February 5th, 2010, 10:13 am by Jess Harter
This week’s 5 to Try roundup drew a lot of interest, so here are some more Valentine’s Day deals at East Valley restaurants:
• Urban Tea Loft is offering a three-course dinner (salad or soup, choice of entrée and dessert) Feb. 12-14 for $40 per person or $75 per couple. For an additional $50 per couple, you can get a VIP room table and bottle of champagne. 11 W. Boston St., Chandler, (480) 786-9600, www.urbantealoft.com.
• Cork is offering a four-course dinner featuring choices like Thai-scented lobster bisque, charred duck breast and pan-roasted barramundi Feb. 13-14 for $75 per person. 4991 S. Alma School Road, Chandler, (480) 883-3773, www.corkrestaurant.net.
• Caffe Boa and Caffe Boa Bistro are offering a three-course dinner featuring choices like hearth-roasted fish (only available in Mesa), veal tenderloin and hand-made pastas Feb. 12-15 for $79 per person. 2837 N. Power Road, Mesa, (480) 981-2000; 398 S. Mill Ave., Tempe, (480) 968-9112; www.boabistro.com.
• Sauce (pictured) is offering a three-course lunch or dinner (choice of seven salads, 13 pizzas and two desserts) Feb. 14 for $20. 2551 W. Queen Creek Road, Chandler, (480) 383-8640; 3426 E. Baseline Road, Mesa, (480) 497-3500; www.foxrc.com<.
• P.F. Chang’s is offering a four-course dinner for two (two soups, one appetizers, two entrees and two mini desserts) Feb. 14 for $39.95. 3255 W. Chandler Blvd., Chandler, (480) 899-0472; 6610 E. Superstition Springs Blvd., (480) 218-4900; www.pfchangs.com.
• NYPD Pizza is offering several deals, including a babysitter’s special (pizza and garlic knots for $14.99) and a dinner for two (bruschetta or salad, pizza and dessert for $18.99) Feb. 14. 211 E. Warner Road, Gilbert, (480) 632-6973; 2743 S. Market St., Gilbert, (480) 782-6973; 2580 W. Chandler Blvd., Chandler, (480) 722-0898; 9845 S. Priest Drive, Chandler, (480) 705-6973; www.aznypdpizza.com.
• Z’Tejas is offering a pair of special entrees — pistachio-crusted beef tenderloin with chipotle-marinated shrimp ($23.99) and seared chile-crusted scallops ($16.99) — and a chocolate mousse ($5.95) Feb. 11-14. 7221 W. Ray Road, Chandler, (480) 893-7550; 20 W. Sixth St., Tempe, (480) 377-1170; www.ztejas.com.
Posted in: Chandler • Gilbert • Mesa • Holiday | Post a Comment »
February 5th, 2010, 6:37 am by Jess Harter
If you enjoy Asian food, you won’t want to miss Mekong Plaza’s annual Tet festival, which takes place Saturday and Sunday at the northwest Mesa shopping center.
Tet is the Vietnamese New Year, which is celebrated with dancing, singing, costumes, games and, especially, lots of food. The Mesa festival is the largest in Arizona.
Mekong Plaza, a 100,000-square-foot indoor marketplace that opened in 2008, is anchored by the huge Mekong Supermarket but also features a variety of Southeast Asia stores and restaurants.
Among the restaurants are Com Tam Thuan Kieu, MyLynn Café and UnPhogettable (all Vietnamese), Thai Spice (Thai), Taiwan Food Express (Chinese) and Whooly Grill (Filipino).
 Several restaurants will offer their food, including some dishes only served during Tet, outside as well as inside. There also will be some American festival food purveyors in the parking lot.
Weekend activities will include traditional Chinese lion dances, singing and comedy performances, a children’s talent show, a costume contest, poker and table tennis tournaments, fashion shows, a health fair and a carnival.
There also will be a photography exhibit highlighting the Vietnam post-war experience.
Festival admission is $3 Saturday and $1 Sunday, which includes a raffle ticket for each dollar spent. Food is available for an additional cost.
All proceeds from the festival will be donated to the Community Asset and Resource Enterprise (CARE) Partnership and the Mesa Public Safety Foundation.
Mekong Tet festival
When: 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday and Sunday
Where: Mekong Plaza, 66 S. Dobson Road, Mesa
How much: $3 Saturday, $1 Sunday
Info: (480) 459-9530 or www.mekongplaza.com
Posted in: Mesa • Festivals | Post a Comment »
February 5th, 2010, 6:27 am by Jess Harter
Downtown Chandler will put a decidedly tame twist on its first-ever Mardi Gras celebration.
