au lait's Profile
NYC Chowhound needs help! 5 days in Scottsdale
danieli
Monarch Cafe has been on my list but not yet visited. It sounds quirky and creatrive and BYOB.
What did you not like?
AZ 88 is terrific on weekend nights after dark for ambiance, cosmos and garage door size window that swing up bringing in the night.. The food is decent bar food. Not special.
Roka Akor is pricey but the food is very well done.
Pls review my Scottsdale rest choices-what am I missing?
kmarg
Is there a posted Cafe Monarch brunch/lunch menu?
Open hours?
Pls review my Scottsdale rest choices-what am I missing?
Also, if you do the Old Town Scottsdale Thursday Night Art Walk Grazie is right there, on Main Street.
No driving necessary.
One of the better wine by the glass lists, good pizza, good crowd and a nice patio.
Although, on this site, I am in the minority I am not an FnB fan. The concept is much better than the food.
Lino's Italian Restaurant in Rochester (DTW)
A short rant on honesty.
Clicked the web page and no prices on the menu.
Restaurants that are ashamed of or hiding their prices are probably prone to hide something else ( that I prefer not to know about). So, delete these restaurants from my list of places to try.
The excuse of “prices are subject to change” is just that, an excuse.
What are the best Mexican restaurants in Phoenix?
2nd Ritos.
No sign.
No inside dining but outside picnic tables
Very, very limited menu.
But...
Clearly, Bill is very food knowledge.
Having said tha,t the green chili burro, add cheese, at Carolinas is not to be missed.
Is Mia's in Dallas still open?
The food and the owners and the staff use to be terrific.
Still remember it after 20yrs.
Visiting Scottsdale second week of January
OK. I must ask.
And there have been many other cheerful reports surrounding the wonderful burger and beer deal at J&Gs. And each time I am again nonplused.
So here it is:When did $19.00 for a burger and a beer become a great bargain?,
And remember that is before tax and tip so in actuality $26.00,
Quick Phoenix report
Yesterday, on the way to Sky Harbor made the usual stop at Rito’s. Flight cancelled with no notice but at least a good lunch.
Today, on the way to the airport picked up a green machaca burro at Carolina’s on Mohave.
The shredded beef was tender not chewy and dissolved in the mouth.
The green sauce seasoning was in perfect balance with the flavor of the meat, cheese and tortilla. No reason to add any extra anything.
The tortilla was soft and chewy did not get hard at the end and held together until the last delicious bite.
Instead of “pale, stringy, sodden shadow” it was perfection. For a moment I regretted not ordering two.
As an aside, as always, even when there is line the counter guys readily answer questions and the kitchen prepares the food quickly and as ordered.
Detroit/ Ann Arbor Thanksgiving day
Suggestions for a terrific buffet on Thanksgiving between Clarkston and Detroit or Ann Arbor?
High end great food with dishes made to order, rather than sitting in chafing dishes, type of place.
Though the restaurant need not be fou fou.
Hoping to make it a memorable afternoon.
Thanks
Best steakhouse in Phoenix
From this and previous posts there seems to be no consensus on this board as to where to go for the best steak.
Pick a restaurant and some love it and others feel no love at all.
There must be at least one steakhouse that all posters who regularly eat at steakhouses would agree that the steak is terrific. Not the nostalgia but the steak.
After reading all the posts I’m at a loss as to where to go for a great steak.
Best steakhouse in Phoenix
Dapuma:
Don and Charlie’s does not serve pate.
Don and Charlie’s serves chopped liver.
Perhaps it’s an ethnic thing. Something you grow up eating every Friday night. But, anyone who has had Shabbas dinner with grandma’s gefilte fish, matzoh ball soup and chopped liver will tell you this chopped liver is the real deal.
Is it as good as my grandmother’s? No, of course not, but it is one of my favorite dishes of any dish served in any restaurant in the area (served with their crusty rye bread). And the best part it’s not an extra it comes with dinner.
The filet, pork ribs and especially the beef ribs are also quite good. I often ordered the filet rib combo.
Is the filet the best steak in the city, probably not still very good.
I should add I have not visited Don and Charlies in a few years. After eating there for 15 years I was put off after receiving bad service twice and removed them from my usual restaurant rotation and then, they simply fell off of my list.
4 Nights in Scottsdale
Bill from my prior post regarding the food at FnB it is clear I agree with your assessment. It is also true that different diners have different palates.
