March

Down on Dickson

By The Arkansas Democrat-Gazette

Posted: October 6, 2009 at 11:40 a.m.

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Anyone who's been to a Walton Arts Center show knows it can be challenging to squeeze in dinner before showtime. Arriving downtown early helps with finding a convenient parking spot on busier nights. It also leaves time to check out the many eateries on and around Dickson Street, whose offerings include Mediterranean, Japanese, Tex-Mex and American cuisine, as well as sports-bar fare.

Bordinos, one of the most popular dining spots on the entertainment strip, built a special selection of First Seating menus specifically to help the arts center crowd get to the show on time. It's available 5-6:30 p.m., Monday-Saturday. A flat charge of $25 buys a three-course meal of a small salad, entree, dessert and wine from a fixed menu.

A quick dinner also can be had at Flying Burrito at the south edge of the arts center parking lot. Two people can easily split one of their burritos, available with a wide selection of meats, veggies, cheeses and salsas. Weekday happy hour specials are available 4-7 p.m.

Jose's is the original Tex-Mex spot on Dickson. Signature items there include the classic Mexican Flag - three kinds of enchiladas with three different sauces - or the chicken chimichanga, washed down with a margarita on the rocks.

Post-show options include the Smoke & Barrel Tavern, which offers a relaxed atmosphere and occasional live music.

The Common Grounds Gourmet Espresso Bar features coffee and cocktails amid an energetic climate for hanging out with friends.

Also popular is one of the newest arrivals, The Wine Cellar, which is made for exploration with its choices of a sip, half-glass or glass of 24 different wines.

Another option on Fridays is to head to George's Majestic Lounge for the 6-8 p.m. happy hour show. The weekly performance by local and regional bands at happy hour is a 25-year tradition, and it can be enjoyed inside or in the covered outdoor garden.

Always entertaining is a night at the Willy D's Dueling Piano Bar. Impress yourself by singing the song lyrics you didn't realize you'd memorized. One can also venture next door to the lounge and dance club Fix.

March shows at the Walton Arts Center include ZUM, which plays a worldwide flavor of acoustic music in performances March 4-5. Mike Rayburn will bring his humorous guitar stylings to the center March 6.

On the heels of Branford Marsalis' concert at the arts center last season comes a performance this season by his brother, jazz trumpeter Wynton Marsalis, leading the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra. He'll perform March 11 along with 15 other jazz soloists and ensemble players.

Ending the month is the beginning of the eight-show run of Rodgers and Hammerstein's South Pacific, produced by Lincoln Center Theatre, running March 30-April 4.

Insider Tips

1. March weather is most unpredictable. It could be snowing, raining, windy - or sunny and warm. Be prepared by wearing layers for any kind of outdoors to indoor spots that could be moderate to chilly with air conditioning.
2. Because people are going to performances, bars, restaurants and karaoke, the dress is wide-ranging and eclectic. That means you can push the limit a bit, trying out new styles or dressing down or up from what's expected for your particular event.
3. Finding a parking spot can be challenging. Show up early to stroll the sidewalks and local shops.
4. Duck into Dickson Street Bookshop and get lost in the maze of bookshelves that expands into several rooms. There are books on every subject - music, history, photography, cookbooks. The goldmine is the back room of fiction, books on writing and reference tomes.
5. Engage in "retail therapy" with friends at the many shops, including Lola Boutique, Snapdragon and Something Urban.
6. Stop in and chat with Bruce Walker at Flying Possum Leather, where he'll tell you about the necessity of caring for your feet, sell you a pair of custom-fit Birkenstocks and show you the leather guitar strap - his design that's patent-pending. He gave the first two straps to Neil Young and Willie Nelson.
7. For the best price on Walton Arts Center shows, order season tickets. They go on sale in spring with the Broadway and Flex series. Start planning now to get the best seats for next year's season. Once seats are secured, patrons have first shot at the same ones the following season.

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