Archive for the '5 to Try' Tag
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 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 »
July 9th, 2009, 9:01 pm by Jess Harter
The recession has been hard on Valley restaurants, but out of adversity comes opportunity. Amidst all the closures, a number of new eateries have risen from the ashes like Phoenix’s mythical namesake. Here are five that recently have opened:
 Il Vinaio: Formerly called Valley Eatery, this massive restaurant has been remodeled, including the addition of a wine and microbrew bar. Breakfast and lunch remain basic, but chef Patrick Boll, last seen at Scottsdale fun spots Geisha a Go Go and Drift, has created a Mediterranean-influenced dinner menu. 270 W. Main St., Mesa, (480) 649-6476.
Nunthaporn’s Thai Cuisine: Former Benjarong Thai owner Treekamol Nunthaporn has taken over the Main Street space that housed Christel’s Bavarian Deli for nearly two decades. The lunch/dinner menu includes a wide variety of traditional Thai chicken, beef, pork, duck and seafood dishes, most $9 to $10. 17 W. Main St., Mesa, (480) 649-6140.
Rendezvous Point Restaurant: Longtime French restaurant Citrus Café, which closed after its most recent owner was charged with stealing diners’ credit card numbers, has re-opened under new ownership. The lunch menu features basic salads, sandwiches and burgers; the dinner menu focuses on steaks and pasta dishes. 2330 N. Alma School Road, Chandler, (480) 855-5566.
Fired Up Grill: Former Chandler Buca di Beppo manager Joe Busone takes over the nearby space (pictured above) that housed popular nightlife spot 56 East. Pasta dishes and individual pizzas lend an Italian flair to the menu; entrees range from Southwestern meatloaf ($13.99) to Caribbean grilled ahi tuna ($16.99). 7131 W. Ray Road, Chandler, (480) 940-4040.
Trophy’s Steakhouse: Nearly three dozen big-game mounts are a clue this restaurant focuses on meat, including many kinds of wild game. The eight-ounce filet mignon ($21) is one of the best values in the Valley. Other must-tries are the pork “wings” ($9), buffalo burger ($10) and buffalo and elk meatloaf ($13). 7215 S. Power Road, Queen Creek, (480) 840-3981.
Posted in: Chandler • Mesa • Queen Creek • 5 to Try • Fired Up Grill • Il Vinaio • Nunthaporn's Thai • Rendevous Point • Trophy's Steakhouse | 4 Comments »
July 2nd, 2009, 4:51 pm by Jess Harter
 The Food Writers Act of 1902 requires me, as well as every other food writer in America, to produce a story every Fourth of July about either hot dogs or apple pie. I flipped a coin, and this year it’s hot dogs:
Ted’s Hot Dogs: This longtime Tempe favorite is famous for its charcoal-broiled hot dogs, footlongs, cheese dogs and chili dogs, as well as delicious homemade onion rings. The lines can get long during peak hours, but they usually move quickly. 1755 E. Broadway Road, Tempe, (480) 968-6678.
Pittsburgh Willy’s: The Wild Willy (pictured) — an all-beef kosher dog topped with chipped ham sauteed in butter and then covered with cheddar cheese — is a bestseller at this small shop inside the Market Square antique mall. 1509 N. Arizona Ave., Chandler, (480) 857-2860.
Al’s Chicago Style: The walls are covered with Windy City memorabilia, but it’s the Vienna Beef hot dogs, Gonnella rolls and Giardiniera peppers — not to mention the neon green relish — that establish the Chicago authenticity of this shop’s dogs. 53 N. Val Vista Drive, Gilbert, (480) 545-3267.
Giant Hamburgers: Its name references burgers, but this inexpensive strip-mall hangout also serves tasty hot dogs and chili dogs cooked on its flat-top grill. Be sure to include a side of some of the best French fries in the East Valley. 2753 E. Broadway Road, Mesa, (480) 733-6542.
The Mission: This Old Town Scottsdale restaurant’s Latin American food can get a bit pricey, but the lunch menu offers a fantastic Kobe beef dog wrapped in bacon and topped with green chile pintos, Cotija cheese and grilled onions. 3815 N. Brown Ave., Scottsdale, (480) 636-5005.
