Back by popular demand, it's Foodie Friday! I can't believe I haven't done one of these since before the baby was born. Crazy. Anyway...
Welcome back to Foodie Friday.
Price: $$
Taste: *
S&A: * * * *
Value: * * *
Jake and I celebrated our 6th anniversary last weekend. I was in charge this year, and chose an overnight stay at a local hotel, and dinner and breakfast out. No kids allowed. After reading great reviews online, I decided to go to T.C. Eggingtons for breakfast. Neither of us had been there before but lots of people like it, and several even named it their favorite east valley breakfast spot.
The first problem I encountered with the place was that, while their menu looks extensive, it's actually like the same 4 dishes repeated three times each with a different way to prepare the egg portion of the dish each time. For example, they had a ham & mushroom omelette, ham & mushroom skillet, and ham & mushroom fritatta. Same goes for a veggie dish, and a chorizo dish. So we had a hard time finding 2 different things to order.
To start, we got a liter of fresh squeezed OJ to split (we went all out since we were celebrating). It was good, but I've had better from here. Jake got the "Crack O' Dawn Parlour Creation" (ham & mushroom skillet). He thought it was just plain average. It tasted fine, but there was nothing special about it, and not worth coming back for.
I spent like 3 times longer than usual trying to decide what to order because I didn't want to feel like I was getting the exact same thing as Jake, and ended up with the O'Pear Grenache Omelette because a couple people online mentioned that they liked it. I hated it. I was a little worried ordering it, but I'm always up for trying new things. I'm not sure exactly what I didn't like about it - maybe almonds in an omelette just doesn't do it for me. Also, both our dishes came with a side of breakfast potatoes that were just awful. They tasted like plain unseasoned potatoes cut into cubes and baked in the oven.
Sorry T.C. Eggingtons, we won't be back. I guess we'll have to try someplace new next time we go out for breakfast.
Overall Rating: 2¼ Stars
Showing posts with label Foodie Friday. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Foodie Friday. Show all posts
Friday, March 12, 2010
Friday, July 10, 2009
Foodie Friday #15 - Fry Bread House
Welcome back to Foodie Friday.
Price: $$
Taste: * * * *
S&A: * * *
Value: * * * *
Jake and I make it to The Fry Bread House about once a year. This is due to the location being far away, and the ability it has to clog major arteries with one meal. But oh, is it delicious. (and owned/operated by the Tohono O'odham tribe, which is down near Tucson).
We each had a fry bread taco, but really came for the dessert (more on that later). I got the vegetarian taco (beans, green chilis, lettuce, tomatoes, & sour cream served in fry bread) and Jake got a regular Indian Taco (very similar to mine, but with beef instead of chilis & sour cream). The tables have bottles of red sauce to add to your tacos. They come folded in half, but unfolded, are the size of your plate. Just huge. We liked both, but agreed that mine was the better of the two.
When we ordered our meal, we also ordered a dessert fry bread to share, with butter, powdered sugar, and honey. They didn't make it until we were nearly done with our tacos, so that it would be piping hot when we were ready to eat it. I would drive to Phoenix weekly for this thing (if it wasn't 115 degrees outside). It is fabulous. This time around, the fry bread is about twice the size of your plate, and thinner than the taco shell. I couldn't find a picture that showed off its true enormity, but it's about the size of a medium pizza. It's crispy, gooey goodness just melts in your mouth and then rests heavily in your stomach for the next several hours.
Overall Rating: 3¾ Stars
Price: $$
Taste: * * * *
S&A: * * *
Value: * * * *
Jake and I make it to The Fry Bread House about once a year. This is due to the location being far away, and the ability it has to clog major arteries with one meal. But oh, is it delicious. (and owned/operated by the Tohono O'odham tribe, which is down near Tucson).
We each had a fry bread taco, but really came for the dessert (more on that later). I got the vegetarian taco (beans, green chilis, lettuce, tomatoes, & sour cream served in fry bread) and Jake got a regular Indian Taco (very similar to mine, but with beef instead of chilis & sour cream). The tables have bottles of red sauce to add to your tacos. They come folded in half, but unfolded, are the size of your plate. Just huge. We liked both, but agreed that mine was the better of the two.
When we ordered our meal, we also ordered a dessert fry bread to share, with butter, powdered sugar, and honey. They didn't make it until we were nearly done with our tacos, so that it would be piping hot when we were ready to eat it. I would drive to Phoenix weekly for this thing (if it wasn't 115 degrees outside). It is fabulous. This time around, the fry bread is about twice the size of your plate, and thinner than the taco shell. I couldn't find a picture that showed off its true enormity, but it's about the size of a medium pizza. It's crispy, gooey goodness just melts in your mouth and then rests heavily in your stomach for the next several hours.Overall Rating: 3¾ Stars
Friday, March 27, 2009
Foodie Friday #14 - Blue Adobe Grille
Welcome back to Foodie Friday.
