At many restaurants, appetizers are an afterthought. They can be fairly uniform and neglected in the wrong hands. However, some restaurants go above-and-beyond with appetizers, turning them into the stars of the culinary experience.

 

Throughout AY About You Magazine’s Appetizer Bucket List tour, Central Arkansas restaurants have shown their creativity when it comes to appetizers. One restaurant, though, is elevating appetizers even further.

Heather Baker and Carmen Rose

Located in the Hillcrest neighborhood of Little Rock, Kemuri has been serving up delicious sushi but they have also been quietly revolutionizing how appetizers are served. AY Publisher Heather Baker and KARK host Carmen Rose are heading to Kemuri Restaurant to find out how they are changing the appetizer game.

 

Even before they step inside the restaurant, both Baker and Rose are brimming with excitement and anticipation for the coming meal.

“We are excited. I’m so excited about that dragon egg,” Baker says.

“I’m ready to find out what this is all about and get into some sushi and seafood,” Rose says.

And they should be excited. Kemuri’s staff has prepared an unqualified feast for the pair. There is a table laden with dragon eggs, or avocados stuffed with blue crab and tempura shrimp; baby back ribs with ponzu sauce, bacon-wrapped mushrooms, pork belly, salmon, tuna and more.

Upon seeing all of the food laid out, Baker immediately declares that it is a “ridiculous” spread – a compliment for sure – and “amazing.”

“This is next level. We literally have everything you could possible imagine here on the menu,” Rose says.

Both take a moment to admire the presentation of the food. There are foods arranged like flowers with vibrant colors and more to excite the visual senses. But they’re here to eat!

Baker and Rose dive in, munching on dragon eggs, pork belly, different foods served on sticks and more.

 

“There is literally somebody here,” Rose says. “Vegan…vegetarian, pescatarian, meat lover.”

Kemuri is a can’t-miss culinary destination, combining high-quality food with unmatched atmosphere. “This is amazing food. We’re in Hillcrest. You’ve got to come down – you’ve got to have a date night, a girl’s night,” Baker says.

 

Find out where Baker and Rose are heading next week by tuning in on Wednesday.

READ MORE: Less is More – Appetizer Bucket List