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Entries categorized as ‘food’

Megan Finnerty’s Dream Night

March 5, 2010 · 1 Comment

On a night not so long ago, we had a blazing fun time shooting Megan Finnerty’s Dream Night. You might know her as @122degrees on Twitter, but she’s better known as the nightlife editor at The Arizona Republic and one of Phoenix’s best gals for going out.

For these videos, we really do let our hosts pick their favorite places, and Megan’s list was so much fun. I could go on, but I’ll let you watch for yourself.

UPDATE: check out the behind the scenes photos on our Flickr page: http://bit.ly/ai8UnC

Categories: Scottsdale · Video · VisitPhoenix · central phoenix · downtown phoenix · food · nightlife · places to go · things to do

My Florist

February 16, 2010 · Leave a Comment

You’re probably wondering why I’m writing about the gal who does my flower arrangements for holidays and hostess gifts, but I’m not (and you wouldn’t be the first to think that).

My Florist is one of the best lunch and dinner spots in Phoenix, specifically the downtown area, because of its bright, art deco decor as much as is dive-right-in meals. Matter of fact, their salads cannot be beat, in my opinion, because above being tasty, super fresh and creative, they actually keep you full. Adding steak or chicken helps, but really, it’s a meal. I highly recommend The Asparagus (asparagus, ), the Crab Cake Salad (crab cakes, ), and the Port Poached Pear and Gorgonzola (the mentioned ingredients with ) if you have a salad sweet tooth.

If you can’t decide on one of the thirteen salads, there are just as many – and just as thoughtful – sandwich options. They do the Cafe Panini all kinds of right by balancing the elements perfectly (salami ). The Portobello (mushoroms), and the Chicken Salad is anything but ordinary.

One contributing factor to the distinctive tastes is the bread (and we all know the difference good bread can make). It’s from Willo Bread next door, named after the neighborhood it borders. These freshly baked breads and buns are perfect bookends on the sandwiches or really, an additional ingredient in their soups.

Now, if you go for dinner, you’ll find the same salad offerings, and more choices on the main entrees section. About half are seafood dishes, and the salmon and tuna are incredible. But I absolutely drool at the thought of the Honey Mustard Chicken Paillard. Incredibly delicious – you won’t be disappointed.

Another benefit of going for dinner is the live pianist to jazz up your night. Nicole Pesce plays Wednesday – Sunday nights, from 7 p.m. to midnight. (By the way, this is the perfect place to stop after catching a show at the Herberger or Orpheum.)

Obviously, I can’t rave enough about My Florist, but the secret is out – don’t be surprised to see Arizona leaders there – whether in political or corporate echelons. If you don’t take my recommendation, take their endorsement.

See more pics.

My Florist Cafe
534 W McDowell Rd
Phoenix, AZ 85003

Categories: Kelley · dinner · downtown phoenix · lunch

The Parlor Pizzeria

January 19, 2010 · Comments Off

On the Phoenix dining scene less than a year, the Parlor Pizzeria has quickly become a favorite among locals. I had the good fortune of checking it out recently and loved the whole experience, from the warm, hip ambiance to the yummy pizzas and dessert. Even though it was December, we were able to sit in the outdoor area and be perfectly comfortable – the outdoor heater was more than enough to keep us cozy. It’s worth noting that the location of the restaurant is the former Salon de Venus, a beauty parlor (hence the name) that served Phoenix for more than 50 years. The bar stools are actually old beauty parlor chairs – very cool!

They have plenty of options to get you started including an amazing meat and cheese selection, soup and salads. They do offer more than pizza for an entree but since it was our first visit, we decided to go straight for the good stuff. The table shared a variety of pizzas: the Funghi, Margherita, Pepperoni and a Make-Your-Own (chicken, sundried tomatoes and onions).

Chicken/Tomato/Onion

Funghi

Margherita

Of course, we couldn’t pass up dessert (or dolci, as they call it). We couldn’t even decide on just one, so we shared three…yes, three…and all were delicious: Chewy Caramel Sundae, Tiramasu and last, but definitely not least, Zeppole, these warm Ricotta fritters rolled in cinnamon sugar and served with seasonal dipping sauces.
Y-U-M-M-Y!

Zeppole

Chewy Caramel Sundae

Your mouth is probably watering at this point so go give it a try.

