November 3, 2024 - Sizzlin'House - Mesa, Arizona

After the Jonah's hockey  game in Mesa... Joshua, Jody, Jonah and I went to lunch at The Sizzling House – Sizzling and Ramen in the Mesa Asian District…both Jody and Jonah ordered the Miso Ramen (chicken broth, chashu, egg, bean sprout, corn, green onion, woodear mushroom and seaweed and a fish cake.

Miso Ramen

Joshua and I ordered the Sizzling Plates (edamame beans, corn, garlic butter, green onion and fried garlic)..his protein was chicken….Joshua added an egg…mine was Angus beef.  We both ordered it with white rice.  We both ordered the Black Pepper Sauce. Delicious!  

Angus Beef Sizzling Platter

They brought Joshua and I each a  small dish of Miso…and a dish with four of the best tasting…piping hot spring rolls that I have ever eaten and two little dishes of sauce.  I loved them.  I could have ordered another four and been happy as a lark.

When the young man delivered it to the table…he asked if I wanted to mix or have him mix it.  I had him do it so I could take pictures for my blog.  Joshua mixed his own.  

Several shots of my Angus Beef Platter being mixed by our server.

Sizzling House

66 S. Dobson Road #106

Mesa, Arizona, 85202

(480) 572-1010

Hours:  Daily 11:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m.

I thought their take out bags were darling - 

October 25, 2024 - Moreno's Mexican Grill - Mesa, Arizona

 I don't know why I have never written about this restaurant.  It was new to our 'hood in 2017.  I went there quite often but haven't since COVID.  I noticed that they had a new menu..  On that menu was a Sonoran Dog for $5.79.

After Jonah's hockey game in Scottsdale I drove home.  I was hungry so I though now is the time to try that hot dog.  I had read Bill Goodyboontz's article in the Arizon Republic about his quest  for hot dogs (March 25, 2024 and updated July 1, 2024).  I have been trying to visit his Top 10 which at that time was 17...and that made me laugh...but now is down to 14.

Anyway...It was tasty…came in this soft hot bun covered with chopped onions, tomatoes and bacon bites then a whipped mayo over the top and some swirls of mustard.  It was very good and filling.  They had started me off with chips and the three sauces…bean dip, salsa and tomatillo…and I had a lot left in the basket so what the heck…and I ordered a margarita…blended (frozen) with salted rim…yum…

I might add that I tasted tiny bite of the grill jalapeno...it was hot!

House margarita

    Moreno’s Mexican Grill

6819 E. Main Street
Mesa, AZ 85207
(480) 807-3093
Hours:  Monday – Saturday 8:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m.
                                  Sunday 8:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m

 I plan to include my list the next time I tell you about my hot do quest in the Valley.

    

October 17, 2024 - Hope's Frybread - Mesa, Arizona

 On my way home from the Mesa Arts Center where I ushered Twelfth Night I thought about looking for Hope's Frybread.  I have wanted to try that for the longest time.  I didn't take me long to find it.

I ordered the Navajo  Taco (the original) with the chili beans, ground beef, lettuce and tomato.  It wasn’t what I expected…too many beans…and too soggy...who can help that…but it tasted good…hardly any meat.  They have a lot of different things so I think I will be trying something different on my next visit.  I did though have the doughy fried bread… just like the Plains Indians in Montana.  I grew up with it there.

 

Hope’s Frybread
144. S. Mesa Drive
Mesa, AZ 85210
(480) 465-2666
Hours:  Monday – Friday 10:30 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.
             Saturday – Sunday – Closed

October 15, 2024 - Firebird Wood Fired Grill - San Tan Villlage Mall - Gilbert, Arizona

Cindi (aka The Princess) and I went Coach shopping today at the Outlet Mall in Chandler.  Yes...as always we go through every purse and then walk away from each other.  I had decided on the one I liked so I started going through it once again...not too big...had to a closed pursed...can't have the handles and the shoulder strap...and must be the soft leather.  I always thought I was never too picky but when one writes about a subject one soon learns just how picky you are.  Soon The Princess is over where I am and she decides that she also likes my purse.  We have been doing this together for some time.  We always buy the same purse but a different color.

