A new best dish of the year that I tried recently came from The Larder and The Delta in Phoenix Arizona. The dish is called Hoppin John and is made with Sea Island Field Peas, Carolina Gold Rice and Herb Salad. Gosh it’s Forking Scrumptious and you don’t have to wait till New Years to eat it. Why wait? You can prosper now!……. It’s earthy, a little spicy, deeply flavorful also with interesting textures like crisped rice. The Sea Island Field Peas have a taste that is not so different from lentils. This dish taste like a marriage of Persian Tahdig (Bottom of pot Crisp Persian Rice Casserole and Lebanese Mujadara (rice & lentil with onions) It’s just so delicious that you won’t be able to leave your fork down for long!
While we are here I should also let it be known……..That I’ve tried many hot chickens in metro Phoenix and I have tried Hattie B’s…………but the absolutely FORKING BEST Hot Chicken I ever tried anywhere was the K.F.C. Sandwich from The Larder and The Delta. The thigh meat was so succulent, juicy and flavorful like no other. The coating was ever so slightly caramelized, crisp, spicy but not too spicy. Big gorgeous pops of pickles cut threw and a really great slaw with the perfect bun…..better than good…. it’s like from another planet.
OMG….to me that K.F.C. stands for KENTUCKY FORKING CRACK SANDWICH. This is really to die for!
But today’s extraordinary dish was The Hoppin John!
The Larder and The Delta is a small restaurant located in downtown Phoenix. In case you didn’t know they serve high quality chef driven modern food that swings southern inspired. A Forking Great little place to check out.
The Other Forking Best Thing I ate out this week was the Hoppin John from The Larder and The Delta in Phoenix.
Worth a Fork!
www.TheLarderandtheDelta.com
Every THING is subject to change and your experience may or may NOT differ.
Little Miss BBQ is well known as the best BBQ in Arizona. They do central Texas Style BBQ and only the highest quality prime brisket is used. Little Miss BBQ has two locations in Phoenix. The original is close to the Phoenix Airport and the other is in the Sunnyslope area of Phoenix (considered to be North Phoenix). The original location is very busy and it’s normal to wait in line one-two hours to order. I thought I’d try the Sunnyslope location today that has expanded hours, more tables, alcohol and a few more menu items.
We pull up and there isn’t a long line outside…. (wow that’s unexpected)
We walk in.
There is a sort of lobby and we see a big smoker and a menu on the wall.
Now we’re in like Flynn….WHOOOO Hoo! It smells all BBQ-ee here!
Not bad.
Someone hands out samples of sausage while we’re waiting.
We move up in line and see some house made sauces, beverages and T shirts for sale.
It was only 15-20 minutes wait till we got to order.
I order and they weigh out the meat.
Sides get added next.
My husband gets his plate, we pay and pick up plasticware, napkins and drinks and then we are off for a table.
Do I want to sit inside?
Or Outside?
The weather is nice today so we went with outside.
WOW! Where to begin?
I got the Lean Prime Brisket, Turkey Breast, Macaroni and Cheese and the Cole Slaw.
I start with the turkey.
WOW! This turkey is even FORKING BETTER than from the Original Little Miss BBQ Location. It’s stunning with the perfect amount of smoked BBQ flavor and it’s very moist and basted with butter………………This is Forking Delicious Turkey…..It’s the best Turkey ever!
Now I go for the Lean Prime Brisket today because the fatty I tried from the original location was too fatty for me (but it did taste better than the lean). It’s really good but not close to what I remember……. I taste my husband’s Fatty Brisket….Now this is outstanding with the perfect seasons and perfect smoke….I can eat this………….It’s not too fatty for me. This Fatty Brisket at Sunnyslope (today) doesn’t seem as Fatty or succulent as the one I tried at the original location……but it is delicious! I think it’s perfection!
Fatty Brisket and Turkey from Little Miss BBQ Phoenix AZ – University (original location)
Let’s get back to Sunnyslope where I am today.
The Turkey is Forking incredible! The Prime Lean Brisket is very good…… The coleslaw is fresh, tasty and not over sauced. I was really surprised that the macaroni and cheese was pretty good….It was creamy and cheesy…
My husband got the Fatty Brisket, Pulled Pork and Sausage with Meaty Beans and Jalapeño Cheese Grits.
Everything is a WINNER HERE! My husband said, “when can we go back?”
Little Miss BBQ – Sunnyslope is Worth a Fork!
Worth a Fork!
www.LittleMissBBQ.com
Everything is subject to change and your experience may or may not differ.
The Forking Truth
Went back on a Thursday to try the Thursday special pastrami.
You have your choice of lean or fatty with the pastrami. I picked half and half. The fatty piece on the bottom did taste the best. The lean tasted stronger with salt. One of my pieces came from a different package……really I had three flavors of pastrami today. One peice had far more of an allspice kind of taste than the other pieces….(but it is normal for pastrami to be inconsistent because of the nature of the meat………This is also is a big portion…I ate a third of the meat and made two lunch sandwiches with the rest. The coleslaw tasted about the same but the macaroni and cheese did taste different today….This did taste less like cheese and had something added that wasn’t as delicious to me…..but everyone likes something different. My husband was happy to jump in and clear out the macaroni and cheese for me.
