Burger Joint of the Week: The Back Forty.

While I was up in North Central Arkansas working this past month, I made a lot of stops here and there. Most of them were spur of the moment deals or specific places to visit while on assignment. The one place I had to go, though, was The Back Forty.

Bigger, Better, Best: Burger Battle at Riverfest.

Planning to head out for Arkansas’s largest music festival? There’s more to enjoy this year, including a head-to-head challenge between some of the state’s best burger makers. Kat Robinson shares the skinny on the Amstel Light Best Burger in Arkansas Competition.

The winning burgers on the grill.

UPDATE:  The winner of this year's contest is Little Rock's Big Orange.  Utilizing an entirely Arkansas-sourced burger, the burger maker managed to pull out a win against some stiff competition.  Congratulations!

A cross section of Big Orange's winning entry, plus
pickled carrot.

I have often told individuals and audiences… I don’t know everything about Arkansas food yet. I can’t quite claim to have tried every pie, every breakfast, every sandwich in the state. But when it comes to burgers, I believe I’m the closest thing anyone has to an expert. My claims are substantial; I wrote about burgers at least once a week over a couple year span on Eat Arkansas: The Blog for Food Lovers with the Arkansas Times, I was the southern burger correspondent for Serious Eats and I managed to knock out this piece on the 50 best burgers I tried just in the year 2011. Fat, smashed, grilled, charbroiled, baked (yes, baked!), buttered, slathered in mustard, slapped between grilled cheese sandwiches or even deep fried, there are few burgers I’ve met that I haven’t liked and enjoyed and shared with you.

Johnny Burger from Johnny B's.

This is part of the reason I’m excited about Riverfest. This year, Amstel Light is offering up a Best Burger in Arkansas competition on Saturday, May 24th on the grounds of Heifer International. It’s in the Arkansas Democrat Gazette Family Free Zone – which is outside the armband area of the festival – and admission and tasting is just $5.

Arkansas Burger from The Hive at 21c.

Now, you may be wondering why I’m so concerned about this. Has to do with the title being offered. See, the Arkansas Democrat Gazette is poised to name the winner of this competition as having “Arkansas’s Best Burger.” I might have something to say about that.

The Humburger at Hamburger Station.

See, I’ve been everywhere in the state looking for good burgers, and some of the best just aren’t on this list. Such as Matt McClure’s Arkansas Burger from The Hive at 21c. Matt’s amazing blend of briskety beef, pimento cheese, homemade pickles and sweet pepper relish on a housemade bun could be the best gourmet burger in the state – and it’s completely unheralded, thanks to all the other amazing things this James Beard-award nominated chef is delivering at his museum-housed restaurant.

Or the humble Humburger, the mustard-and-onion combined greasebomb served up over the ages at the venerable yet tiny Hamburger Station along the railroad tracks in downtown Paragould.

The Herb Burger at Herb's
Creamland in Ashdown.

Or the deliciously spiced and served burger at the Old Tyme Burger Shop down in Texarkana… the classic smashy at Johnny B’s in El Dorado… the oversized monstrosity at JJ’s Café in Lake Village.

The Barnbuster at The Back Forty.

Could there be one that reaches the flame-broiled pinnacle of the sesame-seed studded Barnburner offered at The Back Forty in Mountain Home? Or one that comes close to the classic revived and shared at Feltner Brothers in Fayetteville? Could one even touch on the magnificence of Ed Walker’s famous Giant Cheeseburger, that five pounds of well-seasoned meat served family-style on a housemade bun with all those condiments on the side?

The Hubcap Burger at Cotham's Mercantile.

Could any entrant come close to the legendary Hubcap Burger so proudly presented to diners at Cotham’s Mercantile in Scott?

So many burgers -- hundreds of worthy possibilities all over The Natural State -- is it any wonder that there's been no definitive crown placed upon the brow of a master burgerslinger in Arkansas?

I could go on for days about magnificent morsels of beef on bread, with or without cheese, tied together with a range of condiments and vegetation… but I believe the better service to you is to share who’s participating in this challenge. Those valiant competitors:

The Maytag Blue Cheese Burger at Big Orange.

Big Orange. Yes, the quickly spreading Yellow Rockets Concept burger joint is putting its reputation up against others. I’m hoping for a Maytag Blue Burger from the place; I love the Maytag Blue cheese and the sweet pepper jelly, the butter leaf lettuce… dang, I am now hungry. Considering the dozen or so varieties available, who knows what will come from this famed eatery.