We also hit the Sketchers store where I purchased my very first pair of Slip-Ons in black.  Yes...I have ushered in them three times now but bare footed...they are machine washable.

We decided to try this restaurant for the very first time.

The Princes ordered the Fish Tacos – grilled (cod, I believe) – cabbage – charred corn salsa – spicy sriracha – sour cream.

I ordered the Firebird’s Durango Burger – chile spiced – pepper jack cheese – fired onions – roasted garlic ranch dressing.  Mine was delicious.  The only drawback was that was one of those "too tall" burgers.  I always have to use my knife on it...and take it apart and then eat it bite by bite.  I have to remember to ask from now on ....is it a "tall burger?"

Firebird Wood Fired Grill
1930 E. Williams Field Road
Gilbert, Arizona 85295
(480) 912-8970
Hours:  Sunday – Thursday 11:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m.
             Friday – Saturday 11:00 a.m – 11:00 p.m.

September 25, 2024 - Ranch House - Santa Fe, New Mexico

 

This is where Neal , Rose Marie and I met their youngest daughter Torie who now lives in Albuquerque, New Mexico.  I ordered off the lunch menu. Brisket plate with cornbread…and one side which I chose potato salad.  It was very good.

Ranch House
2577 Cristo’s Road
Santa Fe, New Mexico
(505) 424-8900
Hours:  Daily 11:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.

August 26, 2024 - Noble Eatery - Phoenix, Arizona

 

I visited with Kris Ertz on August 26, 2024.  This eatery is part of the Noble Bakery. I bought a loaf of Sunny Flax bread and it is delicious.  The top of the bread is very crusty.  We both ordered the Chopped Salad  - spicy salame, provolone cheese, pepperoncini, tomato, oregano vinaigrette.  The salad was huge and delicious.  I took half of it home and enjoyed it once again for dinner.

I have wanted to go to the restaurant for a long time.  Mission accomplished.

Noble Eatery
4525 N. 24^th Street
Phoenix, Arizona
(602) 688-2434
nobleeatery.com
Hours:  Monday – Friday 10:30 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
             Saturday – Sunday – Closed
Homemade sourdough…top-notch meats, cheeses and produce on house-baked flatbread

July 9, 2024 - Knuckle Sandwiches - Mesa, Arizona

 I am renovating my house.  I am in the first phases....painting the entire inside of the house a light gray color.  My grandsons come in behind the painter and re-hang all the pictures and items that were hanging on the the walls.

Today was their first day so I took them out to lunch.

Jonah ordered the Philly Steak-- lots of shaved ribeye steak with grilled onions, green peppers placed on a heated, soft Amoroso roll with provolone cheese and then topped with a cheddar cheese sauce. He really liked the real cheddar cheese sauce over the top of the shaved rib eye steak.

Judson’s was delicious especially their homemade horseradish sauce.  

I ordered the BLT – bacon, lettuce, tomato and Mayo on White bread…we all had the meals...which included a drink and chips.  I chose the Creole Onion chips…and they had a slight sweet taste to them…but I really liked them.  This is was first every eating this flavor of a chip.

.It was a fun lunch.

Knuckle Sandwiches
1140 N. Higley Rd.  #103
Mesa, Arizona 85205
(480) 630-4132
Hours:  Monday – Thursday 8:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.
             Friday – Saturday 8:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m.
             Sunday 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

History of this restaurant – They are celebrating their 50^th anniversary, marking half a decade of serving mouth-watering meals made with family recipes right in my neighborhood and this is the first time I have ever visited.

June 17, 2024 - The Spot Neighborhood Grill - Scottsdale, Arizona

 

My grandson  wanted to go to this restaurant because he really loved those fried cheese "things" but no mozzarella sticks."  We were off.  This was my first visit  to the eatery in his neighborhood.  

Jonah and I started with Crispy Cheese Curds – hand battered cheese curds, siracha ranch dip.  (These were the cheese "things".)  They were very good…not a heavy curd…it was like air when one bit into them.