Sometimes when you travel you find yourself eating airport food. I heard about many local Metro Phoenix restaurants opening branches of their restaurants in Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport. I had to leave extra early for a flight and decided to give one restaurant a try. In general I’m not a big of breakfast foods so I was pretty thrilled to find Los Taquitos offering their full menu as the other two restaurants (Humble Pie and Nocawich) were I was were only offering breakfast.
I thought oh cool I’ll try a chicken torta…….I haven’t had a chicken torta since my last trip to Mexico. A torta is basically a sandwich on a French inspired Mexican roll.
They have a good amount of variety seating here.
They have a long table with traditional seats, a few tables with stools and a high top seating with outlets for computer use.
It’s walk up to the counter and ordering goes sort of Chipotle Style……(they ask you what you want as you walk down the line). My husband orders the food as I grab a table and guard the suitcases. He tries to order me a chicken torta. He tells the girl behind the counter that he wants to order a chicken torta. She says what do you want on the chicken torta? He says whatever a chicken torta comes with. ***********She says I don’t know what goes on a chicken torta.*********WOWEE who knew that whoever works behind the counter doesn’t know what goes on a chicken torta?
I wind up with this.
I guess it doesn’t look bad but the bread is very heavy and thick. The chicken is a generous amount of very dry flavorless chicken breast with some amounts of inedible grizzle. I also received wilted lettuce, unripe tomato slices and a smear of liquid avocado. On the side was dry seasoned rice and plain black beans.
My husband received.
Carnitas Torta with the same rice and drippy refried beans.
www.LTGrill.com
Coming back to the airport we were brave and decided to try airport food again because we were really hungry, short on time and had to be somewhere. We landed at terminal 4 this time and were walking by Zinc Brasserie.
We’ve enjoyed many dinners from the Zinc Bistro Location in Scottsdale and have enjoyed the take out at the Le Petit Zinc window here before. We waited a little while to get seated but once we were our order was taken quickly.
I got the grilled chicken salad.
It’s basically a Caesar salad. It’s a lot of romaine leaves, thinly sliced (what taste like marinated) moist chicken breast with black pepper, shaved toasted bread and shaved parmesan dressed with an emulsified slightly creamy dressing. It’s not the most exciting salad in the world but everything is fresh and good. It seems healthy and is satisfying.
My husband got the Short Rib Banquette.
Wow look how big and nice this is! This sandwich is actually bigger, better and more detailed than the last sandwich my husband got from Zinc Bistro in Scottsdale. The sandwich was delicious. The Zinc Ketchup was nicely spiced. The fries were fresh and hot and lightly dusted with smoked paprika.
Zinc Bistro Pastrami Brisket Sandwich Platter from Scottsdale
www.ZincBistroAZ.com
Airport food is rated at 1/2 a Fork because it could go either way.
1/2 a Fork…Could be good! Also could suck.
Everything is subject to change and your experience may or may not differ.
The Black and White Cafe is located in North Glendale in the area that is considered to be the upper west side of metro Phoenix. They are hidden in a shopping center with a Home Depot on west Behrend Dr just off of 59th avenue. This is an adorable small cafe that only has 6 tables inside and a few outdoor tables. They offer an interesting breakfast menu, nicely made salads, sandwiches, fresh pastries, soups, cappuccino, latte, espresso, juices and more.
Look how cute it is inside.
On one side are big tall mirrors reflect lots of light and there are bright colored paintings for sale on the wall.
In general I’m not a fan of most breakfast food but the banana kahlua French toast and the Florentine Benedict with avocado and fruit got me interested.
Today I ordered the California Chicken Salad ($13.00)
WOW! What a nice salad! The chicken was fresh grilled to order and is nicely seasoned. There’s mixed greens, candied walnuts, sliced grapes, fresh sliced mandarin oranges, avocado and balsamic vinaigrette.
My husband got the BBQ Chicken Salad.
This salad also had fresh grilled to order chicken, romaine lettuce, corn, black beans, cheese, tortilla strips with ranch and bbq sauce. ($13.00) That’s a nice salad too!
We also shared a croissant for dessert.
It was so fresh and seemed so light it just melted in the mouth. ($2.00)
I didn’t even know this place was here until a few weeks back when we went to the Home Depot. What a great surprise!
Black & White Cafe in Glendale is Worth a Fork!
Worth a Fork!
www.BlackandWhite.cafe
Every thing is subject to change and your experience may or may not differ.
The REC is a TINY Detroit Style Pizzeria located in Peoria Arizona. They offer two outside tables. (*****Update name change to The Rec Pizza & Dogs)
One indoor table.
Four hightop community stools. (****Update they added on a dining room)
You order at the counter and seat yourself.