Posted in: Chandler • Gilbert • Mesa • Scottsdale • Tempe • 5 to Try • Al's Chicago Style • Giant Hamburgers • Pittsburgh Willy's • Ted's Hot Dogs • The Mission | 3 Comments »
June 18th, 2009, 7:10 am by Jess Harter
Dads come in all shapes, sizes and types. While it’s unfair to paint all dads with the same brush — for example, while I’m sure most enjoy a good steak, there undoubtedly are some vegans out there — I think it’s safe to say many dads share certain hobbies and passions.
So at the risk of perpetuating some stereotypes, here are five East Valley restaurants that should appeal to your dad — if he fits into one of these common categories:
 Country music fan: If your dad’s idea of rap music is Cowboy Troy, he’ll fit right in at Toby Keith’s I Love This Bar & Grill. The famous country singer’s super-sized restaurant and honky tonk at Mesa Riverview offers a trailer load of comfort foods, such as chicken fried steak, fried catfish, fried bologna sandwiches and deep-fried Twinkies. 1065 N. Dobson Road, Mesa, (480) 844-8629.
 Big-game hunter: All 29 species of big-game animals found in North America — from bison to polar bear to musk ox — are on display in the museum-like dining room of Trophy’s Steakhouse. Besides traditional beef steaks, this recently opened Queen Creek restaurant dishes up such wild game as elk, buffalo and antelope. 7215 S. Power Road, Queen Creek, (480) 840-3981.
 Beer drinker: If the closest thing to a vegetable your dad regularly eats is hops and barley, he’s sure to find a beer to his liking at SanTan Brewing Company. The downtown Chandler microbrewery makes seven different beers that complement a menu of traditional pub grub, such as burgers, sandwiches, wings and pizzas. 8 S. San Marcos Place, Chandler, (480) 917-8700.
 Sports fan: Besides great steaks and ribs, Don & Charlie’s has one of the best sports memorabilia collections this side of Cooperstown. The entryway is lined with 800 autographed baseballs, autographed NFL and NBA jerseys hang in the bar and the dining room’s walls are covered with autographed photos and magazine covers. 7501 E. Camelback Road, Scottsdale, (480) 990-0900.
 Car lover: Whether your dad is a weekend mechanic or weekend roadtripper, he’ll feel at home at Cadillac Ranch, a Tempe Marketplace roadhouse where the auto-fixation runs from the Cadillac mounted above its entry to the ceiling covered with license plates. The menu emphasizes burgers, steaks and ribs. 2000 E. Rio Salado Parkway, Tempe, (480) 894-1111.
Posted in: Chandler • Mesa • Queen Creek • Scottsdale • Tempe • 5 to Try • Cadillac Ranch • Don & Charlie's • SanTan Brewing Co. • Toby Keith's I Love This Bar & Grill • Trophy's Steakhouse | Post a Comment »
June 12th, 2009, 9:03 am by Jess Harter
When scorching summer temperatures descend upon the Valley — and, despite our current respite, they are coming — I can’t stomach the thought of a heavy meal. Here are five summer salads that, thanks to lots of fresh fruit, are light and refreshing entrees any time of the year.
Cork: This south Chandler restaurant and wine bar starts its unnamed salad ($9) with purple loose-leaf lettuce known as lollo rosso, which is mixed with strips of dried apricot, candied kumquats and fresh strawberries and blackberries in a Meyer lemon-thyme vinaigrette. It’s served on a big piece of delicious Bucheron goat cheese. 4991 S. Alma School Road, Chandler, (480) 883-3773.
Pita Jungle: This popular local chain of Mediterranean eateries offers 11 salads, including the Caribbean ($9.49) with pineapple, orange, grapefruit, apple, strawberry and banana over a bed of mixed greens, topped with shredded coconut and raisins and served with a strawberry vinaigrette. Locations in Mesa, Chandler, Gilbert, Tempe, Scottsdale, Phoenix and Glendale.