Café 42. You know, I’ve never had the burger at this restaurant that sits below the Clinton Presidential Library. I always have a sandwich or soup or the blue cheese cheesecake. So I’ll be excited to see what comes out of this pretty little place.

A cheeseburger at David's Burgers.

David’s Burgers. I’ve been glad to see the chain expand from the original CJ’s Butcher Boy Burgers. Okay, I know, I know – that’s family, not a franchise! But the idea is the same. A competitor coming into the fray who specializes in JUST hamburgers and fries may have a great edge over other entrants. My suggestion: pick up a few extra napkins and grab your burger tight. It might get a little messy.

EJ’s Eats and Drinks. This late competitor is a Little Rock standard, and I expect great things. Those third-of-a-pound ovoids smashed on the grill with that split top bun are so good, you can’t ever really find a table right off the bat at lunchtime. If EJ’s manages to sneak in some of its housemade barbecue spiced potato chips to the judges, they’ll take the prize.

Heifer Café. Wait, Heifer International has a café? Of course they do. Café@Heifer is a splendid River Market secret, with Grab & Go lunches and pastries and a decent delicious lunch selection that includes pizza, salads, sandwiches and a couple of burgers. The dark horse in this competition, it could be what puts the eatery on the map. I’m eager to see how they do.

Stratton’s Market. Let’s be honest – this is really Dugan’s Pub competing under the name of their attached grocery. And that’s awesome. Dugan’s has been making pretty dang good burgers since before they were Dugan’s. What? Oh, yeah, before Dugan’s those burgers were coming out of Markham Street Pub. How about one of those savory-saucy-soak the bun burgers?

There may be more competitors to come… and that’d be great. Sure, there’s a $500 on the line – but it’s that title that has me intrigued. Grill on, guys.

If you want to check this competition out, it’ll be held between 2:30 and 4:30 over there at the Arkansas Democrat Gazette Family Free Zone. Come hungry. Oh, and check out this site for all this information you’ll need to optimize your Riverfest experience.

And to see more photos of burgers, click here.

Photos from the competition:

12 Hours in Dinerland.

I’ve recently bemoaned the fact to my friends that Little Rock lacks a locally owned coffee shop that’s open 24 hours a day. I mean, yes, we have the chain operations and such, but we don’t have a local place that has its own soul. Other cities do -- big ones, yes. Little ones, too. And then there’s Fort Smith, which brings me to Benson’s.

I was working on assignments for a couple of my publications. It was late. We’d been run out of Joe’s Italian Restaurant, my friends Grav and David and I had been, after spending hours catching up together. We arrived around 10:30, picking up after parking our cars where we’d left off after boarding our vehicles and heading up Rogers Avenue. The lot was crowded but that was okay, there was parking next door. We walked right in and headed to the only free booth big enough for the three of us, back in the left-hand corner.

We were almost immediately met by a waitress with glasses of water, asking what we wanted. I needed coffee, and I got it, hot and black served up in a brown melamine mug with a white lining. Not an eyebrow was raised at the three of us chuckling away, talking about old friends and Doctor Who and places we’d travel. Come to think of it, we were actually quite normal.

I knew my Fort Smith trip was going to take me to Benson’s. I’d asked for recommendations on my Facebook fan page and two names came up repeatedly, Benson’s and Calico County. I just didn’t know it was going to happen that night. We were still stuffed from Joe’s and I kept thinking any moment now our party would break up and we’d all go home. But David and I see each other, what, maybe every other month at most. And Grav, well, he’d been away for years.

We weren’t the only ones catching up. There were a couple of girls at the bar who kept peppering the grill guy with questions. The other end of the restaurant was packed, all six booths, and the jukebox was howling country periodically. From time to time someone would swipe one of those little yellow signs on the counter and put it on their table. We were curious. On a run back to the restroom (we were, after all, drinking massive amounts of coffee) I caught a glimpse and laughed. I brought it back to the table to show the guys. It clearly said: OUT SMOKING. DO NOT CLEAR AREA. That was worthy of a photo.

Or two -- honestly, it was intriguing. I’d never seen that before in my life. Neither had Grav, and he went back a few days later and got a much better, much more artsy photo than I can manage with my little camera. But I digress.

