4/09/09

Video: Little Rock Dining Tour

Alright, ladies and gents - I am finally at myself after eating into a comatose state last evening! :) LOL But, what a wonderful time.  I can't say thanks enough to all of you who made the trip memorable.  You each had distinctive/fun personalities which made the outing enjoyable. 

Also, a special thanks to Cary and Gina Martin for providing the beautiful and comfortable ride via motor coach to our destinations. We rolled in style!  And I would be remiss if I didn't acknowledge Carl, our bus driver - he did an awesome job handling all that power and making sure we arrived to each spot safely.

Kudos to Lilly's Dim Sum, Bruno's, Doe's and Brave New for allowing tour participants to sample some of the finest cuisine the city has to offer - they are still raving about the experience.

I know those who are reading this who might have missed the trip this time are wondering how the participants were chosen.  See, that's why you have to tune in to Channel 7.  Ten viewers who were the 7th callers on Good Morning Arkansas were invited to each bring a guest on the Little Rock Dining Tour Wednesday, April 8th, as part of the Experience Little Rock promotion.  I was fortunate enough to get to host the tour and hang out with "my" great guests.  It was a progressive dinner of sorts. We boarded a Little Rock Tours bus at the parking lot of the Holiday Inn Presidential.  Our first stop was Lilly's Dim Sum off Rodney Parham.  Our appetizers included something even I haven't tried -  a chilled spinach salad with tofu and it was absolutely delicious.  We had potstickers... and my favorite - their spring rolls with a wonderful dipping sauce. 

Then it was on to Bruno's Little Italy, off Bowman Curve, where our host, "Mr. Bruno," one of the descendent's of the restaurant's founder, warmly greeted us with sumptuous slices of pizza, anti pastas with some of the freshest vegetables imaginable, fried ravioli with meat sauce and some of the best bread you've ever had in your mouth... moist loafs that were incredible.

Stop three took us to Doe's downtown on Markham where large plates of their specialty tamales awaited the group - they were served with Doe's homemade chili - talk about adding a little spice to the night!  And while the tamales are all the rage... you know you can't go to Does and not have steak - and these steaks were huge.  Three were enough to feed the entourage (remember we were sampling) -  grilled to perfection and brought to the table already sliced.  Hmmmhmmm is all I can say behind that visit.  Even Fido is licking his chops - one of our participants had a dog that is likely still chomping down on those leftover t-bones.

Our final visit took us to a restaurant with one of the most scenic views of the Arkansas River - Brave New off Cottondale in the Riverdale area - guests enjoyed coffee and were able to select from a number of decadent desserts, including creme brulee, cheese cake, strawberry shortcake and homemade ice creams.  Although I am a fan of all the above, I just had to go for the White Russian ice cream and I was not disappointed.

Alas, all good things must come to an end - it was back on the bus where the finale featured a parting gift, a cake truffle, provided for each guest, compliments of  A Cake for You by Tracie, www.ACakeForYoubyTracie.com .  And they were the bomb!!! Thanks, Tracie.  

As a result of last night's bonding over a series of shared meals, the group decided to form a supper club - dubbing Rolling in the Rock - they plan to schedule similar dining experiences with each other in the near future.

Based on the kind and thoughtful comments by the contest winners, the Little Rock Dining Tour was a tasty success!  Can't wait to see what seconds are like!!! LOL.  It can't be too soon, though, I've got some jogging to do.  Thanks again, everyone and until next time -

Bon Appetit

 Pamela