Sunday, August 29, 2010

Have a favorite sports bar and grill in your neighborhood?

Looking for the best neighborhood eateries where you can get good food and catch your favorite team on the tube at the same time. If you have one you want to recommend - leave me a note below in the comment section. Just click on the envelope.




Until next time,

Bon Appetit

Pamela

Saturday, August 28, 2010

Shake's Frozen Custard


It tastes just like ice cream but the distinction between frozen custard and it's frozen counterparts - egg yolks. Shake's, located behind Corky's off Bowman and Chenal Parkway, is a drive-thru style dessert shop. The creamery did away with speaker boxes and you drive right up to the window to place your order in keeping with its ode to the 50's and 60's. For those of you who are familiar - it used to be Shakey's but changed the name for trademark purposes.
Shake's is home to the "Concrete" - frozen custard blended with your choice of toppings. My new favorite is the Pineapple Upside Down Cake (Vanilla Custard with Cake, Pineapple and Coconut Syrup). It is very light and refreshing. The shop only sells vanilla and chocolate custard but has dozens of toppings which include some pre-determined chilled concoctions or you can create your own - then, the possibilities become endless. One of their secrets - both chocolate and vanilla flavored custards have a "vanilla base" They add literal shots of Madagascar Vanilla with a syringe into the mixtures before they're frozen. I didn't know that there were four main regions where you get the vanilla bean: Madagascar ( in Africa) and Indonesia , where 90% of it is derived, followed by Mexico and Tahiti. (We all learned something new, didn't we?)
Recenlty added to the Shake's menu - customized cakes which can be made to order just like your favorite sundae, concrete or shake. Price range for cakes $25-29. General price range for a junior serving to a banana split $2-6.
Shake's also offers in-store discounts and paperless coupons. The shop has a computer similar to an ipod where you register by inputting your information; when you order, the computer will tell the clerk to which special deals you're entitled. http://www.shakesfrozencustard.com/
Closed only 3 days a year - Thanksgiving, Christmas and Easter
Monday -Thursday 11 am - 11 pm
Friday-Saturday 11 am - 11:30 pm
Sunday 12 pm - 11 pm

Friday, August 27, 2010

Winners of this week's trivia question

Congrats to the winners of this week's trivia question. There are 2 - Carina Chandler and Debra Harrison. Thanks to Shake's Frozen Custard, they get custom custard cake, a gift card and a t-shirt!
Be sure to watch next week for your chance to win.

Wednesday, August 25, 2010

Shake's Frozen Custard - Trivia Question

It's a first - two give-aways today. You know you want to sample that Pineapple Upside Down Cake - but Shake's has thrown in some extras - here's how you win. Answer the following trivia question in the comment section below!






Remember to please leave your contact information - we will not post it but use it to contact you, should you win.
All correct answers with contact information will be entered in a drawing to win gift certificates for two to Shake's Frozen Custard, 12011 Westhaven, Little Rock (Behind Corky's off Bowman dn Chenal Parkway) . But, remember, this week, we have two separate give-aways!!! The drawing takes place tomorrow on MidDay Arkansas - show starts at 11:30 a.m.



Trivia Question:

This is a Bopper - What's in it?

Thursday, August 19, 2010

Congrats to Winner of Gift Certificates to Scoops

Congratulations to this week's winner of the trivia question.
Theresa Key gets gift certificates for 4 cones at Scoops.

She correctly answered the question: What's unique or different about the vanilla Bill McCrystyn uses for his ice cream -


Theresa Key Imported Madagascar vanilla

Wednesday, August 18, 2010

A Really Cool Spot in Hot Springs - Scoops




If you're looking for the perfect summer time treat, boy do I have a place to recommend to you! Thanks to KATV viewer Allen Rhein - I found out about Scoops Homemade Ice Cream 4043 Central Avenue.




