My Top 10 Dishes in May

Each month, I will be recapping my favorite food from restaurants in Little Rock and around Arkansas.

 

Even though these dishes are listed in ranking order, I consider all of them ones I would highly recommend. With that said, here are my top 10 dishes in May.

10. Strawberry Cheesecake Crepe at A Little Crêpesy

A Little Crêpesy and Crepe Coop have joined forces over the past several weeks and are cranking out some fantastic crêpes. Keep an eye out for the Strawberry Cheesecake with local strawberries (when available), graham crackers and cream cheese.

9. Lamb Stew at Trio’s

Lamb isn’t easy to find in Little Rock restaurants, and while Trio’s does have it pop on-and-off of its rotating seasonal menu, this stew was actually from one of their virtual wine dinners. Tender chunks of lamb paired well with the peas, carrots, green beans and potatoes, and it was all served over a bed of sinfully buttery, cream-laden polenta.

8. Cuban Naked Burrito at Baja Grill

Ditch the tortilla in favor of Baja Grill’s Cuban Naked Burrito. This tasty bowl of smoked, pulled pork, slaw, rice, black beans, queso, avocado and cilantro is a wonderful balance of sweet, sour and salty flavors. Ask for the acid sauce to spice it up a notch.

7. Shrimp Burrito at El Palenque

Hey, I’ve got nothing against tortillas, as evident by my inclusion of El Palenque’s Shrimp Burrito, a soda can-sized offering stuffed with shrimp, rice, refried beans, sour cream and lettuce. The sizable shrimp are what separate this burrito from all the rest.

6. Brisket Burgers at Count Porkula

The rising cost of beef didn’t stop me from trying Count Porkula’s take-and-grill Burger Pack, highlighted by four seasoned, fresh-ground prime brisket patties. You also get buns, lettuce, grilled onions, strips of bacon and a spicy mayonnaise. Add your own cheese, grill for 5-6 minutes per side and instantly become the hit of the party.

5. Strawberry Shortcake at Petit Jean Coffeehouse

If you are heading to Petit Jean State Park, make sure to stop at the new Petit Jean Coffeehouse. I did a few weeks ago and got myself an iced Airship Coffee and a delightful Strawberry Shortcake. What a dessert. The local strawberries reigned supreme, but it was the overall combination of the soft yellow cake and made-to-order whipped cream that really made the difference.

4. Road Hog Potatoes at Suttle’s Road Hog BBQ

The barbecue at Suttle’s is unquestionably worth the drive from Little Rock, but the one item that will get you to jump into the car is the Road Hog Potatoes. This small tub of mashed potatoes comes mixed with cheddar cheese and topped with Suttle’s signature rub.

3. Curry Chicken Salad at The Root

Lovers of The Root already know about their Curry Chicken Salad, but if you are new to the game, head over and get some via their curbside market. It is laced with shreds of local chicken and carrots, along with a heavy hand of curry, and is best eaten on some toasted white bread or over mixed greens.

2. Crazy Lover Roll at Kemuri

I love Kemuri and think it is one of our most consistent restaurants in town. Any of their sushi is fantastic, but I am particularly fond of the Crazy Lover Roll, which comes with tempura shrimp, crab stick, avocado, spicy tuna, blue crab and crunchies. Just about every ingredient in the restaurant is on this roll, and that makes me happy.

1. Tandoori Spiced Fried Chicken Sandwich at Ciao Baci

I am on record as saying Ciao Baci’s cheeseburger is the best in Little Rock. And I stand by it. But here’s the thing, this Tandoori Spiced Fried Chicken Sandwich might be every bit as good. The Indian-spiced fried chicken breast, a play on Nashville Hot Chicken, is massive and comes with a side of fries.

 

READ MORE: 10 Great Spots for Takeout in Little Rock