And, when you said “… FnB was anything but stellar. …not one dish made the cut. Nothing was in any way interesting. …but when nothing is worth eating, I am not holding out any hope. I just do not see what the hype…” your description was clear and concise and there are no lines to be read between.
Please continue to be discriminating in your restaurant reviews, which to paraphrase, is when one uses ones cognitive and sensory capacity to see fine distinctions and perceive differences between , in this context, food that tastes really good and food that doesn’t.
We expect Chowhound to be a more reliable guide to great food than most paid for professional reviews in local magazines and tabloids where often the writer knows the owner, is receiving a free meal or simply writes puff pieces. So, keep your reviews honest.
In addition, honest food reviews is part of what distinguishes great Chowhound boards from lesser boards.
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FnB
7133 E Stetson Dr, Scottsdale, AZ 85251
Long Weekend in Scottsdale for First Timers
No experience with Binkley’s.
I reviewed FnB and Noca today.
Clearly I'm a Noca fan. Noca's menu is online. If the dishes appeal to you put it on the top of your list.
Also a fan of Roka Akor. Clearly a different style of food.
Roka is directly south of your hotel on Scottsdale Rd and Noca is few minutes further south of Roka and then five minutes west on Camelback.
If both menus are equally appealing Noca would be my choice.
If you eat at Noca and enjoy duck do not miss the duck confit sandwich.
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Binkley's
6920 E. Cave Creek Rd., Cave Creek, AZ 85331
Noca
3118 E. Camelback Rd, Phoenix, AZ 85016
Roka Akor Restaurant
7299 N. Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale, AZ 85253
FnB
7133 E Stetson Dr, Scottsdale, AZ 85251
FnB and Noca
Respectfully, this review will disagree with the many glowing FnB comments. Without speaking to each dish, the flavors were disparate and unbalanced and the execution amateurish. It was American home cooking but at such a low level to call it home cooking is an insult to American mothers and fathers who prepare wonderful food for their families.
The service, although served with a smile and a “friendly” pat on the back, was in fact cold and the server either disinterested or obtuse. And this was the owner.
Upon leaving I was unhappy/ dispirited/ disheartened that I had spent so much for so little.
Noca. Dishes in reverse order of service.
Dessert is the place to start. A delicious disc of chocolate cake below an amaretto? and or hazelnut? (the menu said Pistachio) sorbet surrounded by a blueberry compote (the menu said cherry). I was so full I almost declined dessert. That would have been a huge mistake. $9.00
Lamb loin. How many times, at “high end” restaurants, have we all been subjected to ridiculously dainty portions at ridiculously high prices? Not at Noca. The portions are lumberjackian. $30.00
Linguini with shrimp, bass and muscles in a light, complex chili seasoning. Delicious. Speaking of seasoning we all have differing abilities to detect the effect of salt on food. I found with all the savory dishes a little added salt was necessary to bring out and intensify flavors. Noca serves a kosher and a seasoned salt on a small tray with pepper. Tried both. Preferred the plain kosher salt. $22.00
Duck Confit sandwich was the first dish. The bread was sweet, soft and yielding, yet held together until the very last luscious bite. The duck was rich but not fatty and the greens had been tossed in a nice, light vinaigrette. Once again the portion size was not the typical two bites, where is the rest of it?, appetizer portion. Of the savory dishes, if forced to choose a favorite this would be it. $14.00
Service: The first sever forgot me. Finally asked another server to take over and he was terrific.
Noca is pricier than FnB. And I do join in with those who laugh at the pretense of reviewers who state they received “a great value” for a $38.00 entrée. But, having said that, I left Noca with a smile and looking forward to my next visit.
Second Chances. As long as I am venting my own personal prejudices I admit to one more. When it comes to restaurants, I do not believe in giving second chances. After being treated poorly or receiving substandard food the first time it would never occur to me to return. When restaurant begin giving out second-chance-we-know-you-did-not-receive-what-you-paid-for-the-first-time-complete-meal-gift-cards I will rethink my position on this issue. So for now, no second chances.
And, when there are so many places not yet tried or can’t wait to return to, for a third, fourth or twentieth visit, why should any of us?
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Noca
3118 E. Camelback Rd, Phoenix, AZ 85016
FnB
7133 E Stetson Dr, Scottsdale, AZ 85251
Which French Restaurant near Scottsdale?