We shared a Sedona Chicken Sandwich – grilled chicken breast, sun dried tomato aioli, bibb lettuce, bacon, avocado, cheddar.  The bun was really tasty and beautiful to see. I was full after a few bites of the sandwich so I gave the rest of mine to Jonah and he ate everything.  It was served with Beer Battered Fries…

The Spot Neighborhood Grill
18251 N. Pima Road #120
Scottsdale, Arizona 85256
(480) 687-0410
Hours:  Monday – Thursday 11:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m.
             Friday – Saturday 11:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m.
             Sunday – 10:30 a.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Happy Hours – Monday – Friday 3:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Good Happy Hour Menu

June 2, 2024 - Society - Tempe

 June 3 was my 76th Birthday.  My son and daughter-in-law  invited me to dinner to celebrate with them and my two grandsons.  

It is a funky looking interior but the menu looked delicious and it was difficult to make a decision. I ordered a Bloody Mary….and then couldn’t make up my mind for dinner.  Joshus ordered appetizers.

 Pork Belly – 7-day cured Iberico pork belly – arugula – picked red onion – goat cheese – tare – sour apple gelee  - lemon vinaigrette.  My first time trying this and it was really good…and I liked the bed of salad type of presenting it.

 Whipped Feta Dip – feta-garlic honey drizzle – ciabatta – pita  - divine.  I was in heaven…it was presented beautifully…and it tasted even more wonderful.  My favorite – I am looking for a recipe…stay tuned.

 Arancini – Risotto – Mozzerella – Peas – House Made Pomodora and Calabrian Aioli.

 Judson ordered  Chicken Alfredo – house made tagliatelle pasta – Adobo chicken Alfredo with parsley.

 Jonah ordered Penne alla vodka  – house made penne pasta with tomato and parmesan.  He added a meatball.

 Jody and Joshua shared a Mushroom Pasta – house made tagliatelle pasts with Mushroom Crema – shallot – garlic – mushroom – parmesan.

 I ordered the Pound of Mussels – Portuguese garlic cream sauce – Calabrian Chili – caper butter – ciabatta.  I loved it…the sauce was very spicey… I love just it…It had a very fiery bite to it.  Perfect for me…after all I am of Calabrian descent.

 At the start of the dining experience Jody told the waiter it was my birthday…and he gave me the choice of  a shot…or the Italian doughnut hole dessert…was there a choice?  Of course not…I chose the dessert – four huge hot out of the grease doughnut holes…placed in a small bowl with ice cream in the center...with a strawberry topping.  Yummy!

 The whole dining experience was just wonderful.

Society
Cornerstone
920 E. University Dr #204
Tempe, Arizona 85288
(480) 550-7801
Hours:  Daily 4:00 p.m. – 2:00 a.m.

Note - I took a big portion of my mussels home.  I heated them up in a sauce pan one day for lunch. They were delicious along with the Garlic Crisps which was a birthday present from AJ's - Arcadia District.  Delicious!

May 23, 2023 - Portillo's - Scottsdale, Arizona

 In the fall of 2023 I was hungry for a good hot dog...so I started looking.  I then realized that Chicagoland Hot Dogs and More....was just up the street from me...so I tried a  hot dog...Chicago style and loved it.  I am sorry to say that I didn't continue on my search.  I forgot all about my quest.

So you can imagine my interest in an "Arizona Republic" article written by Bill Goodykoontz.  He went on the same quest looking for his 10 favorite hot dogs…but he decided not to rank them…and he has 17…which made me laugh…just call it your 17 favorite hot dogs….

On his list was Portillo's...a local transplant chain from Chicago.  I stopped at Barnes and Noble the other day.  There is a Portillo's in  the shopping area.  

I have been there many times but I have never tried their hot dogs.  Of course they are Chicago dogs.  So I ordered a Jumbo Portillo’s Beef  Hot Dog and it was served on this wonderfully soft…steamy poppy seed bun..  The hot dog was covered with mustard, relish, celery salt, freshly chopped onions, sliced tomatoes, a kosher pickle, and sport peppers. $4.99 (the regular sized is $3.99)    I do agree with Bill…the tomatoes slices are just too big.

I rated it #2 on my  list behind Chicagoland Hot Dogs because of the tomato slices...and the relish was just  tastier in Mesa.  Next time I will try Portillo's Polish Sausage.

Portillo’s Scottsdale
10574 N. 90th Street
Scottsdale AZ 85258
480-451-2888
Hours:  Daily 10:30 a.m. – 10:30 p.m.

