Archive for the 'Chandler' Category
November 18th, 2009, 6:57 am by Jess Harter
Almost everyone looks forward to Thanksgiving Day dinner, but not many enjoy the hours of preparation and post-meal cleanup. Fortunately, a number of East Valley restaurants will be open on the holiday. All you have to do is show up and eat. (Take note: Reservations are strongly recommended.)
Cork: This south Chandler fine-dining gem (pictured above) is offering a four-course feast with three entrée choices (turkey, hanger steak or wild sturgeon) and two dessert options (pumpkin pie or pear-cranberry crisp). There are three seatings between noon and 5:30 p.m. Cost is $55 or adults and $15 for children. 4991 S. Alma School Road, Chandler, (480) 883-3773.
Ko’Sin: Almost every East Valley resort serves Thanksgiving dinner. At the Sheraton Wild Horse Pass, American Indian-themed Ko’Sin is doing a three-course meal with three entrée choices (turkey, New York steak or salmon) from noon to 3 p.m. and 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Cost is $55 for adults and $30 for children. 5594 W. Wild Horse Pass Blvd., Chandler, (602) 385-5726.
Bill Johnson’s Big Apple: This local chain, which also has four restaurants in Phoenix, dishes up a traditional Thanksgiving dinner of turkey, ham and all the fixings from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. for just $12.99. If turkey’s not your thing, you can strain your belt by partaking in an all-you-can-eat prime rib feast for $19.99. 950 E. Main St., Mesa, (480) 969-6504.
Rawhide: New chefs Jon Andersen and Micheal Cairns recently updated this Western town and steakhouse’s menu, and their T-Day spread, available 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., will include turkey, ham, roasted sweet potatoes, corn bread stuffing and pumpkin and apple pie. Cost is $24 for adults and $12 for children. 5700 W. North Loop Road, Chandler, (480) 502-5600.
Monti’s la Casa Vieja: Who says Thanksgiving has to be about turkey? This East Valley institution instead is offering a special surf-and-turf special featuring herb-crusted prime rib and jumbo shrimp. The mega-meal, which costs $22.95, also includes two sides plus a basket of Monti’s signature Roman bread. 100 S. Mill Ave., Tempe, (480) 967-7594.
Posted in: Chandler • Mesa • Tempe • 5 to Try | Post a Comment »
November 17th, 2009, 12:53 pm by Jess Harter
Here’s something you don;t see very often: A pair of popular Southeast Valley restaurants are expanding into Scottsdale.
Juan Jaime’s Tacos & Tequila, which opened in 2007 at Chandler Boulevard and the Loop 101 in Chandler, is bringing its street-style tacos and 80-plus tequilas to Hayden Road and Thompson Peak Parkway, near Grayhawk Golf Course, in north Scottsdale.
Owner John James is shooting for a soft opening in mid-December and an official grand opening party Jan. 1.
Blue 32 Sports Grill, which opened in January on the northwest corner of Chandler Boulevard and Val Vista Drive in Gilbert, is opening a central Scottsdale location on Scottsdale Road just north of Indian Bend Road near Roka Akor.
The sports bar and restaurant, known for its made-from-scratch sandwiches and entrees, plans to open by late spring, according to co-owner Steve Conrad.
Posted in: Chandler • Gilbert • Scottsdale • Blue 32 Sports Grill • Juan Jaime's | Post a Comment »
November 6th, 2009, 9:42 pm by Jess Harter
A PBS special earlier this year declared craft beer is the new wine. And never before have beer drinkers had so many choices of small-batch ales and lagers produced right here in the Valley at a growing number of brew pubs that also offer full menus of food. Here are five to check out:
 Four Peaks Brewing Company: The best-known and most-honored Valley microbrewery for the past 13 years makes eight mainstays, led by its popular Kiltlifter Scottish-style ale and British pub-inspired 8th Street Ale. It also has concocted more than two dozen various seasonal ales, such as its current Pumpkin Porter. 1340 E. Eighth St., Tempe, (480) 303-9967.
SanTan Brewing Company: This downtown Chandler brew pub (pictured at right), launched in 2007 by the longtime brewmaster from Four Peaks, showcases an every-day roster of six ales, plus a seasonal selection or two (currently, Strawberry Wit and SanTamber). Look for its most popular seasonal, Winter Warmer, to return later this month. 8 S. San Marcos Place, Chandler, (480) 917-8700.