The event, sponsored by the nonprofit Downtown Chandler Community Foundation, will run 6 p.m. to 11 p.m. Saturday at venues along the city’s historic square.
Mardi Gras, also known as Fat Tuesday or Carnival, is a decadent party preceding the 40 days of Lent. The celebration typically includes costumes, parades and rich foods.
However, organizers promise Chandler’s family-friendly event will not feature the public drunkenness and nudity that has become associated with the well-known Mardi Gras in New Orleans.
 Newly opened Fat Cat restaurant, 98 S. San Marcos Place, will host a cocktail reception at 6 p.m. Chef Brian Ferguson, a Louisiana native, will prepare hors d’oeuvres and crawfish.
At 7:15 p.m., a parade will take place from Fat Cat north to the Crowne Plaza San Marcos Golf Resort, 1 S. San Marcos, where the rest of the evening’s activities will be held in the ballroom.
A buffet-style dinner will feature traditional Cajun favorites, including jambalaya, gumbo, dirty rice, king cakes (pictured) and beignets.
There also will be a costume contest, jazz music, dancing and casino games. Chandler mayor Boyd Dunn and his wife Nancy will be crowned Mardi Gras king and queen.
Tickets are $75, which includes the cocktail reception and all activities at the resort.
Mardi Gras
When: 6 p.m. to 11 p.m. Saturday
Where: San Marcos Place, from Boston to Buffalo streets, in downtown Chandler
How much: $75 per person
Info: (480) 855-3539 or www.chandlermardigras.com
Posted in: Chandler • Festivals | Post a Comment »
February 4th, 2010, 3:16 pm by Jess Harter
 At this rate, Omar de la Cruz soon is going to control an entire block of downtown Mesa.
The owner (pictured) of popular Mexican cafe Mangos and restaurant/wine bar de la Cruz Bistro has opened his third Main Street eatery: The Sugar Shack. It takes over the former Blimpie’s building on the northwest corner of Main and Center streets.
A cross between a coffee house and a convenience store, The Sugar Shack has a small lounge area with comfortable seating and free wi-fi. There also are several small booths for diners.
Doors open at 6:30 a.m. weekdays for those looking to start their day with a cup of coffee ($1.49-$2.29). Caffeine junkies also can cater to their sweet tooth with “steamers,” cappucino flavored with Mexican chocolate or white chocolate caramel ($2.49-$3.29). An espresso machine is coming soon.
Other sweet treats include candy and Rice Krispies bars. Frosted Mexican cookies are among the pasties and baked goods (69 cents-$1.99). Another upcoming addition will be ice cream, de la Cruz says.
The Sugar Shack offers a couple of salads and three sandwiches ($2.99-$3.50, made next door at De la Cruz Bistro) with more on the way.
The Sugar Shack, 12 N. Center St., Mesa, opens 6:30 a.m. weekdays and 8 a.m. Saturday. Closed Sunday. Info: (480 835-2246.
Posted in: Mesa • Sugar Shack | Post a Comment »
February 3rd, 2010, 9:31 am by Jess Harter
Valentine’s Day is just 11 days away, which means time is running out to make reservations for a romantic meal out on the town. Some East Valley restaurants already are booked up for primetime seatings next Sunday. Many are offering special deals, including these five:
Queen Creek Olive Mill: In addition to breakfast and lunch specials, Arizona’s only producer of extra virgin olive oil is offering romantic picnic lunches for two in its olive grove. The $99.99 price includes a reusable keepsake bag; table cloth, napkins and silverware; wine, glasses and corkscrew; a choice of three meal packages (fruit and cheese, mini sandwiches or antipasto); olives; and tuxedo strawberries. The picnic lunches must be ordered by Monday. 25062 S. Meridian Road, Queen Creek, (480) 888-9290, www.queencreekolivemill.com.
Broadway Palm Dinner Theatre: The East Valley’s marquee dinner theater is offering Valentine’s Day weekend specials for its productions of the rags-to-riches blockbuster musical “The Unsinkable Molly Brown” ($114-$132) or the interactive comedy “Patsy’s Bridal Shower” ($102), which is set in a trailer in Buckeye. The package includes show tickets, buffet dinner for two, a bottle of champagne or sparkling cider, a long-stem rose and chocolate-dipped strawberries. 5247 E. Brown Road, Mesa, (480) 325-6700, www.broadwaypalmwest.com.
