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.