Scoops offer 24 varieties of slow-churn ice cream with creative flavors like Turtle Tracks - a caramel-based delight with fudge, pecans, and chocolate chips swirled in. Owner Bill McCrystyn refers to it as being akin to a turbo-charged Snickers bar.
Banana - made with 5 pounds of bananas and a little extra dash of vanilla to give it a pudding flavor.
Peppermint that actually tastes like a candy cane; Maple Walnut - McCrystyn says he only uses nuts from growers and doesn't get them wholesale; and Cafe Latte, made with espresso. My personal favorite was the Strawberry Cheese cake with bits of graham cracker crust. Hmmmhmmm.
Scoops has been in business for 8 years and has quite a devoted following - in the Spa City and beyond. On the day we visited, met some folks from Mississippi who had been in town a week and had already returned to the ice cream parlor 3-4 times. One said, "This is the best ice cream that I have ever put in my mouth." And here's where the interview took a humorous turn. (The group was actually staying a a church member's time share - so this will help you appreciate the comment) She said, "We thank the good Lord, He's good all the time and this is even better. Well, I don't mean better than the Lord." I followed up, "I get it, you got a double dose of good stuff!"
Scoops calls its banana splits the Trough. One look at the photo above and you understand why - soft-ball sized scoops of the creamy confection. The man who scarfed it down says it was serving as his breakfast, lunch and dinner that day!!!!!
Anyway, Scoops is located in the same strip mall as the Radio Shack just down the street from Wal-Mart. Scoops aren't cheap but as I told you, they are ample 6 1/2 - 7 ounces. It's must try on your next Spa City visit. Oh, by the way, they also do smoothies, shakes, malts, sundaes and cones.
Thanks again Allen for the tip. If anyone visits, let me know what you think.
(501) 525-3119
Hours Sun-Thur 12 pm - 10 pm
Fri - Sat 12 pm - 11 pm

Answer Trivia Question for Free Scoop at Scoops in Hot Springs

Answer Trivia Question Listed Below Under Comment Section





Remember to please leave your contact information - we will not post it but use it to contact you, should you win.
All correct answers with contact information will be entered in a drawing to win gift certificates for two to Scoops in Hot Springs, 4043 Central Avenue, Suite B. The drawing takes place tomorrow on MidDay Arkansas - show starts at 11:30 a.m.





Triva Question:
Bill McCrystn says he doesn't use ordinary vanilla - what so special about his?

Monday, August 16, 2010


Shreveport and Herby K's - Here We Come

Herby K's
1833 Pierre Ave
Shreveport, LA
(318) 424-2724

If your travels ever take you to Shreveport, Louisiana - I have found a must-try in Herby K's. You know it has to be pretty special if it's been around for almost 75 years. The founder passed away years ago, but his granddaughter, Angela Doe, and her husband are carrying on the family legacy and great Southern Seafood tradition. The signature sandwich is the Shrimp Buster - jumbo shrimp that has been butterflied, pounded flat, breaded, fried in a special batter and served on a toasted, buttered French role - served with a special cocktail sauce - they make in-house.
That shrimp was the bomb - so was their boiled variety which also came jumbo style and derived its unique flavor from being cooked in beer. Who knew? Their gumbo, a decades-old, closely guarded family recipe, was a nice dark roux base - the seafood variety chock full of shrimp and oysters... and my personal favorite - the chicken and sausage mix full of okra not boiled but fried, battered with their special seasoning. The crawfish etoufee was a delight - not thick and overpowering but a nice creamy gravy for the sauce. Another treat is the jumbo lump crab salad topped with a spinach marinade (pesto like mixture with spinach, parsley, garlic, olive oil, lemon juice and spices; served on a bed of mixed greens with sliced cherry tomatoes.
Coupled with the restaurant's amazing family recipes - the preserved ambiance - almost just as it was in 1936. The "stuff"" on the counters and lining the shelves - gives it a museum-esque like appearance. Customers have donated the bottles, fans, cans and what-nots over the years and owners leave them just like they got them so customers always have a unique connection to the eatery. Also fascinating - the restaurant got its start as back-in-the-day kind of convenience store - Herby K, a budding entrepreneur, sold tobacco and adult beverages to men working on the nearby railroad and soon expanded his operations to a full service restaurant. He could even possibly be credited with operating the first car-hop type service because in those day's customers could pull up to the front of the business and have their meal and drink delivered to them on a tray.
The restaurant is so old-school, the bathroom is outside - not to worry - not an "out-house" but connected to the "side" of the building. There are few bar stools for seating, a couple of tables and a couple of booths inside the dining room... but in recent years, owners expanded the patio area - covering it, connecting it to the old family home next door and even designing a special netting to preserve the literal family trees.
The family is great - Angela, a former Veterinarian student, and her husband, moved back 4-years ago to help her mom run the family business. Rachael Bean - Angela's sister, is an actress who lives in New Orleans (Shreveport is becoming the LA - Los Angeles - of the South) but comes home often. ( She says as the kid sister, she was an excellent silverware wrapper -
Click on link to Herby's website for more information about the restaurant, hours, menu and price. You'll Definitely worth the visit!!!!
www.herbyks.net/Herby_Ks_Home_original.html