Boston’s Gourmet Pizza: For 11 years, this national chain has teamed up with the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation to offer heart-shaped pizzas and desserts on Valentine’s weekend. A dollar from each pizza or dessert is donated to JDRF research. In addition, customers can buy paper hearts for a dollar and personalize them with a Valentine’s message. Last year’s promotion raised more than $31,000. 1026 S. Gilbert Road, Gilbert, (480) 813-9223; 400 W. University Drive, Tempe, (480) 517-1500; www.bostonsgourmet.com.
Flancer’s: You want to surprise your sweetheart with a romantic meal at home but your cooking skills are lacking? Flancer’s is offering a Valentine’s dinner to go with shrimp and prosciutto salad; chicken marsala with penne pasta au buerre and goat cheese-stuffed tomatoes; and chocolate lava cake. It’s packaged cold with instructions for reheating. Cost is $49.99 per couple. Order before Tuesday you get a free baguette. 610 N. Gilbert Road, Gilbert, (480) 926-9077; 1902 N. Higley Road, Mesa, (480) 396-0077; www.flancers.com.
Kai: Money no object? The Valley’s premier fine-dining restaurant at the Sheraton Wild Horse Pass Resort is offering five- and seven-course Valentine’s menus — featuring veal tenderloin, lobster and made-to-order doughnuts — for $150 and $185, respectively, per person. Wine pairings can run the price up to $300 per person and, yes, reservations are necessary because the American Indian-themed restaurant will sell out. 5594 W. Wild Horse Pass Blvd., Chandler, (602) 385-5726, www.wildhorsepassresort.com.
Posted in: Chandler • Gilbert • Mesa • 5 to Try | Post a Comment »
February 2nd, 2010, 1:54 pm by Jess Harter
California chain Zen Buffet has opened in first East Valley restaurant in the former Hometown Buffet building on Warner Road, just east of Alma School Road, in Chandler.
Zen offers a variety of Chinese dishes, such as almond chicken, sweet and sour pork, beef with broccoli and shrimp with lobster sauce. There are stand-alone stations for sushi (with a sushi chef on duty), soups (eight options) and Mongolian barbecue.
Cost is $7.99 for lunch, $11.99-$12.99 for dinner and $12.99 Sundays and holidays. Children’s prices range from $3.99 to $7.99, depending on age and time of day.
Zen Buffet, 700 W. Warner Road, Chandler, is open 11 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Friday through Sunday. Info: (480) 899-9288.
Posted in: Chandler • Zen Buffet | Post a Comment »
February 2nd, 2010, 12:14 pm by Jess Harter
Il Vinaio remains one of the best-kept secrets in Mesa, but that may soon change.
Cameron and Cindy Selogie took over the former Valley Eatery in downtown Mesa last summer. They renovated the dated interior, installed a wine bar and hired chef Patrick Bol (Roaring Fork, Drift, Geisha a Go Go) to create a Mediterranean-influenced New American dinner.
 This week, Bol finally has overhauled the breakfast and lunch menus as well.
For breakfast, simple favorites like pancakes ($5), blueberry crepes ($6.25) and biscuits and gravy ($6.25) remain, but other dishes have been upgraded, such as the oatmeal that now comes with toasted pecans and raisins ($4.50).
Hearty newcomers include sourdough French toast ($5), a breakfast burrito ($6), a pork chop breakfast (three thin chops with eggs, home fries and toast for $8.75) and a ribeye steak with eggs ($10.75).
Highlights of the new 16-item lunch roster are a roasted peppered beef sandwich with caramelized onions ($8.75, pictured), a triple cheese melt with Fontina, Provelone and blue cheese ($7.25), house-made chicken strips with garlic crinkle fries ($7.75) and fat noodles with cheese ($9).
Il Vinaio, 270 W. Main St., Mesa, is open 6 a.m. to 3 p.m. daily for breakfast and lunch and 5 p.m. to close daily for dinner. The wine bar opens at 4 p.m. daily.
Posted in: Mesa • Il Vinaio | Post a Comment »
February 2nd, 2010, 10:55 am by Jess Harter
The Sun has come out.
I’m not talking about the weather. I’m referring to the legal struggle between Arizona State University and SanTan Brewing Company over the name of the microbrewery’s Sun Devil Ale.
The beer’s new name? Devil’s Ale.
That’s right. All the controversy, media attention and legal fees came down to just one word.
 And the winner of the month-long contest to rename it? None other than Terri Shafer, ASU’s associate vice president of public affairs.
Of course, Shafer never officially entered the downtown Chandler microbrewery’s month-long contest to rename the West Coast-style American ale.