The Parlor Pizzeria

1916 E. Camelback Road, Phoenix

www.theparlor.us

Categories: Melissa · VisitPhoenix · central phoenix · dinner · food · lunch

Majerle’s

January 14, 2010 · Comments Off

Majerle’s has been a staple of downtown Phoenix for years, particularly on game nights for the Arizona Diamondbacks or Phoenix Suns. Both teams play just around the corner from this sports bar hub, and with the brick walls, numerous television screens and renowned wings, it fits the bill for the quintessential pre-game or post-game festivities.

When Majerle’s opened in 1992, all of the Phoenix area was infatuated with Dan Majerle’s success on the court for the Suns, he was the good, clean guy – almost like Opie. Everyone loved Dan Majerle, so why wouldn’t you love his new place? The food was (and is) great, atmosphere fun (complete with the “Back Room” for extra space, packed when the Suns are on a roll), and it was just what Phoenix needed.

Now 18 years later, it’s still full of suits for lunch and happy hour, fans for dinner and drinks. Just like any other hometown staple, they have a specialty. Burgers. Their burgers are huge, juicy, not too greasy, and all-around hit the spot. Their wings are also amazing, and many of the locals will tell you to go for the chili pepper garlic over the regular buffalo style.

Stop in when you’re in downtown, and if it’s a game night, you just might see some players there for a cool down.

Majerle’s
24 North 2nd Street
Phoenix, AZ‎
(602) 253-9004‎

Categories: Kelley · dinner · downtown phoenix · food · happy hour · lunch · nightlife

Cibo

January 5, 2010 · 1 Comment

Naples is in Phoenix. Oh, yod didn’t know? Yes – well – a little piece of Naples, anyway, which can be found at Cibo.

Cibo is a historic home turned restaurant in downtown Phoenix that is an absolute favorite of locals. It has a front patio with fountains, shaded by trees strung with white lights that really makes it magical, especially at dusk. But the interior of the “home” is just as cozy. The bar and wood burning pizza oven are right in the entry, and you can dine in one of the quaint rooms.

As great as the ambiance is, it’s the food that keeps everyone coming back. At lunch, it’s the Italian sandwiches and salads that will steal your heart. I recommend the Spek, a hot sandwich with spek (smoked prosciutto), sliced tomatoes and smoked mozzarella. Get a friend to get the salads and try ‘em both – delightful. For dinner, though, keep the salad idea and add at least one pizza. The crust is crispy and bubbly, the mozzarella is smooth, creamy and fresh, and the herbs are straight out of the garden.

The owners, Karen and Tony Martingilio, took care to keep everything authentic Italian infused with local flavors, and you’ll notice the details, like the wine list, the dessert, and the overall personality of the staff.

One of the bonus perks of Cibo is that there is rarely a wait, but if there is, you won’t mind lounging on the front patio.

Cibo
603 North 5th Avenue
Phoenix, AZ 85003
(602) 441-2697

www.cibophoenix.com

Categories: Kelley · dinner · downtown phoenix · food · lunch

The Main Ingredient

December 10, 2009 · 2 Comments

It’s a changing of the guard of Phoenix proportions.

A good sign this morning

Lisa G’s Cafe and Wine Bar closed abruptly on Halloween, with owner Lisa Giungo citing a surprise offer on the place, and a much needed break, as the reason she closed the quaint, clean place so many of us loved. But that’s not to take away from the excitement of Matt Diamond starting his own place, simply called “The Main Ingredient,” he plans to focus on the craft-beer crowd and have approachable – but delicious – eats.

Matt’s track record is quite successful around town, with experience from Cowboy Ciao and Postino, but this is something entirely new. We’re excited to see his changes to the interior, which I suspect will be a little more cozy, and to taste his hand-picked brews.

The sign going up this morning is hope that it will open soon. We’ll be one of the first people in line, so check back for details.

Categories: Kelley · central phoenix · dinner · downtown phoenix · new places

25 Degrees

November 24, 2009 · Comments Off

It’s like a bourgeois burger bar.

When CityNorth opened about a year ago in north Phoenix, it had upscale shopping, hip cutting-edge people moving into the loft spaces, and the anticipation of larger shops. But the most exciting things were all the new restaurants. One of the most exciting was 25 Degrees, an ultra-glam-vintage-modern burger bistro that mixes gourmet techniques into the best comfort food around.

They have four burgers that they’ve crafted brilliantly, ranging from their “number one” (caramelized onion, gorgonzola, crescenza, bacon), to the “number three” (mezzo secco jack, green chili, chipotle, avocado), and their “number four” with yellowfin tuna has sent people swooning.

