Roosters, stallions and Mercedes, Oh my!

story by Peter Lewis

This week will again find you in Crawford County. However, you’ll be on a little more traditional ground. With the dreary weather the River Valley experienced this week, this particular establishment will brighten your spirits without busting your budget (feasts at or below $7).

RED ROOSTER
The Red Rooster is situated just off Interstate 40 at 221 U.S. 71 N., in Alma. Housed in this nondescript building is exceptional food.  The fare is quintessential Americana — burgers & sandwiches, from Dagwoods to Turkey Clubs — accompanied with your choice of side (fries, potato salad, or beans). When dining out these are usually the most important things. However, there are certain things that have a tendency to go unnoticed. Often it is these “role players” that make a restaurant special. With homemade buns encasing the meats, cheeses, and veggies of your particular sandwich, the Red Rooster is certainly one of those establishments.

Unfortunately the kitchen at the Red Rooster does not stock that great condiment of yore, mayonnaise. Inexplicably they find Miracle Whip to be more palatable. Those of us who have yet to scald our tongues on beef stew this winter know this managerial decision is ill advised. Fortunately the kitchen staff will honor your request to keep the unfortunate abomination off the delicious homemade bun when dressing your sandwich. Given all the facts, opt for a delightfully juicy cheeseburger and drag it through the garden. It’s flu season, you’ll need all the vitamins and energy those vegetables can grant you.
   
Though your physician might disagree, with the bitter cold upon us it is advisable to add to that winter coat to help you stay warm. So go ahead and order some pie after you polish off that last seasoned fry. With choices ranging from Aunt Jim’s Famous Coconut & MamMaw Mattox’s Japanese Fruit to Grandmother Lucy’s Tollhouse & Aunt Freddie’s Cherry, two things are obvious — your options are quite varied, and the Red Rooster has a lot of relatives. Go with Nana’s Pecan pie. You can call me a boring traditionalist but not a liar because that pecan pie is exquisite. Try it for yourself and see.

Even though I can vouch for the food at the Red Rooster, I cannot promise anything on the level of service. My own server, Jessica, was a delightful and competent girl.  Unfortunately, after direct contact with a raspy and curmudgeonly woman while dining at the restaurant, there seems to be credence to the rumors of poor and somewhat unfriendly service. We can’t determine the attitudes of others so prepare yourself to face a hurdle or two in your quest for a wonderful meal. Perhaps you’ll be pleasantly surprised to find a sweet and helpful young woman like Jessica to take your order.

With one animal out of the way, head into Fort Smith to see another. For only $24.50 per person you’ll be able to see the amazing and world renowned abilities of the Lipizzaner stallions at the Fort Smith Convention Center. Though their renown is often associated with Vienna, impress your friends and give the “Green Piece of Europe” its due. Remind them that these special horses originated in a still active stud farm in Lipica, Slovenia. Show time is 7:30 p.m.

This routines garners a 6 out of 10 on the Petermeter.

MERCEDES & MARGARITAS
There is a unique little restaurant located on Zero Street in Fort Smith, Arkansas. It aces the three levels (price, service, and taste) on which I judge restaurants. At 1806 Zero St., Las Americas Too is, in short, one of the best restaurants in the river valley.

If you’re lucky, Mercedes’ welcoming visage will seat you upon your arrival. The first order of business is beverages. In a group of many, test the chartreuse sea and grab a pitcher of Don Julio Margaritas. Without a doubt, this choice is guaranteed to make the most dour of companions smile.

Though ostensibly it is an El Salvadorian restaurant, there are a multitude of ethnicities on display on the menu. It is difficult which choice to make when confronted with so many appetizing options. Stay strong. Zone out the multitude of pleasing treats present on the menu and head straight for your server’s namesake: Mercedes Favorito. Con dos pupusas, dos pastelitos de carne, uno tamal de pollo, frijoles (beans), y arroz (rice), this dish is a wealth of delectable food for only $6.99. For those unsure about the selection, pupusas are similar to gorditas, which is to say they are akin to a thick cornmeal pancake stuffed with your choice of pork, cheese, jalepenos or beans. Pastelitos take various forms through out Latin America. They are essentially fried beef dumplings.  You’ll understand soon enough why this divine combination is a “favorito.”

With one last pitcher of the Lady Margarita to send you on your way, the next big decision will be where to go from here. Fortunately Las Americas Too sits next to not one but dos cantinas. The Lil’ Dude, a ramshackle establishment oozing with intrigue and appeal, sits on one side of the restaurant while Lost Beach is housed on the other.   Save the Lil’ Dude for another night. Sneak on over to the Lost Beach.  With a full bar you can continue your special evening with the margaritas if desired.   Lost Beach features a weekly dart tournament ($5 entry fee, loaner darts are limited). If you’re so inclined, channel your inner Danny Tanner and let those darts fly.
   
This evening combines two of my great loves: Latin American cuisine and bar games.  How could it be anything less than a 9 out of 10 on the Petermeter?

Know your Peter
Born and raised in Fort Smith, Peter Lewis is a graduate of the University of Texas. Prior to returning to the Fort Smith area, Peter spent the past year as a bartender living abroad and traveling. He’s a good guy, but he dresses funny.

Contact Peter at [email protected]