Crackers & Co. Cafe: The Fruited Chicken Salad ($8.99) at these dishes-from-scratch cafes is made with white-meat chicken, raisins, celery, pineapple, mandarin oranges, strawberries and almonds on a bed of mixed greens with a creamy lemon dressing. 535 W. Iron Ave., Mesa, (480) 898-1717; 1325 N. Greenfield Road, Mesa, (480) 924-9977; 1285 W. Elliot Road, Tempe, (480) 705-7900.
S’Bistro: This downtown Mesa bistro counters the chili-spiced chicken in its Las Cruses Salad ($8 lunch, $14 dinner) with the sweetness of grilled pineapple, strawberries and mango. It also comes with blue cheese, all served on a bed of California field greens and topped with a berry vinaigrette. 124 W. Main Street, Mesa, (480) 962-0344.
Pier 54: This patio restaurant on an urban lake borrows from Down Under for its Strawberry Kiwi Salad ($6.99 small, $7.99 regular). Sliced strawberries and kiwi are placed on a bed of greens, tossed with a raspberry vinaigrette and topped with dried cranberries and candied walnuts. 5394 S. Lakeshore Drive, Tempe, (480) 820-0660.
Posted in: Chandler • Gilbert • Mesa • Tempe • 5 to Try • Cork • Crackers & Co. • Pier 54 • Pita Jungle • S'Bistro | Post a Comment »
April 23rd, 2009, 1:30 pm by Jess Harter
Rodeo competitors have trained on various types of mechanical bulls since at least the 1960s, but it was the 1980 movie “Urban Cowboy” that introduced the bionic buckers to the beer-drinking masses. Here are five East Valley restaurants and bars where you can unleash your inner John Travolta:
Saddle Ranch Chophouse: This barn-like Hollywood import (pictured above) in Old Town Scottsdale offers an all-day menu and holds a bull-riding contest every Sunday when riders are judged on speed and audience applause. 4321 N. Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale, (480) 429-2263.
Cadillac Ranch: Framed Rolling Stone covers, license plates and guitars decorate this roadhouse-style hangout, where a balcony patio overlooks Tempe Marketplace’s entertainment area. 2000 E. Rio Salado Parkway, Tempe, (480) 894-1111.
Toby Keith’s I Love This Bar & Grill: The famous country singer just opened this 20,000-square-foot Mesa Riverview restaurant, which boasts an 85-foot, guitar-shaped bar, named after his 2003 hit, “I Love This Bar.” 1065 N. Dobson Road, Mesa, (480) 844-8629.
Graham Central Station: This south Tempe establishment is actually four bars – Rockin Rodeo, Alley Cats, South Beach and Confetti’s - under one roof. You probably can guess which one has the bull. 7850 S Priest Drive, Tempe, (480) 496-0799.
Rawhide: The Gila River Indian Community is home to thos family-friendly western frontier town. Besides staged gunfights and stagecoach rides, there’s a mechanical bull named “The Widowmaker.” 5700 W. North Loop Road, Chandler, (480) 502-5600.
Posted in: Chandler • Mesa • Scottsdale • Tempe • 5 to Try | Post a Comment »
March 4th, 2009, 2:52 pm by Jess Harter
 West of Western, one of the Valley’s premier culinary festivals, takes place next weekend. Fifty of the state’s top chefs will gather on the grounds of the Heard Museum in Phoenix to prepare signature entrees and answer questions about recipes and techniques. Here are five of my favorite participating chefs (for the full list, as well as a schedule of festival activities, go to westofwestern.com):
Brian Peterson, Cork: Formerly chef de cuisine at Lon’s and The Boulders, Peterson has established the year-old, small-plates restaurant as one of the Valley’s best. His New American menu ranges from foie gras BLTs to prosciutto-wrapped elk. 4991 S. Alma School Road, Chandler, (480) 883-3773.
Michael O’Dowd, Kai: As executive chef at Wild Horse Pass, O’Dowd oversees all the resort’s restaurants, including its centerpiece, Kai, whose globally inspired American Indian cuisine earned five stars from the Mobil Travel Guide. 5594 W. Wild Horse Pass Boulevard, Chandler, (602) 385-5726.
