Hot Springs HOT spots 1&2 + 1 other!

Just a shout to let everyone know about the 2 new restaurants that have just opened here. My top pick for our local #1- Central Park has officially dropped to #2. While it is a fantastic restaurant with a cool setting and nearly perfect food everytime, after just over 1 year they still don't quite cut the mustard for customer satisfaction. There is still a limited bar, a wine list clearly put together with little thought(and wine knowledge), & lighting that is better, but still wrong for a dining atmosphere. PLEASE understand this is still a top restaurant, and I frequent there, but little touches like this are the difference between a feature in Wine Spectator, and stellar reviews, verses a mention in a local rag and an occasional review. Matts daily specials keep me dealing with these easily corrected issues though!

So--- #1 in the Spa town NOW! Via Roma 1521 Malvern 501-620-6468 Ahh! This is what dining should be. The door is usually opened and one is warmly greeted by an attractive staff. Once inside the restaurant is appropriately lighted and very tastefully designed. Tables are set properly and staff is attentive in a learned fashion without interrupting your experience. I have only been in twice and everything I had was perfect. The menu is diverse and fairly priced. The bar is already stocked nicely and noticeably growing along with the wine list as it should. The place is very tidy and clean. It is cozy enough for a sweet date and relaxed enough for a daily grind! This will be a locals hang. I am very grateful! And to add to your dinners end, have an espresso. Get right in as I'm sure they will become and remain busy. If you don't arrive soon, I would advise calling ahead, although eating at the bar is no less of an eperiance. There is no doubt in my mind this will remain the top restaurant in Hot Springs as long as the owner is hands on.

Also, just opened is Picante's in Spencers Corner downtown on Central behind Subway. I must admit the name threw me and I passed it up a time or 2 before saying gotta try it. I was just expecting a less trendy name to be on a good restaurant! I have been here 5 or 6 times already. There are really only 2 choices for me as far as Mexican cusine is concerned, Picante's or Las Americas. The food is really good at both. While Picante's suits people with more of a Tex-Mex palate, Las Americas is authentic. I have had several things here including one of my favorites Seafood nachos. Everything is freshly prepared and nicely done. You are greeted with a metal bowl of chips, green salsa, and a lovely fire roasted salsa-neither spicy, but good. The staff here is also attractive. The margarita's are a bit over priced, but they actually shake the ingredients, which makes it sooo much better. All the dishes I have seen and tried have been attractive and tasteful. The prices-come on its Meican food-you can afford it. It is such a blessing to be moving away from this tragic truck stop approach to service that has just killed me! These new restaurants that are popping up are going to be the death of the tired norm that we have been stuck with so long for the simple reasons that the staff doesn't scare you away and you have confidence the kitchens are actually clean! The other reasons- all the restaurants I have mentioned today have great price points. They are top restaurants and do not turn you off by price gouging. Cheers and happy dining..