BJ’s Restaurant & Brewery: This California-based chain operates 87 locations nationwide, including ones in Chandler and Mesa. The beer list includes seven standards, plus a seasonal selection (currently, Pumpkin Ale) that changes every two months. 3155 W. Chandler Blvd., Chandler, (480) 917-0631; 6622 E. Superstition Springs Blvd. Mesa, (480) 324-1675.
Rock Bottom Restaurant & Brewery: This Colorado-based chain, which also owns Old Chicago restaurants, has 40 brew pubs, including one in Ahwatukee. The beer list features five standard ales and lagers, plus a monthly seasonal (the next, London Smoked Porter, will be tapped Thursday). 14205 S. 50th St., Phoenix, (480) 598-1300.
Gordon Biersch Brewery Restaurant: The Gordon Biersch Bottling Company actually sold off its restaurant group - which now numbers 46 locations, including Gilbert and Tempe - to Tennessee-based Big River Breweries a decade ago. The beer list offers five standard selections, plus a seaonal (currently, an Oktoberfest). 2218 E. Williams Field Road, Gilbert, (480) 722-0883; 420 S. Mill Ave., Tempe, (480) 736-0033.
Posted in: Ahwatukee • Chandler • Gilbert • Tempe • BJ's • Four Peaks • Gordon Biersch • Rock Bottom • SanTan Brewing | Post a Comment »
November 4th, 2009, 10:27 am by Jess Harter
Spaghetti and meatballs? Sure. Rice and meatballs? Hmmm.
The latter is one of the more eyebrow-raising options offered at Bõl Italia, a month-old Italian fast-casual restaurant on the southwest corner of Alma School and Queen Creek roads in Chandler.
Bõl Italia is the brainchild of chef-owner Philip Occhipinti, who’s combining what he learned as a general manager at Chipotle with his passion for Italian food.
The result is a streamlined menu of eight pasta bowls, four rice bowls and four salad bowls. All are priced between $8 and $12, which includes tax.
Occhipinti, a graduate of the Culinary Institute of America, makes two pastas in-house: thick, long strands of fettucine, and even thicker, even longer ribbons of pappardelle.
 Non-handmade pasta options include penne, rigatoni and spaghetti.
“Toppings” range from Bõl Italia’s signature cheese-stuffed meatballs in marinara sauce, sautéed shrimp in a red pepper cream sauce, a red bell pepper pesto primavera and chicken alfredo, to name just four.
The menu lists set combinations like spaghetti and meatballs, but the order-taker at the counter told us we could any of the bowls with whichever pasta we wanted.
The rice bowls are built atop what Bõl Italia calls its “Italian rice,” which is pretty much just long-grain white rice, as far as I can tell.
The rice seems to work well with, say, chicken and broccoli, the heavily herbed poultry sautéed in a white wine and lemon butter sauce. It’s a little strange when combined with the meatballs and marinara.
Salad bowl choices are house, classic Caesar, Mediterranean and spicy crusted chicken. For an extra $2 you can add four slices of garlic bread that look a little like square English muffins.
 I visited Bõl Italia three times in its first three weeks — far too early on for a detailed critique. I can say the portions are quite large; I’d estimate about five cups of pasta per bowl.
If I could change one thing it’s that Bõl Italia wouldn’t be so stingy with the sauce. The heavy ribbons of pappardelle, three-quarters of an inch wide and more than a foot long, especially overwhelm the meager amount.
On one occasion, our meal took more than 20 minutes to arrive — the lone hustling server explained the kitchen was short-staffed that day — but on the others our food arrived in less than 10 minutes, making Bõl Italia a viable option for a quick lunch or dinner.
It’ll be interesting to see what Chandler residents think of Occhipinti’s idea.
The Valley, especially the southeast Valley, has become a mecca for family-friendly fast-casual concepts. But while we have our share of such places featuring Mexican- or Asian-inspired dishes — and even some noodles-based ones — true Italian choices have been rare.
Especially those serving meatballs and marinara over rice.
Bõl Italia
Where: 1065 W. Queen Creek Road (southwest corner of Alma School and Queen Creek roads)
Open: Lunch and dinner Monday through Saturday
Entrees: $8-$12
Info: (480) 821-1401
First Taste reviews are based on initial visits to new East Valley restaurants. Full reviews only are written after a restaurant has been open at least a couple of months.
