desertdweller's Profile
Review: Zaytoon Kabob Bistro - North Phoenix
I live in the same hood and have been to Zaytoon twice now and I can attest to the quality of the food here. I haven't had the hummus but I've had the chicken, filet mignon and ground beef kabobs, all very good. They also have a Friday special called DeeZee which is a lamb and potato stew that is very interesting. Your review of the eggplant stew reminded me of it as I'm not sure I would order it again but I wouldn't say I didn't like it either. It must be a unique iranian ingredient that makes it so special. I haven't tried their hummus but I will next time.
Also, there are several great and unique restaurants in this neighborhood. You should never have to eat at Chilis or the like in this area ;)
Fresh Tortillas in NE Phoenix Area
I'm making carnitas for Cinco de Mayo to bring in and feed my crew at work and I'm wondering where I can find fresh tortillas in the NE PHX area. I don't want Carolina's because they're just too big (although delish!!) and I want to serve the carnitas in a taco format.
Should I just make the drive to PRM or is there another "Tortilleria" that I'm just not aware of that's closer? Also, I'm making the carnitas the night before and would prefer to pick up the tortillas the next morning so I can get them fresh. If I drive to PRM its going to be the day before.
Keens vs. Peter Luger's
I'm just realizing I never reported back on my experience so I'll do that now. We decided that summer (2009) to go to Keen's for his birthday and I must say I was not disappointed. I wish I would have been brave enough to try to the mutton but now I have an excuse to go back. I had the filet mignon and the boyfriend went with prime rib. I also remember loving the shrimp cocktail which seems so basic but I hate when it isn't done right.
As for PL, well I was just there for the first time this summer. I make it back to NYC a couple times a year for business and this time we treated a business partner. Other than the bacon I really don't get the big deal. I like to my steak cooked to order and thats not easy when 5 people are sharing a slab of meat. I'm a medium-rare/medium kind of girl so we went with MR but I swear it was beyond rare...barely seared and thats about it. Also, it was really loud and touristy that night. Not sure if it always is or not. Oh and I think they take Visa now if I remember correctly.
I wouldn't say PL isn't worth the experience at all but given a choice I'd have to go with Keen's every time. I can say I've been to both now.
If I go to Phoenix, AZ what kind of foods are the known for? Thank you.
Oh ya! One interesting thing I read recently about Machaca is its a pretty ancient recipe. Although back before modern times the meat was stewed like it is now but then laid out in the sun to dry - kinda like a shredded beef jerky. It traveled across the hot desert really well when horseback/wagon was the preferred method of transportation.
Oh and Carolina's has my favorite!
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Carolina's Mexican North
2126 E Cactus Rd Ste 100, Phoenix, AZ 85022
When do you eat your salad?
My father has ALWAYS eaten his salad last at dinner for as long as I can remember. He swears it helps his digestion and he never has stomach ailments.
He also grows his own veggies and only like a couple splashes of red wine vinegar, a little olive oil and sometimes fresh cracked pepper on his salads. He would give you a hard time if he saw you drenching your salad in ranch.
If I go to Phoenix, AZ what kind of foods are the known for? Thank you.
As a native I'll comment more on what really grows here and the type of food I think is influenced although exit2lef is spot on about the mexican and native cuisine.
Anything that grows well in the Mediterranean grows well in AZ too. Olives, Citrus, etc are very abundant and we have our strongest growing season when the rest of the country is dormant. I've noticed alot of Mediterranean (i.e. Greek, Lebanese, etc) type restaurants and markets pop up over the last decade and many of them are quite good.
Also worth noting is we have a burgeoning wine growing region - two in fact. The varietals that seem to do well are also Mediterranean grapes.
This may not be what AZ is known for but anyone who lives here would notice the abundance of it.
What changed in your kitchen when you moved to Phoenix?
"After the sun goes down, sitting on the pool's long step, with wine in hand, it is delightful to have a plate of marinated vegetables, cold steak slices and cheese at hand for leisurely munching. (I don't think "normal" people do this)"
This sounds delightful and may just be my new leisure activity this summer. Who cares what normal people do.