Benson’s reminds me of my college days, spending time in a diner and pissing the night away while enjoying the company of friends. It got rowdy from time to time, but never too much, and there was always someone standing on the other side of the glass from us, lighting up. As we reminisced, the restaurant filled and emptied around us a couple of times, like the tide and the stages of the moon.

We got a little silly, of course. Nothing like a little shot of youthful memories to convince you of doing silly things, like photographing everything on your table -- salt shaker, coffee cup, silly signs. Our waitress just kept bringing that hot pot of coffee over and over again, never clucking her tongue at us. I’m sure she’s seen it all before.

We finally broke up about 1:30 that morning, having had one of those great seven hour conversations you don’t get many times in your life. We’d enjoyed it in the orange-and-brown interior of a kitsch loaded restaurant that smelled of grease and bread, and it had been fine.

But I had not accomplished my goal. I planned to come back after my usual 6 a.m. wake-up and return to the place. I hadn’t counted on the fact that I wasn’t used to staying up all night any more, and ended up sleeping until nearly eight. Then I had to update Eat Arkansas, answer some emails, get my ducks in a row. I winced when I saw the clock on the way out of my hotel room -- 10:34, the day already wasting away.

I knew I didn’t have to worry about missing breakfast, though. Benson’s offers its entire menu, 24 hours a day, seven days a week. When I once again darkened the doorway it was at the end of the breakfast rush, a little before lunch rush would begin, and I had my choice of places to sit. I decided to take one of the little two-person booths. I also knew I didn’t want coffee. I hadn’t drank that much coffee in ages, and my stomach ached from the abuse.

I did know what I wanted, though, and when my waitress came over I didn’t even have to look at the menu.

“What’ll you have, hon?”

“Chocolate milk. And sweet potato pancakes.”

“One, two or three?”

“Pardon?”

“Do you want one pancake, or two, or three?”

I thought for a moment, then decided to split the difference. “Short stack. Two.”

“All right! Won’t be long.”

She had a bounce to her step that didn’t seem probable, a lightness about her that revealed she liked her job more than she let on. She was the only one working, and though there were some seats open it was still hustling and bustling. I watched her dance on over and pass the ticket to the grill guy, then head over to the fridge and pour a glass of milk. Chocolate was added by bottle, and she left the long-handled teaspoon in the drink when she brought it to my table.

The crowd had changed. There were more professional sorts, some blue collar folks, They were here to grab a bite before heading somewhere to accomplish something. I’d been there a good 20 minutes before someone went and leaned on the jukebox and dialed up a tune. Heart’s Greatest Hits, I’m guessing, Barracuda followed by Crazy On You. There was a steady stream of customers who washed up to the register to pay up before sliding out through the foyer and into the real world.

I sipped my chocolate milk and took notes, listening to the hiss of bacon on the griddle and the shuffle of feet under booths. My waitress came back over with a bottle of syrup and eyed the camera. I nodded and smiled.