Posted in: Chandler • Bol Italia | 2 Comments »
November 1st, 2009, 1:38 pm by Jess Harter
Hungry for something to do in November? The penultimate month of the year dishes up a heaping helping of food- and drink-related events all around the Valley. Here are 10 that you might want to mark on your calendar:
 Free Cheeseburger Day: Joe’s Farm Grill celebrates its anniversary every year by handing out free meals — a one-third-pound cheeseburger, fries and beverage — for lunch and dinner. Last year (pictured at left), 3,100 people showed up to take advantage of the Gilbert restaurant’s offer. Nov. 4 at Joe’s Farm Grill in Gilbert. Free. joesfarmgrill.com.
James Beard Foundation Celebrity Chef Tour: Celebrity chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten and Phoenician executive chef Paul Carter will prepare a multi-course meal with wine pairings from master sommelier Greg Tresner to benefit the non-profit Beard Foundation, which promotes the culinary arts. Nov. 5 at J&G Steakhouse. $150 per person. celebritycheftour.com.
Scottsdale Festival of Greece: Gyros, mousaka, souvlaki, spanakopita and baklava are just a few of the Greek food items that will be served up during this annual three-day fest, which also will include a cooking class, films, live music, dancing and children’s activites. Nov. 6-8 at Scottsdale Civic Center. Free admission. azgreekfest.com.
SanTan Apple Fest: This annual fest organized by the Apple Dumpling Café features all things apple — from an apple flapjack breakfast to an apple baking contest to an apple-peeling contest. The day’s numerous activities also will include shopping, art and classic cars. Nov. 7 at Higley High School. Free. appledumplingcafe.com.
 SerbFest: Plenty of authentic Serbian cuisine — including ala carte meals, pastries, imported groceries and Serbian beer and liquor — will be available at this annual two-day celebration. Other highlights will be folk music and dancing, a shopping bazaar and children’s activities. Nov. 7-8 at St. Sava Church in Phoenix. $2. saintsavachurch.com/serbfest.
The Big Pour: This beer-tasting festival sponsored by Draft magazine debuted last November at Mesa’s Hohokam Stadium (pictured at right), but will move to Old Town Scottsdale’s SouthBridge and expand from one day to three. Everclear will head the musical lineup and perform the final night. Nov. 12-14 at Scottsdale’s SouthBridge. $10-$75. draftmag.com.
Corks & Cactus: This annual 21-and-over event will allow people to sample more than 80 boutique wines from around the world along with hors d’oeuvres and desserts. There also will be live music and talks by winery reps. Reservations are required. Nov. 13 at Desert Botanical Garden in Phoenix. $80 per person. dbg.org.
Chiles & Chocolate Festival: Vendors will be handing out free samples of spicy salsas and gourmet chocolates, which will be available for purchase. Cooking demonstrations and Spanish flamenco dancing lessons also will take place. Nov. 14-15 at Desert Botanical Garden. Free with garden admission. dbg.org.
Holiday Enchantment: This annual black-tie-optional event features a “Taste of Chandler,” which will include Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse, Firebirds Rocky Mountain Grill, Grimadli’s Pizza and Kokopelli Winery & Bistro, among others. Nov. 20 at Crowne Plaza San Marcos Resort in Chandler. $45. (480) 963-4571.
Arizona Wine Growers Festival at the Farm: Most of the state’s top wine growers will come together for this inaugural event, which will feature wine tastings, interactive exhibits, seminars and live music. Awards will be presented at a $125-per-person dinner that evening at Quiessence. Nov. 22 at the Farm at South Mountain in Phoenix. $50 per person. azwinefestivalatthefarm.com.
Posted in: Chandler • Gilbert • Phoenix • Queen Creek • Scottsdale • Add new tag • Culinary Festivals | Post a Comment »
October 26th, 2009, 12:05 pm by Jess Harter
 As a PBS special earlier this year pointed out, craft beer is the new wine. So it hasn’t been surprising to see Valley restaurants jump on the bandwagon by hosting special multi-course meals with beer pairings.
The latest is Flancer’s, which will pair four courses with Santa Fe Brewing ales at its Mesa location on Nov. 11. Check out the menu. The cost is $40, and reservation are filling up fast.
