yasouyiayia's Profile
L'Amore (phx)
I was charmed by the food and hospitality on my two visits to L'Amore. The last was about 2 years ago, but family members dined there this Summer and reported it was excellent. Each of my two visits was memorable and special for many reasons. Ex.: we went a little crazy on appetizers so my sister and I decided to share an entrée. After hearing us deliberate, (we finally decided on cioppino), did our server pout, roll his eyes or caution us "it might not be enough" -- ? No, he asked the kitchen to prepare a small portion of the other dish and brought it out as a side dish, split on two plates -- no charge. A generous, classy, surprise we still remember two years later.
From every respect, this place is old-school Italian and very well-executed. The dining room has a old-world elegance (minus the heavy gauge plastic slipcovers) that would do my Brooklyn relatives proud (carpet, wallpaper, flowers, gilded mirrors). Luigi and Greg are consumate hosts; the staff is gracious, attentive and professional and warm -- everyone is paying close attention and looking for opportunities to please. Our East Coast family and friends just loved it , they deemed it on par with, if not better than, some of their favorite Italian spots back home (they had no complaints about the lack of arrogance or condecension at L'Amore, either). Unless the prices have increased dramatically, there is a lot of value in the menu, considering the quality, ambience and service. I think they also do lunch.
We're lucky now to have so many new and varied places to try; thanks for the reminder it's good return to those spots we genuinely enjoyed, and who clearly valued our patronage. I think I'll be taking my hubby on a romantic date to enjoy some classic, flawless cioppino very soon!
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L Amore Restorante
3159 E Lincoln Dr, Phoenix, AZ 85016
Review: Luc's at El Pedregal. PHX (Long)
Haven't heard much about Luc's since the most recent chef departure, but from this Carey Sweet azcentral excerpt below, it seems Cliff's partner is now heading up the kitchen. Every time I get ready to head up there and try it, they have a chef change. I had heard rave reviews after Gio Osso (now at Estate House) took over. If someone else is clued in, please correct/expand on this - thanks.
"I eat a lot of interesting food, pretty much all the time, but these last two weeks stand out.
First, there was the array of gastro molecular accents in a free-style tasting fest with friends at Luc's in el Pedregal of Carefree. Executive chef Steven "Chops" Smith is flexing his creative chops, with uncommon delights like smoked mustard ice cream atop beef carpaccio; frozen bacon foam; pickles in the shape of olives; foie gras dippin' dots coated in vanilla cream and dropped into liquid nitrogen; ravioli that bursts with warm uni broth when bitten; and cold truffles with exploding interiors of huckleberry/cinnamon, ginger-cocoa-lemongrass, and masala peach. "
Of course, there's plenty of chicken, beef and fish at Luc's, too, but for real kicks, tell your server to set Chops loose with off-menu antics. And for those many Valley diners who are unwilling to sample such stunning stuff, it's a shame. Trust me, you're missing on out on some real excitement.
PHX: Carlsbad or Richardson's
Richardson's or for the same great menu in a more subdued, quiet space -- Dick's Hideway just a few steps away. Mmm... now I'm craving Tomatillo Toast!
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Dick's Hideaway
6008 N 16th St, Phoenix, AZ 85016
Seeking eggplant parmigiana in Scottsdale/Phoenix
Another past eggplant parmigiana post I remembered chimed in on: http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/453837
If the eggplant parm at Amarone is the same as at PAM, it might not be what you expect (assuming you expect a traditional Italian-American version) although I would bet money it is a healthier preparation. The eggplant is cut thick and not breaded or fried; there's not a lot of cheese. It almost seemed as if slow cooked confit style, under olive oil. Hubby didn't care for it. The Macedonian guys at Mo's Pizza made decent, inexpensive EP, but sadly they're closed shop. Manhattan Pizza (7th & Bethany/Missouri) interesting one, but also less traditional, less breading, some vinegary touch as well as ricotta cheese. We prefer the sandwich over the dinner; used to regularly go there specifically to pick up 2 of them, but the service is just too surly, even for takeout at the counter. Don't feel good patronizing unwelcoming business owners and even less so consuming food prepared by unhappy people.
Byzantium - 19th Ave & Greenway?
Anyone know what happened here? I heard it was going to be a Mediterranean & Greek restaurant. Stopped in to pick up a menu and was abruptly ushered out by a gentleman who informed me it's a private club.
Best Greek Dinner in Phoenix/Scottsdale Area
We find Greektown the most reliable and a great value, considering dinners include soup and salad.
Barbara Yost gave Dino's a 4 star review, if that means anything anymore. AzR has too many critics/writers/reviewers doling out stars!
http://www.azcentral.com/ent/dining/articles/2008/10/24/20081024dinosgreek.html
Recommendations for Tuscon, Phoenix, Scottsdale, and Sedona
for Korean: have enjoyed Takamatsu in the past, although have not been in a while.
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Takamatsu Restaurant
4214 W Dunlap Ave, Phoenix, AZ 85051
Review: La Fontanella - Phoenix (w/ photos!)
