Many of you have perhaps passed by the corner of 3rd and Cumberland and seen the quaint little courtyard just off the busy thoroughfare - a great place to step away from your hectic day... and relax even for a moment  during the lunch hour... or an evening out with that special someone.  You then can step into the relaxed, yet inviting dining room of  the 1 and 1/2 year-old Copper Grill and Grocery.   The contemporary setting with its warm colors is designed that way to make you think of food.  Once you taste it, you won't forget.  

This post is about occasion dining, more specifically, Valentine's Day, but, you don't ever need a reason to just enjoy Copper Grill, on any day.   Owner Mary Beth Ringgold and head chef James Willis are cooking up a "little something" special for your pleasure.   Petite fillet mignon, scallops and bacon-wrapped quail.  I had never tried quail before... but I've heard you mix anything with bacon and you can't go wrong.  It was tasty!  They're taking reservations but they're filling up fast, so if you're interested you better call.  If your honey gets upset with you because you didn't make dinner plans, you can't say it wasn't because I didn't give you any ideas.  Copper Grill provides the ambiance and a unique dining experience to make for a memorable evening.  For more information about their special menu for Valentine's Day, you can check out them out online or give them a call.  The number and website listed below. 

Several of the customers had been bragging on that famous "blue cheese" burger - so you know me - I had to try one, although, admittedly, I have never really been a "true" blue cheese fan.  But after sinking my teeth into that hand-formed ground beef patty that was cooked to my specification, I am now a convert - at least at Copper Grill.  One of the side dishes for which Mary Beth says they get rave reviews, the "not your mom's" mac & cheese balls.  They're encrusted and formed into balls about the size of hush puppies, then fried and served with a blackberry dipping sauce.  They get an "Amen" from me on the sauce for sure... put the two together and you'll never eat mac & cheese the same way again. 

They feature an assortment of salads , topped with pecans (I had some and they are delish!) they toast themselves and daily fresh fish.  They have a full bar with about a dozen martini specialties, (you'll have to ask Bartender Eric Olson about the organic martini. ) and are proud of the Wine Spectator's distinction - they feature over 160 varieties.  Desserts are a sumptuous combo of creme brulees, cheescakes and a wide selection of daily homemade ice creams.  (I had blackberry - MmMm)

Next door, they've just added a party room to accomodate private dining for up to 25 patrons.  And right next to it,  the grocery store which features gourmet to go.  Ringgold is pretty proud of  the  soups and salsas along with a variety of casseroles offered there.  In fact, she says her chicken noodle soup is as good as your moms.

BTW, don't forget to sign up for your "Experience Little Rock" (ELR) card on the KATV website.  And, if you missed the story that accompanies this blog entry, long on to our website, click on the Marketplace tab, then look for the ELR entry and you'll find items we've aired on KATV.  Happy Valentine's Day!!!!

Copper Grill hours of operation are Monday-Saturday, 11am - 10 pm; Closed Sunday's.  Grocery store hours:  7 am - 7 pm Monday-Friday  and  Saturday's, 8 am - 7pm.  Prices are for lunch are inexpensive.  Dinner is moderate to expensive.  In my opinion, the restaurant is more suited to adult patrons and provides an atmosphere appropriate for business or pleasure.    

They do have take out.  For your convenience, the number is (501) 375-3333  Address: 300 3rd Street

Major Credit Cards Accepted 

Website:  www.coppergrillandgrocery.com