boingo2000's Profile
4 Nights in Mesa - Good and Local
There's been some good advice; I'll second (or third or fourth) the Four Peaks recommendation - they are the premier brewpub in the state, with fine beer and very good food served at a unique location (though parking is a PITA).
Top Chef Texas - Ep. #14 - 02/08/12 (Spoilers)
Completely disagree. Paul is on the quiet side, but he's shown a sense of humor and has an easy smile and seems like a really decent, nice guy - probably the one person this season I'd most want to sit down and have a beer with. Bryan Voltaggio came across as a self-serious robot....I don't think it's an apt comparison at all.
Mill Ave Options?
As mentioned, Chuckbox is a great place for a casual burger (*very* casual).
I think La Bocca is very good; really good salads, pizza, bruschetta etc. with a decent wine list and a nice atmosphere.
Restaurant Mexico is a unique spot that has been around forever; not your typical Mexican fare, and it seems a good family option.
While it's not necessarily a kid-spot, I have to mention Canteen Modern Tequila Bar. While I think it's a bit pricey for what you get, their happy hour is phenomenal, with 50% many of their food options (which takes them from "too expensive" to "great deal"). Their tacos (street style) are really, really good and they make a good margarita (also 50% off during happy hour). It's a modern, dark, sleek spot, and would be fine with a child during happy hour I think.
Oh, another very casual spot worth mentioning is Bison Witches...decent thick-bread sandwiches and soups in a bread bowl. And a good beer selection.
jimmy johns sandwiches coming soon to my area....
I don't even think I've ever "waited" at JJ's. The sandwich is usually wrapped and handed to me by the time I've had a chance to get my change from the cashier...they are crazy fast. But that's one of the things I like about the place.
Spotted Donkey on Hayden & Via de Ventura
Aaaand......he's already gone.
http://blogs.phoenixnewtimes.com/bella/2012/01/chef_robert_mcgrath_leaves_spo.php
Oreganos closed?
Hmm, an article in the New Times indicates a new spot, Brat Haus, is going into the Oreganos location. Strange, I didn't know that Oreganos was closing...it didn't seem like it ever stopped being busy.
http://blogs.phoenixnewtimes.com/bella/2012/01/brats_and_brews_coming_to_old.php
Top Chef Texas - Ep. #11 - 01/18/12 (Spoilers)
No, that was the awful 1977 pantsuit that she was wearing that made her look dowdy.
Top Chef Texas - Ep. #11 - 01/18/12 (Spoilers)
I'm surprised at a lot of the anti-Beverly feeling on the board. I really liked her; she seems like a genuine, nice person. I do admit being irritated by her inability to stand up for herself, but I would have liked to see her go farther than the apparent "mean girls" in the group.
Question about Gallo Blanco and Barrio Cafe
The guacamole at Barrio is not to be missed, IMO, so I'd have to side with the "most people". :)
Rachel Ray and Guy Fieri together?
To be fair, I believe she had 2 or 3 huge hits, and several other top 10 hits, though that was quite a while ago. I think if we want to be snarky about anything, it should be centered on whatever she's done to her face. :)
Rachel Ray and Guy Fieri together?
Yes, I suppose you could say "talent" is a fuzzy concept, but to say that GF is devoid of talent is just incorrect. Just watching any episode of TNFNS, or even your average local news broadcast, shows that it's very difficult to stand in front of a camera and come across naturally. Whether or not you like GF, he *definitely* has a talent for hosting a show and talking in front of a camera...it's natural and effortless for him. That qualifies as a talent, whether or not you like his persona.
Top Chef Texas - Ep. #7 - 12/14/11 (Spoilers)
Right; I seem to recall reading in the past that judge's table actually often lasts for quite a while, with the judge's deliberations lasting an hour or two. You certainly can't take what you see on camera at face value when it represents about 2% of what was actually discussed. It would really be fascinating to see the uncut footage from beginning to end.
Top Chef Texas - Ep. #6 - 12/07/11 (Spoilers)
Re: her "impeding the work of others by hogging space".....wasn't that once again Heather that was doing the complaining about that? I don't remember them showing anybody else voicing any concerns. From what we're shown it just seems that Heather has a problem with Beverly for some reason.
Sunday pre-concert downtown dinner recommendation.
Hanny's is always my go-to pre-concert destination. I always like to start with a Manhattan and a snack plate. The pizzas and sandwiches are very good.
Week of Thanksgiving in Chandler w/ Parents: Very picky eater!
Just a side note: the Grand Canyon is really too far for a day trip....you're looking at about 4 hours each way. Sedona is certainly doable in a day, however.
Week of Thanksgiving in Chandler w/ Parents: Very picky eater!
