My views from the week…

On Tuesday morning, Hillcrest residents rejoiced as the much anticipated Mylo Coffee Co. officially opened its doors for business. Little Rock hasn’t seen this much excitement surrounding an eatery’s arrival since last year’s opening of South on Main in the SoMa District. I popped in during the soft opening and was highly impressed with the aesthetics, overall layout and open atmosphere of the place. I even shot a smooth double espresso, prepared by barista connoisseur Sammy (formerly of Guillermo’s).

I finally checked out Hanaroo, the no-frills sushi shop located in the heart of downtown Little Rock. And while I wasn’t overly impressed with anything about the place, I can say the fairly low prices and solid fish insured future visits. My Volleyball Maki ($5.50), an 8-piece roll, which included a mixture of tuna, yellow tail, salmon, avocado and spicy mayo sauce, more than satisfied my sushi craving.

It will be tough, but the next time you’re at David’s Burgers, pass on the standard ground beef burger (which is excellent), and opt for the new-ish chicken sandwich. It’s a well-seasoned, thin patty of semi-ground chicken that’s ideal for diners looking for a healthier option.

I’m still daydreaming about Doe’s 3-pound, medium-rare Porterhouse—also served with soaked salad, French fries and Texas toast—I took down with three buddies. The layer of charred crust is what separates this steak from the competition. Was it the best steak I’ve ever consumed? No. But the unique preparation, coupled with a reasonable cost ($19.95 per pound), provided for a memorable eating experience.

Conway has a legitimately awesome restaurant located smack dab in the heart of downtown—Table Mesa. I highly recommend the chicken curry burrito, as well as the chips and guacamole and the tlaquepaque (the trifecta of chili con queso, salmon and tuna ceviche, and guacamole). It’s a fun place, which I’m sure is enjoyed by long-time residents, young families and college students, alike.

And the news…

This month’s Westover Food Truck Wednesday will be held on April 9th from 5-8 p.m. at the Westover Hills Presbyterian Church parking lot. Per usual, many of Little Rock’s most popular food trucks will be in attendance (Waffle Wagon, The Southern Gourmasian, Southern Salt and others).

The Food & Foam Fest 2014 is this Friday night! The event, which helps raise awareness and funds for the Arthritus Foundation in Arkansas, will be held from 6-9 p.m. at Dickey-Stephens Park in North Little Rock. Festival goers will partake in a variety of samples, including over 250 different kinds of craft beer, wine and cuisine. For more info, check out foamfest.org.

The Arkansas Blogger Bake Sale is happening on May 3rd. All proceeds go to the No Kid Hungry program of Share Our Strength. If you’re interested in volunteering, there are several options: donating baked goods; donating goods and/or services to our online auction; or helping out at the sale itself. Sign up here.

Did you know you could cook side-by-side with executive chef Stephen Burrow of Forty Two at The Clinton Presidential Center’s Cooking Class and Wine Tasting? You can… “Each class features a different topic ranging from knife skills to basic cooking techniques and even classes themed on different wine producing regions and cuisines.” Cost is $60 per person. For more information, please call 501-537-0042.

Finally … this from Carolyn Staley (Associate Pastor at Pulaski Heights Baptist Church): “The Hillcrest Farmers Market will begin its summer market season on Saturday, May 3rd from 7 a.m.-noon … all the way through September. We are going to have more farmers and good vendors than ever—expecting 35 or more. We keep looking for more space and will even have a few small vendors sharing a tent. We’ve added new growers, plus other foods and food trucks! All local!”