November 25, 2023 - El Guerrerense - Phoenix, Arizona

 I had a lunch date with Sylvia.  I had read about this restaurant in her blog.  I wanted to try it...and I asked her to join me.

Sylvia ordered the Cuche en Verde o Rojo – pork in green salsa..served  with rice, fried beans and flour tortillas.  It was delicious…Sylvia let me try it….but bring a knife because it comes in huge delicious chunks but sometimes one needs a knife to cut the meat even though it is cooked very well.

Cuche en Verde o Rojo

I ordered Camarones a la Diabla  - shrimp in spicy red sauce and served with fried beans and rice…and served with my choice of flour tortillas…  I loved it…and the tortillas were hand made.

 

Absolutely delicious lunch…and it gave us a long time to visit…and talk about our next adventure.

 

Note:  Bring cash if you don’t want to pay the 3% fee to put it on a charge card.

 

El Guerrerense
1627 N. 24^th Street
Phoenix, Arizona 85008
(602) 275-0555
Hours:  Daily 9:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m.

November 11, 2023 - The Collins Small Bite Kitchen - Phoenix, Arizona

 My friend, Kelli Jo Welk, treated me to lunch at this very nice restaurant because I take her to the airport when she flies home...and let her park her car in my patio driveway. Kelli is pretty darn wonderful.

This was my first visit.  I loved ambience.  The service was great.

 I ordered the Bistro Burger - havarti . vine tomatoes . red onion . dressed arugula . dijon . mayo served on a Noble brioche bun and I chose the Collins Cashew Coleslaw…and asked for little cup of the truffle aioli to put on my burger.  Delicious!

 The coleslaw was creamy and it was served with what looked with roasted cashews.  I liked it.

 Kelli ordered the Chicken and Brie Sandwich -  dressed arugula . truffle aioli . spicy tomato jam . Noble seeded baguette and chose the shoestring potatoes served with truffle aioli for dipping.  Kelli insisted that I try the shoestring potatoes and the aioli…yummy.  If I ever came back to this restaurant I would order the shoestring potatoes.  They were very good. 

 Dessert:  Coconut Cream Pie…was it ever tasty…forks around. A graham cracker crust and a very thick coconut cream filling…with whipped cream on top.  I should have taken pictures…but I was busy eating…and visiting with Kelli Jo.

The Collins Small Bite Kitchen
Biltmore Plaza
3160 E. Camelback Road
Phoenix, AZ 85016
(602) 730-3533
Hours:  Monday – Wednesday 11:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m.
             Thursday – Saturday 11:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m.
              Sunday - Closed 

October 27, 2023 - Birrieria Don Jose - Mesa, Arizona

 This is a new restaurant in the 'hood...so I thought I would give it a try.  

I ordered the 5 Taco Plate – a carne asada; a pastor; a barbacoa and 2 – birria – there were a lot of salsas to try as well as creamy avocado .  I think the young lady made a mistake and charged me for 5 separate tacos…so very expensive…but that is okay.  The street tacos were loaded with meat and cilantro…I will be returning….and I will see how I do the second time around.

Birrieria Don Jose
6339 E. Main Street
Mesa, AZ 85205
(480) 912-1292
Hours:  Sunday – Thursday 6:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m.
             Friday – Saturday 6:00 a.m. – 12:00 a.m.

November 14, 2023 - Gertrude's Restaurant - Phoenix, Arizona

 This will be the third time that I have written about this restaurant.  The other two were December 10, 2015...and March 8, 2022...I love the food here...and the ongoing changing of the menu.

Today Peg Hartman and I went to the Desert Botanical Garden to see the Ferando Botero Exhibtion within the gardens...and it was lovely.  He is one of my favorites because he draws, paints and creates bronzes of chubby people.

Peg and I always have lunch at Gertrude's when we visit the Botanical Garden.

Peg and I started with drinks: Diet Coke for me.  Pinot Grigio Ramato, Sun Goddess, Italy for Peg…she gave me a sip…excellent…the best pinot grigio ever...Peg is on the hunt now.

 Starter – Elote Fritters – roasted corn, fermented chilis, cilantro-lime aioli, cortjja and achiote. These were just absolutely the best.  I could have just eaten these for my meal and had been perfectly happy.

