Soup has become a prominent menu item at popular fast-casual eateries. Some even lead with it in their name. Gadzooks Enchiladas & Soup Enchiladas and soup is what the storefront lettering promises. The soups nicely complement the variety available for create-your-own enchiladas. 3313 N. 7th St., Phoenix (602) 279-5080 Panera Bread There are always several flavors of … [More]
Bobby-Q: Hot for Barbecue
The Valley of the Sun is known for saguaros, golf courses and … barbecue. Bobby-Q is nationally recognized by barbecue aficionados, and offers its ribs in a vintage countrified setting featuring reclaimed woodwork and antique gas lamps that enhances the dining experience. Owner Bob Sikora’s first expansion from the original location at Dunlap and the I-17 was this Mesa … [More]
Pasta Amore
Pasta is a perennial favorite in many forms. Here are three local restaurants to enjoy its menu versatility. Aiello’s Northern Italian cuisine in white tablecloth elegance. 777 E. Thunderbird Rd., Phoenix (602) 547-3354 Marcellino Ristorante More than 200 house-made pasta specialties, with infused fresh pasta. 7114 E. Stetson Dr., Scottsdale (480) 990-9500 Va … [More]
Chelsea’s Kitchen: Roadhouse on the Canal
The sense of “come on in and visit” starts with the short walkway meandering through the grassy front yard past shallow ponds to the expansive front porch. Part of the LGO Hospitality family of restaurants, Chelsea’s Kitchen exudes a roadhouse ambience despite not technically meeting the definition of being beyond city limits. Dine in homey comfort inside or choose the patio … [More]
It’s Patio Time Again
We’re getting into the balmy weather so appreciated by outdoor enthusiasts — including those who enjoy dining al fresco. Here is a sampling of restaurants whose patios are as great as their menues. Zinc Bistro In addition to its secluded patio, this French bistro also offers sidewalk seating for some great people-watching in the heart of Kierland Commons. 15034 N. … [More]
The Crêpe Club: Fare with Flair
If a visit to Paris seems out of reach for a weekday lunch, it’s time to expand lunch options to a small salon at Biltmore Fashion Park. Open there a little more than a year after expanding from its origins as a popular food cart on the ASU Tempe campus, the crêperie keeps that casual vibe with its walk-up-to-order counter. Crêpes are the family pride for the restaurant’s … [More]
A Taste of …
With a slight alteration to the adage: Diversity is the spice of life. And spices are a cornerstone of culinary diversity among cultures. Here are some of our favorite ethnic eateries. Barrio Café Since 2002, Chef Silvana Salcido Esparza has been celebrating regional Mexican favorites with such flair that she’s put Barrio Café in the Zagat Guide. Closed Mondays. 2814 N. … [More]
Dust Cutter: Cutting-Edge ‘Not Just Bar’ Food
Breaking the ice over a few shared dishes makes a great start to a productive power lunch. Dust Cutter offers an array of interesting palate pleasers from the creative mind of Executive Chef Joshua Murray, a Phoenix transplant whose immersion in the Valley of the Sun’s edible bounty and culinary influences yields Avocado Fries, firm wedges coated with Sonoran spices and served … [More]
A Straw Meal
It’s quick; it’s easy; it can be nutritious; and it goes down smooth … ie. This is a perfect lunch for these 115-degree days. Jamba Juice Real fruit, real juice and other fresh ingredients come together for a variety of fresh flavors, with a few solid foods that include oatmeal and flatbreads on the menu as well. Multiple locations Valley-wide Nékter In its … [More]
Kona Grill – Island Delectables
Kona Grill has added a new Valley location, opening in the urban streetscape of Scottsdale Quarter. The vibe inside is perfectly suited to its environment: It’s very much a lounge feel throughout under the high ceiling with its contemporary design of exposed duct work. The restaurant concept’s signature water feature in this case is a floor-to-ceiling “aquarium” of bubbles that … [More]