Price: $$$
Taste: * * * *
S&A: * * * * *
Value: * * * *
Blue Adobe Grille is New Mexico cuisine. They have an extensive menu of both traditional Mexican style food (enchiladas, chimichangas, etc.) as well as New Mexican style food, which they call "Blue Plates".
We tried one of each style. I got a beef chimichanga, which I thought was good - just what you would expect from a chimi at a restaurant. Jake got the Chorizo Stuffed Chicken. It was supurb. We will go back just for that. Not only was it stuffed with fontina cheese (a melted Mexican cheese) and chorizo, but it was also covered in their special Amaretto mushroom sauce. Our server said that they use that sauce for a lot of their dishes. If we don't get the chicken next time, we'll definitely get something with this sauce on it.
Blue Adobe Grille is a must-visit place for Arizonans. It comes with my high recommendation. While it is pricier than most places we visit, we went with a coupon from the Entertainment Book, and it was quite affordable and very delicious.
Overall Rating: 4¼ Stars
Price: $$$
Taste: * * * *
S&A: * * * * *
Value: * * * *
Blue Adobe Grille is New Mexico cuisine. They have an extensive menu of both traditional Mexican style food (enchiladas, chimichangas, etc.) as well as New Mexican style food, which they call "Blue Plates".
We tried one of each style. I got a beef chimichanga, which I thought was good - just what you would expect from a chimi at a restaurant. Jake got the Chorizo Stuffed Chicken. It was supurb. We will go back just for that. Not only was it stuffed with fontina cheese (a melted Mexican cheese) and chorizo, but it was also covered in their special Amaretto mushroom sauce. Our server said that they use that sauce for a lot of their dishes. If we don't get the chicken next time, we'll definitely get something with this sauce on it.
Blue Adobe Grille is a must-visit place for Arizonans. It comes with my high recommendation. While it is pricier than most places we visit, we went with a coupon from the Entertainment Book, and it was quite affordable and very delicious.
Overall Rating: 4¼ Stars
Friday, February 27, 2009
Foodie Friday #13 - Sala Thai
Welcome back to Foodie Friday.
Price: $$
Taste: * * * *
S&A: * * *
Value: * * * *
Sala Thai has 101 items on their menu. Unfortunately, we were only able to try two. I got one of my standards at a Thai restaurant - Tom Ka Gai soup. It's a coconut based soup with chicken, mushrooms, onions, & cilantro in it. And it's only failed me once. Sala Thai's version was unique in that all of the ingredients were in larger portions than normal, and required me to cut them up before eating. But it didn't deter from the deliciousness of the broth. One of the best Jake or I have ever had.
Jake ordered a chicken & fried tofu dish with green & red peppers - served over rice. He loved it, but I wasn't a fan. Mostly because I don't care for tofu or peppers (usually).
We both decided that Sala Thai is a place we would visit again - with a bigger group of people to try more things. Well, we'd visit again if it wasn't so stinking far away (we were in the area last week)
Overall Rating: 3¾ Stars
Price: $$
Taste: * * * *
S&A: * * *
Value: * * * *
Sala Thai has 101 items on their menu. Unfortunately, we were only able to try two. I got one of my standards at a Thai restaurant - Tom Ka Gai soup. It's a coconut based soup with chicken, mushrooms, onions, & cilantro in it. And it's only failed me once. Sala Thai's version was unique in that all of the ingredients were in larger portions than normal, and required me to cut them up before eating. But it didn't deter from the deliciousness of the broth. One of the best Jake or I have ever had.
Jake ordered a chicken & fried tofu dish with green & red peppers - served over rice. He loved it, but I wasn't a fan. Mostly because I don't care for tofu or peppers (usually).
We both decided that Sala Thai is a place we would visit again - with a bigger group of people to try more things. Well, we'd visit again if it wasn't so stinking far away (we were in the area last week)
Overall Rating: 3¾ Stars
Friday, January 02, 2009
Foodie Friday #12 - Giant Hamburgers
Welcome back to Foodie Friday.
Price: $
Taste: * * * * *
S&A: * * * *
Value: * * * * *
Giant Hamburgers is a tiny restaurant located in a grocery store parking lot, next to a Subway. The place consists of an order counter & a couple of booths. The menu is short - hamburgers, cheeseburgers, hotdogs, etc, as well as a small breakfast menu.
Jake and I both ordered the cheeseburger when we went, and shared a side of fries. The burger was giant. And very simple - the way a cheeseburger should be. Good quality meat, freshly cut tomatoes (I saw them being sliced), lettuce, cheese, and grilled onions.
The fries tasted crispy & homemade, and came in a good portion for the price. I saw someone order a shake, which also looked delicious, but that can't be verified, since it was too cold to actually order one for ourselves.
Jake wants to try everything on the menu, and I definitely want to try a breakfast - which is served all day. This place is awesome, and I highly recommend it. We'll be back. Soon.