But when explaining to the Tribune why Tempe’s Four Peaks was allowed to market a new beer called Devil’s Pitchfork Ale, she noted, “‘Sun Devil’ is a federally registered trademark that belongs to ASU, and we have rights and obligations to protect that. But ‘Devil’s’ and ‘Pitchfork’ - we have no legal rights to do anything with regard to those phrases.”
That was good enough for SanTan owner and brewmaster Anthony Canecchia (pictured above), whose David-vs.-Goliath fight with the school has been covered by every major Valley media outlet.
While it’s not likely Shafer will be accepting the contest’s grand prize of a keg of Devil’s Ale, two runners-up were chosen: Bud Thomas of Scottsdale, who suggested Devilz Ale, and Mark Turner of Chandler, who suggested Devils Tail Ale. Each receives a small keg.
You’d have to say SanTan is the big winner in this fight. For the somewhat minor change from Sun Devil Ale to Devil’s Ale, it received tens of thousands of dollars worth of free publicity.
On the hand, what did ASU achieve - besides coming off as a bully picking on a small local business? In a Valley where you can find Sun Devil Auto, Sun Devil Electric, Sun Devil Liquors and Sun Devil Plumbing (just to name a few), can ASU really claim it has protected the integrity of its “Sun Devil” trademark?
Posted in: Chandler • SanTan Brewing Co. | 3 Comments »
January 29th, 2010, 2:19 pm by Jess Harter
Despite the struggling economy, there have been recent signs of life in the East Valley’s restaurant scene. A handful of new restaurants have opened their doors in the past month. In case you missed the stories on these newcomers, here are five worth checking out:
The Living Room: Yes, the comfortable chairs, sofas, coffee tables, lamps and board games really make this Ocotillo area wine café and bistro seem like a relaxing living room. A small Italian menu offers a selection of nosh-able treats like bruschetta, meat and cheese plates, sandwiches and salads (pictured above). Twenty wines are available by the glass from $6 to $10, and all are just $5 before 6 p.m. daily. Five beers are on tap, including Pabst Blue Ribbon for just $2. 2475 W. Queen Creek Road, Chandler, (480) 855-2848, livingroomwinebar.com.
Caffe Boa Bistro: A wood-fired oven just inside the doorway is the focal point of this cozy spinoff of the longtime Mill Avenue favorite. Chef Payton Curry uses the oven to prepare many of the starters, entrees and desserts, and a nearby salumi station delivers slices of house-cured charcuterie. The kitchen in the back of the space produces plates of handmade pasta. The wine list boasts 26 whites and 27 reds by the glass, and more by the bottle. 2837 N. Power Road, Mesa, (480) 981-2000, www.boabistro.com.
 Zammi’s Pub: This new neighborhood pub hasn’t changed much of the décor of the previous resident — the short-lived Old World Pizza Kitchen — in the JD’s Homestead Plaza. Wood-fired pizzas are still available, along with deli sandwiches and a very good burger (pictured at right). But general manager and chef Eddie Holmes spent 25 years in New Orleans, so Zammi’s also serves Cajun favorites like po’ boys, oysters on the half shell and a Friday night all-you-can-eat catfish feast. 323 S. Gilbert Road, Gilbert, (480) 307-8477.
Cucina di Vita: Meats and cheeses imported from Italy are among the offerings at this new Italian deli that recently took over the former Picnic Company building in downtown Mesa. The space has undergone a major facelift, including the addition of free Wi-Fi. The menu features inexpensive salads, hot and cold sandwiches, paninis and pizzas. Most are family recipes; owner Mark Lobdell’s family has run an Italian restaurant near Chicago for 50 years. 142 W. Main St., Mesa, (480) 834-3898, www.cucinadivita.com.
Down Under: Yes, this Australian wine bar and bistro has been operating near Chandler Fashion Center for several years, but owners Roger Carpenter and Phil Roberts just moved into much bigger digs in Gilbert. Aussie and New Zealand wines and beers are still the focus, but the new space includes a large patio and, in the owners’ words, a “real” kitchen for making their trademark crocodile potstickers, ostrich sliders and kangaroo salad. 1422 W. Warner Road, Gilbert, (480) 705-7131, www.downunderwinestore.com.
Posted in: Uncategorized | Post a Comment »
January 28th, 2010, 3:30 pm by Jess Harter
Soul food is the theme of this month’s Tuesday’s Night Tasting at SanTan Brewing Company in downtown Chandler.
The menu (see pdf) will feature black-eyed pea fritters, Dixie butter beans with ham hocks, buttermilk fried chicken with mac ’n’ cheese, Carolina spare ribs with mustard greens and sweet potato pie.