Meanwhile, SanTan Brewing in downtown Chandler will host its monthly Tuesday Night Tasting at 6:30 p.m. Nov. 3. Cost is $25 for five courses with ales, including SanTan’s new seasonal Awesome Amber.
Posted in: Chandler • Mesa • Beer Dinners • Flancer's. SanTan Brewing | Post a Comment »
October 23rd, 2009, 11:56 am by Jess Harter
Every day seems to be some sort of holiday in the food world, from National Popcorn Day (Jan. 19) to Beans ’n’ Franks Day (July 13) to National Pfeffernüsse Day (Dec. 23). Here are some food holidays coming up in the next five days, as well as a suggestion of where to celebrate each:
Toby Keith’s I Love This Bar & Grill: Saturday is National Bologna Day, and the fried bologna sandwich ($9.99, pictured below) is one of the signature menu items at the country singer’s restaurant at Mesa Riverview. The thick-cut bologna is topped with onions, American cheese and Miracle Whip and served on grilled garlic toast. 1065 N. Dobson Road, Mesa, (480) 844-8629.
 Heart Attack Grill: Sunday is National Greasy Foods Day, and no one revels in dietary fat and cholesterol more than this Chandler burger joint (pictured above) with “naughty nurse” servers. The Quadruple Bypass cheeseburger is made with four half-pound beef patties and 12 strips of bacon, and the Flatliner fries are deep-fried in pure lard. 6185 W. Chandler Boulevard, Chandler, (480) 205-7777.
SanTan Brewing Company: Monday is National Pretzel Day, and some of the best soft pretzels you’ll find outside a ballpark are served at this downtown Chandler brew pub. A pair of large pretzels ($6.50, or just $5 during happy hour) with or without salt come with spicy beer mustard and beer cheese for dipping. 8 S. San Marcos Place, Chandler, (480) 917-8700.
Murphy’s Law Irish Pub: Tuesday is National Potato Day, and who knows the starchy tubers better than the Irish? House-fried potatoes take the place of chips in the Irish nachos ($8.95), and eight varieties of spud sides include bacon blue mash, green chili cheddar mash, beer cheese mash and parmesan-herb mash. 58 S. San Marcos Place, Chandler, (480) 812-1588.
Romeo’s Euro Cafe: Wednesday is National Chocolate Day, and this Gilbert eatery has the most decadent dessert case in the East Valley. Specialty cakes include the Intoxicated Love, made with dark, milk and white chocolates, and Dark Desire, hazelnut-chocolate cake with dark chocolate mousse and chocolate ganache (both $6 per slice). 207 N. Gilbert Road, Gilbert, (480) 962-4224.
Posted in: Chandler • Gilbert • Mesa • 5 to Try • Heart Attack Grill • Murphy's Law • Romeo's Euro Cafe • SanTan Brewing Co. • Toby Keith's I Love This Bar & Grill | Post a Comment »
October 19th, 2009, 9:23 pm by Jess Harter
Week-old cooked food, food not protected from contamination and poor handwashing procedures were among the eight major violations at Amando’s, the worst offender in this week’s Maricopa County restaurant inspections.
The Tempe restaurant, 2602 W. Southern Ave., was cited for having week-old diced potatoes in the walk-in cooler. The inspector also noted cooked shrimp, salsa and other foods were stored uncovered, and buckets of horchata dry mix were stored on the floor.
Other East Valley restaurants that had unfavorable inspections included 5 & Diner at Arizona Mills in Tempe, Bella Vino in Chandler (which closed this weekend) and the restaurant at the Safeway at Val Vista Drive and Southern Avenue in Mesa. Each had six major violations.
Cibo, the acclaimed wine café and pizzeria in downtown Phoenix, had five major violations.
For more details on these restaurants’ inspections, or to check any other restaurant, go to maricopa.gov and click on “Restaurant Ratings.”
Posted in: Chandler • Mesa • Phoenix • Tempe • 5 & Diner • Amando's • Bella Vino • Cibo • Safeway | Post a Comment »
October 19th, 2009, 2:32 pm by Jess Harter
My Monday morning ritual of the past few months has included figuring out which East Valley restaurants closed over the previous weekend. Maybe this is a sign the economy is turning around: Today, there are a couple weekend closures of note, but both restaurants — Bella Vino in Chandler and Digestif in Scottsdale — are promising to reopen by the end of the year.
