Shots secured, we angled back to the alley basement where the Rendezvous has been hiding since 1948. You could order something else, but the only real choices are dry-rub ribs and the pork shoulder sandwich (below). We actually hit the 'Vous twice in one day -- snacking on pork shoulder sandwiches at lunch, then returning for four racks of spice-encrusted ribs at dinner. Staggering up the steps in a protein coma, we pointed the A4 down I-40 toward Little Rock.
The previous generation A4 caught criticism for its ponderous handling: Outfitted with the heavy quattro all-wheel drive kit, the Audi would plow you straight through an aggressive curve, albeit in leather-lined comfort. The '09 version has a wider and stiffer frame, and the power bias is pushed to the back wheels. You can also use the car's computer brain to modify things like the shift points and suspension stiffness to change the ride. Or, let the car judge the way you drive and pick the appropriate settings. Technological sleights of hand don't completely obscure the need for 40 more horsepower, but now the A4 is far more than just a capable Interstate cruiser.
The next day, we pulled into an anonymous strip mall along the Arkansas River for lunch at the Whole Hog Cafe. Calling it the best barbecue in Arkansas is no idle boast -- its pulled pork won the 2002 Memphis-in-May World Championship, and the ribs finished second. You line up cafeteria-style and take your heaping plate of meat over to a low-slung picnic table, where you can apply six kinds of sauce. Whole Hog's food beat the Rendezvous', even if the atmosphere is a little more, um, suburban. Of course, it is nice to see your food without a flashlight.
Even though Fister enjoyed his time in the A4's plush cockpit, he insisted we park it off to the side at his home course, Chenal Country Club in Little Rock. "I do have an image to protect," he joked. If anybody had watched us play the 307-yard, par-4 eighth a couple of hours later, he wouldn't have had anything to be concerned about. After I aimed right, to the safe side, and skanked my hybrid out there 185 yards, Fister rotated 20 degrees and aimed straight at the flag -- directly over the long hazard protecting the entire left side of the hole -- and casually smoothed a 5-iron to the middle of the green, 18 feet from the flag. At least he missed the putt. Making eagle would have been just showing off.
★ Star listings from 1 to 5 are derived from readers' Best Places To Play ratings.
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