Try Christopher’s which is upscale, bright, airy, chef owned with a lunch menu which is on their website.
Christopher Gross is one of the most talented chefs in the Phoenix area. Many times I have greatly enjoyed his simple version of salmon in a light butter lemon sauce over a bed of spinach where the flavors of each ingredient were tasteable(is that a real word, in any case) yet in perfect balance.
Even though you mentioned lunch if you go for dinner and veal cheeks is on the menu you are in store for a treat.
The restaurant also has one of the better wines by the glass list in the city, e.g. Delille Cellars D2, although the list items constantly change.
Christopher’s is 10 minutes from the Scottsdale Rd and Camelback intersection inside an outdoor shopping center.
2502 E Camelback Rd. Suite #102
Phoenix/Scottsdale, AZ 85016
Located inside the Biltmore Shopping Center
Phone : (602) 522-2344
http://christophersaz.com
Best burger EVER - [Dearborn, MI]
JP
Keeping in mind that the most basic component of any good burger is that it is not preformed but rather formed when ordered, is there a burger in the Detroit or Ann Arbor area that does impress you?
Carne Asada with Local and/or Grass Fed Beef?
Melanie:
After all of your wonderful San Francisco suggestions I apologize for not returning the kindness. I saw your Phoenix post after the fact.
Not mentioned on the board is perhaps the most chow worthy restaurant in the downtown Phoenix area: Ritos.
It is the quintessential hole in the wall, no sign on building, but the line at noon tells you, this is the place where you should be eating.
Menu consists of perhaps six items.
Order a green burro dry, not enchilada style, with an extra tortilla to catch the overflow from the overly packed burro which results in a second burro. Otherwise you will end up with a paper plate full of extra inside with no extra outside. I ask them to hold the meat and add cheese. It is the flavor of the protein not the protein which pushes this burro to the top. And, ask for extra napkins. Ethereal.
No indoor seating but there are outdoor picnic tables.
Ritos
907 N 14th St
Phoenix, AZ 85006
Lockharts Vs. Lazy Bones - Suburban Detroit
Delbert McClinton, in the lyrics of a song, listed the few true necessities of Life one of which being nearby “good BBQ”.
An elusive treat in Michigan.
So, here is an unfair( unfair because visited each once, only) comparison of Lockharts to Lazy Bones.
Under the assumption that good BBQ is smoky and moist and slightly charred and never ever dry and sauce is a mere condiment:
Lockharts brisket is slightly juicer than Lazy Bones, though not juicy enough. Did not finish the brisket at Lazy Bones.
Lazy Bones pork ribs are juicier than Lockharts.
Lazy Bones burnt ends are dry(burnt ends should be caramelized and almost sweet with a slight crunch). Did not try at Lockharts.
Lockharts has beef ribs, which was the best of the meats tasted at Lockharts.
Lockharts is much more upscale and pricier and gentrified and the staff young and friendly.
Lazy Bones is more of a dive and much less expensive and their pork ribs are calling to me.
Roseville, MI Lazybones/Dragonmead
The lazybones staff was helpful and patient with customers who ask way too many questions.
The three meat combo,$13.95, is lot of food and comes with a choice of two sides and cornbread.
The ribs were smoky, tender, moist and tasty from long hours on low heat (not that fake fall off the bone short cut” BBQ”ing/precooking used by many restaurants).
The brisket and burnt ends were tasty but dry. To be fair this was the 1st and only visit.
The barman at Dragonmead was equally helpful allowing four different tastes. All of these in house made beers were terrific but beware, 11% alcohol.
Decided on the Russian Imperial Stout, ½ pint $3.25 full pint $5.50 and the Armageddon Grand Cru, ½ pint (only) $6.00. Loved both of these beers. Would again order both without hesitation only anticipation.
No issue at bringing food into Dragonmead.
So, chowing down on Lazybones BBQ while drinking beers at Dragonmead was not an unpleasant task.
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Lazybones Smokehouse
27475 Groesbeck Hwy, Roseville, MI 48066
Ideas for good, local eats in Ann Arbor/Detroit?
“…I want to make sure that we eat at a place that is memorable for the occasion. I like fancy, but we don't have a lot of money.” Not knowing your budget, consider Bacco Ristorante, 29410 Northwestern HwySouthfield, MI. It is a splurge restaurant but they do offer lunch which is less expensive. Or, even better go for dinner and order and split each of the following: a single appetizer, pasta, entrée and dessert. Ask the waiter, and be very specific, to serve each as a separate course.