 Workers were removing fixtures and equipment Monday from Bella Vino, the upscale Italian restaurant on the southeast corner of Alma School and Chandler Heights roads. But a sign on the door indicated Bella Vino (pictured) plans to reopen in November at Gilbert Road and the Santan Freeway. No word on whether it would offer an Italian menu (its original concept), a Mexican menu (which it recently added) or keep both.
(If memory serves, there are a couple of Italian options, Olive Garden and Streets of New York, already at Gilbert and the Loop 202, but I can’t think of a Mexican restaurant there. Plus, owner-chef Anthony Serrano’s family operates several Mexican eateries in western Arizona.)
Meanwhile, Digestif continues to experience a whirlwind of change since opening last year. The Cal-Ital restaurant left its indie-cool, beatnik-basement digs in July and moved across Stetson Drive to a much smaller, stripped-down space vacated by one of owner Peter Kasperski’s other eateries, Sea Saw. Then, chef Payton Curry announced earlier this month he was leaving to take over the kitchen at Tempe’s Caffe Boa.
Marianne Markogianis, marketing guru for Kasperski’s restaurant group (which also includes Cowboy Ciao and Kazimierz World Wine Bar), says Kasperski hopes to reopen Digestif by December. Although the restaurant will get a new name, a new look and a new chef, Markogianis says it likely will retain its recently converted gastropub menu, albeit shortened, of globally inspired dishes.
Posted in: Chandler • Scottsdale • Bella Vino • Digestif | 1 Comment »
October 14th, 2009, 8:52 am by Jess Harter
Sometimes I crave an Italian restaurant fine-dining experience: the white tablecloths, immaculate service, a nice wine list and a menu of expertly prepared entrees.
Sometimes I want a simpler, less expensive Italian meal: Maybe just a bowl of perfectly cooked pasta — penne, ravioli or whatever — with a tasty red or white sauce.
Sometimes I want dirt-cheap Italian: a pizza for two and a couple of beers for $10 or less.
Fortunately, I’ve discovered I can get all three of these at La Stalla Cucina Rustica in downtown Chandler.
Located across the street from the Crowne Plaza San Marcos Golf Resort, La Stalla exudes an earnest charm.
 Sure, the space in filled with plastic orange trees strung with white holiday lights, a faux-stone fountain plugged into a electrical outlet and stacked-stone walls with inset shelves reminiscent of the ‘70s-era “Brady Bunch” living room.
But there’s really no kitsch factor here — just an honest attempt by owner and New Jersey transplant Paolo Vetrati to make his dining room, filled with rustic wood tables and chairs, look as inviting as possible.
Appetizers, such as fried calamari ($6 at lunch, $10 at dinner) and Caprese salad ($7/$10), aren’t particularly noteworthy, but if the Prosciutto di Parma and creamy burrata is available, it’s a must-have. Apply both meat and cheese liberally to a slice of ciabatta, courtesy of Simply Bread, for a memorable taste experience.
Sweet potato ravioli with a gorgonzola cream sauce ($9/$16) are both delicate and decadent at the same time. It’s my favorite pasta dish at La Stalla, although the asiago-stuffed gnocchi (bite-sized dumplings) in a sweet tomato and basil sauce are a close second.
Some pastas, such as a cavatelli with sweet Italian sausage and tender broccoli ($9/$15), are plated. Others, such as cheese-stuffed manicotti in a tomato sauce ($8, lunch only), are delivered in earthenware still radiating the heat of La Stalla’s brick oven.
 Non-pasta entrées range from chicken Marsala ($10/$17) to prosciutto-wrapped veal ($21) to grilled pork chops ($23).
Twelve-inch pizzas also cater to all tastes. The simple Margherita, for example, is available two ways: one made with an even layer of store-bought mozzarella ($8/$10); the other a more “artisan” version with splotches of freshly pulled mozzarella ($9/$11).
For more variety, try the Quattro Stagioni, divided into quarters of artichoke, sausage, prosciutto and mushroom ($10/$12). All pizzas have a thin, cracker-like crust.
One of the best-kept secrets in town has to be La Stalla’s happy hour, which runs from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. daily. Not only are all appetizers just $5, but all pizzas are half-price.
That means you can get, say, a pepperoni pizza for $5.50. Add a couple $2 draft beers — eight handles include local craft ales like Four Peaks’ Kiltlifter and San Tan’s Sunspot, as well as Italian standards like Peroni and Moretti — and two people can enjoy a light supper for less than $10.