Payton Curry, Digestif: Since Peter Kasperski’s hip hangout opened at SouthBridge just over a year ago, Curry (pictured) has dazzled diners with his “Cal-Ital” dishes made with house-made pastas, hand-cut meats, fresh-pulled mozzarella and seasonal ingredients. 7114 E. Stetson Drive, Scottsdale, (480) 425-9463.
Aaron May, Sol y Sombra: The busy May opened breakfast spot Over Easy in 2008 and Italian eatery Autostrada in January (and is working on a Basque restaurant, Leche), but remains best-known for his stylish, Barcelona-inspired tapas nightspot at DC Ranch. 20707 N. Pima Road, Scottsdale, (480) 443-5399.
Claudio Urciuoli, Prado: After launching Taggia at Scottsdale’s FireSky Resort, the Italian-born Urciuoli was hired to apply his “slow food” mastery to Prado, the fabulous Spanish restaurant at the just-opened Montelucia Resort & Spa. 4949 E. Lincoln Drive, Paradise Valley, (480) 627-3004.
Posted in: Chandler • Paradise Valley • Scottsdale • 5 to Try • Culinary Festivals • Restaurants | Post a Comment »
February 25th, 2009, 9:10 pm by Jess Harter
Arizona’s Cactus League has kicked off its 2009 schedule. For the next month, 14 major-league baseball teams are playing exhibition games at 11 stadiums, including Mesa’s Hohokam Park, Tempe Diablo Stadium and Scottsdale Stadium.
After the games, most of which are held in the afternoon, you can keep the fun going for extra innings at one of these East Valley restaurants, which are popular with players and fans alike.
Don & Charlie’s: The walls of this old-fashioned Chicago steakhouse are covered with the autographed photos of the famous athletes, as well as celebrities and politicians, who have enjoyed its steaks, ribs and stiff cocktails. The extensive sports memorabilia includes more than 800 signed baseballs on display in the entryway (pictured). 7501 E. Camelback Road, Scottsdale, (480) 990-0900.
Pink Pony: This dimly lit Old Town Scottsdale establishment has been a spring training mainstay for 60 years, and famed baseball writer Roger Angell calls it the best baseball restaurant in America. Huge steaks are served with homemade biscuits and Pink Pony’s own steak sauce. Look for the collection of commemorative bats lined up behind the bar. 3831 N. Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale, (480) 945-6697.
Diamonds Sports Grill: Originally called Harry and Steve’s (for then-owners and Cubs broadcasters Harry Caray and Steve Stone), this Mesa sports bar has undergone several incarnations (Steve Stone’s, Sluggo’s) over the last 20 years but remains a favorite watering hole for Cubs players and fans every spring. Large murals of Cubs players grace two of the walls. 161 N. Centennial Way, Mesa, (480) 844-3888.
Pier 54: If you don’t get enough sun during the game, head for this all-patio restaurant and bar on the edge of a man-made Tempe lake. This offshoot of a family-run catering business serves up very tasty salads, burgers and sandwiches. There’s live entertainment on the weekends, when it’s usually packed with locals. 5394 S. Lakeshore Drive, Tempe, (480) 820-0660.
Half Moon Sports Grill: OK, the concept is little juvenile — this place takes it name from the numerous posters of amateur athletes (mostly young women) unintentionally baring a portion of their behinds — but the atmosphere is fun and friendly and the chicken wings, burgers and sandwiches are seriously good. 2121 E. Highland Ave., Phoenix, (602) 977-2700.
Posted in: Mesa • Phoenix • Scottsdale • 5 to Try • Cactus League • Diamonds Sports Grills • Don & Charlie's • Half Moon Sports Grill • Pier 54 • Pink Pony • Restaurants | 2 Comments »
February 19th, 2009, 8:09 pm by Jess Harter
 “Chain” is usually a negative word for serious diners. Chain restaurants conjure up images of nameless, faceless corporations in faraway states producing bland food for the masses.
Here in the Valley, though, several popular, locally owned restaurants have grown to more than a half-dozen locations. Here are five favorites that are exceptions to my anti-chain mentality:
Oregano’s Pizza Bistro: Fifteen years after debuting his thin-crust pizzas and huge sandwiches at his first Oregano’s in Scottsdale, Mark Russell now has eight Arizona locations, including five in the East Valley. It’s not unusual to find devoted customers waiting in line during the lunch and dinner hours to get into these fun and casual hangouts.