Overall Rating: 4¾ Stars
Price: $
Taste: * * * * *
S&A: * * * *
Value: * * * * *
Giant Hamburgers is a tiny restaurant located in a grocery store parking lot, next to a Subway. The place consists of an order counter & a couple of booths. The menu is short - hamburgers, cheeseburgers, hotdogs, etc, as well as a small breakfast menu.
Jake and I both ordered the cheeseburger when we went, and shared a side of fries. The burger was giant. And very simple - the way a cheeseburger should be. Good quality meat, freshly cut tomatoes (I saw them being sliced), lettuce, cheese, and grilled onions.
The fries tasted crispy & homemade, and came in a good portion for the price. I saw someone order a shake, which also looked delicious, but that can't be verified, since it was too cold to actually order one for ourselves.
Jake wants to try everything on the menu, and I definitely want to try a breakfast - which is served all day. This place is awesome, and I highly recommend it. We'll be back. Soon.
Overall Rating: 4¾ Stars
Friday, December 19, 2008
Foodie Friday #11 - Humble Pie
Welcome back to Foodie Friday.
Price: $$$
Taste: * * * * *
S&A: * * * * *
Value: * * * * *
That's right. You're looking at the first FIVE STAR review of Foodie Friday. And it is well-deserved too.
Humble Pie is a small pizza place that serves wood-fire pizzas. Again, we went with a big group, which actually makes this place even more affordable, as we shared 5 pizzas among the 8 of us (but with 2 people, we probably would have still ordered 2 pizzas - for variety's sake).
We started off with 2 orders of their french fries, which were seasoned with parmesan & garlic, and were delicious. Sophie proclaimed them to be spicy, but ate them like candy.
We then ordered a Margherita, a Wild Mushroom, a Proscuitto & Pear, a Sausage, and an Artichoke pizza. Everyone liked all of them, and I think the Pear pizza was the favorite of the majority, with Margherita coming in at a close second.
I think you could go there and order anything, and be completely satisfied with your meal. Definitely a place we will visit again soon.
Overall Rating: 5 Stars
Price: $$$
Taste: * * * * *
S&A: * * * * *
Value: * * * * *
That's right. You're looking at the first FIVE STAR review of Foodie Friday. And it is well-deserved too.
Humble Pie is a small pizza place that serves wood-fire pizzas. Again, we went with a big group, which actually makes this place even more affordable, as we shared 5 pizzas among the 8 of us (but with 2 people, we probably would have still ordered 2 pizzas - for variety's sake).
We started off with 2 orders of their french fries, which were seasoned with parmesan & garlic, and were delicious. Sophie proclaimed them to be spicy, but ate them like candy.
We then ordered a Margherita, a Wild Mushroom, a Proscuitto & Pear, a Sausage, and an Artichoke pizza. Everyone liked all of them, and I think the Pear pizza was the favorite of the majority, with Margherita coming in at a close second.
I think you could go there and order anything, and be completely satisfied with your meal. Definitely a place we will visit again soon.
Overall Rating: 5 Stars
Friday, December 12, 2008
Foodie Friday #10 - Tradiciones
Welcome back to Foodie Friday.
Price: $$$
Taste: * * *
S&A: * * * *
Value: * * *
Jake and I had been to Tradiciones before, and returned for one thing: the fundido. It's an appetizer, and it's basically a small pot of melted Mexican cheese & a pile of tortillas. And it's delicious.
We went as a big group this time, and when it came time to order our meals, Jake and I couldn't remember what we had ordered the last time. And then after our meal, we figured out why. Everything we got was average or worse. The meat was poor quality, and anyone that ordered a seafood dish left disappointed.
Some highlights though: there's no skimping on the guacamole, the beans were good, and so was the flan.
What we learned from the experience: Stick to the basics. This is a traditional Sonoran restaurant - order accordingly. I think if we had all ordered more wisely, we would have all been more satisfied with our meal.
Overall Rating: 3¼ Stars
Price: $$$
Taste: * * *
S&A: * * * *
Value: * * *
Jake and I had been to Tradiciones before, and returned for one thing: the fundido. It's an appetizer, and it's basically a small pot of melted Mexican cheese & a pile of tortillas. And it's delicious.
We went as a big group this time, and when it came time to order our meals, Jake and I couldn't remember what we had ordered the last time. And then after our meal, we figured out why. Everything we got was average or worse. The meat was poor quality, and anyone that ordered a seafood dish left disappointed.
Some highlights though: there's no skimping on the guacamole, the beans were good, and so was the flan.
What we learned from the experience: Stick to the basics. This is a traditional Sonoran restaurant - order accordingly. I think if we had all ordered more wisely, we would have all been more satisfied with our meal.
Overall Rating: 3¼ Stars
Friday, November 21, 2008
Foodie Friday #9 - Slices
Welcome back to Foodie Friday.
