We have no shortage of food news throughout Arkansas, so each week, we’ll be providing you with a snapshot of the goings-on inside the culinary world, from events to specials to restaurant openings to awards. Do you have news to share? Please email our food editor, Kevin Shalin, at [email protected]
AY broke some big news coming out of Saline County this week. Valhalla Restaurant & Axe Throwing was sold to next-door neighbors Craig Roe and Heather Baber-Roe, owners of Baja Grill.
Agāsi 7: Rooftop Bar and Kitchen in downtown Little Rock is reportedly reopening this week. The popular place to eat and drink with a view closed due to the pandemic in Oct. 2020.
It’s that time of year again; as soon as the coffee shops start serving pumpkin spice java, you can be sure that fall-related festivals of all varieties will shortly follow. We’ve got quite a few on the docket this week.
The second-annual Oktoberfest by Fassler Hall and Rusty Tractor Vineyards is on Sunday, Sept. 26, from 12 to 6 p.m. The venue is the Sunset Lodge at Rusty Tractor Vineyards.
Little Rocktoberfest is also this weekend. This iteration will take place at War Memorial Stadium in Little Rock on Saturday, Sept. 25, from 6 to 9 p.m.
The Faulkner County Fair is back this week. The fair runs from Sept. 21 to 25 at the Conway Expo Center.
The weekly St. Joseph Farm Stand continues this weekend. Every Saturday, the event features fresh baked goods, local meats and produce.
Skinny J’s in Conway is hosting a “Painter’s Choice” night on Tuesday, promising plenty of “friends, fall and football.” Kick off your fall decorating in style by personalizing pieces from their painter’s choice options: sunflower, pumpkin of choice or gameday signs/door hangers. Painting starts at 6 p.m. in the private party room.
Justin Moore’s Night to be GREAT 2021 is back on for its eighth annual event. This year’s performance will take place on Oct. 7 outside the Boys & Girls Clubs of Saline County, pairing good food and good music with a good cause. Proceeds benefit the organization.
AY president and publisher Heather Baker is celebrating a birthday this Friday. This week, the AY staff enjoyed a delicious cake from Dee’s Delightful Desserts to celebrate the boss’ special day.
Speaking of food-related things we’ve been up to, Kevin Shalin, food editor, recently ranked some of his favorites from around the Little Rock area. Check out his top 10 cheeseburgers here and his top 20 restaurant bars here.
READ MORE: Recipe Monday: Creamy Beef Taco Soup