Arkansas's Chocolate Turtle Shop


Maxine "Mama Max" Milner

Mama Max's Diner (Home of Arkansas's Chocolate Turtles)
(Yes, she ships candy or you can pick it up in the store. If you want a large quantity, best to call and order the day before )
1102 West Main, Prescott, AR
870-887-5005
Hours: Closed Monday and Tuesday
Wednesday - Saturday 10 am - 8 pm
Sunday 10 am - 6 pm
Website: None at this time
maps.google.com/maps

Thursday, August 12, 2010

More Photos from Orange Leaf Self-Serve Frozen Yogurt


This latest addition to the fro-yo scene found in the Pleasant Ridge Shopping Center, 11525 Cantrell, Little Rock.


Hours: 11 am - 11 pm 7 days a week

(501) 501-227-4522







Orange Leaf Self-Serve Frozen Yogurt is the newest game in town. Kids go crazy for it because, according to this overwhelming response, they can "do it themselves."

The way it works: you go to the back of the store and pick up your own cup, serve yourself, selecting from 16 choices of yogurt in the non-fat, non-dairy and low-fat options- it's 24 flavors if you include the twist. Then you head to the "bonanza" of toppings bar - nearly 50 from which to choose: candy, cookies, fruit, nuts and cereal. Be careful on how much you load up because the cups are rather sizeable so you can easily go from a $3-4 cup to a $7 cup and you pay by weight - 45-cents an ounce.


My personal favorite - the Red Velvet Cake. However, Red Velvet is one of the flavors that they swap with other cake flavors.


General Manager Katie Anderson says be sure to check the yogurt shop's Facebook page or follow her on twitter - that's where she usually doles out specials of the day. For that matter, be sure to check out and become a fan of my Facebook page, Pam's Picks - between here and there I'll keep you up to date on the latest food happenings. :) When you try Orange Leaf, let me know what you think.

Until next time,

Bon Appetit



http://www.orangeleafyogurt.com/locations.php


View Larger Map'>http://
View Larger Map


Winner of Gift Certificate to Orange Leaf



The following were posts from the blog - entering responses this way so no personal information is divulged. Thanks to participants. Names with correct answers to our trivia question entered in a drawing for an Orange Leaf gift card this am on MidDay. Congratulations to Michael Coley of Little Rock. Question: Name the cereal general manager Katie Anderson says was popular at Orange Leaf. Answer: Cinnamon Toast Crunch. Thanks to all who participated and please stay tuned for another chance to win next week. It;s another one you definitely don't want to miss.
Pam




Entries




I left an answer with my name and email but I'm not sure what you need for contact info Shannon Sadler Benton By Anonymous on Free Yogurt at Orange Leaf at 8:38 AM


It's Cinnamon Toast Crunch, a favorite at our house. Shannon Sadler
By Anonymous on Free Yogurt at Orange Leaf at 8:27 AM



Winner: Cinnamon Toast Crunch Ln Little RockBy Michael Coley on Free Yogurt at Orange Leaf on 8/11/10




Karen Stewart :The cereal topping is cinnamon toast crunch
By Anonymous on Free Yogurt at Orange Leaf on 8/11/10



the answer is cinnamon toast crunch
By Anonymous on Free Yogurt at Orange Leaf on 8/11/10



Answer: Cinnamon Toast Crunch Jennifer Rood

Wednesday, August 11, 2010

Free Yogurt at Orange Leaf

Remember to please leave your contact information - we will not post it but use it to contact you, should you win. All correct answers with contact information will be entered in a drawing to win a gift certificate for two to Orange Leaf Frozen Yogurt, Pleasant Ridge Shopping Center, 11525 Cantrell, Little Rock.