Slices
Mill & 6th St, Tempe
(Other locations in Phoenix & Tempe)
photo from Get Out AZ
Price: $
Taste: * * * *
S&A: * * * *
Value: * * * *
From a recommendation from my mom, we headed to Slices last week. Its a tiny restaurant off of Mill Avenue in Tempe - just an order counter and 2 or 3 tables. But the pizza selection was huge. We had our choice of maybe 10 different pizzas to buy by the slice (you can also order whole pizzas - like 30 different varieties). We ordered 3 slices to share between the 2 of us - Tomato Basil, Pepperoni & Mushroom, and Ham & Pineapple.
When your pick your pieces, they go back into a warming oven for a couple minutes, so you have a piping hot piece of pizza, which was very nice. The pieces were huge and all of them were delicious. My mom has been known to go out of her way to go there for a slice of vegetarian (which I didn't know beforehand, or I would have tried it).
Very tasty, very convenient, very fast.
Overall Rating: 4 Stars
(for an explanation of the ratings, see here)
Slices
Mill & 6th St, Tempe
(Other locations in Phoenix & Tempe)
photo from Get Out AZTaste: * * * *
S&A: * * * *
Value: * * * *
From a recommendation from my mom, we headed to Slices last week. Its a tiny restaurant off of Mill Avenue in Tempe - just an order counter and 2 or 3 tables. But the pizza selection was huge. We had our choice of maybe 10 different pizzas to buy by the slice (you can also order whole pizzas - like 30 different varieties). We ordered 3 slices to share between the 2 of us - Tomato Basil, Pepperoni & Mushroom, and Ham & Pineapple.
When your pick your pieces, they go back into a warming oven for a couple minutes, so you have a piping hot piece of pizza, which was very nice. The pieces were huge and all of them were delicious. My mom has been known to go out of her way to go there for a slice of vegetarian (which I didn't know beforehand, or I would have tried it).
Very tasty, very convenient, very fast.
Overall Rating: 4 Stars
Friday, November 14, 2008
Foodie Friday #8 - Chase's Diner
Welcome back to Foodie Friday.
Price: $$
Taste: * * *
S&A: * * * * *
Value: * * * *
A coupon in the 2009 Entertainment book led us to Chase's Diner last weekend. Due to a headache, I was in search for a regular American meal. Chase's Diner is exactly what you hope for when you want to eat at a diner: red vinyl booths, checkerboard floors, & 50's music playing in the background.
I ordered the pot roast, which claimed it came with "today's vegetables" and a side of my choice. I chose the dinner salad, which was quite large, but disappointing. It was your typical salad-in-a-bag, plus a tomato & croutons. My pot roast was tasty and filling. My only gripe was that the carrots were baby carrots, which never have any flavor. Oh, and that it didn't come with a side of vegetables. But it did come with a delicious homemade biscuit, so I forgave the vegetables.
Jake ordered the bacon cheeseburger, and had no complaints. His fries, like my salad, appeared (and tasted) as if they came from a bag though.
Chase's redeemed themselves fully, if not more so, though, with their chocolate peanut butter shake. If I was reviewing just the shake, I would have given it 5 stars. It was real ice cream, real chocolate, and real peanut butter. And real delicious. Perfect for a girl with a headache. Or anyone really, who wants something sweet.
Overall Rating: 3¾ Stars
Price: $$
Taste: * * *
S&A: * * * * *
Value: * * * *
A coupon in the 2009 Entertainment book led us to Chase's Diner last weekend. Due to a headache, I was in search for a regular American meal. Chase's Diner is exactly what you hope for when you want to eat at a diner: red vinyl booths, checkerboard floors, & 50's music playing in the background.
I ordered the pot roast, which claimed it came with "today's vegetables" and a side of my choice. I chose the dinner salad, which was quite large, but disappointing. It was your typical salad-in-a-bag, plus a tomato & croutons. My pot roast was tasty and filling. My only gripe was that the carrots were baby carrots, which never have any flavor. Oh, and that it didn't come with a side of vegetables. But it did come with a delicious homemade biscuit, so I forgave the vegetables.
Jake ordered the bacon cheeseburger, and had no complaints. His fries, like my salad, appeared (and tasted) as if they came from a bag though.
Chase's redeemed themselves fully, if not more so, though, with their chocolate peanut butter shake. If I was reviewing just the shake, I would have given it 5 stars. It was real ice cream, real chocolate, and real peanut butter. And real delicious. Perfect for a girl with a headache. Or anyone really, who wants something sweet.
Overall Rating: 3¾ Stars
Friday, November 07, 2008
Foodie Friday #7 - Arizona State Fair
Welcome back to Foodie Friday.
Price: $$
Taste: * * * * *
S&A: * * * * *
Value: * * *
When you decide to eat at a State Fair, you are expecting overpriced, greasy, fried food in huge portions. And the Arizona State Fair did not disappoint. While the fair is known for its fried, well, anything, we stuck to pretty basic stuff.
