Sammy9662's Profile
Review: Fenix Eatery & Bar - Phoenix (w/ photos!)
Nice review. Next time try the trout if they have it. It was a special when I dined several months ago and was excellent. Filets in a light lemon sauce. Just don't pollute it with the phytoketonics or whatever is in a diet Coke. It merits plain water, sparkling water, or, I'm going for broke here Seth....a glass of the house white!
I'm kidding, as the beverage of choice doesn't make the meal, the food does. You do a good job reviewing eateries and I look forward to new posts. Check out Over Easy and Radio Milano. RM had reworked the menu and is great. Sit at the small bar and order small plate appetizers or a meal while watching the kitchen action.
Mack Daddy's in PHX (Another Review)
Some may not care for the food at Mack Daddy’s because it’s too healthy. No salt, sugar, or flour is used and most dishes are low carb and low fat. With “hardcore food" making another comeback with places like Over Easy, salt, fat, sugar and white flour will always be dietary staples, however bad they are for the body. But everything in moderation, right? Right. And Over Easy is the best breakfast I’ve had in years, if not ever. But, I digress. Mack Newton’s Fitness Center and Mack Daddy’s restaurant is well suited to the aging baby boomers in the nearby Arcadia district in Phoenix. The menu follows the 3-2 diet plan which is explained on the website below.
On recent visits, the clientele seemed to be made of up curious, healthier food seekers getting take out, myself included. Those dining in were mostly people who’d just completed a boot camp style workout and whose cell phone discussions about body mass index and triglycerides were too easily overheard. Ah, to be young again they strive. But, strive they can at Mack Daddy’s, Where…as claimed loudly and proudly on the wall..the Food is the STAR !
Some will find prices a bit high compared to nearby cheaper eats. However, my three experiences have proven the price worth it since the food is prepared after you order it and from high quality, fresh ingredients. My first visit was a takeout order of the MD burger with vegetables and fries ($10). At first, I wondered about a bun, since no flour, and upon opening the takeout container (an elaborate assembly in itself) I found large pieces of crisp cabbage. It’s a good thing I love cabbage and they held the fat, half pound patty of lean ground beef almost perfectly. The burger was juicy and mildly seasoned with things other than salt. An ample serving of braised broccoli accompanied the burger and the fries were in their own air tight container. No salt and very little or no oil is used in the cooking and fries are one of, if not the only, high carb item on the menu. The medium cut, peel on fries are also available as a side order ($2) and ample for two. If dining in, the fries, albeit healthy, might get you looks of longing disdain by the exercise junkies coming in from next door and who are gung ho newbies to the 3-2 diet.
My second visit, I opted for the baby back ribs and applesauce ($22). Most entrees are available as half orders and the quality of the food is well worth the price. The Creole rubbed ribs had plenty of flavor, and the quality of the meat and spice rub made up for the lack of sodium chloride. The ribs can also be ordered with a honey glaze or creole rub and honey glaze combo. The applesauce was a healthy side dish made from baked apples with cinnamon and no added sugar.
The third time I decided to dine in as MD’s serves wine and doesn’t seem to be busy on weekday nights, although takeout orders seem to be steady. I was contemplating the catfish nuggets ($10-half order), but the server recommended the shrimp and scallops served over Asian eggplant and braised baby Bok Choy. I ordered a half order ($14) and a side of fries ($2) in case the entrée wasn’t enough. Several thumb size shrimp and at least two silver dollar sized scallops were served over spear shaped pieces of eggplant. Halved baby Bok Choy was braised, seasoned and orderly arranged on a side plate en echelon. The seafood and eggplant were perfectly cooked and drizzled with a seasoned liquid of lime and basil and which made it outstanding without added salt. The braised Bok Choy was tender, tasty and a great accompaniment to the seafood. A Pinot Grigio ($4.50) rounded out the meal. MD’s also serves a variety of stir fry dishes, salads and entrees. The post workout exer-nut seated next to me looked very satisfied with his large plate of chicken and broccoli while his abstaining wife looked on with approval. And I bet his triglycerides were happy too.
Mack Daddy's
3243 E. Indian School Rd. Suite 105
Phoenix, AZ 85018
Phone 602-957-8646 (ToGo)
http://www.mackdaddystogo.com/
Jasmine Cafe (Gilbert, AZ)
Beware the pho unless you like tripe and tendon. Also, the broth and noodles weren't up to par and no bean sprouts, basil and limes on the side. It's really a Thai restuarant, so go with the curries and other dishes. The daily lunch special is a good deal too.
Maui Wowi / Mr. Greek (PHX)
I've watched Maxie's, Coconut Joe's, Uncle Chen's, a forgotten taco shop and Salsa's come and go from that location in 6 years or so, so good luck to Mr. Greek.
As for Maui Wowi. With Mama Java's and Acacia Cafe across the street, they should provide something different and lure clientel.