The guest brewer will be Dieter Foerstner of Tempe’s Gordon Biersch, who will bring his Marzen lager.
The six-course dinner with beer pairings will be held 6:30 p.m. Tuesday. Cost is $31 per person plus tax and tip.
Reservations: (480) 917-8700.
Posted in: Chandler • SanTan Brewing Co. | Post a Comment »
January 27th, 2010, 10:14 am by Jess Harter
“Are you finished?” the server asks.
“We’re done with our entrees, but we’d like to order dessert,” I tell her.
“OK, thanks,” she replies, dropping our check on the table and walking away, never to return.
My dinner companions and I just look at each other and shrug our shoulders.
Such can be the experience of dining at Nunthaporn’s Thai Cuisine, an eight-month-old restaurant in downtown Mesa.
Service, though well-intentioned, sometimes comes up short. Your water glass can go unfilled. You can sit for a while before finally getting your check.
And sometimes you can go without dessert — although, in fairness, I’m pretty sure this particular Thai server, who spoke limited English, simply didn’t understand me.
 Despite these hiccups, though, I find myself going back to Nunthaporn’s again and again for one simple reason: The food is excellent.
You may recognize owner Nunthaporn Treekamol from when she owned another Mesa restaurant, the well-respected Benjarong Thai. In June, she took over the recently closed Christel’s Bavarian Deli on the southwest corner of Main and Center streets.
The remodeled 2,100-square-foot space has a clean, mostly contemporary feel, and the removal of the drop ceiling lends an airiness.
The menu features more than 60 traditional Thai dishes, along with a few unusual twists. About two-thirds of the dishes are $10 or less.
I recommend you start with Nunthaporn’s version of Thai toast ($6), eight bread triangles topped with seasoned ground chicken and then deep-fried, making sort of a non-sweet French toast that’s served with a delicious mild chili sauce.
Pad Thai is one of Thailand’s national dishes, and Nunthaporn’s is outstanding. Besides the traditional rice noodles, bean sprouts, egg and tamarind sauce, sweetened radish is added for a slightly sugary taste.
Like most dishes on the menu, you get a choice of protein — chicken, beef, pork, fish, shrimp or tofu.
 Twenty-three of the most popular entrees are available as $7 lunch specials, which include about a half-sized portion of the entrée along with soup, egg roll, fried wontons and rice.
Over the months, I’ve steadily worked my way through the lineup — spicy basil ground chicken, sweet and sour pork, Massaman curry beef, basil fried rice — and I’ve yet to find a dish I didn’t enjoy.
You even can try a Thai beer, such as a Singha or a slightly stronger Chang ($4 per bottle), both friendly to the American palate.
It should be pointed out the level of spiciness in any dish can be confusing. The menu lists three levels: no stars, one star (mild) and two stars (spicy). Sometimes a server will say there are only two (mild or spicy), and other times four (mild, hot, very hot and “Thai hot”).
But this confusion shouldn’t deter you from trying Nunthaporn’s. Like the uneven service, it’s just something to keep in mind — along with the knowledge that Sweet Cakes recently opened a frozen yogurt shop next door.
In case you feel like dessert.
Nunthaporn’s Thai Cuisine
Where: 17 W. Main St., Mesa
Open: 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Monday through Saturday for lunch; 4:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 4:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. Friday and Saturday for dinner
Prices: Appetizers $5-$7, soups $5-$8, salads $8-$14, entrees $8-$15
Info: (480) 649-6140
(Photos by Tim Hacker, East Valley Tribune)
Posted in: Mesa • Phoenix • Nunthaporn's Thai Cuisine | 4 Comments »
January 26th, 2010, 12:28 pm by Jess Harter
Superstition Farm, a working dairy farm in southeast Mesa, is hosting a series of monthly dinners featuring locally produced meats, vegetables, eggs, milk and other foods.
The idea, according to farm co-owner Casey Stechnij, is to take the public’s growing interest in local foods to the next step.
“There’s a little bit of a disconnect once that food gets into a bag and gets into people’s home,” he says. “Everyone’s into local food, but when they get that bag of food they don’t know what to do with it.”
Stechnij is calling the series “Chef du Moo” and has signed up Valley chef Lou Swartz (Michael’s at the Citadel, The Phoenician Resort and the Westin Kierland Resort) for the kickoff dinner Feb. 13.
Swartz will be working with wide range of ingredients, including pork from The Meat Shop in Phoenix, eggs from Hickman’s Family Farms in Buckeye, produce from Love Grows Farms in Mesa and dairy products from Superstition Farm.
