ratuetuate's Profile
Zinburger - Biltmore Fashion Park (first visit)
Just last week had lunch at Blanco in Tucson, a Fox restaurant, two of us in the party wearing black slacks were given black napkin/silverware rolls the others in lighter colors were given white napkin/silverware rolls. Frankly I was more concerned about not getting salsa drippings on my shirt eating an overstuffed mahi mahi taco.
Sedona Japanese
Will be in Sedona this weekend and plan on dinner one night at one of my Sedona favorites, Takashi. Quaint, family owned and operated - not cutting edge but consistent, good quality and genuine hospitable service.
I'm staying at the Hyatt and was told their 'resort' has opened a new Japanese restaurant to replace the two failed Italian bistro's that previously operated in their complex of shops.
Any chowhounds been to Hiro's in Sedona?
While I didn't intend on two Japanese meals in the red rocks, always like to try a new spot if its chowhound worthy.
Going to be in Scottsdale/Phoenix 2 days, Sedona too. Restaurant Recs?
Sedona is one of my favorite places to visit although for the most part most restaurants go through the motion as they are geared for the tourist traffic.
I'd recommend Elote as a must - get there early as they only take reservations for parties of 6 or more - they are closed a couple nights a week so you should check their schedule as you are only there a few nights.
Excellent authentic Mexican fare with great margaritas - the blood orange is my favorite, they have an outdoor deck with great views!
Lunch (or breakfast) at Enchantment Resort in Boynton Canyon has some of the best views of the red rocks and the food - particularly their spa menu is very creative if not pricy. You need to make reservations or you'll be stopped at their guard shack and turned back. Don't go for dinner as once the sun sets you see nothing but black!
I'd stay away from any of the restaurants on the main street in downtown/old town Sedona - you'll get lost in the tourist traffic and most likely be disappointed in the very pedestrian fare.
Kurt's Cafe or Grill(?) in West Sedona in a funky old building in front of a motel but the food is fantastic - with a southwest flavor, great wines by the glass. Kurt is the chef/owner and he's always there.
I think Dahl and Liduca is over rated but its very popular - an off the beaten track Italian alternative is Joe's Bistro next to Tlaquepaque - great value and red sauce.
Oak Creek brew pub in Tlaquepaque offers hand crafted beers and a casaul dining room with pizzas, sandwiches and wood fired entrees. Stay away from Rene's in Tlaquepaque its a dinosaur!
Fork in the Road in Oak Creek Village - which is a scenic 10 minute drive from Sedona is another chef owned restaurant. The menu seems to change frequently - I have enjoyed several dinners there but have to say the noise level of the restaurant can be pretty loud.
While at the Grand Canyon avoid the fast food and high traffic tourist traps, treat yourself to an elegant and affordable lunch at the El Tovar dining room, very formal service, old world setting takes you back decades in time.
Have a good trip!
What to eat in Arizona?
I've had to travel to Sedona several times on business this year - JK's recommendation of the Oak Creek Brewery and Talaquepaque are on the mark.
Elote is one of my favorite restaurants in Arizona - great margaritas, its not an inexpensive place to dine - recommend you get there early unless you have a party of 6 or more they don't take reservations, it was pretty windy on their outdoor patio - pretty sunset views but windblown.
Also at Tlaquepaque is a Mexican restaurant (Casa Rincon?) that has several unique adaptions of Mexican food they hang their sombrero on. They offer chile relleno's two different ways, I had one of each last time there - I recommend the traditional with green chile sauce.Easy to fill up on chips and a pretty bland salsa, ask your server to bring the spicy one the help eats!
If you're looking for budget/bargain dining next to Tlaquepaque is a resort wtih an Italian restaurant (Joe's Bistro) they featured an all you can eat pasta bowl for under $10 - select from several pastas and sauces, have a glass of wine and its one of the least expensive dining experiences in Sedona which isn't cheap city to dine in from my trips there. The owner is from Brooklyn and is very personable.
If I recall correctly the Cowboy Club on the Main St (i.e. - tourist part of town) had rattlesnake as an appetizer .
There was a fairly new barbecue restaurant in a small stripmall near the big roundabout just below downtown with an outdoor deck, enjoyed a brisket plate - spicy, vinegary sauce was my favorite, its probably the most afforadable restaurant with a view in Sedona.
If by chance you refer to Michael and Jane Sterns book including cates along route 66 or I-40 be forewarned - I ate at the one in Holbrook and had a terrible experience and meal - the place (I think it was Aggie's) was filthy, service surly and the roadside Mexican food terrible.