Review: Heart Attack Grill - Tempe, AZ (w/ photos!)
The old Jack in the Box at 44th Street and Thomas is now The Heart Attack Grill.
Sky Harbor Airport:Nearby Great Breakfast Spots?
Try the Left Seat Restaurant at 2633 E. Airlane, on the north runway at Sky Harbor. Access Airlane off 40th or 24th Streets. Not open on weekends.
Radio Milano - Phoenix
I would go as early as you can, valet, put your name in for 6 at RM and have a glass of wine at Postino if the wait is more than 20 minutes. I live nearby and rountinely see people circling for parking at 6pm and later. You can also park on some of the sidestreets and walk.
Review: Gourmet House of Hong Kong - Phoenix (w/ photos!)
GHHK is a classic Chinese restuarant and the percieved grubbiness inside and out is part of it's charm. I've eaten there many times in the last 15 years with no problems. It's more authentic than say, Autumn Court at 38th Street and Indian School. AC is fine and a safe bet for those scared off by frog legs, squid and other urchins served at GHHK. The lunch specials are a good value as well.
Phoenix - Backstreet Wine Bistro?
managed to find my old review
http://www.chowhound.com/topics/96477
radio Milano (across from LGO) Phoenix
If I lived on 39th Street or Place off Campbell, I would probably complain, but not much can be done as they're public streets and the area doesn't warrant parking permits like Tempe. The LGO group is probably getting away with it because they offer valet and the City will approve places as long as they can manage the parking by providing a service. Plus, Pronto was there prior, so the LGO clusterf**k is really a problem of immense popularity. I know, most people would rather have ample parking rather than mandatory valet, but there simple isn't any more room on that corner so they shoehorn in every car they can during busy times and let the rest park on the street.
radio Milano (across from LGO) Phoenix
We went to Radio Milano the first week they opened. However, we played it safe and went early (5:00pm), sat at the tiny bar (4 seats) and ordered an appetizer (grilled artichoke). Since we were at the bar, the service was great. We watched the food being prepared and asked questions about the menu. The menu was limited, but that was a plus; less decisions to make. The grilled artichoke was lightly coated with bread crumbs and came with a delicious dipping sauce, a spicy aoili if I remember correctly. It was a nice touch on a classic, albeit rare, appetizer on menus these days.
I live close enough to walk and judging by the parked cars down Campbell and side streets on a recent Monday, it'll be awhile before the fuss dies down. Most partons seem confused by the blatant signage that says 'NO PARKING' and 'VALET AT POSTINO' and try to park down the street. There are about 12 parking spaces, so the valet option is their way of dealing with it, otherwise you'd have people idling and circling like they do at LGO.
Yes, the menu is unusual (Grandma's potluck..good one, Seth), but I'll give it a chance when the hype dies down, and hopefully, the kinks are worked out. My advice to people wanting to try RM is to go early and park at LGO (if you can) or valet at Postino.
Review: Au Petit Four - Phoenix (w/ photos!)
Try parking underground at the Esplanade. Take the ramp on the south side that leads directy to 2nd level underground. It is not only for tenants even though the sign may say so. The parking is more spacious and not as crowded on the weekends as the ridiculous structure above ground that was built for the theaters.
Scottsdale: Pizzeria Bianco or Something else
Get there at 4:30 and stand in line if you want first seating, especially on a weekend. This time of year, at 100 degrees, it's not much fun. However, PB is one of a kind.
A good alternative, although not the same experience, is Grimaldi's on Scottsdale Road, just sout of Indian School.
central phx - good sandwhich options
Nobody has mentioned it, but Stickler's at 3rd Ave. and Washington does baked sandwiches much better than Quizno's, IMO. No "Chipotle/Tuscan" nonsense, just simple subs served with gardineria relish. Check it out M-F during lunch.
The Vig
There was a windowless bar called The Wrong Number at the location that is now The Vig. While I never stepped foot in it, I believe it was on par with nearby dives Dilly Dally and The Great Escape.
Dave and the other guys at Empire Liquors have been around for years. Sometimes they'll have a pizza guy from Mamma Mia's next door helping out in the drive thru. MM's is consistenly good pizza. Try the pastrami sandwich special or minestone when they have it.
The Vig
According to a guy who works in the liquor store across the street, the owner of The Vig had an invite only party over the weekend and that they plan on opening this Thursday, 12/21. No idea what kind of food, but can already tell there will be a parking problem unless the clientel is willing to park across this street next to the check cashing place.
Review: Tradiciones Restaurant - Phoenix (w/ photos!)
The Tradiciones brunch is $14.95, which is prepaid upon entrance and they add an 18% gratuity which I thought was a bit much for a buffet. However, the food is great and there are mariachis and other entertainment on a big stage at one end of the room. Mexican soup lovers will enjoy the pozole and white menudo served along with enchiladas, chicken mole, machaca and more.