A few minutes later the restaurant was all but empty. The ebb and flow of customers had reached low tide, and except for one booth’s worth of people on the far side of the place and a couple of folks at the bar, it was quiet. I picked up my camera and took a few shots here and there.
The waitress looked back over at me. “What are you doing?” “Just taking some photos. It’s what I do.” “Well, all right then.” She left me alone and I found my way back to my seat. I jotted down a few things to remember for later. I looked up, and she was there with a big plate in hand. She slid it in front of me along with a metal ramekin of margarine and a packet of silverware. “Anything else I can get you?” “I’ll be sure to let you know,” I told her, absorbing the sight before me. It smelled like Thanksgiving. I could hear the shuffling of feet as another wave of customers hit the foyer ad entered the building, but I only had eyes for the two 8” rounds on my plate. They were more than pancake brown, they were ruddy and still somehow golden in their simplicity. I snapped a couple of shots, then contemplated the butter and syrup, adding a little and trying for that all-important establishing shot I always quest to achieve. The perfect round of margarine with a glistening crown of maple syrup from the provided squeeze bottle made a picture too good not to tease the tummy. And I kid you not, it was difficult. It was very hard for me not to just dig in. But dear readers, that’s the sort of thing I do for you. After all, what good would it be to tell you about these pancakes without a photographic representation to share? I even turned up the edge at one point to see the color underneath -- a delicious orangey-brown reminiscent of pumpkin bread. Well, the moment of truth. A couple dozen photos taken, and it was time to try them out. I noticed as I finally pressed the side of my fork down on the two pancakes that my waitress was watching me. I stabbed the piece I’d cut with the fork, raised it her general direction and smiled. And then I tried them. I encounter a lot of pancakes in my travels. Call it an occupational hazard. I’ve had some strong on the cornmeal and some that had no cornmeal at all. I’ve had examples I swear came directly from the Krusteez bag. I’ve had thick ones and thin ones and some that are big as your chest. But this is the first time I have ever had sweet potato pancakes. And even though they had cried out at me with the words “Southern Delicacy” I was not fully prepared for the wonderment that rolled over my tongue. I will admit, I love sweet potatoes, but that day I found a new favorite way to have them. They smelled of cinnamon and nutmeg and tasted like someone loved me. They were pliant and perfect and sprung back at the touch, and they tasted like November. I found myself adding more syrup, the maple being the perfect accompaniment to the dish. I was happy. I sat there for a while once I’d cleared the plate, quietly contemplating the dregs of my chocolate milk and willing myself the initiative to get up and do something. The rain had finally decided to stop threatening and actually spit at the world, and the parking lot was growing damp. I looked at my indecipherable ticket, pulled a ten out of my pocket and headed for the register. “So really, why are you taking all those pictures?” my waitress asked. “I have this blog, and I take pictures of everything I eat,” I told her honestly. “That’s kinda cool! How many pictures have you taken?” “About 60,000 so far.” She looked at me a little oddly, so I hastily added “but I’m just a hobbyist. I’m more a writer than anything else.” “Well, I think it’s neat.” “Thank you!” She started to hand back my change, but I deferred it, instead asking for a receipt. Outside I carefully tucked it away and blinked my eyes, turning my head back from looking over my shoulder to the rear-view mirror as I attempted to pull backwards into traffic. The parking lot, after all, is rather small. Later I’d be talking with one of the folks at the hotel I’d met on the elevator, and mentioned I’d been to Benson’s. “You try the Chump?” “The Chump?” “The Chump. You know what it is, right?” she prodded. “Not a clue.” “It’s not on the menu. I hope you’re going back, you need to try it.” “Okay then… I will.” I haven’t been back yet -- I had many other restaurants in the area to check out. I did nearly find myself going at four the next morning, but somehow convinced myself it wasn’t necessary. Benson’s has been there for forty years. It’ll likely be there another 40. I’ll be back. You'll find Benson's Grill at 2515 Rogers Avenue in Fort Smith. They do take call-in orders, but honestly, why? Go have a seat and a cuppa and a conversation with someone. (479) 782-8181.

150+ Restaurants to Consider for Induction Into Arkansas's Food Hall of Fame.

Note: Save this for reference for voting in next year's Arkansas Food Hall of Fame!

I've been asked who I'd vote for on this year's nominating ballot for Arkansas Food Hall of Fame. I can't tell you that, but I can share some of the really cool stories I've written on Arkansas's classic restaurants.

Hold on folks, this'll be a long one.

It's all the Buzz (B-Que).

• KAT ROBINSON

Saturday teams will burn meat to help kids attend a pediatric burn survivor camp. The 7th Annual Buzz-B-Q will run 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. at the North Little Rock RV Park. The proceeds will benefit the Arkansas Professional Firefighters Camp Sunshine.

Tickets are $10 at the door — or you can go to www.1037thebuzz.com and find locations where you can do a buy-one get-one offer. Children 12 and under get in free.

More than 90 local BBQ teams will compete in the Twin City Tractor Fiser Kubota BBQ Contest for $5000 in cash and prizes. They'll grill pork, ribs and chicken. about half are competing in the Average Joe Division for the laid-back griller while the other half will vy off in the more serious Pro Division. More on the jump.

the 7th annual buzz-b-q
to benefit camp sunshine
A pediatric burn survivor camp funded by the local firefighters association

LITTLE ROCK, AR. (may 6, 2011): The 7th Annual Buzz-B-Q, hosted by KABZ 103.7 The Buzz and presented by Doublebee’s, will be held on Saturday, May 14, 2011, from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., at the North Little Rock RV Park. The Buzz-B-Q barbeque and music festival benefits the Arkansas Professional Firefighters Camp Sunshine.

