LITTLE ROCK — Weekly theme listings reflect a range of dining possibilities in central Arkansas, across a spectrum of settings and price ranges. To read recent restaurant reviews in their entirety, visit arkansasonline.com/restaurants.

Sandwiches

BOULEVARD BREAD CO.

1417 Main St., Little Rock, (501) 375-5100; 1920 N. Grant St., Little Rock, (501) 663-5951; University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences College of Public Health, 4301 W. Markham St., Little Rock, (501) 526-6661; Ottenheimer Market Hall, River Market, 400 President Clinton Ave., Little Rock, (501) 374-1232

Freshly baked breads and the generous use of fresh herbs help make the panini and other sandwiches a couple of cuts above the ordinary, also with first-rate soups and salads.

Heights: Breakfast, lunch, dinner Mon-Sat. Beer, wine. Downtown locations: breakfast, lunch only Mon-Sat. UAMS location: breakfast, lunch only Mon-Fri, no alcohol. Bargain-moderate.

JIMMY’S SERIOUS SANDWICHES

5116 W. Markham St., Little Rock, (501) 666-3354

Sandwich savant Jimmy Weisman takes seriously indeed his crusted creations, including the nationalaward-winning The Garden: fresh spinach spread, mushrooms, sprouts, sunflower seeds and three kinds of melted cheese on pumpernickel.

Lunch Mon-Sat. No alcohol. Bargain.

DELICIOUS TEMPTATIONS

11220 N. Rodney Parham Road, Little Rock, (501) 225-6893

The extensive menu at this clean, bright, family-friendly bistro features a variety of breakfast items, including several Benedicts, served into midafternoon alongside stylish sandwiches.

Breakfast, lunch daily. No alcohol. Reservations weekdays. Bargain.

OLD MILL BREAD AND FLOUR CO.

12111 W. Markham St., Little Rock, (501) 228-4677

Old Mill is a firmly established stop for the roving band of Ladies Who Lunch — thanks to a sunny interior and the scrumptious breads baked for its small but superior sandwich selection.

Breakfast, lunch Mon-Sat. No alcohol. Bargain.

PANERA BREAD

Pleasant Ridge Town Center, 11525 Cantrell Road, Little Rock. (501) 227-0222; 2812 Lakewood Village Drive, North Little Rock, (501) 771-0168

This popular chain offers fine specialty soups and breakfast and lunch sandwiches, eye-catching baked goods and friendly service.

Breakfast, lunch, dinner daily. Bargain.

PURPLE COW

8026 Cantrell Road, Little Rock, (501) 221-3555; 11602 Chenal Parkway, Little Rock, (501) 224-4433

Best known for its burgers and ice cream and nostalgic soda-fountain feel, the family-friendly Purple Cow surprises with sophisticated salads, like the generous, zippy Santa Fe Salad, and gourmet sandwiches like the bitey balsamic-dressed Portabella Mushroom.

Lunch, dinner daily, brunch Sat-Sun. Beer, wine, limited liquor. Bargainmoderate.

Weekend, Pages 38 on 04/26/2012