Here are some great spots for lunch that are minimal in name but maximize flavor, options and ambience. They may be short in letters, but what they serve is plentiful. Cibo — Phoenix Authentic Old Phoenix ambience in a 1913 home in downtown Phoenix, Cibo offers great artisan Italian flavors with pizzas, antipasto and other dishes that taste incredible. Try one of its … [More]
A Japanese Tavern: Nobuo at Teeter House
Asking guests to leave common expectations of Japanese cuisine at home, Nobuo Fukuda, the talent behind this award-winning restaurant, innovates and creates some amazing dishes for lunch at this historic Phoenix-home-turned-eatery. A James Beard Award winner and named “Best New Chef” by Food & Wine magazine a while back, Fukuda translates his Japanese heritage with … [More]
A Hot Choice: Gourmet Soups
As temps come down, it seems like the soups come out. Enjoy gourmet meals in a bowl at some of the Valley’s best lunch spots. Options abound and flavors come together. AJ’s Fine Foods — Valley-wide Known for gourmet foods and products, AJ’s is also home to a bistro that offers no less than six soups each day. Homemade daily, soups range from Cheese Broccoli and Minestrone … [More]
In the Raw: Stingray Sushi
Set in an ultra-contemporary surrounding, Stingray Sushi is a unique take on the typical sushi restaurant in that it is taking its concept to a new level, fusing creative cuisine with Japanese-American classics. Holding true to its mission of tempting the senses, Stingray Sushi is where taste, sound and the visual come alive. For taste, Stingray can be that midday getaway … [More]
South of the Border
Home to some of the best Mexican food “north” of the border, the Valley is a hot spot for new Mexican cuisine. Here are a few: America’s Taco Shop — Phoenix & Tempe There is one place in the Valley to get Carne Asada that is tender and crispy in all of the right ways. That’s America’s Tacos. A quaint “taco shop” with three locations to serve. Unique, Baja flare and … [More]
Blue Hound: Lunch with a Bite
Heavy meals seem to be OK for lunch in Manhattan or in Chicago, but lunch in the Valley is more palatable when it is light, refreshing and flavorful. That is the concept behind this contempo-American bistro, Blue Hound, located at the new Palomar Hotel in CityScape. Overwhelmingly urban and meant to be comfortable and “casually polished,” this recently opened eatery boasts … [More]
Meeting Mangia
“Mangia” is Italian for “eats.” Here is a list of some of the Valley’s best Italian restaurants for lunch, where it is not all about pasta and heavy meals. Anzio Landing — Mesa This unique and quaint alternative to the usual big-box Italian has character and dishes that will entice a return visit. Salads, light fare and many of the Roman-inspired dishes make up this vast … [More]
Go Ethnic and Taste Broader Horizons
Make lunch exciting with these ethnic Valley favorites for lunch. Fogo de Chao — Brazilian Gaucho chefs provide more than 15 cuts of fire-roasted meats tableside for diners to choose from. Hit the salad and sides bar for more than 30 vegetable and sides dishes to enhance the experience. 6300 N. Scottsdale Rd., Scottsdale (480) 609-8866 Golden Buddha — Chinese Try … [More]
WM Sacks: Business Success Makes for Tasty Lunch
Chances are when you think about what to do for lunch, you think about Sack’s. At one time or another, with or without clients in tow, lunch-goers stop in to have one of the best sandwiches money can buy. WM Sacks Art of Sandwicherie is just that — a virtual sandwich factory that is all about making the best combinations of breads, meats, vegetables and condiments. Original … [More]
Mediterranean Hideaway: Make it T. Cook’s for Lunch
Nestled within the exclusive Royal Palms Resort, T. Cook’s shares a rich history of culinary delight in Phoenix. It is known for its Mediterranean-inspired cuisine, and most think of T. Cook’s as a romantic getaway for dinner and drinks. For lunch, this hideaway offers award-winning seasonal creations made with skill and a dedication to authentic ingredients. Dishes range … [More]
T.G.I.F.: Friday Afternoon Getaways
It’s been a long week, and working hard has paid off, so why not celebrate in style with friends and colleagues? Here is a listing of some of the Valley’s great Friday (late) afternoon hot spots: Cork — Chandler Wines, beers and specialty drinks (and great food) are what come to mind when heading to Cork. On its Euro-style patio, which is cool and generally packed with … [More]