Ra: Scott Kilpatrick, Rich Howland and Taison Obata opened their first sushi restaurant and bar in Old Town Scottsdale in 1997. One of the first places to combine quality sushi with a high-energy, nightclub-like atmosphere, Ra has grown into a nationwide empire, including five often-packed locations in the East Valley.
Pete’s Fish & Chips: Since 1947, this family-owned chain’s eight Valley locations have offered deep-fried fish and shrimp, served with Pete’s Special Sauce. Non-seafood fans can enjoy greasy-good burgers and corn dogs. Prices are very wallet-friendly: Two pieces of fish and chips are $3.55, while a Double Super Burger is $2.
Native New Yorker: Floyd and Judy Anderson arrived from Buffalo, N.Y., in 1978 and bought a pizzeria. After a difficult first year, they were on the verge of bankruptcy when they tried something new: adding Buffalo wings (pictured) to the menu. Today, Native New Yorker’s 24 Valley locations are known for the best wings in the Valley.
Serrano’s: The Serrano family had been operating clothing stores in Chandler since 1919, but it wasn’t until 1979 that Ernie and Eva Serrano decided to get into the restaurant business. The family now has seven Sonoran-style Mexican restaurants in the southeast Valley, as well as the breakfast eatery Brunchie’s.
Posted in: Ahwatukee • Chandler • Gilbert • Mesa • Phoenix • Scottsdale • Tempe • 5 to Try • Native New Yorker • Oregano's • Pete's Fish & Chips • Ra • Restaurants • Serrano's | 1 Comment »
February 12th, 2009, 9:44 pm by Jess Harter
Mardi Gras, also known as Fat Tuesday, is Feb. 24, and while New Orleans’ famous carnival season leading up to Mardi Gras kicked off Jan. 6, the celebration really begins in earnest Friday. Twenty-four parades will be held this weekend alone. If you can’t make it to Bourbon Street during the next 17 days, here are five Valley restaurants that at least can offer you a taste of The Big Easy:
Chez Monieux
This ultra-casual newcomer (pronounced “shame on you’) took over the former Middle Eastern restaurant Sinbad on the northwest corner of Baseline and Price roads. The menu features all the Cajun standards — from jambalaya to fried frog legs — but the highlight is the chicken-and-sausage gumbo (pictured below), which took top honors at the Valley’s Great Cajun Cook-Off last November. 5004 S. Price Road, Tempe, (480) 755-0551, chezmonieux.com.
 Cajun Seafood Corner
Daily specials at this 18-month-old strip-mall restaurant on the southeast corner of Dobson and Baseline roads in Mesa include such exotic offerings as alligator bites or an alligator po’boy, but the specialty is fresh crawfish (pictured above), which is flown in twice a week. The freshwater crustaceans are sold in three flavors — original, garlic butter and lemon pepper — for $8.95 per pound. 2051 S. Dobson Road, Mesa, (480) 491-1680.
Pier de Orleans
A favorite of winter visitors and senior citizens, this longtime Mesa establishment is selling oysters on the half shell, fresh from Louisiana, for 60 cents apiece. Seafood dominates the menu, which includes crawfish chowder, shrimp etouffee, seafood gumbo, deep-fried catfish and frog legs, all served in large portions. Early-bird specials run from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. 61 E. University Drive, Mesa, (480) 844-7437, pierdeorleans.com.
Metro Brasserie & Bar
The latest restaurant to open at SouthBridge in Old Town Scottsdale, this New Orleans-style French brasserie debuted in October. The menu features rustic French dishes with influences of the Deep South. A seafood raw bar showcases shellfish flown in daily. Entrees, which range from shrimp and grits to bacon-wrapped rabbit, are around $20. 7114 E. Stetson Drive, Scottsdale, (480) 994-3663, metrosouthbridge.com.
Baby Kay’s Cajun Kitchen
Located in the Town & Country Shopping Center on the southeast corner of Camelback Road and 20th Street in Phoenix, this granddaddy of Valley Cajun restaurants is famous for its Wednesday night crawfish boils. Four types of gumbo include a duck-and-andouille-sausage version. Other treats include Tabasco-glazed wings and Cajun shrimp cocktails. 2119 E. Camelback Road, Phoenix, (602) 955-0011, babykayscajunkitchen.com.
