIT,

PAMELA

Free Lunch at Ump's Pub and Grill in North Little Rock

Ok, here's your chance.  Many of you have told me I have the "luckiest job in the world!"  And I agree.  You've also said, if I ever need a lunch buddy, let you know.  Well, here's the next best thing - you and a guest can enjoy one of the restaurants we feature.  This week it's Ump's Pub and Grill.

Correctly answer the trivia question by responding to this blog to be eligible for lunch for two at Ump's.  Drawing and announcement on KATV's Midday, November 5, 2008.  All names with correct answers will be entered in a drawing and the winner will be announced on that show.  Please include name and preferred contact information, ie, email or phone number along with address.  Your name but no other private information will be posted on the blog.  After the winner is announced on Midday, you must claim your gift certificate at the station.  Good Luck!

Question:

What was the name of Ump's prior to the recent change?

For future chances to win - be sure to watch Pam's Picks each Wednesday on Live at Five. 

Until next time Bon Appetit,

Pamela

                                                                                      27 Rahling Circle, Little Rock

                                                                                                  (501) 821-1814                                                                                             

The latest reinvention of a Jerry Barakat production.  Barakat, a long-time restaurateur decided to transform the former Gaucho's, former Blue Agave and former Amalfi  into a gourmet style Tex Mex restaurant on Rahling ... without the gourmet price tag.  Everything on the menu is less than $12 bucks.  With his 32-year background, Barakat  knows good food - he's introduced quite a bit of it to Central Arkansas.  But after a less than stellar run at this location for at least a couple of those ventures, he opted for a family-friendly budget- friendly eatery called Tico's Cantina.  He says his customers told him that's what they wanted and that's what he delivered. 

                                                                                          Tres Leches  (Milk-soaked cake)

And with the same distinctive flair to which his loyal customers have become accustomed,  he's used his unique flavor profiles to develop what he says is another one-of-a-kind eatery.  He says it may be Tex Mex but you won't find anything like it around these parts.  He boasts of freshness, quality and presentation... saying all go hand-in-hand with what he hopes will be the ultimate customer service experience for this guests. 

Barakat came up with the name "Tico" because his daughter says she didn't like his original thought, "Barcelona."  So he relented and named the restaurant to reflect what he says is a term of endearment in Spanish, which  means "small."  But his tastes are bold... like the Smokey Salsa Cantina  (my personal favorite) made with the green chilies and other spices.  Fish tacos are high on his recommendation list  - saying nobody else in the area has anything like them - they come in Red Snapper, Tuna and Talapia varieties, served with a corn tortilla instead of flour.   The fajitas aren't ordinary either, his accompanying grilled veggies include mushrooms, zucchini, bell peppers and onions.  Your choice of beef, chicken or shrimp.  Another must-have:  Chicken Veracruz - a generous portion of grilled chicken breast stuffed with roasted peppers and cheese served with rice and beans. 

Grilled Blackened Red Snapper for fish tacos    Chicken Veracruz - grilled chicken breast stuffed with roasted peppers & cheese

Tasty sauces include a green chili sour cream concoction  to complement the enchiladas... and side dishes - black and refried beans, Spanish rice, Barakat's signature spinach and soups, to name a few - all prepared or made in-house.  And by all means save room for dessert - you'll never forgive yourself if you don't have at least a bite of Barakat's chocolate Creme Brulee, offered at all his restaurants... or the more theme-related flan or Tres leches.    But, if you're watching your waistline, skip the dessert and opt for a vegetarian style meal... any of the above dishes can be prepared without the meat.  However, Barakat says they don't deep fry their dishes and prepare many with olive oil. 

Two additional Tex Mex restaurants will bear the Barakat stamp, one opening tomorrow, (Thursday, November 5, 2009) at 4720 JFK in North Little Rock and another opening in Conway at 2501 Dave Ward Drive.

Tico's Cantina opened 7 days a week, with a split schedule during the week - lunch: 11 am -2 pm Monday through Friday; dinner: 5 - 9:30 pm Sunday through Thursday; 11 am - 10:30 pm Friday and Saturday.  No split schedule on Saturday's and Sunday's.

Carry-out Family Pack Deal - for four people $19.50

Carry-out Family Pack Deal - for six people $29.50

Kid's specials - include cookie and a drink $4.95

And an update on Gaucho's Grill (Jerrry Barakat's companion restaurant on Shackleford) New prices $16.95 for the Churrascaria meal - that includes salad bar.   Also new items on the menu, including fish, prime rib and chicken with some priced under $15.00.   

Shredded Beef Enchilada                                                                       Chili Relleno (roasted twice) with beef and cheese

Grilled Chicken Fajita Salad                                                            Shrimp Fajitas with zucchini, bell peppers, onions and mushrooms

Jerry Barakat's signature Chocolate Creme Brulee (My favorite)