Chris Rix

So maybe we should start with Barbque in Hot Springs.

I like different things at several stops, so I will give you the skinny...

1st stop Stubby's on Central just South of Oaklawn. Chris Dunkel is usually there. I like this stop for the deviled eggs, the famous pot o beans(yum) and the sauce. It is also very clean. The meat is good and rarely fatty. I love the chicken here.

2nd place is McClards. I don't really care what president or celeb ate here, I know good Q. I think the sauce is too vinegary and a bit spicy for most palates. This is the ticket though...getch yoself one of the masterpiece "half spread" with slaw on top or a "whole spread" if you haven't eaten in a month.

3rd place is definitely Mickeys on Park Avenue at the Gorge entrance. Good Heavens man. The pit beef Barbque sandwich oh my and the delicious cucumber salad and other unexpected fresh sides one would never expect at a BBQ stop, the deviled eggs here as well

So a couple of new joints in town as well, Smokin in Style, local boy owns it, I love the Banana pudding. Its the best next to my girl Briana's. She can throw down on the Banana pudding, never found one to top hers!

Also Whole Hog, I was completely unintrested in this stop accept for a door prize gift certificate I wanted to redeem. The service was inappreciative and less appreciative of my gift certificate for a whopping $25..I mean big deal!! Hold it right there, The brisket was sooooo great. Likely the best I've had NO JOKE. and surprisingly great potato salad, mayo based, Stubbys is Mustard and it is great as well, but I usually add a smidge more.

Moral of the story, spend your morning hitting all these spots and end up at Garvan Gardens for an awesome picnic.

MEMPHIS BarBeQue THEY ARE FAMOUS FOR THEIR DRY RUB. ITS ALL ABOUT THE RIBS. BLUES CITY ACROSS FROM BB KINGS, give me a break on the Rendezvous bs, are they even still open?

So Real Estate might be slowish for some but I know we all still eat! If you happen to be in Hot Springs let me just save you time and keep you from wasting any of your hard earned $$. We have a lot of restaurnts in our little town and just a few worth walking in to. If you are looking for super fine dining and expecting to drop a lot of money, save that for another trip. The best restaurant that approaches fine dining is Central Park Fusion 501-623-0202. This Restaurant offers fresh fish, pastas, steaks, even burgers. The menu has an offering for everyone all ages. There is actually a chef/owner that prepares all of the delightful selections. Some of those are the filet with Boursin cheese melted on top. They offer a chicken fried Portabella burger stuffed with Goat cheese and I often choose the fruit side which is half a pineapple, but the sea salt fries are a winner as well. All of their salads are great, like the Togarashi seared tuna salad :) or the Carribean Caesar..the Macadamia nut Banana Nut Bread crutons are delish! The dinner rolls are always tasty. He keeps a real basic Tomato Basil soup which could be skipped all together, but it is served with a mini Grilled Cheese Sandwich! I have had several Fish offerings there and none of them are ever less than purrrfect. Definitely get a Cream Brulee' he actully uses fresh Vanilla Bean. Also when you get your bill, you will be surprised. A meal like this would be $150-$180 in Dallas, but his prices fit the market. Make sure to get on their list for special functions. $$ CC accepted/full bar

Cafe 1217 501-318-1094 Lunch lunch lunch. The menu changes monthly. The deli case is scrumptuious. Everything is priced by the pound, but they weigh out each serving. The Tomato Bisque is a staple here and always available. Don't waste your time with a cup, get a bowl, This is something you will not be considered a Glutton for! The Mexican tortilla sandwich is always good and a menu staple. I always end up getting way too much food because you will want to try everything in the deli case. Do it and get a to go box. Please do not overlook the desserts here either. This will call for another togo box! $-$$ CC accepted no alcohol

Taco Mama Ok this is the deal get ready!! I have seen a sample menu. It isn't open yet. It will be next door to Cafe 1217. Diana will own this as well and it is her new offering to the area. YumYum