The cost will be $65 per person, or $80 per person with wine pairings. The dinners will be held outdoors near the farm’s tour barn, and there will be live entertainment.
Subsequent dinners will be held on the second Saturday of each month through June.
It’s not the first locavore dinner for Stechnij, who hosted a 125-person dinner last April (pictured above) prepared by then-Tapino (now Petite Maison) chef James Porter.
Superstition Farm is located off Elliot Road, between Sossaman Road and the Loop 202. Info: (602) 432-6865 or www.superstitionfarmtours.com.
Posted in: Mesa • Superstition Farm | Post a Comment »
January 22nd, 2010, 11:12 am by Jess Harter
Jeff Weninger and Shaun Kelley may not have the celebrity appeal of George Clooney and Bruce Springsteen, but that isn’t stopping the pair from putting together their own benefit for earthquake-ravaged Haiti.
Weninger and Kelley, who own Floridino’s restaurant (pictured above) and four Dilly’s Deli gourmet sandwich shops in the East Valley, are donating 25 percent of every check at the five eateries Monday.
“There are tragedies all the time, but this is so monumental we wanted to do something beyond just texting a donation, which I also did,” Weninger says.
The pair hope to raise between $3,000 and $5,000 for the AmeriCares Disaster Relief and Humanitarian Aid Organization. The group, which they vetted, uses only 0.4 percent of donations for administrative costs.
“I’m a fiscal conservative,” says Weninger, who also serves on the Chandler City Council. “I take the responsibility of taking other people’s money very seriously.”
 Weninger and Kelley aren’t the only East Valley restaurateurs trying to help out Haiti.
Jeff Flancer (pictured at left), who has popular cafes in Gilbert and Mesa, is donating $1 for every 12-inch pizza and $2 for every 18-inch pizza sold through Thursday to the American Red Cross.
Each Flancer’s location typically sells more than 50 pizzas a day.
“Jeff is such a great role model,” says Flancer’s employee Alison Brooks, noting her boss’ frequent fundraisers include an annual pizza-eating contest to benefit the Wounded Warrior Project, which provides sports programs for wounded soldiers.
“We feel obligated to help others,” she says. “We do so well with our businesses.”
In Tempe, La Bocca Urban Pizzeria & Wine Bar is donating 20 percent of its proceeds from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. Monday to the Red Cross.
Owner Julian Wright says the idea came from a former employee, Amanda Roberson, who served on the Caribbean island while in the Peace Corps.
“She knows the area and the people,” Wright says. “She’s pretty distraught about what’s happened there.”
Wright says the restaurant has sent invitations to nearly 5,000 customers and friends and hopes to raise $2,000.
“Depending on the weather and other factors, you never know how many people will show up,” he says. “It might be 30 or it might be 300.”
Posted in: Chandler • Gilbert • Mesa • Scottsdale • Tempe • Dilly's Deli • Flancer's • Floridino's • La Bocca | Post a Comment »
January 21st, 2010, 11:54 am by Jess Harter
Mark Lobdell worked for years in the automotive industry, most recently as the parts and service director for one of the Valley’s large dealerships.
But he had a dream: To own an Italian deli.
Last week, his dream became a reality when he and his wife, Jenifer, opened Cucina di Vita in downtown Mesa.
“My husband has always wanted to do this,” says Jenifer Lobdell. “With the economic downturn, especially in the car business, it was just the right time.”
The longtime Mesa residents (pictured below), who also have been running a party planning company called Life of the Party for a couple years, took over the former Picnic Company restaurant space in October and began giving it a serious facelift.
 Among the improvements: new tile, new paint, remodeled bathrooms, a new back entrance, new counters and a new deli case. They’ve also added 16 stools down a former hallway where customers can plug in laptops to take advantage of free wi-fi.
The menu features salads, hot and cold sandwiches, paninis and pizzas. Most are family recipes; Mark’s family has run an Italian restaurant near Chicago for 50 years.
“It’s his uncle’s pizza sauce, his Aunt Jean’s sausage and peppers,” Jenifer Lobdell says. “We use his grandma’s sauce recipe, which came over on the boat from Sicily.”
The Lobdells are importing deli meats, such as Genoa salami and capicola, from Italy. They chose prosciutto di San Daniele over of the better-known prosciutto di Parma because, Jenifer says, the darker, sweeter ham “just tastes better.”
The couple plan to start offering a European-style breakfast – coffee and pastries – as well as an occasional breakfast special, such as a frittata, by the deli’s official grand opening Feb. 19.