My go-to dish at La Fontanella is the Lamb Aglassato -- shank braised in marsala with cippollini and raisins. Rabbit? How did I miss that? Next time! If you're too full for dessert, just order Isabella's 'limoncrema' -- limoncello and cream -- perfect when you need just a little something sweet.
Current rec for steak in Phx/Scottsdale
Have heard the new Bourbon Steak at the Princess is excellent, pricey but well worth it. Don't suppose it is much more than the standard investment required to dine at most Valley steak joints. Last dinner for 4 at City Hall was $350. BTW, is there a steak place in town where the staff is friendly and personable vs. robotic and pretentious?
Vegetarian Friendly Reccs in Tucson?
I'm an adventurous eater, but on a visit to Café Poca Cosa last year I chose the vegetarian option because it sounded irresistible, both from the chalkboard description and the server's additional explanation. And so it was...
Question re: Classic Italian Pizza - Tempe
Classic Italian Pizza has been on my 'list' for years. Thanks for the reminder, I am definitely headed there this week! What's not to be missed?
Scottsdale Area - Unique?
Cheers to you for seeking out what you "can't really get" at home. That said, from many great options above, Lon's and Los Sombreros are authentic, regional picks -- white tablecloth and bare wood table, respectively. Kai would be unique for you, but it is quite a haul from the Princess, even if you timed your reservation to avoid rush hour traffic on the 101, I imagine it would still be a good 45 minutes. Forgive the sobering thought, but unless you are dining at La Hacienda and only need to find your way back to your room, take care with your wine consumption -- AZ DWI laws have been tightened and are enforced.
Gelato!! (Tempe)
Arlecchino is my #1 -- artisan product (no commercially purchased base -- I believe they make it from scratch), clean flavors, not cloyingly sweet.
Alice Letseat - if it's possible, can you post a link to your 2007 Valley state-of-gelato article -- I would love to read it.
Andreoli - Italian Grocer
azhotdish - tried to reply to your August '07 post about the mystery pastry you enjoyed, but it will not let me. That is my favorite all-time favorite, sfogliatelle (s'foh-yah-TELL-ay or as some of my relatives like to say, s'foo-yah-DEAL). Giovanni's chocolate croissants are also not to be missed. Speaking of pastries, do any CH'ers know of anyone in the Valley making cannelés de Bordeaux?
Restaurant featuring home made pastas
Ziggylu - I think when Maria Ranieri (Maria's When in Naples) retired, her kids opened the Salute at 7th & Thunderbird and now have a few locations. Wonder if Mamma taught them how to make her celebrated butternut squash ravioli? Maria's WIN was a 'must go' for our Las Vegas friends who love 'old school Italian' -- their new favorite is La Fontanella.
Egg Foo Young? - Phoenix Area
Super Dragon. Shrimp Egg Foo Yung. YUM! 12th St & Northern. (oops - the beta search found the address, not sure where I went wrong that it didn't post it)
phx : west of western food festival info
Slow Food Farm Tour is Sunday, March 30, Queen Creek/Gilbert area followed by optional dinner at Sahuaro Ranch Park in Glendale:
Slow Food is Local: Eating from our Farmers’ Markets Farm Tour and Dinner
Tour six Southeast Valley farms and enjoy a harvest dinner under the stars at Agritopia prepared by Liberty Market chef David Traina. Advance tickets required.
www.SlowFoodPhoenix.org
Review: My Big Fat Greek Restaurant, Scottsdale AZ
Greekfest is such a beautiful space. After three visits with hit & miss food and a complete absence of sincere or welcoming hospitality, we gave up. It seems as if they don't already know you, they don't want to. You might as well hold your Visa card over your face.
Agree with the consensus here. Did a happy dance upon learning MBFGR had galataboureko but stared in awe when it arrived as an ice cold, gelatinous square topped with a colorless stack of soggy phyllo. After a tiny bite to confirm our suspicions, a butter knife (and their flatware is a decent weight) stuck in the center stood straight up and never wavered! One dish I have really enjoyed there is their version of keftedes.
Ah, the Golden Greek. Do they still have that light, delicate, fried (fresh) calamari? Does Grandma still sit in the corner waiting to pounce on your table with her Windex bottle and dirty rag as you leave? If you arrive later than 8:15 pm, does the owner still remind you they 'close' at 9 and ask if you want take out? If someone sees how authentic the Greek coffee is and dares to request one, does she still say "No more coffee for you! I finish!" (year #8 of my 2nd boycott and still the memory of that calamari haunts me!)
Olympic Flame: Kmarg, thanks for reminding us; it was always reliable. Have to pay a visit; we get lazy about driving because our old standby is just down the street.
Has anyone been to the relatively new Mr Greek? The latest tenant in a seemingly-doomed ethnic quick service spot (Indian School & 40th St?), was Hawaiian, Mexican, Japanese...
Greektown forever!
Pie or Cheesecake for Wedding in Phoenix
Barb's Bakery has tiered stands which could probably display a variety of cheesecakes (no stacking, more like a cascade or staggered staircase effect). Another idea - miniature cheesecakes, similar to cupcakes -- perhaps some plain, some with fruit on top?
602-957-4422
http://www.barbsbakery.com
2929 N. 24th Street
Phoenix, AZ 85016
