neversteeryouwrong's Profile
Cafe Firenze - Please pack your knives and go.
I couldn't agree with your assessment more. I ventured to cafe Firenze last Wednesday at 3:30. It was actually very quiet in the restaurant. We started with the crab cake appetizer, it was really quite good except for the pieces of shell encountered (need to do a better job of cleaning the crab!). I also had the butternut squash ravioli/tortellaci and yes it was VERY sweet but we all loved it none the less. Their mixed greens salad with carmelized onions and pomegranite/tangerine vinegraite was less than stellar. The dressing had no taste. The lasagna was not a hearty dish that most Americans are accustomed to. I thought it tasted like some bad Ragu from the jar, the noodles were overcooked and the whole effect was a creamy mess. I would go back for the butternut and also the cold marinara dipping sauce supplied with the bread for knoshing. It was like an Italian version of Gazpacho and we all LOVED it. Considering what Fabio has in the works(see the blog on Bravo TV.com), I HOPE he can afford the time to improve upon the consistency of meals served at Cafe Firenze and stay true to his personal blog on Firenze’s website reference his ideals about cooking!!
A cute funny Italian does not a Top Chef make!!
Review: My Big Fat Greek Restaurant, Scottsdale AZ
I lived in Greece for 3 years so I am extremely picky about my Greek Food. Bar none, the absolute best I have found is a little family owned taverna in Litchfield Park/Goodyear AZ area. The food is absolutely wonderful and as authentic as you are going to get stateside. Try their lambchops(succulent), gyros, souvlaki....everything is wonderful. Keep in mind though, that their Italian is not the americanized version that most are accustomed to.
Wherever you reside, this is definitely worth the trip. Check out their website.
Remember, when it comes to food, I'll never steer you wrong!!
Pizza Bianco. Worth it?
Grazie's is a pretentious little place in Buckeye for those Verrado residents who are Scottsdale wannabes. Go for lunch if you must try it, but avoid dinner.....it is a tad overpriced for what you get. The pizza is similar to what you would find on a trip to Italy, but not nearly as good. Honestly, if you want the best of the best, go to PIZZARIA BIANCO in downtown Phoenix. That place will satisfy even the most hardcore pizza junky. Or while in the Litchfield Park area....Sabbatino's is outstanding, but not your traditional wood fired pizza.
If you don't wolf your pizza at Grazie's immediately.......it gets soggy and cold quickly. The tomatoes used in their salads are pale and flavorless. The owner's daughter manages the Buckeye Grazi's and is less than professional. I overheard her chastizing a customer for possibly having forgotten to pay for a bottle of wine on a previous visit. I felt that was rather nervy and have not been back since. Really folks, do you want to give your business to an establishment that is so petty?
The end all is.....the establishment is great if you are unable to venture elsewhere, but I predict that they will be closing their Buckeye endeavor within the next 2 years!