She's probably referring to El Chorro. It's a place with a wonderful view and setting, but since it re-opened a year or two ago, it's gotten spotty reviews at best. I haven't been, so I can't personally speak to the quality of the food.
Need Quick Help: 101 and Elliot
If I'm not mistaken, "just opened" is an understatement, as I believe you may have been there on their very first day of full operation. Some of the timing and food issues are probably to be expected, but it's disappointing to hear that management didn't make more effort to make up for the shortcomings.
It's Pumpkin beer time! What are you favorites?
Here in AZ, TJ is selling Kennebunport Brewing Pumpkin Ale, which I believe is part of Shipyard Brewing.
Week of Thanksgiving in Chandler w/ Parents: Very picky eater!
I haven't been to Elements in a year or so, but last time we went it was wonderful, and it has one of the nicer settings and views in the Phoenix area. Plus, for those that care about such things, Elements does boast Phoenix's primary "celebrity chef" at this point. Beau McMillan has been a fairly visible presence on various Food Network shows.
And it hasn't been mentioned yet, but Phoenix does boast one of the finest pizza spots in the country: Pizzeria Bianco. I believe a writer for the NYT even rated it as the best pizza in the US at one point.
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Pizzeria Bianco
623 E Adams St, Phoenix, AZ 85004
Week of Thanksgiving in Chandler w/ Parents: Very picky eater!
Well, very much in the "close to the hotel" category (seeing as it's actually *at* the hotel), one very obvious recommendation would be Kai. It's simply one of the finest restaurants in the Phoenix area.
Need Quick Help: 101 and Elliot
For a decent, and certainly kid-friendly, Italian meal, there's Rigatony's on Warner between McClintock and Price. Mac's Broiler and Tap Room is another decent option at McClintock/Guadalupe.
It's Pumpkin beer time! What are you favorites?
I've had a number of pumpkin beers this season, and I have to say that hands down, my favorite is one that I didn't even realize existed until I walked into a bar that had it on tap: Sam Adams Double Pumpkin Ale. They must have released it without much fanfare, and it's apparently only available on draft....it's a big (8% abv), dark, rich beer with a ton of spice and a pleasant sweetness. I hope they expand this offering so it will be easier to find.
basil drink recipes please!
Just made this one last night at home...it's similar to a drink we had at Richard Blais' FlipBurger in Atlanta. My wife hates gin, but she *loves* this drink:
1.5 oz gin
1 oz ginger syrup
1/2 oz. lime juice
strawberries
basil
Muddle a couple strawberries, about a tsp. of chopped basil, and the ginger syrup together. Then add ice and the rest of the ingredients and shake. It's delicious.
When I made it last night, it was a little thick (due to some particularly thick and potent ginger syrup, I believe), so we served it over ice and topped it with a splash of sparkling citrus water....very refreshing.
NFNS Reunion Show [spoilers for Finale]
I checked my guide last night and it's re-airing on Saturday morning/afternoon.
What to have in Germany?
I'll second the Andechs recommendation. I think their dopplebock is one of the finest beers I've ever tasted (especially when having it on draft at their Andeschser an Dom restaurant near the Frauenkirche).
NFNS 7/10/11 with spoilers
I'm pretty sure Bob Tushman has a crush on Chris. There's no other explanation for him not being in the bottom three after that horrible lobster roll idea.
NFNS 7/10/11 with spoilers
Ha! I actually thought at the time that "Balls to the Wall" would be a much better name, if you were going to go with the silly concept. "Balls on a Roll" just sounds forced. But still, you're right....for something like a Food Network Chef challenge, "Having a Ball" would have been much better.
But for a real food truck, I think "Balls to the Wall" with a heavy metal theme would be pretty cool. :)
Postino Winecafe in Gilbert
From what I've read, they are going to do extensive remodeling to the building, opening it up and providing more windows and outdoor area. I hope Gilbert can support the more upscale option that Postino provides. The apparent success of Liberty Market would indicate that, if done right, Postino will do well.
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Liberty Market
230 N Gilbert Rd, Gilbert, AZ
one night in phoenix - looking for off the beaten path yumminess
Barrio Cafe and Gallo Blanco are both good recs. I haven't yet tried it, but there is a much written about food truck that sets up near 20th/Indian School called Nogales Hot Dogs, that serves Sonoran style hot dogs.
For something else quite different, there's Chino Bandido, which was featured on Diners, Drive--ins and Dives. I love the place.
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Chino Bandido
1825 W Chandler Blvd Ste 2, Chandler, AZ 85224
Chino Bandido
15414 N 19th Ave Ste K, Phoenix, AZ 85023
Nogales Hot Dogs
1945 E Indian School Rd, Phoenix, AZ 85016
Gallo Blanco Cafe
401 W Clarendon Avenue, Phoenix, AZ 85013
