Maddie's Place - 1615 Rebsamen Park Road - Thurs 11 am - 9 pm   

Inexpensive to Moderate

Kids Menu Available

Website:  maddiesplacelr.com

                                                                       MADDIE'S UPDATE

I jokingly  told chef/owner Brian Deloney I was going to call him "the sauce man" because of the incredible concoctions coming out of the kitchen at Maddie's Place.  A Cajun-Creole restaurant, he named after his now 14-month-old daughter, Madelyn.  To be fair, he name the bar in honor of Austin - Maddie's twin brother. 

I love how Deloney is working his way to local culinary fame.  After sampling his unique recipes, I was wondering where this food guru had come from.  He's a native Little 'Rockian" who earned his title from the Culinary School of New York... but he's worked in some of the city's best restaurants and under famed chef Emeril Lagasse - in New Orleans and Las Vegas (Nola and Delmonico respectively).  He told me he loves owning/managing a restaurant the size of Maddie's (70 seats inside, 25 on the patio) because it allows him to provide his own personal touch and to make sure everything that comes out of his kitchen has his seal of approval.

Not all of Deloney's recipes are spicy but they are packed full of flavor... on purpose.  That's what he says Cajun-Creole food is all about - the flavor and Deloney likes to layer his.  His customers apparently love what he does, even some repeaters from     "Nawlins' ' - they say Maddie's offerings about as authentic as they come. 

Maddie's provides a quaint atmosphere, decorated with an eclectic mix of photos and Cajun-Creole-themed memorabilia,  located on so-called restaurant row on Rebsamen Park, in a building that once housed previous eateries that didn't survive.  But Deloney and his fans believe they've found the winning recipe with his sauces and spices - all made in house.  He features a "Worcestershire" that's incredible and his tomato glaze which compliments his pan-cooked pork loin will have you licking your chops.  Other crowd favorites include shrimp and grits, fried green tomatoes topped with lump crab and an amazing remo

What truly surprised me was the "southern" infusion... Deloney uses hamhocks (you have to really have to have a southern heritage to know about this old-school pork delicacy :) ) to flavor many of his dishes and offers navy beans, greens (which are prepared sweet and spicy - I happened to enjoy them but I am a big greens fan!) and butter beans as just a few of the sides. 

I don't even know the adjectives to describe the desserts!!!!  Realizing he'd need something equally special to complement an amazing he meal, Deloney enlisted the help on long-time pastry chef and friend Gigi Gabriel (the two previously worked together  at the Capital Hotel).  She's delivering some of the most mouth-watering desserts I've ever experienced:  Creme brulee; a moist bread pudding with a lemon zest and topped with a rum sauce; and a pecan pie with a creamy filling and homemade crust - to name a few - ABSOLUTELY AMAZING!!!!  I'm still thinking about that pecan pie. ( I wish I hadn't shared my slice, now :( - I was trying to exercise portion control. 

If you are a person who enjoys experiencing flavor, then Maddie's is the place for you.  Maddie's also offers a kid's menu. 

Maddie's offers continuous dining - hours of operation are:  Tuesday - Thursday 11 am - 9 pm; Friday - Saturday 11 am - 10 pm; Inexpensive to Moderate - up to $15.

Take-out is available.  For your convenience the phone is (501) 660-4040; Address:  1615 Rebsamen Park Road, Little Rock.

Credit Cards Accepted

Website:  http://maddiesplacelr.com/Home.html