At that price, it truly is a happy hour (or two) at La Stalla.
La Stalla Cucina Rustica
Where: 68 W. Buffalo St., Chandler (south of Chandler Boulevard and west of Arizona Avenue)
Open: 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. weekdays except Tuesday, noon to 10 p.m. weekends.
Prices: Appetizers $5-$12, salads $5-$7, pastas $15-$17, pizzas $10-$14, entrees $17-$23, desserts $6-$10
Info: (480) 855-9990 or lastallacr.com
Posted in: Chandler • La Stalla | 5 Comments »
October 9th, 2009, 7:29 am by Jess Harter
Thanks to the wonder that is modern air freight, we desert dwellers can enjoy something previous generations of Arizonans never imagined: fresh seafood from every corner of the world. Since October is National Seafood Month, here are five restaurants that offer some of the best seafood dishes in the Southeast Valley:
Latitude Eight Thai Grill: This downtown Chandler eatery makes a wonderful seafood green curry with King crab, mussels, fish, shrimp, scallops and squid ($18), but my favorite seafood entrée is the simply grilled halibut in a sweet-sour-spicy reduction. The halibut, a fish that literally can melt in your mouth when fresh, comes with grilled asparagus and jasmine rice ($19, pictured above). 11 W. Boston St., Chandler, (480) 722-0560.
Cork: It’s hard to find good oysters in the Southeast Valley, but this Chandler restaurant serves seasonal varieties — usually the lusted-after Kumamoto — raw on the half shell (five for $12) with a horseradish puree, a spicy cocktail sauce and three different salts. Tip: Get the oysters for half-price during happy hour 4 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. Tuesday through Friday. 4991 S. Alma School Road, Chandler, (480) 883-3773.
 Kai: Are scallops the culinary world’s most tired appetizer? Not at the Wild Horse Pass Resort’s signature restaurant — arguably the state’s finest — where Baja-born bivalves ($22, pictured at right) are seared and perched on a pillow of sea urchin, separated by wilted Swiss chard and accompanied by a piquillo pepper and smoked pepper fondue and porcini mushrooms. 5594 W. Wild Horse Pass Blvd., Chandler, (602) 385-5726.
Liberty Market: Did you know this popular Gilbert eatery recently added mussels to its dinner menu? They’re only available on Fridays and Saturdays, when they’re served by the bowl ($10) in a “chef’s broth of the day.” The mussels come with a side of grilled Sicilian bread to soak up all the sauce. For a classic pairing, wash ‘em down with a pint of Guinness stout. 230 N. Gilbert Road, Gilbert, (480) 892-1900.
Talk of the Town Asian Diner: This fast-casual eatery, simply referred to by the acronym “Tott’s” by its regulars, specializes in inexpensive stir-fry dishes, the richest-tasting of which is the walnut shrimp ($9.50), Lightly breaded shrimp and whole walnuts are smothered in a thick, creamy white sauce and served on a bed of crispy rice noodles. 1817 E. Guadalupe Road, Tempe, (480) 897-7928.
Posted in: Chandler • Gilbert • Tempe • 5 to Try • Cork • Kai • Latitude Eight • Liberty Market • Tott's | Post a Comment »
October 5th, 2009, 1:54 pm by Jess Harter
The first-ever Taste Chandler culinary festival took place Saturday night in downtown’s A.J. Chandler Park. Nearly 1,000 people sampled food and drink from 38 restaurants.
Acclaimed fine-dining restaurant Cork was probably the most-sought-out restaurant of the festival. Its offering included grilled goat (pictured), duck breast and confit, mac and cheese with barbecued pork belly, beef tartare and carrot cake with a spiced cream mousse.
Jaime Hoffman and Brian Graffice dealt with the longest lines of the evening as people waited patiently for samples of SanTan Brewing Company’s ales. The brew pub’s raspberry-stuffed mushrooms also were a hit.
Urban Tea Loft owner Glynis Legrand’s husband Eric, left, and chef Nick Oltarsh were handing out three kinds of scones, as well as …
… a deliciously thick sweet potato soup.
People were scooping up Latitude Eight’s spicy Thai lettuce wraps as fast as owner David Fliger could make them. He also was serving Thai iced tea.
I loved the early-evening musical set by Sarah Vanell. If you get a chance to hear her sing, do it.