But those daring to create their own are rewarded with the best-of-the-best choices in meat (sirloin, turkey, veggie), and their cheese selection is more extensive than most wine bars, and is from all over the world. Paired with one of their 14 homemade sauces, you really can’t go wrong.

I will mandate you to get their onion rings, though, which are hand battered and dipped and yes, there is a difference. My main problem when I go is deciding burger or non-burger, since their grilled three cheese sandwich or their fried egg sandwich really rocks my world.

For the beverages, a man from Chicago said it was the best Guinness milkshake he’s ever had anywhere. I was too glued to my chocolate malt to pull myself away. Another option is their PBR on-tap, a patron’s favorite.

All-in-all, it’s a must-go. (And a must-stuff-your-face.)

25 Degrees

5415 E High Street, #127
Phoenix, AZ 85054
(480) 502-1125

Categories: Kelley · dinner · happy hour · nightlife · north phoenix

Royal [Coffee] at the Market

November 24, 2009 · Comments Off

Royal Coffee is already loved by many in the Phoenix area, but now they are much easier to get to, as their new space is adjacent to the (also new) Phoenix Public Market. It sets up the perfect sip-while-you-stroll atmosphere, and there is even open “meeting” space that connects the two.

Even though the dedicated space just for Royal is humble, they haven’t skipped on the eclectic but cozy feel, with art, cool lighting, and the friendly (and funny) bean-roasting bandit, Hayes (who happens to own the place). He’ll also advise you on the best of the munchies available, which include fresh-baked muffins, scones, etc. daily, and also granola that will blow your mind. So will the coffee, by the way.

It’s a great place to meet up, and you’ll know when you are nearby because of the scent wafting for blocks. They roast their beans outside, they say for temperature and space, but I say it’s brilliant marketing.

Check out Royal at their new location: 14 E. Pierce Street, Phoenix, AZ‎

(The entrance is on the west side of the building, behind the market.)

Categories: Kelley · coffee · downtown phoenix · food

Frank and Albert’s

November 23, 2009 · Comments Off

There’s a New Shiny Object in Phoenix, and it is worth checking out.

Frank and Albert’s is the new restaurant at The Arizona Biltmore, already a legendary resort within the Phoenix area for its history and aesthetic beauty. They still have Wright’s, which is their more elegant restaurant, joined to the lobby by the bar with the beautiful patio, piano, and “Old Phoenix” crowd – the locals that have become regulars to the swanky scene.

But Frank and Albert’s feels like the spunkier daughter of Wright’s. It’s hip but stylish and sophisticated, and the food is the sort of gourmet comfort food that is refreshing in a resort.

Frank and Albert’s is named after Frank Lloyd Wright and his student, Albert Chase McArthur, who both are listed on the architectural credits of the Arizona Biltmore. (With Frank and Albert’s, and Wright’s, maybe the next restaurant there will be called Lloyd’s?) Their signature design is all over the property, and if you check out Frank and Albert’s, stick around after dinner and walk off the dessert with a stroll around the property, which has hosted nearly every U.S. President since it’s opening.

When you go to F&A, you must get:

White Corn Dusted Onion Rings
Shrimp & Manchego
Coca-Cola Pork Chop
Table-side s’mores

http://www.frankandalberts.com/

Categories: Kelley · central phoenix · dinner · food · lunch

Local Fave: Postino

October 26, 2009 · 1 Comment

In a race for “Best Wine Bar,” the locals have spoken: Postino is the winner.

We love it so much we’ve already blogged about each location, in Arcadia and on Central.

Up against some stiff competitors (including Edge Bar at Sanctuary and Kazimierz in Old Town Scottsdale), Postino flew to the lead spot, and it’s easy to tell why.

Both Postino locations are the perfect marriage of hip and lounge-y and casual without too stark and modern. They’re comfortable, home-y, sophisticated, laid back. The name came from the former life at the original location in the Arcadia neighborhood, an old post office. (Unfortunately, the name is confused with the movie, Il Postino. The official name is Postino Wine Cafe. Take note.)

Another location was opened on Central Ave. earlier this year and the neighborhood as welcomed it with open arms. Both places service the old Phoenix neighborhoods, with ranch houses, huge grass yards and trees arching over the streets. It’s the feeling of old Phoenix with modern swank.

When you go, you must get the bruschetta, and eat one order for your meal or order a bunch and share with the group. We recommend the prosciutto with figs and marscapone, and the salami with pesto is perfectly balanced. You can’t go wrong with either. Matter of fact, stop yourself from diving in head-first.