I got a taco salad from a Mexican joint. It was very good and bigger than my head. Jake stuck with the fair classic: the foot long corn dog. We then split a honey & powdered sugar covered Indian Fry Bread. Mmmmmm.
Overall Rating: 4½ Stars
Price: $$
Taste: * * * * *
S&A: * * * * *
Value: * * *
When you decide to eat at a State Fair, you are expecting overpriced, greasy, fried food in huge portions. And the Arizona State Fair did not disappoint. While the fair is known for its fried, well, anything, we stuck to pretty basic stuff.
I got a taco salad from a Mexican joint. It was very good and bigger than my head. Jake stuck with the fair classic: the foot long corn dog. We then split a honey & powdered sugar covered Indian Fry Bread. Mmmmmm.
Overall Rating: 4½ Stars
Friday, October 24, 2008
Foodie Friday #6 - La Parrilla Suiza
Welcome back to Foodie Friday.
Price: $$
Taste: * *
S&A: * * * * *
Value: *
La Parrilla Suiza, like Streets of New York, is an Arizona chain restaurant. We had never been before, but had heard good things about it, so we gave it a try. Both of our dishes were $9 & change, but dishes under $10 were a rarity on the menu. So really, expect to pay between $20 & $30 for 2 meals.
I got the fish tacos off of the appetizer menu, and I thought they were awful. Fried fish & cabbage in a tortilla - it just didn't work. Jake got something called a "Flat Taco", which is a Parrilla Suiza specialty. He said it was "good, but not great".
Despite my dislike for my dish, they did a good job with presentation and freshness, and everything seemed really authentic. La Parrilla Suiza is a Mexico City restaurant, so it's not the same type of food you usually get at a Mexican restaurant.
Our main problem with our dining experience was our portions. We both left feeling hungry. And for the prices we paid, we were both very surprised at how small our dishes were when they were brought to us. You probably won't see us in a La Parrilla Suiza again.
Overall Rating: 2½ Stars
Price: $$
Taste: * *
S&A: * * * * *
Value: *
La Parrilla Suiza, like Streets of New York, is an Arizona chain restaurant. We had never been before, but had heard good things about it, so we gave it a try. Both of our dishes were $9 & change, but dishes under $10 were a rarity on the menu. So really, expect to pay between $20 & $30 for 2 meals.
I got the fish tacos off of the appetizer menu, and I thought they were awful. Fried fish & cabbage in a tortilla - it just didn't work. Jake got something called a "Flat Taco", which is a Parrilla Suiza specialty. He said it was "good, but not great".
Despite my dislike for my dish, they did a good job with presentation and freshness, and everything seemed really authentic. La Parrilla Suiza is a Mexico City restaurant, so it's not the same type of food you usually get at a Mexican restaurant.
Our main problem with our dining experience was our portions. We both left feeling hungry. And for the prices we paid, we were both very surprised at how small our dishes were when they were brought to us. You probably won't see us in a La Parrilla Suiza again.
Overall Rating: 2½ Stars
Friday, October 10, 2008
Foodie Friday #5 - El Chavo
Welcome back to Foodie Friday.
Price: $
Taste: *
S&A: * * * *
Value: * * *
If you live in the greater Phoenix area, you may have noticed a bunch of new restaurants popping up with the word "Torta" on the front. The torta, Jake and I decided, is Mexico's answer to the hamburger. They are usually priced comparably to a 6" sub or a fancy burger from McDonalds. It's comprised of meat (carne asada, ham, chicken, etc) and your choice of veggies - lettuce, tomatoes, avacados, jalapeños, green chilis, etc.
Tortas are an awesome alternative to burgers & tacos for lunch. They can be very spicy if you get the chilis & jalapeños, or they can be nice & mild with just the tomatoes and avacados. I got all the veggies on my sandwich, and found it to be perfectly spiced. But for the Jakes of the world, my lunch also included a container of spicy red sauce.
El Chavo is a tiny strip mall food establishment in north Mesa. The 2 times I went to it, I found it to be basically empty. I've had better tortas, and I've had worse. This place is nice to go to because it's conveniently located to my house, and it's a nice and average place to eat.
However, the torta that I got this time was awful. The asada was fatty and chewy and the bread was soggy. I wasn't able to finish my sandwich. Lucky for them, I've been there before, so I know that they can produce good food, so I will go back.
Overall Rating: 2¼ Stars
Price: $
Taste: *
S&A: * * * *
Value: * * *
If you live in the greater Phoenix area, you may have noticed a bunch of new restaurants popping up with the word "Torta" on the front. The torta, Jake and I decided, is Mexico's answer to the hamburger. They are usually priced comparably to a 6" sub or a fancy burger from McDonalds. It's comprised of meat (carne asada, ham, chicken, etc) and your choice of veggies - lettuce, tomatoes, avacados, jalapeños, green chilis, etc.