“Camp Sunshine is an annual 4-day camp for pediatric burn survivors completely funded by The Arkansas Professional Firefighters and is free for the camper,” said Captain Mark Warford, President of IAFF Local #35. “By partnering with The Buzz on Buzz-B-Q, we are able to help fund this camp and assist the kids’ transition from being a burn victim to burn survivor through fun activities with other kids who are going through a similar situation.”

Camp Sunshine is held every August at Camp Aldersgate. Counselors and volunteers are firefighters, adult burn survivors and Arkansas Children’s Hospitals personnel such as their Burn Center nurses. Volunteers participate in many activities with campers including fishing, swimming, canoeing, arts and crafts, a dance and even a trip to Magic Springs.
“The atmosphere is relaxed and happy. Kids can catch up with old friends and meet new ones, all having survived the same devastating experience,” said Warford. “We get as much out of the camp as the kids themselves. It brings it home, and to the heart, as to why we do the job we do.”

Tickets to Buzz-B-Q are on sale now. The public can buy one ticket for $10 and get one free at participating ticket locations before Buzz-B-Q. Ticket locations can be found on www.1037thebuzz.com. Tickets are $10 a person at the door on the day of the event. Children 12 and under are admitted free.

Over 90 local BBQ teams will compete in the Twin City Tractor Fiser Kubota BBQ Contest for $5000 in cash and prizes in the categories of pork, ribs and chicken. Forty-five teams are competing in the Average Joe Division for the laid-back griller. Forty-seven teams are competing in the more serious Pro Division.

“The first year of Buzz-B-Q, we had 17 teams compete in the BBQ contest. Seven years later, we are just amazed that we have 92 teams competing, all from Arkansas. It’s definitely become the event to kick-off the summer,” said Steve Jonsson, General Manager of 103.7 The Buzz. “The Local 35 Firefighters have been a valued partner in Buzz-B-Q over the years, and we are proud to be able help bring more funding to Camp Sunshine.”

Half of the teams will be handing out free samples of their barbeque to the public. These teams will be competing for the People’s Choice Award that will be judged by a random sampling of Buzz-B-Q attendees. Teams will also be voted on for a showmanship prize for originality of the BBQ team space. Teams handing out free samples and participating in the showmanship contest will be recognized by signs located in their BBQ team space.

Local live music will be featured all day on the Bryant Music Center Stage by Josh Green, The Moses Tucker Band, Jeff Coleman and the Feeders, Taylor Made Rocks and Canvas. There is a Wendy’s Kids Zone area complete with rock wall and the Bryant Brake and Tire Buzzaritaville will have food, drinks and entertainment for the whole family. KABZ personalities Tommy Smith, David Bazzel, Roger Scott, Justin Acri and Pat Bradley will help emcee the event.

The night before, the Buzz is hosting a Kick-off to Buzz-B-Q party from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. at the RV Park that is free to the public. Buzzaritaville will be open and there will be local live music by Steele Jessup, Breaking Eden and Sharpe Dunaway and the Meanies. The Kick-off Party is sponsored by Fleet Management Services.

The 7th Annual Buzz-B-Q is presented by Doublebee’s and sponsored by Fence Brokers, Gravely Mowers, Centennial Bank, Antique Brick Outdoors and the Fish Tank.

Nana Deane's Pride and Joy at Ray's Dairy Maid in Barton.

A little dairy bar on US Highway 70 is the single spot where Alton Brown had an Arkansas bite when he Feasted On Asphalt along the Great River Road. But the woman who runs the place and the pie she makes are both worthy of tales to share. Let’s visit Ray’s Dairy Maid.

Burger Lists: A Rant.

Arkansas burgers? I've had a few.

From time to time, you'll see me rant on here about the shoddy state of clickbait journalism. There are far too many websites out there just looking for someone to visit, and they use unscrupulous tactics to get you there.  In the past few years, that's included what my friend Michael calls "listicles," which are posts that enumerate points or items.  If you've seen the "Top 25 of This" or "10 Ways to That" sort of pieces out there, you know what I mean.