What changed in your kitchen when you moved to Phoenix?
Its probably worth mentioning that they are quite costly as well but I'm saving for one as I type this :). I would also have to pay for gas to be run almost a whole half city block and it would be more than the induction cooktop. You also need to have the right pans in order for it to cook evenly. No woks or chef's pans.
But for someone who loves to cook and try new recipes as much as I do its worth it over time. I do have a propane gas grill with a side burner which I have used with my wok on more than one occasion.
Over Easy Scottsdale or Herb Box DC Ranch for Breakfast?
The OP mentioned Herb Box which, although I love, is quickly becoming a local chain. Additionally, they said nothing about insisting on locavore or FoodNetwork requirements. I stand by my recommendations for their skillets.
Best selection of Arizona Wines in Phoenix
This is an older thread but I have to agree with the other posters here - Total Wine has a whole section dedicated to nothing but AZ wine.
Also, if you're looking for a restaurant carrying AZ wines I hear FnB has only AZ wines on the menu:
http://www.fnbrestaurant.com/
FnB
480-425-9463
7133 E Stetson Dr.
Scottsdale, AZ 85252
Over Easy Scottsdale or Herb Box DC Ranch for Breakfast?
Never been to OverEasy but what about First Watch on FLW and Scottsdale Road. Their breakfast skillets are to die for but I don't think I've ever seen a bloody mary on the menu.
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First Watch Restaurant
16455 N Scottsdale Rd Ste 107, Scottsdale, AZ 85254
Phoenix area Churchs Fried Chicken
Growing up in Chicago I have a deep love of Church's as well. When I was pregnant many years ago I got a major craving for it one day and drove all the way to the 32nd Street location in Phoenix. I was not disappointed to say the least. I remember clearly eating my staple order from my childhood consisting of breast, drum, mashed potatoes and coleslaw and then ordering some to take home. Unfortunately I haven't been back since.
Will definitely have to try Lolo's after your review.
Are there any regional foods unique to Arizona and Utah?
I can absolutely attest to the phenomenal food at Carolina's. Its an addiction of mine and if you want true, authentic Sonoran style mexican she's as good as it gets. If you've never been you must try the Machaca plate - I always order it with an extra tortilla. I'm also quite fond of her tamales in fact, we order dozens around the holidays (both green and beef).
And I'm jealous too ValleyGal ;)
Are there any regional foods unique to Arizona and Utah?
Honestly, I've never met a Utah peach I liked. Dry and mealy every time. Maybe I'm missing something.
I do confess to being a bit spoiled on southern peaches though. My grandfather was from Arkansas and figured out how to grow southern peaches in his backyard here in AZ. It took a lot of time and care and they were smaller than normal but man were they unbelievable. Nothing compared to Utah peaches in my humble opinion.
Good all-you-can-eat sushi places in Phoenix AZ???
We just had dinner at TeHaru this last weekend and I think the prices have even gone down. I asked for a spider roll because I couldn't find one on the conveyor belt after quite some time and it was only $2. In fact, I didn't see any rolls over $2.
After 12 plates, dessert and 2 saki bombers the bill was $34. I agree that its not high end sushi but all the standards are well represented and the quality was better than some places I've dropped twice that amount at. I recommend going a bit early as it was very busy but the tables turnover quickly and we luckily snagged 2 seats at the bar.
The Kitchen - Scottsdale
I think you hit their issue right on the nose. I have yet to experience "the Kitchen" but I work right down the street and used to stop in for lunch frequently when it was Dish. They try to do too much rather than focus on one or two specific things and the marketing comes across (or used to) as a restaurant which is not what I would classify this place. The selection is to die for but I could see some being a bit overwhelmed not to mention turned off on the prices in this economic climate. I do hope they can pull it together even it means making a few tweaks.
