What could be the first, most awesomeness (is that even a word?) restaurant to start my Little Rock Food Scene blog? It has to be the Brave New Restaurant located at 2300 Cottondale Lane #105, Little Rock, Arkansas. https://www.bravenewrestaurant.com/
I've been there twice now. The first time was with a local Meetup group (https://www.meetup.com/Wine_and_Dine/). The second time was when a friend took me there for my birthday. I can definitely say that both times were delicious adventures.
Now for the strange part, because if you ever venture out to find this place, you will want to know the particulars.
First off, it's about as easy to find as your GPS is accurate. Mine wasn't, so don't expect to see blazoned signage, or anything that remotely looks like the front of a restaurant. There is a sign, but it's rather understated and difficult to find unless you are REALLY looking for it in all the wrong places. You need to look for a building that sort of resembles a retirement home. It's not. It's an industrial office building, but for some reason it reminded me of my ex-mother-in-law's retirement home. Don't let the outside appearance deter you as the interior does not disappoint.
Second of all, you will need to take an elevator up to the correct floor. It's labeled so you shouldn't have any problem finding that. Again, still reminds me of a retirement home. The surprise is when you get down the hall and turn left. Wow. Beautiful. The dining area is well adorned. The staff is well manicured and the view/patio area overlooking the Arkansas River is perfect for an intimate dining experience with a special someone.
The staff is well trained, even to the point of you not keeping your doggie bag while sitting at the table. They deliver it to you as you leave the dining area. They check on you often without overly bothering you, but aren't pretentious and don't remind you of penguins (think Carnelian Room in San Francisco where waitstaff pride themselves on the rather intriguing penguin waddle).
When you go to this restaurant, please expect to enjoy an entire meal experience. Ensure you select an hors d'oeuvre, wine, main course with salad, and do-not-skip dessert!! If all you want is a sandwich, please go to a sandwich shop and save your pennies for later.
Owner and Chef Peter Brave is likely there preparing your meal for you, and if he is, he will come out to say hello. The friend that took me there for my birthday made the ultimate snafu in discussing her son's negative experience with the restaurant while in the elevator. He was in there with us. Nonchalant in an overall suit, and heard what was said. Embarrassing for my friend, but he won her over by having us taste-test a delightful prosciutto-wrapped grape delight.
For my birthday, we had the baked camembert which was delicious. I want to try the wild mushroom tart and the goat cheese mousse, but that will need to be on another trip. We both had the Mixed Grill which was lovely. There were flavors that exploded nicely together. Nothing in that selection tasted ordinary. My first trip there, I had the New York strip which was excellent as well. I cannot wait to try the Duck with Duck as I'm such a fan of fowl.
If you love Creme Brûlée, then you have to try theirs. It's a chocolate creme brûlée. I'm not much of a fan of chocolate outside of a candy bar, but this was exquisite. Even if you don't have room for it while dining TAKE IT HOME!! You won't be disappointed. It was delicious. I'm hoping I have many more birthdays to spend here.
Overall, this is a wonderful place to spend a wonderful evening with friends or that special someone. The prices are quite reasonable even with wine. So stop by the Brave New Restaurant (make reservations just in case - as it is rather small) and let the
m know my blog sent you. I don't receive endorsements from any restaurants and these opinions are solely my own.
Let me end with an article review of this place, and then you might get the idea of just how unique this place is. PS - if you don't let them know I encouraged you, please let ME know. Always great to know I helped (or didn't help) someone.
http://arkansaslife.com/peter-brave/
http://www.rockcityeats.com/a-wonderful-new-lunch-menu-at-brave-new-restaurant/
https://www.arktimes.com/arkansas/brave-new-still-winning/Content?oid=3214602
I've been there twice now. The first time was with a local Meetup group (https://www.meetup.com/Wine_and_Dine/). The second time was when a friend took me there for my birthday. I can definitely say that both times were delicious adventures.Now for the strange part, because if you ever venture out to find this place, you will want to know the particulars.
First off, it's about as easy to find as your GPS is accurate. Mine wasn't, so don't expect to see blazoned signage, or anything that remotely looks like the front of a restaurant. There is a sign, but it's rather understated and difficult to find unless you are REALLY looking for it in all the wrong places. You need to look for a building that sort of resembles a retirement home. It's not. It's an industrial office building, but for some reason it reminded me of my ex-mother-in-law's retirement home. Don't let the outside appearance deter you as the interior does not disappoint.
Second of all, you will need to take an elevator up to the correct floor. It's labeled so you shouldn't have any problem finding that. Again, still reminds me of a retirement home. The surprise is when you get down the hall and turn left. Wow. Beautiful. The dining area is well adorned. The staff is well manicured and the view/patio area overlooking the Arkansas River is perfect for an intimate dining experience with a special someone. The staff is well trained, even to the point of you not keeping your doggie bag while sitting at the table. They deliver it to you as you leave the dining area. They check on you often without overly bothering you, but aren't pretentious and don't remind you of penguins (think Carnelian Room in San Francisco where waitstaff pride themselves on the rather intriguing penguin waddle).
When you go to this restaurant, please expect to enjoy an entire meal experience. Ensure you select an hors d'oeuvre, wine, main course with salad, and do-not-skip dessert!! If all you want is a sandwich, please go to a sandwich shop and save your pennies for later.
Owner and Chef Peter Brave is likely there preparing your meal for you, and if he is, he will come out to say hello. The friend that took me there for my birthday made the ultimate snafu in discussing her son's negative experience with the restaurant while in the elevator. He was in there with us. Nonchalant in an overall suit, and heard what was said. Embarrassing for my friend, but he won her over by having us taste-test a delightful prosciutto-wrapped grape delight.
For my birthday, we had the baked camembert which was delicious. I want to try the wild mushroom tart and the goat cheese mousse, but that will need to be on another trip. We both had the Mixed Grill which was lovely. There were flavors that exploded nicely together. Nothing in that selection tasted ordinary. My first trip there, I had the New York strip which was excellent as well. I cannot wait to try the Duck with Duck as I'm such a fan of fowl.
If you love Creme Brûlée, then you have to try theirs. It's a chocolate creme brûlée. I'm not much of a fan of chocolate outside of a candy bar, but this was exquisite. Even if you don't have room for it while dining TAKE IT HOME!! You won't be disappointed. It was delicious. I'm hoping I have many more birthdays to spend here.
Overall, this is a wonderful place to spend a wonderful evening with friends or that special someone. The prices are quite reasonable even with wine. So stop by the Brave New Restaurant (make reservations just in case - as it is rather small) and let the
m know my blog sent you. I don't receive endorsements from any restaurants and these opinions are solely my own.
Let me end with an article review of this place, and then you might get the idea of just how unique this place is. PS - if you don't let them know I encouraged you, please let ME know. Always great to know I helped (or didn't help) someone.
http://arkansaslife.com/peter-brave/
http://www.rockcityeats.com/a-wonderful-new-lunch-menu-at-brave-new-restaurant/
https://www.arktimes.com/arkansas/brave-new-still-winning/Content?oid=3214602
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