The drawing takes place tomorrow on MidDay Arkansas - show starts at 11:30 a.m.



Triva Question:

Name the cereal General Manager Katie Anderson says is a popular topping.

Monday, August 9, 2010

FYI: Taste of North Little Rock...Coming soon


The17th Annual North Little Rock Chamber of Commerce Taste of the Town will be held on Thursday, September 23rd from 5:30pm-7:30pm at Verizon Arena in North Little Rock. The event will be presented by Pulaski Technical College.
Taste of the Town gives the business community an opportunity to sample the “Tastes” that our region has to offer. Taste of the Town has become one of the area’s leading business networking events with over 1,200 attendees and more than 30 local restaurants, caterers and drink distributors participating.
Tickets are $15 in advance and can be picked up at the Chamber office or purchased at the door for $20.
For more information, contact the North Little Rock Chamber of Commerce at (501) 372-5959. Additional information can also be found at www.nlrtasteofthetown.com.

Thursday, August 5, 2010

When in Dallas....Food for Thought





Next time you're in D-town - check out Campisi's for Italian
(Must have crab claws in garlic butter and any of their amazing pizzas)






And the Pappadeaux Chain has delicious seafood.
(Stuffed Shrimp - amazing )


Answers to Trivia Question

The following were posts from the blog - entering responses this way so no personal information is divulged. Thanks to participants. Names with correct answer will be entered for a drawing for a Za Za gift certificate this am on MidDay. Good Luck. Oh, the correct answer is "90% of gelato made with powdered mix in America, according to Scott McGehee. Stay tuned for another chance to win next week.
Pam


Entries


Majority of gelato in America is made with a powdered mix!

:)

oh, pam, i try to catch your segment, but i don't always... i've recently become vegetarian(a little over 4 months ago), do you know of any great vegetarian restaurants, or restaurants with great vegetarian options on their menu? Now, mind you, by NO MEANS am i vegan, i still can't get away from cheese & eggs.

thanks!
ebony blevins



milk
april boram


Most Gelato is made from a powdered mix. But not at ZaZa's!
It tastes as great as it looks.
Lyn Blansett

powder mixes
Kim Solomon
Cabot

Wednesday, August 4, 2010

Going Gaga for Za Za - Gelato/Sorbeto


Free Gift Certificate for two to Za Za

Remember to please leave your contact information - we will not post it but use it to contact you, should you win. All correct answers with contact information will be entered in a drawing to win a gift certificate for two to Za Za, 5600 Kavanaugh.

The drawing takes place tomorrow on MidDay Arkansas - show starts at 11:30 a.m.






Triva Question:


From what does Scott McGehee say the majority of gelato in America is made?

Back off the Road this Week


Time for this week's Pam's Picks - did you miss your chances to win lunch or dinner for two while we were on the road? This month, we're featuring frozen treats - timely, don't you think? :) I know, you say that's an understatement!

Here's the deal, I already have a couple of places in mind - but am open to suggestions, especially around the Central Arkansas area - so if you know of anyplace that makes their frozen desserts in-house, leave me a note. Also, if you've got a favorite family recipe for a frozen treat you'd like to share, like homemade ice cream, leave it on the blog and we'll post it.

Meantime, be sure to tune in today on Live at Five for your chance to win.

