At first thought, guys may be a little reluctant when they hear or see "small" bites of anything, especially, if they're "meat and potatoes men."  But I have to tell you, don't say no before you've tried Capi's.  The new west Little Rock eaterie in the Pleasant Ridge Shopping Center on Cantrell occupies the space once held by the now defunct Imagine Restaurant.  But co-owner and executive chef, Capi Peck, of the Little Rock Peck dynasty, is known for innovation... both in the kitchen and out. 

This week, I wanted to do an eco-friendly restaurant to tie in with the Earth Day theme... but I also was looking for a place that had a menu you'd enjoy.  I found all of that and more in Capi's.  The eclectic menu features the small portions in bowls or plates meant for sharing with friends.  So... you might have an order of "queso fundido" (fancy name for Capi's cheese dip consisiting of jack and goat cheeses topped with a poblano vinaigrette) served with blue and green jalapeno tortilla chips, while your friend might have the Carmen Miranda ( I just love the names of the dishes) - tequila and citrus marinated grilled chicken; and yet another friend at table orders  Gingered Tuna Lanai - seared Ahi Tuna encrusted with sesame seeds and served with a pineapple salsa.   You then all have one big tasting-fest, sharing your dishes.  You'll get a little bit of this and that when you do.The sampling idea also gives you a chance to try lots of things on the menu in smaller portions... without breaking the bank (if you get enough of the small plates, they can be pricey) and without having to forgo quality and taste. 

Capi's is part of a group of restaurants that are members of the Arkansas Green Restaurant Alliance.  They are dedicated to eco-friendly practices which include but aren't limited to using bio-degradable take-out carriers and utensils.  Capi's sends out its grease for recycling - it ends up as biofuel... and uses enviromentally-friendly cleaning solutions.  So committed to preservation, they've saved a tree from the chopping block and affectionately dubbed it "Stella" - you can't miss her, she towers over the bar.

Capi's dessert offerings are vast... and since they share the same pastry chef as Trio's (Capi Peck's brother) you'll find some of the same favorites, the raspberry cream pie, creme brulee and strawberry shortcake (when the fresh Arkansas strawberries are in season). 

Obviously, the restaurant bears the name of the co-owner but she says it's just because "Capi" had a nicer ring to it than calling it "Brents" (Brent Peterson is her partner).

Capi's features a special after 5 menu and soon plans to offer tequila and wine flights (small servings) so patrons can sample a variety.  Happy hour runs all day Monday - Tuesday.  And there's a reverse happy hour from 9 - 11 pm Friday - Saturday Nights.  Although kids are welcome, in my opinion, Capi's menu is more suited for adults.  Typically, moderately priced, depending on the number of tapas dishes you get, it can add up and quickly become expensive. 

Capi's hours of operation are Monday - Thursday, 11am - 10 pm and 11 am - 11 pm Friday - Saturday.  Address:  11525 Cantrell Road, Pleasant Ridge Town Center, Little Rock  Phone Number:  (501) 225-9600

Website:  capisrestaurant.com