A little history -  How It All Began - The “Dog House” was Dick Portillo’s first hot dog stand in 1963. Years later, what is now known as Portillo’s still sells hot dogs, but the menu has grown to include Italian beef sandwiches, char-grilled burgers, fresh salads, and  their world famous chocolate cake.

May 2, 2024 - The Chuckbox - Tempe, Arizona

My friend Rhona and I visited this burger joint after I read an article in the "Arizona Republic". 

It looked shabby and grubby on the outside but inside it was just fine…there definitely was a continual crowd.

So they offer The Great Big One – 1/ 2 pound of ground beef
                      The Big One – 1/ 3 pound of ground beef
                      The Little One -  1/ 5 pound of ground beef
                           Under this one was written “For Kids and Little Old Ladies”
So we decided this one was for us…we added ordered of Beer Battered Onion Rings…and I had a Diet Coke.                 

The burgers were just fine…but I don’t know if I would rate them the best ever…but now the Onion Rings were delicious.  It is cash only…

Chuckbox
202 E. University Drive
Tempe, Arizona 85281
(480) 968-4712
Hours:  Monday  - Saturday 10:30 a.m. – 10:00 p.m.
             Sunday 10:30 a.m. – 9:00 p.m.

 

 

April 26, 2024 - Salt and Pepper - Prescott, Arizona

 

My traveling buddy, Sylvia and I spent a weekend in Prescott.  We found this wonderful restaurant for breakfast.

I ordered the Lemonberry Ricotta Pancakes – ricotta pancakes, blueberry maple compote, sweet vanilla cram mascarpone whipped cream.  They were delicious and filling. Hot coffee to drink.

 

• 

Sylvia ordered the Salt & Pepper Classic – three eggs over easy, bacon, house potatoes and wheat toast.

 The place was filled with locals…so you know it is good and it is…there menu is most unique.  I must come here every time I visit Prescott just to try some breakfast item I have never tasted.

 

Salt and Pepper
443 Miller Valley Road
Prescott, AZ 86501
(928) 445-0188
Hours:  Wednesday  - Sunday 7:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
             Monday and Tuesday – Closed

April 24, 2024 - Pitch - Scottsdale, Arizona

 After attending a lecture at the Historical Society of Arizona Museum - Tempe on George W. P. Hunt (the first Governor of Arizona) my friend Sylvia and I had lunch at this restaurant and bar.

Sylvia ordered the Meatballs with Focaccia Bread…and said that the marina sauce was delicious because it didn’t have such a heavy tomato taste.  She thought her meatballs were very tasty.  She was disappointed in her bread because she felt it was more like a cornbread...and not like the Italian flat bread or oil bread.

 

I ordered the Grilled Cheese and Fries…(the cheeses were cheddar and white cheddar) and I upgraded my fries for $1 to the truffle fries– parmesan cheese, spices and truffle oil.  My lunch was delicious.  

Pitch Scottsdale – Pizza Restaurant and Liquor Store
The Quad
6350 E. Thomas Road
Scottsdale, AZ 85251
(480) 272-7500
Hours:  Monday – Thursday 11:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m.
             Friday – 11:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m.
             Saturday 10:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m.
             Sunday 10:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m.

April 19, 2024 - El Charro - Tucson, Arizona

 

I was in Tucson for a bridge tournament.   I drove to Tucson the day before I played.  My plan was to go visit the Arizona Historical Society Museum - Tucson...and then try to get into El Chorro.]

I spent about 3 hours in the museum...thoroughly enjoying my visit.  If you have never been...stop...and take the kids.

I went after 1:00 p.m.  and I had no problem getting into the restaurant.  They started by serving me chips and salsa…their salsa was very good. I ordered House Margarite and  the Charro Birria Verde Chimichanga – tender shredded brisket, mile green chile and seasonings with a cream green sauce (extra)…served with refired beans (I believe Sonora style), rice with green peas and fresh pico salsa.  It was delicious.  It was also a huge serving.  I had to take half of it to the hotel with me.

 I have always wanted to try this restaurant when in Tucson.  I never could get in because the reservations for the evening were always filled.

 History:

 “Monica Flin started El Charro Café in 1922 and it’s still run by her kin, making it the nation’s oldest Mexican restaurant in continuous operation by the same family.