Sunday, August 1, 2010

More James at the Mill Pics





What's for Breakfast in Houston, Texas That Is




Recently visited the Breakfast Klub on Travis Street in Houston. (Spent my formative years in Houston and graduated from high school there.) My mom, who still lives in Houston, has long been bragging about going to the "Breakfast Klub" so I wanted to see what all the "hype" was about. She told me you have to get there early or there's a long line. I thought she was kidding. We went around 8 am on a Saturday and incredibly, just missed the crowd. Could there be anything worth standing in line for - outside on an extremely warm morning? Apparently Houstonians and some of their special guests think so.

The restaurant is known for its chicken wings and waffles combination, which I must admit was tasty, but I still don't know about that standing in line stuff. The biscuits were of the melt-in-your mouth variety and I believe I would take the biscuits over the waffles. Perhaps, it's more the novelty of it. I won't say I didn't enjoy the food... just still not convinced I'd wait outside in a line for it. But thank goodness for the restaurant - many of its regulars will and do.

I will say worth checking out for yourself - quaint little farmers market right next door and by quaint, I mean interesting, but small. Let me know if you've been to the "Klub."

Pam's Picks on the Road - Last Stop: James at the Mill, Johnson, Arkansas











Had the best time in July finding places I thought might be of interest to you - if you were ever in the "neighborhood". One viewer questioned why I had to go "all the way" outside Arkansas to find great places to eat. On the one hand, he's right - you really don't need to leave the state to find some place awesome to eat. However, the purpose was to introduce you to some new spots - in the event you found yourself in/near those areas, you would have a point of reference and a good idea of at least one place you might want to try.




Having said that - one of my all-time favorites is actually right here in Arkansas, albeit, the northwest part of the state in Johnson, just up I-540 North, not far from the U-of-A in Fayetteville. From the service to the food - I don't even have the adjectives to adequately describe this hidden jewel, James at the Mill, 3906 Greathouse Springs Road. (479) 443-1400




Miles James is the owner/chef - he started James at the Mill nearly 16-years ago with his late father-in-law, James Lambeth, an architect. (Actually - guess you could call Miles an architect of sorts, too. He was considering a career in building design at the U-of-A but soon became an architect of food.)




James at the Mill adjoins the Inn at the Mill - the renovated mill from the 1800's - which has elegant suites and luxury accomodations. The added bonus, if you stay at the Inn, you get free breakfast and a complimentary wine/cheese offering in the evening. (The rooms are nicely appointed with fine linens- would love to get to stay in one next time I get an all-nighter in Fayetteville). The honeymoon, Lambeth and Frank Lloyd Wright suites were my favorites. BTW, yes this is the late Frank Lloyd Wright of noted architectural fame. His suite features furniture from his personal collection and a room crafted from South Arkansas cypress.

I digress - I have eaten at the restaurant on several occasions and while what Miles refers to as an Ozark Plateau Cuisine menu features some incredible choices with a general price range between $20-30 plus - I prefer the Chef's tasting menu because it gives you a good idea of the range of culinary talents on display. Walt (don't know his last name) was busy prepping the pork with a 5-spice Chinese Rub while Levi Rush was making some mean gnocchi (potato dumplings) that literally melted in your mouth. The ultimate compliment was having Chef Miles himself, manuever around his open kitchen and personally whipping me up his specialities. My first course, mac and cheese with truffle oil topped with a crispy portabello mushroom and the restaurant's signature skewer - a french inspired offering - two thin slices of potato with a bit of parsley stuffed between them, pressed together, baked and attached to a toothpick. (It almost gives the potato the illusion of being see-through). That dish followed by asparagus risotto (made from Arkansas asparagus and rice); gnocchi with pearl onions and green peas and a sliver of proscuitto; sliced duck breast and capped with an incredible dessert - a trio of sorbet, raspberry, blackberry and strawberry topped with some fancy but delectable wafers and cookies, resting on a bed of fresh fruit.


If that doesn't make you hungry, I don't know what will. Perfect date place, perfect anytime place! If you're really trying to impress that special someone, request the wine cellar - there's a beautiful table for two that is heated with lamps underneath it. Looking for a place in Arkansas with the WOW factor - James at the Mill. http://http//www.jamesatthemill.com/. Reservations recommended. Dinner only. A separate dining area for private parties also available.