Tortas are an awesome alternative to burgers & tacos for lunch. They can be very spicy if you get the chilis & jalapeños, or they can be nice & mild with just the tomatoes and avacados. I got all the veggies on my sandwich, and found it to be perfectly spiced. But for the Jakes of the world, my lunch also included a container of spicy red sauce.
El Chavo is a tiny strip mall food establishment in north Mesa. The 2 times I went to it, I found it to be basically empty. I've had better tortas, and I've had worse. This place is nice to go to because it's conveniently located to my house, and it's a nice and average place to eat.
However, the torta that I got this time was awful. The asada was fatty and chewy and the bread was soggy. I wasn't able to finish my sandwich. Lucky for them, I've been there before, so I know that they can produce good food, so I will go back.
Overall Rating: 2¼ Stars
Saturday, October 04, 2008
Foodie Friday #4 - Cyclo
Welcome back to Foodie Friday.
Price: $$$
Taste: * * * * *
S&A: * * * * *
Value: * * *
Cyclo is a hip Vietnamese restaurant in Chandler. The owner, Justine, knows a lot of her customers by name, or at least, by appearance, and greets everyone personally. Newly remodeled, the restaurant is clean, open, & stylish.
Some notes about my ratings: I put the price of Cyclo in the $$$ category because of the dishes we chose, but there are plenty of choices on the menu under $10. Also, I only gave them 3 stars in value, not because they are expensive, but because it is expensive for Asian food. Cyclo is very competitive in price compared to other restaurants, but compared to other Vietnamese establishments, it's a little pricy.
I got the Seafood Phở (pronounced "fuh"). Phở is a traditional noodle soup that you flavor yourself with plum sauce and Sriracha chili sauce. The good thing about that is that it can be a mild or as spicy as you want. When we go out for Vietnamese food, we usually get a phở and another dish. It's one of my favorite soups. The seafood phở at Cyclo came with shrimp, scallops, and crab legs, all of which were delicious.
Jake ordered the Broken Rice Plate. It came with char-broiled pork, beef, shrimp, and a salad. He said the pork was some of the best pork he's ever had, and highly recommends it.
Others in our party ordered lettuce wraps, beef phở, pineapple curry, and vermicelli, all of which earned rave reviews from their respective orderers.
With its delicious food, fun atmosphere, and good company, I highly recommend Cyclo.
Overall Rating: 4½ Stars
Price: $$$
Taste: * * * * *
S&A: * * * * *
Value: * * *
Cyclo is a hip Vietnamese restaurant in Chandler. The owner, Justine, knows a lot of her customers by name, or at least, by appearance, and greets everyone personally. Newly remodeled, the restaurant is clean, open, & stylish.
Some notes about my ratings: I put the price of Cyclo in the $$$ category because of the dishes we chose, but there are plenty of choices on the menu under $10. Also, I only gave them 3 stars in value, not because they are expensive, but because it is expensive for Asian food. Cyclo is very competitive in price compared to other restaurants, but compared to other Vietnamese establishments, it's a little pricy.
I got the Seafood Phở (pronounced "fuh"). Phở is a traditional noodle soup that you flavor yourself with plum sauce and Sriracha chili sauce. The good thing about that is that it can be a mild or as spicy as you want. When we go out for Vietnamese food, we usually get a phở and another dish. It's one of my favorite soups. The seafood phở at Cyclo came with shrimp, scallops, and crab legs, all of which were delicious.
Jake ordered the Broken Rice Plate. It came with char-broiled pork, beef, shrimp, and a salad. He said the pork was some of the best pork he's ever had, and highly recommends it.
Others in our party ordered lettuce wraps, beef phở, pineapple curry, and vermicelli, all of which earned rave reviews from their respective orderers.
With its delicious food, fun atmosphere, and good company, I highly recommend Cyclo.
Overall Rating: 4½ Stars
Thursday, September 25, 2008
Foodie Friday #3 - Streets of New York
Welcome back to Foodie Friday.
Streets of New York
Various locations throughout Arizona
Price: $$
Taste: * * * *
S&A: * * *
Value: * * *
Jake and I have certain chain restaurants that we deem "good enough". We are definitely not fond of chains in general (why do they always seem to disappoint?), but when you're in Mesa, AZ at the unsightly hour of 8:00 on a Friday night, guess what? They're your only option.
So anyway, we've picked a couple of these said chains that we can go to when we're in a pinch. And last Friday, Jake named Streets of New York as our "Safe Italian Chain". Meaning: If we're craving Italian food, and it's crazy late at night (read: 7:30 or so), we can go to Streets of New York and know that we're getting exactly what we came for: nothing spectacular, but at the same time, nothing gross. (Another safe chain on our list: Mimi's Cafe) So that is how they got 4 stars in taste. Not because they are a 4-star restaurant, but because they presented to us exactly what we came there to eat.