The Wok 501-623-4932 This is simply the best Chinese in town. Please trust me, you can see in their kitchen! Chinese owners, always there, always consistant. No Barffet. Great soup and all menu offerings. Get the chicken potstickers/ gyoza for an appetizer and ask them for "bothsides". No alcohol. Dining room service is just this side of adequate and has room for improvement. The only reasons to go is because the food is great, NO MSG is used, and its clean. $ cc accepted no alcohol

Heres a shocker!! Bubbas Catfish- For my 1-2 times per year fix this is the place and I hear it is owned by a Lawyer with a Real Estate License..hmm? So this is the deal its a fricken catering trailer with underpinning and a picnic table with an awning. South On Central past the last Bridge on the left before the Amity Road stoplight. Just trust me, I know the Biz. This place is cleaner than most any place you likely eat. Its real simple... Catfish, shrimp, french fries, Homemade hushpuppies, coleslaw, and homemade tartar with dill. It is done all the way southern right. Even with the purple onion and lemon. $$ for catfish! cash only

Las Americas Mexican I did NOT say TexMex, I repeat no TexMex here. Damn it's good. I am here at least 3 times a week. Will start off to say how immacuately clean it is. Same people always there running it. Little English is used here but the menu is Bilingual. The chese dip is the best ever. Itis not wierd and rubbery. The guacamole is awesome and better than most, but not better than mine. sidenote"ask for a lime and squeeze 2 wedges in and a few shakes of pepper, indulge," You must order the Tostado de Ceviche. You must Order the burrito Napolitos de Polla, I think I spelled it right! This alone makes a great meal. Let's see Guac $2.50, Tostado $2.75, Burrito $3.50. Eat your heart out Rachel Ray! She could even afford to tip! Location is tricky if you are not very observant. South on Central pass the track turn right on Crawford drive at Papa Johns and Quizno's. The restaurant is behind Floor store and Coltons..turn right after Pizza Hut. Cash Only Much Cerveza.

Outback Steakhouse 520-5800 The wifey poo(one of my friends) is a fellow Realtor. Her hubby Dave works his azz off at that restaurant. They opened it here ten years ago and it is still clean consistant and offers good service and great food. $-$$ CC accepted Full bar

Back Porch Grill 525-0885 Sunset is the ticket here. It is South on Central before Lake on right in the Sunbay Hotel. It is a non corporate Steak House with an open grill in the dining room. It is owner operated and very consistant. I always get the twice baked potatos and steaks usualy are temped correctly. The food is a step above average, consistant and good. They are usually busy but rarely is a reservation needed. The owners are always there and usually personally visit everyone. The service is often as good as the sunset with the food following suit. There is a lounge on the second floor. I have been, and know most all of the staff and consider myself a regular(at least in the restaurant for years), but I paid $7 for a Bacardi and Diet. It's not even that expensive at Chez Josephine in NYC!! and the bottle is only whay $18 for a liter? Anyway, the place is great and I'll give the lounge one more try to see if they have it right yet.

Hamilton House (Sunday Brunch) 520-4040 Don't plan on it, Don't bet on it, and Don't count on it, BUT if you are so lucky that you called and they answered and were open which happens more times than not..It is a treat. the place is a staffing disaster. It is a piece of history that Ms. Smith built, now retired. It is a timeless institution. It is currently owned by a daughter that is clueless about the restaurant biz. You really have to strive to get in here and if you do you will be amazed at the location and setting. This is one of the best settings for a resturant you will ever find. The price for brunch is like $10ish it is the best deal going. How hard are eggs? There is usually more than that and it is a buffet style. Remember its all about the setting and there is just enough nosh to make the belly happy. They offer a full bar but the competency is often lacking, just keep it simple and be greatful to sit in such a devine estate. $ cc acepted full bar CALL ahead!

I have to go show a house. I have a few more treasures for you coming soon....and then maybe the low-down on lodging.