 “Other than that, we don’t plan to make any changes to the menu before May,” Jenifer Lobdell says. “We want to get a feel for what’s needed down here (in downtown Mesa). We get conflicted reports.”
The Lobdells say they are applying for a beer and wine license. Other plans include a retail grocery section for Italian imports and an arts-and-crafts boutique.
They also are considering adding a gelato case in May and, further down the road, making their own cannolis.
Cucina di Vita
Where: 142 W. Main St., Mesa
Open: 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. weekdays, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, closed Sunday.
Prices: Salads $2.50-$6.95, sandwiches $5.99-$6.99, pizzas $5.99 (8-inch) and $9.99 (12-inch), desserts $2.99-$3.99
Info: (480) 834-3898 or www.cucinadivita.com
(Photos by Tom Boggan, East Valley Tribune)
Posted in: Mesa • Cucina di Vita | 3 Comments »
January 20th, 2010, 7:19 am by Jess Harter
In 2008, Liberty Market barely made my ranking of the year’s top 10 new East Valley restaurants, just sneaking into the No. 10 spot. But if I had to rank the same group of restaurants today, Liberty Market would vie for the No. 1 honor.
It’s due not to any “improvements” in food or service at the renovated 75-year-old Gilbert market, but simply to how it has evolved.
From the day Liberty Market reopened its doors in October 2008, I loved the seven gourmet sandwiches and half-dozen varieties of 11-inch pizzas baked in a wood-fired oven.
But I wondered if the menu would provide enough variety for customers. And would it appeal to those accustomed to more traditional dinner entrees?
In retrospect, I should have had more faith in owner Joe Johnston, especially based on his track record (Coffee Plantation, Joe’s Real BBQ, Joe’s Farm Grill).
 If you haven’t been to Liberty Market in the past year — or even the past six months — you would be surprised at what’s now available.
Beer and wine lists were among the first additions. The former is a nice selection of 15 microbrews by the bottle; the latter, 18 reds and whites from around the world available by the glass or bottle.
Chef David Traina’s resume includes a stint at Phoenix’s acclaimed Delux so I wasn’t surprised when the Tower Burger ($9), served with kettle chips and a trio of dips, made its debut. But I was surprised how quickly it became one of my favorite burgers in the entire Valley.
It soon was joined by the boldly named Best Chicken Sandwich ($9, pictured above). The grilled breast topped with Monterey Jack, a spicy avocado spread and a chipotle vinaigrette just may live up to its moniker.
In August, a half-dozen dinner entrees were introduced, including a delicious Mr Pibb-marinated flatiron steak with a chimichurri sauce ($17, pictured below) and lip-smacking apricot-glazed chicken ($14).
The market even started a seafood special — usually braised mussels in an ever-changing “broth of the day” — every Friday and Saturday evening.
 Desserts are especially hard to keep up with. The menu, updated just last month, doesn’t even list several of the most popular, such as ice cream sandwiches made with two giant chocolate chip cookies ($5 and big enough for four to share).
Last week saw the introduction of Salt River Bars ($3) — featuring layers of sweet dark chocolate and salty crackers — and Chocolate Coca-Cola cupcakes ($3).
I’m not saying the market has nothing to work on. I still consider a few menu items, such as the Sloppy Joe ($7, served in a bowl) and most of the cold-case side dishes, to be underachievers.
Speaking of cold sides, I’ll never understand why nearly two cups of hummus comes with just three bites of dry toast.
 Overall, though, Liberty Market is well on the way to realizing Johnston’s vision of a “third place” — somewhere other than home or work where people can gather and socialize.
And those people certainly won’t be doing it on empty stomachs.
Liberty Market
Where: 230 N. Gilbert Road, Gilbert (between Guadalupe and Elliot roads)
Open: 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Saturday, 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Sunday
Prices: Salads $6-$10, sandwiches $6-$12, pizzas $5-$11, entrees $8-$17, desserts $3-$5
Info: (480) 892-1900 or www.libertymarket.com
(Photos by Ralph Freso, East Valley Tribune)
Posted in: Gilbert • Liberty Market | 2 Comments »
January 19th, 2010, 5:17 pm by Jess Harter
S’Bistro, a three-year-old upscale restaurant in downtown Mesa, has closed in the wake of a financial dispute between the eatery’s owner and the building’s landlord.
Chef-owner Brian Banasek says he was told to cease operations last week by landlord Craig Prouty so the restaurant, 124 W. Main St., could be put up for sale.
Banasek admits he was “a bit behind” on the rent, but says he paid Prouty last month’s rent along with a portion of this month’s.