D’Vine chef Ramon Rice brought the heat with his barbecued pork belly with habanero vinaigrette.
Chandler residents Shannon and Tony Dufresne, owners of artisan ice cream wholesaler Crave, cooled things off with salted caramel ice cream with toasted almonds.
As darkness fell, temperatures dropped into the upper 70s, perfect weather to enjoy the wines in the outdoors.
Marketing guru Sara Putnam led the Whole Foods delegation, which …
… was barbecuing sliders on a large grill.
Serrano’s, the longest-operating restaurant in Chandler, gave away miniature beef chimichangas and chicken flautas.
Besides three different kinds of grilled bratwurst, Von Hanson’s Meats was handing out cold samples of three sausages.
Becky Smeraldo was slicing loaves from Simply Bread, which recently moved into the city by buying out a pair of Chandler bakeries.
A couple of festival attendees pose for the camera.
Juice, a new casual wine bar coming to Downtown Ocotillo in December, made its Chandler debut with …
… plates of bruschetta. The owners said Juice will be similar in concept to popular Postino and the Roosevelt in Phoenix.
Murphy’s Law owner Roger Baldwin was showing his Irish spirit.
What’s a culinary fest without an ice scuplture? This one was courtesy of 42Below Vodka.
A festivalgoer takes a break on one of the park’s grassy areas.
Silent auctions were held for a variety of prizes, such as this gift basket from businesses in downtown Chandler.
VIP guests leave the courtyard of the Crowne Plaza San Marcos Golf Resort, where Kokopelli Winery was pouring wine and chefs from Bernard’s at Ocotillo were conducting cooking demos.
Posted in: Chandler • Taste Chandler | Post a Comment »
September 30th, 2009, 8:04 am by Jess Harter
 It’s hard not to like Si Señor Restaurant.
Sure, most people wouldn’t agree the New Mexico import serves “The Best Mexican Food,” as its signage proclaims, in the Southwest.
And there are plenty of “serious” diners who would turn up their noses at any sit-down restaurant that cranks out $10 platters of food big enough for two.
But the people who love Si Señor — and, believe me, there are lots of them — couldn’t care less. For eight years, the Chandler restaurant has thrived in its stand-alone building in front of a well-worn strip mall.
Maybe it’s the fresh tortilla chips that come with a quartet of sauces — red, green, ranch and bean dip — that strike all the right notes, to varying degrees, of flavor and Hatch chile heat.
Maybe it’s the steaming-hot plates of enchiladas and tamales, rellenos and burritos — drenched in ladles of green or red sauce — that arrive just a couple minutes after you order.
Maybe it’s the free sopapillas, plain or sugar-cinnamon, that conclude each meal.
A big part of Si Senor’s allure is the friendly and unassuming staff, such as the female server who sings aloud with the piped-in mariachi music while prepping the table next to you for its next customers.
 At how many Valley restaurants will you find that?
So I willing to look past the particular menu items I don’t like at Si Señor — for example, tamales and chile rellenos so overly moist they have the consistency of wet Wonder bread — and enjoy the ones I do.
The latter category includes the chile con carne, a spicy beef stew made with red or green sauce, which is among the best I’ve ever tasted. And the cheese enchiladas, stuffed with gooey yellow cheese and topped with more yellow and white, swimming in red sauce.
And don’t get me started on the speciality margaritas — 14 varieties — all made with two shots of tequila. ($7.95-$9.75).
I’m not wild about a production-line kitchen that can produce a Si Señor combination plate (enchilada, tamale, relleno, taco, chile con carne, rice and beans, $12.95) in less time than it takes me to decide to order it.
But I keep returning to Si Señor. I just can’t seem to say no.
Si Señor Restaurant
Where: 600 N. Alma School Road, Chandler (between Ray Road and Chandler Boulevard)
Open: 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday through Thursday, 10:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday
Prices: Appetizers $7.50-$9.75, salads $10.25-$12.25, combo plates $8.95-$12.95, chicken/steak entrees $12.95-$16.95.
Info: (480) 857-1217 or sisenorrestaurants.com
Posted in: Chandler • Si Señor | 5 Comments »
September 23rd, 2009, 7:48 am by Jess Harter
 Nearly 5,000 people are expected to descend on downtown Chandler on Saturday for the city’s annual Oktoberfest celebration outside SanTan Brewing Company. The event runs noon to 11 p.m.
