Luis Vasquez and Darren Strayhorn, El Sur (Photo by: Luis Vasquez)
LUIS VASQUEZ
Tell us about yourself and what you do for a living?
I’m originally from a small town in the south of Honduras. I’m a cook, and I own a food truck and a restaurant named El Sur Street Food Co (El Sur means โThe Southโ).
If you moved from somewhere else, what influenced your decision to move here?
Eight years ago I was going to school in Honduras, and I was taking an English class. I have a friend that lives in Little Rock and he told me about a nonprofit organization in Arkansas. She said that if I came here to volunteer I would immerse myself in a different culture and force myself to learn English. I loved the idea. I worked with Heifer International, whose mission is to end hunger and poverty around the world in a sustainable way by supporting and investing alongside local farmers and their communities. I stayed here for 3 months with my tourist visa then went back to Honduras for about 8 months. Then with the help of the nonprofit we did the paperwork to extend my visa for a year. In that time I met my now husband. He knew a lawyer that could help me stay in this country by seeking asylum, because Honduras was a very dangerous country to live and be gay. Then I moved to Little Rock!
Where is your food truck located, and what are some of the most popular dishes on the menu?
Itโs located in the SoMa (South Main) neighborhood at Rock Town Distillery and the Bernice Garden. We just opened our new restaurant in SoMa, as well. The Baleada Con Todo is our most popular dish. Think of it as a type of burrito with everything (con todo). Itโs a large flour tortilla filled with mashed red beans, crema, and queso duro. Itโs then stuffed with pickled onions, avocado, fried plantains, and your choice of meat. It is topped with a yellow habanero salsa.
When you have a night off, where do you like to go for dinner and drinks?
The Oyster Bar, located in the historic Stifft Station neighborhood, is a Little Rock landmark and local favorite. Complete with a dedicated oyster bar, their seafood and Cajun food are served in a family friendly environment. Park in the back, put some coins in the jukebox, and order a pint of cold beer, peel ’em and eat ’em shrimp, or your favorite po’boy and find out why locals have een dining there for 43 years. Fun fact: The Oyster Bar building was built in 1924 and once housed a neighborhood grocery store. Since then, it has been completely remodeled and restored keeping the original charm and adding in an unbeatable Cajun atmosphere. Rock Town Distillery is Arkansas’s first legal distillery since Prohibition. They offer tours and tastings seven days a week.
What cultural attractions or events are a must see for visitors?
In September 1957, Little Rock Central High School was at the center of international attention when the governor ordered the National Guard to prevent nine Black students (The Little Rock Nine) from attending. President Eisenhower later federalized the National Guard and sent troops to escort the students to class. It’s now the only functioning high school in the National Park System. Also, make sure to visit Rattlesnake Ridge Natural Area. Don’t let the name scare you, you’re more likely to see mountain bikers here than snakes. Hiking and mountain biking trails cross this park that is home to several endangered species. The eponymous ridge rises 920 feet to provide sweeping views of Pinnacle Mountain and the Arkansas River Valley.
A friend is coming to Little Rock for the first timeโฆPlease describe the perfect weekend.
Friday morning coffee at Fidel and Co with an avocado toast (you must add a boiled egg to it). Then a walk through The Clinton Library, lunch at Three Fold, and an afternoon visit to the Little Rock Central High School. Dinner and drinks at Rock Town Distillery (they don’t have a kitchen, but food trucks park there.) Saturday coffee at Boulevard Bread Company, but get it to go and enjoy it at the Bernice Garden. After being caffeinated, rent bikes at Rock Town River Outfitters and go on an adventure along the Arkansas River Trail. Then a late lunch at Afrobites food truck on Wright Avenue to recover from the bike ride, followed by some ice cream at Loblolly. That night have dinner and drinks at The Oyster Bar, and then Sunday brunch at Raduno.
What are the best places to enjoy the natural beauty of the area?
Pinnacle Mountain, Rattlesnake Ridge, or the Two Rivers are amazing places to go for a hike or walk and enjoy the beauty of Little Rock.
Whatโs one souvenir to bring back for friends or family?
Something handmade from the Bernice Garden Farmers Market.
Please finish this sentence: Donโt leave Little Rock withoutโฆ
Seeing a sunset at the Big Dam Bridge.
