Seoul no more; Early Bird will offer fresh Southern cuisine.

A new breakfast enterprise is shaping up on Kavanaugh in the Heights. Early Bird will become the latest entry into the breakfast market here in Little Rock. Soon to be opened by Boulevard Bread alumni Carson Runnells, Early Bird will feature Southern cuisine cooked with local, fresh ingredients, or as the chef says, “Southern cuisine with a culinary palate.”

With the failure of Seoul (a Korean restaurant operated by the former owners of Eastern Flames), the spot at Kavanaugh and University has sat dark and closed. The chef plans to open up the kitchen, remove the bamboo and take out dividers to let the air and light in. I would suspect that it’ll be more reminiscent of the old Satellite Cafe, with its large open room.

What’ll be offered? A laundry list of great Southern standards, starting with fresh made biscuits and Arkansas white gravy made from scratch, mimosas, Bloody Marys and a slew of coffee beverages in the morning; three lunch specials offered on Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays; a variety of beans and rice dishes, including the Southern favorite of red beans and rice as well as a Brazilian black bean version; fresh made cornbread, greens and such; pickled eggs and okra; cobblers and pies; fresh soups each day and a selection of homemade ice creams, gelatos and Italian ices.

Sounds like a dream? Does to me. Early Bird will be open daily from 5 a.m. to 2 p.m. The earliest possible opening date is April 16th, but chances are it’s going to take a wee bit more time to make the changeover from one cuisine and dining style to another.