Homemade German bratwurst, courtesy of Van Hanson’s Meat Market in Chandler, will highlight a menu of sausages, sauerkraut, German potato salad and other items.
Bavarian-style beer gardens will serve a selection of craft beers, including SanTan’s Oktoberfest seasonal ale.
The Arizona Accordian Club will play polka music from 12:30 p.m. to 4:45 p.m., followed by live music from Shawn Johnson & the Foundations from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. and The Insomniacs from 8:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m.
The Arizona Derby Dames will show off their roller derby moves at 1:30 p.m. and 7 p.m. Other events will includeweiner dog races, a bratwurst-eating contest, keg stacking and tricycle races.
Admission to the festival is $10. Tickets can be purchased at SanTan Brewing in advance or the day of the event.
SanTan Brewing is located at 8 S. San Marcos Place, a quarter-mile southwest of the intersection of Arizona Avenue and Chandler Boulevard. Info: (480) 917-8700.
Posted in: Chandler • SanTan Brewing Co. | 3 Comments »
September 23rd, 2009, 7:32 am by Jess Harter
A Wine & Jazz Walk will be held 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Friday at the Promenade at Fulton Ranch, the shopping center on the northeast corner of Alma School and Chandler Heights roads in Chandler.
The highlight of the event will be a wine-tasting area, featuring more than 30 wines, presented by CorkPromen. Other restaurants from the center will offer food samples.
In addition to food and drink, several local jazz musicians will perform at various locations in the center. Merchants will offer in-store attractions ranging from makeup consultations to a jewelry and flip-flop trunk show.
Admission to the Wine & Jazz Walk is $10 per person, which will be donated to ICAN, a non-profit that provides programs for at-risk youth.
Posted in: Chandler • Cork | Post a Comment »
September 22nd, 2009, 6:38 pm by Jess Harter
 Cheesecake is perhaps the most ubiquitous dessert in the East Valley, served everywhere from pizzerias to seafood restaurants, sports bars to fine-dining destinations.
While quite simple — the American standard is a cream cheese-based filling in a graham cracker crumb crust — there’s no reason cheesecake has to be boring.
Here are five East Valley restaurants that serve cheesecake with a twist:
S’Bistro: You don’t have to be a kid to enjoy owner-chef Brian Banasek’s creative cheesecake lollipops ($2 apiece, pictured at right), which come in a variety of flavors and coatings with sauces. 124 W. Main Street, Mesa, (480) 962-0344,
La Calabria: Italians substitute ricotta for cream cheese, resulting in a drier texture. You’ll be hard-pressed to find a better example than the cheesecake ($5.95 per slice) made by owner-chef Giovanni Spataro’s wife, Clara. 1534 E. Ray Road, Gilbert, (480) 726-3537.
McDuffy’s Grille: How do Americans improve a dessert that’s been around for at least 2,000 years? By deep-frying it, of course. McDuffy’s “cheesecake bites” ($5.29) are served with ice cream. 980 E. Pecos Road, Chandler, (480) 966-8200.
Cork: Pastry chef Danielle Morris uses chevre, a creamy goat’s milk cheese, for a tangy French twist, served with champagne grapes and port-soaked fig ($5). 4991 S. Alma School Road, Chandler, (480) 883-3773.
Vito’s Pizza: Take turtle cheesecake bites, bury in chocolate cream and top with nuts, chocolate chips and caramel. This pizzeria’s Chocolate Eruption ($7) lives up to its name. 1947 N. Lindsey Road, Mesa, (480) 832-3311.
Posted in: Chandler • Gilbert • Mesa • Cork • La Calabria • McDuffy's Grille • S'Bistro • Vito's Pizza | 1 Comment »
September 22nd, 2009, 4:26 pm by Jess Harter
 A couple weeks ago, I broke the news about a new Asian fusion restaurant that’s taking over the former KiZake Sushi & Martinis space, as well as the neighboring Vivi’s Boutique space, in downtown Chandler.
Owner-chef Virakon Vongphachanh finally has settled on a name: Siracha Lounge.
Not to be confused with the popular Asian-American condiment Sriracha sauce, Siracha (sometimes spelled Si Racha) is a city in Thailand.
Vongphachanh hopes to get Siracha Lounge open by Halloween.
Posted in: Chandler • Siracha Lounge | 2 Comments »
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