I have just left Little Rock and the Capital Hotel. It is bittersweet, in that I have other stops on my journey through the South, but I could easily settle in for an extended stay at such a wonderful hotel with such an excellent staff. Two people specifically are to thank for their hard work and attention to detail- the two Lees. Lee Richardson is the executive chef at Ashley’s, the crown jewel for dining in Little Rock, and his counterpoint front-of-house, Lee Ingold, is the maitre d’. Collectively they run a tight ship- by ship, I mean restaurant.
It was my third trip to Little Rock, the first being the Emeril fundraiser, when I first was able to experience the wonderful skills of chef Lee. The night after the fundraiser chef Lee sat me at a table and, without a menu as a guide, food started arriving and kept coming, course after amazing course, until I literally could not take another bite! It was right then, in my food stupor, that I hatched the idea of a wine dinner at Ashley’s. It took a few years to materialize, but here is the menu and some photos from the dinner. If you’d like to see more photos from the dinner check out Ashley’s kitchen blog.
As you can probably see from the photos and from the tenor of my post I have a soft spot in my heart for Ashley’s and much of it has to do with the two Lees and their wonderful staff. That said, the entire experience at the Capital Hotel from the moment one arrives is one of polished calm. Thanks to everyone at the Capital Hotel. I’ll be back!
You, sir, are too kind!
What a great evening AND when are we doing it again!!
Posted by: Lee Ingold | June 23, 2009 at 03:56 PM
We, too, had a wonderful evening. Please visit again soon. See you at harvest.
Posted by: Joann and Ralph Sims | June 23, 2009 at 05:00 PM
It is always a pleasure to spend time at the Capital Hotel. I think even Clem is warming up to me! We'll see you at harvest!
Posted by: Thomas Houseman | June 24, 2009 at 11:04 AM
That is the memorable party in capital hotel. My friend Mr. Johnson gives his birth day party in capital hotel. I was wondered the disciplined staff and agreement there. I want to go there again and again. Thanks Mr. Johnson
Posted by: Nexpider | July 16, 2009 at 10:36 PM