Dirt & Corn in Arkansas

This past Saturday we had a break in the 100 degree weather - still abundant sunshine but with a nice cool breeze to break up the heat. So when my IL's asked if we wanted to check out their new land on four-wheelers, it felt like a wonderful idea!

Forewarning, there are a lot of pictures. But since it's our families newest venture, it definitely seemed worth documenting.

Off to a remote stretch of land near the White River.

Where we found rows and rows of corn.

And dirt. Lots of dirt.

But set up under bright blue skies and perfect clouds.

EH was eager to finally let his fourhweeler spin it's wheels.

EH being the perfect navigator like always.

Rows and rows of corn. Each field had different heights - these were probably me sized - so 5'5" give or take a few inches.

Everything was going great until we tried to start the IL's set of wheels - luckily EH always carries jumper cables! After a little while we were all up and running!

Well, up and running right after my FIL accidentally popped a wheelie that spilled my MIL's drink all over her head. Woops!

This was my MIL's attempt to see a beaver that had just crossed our path. Don't worry - the four wheeler wasn't moving!

The views here were spectacular - amazingly quiet - just the sound of corn stalks in the wind, frogs in the water and the hum of four wheeler engines. 

This is where we ran into a little trouble. A whole section of land that looked impossible to get to.

But we made it! Into a huge field with grass as tall as our vehicle.

Which led to more dirt - we were covered after trailing behind these two! But this portion of the land was special - little fingers tucked back making hidden coves. 

Which may not look like much but it is!

The sun still high but later in the day, we packed up and headed home. Covered in dust but happy and content.

And of course we had to stop at Ms. Lena's for a big piece of coconut pie.

All in all, a perfect day. 

Piro Brick Oven & Barroom

I really love pizza. I could probably eat it every day since there are so many options, and literally I love them all. Well, except pizza with pineapple. That's still weird.

So a couple of weekends ago when I was craving pizza but still wanted to try something new and local, we decided to hit up Piro Brick Oven & Barroom.

Piro is in the evolving SOMA district, home to other favorites such as South On Main. It's fun seeing this area growing!

Photo Courtesy of www.arkansasbites.syncweekly.com/

 Not a huge space and not jam packed with tables - on a Friday night it was hopping but we were still able to be seated immediately. 

Our table was by this fun apothecary chest, now filled with plants! Which immediately made me want one for our house.

Starting out of course with cocktails - beer for the guys, and white wine for me.

The menu has the usual - appetizers, salads, pizza, sandwiches and dessert. But their spin on each item is what makes the menu special.

I've been once before and ordered the Burrata - a large sphere of mozarella with balsamic reduction, olive oil and sourdough bread - heavenly! This visit we opted for the meatballs, also served with sourdough.

So good! If the bread had been toasted just a little it would have made these a 10/10.

For entrees, the three of us decided to split two pizzas. A good ole' fashioned Pepperoni and the fabulous H.A.M.Cetta. 

Pancetta, smoke chiles, farm eggs, pecorino with arugula and olive oil. You break the eggs up so they coat each slice.

As you can tell, it was several slices into this pizza before we even thought about the pepperoni!

Though the pepperoni was pretty delicious as well.

We didn't try any dessert but several came out of the kitchen that looked delicious. It's definitely going to be on our regular rotation - perfect for a group outing or a date night. Their wine and beer selection is great and the atmosphere and staff were both really pleasant.

Locals, have you tried Piro out yet? If you're not local, tell me about your favorite pizza place!

Weekend Happenings - Sushi & Beer

This has been a strange week - yesterday we were sent home early because of snow, we started late today, and potentially could start late or leave early tomorrow. Arkansas weather, man.

Since this past weekend was relatively mild, EH and I took advantage and got out of the house.

Moose was content to hold the fort down.

Friday night we ventured to one of our favorite sushi spots - Kiyen's. Never really crowded which is always surprising but sometimes favorable none the less when you want great sushi without having to wait or make a reservation.

We usually order three rolls, one of which I require comes on fire. Here is the Master:

Next was the Playboy.

And finally the Chili Thai.

All three were delicious! There are other great sushi places in Little Rock but if you haven't already I would definitely not overlook Kiyen's.

Saturday was rainy and cold which always makes me want to eat warm food and have a drink. Does rainy weather do that to you? No?

We popped into another of our newest go-to's that I can't quit raving about - Lost Forty. We settled in and started with their hummus - spicier and more flavorful than most with toasted bread, celery, pickled carrots and pickled cauliflower.

For our drinks we tried their newest creation - Bourbon Barrel-Aged Honey Bock. Their Honey Bock is easily both of our favorites but this version was extra special.

For lunch, I went with their turkey sandwich. I wish I remembered all the details but it was warm and melty and delicious and surely that's enough to convince you to try it?

But the real show stopper was the brisket. Oh my gosh, this brisket y'all.

We've tried several times to order this plate and they were always out of everything, but this time we lucked out. EH asked our waitress as we sat down if she would set aside an order for him. It is just..delicious. What the word delicious was invented for.

We rounded out our lunch with another round - the Stout for him and the Rock Candy Abbey for me.

After several rounds and such great food, we were pretty worthless the rest of our Saturday which was fine by me. On Sunday we headed down to EH's hometown for lunch and an early dinner with family before heading back to Little Rock before the bad weather set in.

Are local breweries popping up in your area? Are you experiencing crazy winter weather? I hope it's a yes to the first and a no to the second!

Stay warm and drink beer, friends!