Elote Fritters

 
I ordered the Lentil Chop Bowl – lentil medley, red onions, grape tomatoes, herbs, achiote roasted carrots, Sonoran nopales, crisp garbanzo, orange- sumac vinaigrette.  It came just like a very fancy chop salad with lines of ingredients.  My favorites were the carrots and the crisp garbanzo beans. Lots of lentils - served cold and highlighted by the great orange-surmac vinaigrette which brough out the flavor of everything on the plate.

Lentil Chopped Bowl

 Peg ordered the Root Salad – mesciun, root veggies, dried fruit, sunflower kernel, sunflower-Thai vinaigrette. I tasted the dressing and it was marvelous.

 Plus our added bonus was Michael our waiter…who answered every question and gave all types of information…he is a keeper.  He made our lunch that more enjoyable.

Gertrude’s Restaurant
Desert Botanical Garden
1201 N. Galvin Pkwy
Phoenix, AZ 85008
(480) 719-8600
Hours:  Monday  - Friday 10:30 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.
             Saturday  - Sunday 8:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m

Septembeer 27, 2023 - Big Nate's Family BBQ - Mesa, Arizona (on Main Street)

 

My bridge partner Kim and I did quite well at bridge in Tempe on September 27, 2023….1^st Flight A Overall, 1^st Flight B Overall, 1^st Flight C Overall, 1^st Flight A E-W, 1^st Flight B E-W and 1^st Flight C E-W with a 69% game….for 2.33 master points…yes!  We are back…….

 I decided to celebrate by myself and  Big Nate’s Family BBQ which just opened across the street from me where Allison’s BBQ used to be….it was delicious…I ordered the Brisket Sandwich…and we combined it….with two sides – cole slaw and BBQ baked beans and a drink.  I am stuffed.  It was a huge sandwich…I swear a pound of meat!  Very tasty also.  I tried all the sauces and picked the one I liked the most…but I will try the others when I visit in the future.

 Welcome to the ‘hood.

Big Nate’s Family BBQ
6750 E. Main Street
Mesa, AZ 85205
(480) 525- 7291
Hours:  Monday – Saturday 10:30 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.
             Sunday Closed

Septembdder 23, 2023 - Chicagoland Hot Dogs and More - Mesa, Arizona

I was hungry for a brat or polish sausage.  Rhona and I decided to try this place just up the street from my house.

I ordered the regular Polish Sauage and yes – I wanted Chicago style with the mustard, pieces of tomato, peppers, onions, cucumbers and relish…plus a large order of onion rings served with ranch dressing…and water to drink.  Rhona had the cheese dog and an order of  Fried Zucchini.  I loved mine…and I am not a big fan of relish but this seemed homemade…and it was fresh and delicious.

Chicagoland Hot Dogs and More
1152 N Power Road
Mesa, Arizona 85205
(480) 981-3647
Hours:  Monday – Saturday 11:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.
             Sunday 11:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
(Note they are apparently having problems with finding help so call first and see if they are there…and it is usually weekends 11:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.)

September 22, 2023 - Uncle Bear's Bar & Tap - Greenfield - Mesa, Arizona

 

I was dying to have some Beer Cheese Soup..so I decided to try it at Uncle Bear’s.  I thought maybe I could get  a soft pretzel to go with it…guess what?  On the menu Baked Bavarian Pretzel with a side of Beer Cheese Soup and mustard…then I visited with my waitress who was wonderful…and she gave me a bigger cup of soup…and no mustard…but more cheese…yes!

I loved it…it was a thinner soup than The Hub’s…and I like my Beer Cheese soup not so thick…so I was a happy girl.

 

Uncle Bear’s Grill & Tap
1110 S. Greenfield Rd #101A
Mesa, Arizona 85206
(480) 256-1415
Hours:  Monday – Thursday 11:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m.
             Friday – 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 a.m.
             Saturday 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 a.m.
             Sunday 9:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m.

September 9, 2023 - Elysian Fields Artisan Bakery & Dainties - Mesa, Arizona

 

Thee is a new bakery in the ‘hood…and it is delicious…first Gabriel asked me if I liked vanilla or orange…and I said, “Orange.”  He gave me a free orange short bread cookie.  It was a thick cookie…but what amazed me is how long the taste of orange stayed in my mouth.  Delicious!  They have at least 20 different flavors of short bread...and I am going to try all of them.

I decided to try a Carrot Cake Loaf - and bought a Vanilla Cream Tart (they have both large and small)...I chose the large...it was delicious - so soft and velvety smooth.

Pecan - Caramel - Chocolate Bon Bon - they make their own candies....and this was delicious.

