Tutti Santi by Nina
I went to this Italian place called Tutti Santi on 16th St in Phoenix the other day and because it was so good and they were so nice and supportive of the Suns, I wanted to give them a plug.
Go in and tell them, "Channing Frye sent me," and they'll give you a free appetizer with the purchase of an entree. Only at the 16th St location.
Montelucia Resort – Prado
People, where have I been? My buddy is the GM at Prado and he recommended his restaurant. I was busy, busy, busy with the season and definitely should've made time to go there. I was missing out for real.
This food is flat out off the chain, can I be honest? The best ingredients, it's tough to find some specific fresh ingredients around AZ but this place definitely has my tongue doing backflips in joy. Flat out good.
When I talk about ambiance, I don't Iike places where I feel like if I get up I have to get a can opener to get me out of my little area, but with spacious open tables it was extremely accommodating, not to mention the fact that everything is so open between the outside and inside. Perfect. I mean, perfect date place and if it's too cold for your lady friend they will sit you next to a fireplace, which is perfect, on the little couches they have for some over the top PDA (if that's your style).
Please, if you get a chance get the Mrs. Take her to Prado and/or bring you and a couple buddies, grab a table, and enjoy the culinary excursion that Prado takes you on. I know after the season is over I'll be there at least twice a day, every day.
St. Francis
People, people, people,
Have y'all no sense of awesome places or have I been out of the loop because I've been so extremely focused on basketball and the pregnancy of my first born that I haven't given St. Francis, the restaurant on Camelback in Phoenix, its just due.
What more can I say about the place but genius. From the food, menu, and layout, I have nothing to say negative about this place. I would go vegetarian due to their black rice n vegetable bowl and, people, I love a good steak -- it's that good.
The service is always accommodating and what's better than eating halfway outside? Best of both worlds.
Go there. If you don't like it then maybe you should take your tongue in for a check up.
Petunia’s
The first time Grant and I came to Portland, I wanted to show him something new so I took him to the vegan place, Prasad, that used to be Blossoming Lotus in the Pearl. He and I loved it. The food is still good and great for you except Grant had a spicy apple muffin that was killer but they ran out.
Now that we’re back again, Lisa from Petunia’s Pies and Pastries made me and Grant a whole assortment of gluten free and vegan pastries and pies that are to die for and good for you.
I was just writing this blog to thank Lisa and to everyone who made these — it’s much appreciated and you people should try it out.
Chino Bandido
Look people, when I tell you what kinda food this is, you're not gonna believe me that it’s the food equivalent of an Arnold Palmer. We all know how good those two things are together.
To give you a little background of why we even went there was because we watch this show, Diners, Drive-ins and Dives and my wife LOVES the off the beaten path type places to eat. She saw it, looked it up, and was like, we have to try it out.
Now, I know by this time you're at the edge of your seat in anticipation for what could possibly get my taste buds doing the chicken noodle soup dance. People, it's CHINESE AND MEXICAN. Together. BOOM! That just happened.
I can not even hope to explain to you how good this food is. I love Mexican food (of course I grew up 1 block from a Filibertos (carne asada w/rice). Man, let me tell you, if you have a chance to go there -- look, they let you try out the stuff. I was sold on the black beans and, yes, they are the musical fruit.
All gas aside, the place goes down on my list as all time best. If I wasn’t on a semi sorta strict diet, I would definitely eat there every day hands down. Here's a link if you live in PHX and haven’t tried it. http://www.chinobandido.com/
I'll say this is more exciting than going to the Grand Canyon and you'll be full when you leave. So check it out. More reviews to come.
More than sushi at Saporro
I know that this is deep for my East Valley people, but I'd say this happy hour is not only one of the best for sushi and good eats but if you love watching people come from work and get just hammered for cheap, this is your place.
I love this place. My favorite dish is the seared yellow-tail with a jalapeno on top. So good... I can't get enough. The service here is money; they are always nice to me and the people I go with.
Two things that I think keep me coming back is one, that cougars (older single women) and coyotes (older single men) operate here in big numbers. This is their territory and it's great to catch a glimpse of them prowling around and having a good ole time with the younglings that fall prey to great drinks and eats that put a spell on you, young and old alike.
The second thing I gotta say brings me back is the food. This is my favorite sushi place and I may joke around about cougars and coyotes but it wouldn't even matter if it was a retirement home. Best sushi place in Phoenix.
Sushi Review: Blue Wasabi
Man, sushi in Phoenix? Who'd-a thunk it. But so far my two favorite places have not failed to help quench my thirst for good sushi.
Coming in at a strong second right now is the Blue Wasabi (Saporro is my first and I'll have another blog on that amazing place). I love this place; great service - everyone was nice.
Amazing how the prices rack up. Lucky for us on Mondays there's no Happy Hour so you can bring in your receipt to get half off on the next Monday. Great idea to get us back in but it's all good.
The place is very good. I'll definitely be back and definitely bring my friends as y'all should too.