I took a joyride out to Bowman Road in West Little Rock yesterday for lunch and a quick food scene report. It was my first visit to Bowman since November of last year when I stopped by El Porton for a burrito bowl and to meet the new fleet of cat-faced robot waiters.
Crazy King Burrito will soon open its first Arkansas location at 401 S. Bowman Road. The building, which is just a couple of blocks north of Whole Foods, previously housed a Whimsy Cookie Company.
Founded in Cozumel, Mexico, in 2012 by Jamie and Haidee Gonzalez, Crazy King Burrito franchise locations have since opened in Beavercreek, Ohio; Stevensville, Michigan; and Fort Collins, Colorado.
The menu features several signature burritos available in two sizes (chico or super) or in bowl form. Appetizers include guacamole, cheese dip and bean dip.
Arkansas Democrat-Gazette reported earlier this month that restaurant’s target date for opening is June 30.
David’s Burgers is preparing to move locations from its first Little Rock spot at 101 S. Bowman Road to a new building across the street in the parking lot that houses Hobby Lobby and El Porton. Construction looks to be in the late stages and there’s an “opening soon; we are hiring” sign in front of the new store. We reached out to the David’s corporate office about a target date and will report back if one is provided.
We’re not sure what prompted the move across the street, but there were reports of parking difficulties after Big Bad Breakfast moved into the adjacent space in the former Arvest building last summer. There was also a hint of a beef between the two restaurants. The new building appears to have a drive-thru lane and a vast parking lot. No word on what will become of the current David’s location once the move takes place.
Someone at former editor Lindsey Millar’s going away rager at the Arkansas Times office three weeks ago told me (I can’t remember who) I’ve got to get over to Yeh Mon: Authentic Jamaican Restaurant at 200 N. Bowman Road to try their jerk chicken.
I stopped by around 1:30 p.m. yesterday, and the small storefront was empty of diners when I arrived. I ordered the jerk chicken, which is marinated for 24 hours in a blend of the jerk seasoning, the menu says. The guy taking my order asked if I wanted it served with steamed rice or rice and peas ($1.50 extra). Even though I knew I was going to order the rice and peas, I still hesitated, and he saved me with a playful, “Rice and peas it is.”
For under $15 I had enough food for two meals. The chicken was fantastic, one of my favorite and most unique bites of 2023. The jerk sauce its coated in first hits kind of sweet and fruity then the spicy Caribbean flavors take hold. I found myself trying to analyze the flavor profile during each bite. My mouth was on fire in the best way, and the cabbage provided a delicious, temporary relief. I’ll be back soon. Yeh Mon does oxtail Thu.-Fri., curry beef Tue.-Wed. and curry goat Fri.-Sat. Its hours are 11 a.m.-7 p.m. Tue.-Fri. and noon-6 p.m Sat.
An earlier version of this article incorrectly stated that the David’s Burgers at 101 S. Bowman location doesn’t have a drive-thru.