Zorzi
I just went last night with a group of 6 people. We were all starving, from out of town and staying right down the street at the Hotel Metro which is actually who referred us to the place.
Most of everything we ordered was very good with a few exceptions but nothing was bad. As far as ambience, it was quiet and a bit sterile however both the host Vidal and the chef made us feel very welcome. We were a bit overwhelmed with what to order since nobody had been here before or even heard of it to give us a frame of reference. However, the host had the chef come out and make recommendations and it was most appreciated. We started out with the Beef Tartare with shaved black truffles, Mozzarella Caprese, and Polenta Burrata. The Tartare was exquisite, the Caprese was correct (more on this in a minute) and the Burrata was...well...interesting. It was the only antipasti we didn't finish. I found the flavor combination to be quite good but I think the bitterness of the chicory was overwhelming. When it comes to Caprese I'm quite picky. My take on this dish is you have to have quality ingredients to pull it off correctly and most places don't bother. Zorzi pulled this off well and it was a nice palate cleanser for the main course. The chef also sent out a dish of just meatballs in sauce that were amazing but I don't believe this dish was on the menu. He did mention that he's not quite happy with them yet so he's still playing around with them.
I had the Lobster Risotto and Gnocchi with Duck Ragu. Both were exceptional with the Gnocchi being my favorite of the two. There were a couple overcooked pieces of lobster in the risotto but it didn't ruin the dish entirely. We also had the grilled vegetables to share at the table. I did try my friends minestrone as well as the Lasagnata Colorata. The minestrone was ok but I'm not a fan of this soup to begin with so my opinion is slanted. I can't even begin to describe the Lasagnata - it was really one of the most unique dishes I've ever had. To be honest, I think I would order this again just so I could try to wrap my head around the many different contrasting flavors in this dish. I can't even describe why I liked this dish but maybe this is because I had just one bite.
Dessert was over the top delicious! We had the Trio of Sorbets, Creme Brulee, Tiramisu and Sfogliatelle. The sorbets and Sfogliatelle are worth the trip alone with the creme brulee and tiramisu being a bit weaker. Vidal, our host also opened a complimentary bottle of Prosseco for our table to have with our dessert.
For six people the total bill came to around $450 before tip and I should mention this included 2 bottles of wine with dinner.
I would go again if I was in the neighborhood however I don't get to NY but maybe once a year and I'm still trying to eat my way through this foodie capital.
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Zorzi
1 E 35th St, New York, NY 10016
Old-School Italian
What about Patsy's? Its got an old NY vibe and a more traditional menu although I'm not sure how much you were planning to spend. I've only been there once but I was quite pleased with my order and they have a more traditional italian-american selection.
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Patsy's Italian Restaurant
236 W 56th St, New York, NY 10019
Keens vs. Peter Luger's
Ok Scotch list?!?!? Thats right up his alley so we might be sold on Keen's then. I do like the idea of venturing out to Brooklyn for lunch at PL. Might give us an opportunity to try the pizza at difara if we can make a day out of it. thanks!!!
Keens vs. Peter Luger's
I will be in NYC next week on business but I'm flying my boyfriend up this weekend as a birthday gift. We've been before but we've never been to alot of the quintessential NY restaurants and this time around we're determined to change that. I have a small list of places we HAVE to visit (Katz's deli for one) but I definitely want to take him to a steak house for his birthday dinner either Saturday or Sunday night. What's the major differences between Keen's and Peter Luger's that you fellow CH's would describe and which in your opinion is more highly recommended?
Hot dogs phx/scttsdl
I thought I had added the link to my post as well. Chow seems to be having technical difficulties.
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Famous Uncle Al's Hot Dogs
4727 E Bell Rd # 31, Phoenix, AZ
Hot dogs phx/scttsdl
Just tried Uncle Al's today on Bell & Tatum. I had their chicago dog and natural cut fries. It was definitely a respectable rendition but the fries could have been cooked a bit longer. I watched her cut the fries specifically for my order and they tasted really fresh. They have a long menu of various types of dogs and sausages plus other stuff like italian beef, grilled cheese etc and a long list of various french fry sides.
