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.

December 29, 2022 - Angie's Lobster - Mesa, Arizona

 

I visited for the first time with Peg Hartman.  I usually don’t review fast food restaurants…but this one is new in the Valley…and I like lobster…gives a whole new twist to fast food.

You can only go through a drive through…you can only pay with a credit card…and there are no straws for your drink. I went online and read their Mission Statement…very interesting…but truthful.

We both chose #2 on the menu board - Maine Lobster served warm with seasoned lemon butter in a toasted and buttered bun…Angie’s sauce…fries and a drink…we ordered lemonade (your choices are lemonade or sweet tea)….all for $9.99.  If I criticized at all I would say they need a sturdier bun…but I can live with it.  I will return…there are other items I want to try.

 We went back to Peg’s house…and ate dinner and visited. 

Angie’s Lobster
2848 A. Signal Butte Road
Mesa, Arizona 85212
Hours:  Daily 6:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m.

December 17, 2022 - Zona Cantina + Cocina - Mesa, Arizona

 

I visited with one of my usher friends, Rhona, when we went to an early dinner before ushing Joy To The World  - a Sacred Christmas By Jenny Oaks Baker and Family Four at the Mesa Arts Center.

Rhona ordered the Grilled Chicken Plate – grilled chicken with sauteed seasonal vegetables served with a side of baby arugula salad, pico de gallo, guacamole, beans, rice and tortilla.

Grilled Chicken Plate

I ordered Asada Tacos  - 3 carne asada street tacos, topped withe pico de gallo, cabbage, sour cream, mild spicy mayo and mild habenero ailoli, served with rice and beans.  I loved mine...the street tacos were stuffed...and had a kick to them...but just as I like 'em.

Asada Tacos

 I loved that they were served on a wooden carving board.  The ambience was wonderful…soft music but one was able to visit quite easily over the music and the sounds of diners.  The serving staff was accommodating and efficient.  They were knowledgeable.  It was a nice comfortable dining experience.  I look forward to returning many times as there are many other items I would like to try on the menu.

 Zona Cantina + Cocina
5609 E. McKellips Rd.  Unit #101
Mesa, Arizona 85215
(480) 912-1853
Hours:  Monday  - Thursday 11:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m.
             Friday – Saturday 11:00 a.m. – 11:00 p.m.
            Sunday – 9:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.

December 7, 2022 - Nick's Italian Restaurant - Scottsdale, Arizona

I visited with Jody, Joshua and Jonah Hayes after a Cheyenne Traditional School soccer win v. 
Tonalea 4-0.  It was my very first dinner there.  I ordered the Baked Ziti with Bolognese sauce….perfect…hot…  Joshua ordered the Gnocchi with Bolognese…Jody ordered Linguine Melanzane – sliced eggplant, chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, garlic and olive oil..…….Jonah ordered the 9” pizza – Pepperoni and Sausage.

It was delicious...and I liked the local customer atmosphere in the restaurant!  Our service was excellent.

Nick’s Italian Restaurants
13910 N. Frank Lloyd Wright Blvd.
Scottsdale, Arizona 85260
(480) 314-9445
Hours:  Lunch:   Monday – Friday 11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
             Dinner: Sunday – Thursday 4:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
                          Friday – Saturday 4:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.