German Chocolate Cake - Chocolate Bon Bon  - this one, though was my favorite.  I love German Chocolate Cake...and when I took my first tiny bite...it was heaven.

Almond Croissant - delicious - this was fresh with lots of layers...and the inside had this creamy almond type paste.  I really liked.  I would go back for more.

 

Elysian Fields Artisan Bakery & Dainties
6727 E. McDowell Road
Mesa, Arizona
(480) 590-0646

I took my friend Rhona there on September 15, 2023.  They gave her a free short bread cookie...and she chose the pineapple flavor...and loved it.

We also had a chocolate au pain...I had mine with hot coffee.  We sat outside on their patio...at the tables with cloth tablecloths...and on each table was a vase of fresh flowers.  The atmosphere is just splendid.

July 27, 2023 - Early Bird Cafe - Pine, Arizona

 My friend Rhona and I took a road trip to Pine-Strawberry...where we had a wonderful time...and saw much.  We ate breakfast in this cafe before heading over to the Lavender Farm in Pine.

Rhona ordered the French Toast…and I ordered the Pancake Combo – two eggs over medium, 2 pancakes and 2 crispy pieces of bacon.  It was very good.  My kind of breafast.

Early Bird Café
3618 AZ-87
Pine, Arizona 85544
(928) 476-4092
Hours:  Wednesday – Sunday 6:30 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
              Monday – 6:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
              Tuesday  - Closed

July 9, 2023 Casa Ramos - Mesa, Arizona

 My neighbor Sandy and I used to go to Casa Ramos on a regular basis before the light rail estension to Gilbert Road.

The restaurant closed.  We had lost hope of it ever returning but it did this summer.  They remodeled the whole resturant and the frontage of the restaurant.  It is beautiful.  We went to celebrat the return...plus I wanted to thank her for all the nice things she does for me.

We started with margaritas to drink with the chips and salsa…but soon the salsa was too hot for Sandy.  I love it though.  We shared a Shrimp ala crema meal served with rice and beans…and it was delicious…five huge shrimp…delicious.  I even took one shrimp and some rice and beans home with me.

Casa Ramos
1526 E. Main Street
Mesa, Arizona 85203
(480) 272-7220
Hours:  Wednesday - Friday 4:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.
              Saturday - 12:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.
              Sunday - 12:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
              Monday - 4:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.
              Tuesday - Closed

June 14, 2023 - Safire Restaurant & Lounge - Springerville, Arizona

 My friend  Rhona and I were on a road trip.  We stopped for the night in Springerville.  After good reviews from some of the town people we chose Safire Restaurant and Lounge for dinner.

We both ordered the chicken fried steak with mashed potatoes and gravy plus a trip through the salad bar. The steak was hand cut daily.  It was delicious.  I also ordered a house margarita.  The service was perfect.  The meal was very reasonable.

Safire Restaurant & Lounge
411 E. Main Street
Springerville, AZ 85938
(928) 333-4512
Hours:  Daily 7:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m.

June 2, 2023 - Montana Rib & Chop House - Billings, Montana

 

Jeanne (my sister) and Willie Stecher took me to dinner here on June 2, 2023 to celebrate my 75^th birthday when I was in Billings for Zach Hammler’s wedding.  I wanted to go to the first one in Livingston all those years that I lived in Montana...and never did get that done.  I was so excited.

 We started with Fried Green Tomatoes – sliced green tomatoes with blue cheese, lump crab and balsamic reduction…so we had five pieces of two sliced green tomatoes with the lump crab  between the two slices drizzled with blue cheese…the plate was decorated with the balsamic reduction…delicious!

Fried Green Tomatoes

 Jeanne and I shared a Hand Cut Rib Eye Steak which had been dry aged for 30 days…a very fresh salad with blue cheese dressing and a huge baked potato…loaded.  It was a delicious meal and to be remembered.

 They took my picture and gave me a card…and I had them take a couple with my phone that came out perfect….

 They gave me a huge piece of the Pecan Meltaway – a chocolate crust with a layer of homemade caramel, French vanilla ice cream topped with pecans…drizzled with Hershey’s syrup and shipped cream.  Spoons Around!

Montana Rib & Chop House
1849 Majestic Lane
Billings, Montana 59102
(406) 839-9200
Hours:  Daily 11:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m.