Review: Da Chicago Dog and Subs - Phoenix (w/ photos!)
Seth,
Sorry to hear about Da Chicago. I love Chicago Style hot dogs and have been meaning to try this place since it's near my neighborhood. If you find yourself in Gilbert, I recommend Al's.
Sam
http://www.alschicagostylehotdogs.com/
Great Lunch at Commanders Palace and Dinner at Lotus of Siam on the same day
While in Las Vegas over the Thanksgiving holiday weekend, we had the fortunate experience to dine at both Commander’s Palace and Lotus of Siam in the same day. We chose Commander’s for lunch due to the $18.80 three course special and LOS for dinner since we’d already been there for lunch (even though the menu is the same). We also made reservations at both since we had a party of nine at Commander’s and four at LOS. Commander’s is at one end of the Desert Passage shops at the Aladdin Hotel and both are undergoing renovation. We got there just before our reservation and discovered they’d put two four tops together. Since our party was nine, we needed an extra setting. The maitre d' instructed the staff to reset the table which they did quickly. We all sat down and listened to the waiter explain the $0.25 martinis and food specials. Yes, the martinis really are twenty-five cents at lunch and made with standard, but decent Smirnoff vodka. There was a note on the menu that said the individual limit on martinis was four. So, for a dollar, one could have a four martini lunch. Most of our party had one, but a few of us had two during the two hour dining experience. Everyone perused the menu and all but two of us ordered the $18.80 special. I really wanted the turtle soup which was not part of the special, so I chose that and the catfish entrée. Those with the special started with the salad or soup, followed by gumbo or po boys and then dessert. The service at Commander’s is very good and my only complaints were that we waited a bit too long for the first round of martinis and the desserts. However, we did seat our party of nine separately by about 15 minutes (the reservations were 15 minutes apart), so that could have thrown off the drink service a bit. Also, upon being seated, the waiter asked if we had anywhere to be later that afternoon. Since we’d said no, it was our acknowledgement of a leisurely lunch and we really couldn't complain about the minor dessert delay.
Food was delivered expertly with all plates at the same time. No waiting to eat while the waiter shuttles back with the rest of the table’s food. The food comes of the kitchen and is organized amongst a number of waiters required to deliver it all to the table at the same time. With nine, it took about five or six to deliver our food. Soups come in a copper kettle sitting in a bowl, which is then quickly poured into the bowl. My turtle soup ($7.50) was greatly enhanced by a drizzling of sherry offered right after being served. The soup was excellent; bits of farm-raised snapping turtle in a dark, stew-like mixture of Creole spices and vegetables. The meat wasn’t that different from chicken and I recommend it to those who find turtle soup too exotic. While most of the table had po boys served with sweet potato fries or gumbo as their entrees, I had a beautifully cooked Louisiana pecan encrusted piece of catfish ($18.00) that was served with a small amount of crushed cream corn and a Creole meuniére all over a bed of field greens. This was an outstanding dish and worth going off the $18.80 special menu. Desserts came for those who ordered the three course lunch and there was plenty to go around. The Bananas Foster was rich and sugary as expected. The other dessert was a peanut butter and chocolate pie gut bomb. Both were very good, although most of us were full.
Looking at my watch, I realized that in a little less than four hours, we’d be sitting down at LOS, so we spent that time walking up and down the Strip to burn off some calories. Upon arrival at LOS at 6:30pm, the place was about three quarters full. Our prior visit was for lunch where we had a spicy catfish soup, the green papaya salad and the Thai beef salad. This time we wanted to try something different. After viewing the extensive wine list, I ordered a Sing Ha beer of all things. We started with the chicken satay ($8.95) that, while not an adventurous choice, was perfectly prepared. I chose the Drunken Noodle Seafood ($10.95) at spice level 4 (out of 10). My sister in law had the Pad Prik King (green beans tossed with red chili paste) and shrimp at spice level 1, since she is a spice wimp. My GF had Moo Yang (marinated charbroiled pork, $10.95) at spice level 3, which turned out to be an excellent choice in that the spice level is controlled by an 'on the side' chili sauce. The sliced pork was very tasty and good for spice wimps. My Drunken Noodle Seafood had nice chunks of squid, shrimp and haddock over thick, pan fried noodles. At spice level 4, I found it not that spicy, so next time am going to be more ballsy and notch it up to 6. My sister in law, however, struggled with the level of chili coating on her green beans, but was glad for the relatively tame shrimp it came with and the roast pork we shared.
We finished dinner in under an hour as the service is quick at LOS. I highly recommend it for lunch or dinner and for spice hounds and spice wimps alike.
Sam in PHX
http://www.commanderspalace.com/las_vegas/
http://www.lotusofsiamlv.com/
Yuma – Freeway Exit Food
Am not sure if it's still there, but a good Basque restuarant in Tacna about 40 miles east of Yuma. They have a daily lamb special that is delicious.
