Dining out with dogs is just a “Fluff” story of my adventures dining out with my dogs. It sort of started when my dog Louie was diagnosed with cancer. They said probably 3 months so I thought I’d take him out to eat as much as possible since he looked forward to it. Dining out was among the few things he could enjoy. Louie made it 17 months more. Any ways-  You need to know that many restaurants in Metro Phoenix have patios but not all patios are dog friendly. It is always best to call a restaurant and ask if it is ok to visit with your furry friend before showing up. You never know if the patio is already booked for a party or if the restaurant suddenly turned to not accepting dogs. (that has happened to me) It is also BEST to avoid as many people as possible so I strongly recommend to dine with dogs at off times for a number of reasons. One is that the restaurant needs your business more at off times and is more likely to welcome you and your furry friend. Two is obvious….It’s best to avoid as many people as possible because some people don’t share your love for dogs or just might be allergic. It’s also best to avoid other doggy diners because dogs might start barking at each other…like dogs normally do and you might be asked to leave. AVOID potential problems and dine at off times. There are a few rules for dining with dogs. Your dog(s) is suppose to be close to you and by your side at all times. Dogs are NOT suppose to sit on restaurant furniture and are NOT suppose to eat off restaurant plates. You also need to be aware that most of the food and drink that you consume can be harmful or even TOXIC to your dog. You must consult a veterinarian on safe and harmful foods for dogs. For the most part plain lean sauceless meat is usually a safe choice for your dog. You might also want to bring your own dog bowl for water. Now that we got all that out of the way I guess you are almost ready to dine out with dogs!

Phoenix is heating up fast so any day could be the last day of Dining out with Dogs. I think for my dogs we can tolerate up to 90 degrees only if it is in the shade. It is VERY IMPORTANT to remember that your dog is NOT AS HEAT TOLERANT AS YOU. Dogs can’t sweat. Dogs also absorb lots of heat threw their paws. Your dog can die if you expose your dog to too much heat.

We had a cool snap recently and made it out to Humble Pie. They have a really nice $10.99 2 course lunch special (salad or soup and a pizza). This is also an official dog friendly patio and is listed on www.BringFido.com

We splurged for Tempura Green Beans because we had a generous $10.00 off coupon off a $25. or more purchase.

These Green Beans are really tasty…Even the dijon sauce on he side is tasty…..Dogs love the Green Beans.

I got the Strawberry Gorgonzola Salad with Pecans and the Margherita Pizza made with house made cheese.

My husband got the minestrone soup with Humble Pie Sausage and the Chicken Parmesan Pizza.

The dogs smell the food and both dogs decide they prefer the dishes my husband has the better options.

The dogs were happy with the chicken fingers and a little cheese. (I note that not all dogs are cheese tolerant…)

“We did alright at Humble Pie.”

www.HumblePieUSA.com

Wow Phoenix is really heating up. Got lucky and had a cooler day….It’s going up to around 90 today but if we do an early lunch it’s only around 80 in the shade.

Cucina Tagliani is an American Italian Restaurant that serves up all the usual American Italian Fair and also many healthy options with lots of vegetables that you won’t find at other places. Where else will you find Spaghetti Squash Lasagna and Grilled Chicken Parm? They offer at least a half dozen different vegetable side orders and offer whole wheat and gluten free pasta. They also offer a certified dog friendly patio and depending on what server you get your dog(s) might get their own bowls of water.

Today I got something I never ordered before. The chicken wrap…It’s like a big salad in a spinach tortilla with grilled moist chicken breast with a side. I thought the fresh fruit option was very thoughtful because fries or onion rings are too heavy with a wrap. A salad is an option but I don’t want salad with a salad filled wrap. (romaine was not from Yuma) My husband got a spicy pepperchini pasta with chicken.

Both dogs are very excited about the food.

“We usually get lots of food at Cucina Tagliani.”

www.CucinaTagliani.com

We had a cooler than expected weekend recently and got to go out to Banh Mi Bistro Vietnamese Eatery. This is a Vietnamese restaurant that serves many of your Vietnamese favorites expect for Pho. This is a PHO FREE Restaurant. The Specialty here are the Banh Mi Sandwiches. A Banh Mi Sandwich starts with Vietnamese Style Baguettes made with Rice and Wheat Flour. The Vietnamese baguette has a crispy exterior and a soft middle. The different varieties of Banh Mi include fresh cilantro, pickled radish and carrots, jalapeños and house made aioli.

Today I went with the Curry Chicken with baguette and my husband went with the BBQ Pork Banh Mi.

Wow I have more food than I can eat and it’s all good!

The dogs are pleased (to say the least) with the selections.

www.BanhMiBistroAZ.com

That was Dining Out with Dogs in Metro Phoenix for May 2018. We don’t know if it will be cool enough to dine out soon but we hope to see you all again!