Legend has it Flin invented the chimichangas after accidentally dropping a burrito into a vat of hot oil.  More El Charros have opened in Tucson but the original is where carne seca,  thin strips of lean spiced beef, are air-dried in cages on the roof.  They taste delicious bursting form a crispy chimichangas.”

El Charro Cafe 
311 N. Court Avenue
Tucson, AZ 85701
(520) 622-1922
 
Other Locations:
7725 N. Oracle
Oro Valley, AZ 85704

(520) 229-1922
 
6910 E. Sunrise
Tucson, AZ 85750
(520) 514-1922
 

April 6, 2024 - LaFonda - Camp Verde, Arizona

 After a long day of site seeing...and enjoying Camp Verde we decided to have an early dinner and then leave for home.

I ordered the Picaro…it is three taquitos (LA) or rolled tacos (Phoenix) and this is what they call them at La Fonda at Camp Verde…it came with rice and beans…and served with a side of guacamole…and when they asked if we wanted flour or corn tortillas…or sopapilla…we chose the sopapilla…with butter…and I had to have a Diet Coke because I was so thirsty…and wanted something cold and refreshing..

 It was perfect for me because I love picaro…now that I know they have three names so far…and the beans and rice were just as I have always had…loved the sopapilla.

Our waiter was fabulous.

LaFonda
2750 W. Horseshoe Bend Dr.
Camp Verde, AZ 86322
(958) 567-3500
Hours:  Tuesday -  Saturday  11:00 a.m. l- 2:00 p.m.  4:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
             Sunday – Monday Closed

April 6, 2024 - Sheila's Kitchen - Camp Verde, Arizona

 

Visited with Sylvia  when we were on a road trip to Camp Verde.

 I ordered the Two Eggs – two eggs over medium with toast, hash browns and crisp bacon.  It was very good.  Glad we chose this restaurant.

 This restaurant is housed in the Montezuma Inn  - 1900.  We were told this has served as a hotel, bar and restaurant over the years.

 The Montezuma Inn building – built in 1900 at 396 S. Main Street. Constructed as the Joe Lane Saloon, the building was also known as the Red Star Saloon due to the colorful stenciled star over the door.

Sheila’s Kitchen
396 S. Main Street
Camp Verde, Arizona 86322
(928) 862-2095
Hours:  Sunday 7:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.
             Monday – Tuesday 8:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.
             Wednesday – Thursday – Closed
             Friday 8:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.
             Saturday 7:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.

February 26, 2024 - Paris Cafe - Scottsdale, Arizona

 I had lunch with my two friends Kelli and Carol.  Kelli and I both live in the Phoenix area, but Carol is our friend from Havre, Montana.

We spent the day together where we visited the Museum of Illusion...and then lunch

We each ordered the Paris Combo a cup of tomato basil soup and 1/ 2 sandwich.  Kelli chose the BLT – homemade sauce, bacon, salad, tomato on sourdough.  Carol ordered the Lyonnais – butter, imported salami, Swiss cheese, greens, French pickles on a baguette.  I ordered the French – butter, ham, swiss cheese, greens, French pickles on a baguette.

 Dessert – 2 crepes Belle Helene – pear, chocolate sauce and vanilla ice cream…forks around…delicious.

 It was a quiet…small café..with red and white checked tablecloth.  We sat in a corner table and had a great visit...and a delicious lunch.

Paris Café
15125 Hayden Road
Scottsdale, AZ 85260
(480) 998-4875
Hours:  Monday – Friday 8:00 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.
             Saturday 8:30 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
             Sunday – Closed

January 4, 2024 - Carbajal's Mexican Food - Mesa, Arizona

 I visited here with Rhona Jenkins.   Rhona ordered the Beef Chimichanga which was served with guacamole and sour cream.

 I ordered the Green Chili Beef Chimichanga plate which included ride and beans and topped with guacamole and sour cream.  I also had a Blue Moon. This was just plain old good fashioned Mexican food…and I loved every bite.

Carbajal’s Mexican Food
7302 E. Main Street
Mesa, Arizona 85207
(480) 354-7100
Hours:  Monday – Saturday 10:30 a.m. -  9:00 p.m.
             Sunday -  Closed