I didn't realize they were a franchise with locations in other states. I'll definitely go back.
Cafepino - Scottsdale (Scottsdale Rd. & 101)
I love their Salad Nicoise and the service was impeccable the 2 times I've been. I agree with the OP that its a bit confusing at first where you're supposed to order. I'm glad to see something thrive in that area that isn't a chain. A few restaurants have rotated through that spot and not lasted long.
Hot dogs phx/scttsdl
Somehow I found myself of the Chicago board reading about my beloved Chicago style hot dog and now I have to have one. Anyone have suggestions for the Scottsdale/NE Phoenix area for an authentic Chicago style dog?
Dickie's is closed from what I hear. What's this place you mention on Scottsdale/TBird? I live close to there.
Need help quick for today (PHX)
Alot depends on exactly where you're located. Sweet Tomatoes has a Sunday brunch but I believe it ends at 12 noon so you'd need to get a move on.
Nee House--Another Perspective--Authentic Chinese in Paradise Valley
I've lived in this area for years and decided to give Nee House a try last night for some takeout. The menu is extensive and there was quite a bit of chinese clientele there. I do agree with some other posts on here that the service does leave much to be desired but it wasn't so awful that I felt compelled to leave. It just seemed to me that they run on a skeleton crew and the sit down diners take precedence which is admirable. I'll call in my order next time.
I had the dumplings off the appetizer menu as well as the kung pao chicken, pork fried rice and mongolian beef. All dishes were very respectable renditions and the dumplings were the best I've had in the valley. If I get a chance to do a sit down dinner I'll probably venture more into the seafood portion of the menu but I try to avoid anything seafood related for takeout. I find its just overcooked by the time I get it home to my dining table.
Overall I was quite pleased not to mention excited that this new discovery is right around the corner from my house.
Market Bistro - Best New Restaurant 2008
I'm new to the board and did a search on this but came up with nothing so I'll start a new topic.
Market Bistro in my neighborhood on 64th and Greenway is finally HOPPING. This place opened up months ago so I gave it a try and loved the food and creative but simple menu. Prices are all under $15 and the portions are generous. My concern was the place seemed dead the few times I'd been there so I think it slipped my mind.
I just went back to day and it was packed for lunch not to mention they had signs up for the awards they've won - Best New Restaurant and something else I can't remember (I'm assuming its PHX New Times but not sure). They have salads, wonderful sandwiches and pizza by the slice. I love that I can create my own salad with up to 7 ingredient choices and the dressings taste like they're made fresh on premise.
Some of my menu recommendations would be the cuban sandwich (I have a thing for cuban sandwiches), the AZ tri-tip sandwich and the pesto chicken. I like that if you order tri-tip or steak its cooked to order and you can have it topped on your salad.
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Market Bistro
6501 E Greenway Pkwy, Scottsdale, AZ
Sedona recommendations?
You sure it wasn't Wildflower Bread Company? They have several located in the metro Phoenix area - not sure if thats where you are though...
http://www.wildflowerbread.com/locations/
Wally's Pub-Gainey Ranch (2nd location)- Scottsdale
I work right there in the office complex behind Wally's so I eat there whenever I don't have time to venture out to for something else and its enjoyable every time. Just this last week I had the bacon and 3 cheese penne with artichoke hearts and it was nothing short of decadent (although a lousy selection for lunch since I was falling asleep at my desk the rest of the afternoon). I love their cuban sandwich even though its not an authentic replica of something you'd get on the east coast its still very respectable.
One other thing to note...that location is cursed. I've worked there going on 8 years now and nothing before Wally's has thrived in that spot and it hasn't been unusual to see it empty for over a year before another venture gave it a shot. I don't think News Cafe even lasted a year. Wally's has been consistently busy (if not packed with a wait) every time I've gone so that should say something. I hope they stick it out.