Now, you non-Arizonians out there are probably confused, because Streets of New York is actually an Arizona chain, not a nationwide restaurant. So really, it is local cuisine. It's just hard to remember that when there are 27 restaurants in the area. They serve the common pizza joint food - pizza, salads, hot subs, & appetizers.
Jake had an Italian Sausage sub, that he labeled as "ok, but not spicy enough", and I had the cobb salad, which was cobb salady (not much you can say about a salad). Our main complaint was that we were one of like 4 sets of people there, but our server took an extra long time before coming to take our order (Jake blames the lack of alcohol purchases, but I think he just got distracted in the kitchen or something).
Overall Rating: 3½ Stars
Got a restaurant suggestion for me? Let me know!
(for an explanation of the ratings, see here)
Streets of New York
Various locations throughout Arizona
Taste: * * * *
S&A: * * *
Value: * * *
Jake and I have certain chain restaurants that we deem "good enough". We are definitely not fond of chains in general (why do they always seem to disappoint?), but when you're in Mesa, AZ at the unsightly hour of 8:00 on a Friday night, guess what? They're your only option.
So anyway, we've picked a couple of these said chains that we can go to when we're in a pinch. And last Friday, Jake named Streets of New York as our "Safe Italian Chain". Meaning: If we're craving Italian food, and it's crazy late at night (read: 7:30 or so), we can go to Streets of New York and know that we're getting exactly what we came for: nothing spectacular, but at the same time, nothing gross. (Another safe chain on our list: Mimi's Cafe) So that is how they got 4 stars in taste. Not because they are a 4-star restaurant, but because they presented to us exactly what we came there to eat.
Now, you non-Arizonians out there are probably confused, because Streets of New York is actually an Arizona chain, not a nationwide restaurant. So really, it is local cuisine. It's just hard to remember that when there are 27 restaurants in the area. They serve the common pizza joint food - pizza, salads, hot subs, & appetizers.
Jake had an Italian Sausage sub, that he labeled as "ok, but not spicy enough", and I had the cobb salad, which was cobb salady (not much you can say about a salad). Our main complaint was that we were one of like 4 sets of people there, but our server took an extra long time before coming to take our order (Jake blames the lack of alcohol purchases, but I think he just got distracted in the kitchen or something).
Overall Rating: 3½ Stars
Got a restaurant suggestion for me? Let me know!
Friday, September 19, 2008
Foodie Friday #2 - Sweet Tomatoes
Welcome back to Foodie Friday.
(for an explanation of the ratings, see here)
Last Saturday, Jake and I had an evening that went like this:
Sophie: (crying)
Jake: We have NO food. Where do you want to go to eat?
Sophie: (throws a tantrum)
Abbie: Maybe we should go to a buffet, so it'll be easier on Sophie
Sophie: (screams for no reason)
Jake: That's a good idea.
Sophie: (crying)
So that's what we did. We went to Sweet Tomatoes. But really, if we were smart, the conversation would have gone like this:
Abbie: Sophie's tired & won't be happy no matter what. Do you want scrambled eggs tonight?
Jake: Yes.
Price: $$
Taste: * * *
S&A: * * *
Value: * *
Sweet tomatoes is better for a lunch than a dinner. It starts out as a salad buffet, and then you move on to their hot dishes (soups, pizza, pasta, potatoes). I'm always 100% pleased with the salad bar, and when I think to myself "I feel like Sweet Tomatoes tonight", that's usually what I'm thinking about.
But after my delicious salad is complete, and I walk over to the hot dishes, I always think "Oh yeah. This part is never good." And its true. Their pasta (with exception to the macaroni on occasion) should always be passed up. It's cold no matter what.
I sometimes venture into the soups, but I usually only eat a spoonful or two before my brain registers to me that I don't like what I'm eating. I didn't have the soup this time, but Jake did. He tried the Split Pea Curry and hated it.
After salads, I always get a baked potato and Jake always has a baked sweet potato some pizza (really, it's just fancy bread sticks). Then we both get soft serve for dessert; Jake's is usually on top of the hot dessert of the month.
Sweet tomatoes raises their prices like once a week or something. It seems like it's higher every time we go. They do have regular coupons--they save you less than 15%, but it's something. I wish you could go and pay for the salad bar only. If that was an option, my rating would be much higher.
Before the tantrum phase, Sophie loved this place. There's tons for her to eat from the salad bar, and they also have fresh fruit. Kids 2 & under are free, and after that they have a super-reduced kids price. Like $1.69 or something. So it will be a good deal for her for a long time to come.
Overall Rating: 2¾ Stars
(for an explanation of the ratings, see here)
Last Saturday, Jake and I had an evening that went like this:
Sophie: (crying)
Jake: We have NO food. Where do you want to go to eat?
Sophie: (throws a tantrum)
Abbie: Maybe we should go to a buffet, so it'll be easier on Sophie
Sophie: (screams for no reason)
Jake: That's a good idea.