Posted in: Mesa • Phoenix • Scottsdale • Tempe • 5 to Try • Restaurants | 1 Comment »
January 21st, 2009, 5:31 pm by Jess Harter
Thousands of comic book and sci-fi fans will descend on downtown Mesa this weekend for Phoenix Comicon. Here are five restaurants within walking distance of the Mesa Convention Center, starting with the closest and working away (click on their names to read my reviews):
Cafe Azul
This stylish but casual hotel restaurant and bar on the northeast side of the Marriott Mesa offers a Mediterranean-influenced menu for breakfast, lunch and dinner. 200 N. Centennial Way, Mesa, (480) 898-8300 , marriott.com.
Diamonds Sports Grill
Just across the street from the Marriott, this longtime restaurant and sports bar (formerly Sluggo’s and, before that, Harry & Steve’s) recently got decor and menu upgrades thanks to new ownership. 161 N. Centennial Way, Mesa, (480) 844-3888. 844-38888
De la Cruz Bistro
This rustic charmer offers a lunch menu of burgers and sandwiches, while the dinner menu features such comfort foods ranging from bacon-wrapped meatloaf, to vegetarian pasta. 11 W. Main St., Mesa, (480) 258-6942.
Mangos Mexican Cafe
Owned by the same people behind De la Cruz Bistro, this fast-casual cafe serves delicious burros and other Mexican fare, along with refreshing aguas frescas. 44 W. Main St., Mesa, (480) 464-5700, mangosmexicancafe.com.
Queen’s Bakery & Pizzeria
This funky pizza-and-sandwich eatery (pictured above) with brightly painted tables and wall art is offering several weekend specials in conjunction with Comicon, including two slices and a drink for $5. 125 W. Main St., Mesa, (480) 964-1609.
Posted in: Mesa • 5 to Try • Restaurants | 1 Comment »
January 8th, 2009, 8:46 am by Jess Harter
If your New Year’s resolution is to eat healthier, you’re probably getting pretty sick of rice cakes and carrot sticks by now. Here are five restaurants where the food is as tasty as it is healthy:
Pita Jungle
Over the past 15 years, this hip ASU hangout has expanded to seven locations throughout the Valley. The Mediterranean-focused menu features pitas, veggie burgers and wood-fired pizzas that appeal to vegetarians and carnivores alike. Locations in Mesa, Chandler, Gilbert, Tempe, Scottsdale, Phoenix and Glendale.
Yogis Grill
I love this fast-casual eatery’s chicken and beef teriyaki bowl, but the Japanese menu also includes veggie bowls, noodle dishes, salads, tempura and sushi. 1130 W. Grove Ave., Mesa, (480) 890-7990; 2043 S. Ellsworth Road, Mesa, (480) 380-1213; 3235 W. Ray Road, Chandler, (480) 855-5594.
Liberty Market
This recently renovated historic market offers a simple but flavorful menu of grilled sandwiches, salads and wood-fired pizzas. Other enticements include farm-fresh sides, such as roasted sweet potato salad, made-from-scratch pastries and a full breakfast menu. 230 N. Gilbert Road, Gilbert, (480) 892-1900.
Green
Spicy buffalo wings, chili fries, meatball po-boys, chicken parmesan sandwiches, flatbread pizzas — all delicious and all, shockingly, 100 percent vegan, courtesy of the culinary magic of chef Damon Brasch. Your tastebuds won’t believe it. 2240 N Scottsdale Road, Tempe, (480) 941-9003.
True Food Kitchen
A globally inspired menu, created by Tucson nutritional guru Dr. Andrew Weil and Scottsdale restaurateur Sam Fox, highlights seasonal vegetables, whole grains, sustainable seafoood, hormone-free meats and house-made natural sodas. 2502 E. Camelback Road, Phoenix, (602) 774-3488.
Posted in: Chandler • Gilbert • Mesa • Scottsdale • Tempe • 5 to Try • Healthy | 1 Comment »
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