Happy travels and dining to you.
Honolulu
I'll be traveling to Oahu with my wife Nancy and our 3 kids in July so appreciate the updated info. So far Nico's Pier 39 and Alan Wong's is on our dining list. Hate to admit it but I promised the family we would do a Luau night with show one night - I'll be the one drinking the oversized mai tai's - any suggestions?
Sedona Farmers Market
Having recently stayed in the village of Oak Creek, south of Sedona, I visited the Red Rock Springs Farmers Market at the Bell Rock Inn. I learned that both it and the farmers market next to Tlaquepaque are owned and operated by the owner of the Rock Springs Farmers Market in Black Canyon City north of Phoenix.
It didn't appear that they do any floral, they had lots packaged speciality products - salsa, bbq sauces, jams, pickled vegetables and lots of fresh fruits and vegetables - can't tell you if they organic, but good value.
As I stopped in several times I saw locals at the Bell Rock Inn market, prices and quality probably better than the only local market in that town.
Phx-Rabbit Legs
Christopher's at the Biltmore features a rabbit special on Saturday's that's worth a trip for - I think if you called for a reservations and requested legs only Christopher would accommodate.
If you're into legs and feet - Christopher prepares a great pied de cochon (in French on his menu as it sounds more elegant than pig's feet) with a sweetbread garnish - available on his daily menu.
I love sitting at his view kitchen bar and watching all the culinary action.
I had lunch at the Metro earlier this week and enjoyed their Chicken Fried Sweetbread appetizer and split a Pork Cheeks entree. I don't recall rabbit on their menu and thought their lunch and dinner menu were one and the same. Maybe not or maybe I missed it. Enjoyed my meal there just the same.
Any good Italian Food in Denver?
I travel to Denver a couple times of year and the past few trips have included a visit to San Lorenzo Ristorante in Greenwood Village (I know its not Denver but the burbs) It's a small but sleek ' young mom and pop' - with the owners as Hostess and Chef you can't help but get personalized service. The menu shows some real creative flair - my last visit and future visits I'll just ask Chef Dallesandro to select and cook for my table.
Fish Tacos in Tucson?
I recently enjoyed a grilled (unlike battered and fried) fish taco at Blanco Tacos. It is located in north Tucson. A trendy place with some great margarita's and tequilas, I think it is a prototype for future growth.
About a year ago when visiting U of A, we went to a taco spot near down(old)town, Taqueira Don Juan Porfis - primarily a college crowd - it was fun - so much so that I can't remember if they had fish tacos though - sorry.
Having stayed at the Lodge on the Dessert on Alvernon, I have been to the Mariscos on Speedway and agree, its pretty good value without any frills.
I'll be back in Tucson in a couple of months so would like to read of other recommendations too.
Sedona recommendations?
Recently had lunch by the creek at L'Auberge, unfortunately the weather was cool and windy and there was surrounding noise from construction/expansion of L'Auberge. Our server explained that L'Auberge was merging with Amara Resort (next door) - their Chef was overseeing L'auberge, Hundred Rox and Orchards restaurants - may be stretched a little thin for hands on oversite.
I enjoyed cocktails and small plates at Reds, seemed like a lot of locals sit around the communal bar tables, made for great conversation. Service was a little shaky, bartender seemed anxious to take all customers he could while dining servers stood by and watched from an almost empty dining room.
Hit Elote on an 'off' night - place was packed - great green corn tamale, very mediocre and overcooked snapper. Blood orange margarita hit the spot.
Will definitely hit Kurts on my next visit.
South Bend, IN
Thanks for your reply and forwarding the site - very helpful. La Salle is a definite, as is Rocco's!
Visiting Sedona and Flagstaff, Help!
I recently stayed at the Sedona Hilton and asked some of the hispanic staff where they would go for lunch and they suggesed Los Betos as Janeh noted. VERY casual, fast food - very tasty menudo for lunch - I think weekends only. Elote is very special! Enjoyed a very good dinner at Kurt's, a newer restaurant in Sedona - funny both Kurts and Elote are located at chain motels? My family enjoyed Joe's Bistro at another resort, good basic Italian food, very affordable, we were all entertained trying to guess all of the Joe's depicted in the art and memorabilia - the owner is an Italian from Brooklyn with great baseball stories.
Fork in the Road within walking distance to the Hilton was good for small plates at the bar but got real loud as the restaurant filled up - to the point we left.
South Bend, IN
Traveling to South Bend for one week on business, would appreciate restaurant recommendations for a business dinner and those with local flavor.