Sophie: (crying)
So that's what we did. We went to Sweet Tomatoes. But really, if we were smart, the conversation would have gone like this:
Abbie: Sophie's tired & won't be happy no matter what. Do you want scrambled eggs tonight?
Jake: Yes.
Price: $$
Taste: * * *
S&A: * * *
Value: * *
Sweet tomatoes is better for a lunch than a dinner. It starts out as a salad buffet, and then you move on to their hot dishes (soups, pizza, pasta, potatoes). I'm always 100% pleased with the salad bar, and when I think to myself "I feel like Sweet Tomatoes tonight", that's usually what I'm thinking about.
But after my delicious salad is complete, and I walk over to the hot dishes, I always think "Oh yeah. This part is never good." And its true. Their pasta (with exception to the macaroni on occasion) should always be passed up. It's cold no matter what.
I sometimes venture into the soups, but I usually only eat a spoonful or two before my brain registers to me that I don't like what I'm eating. I didn't have the soup this time, but Jake did. He tried the Split Pea Curry and hated it.
After salads, I always get a baked potato and Jake always has a baked sweet potato some pizza (really, it's just fancy bread sticks). Then we both get soft serve for dessert; Jake's is usually on top of the hot dessert of the month.
Sweet tomatoes raises their prices like once a week or something. It seems like it's higher every time we go. They do have regular coupons--they save you less than 15%, but it's something. I wish you could go and pay for the salad bar only. If that was an option, my rating would be much higher.
Before the tantrum phase, Sophie loved this place. There's tons for her to eat from the salad bar, and they also have fresh fruit. Kids 2 & under are free, and after that they have a super-reduced kids price. Like $1.69 or something. So it will be a good deal for her for a long time to come.
Overall Rating: 2¾ Stars
Friday, September 12, 2008
Foodie Friday #1 - La Piccola Cucina
Hello and welcome to Foodie Friday! It's a new feature on my blog, where I will review restaurants in the Phoenix area for you. Feel free to recommend places you love, or places you're afraid to try without an awesome review.
Here's a little breakdown of what you can expect to see each week.
$ = under $10
$$ = $10-$20
$$$ = $20-$30
$$$$ = $30+
(I doubt our meals will go beyond that scale)
Total score will be based on an average of all the categories, with taste worth double.
Price: $$
Taste: * * *
S&A: * * * * *
Value: * * * *
This is a unique European restaurant. All of your food options are displayed in a cold case. You choose one meat and 2 sides (vegetarian option available), and then the food is warmed and prepared for you, and delivered to your table. The wait for our food was very short, but my meatloaf came cold. I would have had them reheat it for me, but I filled up quickly on my sides (a bow tie pasta dish and asparagus). Jake also enjoyed his sides (spinach pie and ratatouille) more than his meat.
The place is very tiny - only about 5 tables inside, with more seating on the patio. We were greeted individually by the owner (Andy Pappas), which was very nice and made the restaurant seem like a quality family-owned establishment. We even heard him serenading other customers with Greek songs.
Jake and I would definitely go here again. They also offer several sandwich options, which Jake said he would get next time. I would go for the dinner plate again, but try a new meat.
Overall Rating: 3¾ Stars
Here's a little breakdown of what you can expect to see each week.
Pricing
(total bill for 2 people, not including drinks, tax, or tip):
(total bill for 2 people, not including drinks, tax, or tip):
$ = under $10
$$ = $10-$20
$$$ = $20-$30
$$$$ = $30+
(I doubt our meals will go beyond that scale)
Rating
(all on a scale of 1 [*] to 5 [* * * * *] stars)
(all on a scale of 1 [*] to 5 [* * * * *] stars)
- Food Taste
- Service & Atmosphere
- Value
Total score will be based on an average of all the categories, with taste worth double.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Andy Pappas
La Piccola Cucina
2241 N. 7th Street - Phoenix
La Piccola Cucina
2241 N. 7th Street - Phoenix
photo from flickr . .
Price: $$
Taste: * * *
S&A: * * * * *
Value: * * * *
This is a unique European restaurant. All of your food options are displayed in a cold case. You choose one meat and 2 sides (vegetarian option available), and then the food is warmed and prepared for you, and delivered to your table. The wait for our food was very short, but my meatloaf came cold. I would have had them reheat it for me, but I filled up quickly on my sides (a bow tie pasta dish and asparagus). Jake also enjoyed his sides (spinach pie and ratatouille) more than his meat.
The place is very tiny - only about 5 tables inside, with more seating on the patio. We were greeted individually by the owner (Andy Pappas), which was very nice and made the restaurant seem like a quality family-owned establishment. We even heard him serenading other customers with Greek songs.
Jake and I would definitely go here again. They also offer several sandwich options, which Jake said he would get next time. I would go for the dinner plate again, but try a new meat.
Overall Rating: 3¾ Stars
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)