“He said, ‘I still think we should go our separate ways. I’m going put a For Lease sign in window and I want you to stop operations,’” says Banasek, who also ran a catering business out of the restaurant.
 “I said, ‘I can’t stop operations completely,’ and he said, ‘Then I’ll put a lock on the door.’ How am I supposed to do business?”
Before the locks could be changed, Banasek (pictured at left) moved out most of the kitchen equipment last Wednesday and Thursday.
Prouty, who learned of Banasek’s departure Friday, describes the dispute differently.
“We had to really press him for rent the last six months,” he says. “I told him, ‘Maybe it’s time to stop and we’ll help you sell it.’
“We worked out what we thought was a deal for him to transition out and sell the business. Instead, he packed up in the middle of the night.”
Prouty says he already had forgiven four months of unpaid rent by Banasek and lowered the monthly rent by $600 more than a year ago.
Prouty, a former president of the Downtown Mesa Association, a group that represents downtown businesses, must decide whether to pursue civil action against Banasek.
But, he admits, “He (Banasek) doesn’t have anything.”
Banasek, a graduate of the Scottsdale Culinary Institute, says his plans are uncertain.
 “I have no idea right now,” he says. “I’d love to open another restaurant. I’ll continue to do catering and small events. I may return to downtown Mesa with another bistro.”
Prouty also is looking ahead, and already has been negotiating with potential new tenants for the 2,200-square-foot space.
“What we would like to see is something along the lines of what Brian had there but with good food,” he says. “He went out of business because the quality had deteriorated.”
Both sides say they’re disappointed the situation couldn’t have been worked out amicably.
“The saddest thing in this is not the monetary loss but the loss of trust,” Prouty says. “Brian was someone we believed in.”
• Read my November 2007 review of S’Bistro
Posted in: Mesa • S'Bistro | 2 Comments »
January 15th, 2010, 10:14 am by Jess Harter
OK, so most celebrities really don’t have that much to do with restaurants that bear their names. They simply rent their name and image to a restaurateur. No matter. Most celebrity establishments are popular with the masses, even if the food sometimes is a secondary concern. Here are five celebrity-themed restaurants in the East Valley:
Shula’s Steak House: This Florida-based chain recently opened its first Arizona steak house at Wild Horse Pass Hotel & Casino in Chandler. Each location honors coach Don Shula’s 1972 Miami Dolphins, the only NFL team to finish a season undefeated, and menus are painted on footballs. Those who finish the signature entrée, a 48-ounce porterhouse, are inducted into the 48-Ounce Club. 5040 W. Wild Horse Pass Boulevard, Chandler, (520) 796-1972.
Toby Keith’s I Love This Bar & Grill: An 85-foot, guitar-shaped bar (pictured above) is the centerpiece of the country singer’s seventh restaurant, which opened last year at Mesa Riverview. Other attractions include a mechanical bull, a stage for live music, a dance floor and a retail shop. The menu offers Southern comforts like fried chicken, fried pork chops, fried catfish, chicken fried steak and deep-fried Twinkies. 1065 N. Dobson Road, Mesa, (480) 844-8629.
Maria Maria La Cantina: This upscale Mexican restaurant, a collaboration between Grammy-winning musician Carlos Santana (who scored a No. 1 hit with the song “Maria Maria” in 2000) and acclaimed chef Roberto Santibañez, opened nearly two years at Tempe Marketplace. Popular entrees are the chicken and mole tortilla casserole, the chiles relleno (pictured) and the braised short ribs. 2000 E. Rio Salado Parkway, Tempe, (480) 449-3663.
Majerle’s Sports Grill: Former Phoenix Suns star (and current Suns assistant coach) Dan Majerle is the namesake of three Valley sports bars, including one at Chandler Fashion Center. Many of the menu items are named for formers Suns players and staffers, such as Al McCoy’s Hall of Fame Taco Salad, Joe Kleine’s Chicago Bleu Burger and the Sir Charles Chicken Sandwich. 3095 W. Chandler Boulevard, Chandler, (480) 899-7999.
Julio Cesar Chavez Campeones: This new 30,000-square-foot entertainment center in Mesa pays tribute to the legendary Mexican boxer and features a Mexican restaurant, a sports bar, an arcade and a cultural center. Waitresses dressed as ring girls deliver botanas (appetizers), tortas (sandwiches), camarones (shrimp), carnes y aves (meats and poultry) and postres (desserts). 1300 S. Country Club Drive, Mesa, (480) 610-1500.
Posted in: Chandler • Mesa • Tempe • 5 to Try | Post a Comment »
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