June 1, 2023 - Divide Bar and Grill - Billings, Montana

 

I visited  after my niece Kristin Hammler picked me up at the airport.  I flew to Billings for the weekend to attend her oldest son's wedding.

Kristin ordered the Divide Bacon Ale Cheddar Soup – creamy cheddar soup, made with bacon ale, bacon and jalapenos.

 I ordered the French Onion Soup – topped with croutons and melted Swiss cheese…It was just as I like it.  Perfect!

Spinach and Artichoke Dip – flatbread chips and the dip…which was whipped and delicious.

 I drank two Bloody Marys and Kristin had two beers.

 We sat out on the patio…and a light breeze was blowing…loved it.  It felt good to stand on soil in the 406 once again.

Divide Bar and Grill
4020 Montana Sapphire Drive
Billings, Montana 59106
(406) 894 – 2206
Hours:  Daily 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 a.m.

July 15, 2023 - Rim Country BBQ - Payson, Arizona

 

This is where Judson and I decided to have dinner.  We had a 15-30 minute wait and they asked if we wanted to go to the bar…so we did…I ordered a Blue Moon…and Judson a Montucky. (I will be trying this.)  I bought Judson a beer for the first time since his 21^st birthday.  

After a while the two ladies bartending asked if we wanted to just eat at the bar…and we said yes.  We started with a basket of Garlic Cheese Curds.  The order was huge and delicious.  It was served with a dipping sauce that I thought I could taste rosemary….it was delicious but eventually the cook came out and told us everything that he used to make the dip…no rosemary but he did say that he put a handful of herbs in it…so I bet rosemary was in there…and that’s what I could taste.  I don’t really care for rosemary but this dip was delicious.  We also ordered a Spicey Italian Pizza.  It was also delicious...genoa salami slices, pepperoni, pepperoncini and San Marzano tomato sauce.  The pepperoncini were paper thin slices on the pizza.  I loved them used like that on a pizza…and the pizza had a bite.

Rim Country BBQ
202 W. Main
Payson, Arizona
(928) 472-2227
Hours Tuesday – Thursday  11:00 a.m. -  8:00 p.m.
           Friday – Saturday 11:00 a.m.  – 9:00 p.m.
           Sunday and Monday – Closed

 

July 15, 2023 - Macky's Grill - Payson, Arizona

My grandson, Judson...and I went on a road trip the July15-July 16, 2023 weekend.  We ended up spending most of the weekend in Payson.  The plan was to go to Camp Verde as it seemed not so hot when the Phoenix area was  suffering through 117 degrees.  But in the end we just decided to see as much as we could in Payson and the area around the city.

We decided to have lunch at Macky's Grill.   It was packed with locals…and that is a good sign.  Judson ordered the Curley Joe – 7oz. Gold Canyon Angus patty topped with an onion ring, pepperjack cheese and BBQ sauce. He chose French Fries as his side.  He really liked his burger. He ordered a strawberry lemonade.

I ordered the Patty Melt….7 oz. patty with grilled onions and melted Swiss cheese on rye.  I chose the potato salad as my side…and it was delicious.  The meat was great tasting.  It was almost too big for me…but I enjoyed every bite.  I chose a Diet Pepsi. 

Macky’s Grill
201 W. Main Street
Payson, Arizona
(928) 474-7411
Hours:  Tuesday  - Sunday 10:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.
             Monday – Closed

 

June 24, 2023 - The Willows Restaurant - Scottsdale, Arizona

 Four of us went to Casino Arizona for the Showstopper Concert.  We decided to go early and have dinner in the casino.  We chose The Willow Restaurant.  I ordered the Patty Melt with Tater Tots….the patty melt was great….meat patty tasted good and it was topped with grilled onion…Swiss Cheese and served on rye bread…perfect.  It will be on my Top Ten Patty Melt list.  I ordered it served with Tater Tots because I was tired of eating French Fries…and they were a disappointment because I like them really hot and crisp…and ordered them like that but I received luke warm and not crisp at all.

The Willows Restaurant
524 N. 92^nd Street
Scottsdale, Arizona 85256
Located inside Casino Arizona
(480) 850-7947
Hours:  Daily 8:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m.