Sadly, we're seeing a lot of that with "experts" who are claiming the top restaurants for different types of things in Arkansas.  For instance,

One of these sites, OnlyInYourState.com, has come up with its supposed list of the 25 best burgers to be had in the state of Arkansas.  For your benefit and so you don't have to click through, the list goes:
25.  Root Cafe, Little Rock
24.  Salem Dairy Bar, Salem (Benton)
23.  Bulldog Restaurant, Bald Knob
22.  Morrilton Drive Inn Restaurant, Morrilton
21.  DJ's Drive In, Bismarck
20.  Thirst 'N' Howl, Little Rock
19.  Chopping Block, Mena
18.  Boss BBQ, Benton
17.  Red Door, Little Rock 
16.  Feltner Brothers, Fayetteville
15.  Dairy Shack, Waldenburg
14.  Johnny B's, El Dorado
13.  Cotham's Mercantile, Scott/Cotham's in the City, Little Rock
12.  Hamburger Barn, Arkadelphia
11.  Viola Stampede, Viola
10.  Boardwalk Cafe, Jasper
9.  Sparky's Roadhouse and Ultralounge, Eureka Springs
8.  Myer's Cruizzers, Mena
7.  The Back Forty, Mountain Home
6.  Hamburger Station, Paragould
5.  Dairyette, Mount Ida
4.  Asher Dairy Bar, Little Rock
3.  Greenhouse Grille, Fayetteville
2.  Benson's Grill, Fort Smith
1.  David's Burgers, Little Rock

One of Grav's friends sent him the link, and he read it off to me as we were on the road, actually heading to the World Championship Steak Cook-Off in Magnolia -- because, of course, we actually GO places and do our research.  And as he read off the list, I noticed something.  Something sounded very, very odd.

They're all places I have reviewed.

Okay, that may seem a bit pompous, but get this -- with the exception of the Morrilton Drive-Inn Restaurant, Asher Dairy Bar and DJ's in Bismarck, they're all in my 50 Best Burgers of 2011 piece on this here blog.  What's more -- they're almost all burgers I wrote about in the Burger Joint of the Week pieces I did on Eat Arkansas between June and November 2011.  And Viola Stampede?  It's been closed for over a year.

If I were writing Eat Arkansas right now, I'd be doubly cheesed.

COME ON.  At least Thrillist did SOME research when it came to its choices of seven (heavily NWA centered) burgers in The Natural State.   And I think Thrillist is one of the worst at this.

I'm guessing it's time I put together a dang listicle of my own that encompasses all of the best burgers.  For now, if you'd like to see some of the awesome burgers I have eaten, head to this Facebook album.  Seriously.

And I'll see what I can come up with for your burger-eating pleasure.

Put a Pin In Your Slow Roll at Dust Bowl in Little Rock.

The Oklahoma-based concept comes to Little Rock, complete with the soundtrack and style of the 1970s. Let's take a look inside the new Dust Bowl bar, restaurant and bowling center on East Capitol.

The 50 Best Arkansas Burgers I Tried in 2011.

I eat a LOT of burgers.  I write about them, too.  I feature one each week in my Burger Joint of the Week piece for Eat Arkansas, the Arkansas Times blog for food lovers.  I write about burgers inside and outside of Arkansas for Serious Eats:  A Hamburger Today.  And in general, I just like burgers.  They are the quintessential American sandwich.

A Glossary of Arkansas Food.

A while back, I created the Arkansas Food Map. Rock City Outfitters has the design in white on a blue or red background on their website, and it's been popular.

The map, and this project, spring from the simple question of "what is Arkansas food?" - which I've been working to define since 2007.

Scenes from the 5th Annual World Cheese Dip Championship.

Cheese dip.  Since documented as a bona fide Arkansas creation, natives of the state have started to truly celebrate the golden concoction.  Today, the Little Rock River Market Pavilion became the hub of this celebration, as (for the fifth time) competitors faced off to see who could create the best.

While Hunter and I judged upstairs, Grav Weldon captured the essence of this event in photos.

Savor Little Rock's Craft Beverage Bounty with the Locally Labeled Passport.

Twenty years ago, you would have been hard pressed to find much craft beer here in Central Arkansas.  Ten years ago, you had a small smattering, from Diamond Bear to Vino's.  Today, an entire generation of crafted beverage makers are calling Little Rock home, and now you can enjoy all those diverse drinks.

At Little Rock's Fassler Hall, Have a Sausage Party With Your Friends.

If that title brought you to view this article for less than culinary reasons, that's all on you. Fassler Hall's fine array of handmade sausages is worth your lunchtime, especially on Mondays, when all those laudable links are half off.

The World at our Front Door - Heifer Village in downtown Little Rock.

Heifer International's World Headquarter grounds aren't just a place for the decisions to be made for a global non-profit. They're also a place to exerience an urban adventure - and a great lunch to boot.