Out of Town Dining Fun in Eureka Springs, Arkansas

Well, special thanks to my friend Ellen for calling me up and inviting me out for dinner in Eureka Springs. She said it was with her friends and that it would be Indian; that was enough for me to say, "I'm in!" Turns out that her friends just opened a restaurant called The New Delhi, right on the main downtown shopping and entertaining strip.

As compared to other Indian food I've had in places like New York, Chicago, even Bella Vista, it was really good, if a touch sweet, but who's complaining. The little venue was absolutely packed with only 1 and 2 empty seats here and there at random tables. The food was served buffet style, and though Steven said he'd never had Indian cuisine before, I think his refill trip and dessert were testament enough that he liked it too.

We sat inbetween two different tables, each with two couples sitting at them, and us bridging the gap. I have to say that I was really smitten with June, a septuagenarian whose youthful vigour and disarming smile completely brightened the evening even more (if that were possible). Stories of nearly a hundred foreign exchanges students and living and traveling all over the world had me totally captivated.

In addition we were entertained by the Camptown Ladies with Opal Fly, Gina Gallina, Mellisa Carper and special guest Warren B. This live jazz band threw me back to the song stylings of Josephine Baker. All in all it was a magical experience. Given the easy interactions with strangers, the homey ambiance, the music and spicy food, I'd definitely recommend it. The lead photo is the only food picture we took; it's a tapica pudding with a kind of donut hole soaked in sugar water scented with rose and cinnamon. Vistit: The New Delhi, 2 North Main St. in Eureka Springs, AR (6 p.m. till ?) 479.253.2525.


Also on the menu for the evening's fun was a visit to a couple local bars. Enjoy the easygoing basement bar atmosphere of Chelsea's Corner Cafe and Bar (10 Mountain Street, 479.253.6723). With hand drawn signs like the one pictured here, it's no wonder that the clientele were so friendly; and it seemed not a problem in the world that we crashed a wedding party on the back patio. Drinks served the old fashioned way in mason jars are not to be missed if it's memories of summers gone by with your grandparents in the country that you're looking for. Cash only, so plan ahead.

Ask Mary to mix you up a Hot Buttered Rum at Jack's Place (37 Spring Street, 479.253.2219). In such a dark bar, the drink of the house that night, at $5.00, was a bargain that brightened up our spirits. I was curious that the house drink took as long as it did for Mary to prepare, but when I asked her about the recipe, I saw why. Made totally from scratch there, you've gotta try this one at home for your next fall or winter gathering.


Hot Buttered Rum

Cream together 1lb. of powdered sugar and 1lb. of butter. Mix in ground spices such as cinnamon, cloves and nutmeg. Taste for balance. Roll into a log, wrap in plastic wrap and freeze.

To prepare a coctail, Mary said, "take a scoop." I'm gonna translate that to a heaping tablespoon. Put it in a mug and top with boiling water. Stir well. Float a shot of rum on top and serve.