May 27, 2023 - Spaghetti Factory - Phoenix, Arizona

After going to the Phoenix Theatre for the Concert Series – You’ve Got a Friend – Songs of Carole King and James Taylor…eight of us decided to have dinner at the Spaghetti Factory.  We all ordered the Senior 3-course meal.  I chose the Italian Sausage with scratch meat sauce served over 100% durum semolina spaghetti.  It included soup or salad  - I chose Minestrone soup; hot fresh bread with butter; choice of drink – I chose ice tea; choice of spumoni or vanilla ice cream or sherbet….what do you think?  Spumoni ice cream for sure!  $17.75 for everything.  I thought that was pretty darn good!

Spaghetti Factory
1418 N. Central Avenue
Phoenix, Arizona 85004
(602) 257-0380
Hours:  Sunday – Thursday 11;00 a.m. – 9:30 p.m.
             Friday – Saturday 11:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m.

May 18, 2023 - Miracle Mile Deli - Phoenix, Arizona

 Rhona Jenkins and I were putting together a Mesa Usher Luncheon for May 18, 2023.  In preparation we visited the Miracle Mile Deli for the lunch site.  The management and staff were most receptive and helpful with our plans on April 28, 2023.

While there we ordered lunch.  Both  of us ordered The Combo…a mixture of hot pastrami and hot corn beef…and we added a New York topping for an extra $1.  It was a huge portion…and it was delicious…but we had to take at least half  of it home.  I swear there was  two pounds of meat on the plate.

When May 18, 2023 arrived and we enjoyed lunch at this establishment.  I ordered the Patty Melt.  Why?  Everyone asked me.  Well...because I keep a list of the Top Ten Patty melts I have eaten since 2000...

This burger with Swiss Cheese, grilled onions and topped with Russian Dressing…delicious…huge..served with fries…went right to #1 on my Best Patty Melts Ever list.

Miracle Mile Deli
4433 North 16^th Street
Phoenix, AZ 85016
(602) 776-0992
Hours:  Monday – Saturday 11:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.

Here is my list:

FAVORITE PATTY MELTS

 

1. Miracle Mile Deli – 4436 N. 16^th Street – Phoenix, Arizona

Burger with Swiss Cheese and grilled onions…topped with their Russian Dressing…went right to the to of my list.  5/18/2023

2. City Bar – Great Falls, Montana – served on marble rye bread…hand ground beef each morning…Swiss Cheese tasted wonderful…the grilled onions are sweet..I think they are carmelized and not grilled…not greasy…no grill taste
3. Chilleen’s on 17 – Black Canyon City, Arizona. It was perfect just as the one was at the Gold Canyon Café…grilled onions, Swiss Cheese…but the difference was this one had a very large meat patty…it was served with French Fries
4. Gold Canyon Café – Gold Canyon, Arizona – it was perfect…juicy…grilled onions, Swiss Cheese…no grill taste…and the bread was grilled perfectly. 
5. Cedar Ridge Restaurant - Mazatzal Casino – Payson, Arizona - great tasting 1/ 2 pound burger topped with grilled onions and Swiss Cheese between pieces of grilled marbled rye bread.
6. Cattle-Ac – Miles City, Montana – the toasted marble rye bread was great…beef was excellent – and you didn’t have to ask for Swiss cheese…onions cooked just right.
7. Horseshoe Café and Bakery – Benson, Arizona
8. Wolfer’s, Havre, Montana – everything about this burger is delicious.  It is a bit greasy.
9. Town Café, Gardiner, Montana – the bread was excellent…big slices…and seeds in the slices…you didn’t have to ask for Swiss cheese…onions cooked just perfect…the only negative was that my meat wasn’t cooked completely through or this would have been first or second.
10. Little Montana Café – Grass Range, Montana – good meat and just perfect onions and you didn’t have to ask for Swiss cheese.
11. Buffalo Café, Whitefish, Montana – the rye bread was perfect.  The meat was good  and cooked well.  The only downfall was that I had to order the Swiss cheese or I  don’t think they would have served it with the patty melt.  It wasn’t greasy.
12. Hitchin’ Post – Malta, Montana
13. O’Malley’s  - Canyon Ferry, Montana  -- the hamburger had too much residual on it from the cooking process.  Had it been grilled…it would have been perfect.
14. Empire Café – Lewistown, Montana – the only fault I found in this burger was that the onions were not cooked.  If they had been this would have been the perfect Patty Melt.
15. New Generation Grill – Roundup, Montana

The onions were too stringy.  They put Swiss cheese on it but also American.  Too greasy.(Closed)

16. Duck Inn – Casino – Havre, Montana

           It is served on whole wheat…or at least a couple pieces of toast.  I like the bread 

           grilled or at least somewhat grilled.  They served American

           processed cheese on the hamburger.  I chose fries one time and they weren’t the

           best.   Another time I chose potato salad and it had no taste at all.  I 

April 26, 2023 - Mr. D’z Route 66 Diner - Kingman, Arizona

I visited with Rhona Jenkins during our Route 66 trek to Oatman, Arizona.