The restaurant is small and personal and the ingredients and cooking skill way above anything in Ann Arbor.
Ask for the owner, Luciano. Tell him it is a special occasion but that you are on a budget and your ordering plan. Luce is a very nice guy and I believe that he will make sure you will have that memorable evening.
The menu is on their web site.
If memorable is what you want and truly excellent food makes up a big part of the memorable than Bacco is the place for dinner.
“Devoured Culinary Classic”
The web site is up.
Will this year's event, March13 and 14, 2010 equal the West of Western Culinary Festival that past posters have raved about?
Scottsdale Cafe Monarch
Has Cafe Monarch reopened?
If so, is there a menu online?
How is the food this year.
What is the pricing?
BYOB?
Grand Rapids Downtown Near Devos Center
Lunch was provided so unable to try O’Tooles but thank you.
Past posts recommended Wealthy Street bakery. At 8:00 AM a wide selection of breads and pastries and very nice staff.
The babka was so good returned at 5:00 to find only the bare shelves.
Without chowhound posters would not have been alerted to Wealthy.
Many thanks
Grand Rapids Downtown Near Devos Center
Lunch tomorrow, 8-21-09: Either non chain hand formed when ordered burger or great ethnnic food ?
2010 West of Western Culinary Festival
Does anyone know the date for the 2010 West of Western Culinary Festival?
Carolina's versus Olive and Ivy
Speaking of great versus terrible service.
Many posters have noted Carolina’s great food especially anything wrapped in a tortilla and its proximity to the Airport Rental Car Return location.
I left Scottsdale with just enough time to stop at Carolina’s, drop off the rental car, take the shuttle to the terminal and make the flight.
I knew where Carolina’s was located but not which streets to take and I found myself caught in an industrial area where none of the streets went through to Mohave. It was like a bad dream. The deeper I drove into the industrial area, with no through streets, the further I was driving away from Carolina’s and the airport the less likely I was to make the flight .
And time was running out.
When finally arrived at Carolina’s it was noon, the place was packed and there was a line to back of the room.
But the line is moving, I’m hungry for something wrapped in a homemade tortilla so I stay in line as I watch the time certain there is no way I can both receive my food order and make the flight.
When the counter person asks what I want, I ask how long it will take knowing I’m out of time, but she, without me saying a thing, sees I am clearly in a hurry and says “I can get it for you right away no wait”. As I walk away from the counter I think even though I’ve ordered and paid I should leave now and not miss the flight. As I start to leave, the counter person calls to me and hands my order out and says thank you.
I race to Car Rental Return, take the shuttle, jog to security and arrive at the gate as the flight begins boarding.
Now, compare the wonderful service at the” hole in the wall” Carolina’s, with the” service “at Olive and Ivy, the night before, by a bored, unconcerned bartender at this overpriced, chain restaurant in Scottsdale, coupled with the lack of sincere interest by its manager: you must know the look, from someone pretending to care but clearly has more important things to do then to take the time to determine how to satisfy a patron’s clearly bothersome, unimportant complaint.
How is it that corporate places like Olive and Ivy flourish but thank you for real restaurants like Carolina’s where the non owner staff pay attention to their patrons and posses an IQ above that of a dry martini.
Excuse the ending rant but I so hate wasting good mood and money in corporate- robotic places like Olive and Ivy.
Scottsdale: Avalon
Is the food fantastic, average or simply edible?
Half off coupon, limited, in this week’s New Times.
Taste of Vail Winemaker Dinners
Are there winemakr dinners, other than the three listed on the taste of vail web site, during the Taste of Vail?
Dinner in Phoenix Area, and at the Biltmore
Were this site any other than Chowhound I would not dissuade THGang from Sofia but last time eating there, 4 or 5 years ago, the food was so overcooked, dried out and tasteless that it was laughable, and because the kitchen could not not see what they were plating not even worth speaking to management
Sad because such a nice setting that you want to like food.
Well got that off of my chest.
Concur with the lounge at the Ritz. Sofas, great drinks and decent food (sweetbreads) and the staff understand that their job is to say yes to even ridiculous requests. It is often my first stop after landing at Sky Harbor and in need of a place to acclimatize. A most comfortable place to have a drink, relax and while away the time.
