Blair Wallace (Photo by: of Blair Wallace)
BLAIR WALLACE
Tell us about yourself and what you do for a living?
Hi there! Firstly, Iโm a proud wife of an RN, mother of four fur babies, restaurateur (owner of Ciao Baci), and lover of all things food andย drink. I am passionate about the state of Arkansas and all of the beautiful things that it provides us. My favorite things to do revolve around waterโฆfloating, boating, swimming and being near my family. My beautiful niece and nephews have both been raised in Ciao Baci, so we have created two more foodies for the local community to continue the legacy. I have spent the majority of my adult life inside Ciao Baci, so of course I care for it like a member of my family.
How long have you been living in Little Rock?
I was born and raised in Little Rock. I stayed in state for college and started working at Ciao Baci in 2002. I worked as a server and bartender for a decade and thatโs when I truly fell in love with food and wine. I also happened to meet my wife at Ciao Baci, no big deal. ๐ After we met, she told me her plan was to live in Hawaii and work on the beach and I invited myself on that journey. It was the best decision Iโve ever made. We made lifelong friends and many memories during our time on the island. Not to mention, the food was incredible. Iโll never forget some of the flavors that I tried during that time.
If you moved from somewhere else, what influenced your decision to move here?
Our move back home from Hawaii was heavily influenced by family. We both have nieces and nephews that we were watching grow up via the internet and Little Rock was pulling at our heart strings. Our first outing after we got back was Ciao Baci. We had missed Suzanne and the staff. It really is a second home to us.
What are the most popular dishes on the menu at Ciao Baci?
We have a lot of loyal guests and they might each tell you something different. We change our menu seasonally, (summer, fall, winter, spring) so our patrons AND staff all plead their favorites to the Chef every few months. However, we have multiple accolades for Best Burger, Best Wine List, etc. My current favorite item is the Pappardelle Verano and the Vegan Summer Soul Plate. You canโt come to Baci and miss out on the Calamari or the Creamy Cucumber Dip. Also, the Mussels are a must! I could go on and on.
When you have a night off, where do you go for dinner and drinks?
Normally, when I have a night off, I tend to stay home, but Little Rock has such an amazing food scene that I have to go say hi to my restaurant buddies. Hillcrest, Heights, and SoMa are my go to neighborhoods. Some of my favorites are The Pantry Crest, Kemuri, Raduno, and Trioโs. If Iโm looking for a drink and some people watching, I like to patronize Proof, Lost 40 Brewery, or The Fountain.
What cultural attractions or events are a must see for visitors to Little Rock?
Little Rock is packed with exciting things to do. I would definitely send a visitor downtown to check out the Clinton Presidential Library and the River Market area. Pop your head into the Museum of Discovery while you are down there. The Robinson Center, Ballet Arkansas, or Murrayโs Dinner Playhouse are great if you are looking for some local entertainment. If you are into biking, kayaking, paddle boarding, or just a good trail system head over to Two Rivers Trail. I also would recommend Pinnacle Mountain State Park.
A friend is coming to Little Rock for the first timeโฆ Please describe the perfect weekend.
Being a foodie, my idea may be a bit different, but I would definitely start off with a tour of downtown, grab a beer from Fassler Hall and then head to Ciao Baci for a Chefโs Tasting Menu. Hang out for a bit after dinner and connect with the locals at the bar. Start the next day off with a hike at Pinnacle and then grab lunch and a growler from Lost 40 Brewery. Finish the night at White Water Tavern for some local, live music. End your weekend with brunch and a bloody at Raduno and sneak over to Kemuri before you leave for some of the best Sushi that Little Rock offers.
What are the best places to enjoy the natural beauty of the area?
The Arkansas River Trail in Little Rock is my go to for natural beauty. Also, Pinnacle Mountain State Park has some amazing, smaller trails that you can enjoy that are not as crowded as the main, summit trail. I would also recommend Allsop Park or the Big Dam Bridge. There is a fun little dog park in that area, if you have a pup with you.
What is your favorite time of year in Little Rock and why?
Spring is my favorite. I love all the new smells and watching things bloom. The summers can be brutal in Little Rock, but we are lucky that we have so many resources to water. Water Yoga on the Arkansas River is a thing for all you Yogiโs.
Whatโs one souvenir to bring back from Little Rock for friends or family?
Besides a Ciao Baci gift card, I think a growler of local beer or a bottle of our local Rock Town spirits. We also have some great local farmers markets where you can find pickles, heirloom tomatoesโฆall the southern things that we cherish.
Please finish this sentence: Donโt leave Little Rock withoutโฆ
Having dinner and a bottle of wine on Ciao Baciโs wonderful patio. Let us create a wonderful experience during your time in Little Rock. Cheers!!
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