I ordered the Route 66 Bacon Cheese Burger with fries….everything as delicious.  It was cooked as I asked.  Rhona ordered a house salad and it looked delicious.

Mr. D’z Route 66 Diner
105 E. Andy Devine Avenue
Kingman, Arizona
(928) 718-0066
Hours:  Daily 7:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m.

(on site of the old Triangle Café, this fifties-style eatery offers road-style food, a kitschy interior, and sidewalk seating so you can watch other Route 55 tourists on the highway watching you.)

Sign on the roof of the building

  I thought their menu was just wonderful.

April 20, 2023 - Barrio Cafe - Phoenix, Arizona

 

I visited with Peg Hartman on our way to the Phoenix Theatre for an evening performance.

We arrived there sometime between 4:00 p.m. and 4:30 p.m.  So..we were there at Happy Hour. Peg ordered the La Cetto Chardonnay. She never orders a Chardonnay…but ended up loving this one…magic.  I ordered their signature margarita – the Lowrider.  It was perfect.

 As we were going over the menu we decided that we both liked the same items so we shared. 

 They started by bringing us this small bowl of  nuts…small pieces of tortilla chips…and I am sure I detected some pieces of fruit in the mixture….all seasoned hot and spicey!  I loved it!

 We orderede Quesadilla Borracha – two quesadillas with a blanco tequila margarita sauce, cabra and quesillo cheese, served on a street taco tortilla and a shrimp...ss an appetizer.  Just superb.

 Our menu entrée Asada  - grilled steak, avocado slices, grilled onions, pico de gallo, salsa verde, Sangre del Diablo chile oil…served on top of this huge homemade corn tortilla…I could taste the masa…it was an Oaxacan style corn taco.

I am so happy that we shared because I could never have eaten all of that.

We walked out to the car…and enjoyed all the murals that covered the building.

 From there we drove to the Phoenix Theatre to see Chorus Line.  It was a wonderful production. Of course both of us hummed “One…”  all the way out to the car and during the drive on the way home.

Barrio Cafe
2814 N. 16^th Street
Phoenix, AZ 85006
(602) 636-0240
Hours:  Sunday – Thursday 11:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m.
             Friday – Saturday 11:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m.
Chef  - Silva Salcido Esparza

March 30, 2023 - Gus's Fried Chicken - Mesa, Arizona

 

I visited with friends Cindi, Peggy and Bobbie.  We sat outside on the patio…finally some nice weather.  Peggy, Cindi and I ordered the special…two chicken breasts…cole slaw…baked beans…and of course that slice of white bread.  $10..and Bobbie ordered off the menu…the 2 pieces of dark meat also with the cole slaw and beans…and of course the slice of white bread.

 It was delicious.  The batter was not too thick…and it had a kick to it.  The cole slaw was to die for…so creamy….the baked beans were nothing fancy but they tasted just fine.  I was happy with my meal.

Gus’s Fried Chicken
212 W. Main Street
Mesa, Arizona
(480) 590-0404
Hours:  Sunday – Thursday 11:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m.
             Friday – Saturday 11:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m.

History:

Why White Bread?

 Back in 1953, Napoleon and Maggie Bonner ran a little tavern in Mason, Tennessee.  Their tavern sold sandwiches by day and operated as a juke joint by night.  Napoleon was experimenting with fried chicken in his sandwich shop.  Once he found what he believed to be “the “ recipe, he stared selling a “fried chicken sandwich.”  His version of the fried chicken sandwich was bone-in fried chicken housed between 2 pieces of white sandwich bread inside a paper bag.

While we could certainly add some biscuits or jalapeno cornbread to our menu, we believe we are best preserving our roots by serving this same fried chicken Napoleon created, atop a slice of white bread.  If you just can’t handle not having biscuits with your fried chicken, we promise to not be upset if you bring your own.

 

March 18, 2023 - Thompson 105 - Scottsdale, Arizona

On March 18, 2023 the Hayes Family, the Troups, Judy Svendsen and I went to this new spot for dinner.  It is located where the Twisted Lizzard used to be….and they have really remodeled the place to beauty.

Since Judson was home for Spring Break, we decided to celebrate Jonah’s birthday early so Judson could be in on the celebration.  He returned to Gonzaga University the next day.

Dinner guests:  Rob and Andrea Troup, Adam Troup, Judy Svendsen,  Joshua and Jody Hayes, Judson Hayes, the birthday boy – Jonah and LKPH

We started off with an order of Turner Calamari Fritto Miso with Marinara sauce which tasted house made and was wonderful… and  an order of battered and /Crispy Grilled Artichokes with garlic parmesan aioli.

I ordered the Rigatoni Rustica – slow braised beef and pork, parmigiano, house rigatoni.  I liked that they have two sizes and I chose the half order.   I will say this not enough grated cheese on it…I had to ask for more…and no bread…

 Judson ordered the two rigatoni entrees…and told me that the Rustica was the best. 

 Jonah ordered the Wood Grilled Bistro Steak and Fries, served with arugula salad.

 Judy ordered Prawn Spaghetti  - Mexican white shrimp, Calabrian chili agliolio, blistered tomatoes, served on house square spaghetti.

Rob order the Wood Rotisserie 1/ 2 Chicken – slow roasted over oak and pecan, Italian green beans, pan gravy and polenta.

Adam and Andrea ordered one of the specials – Shepherd’s Pie – which looked delicious and was very hot

Jody the Cioppino

Joshua the Gnocchi Sorrentino   - house made potato pasta, heirloom tomato, basil, EVOO, fresh mozzarella, parmigiano

 Dessert

Jonah – Cast Iron Skillet Brownie
LKPH scoop of salty caramel ice cream – which they gave us at no charge as the birthday dessert

What I really liked about this restaurant is the customer could order the whole dinner or half.  Lots of us ordered the half…and still walked away full…so that was wonderful.

Thompson 105
10401 E. McDowell Mountain Ranch Road, Suite #160
Scottsdale, Arizona 85255
(480) 612-9400
Hours:  Sunday – Thursday 3:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
             Friday – Saturday 3:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.

February 18, 2023 - The Kettle Black Kitchen and Pub - Phoenix, Arizona

 

I worked two The Music of John Williams events at the Phoenix Symphony on February 18, 2023.  Between events six of us walked to The Kettle Black for dinner: Usher Captains Sandy and Liz, Rhona, Pam, Cheryl and I walked to The Kettle Black…and sat out on the open patio and ate dinner.  The downtown area was very busy…so it was fun to observe everything from their patio which sits in front of the eatery…with 1^st Street North right in front of us…

 

I ordered the Fish and Chips…and it was delicious…the cole slaw was creamy…and tarter sauce was perfect…they also brought me malt.  I needed some caffeine so I also order a Diet Coke.  Next time, though, I would order the Cod Sliders which Sandy, Pam and Cheryl ordered. They looked great…Rhona ordered the carb cakes off the starter list and she loved them.  Liz ordered the Chicken Wings off the starter menu.  They are her favorite.

My Fish and Chips

The Kettle Black
1 North 1^st Street #108
Phoenix, AZ 85004
(602) 651 – 1185
Hours:  Sunday – Thursday 11:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m.
             Friday – Saturday 11:00 a.m. – 11:00 p.m.

January 21, 2023 - Chicago Hamburger Company - Phoenix

 I visited with Jonah Hayes and Judy Svendsen on January 21, 2023.

Jonah and I ordered the 1/ 3 pound Broiled Chuck Burger – grilled on an open flame, topped with grilled onions, relish, ketchup, Dusseldorf mustard, lettuce and tomatoes.  I had everything on mine.  Jonah only wanted ketchup and lettuce.

Judy ordered the 1/ 3 pound Cheddar Burger which was cooked exactly like ours and all the ingredients…except hers had Merkts Sharp Cheddar Cheese.

We ordered one large order of fries…and they came hot and crisp…fresh out of the frying oil.  I liked the way they were served with the bottom layer wrapped in paper which kept them hot while we ate the top layer…good plan!

Jonah also ordered the Old Fashioned Chocolate Milk Shake which was delicious. 

Chicago Hamburger Company
3749 E. Indian School Road
Phoenix, Arizona 85018
(602) 955-4137
Owner – Bob Pappanduros
Hours:  Monday – Friday 10:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.
             Wednesday – Saturday 10:30 a.m. – 7:30 p.m.