The pizzas come in three sizes personal, medium and large and are cut in squares. They take about 25 minutes to prepare. Many varieties of Faygo Brand sodas are offered. They offer the usual variety of pizzas and also the unusual such as hatch chili with pulled pork and spicy pickle with bacon……… As you wait you look at all the Detroit Music Memorabilia all around and a few novelty collectibles.
Then you look out the window.
I just went for a plain personal size pizza.
It’s very hot just out of the oven…I spread out the little squares of pizza.
It’s a little bit Trenton Style……..(little fact…I actually worked in a Trenton NJ Pizza Shop for a while long long ago) The sauce is on top of the cheese……that is done so you don’t get over cooked cheese……But this Detroit Style pizza is very different than Trenton Style pizza. It’s mainly the crust that is unique and different. (****Update the crust is different see down below)
It’s a bubbly thick crust that isn’t very doughy. On the edges it’s almost like eating a cheese crisp….those crackers that are only made of cheese.
The bottom has a thin layer that taste almost like a grilled cheese sandwich……It seems almost buttered but is very crisp like a really good grilled sandwich.
On top of the bubbly bread is a gooey blend of cheeses……..you can taste grated Italian Cheese………
On top of the melty flavorful cheese is rich tasting chunky tomato sauce….with the perfect amount of oregano in it. It’s delicious!
I have to say my first taste of Detroit Style Pizza at the REC Pizzeria in Peoria is Worth a Fork!
Worth a Fork!
www.theRECPizzaria.com
Everything is subject to change and your experience may or may not differ.
The Forking Truth
Did a 2nd taste on the patio.
Tried a plain again.
This one had slightly less sauce but was pretty much just as delicious.
Tried a white pizza.
This one has too much thyme for my taste…..but I wouldn’t avoid it either…..maybe you should request light on the thyme.
My husband likes meaty pizzas and enjoyed the pepperoni with added sausage.
My dogs got to enjoy some crunchy cheesy ends.
Been back a few times and more changes have been made.
main entrance
The name has changed to The Rec Pizza & Dogs (Coney Island style hot dogs)
They have added on a dining room.
They have changed the recipe for the dough. Today we tried three different pizzas. One was a seasonal pizza with pumpkin and ricotta cheese.
I paid $3.00 each for these pastries from Cafe Chenar are BOTH Yummilious……I thought they’d be small since they were only three dollars each but they weren’t so small. One was filled with ground beef and the other was filled with seasoned potato….Both were scrumptious! I note on my last visit to Cafe Chenar I noticed some prices did go up a dollar or two…..maybe these pastries went up?….Well they should have because I thought most of the food was priced too low.
Crispy Fish Wrap from Wraps ‘N” Curry in Glendale
The Crispy Fish Wrap from Wraps ‘N’ Curry in Glendale is Fresh made naan bread brushed with mint mayonnaise, lettuce, onion, tomato, cilantro and hand battered fish. I think it’s tasty and quite a value for only $8.95.
Salad and Go in Phoenix $5.74
Salad and go is a Drive Threw gourmet Salad to go restaurant. They offer about a DOZEN different salads and also seasonal varieties. You have different protein options but chicken and tofu options only cost $5.74. Other options that only cost slightly more are shrimp and beef. Salad and go is a local group of restaurants that operate in Metro Phoenix.
Mac ‘N’ Cheese Balls from The Social on 83rd in Peoria at P83
Notable Mac ‘N’ Cheese Balls were served to me from The Social on 83rd. They had creamy cheesy interiors and a crisp thin, seemed like oil free exterior and mighty tasty. They were served over a lemon herb aioli. ($7.50) (Price increase possible)
$8.00 Happy Hour Vegetable Plate from Bottega Pizzeria Ristorante
Usually Happy Hour Food is breaded, fried, maybe wings or something heavy. But these $8.00 Happy Hour Vegetables are delicious and seem healthy….You actually have room to order dinner if you want to after enjoying them! This $8.00 Happy Hour Vegetable Plate is an unexpected Healthy, nutritious and the just right appetizer to share from Bottega Pizzeria Ristorante in Glendale.
Chino Bandido in Phoenix offers Chinese and Mex style foods in about 90,000 different combinations. You either get one entree with white rice for $7.35 or pick the combo with two entrees and rice and beans for $8.90. Upgrades to burrito-ize or quesadilla-ize an entree cost 85 cents, upgrade the white rice to jerk fried or one of the other fried rice also will cost 85 cents more. Complimentary snickerdoodle cookies are served with meals.
From Banh Mi Vietnamese Eatery in Phoenix. The Rice Plate with Grilled Chicken (The egg roll was already consumed)
Well between me and my husband we tried most of the food that Banh Mi Bistro Vietnamese Eatery Offers and everything we tried is delicious and EVERY FORKING THING THERE is under $10.00. The one plate that stands out to me today is the Rice Plate. It’s a double portion of protein, salad garnish, rice and a pork egg roll. They offer the rice plate with Pork Chop, Grilled Pork, Shrimp, Grilled Chicken, Shaken Beef and Tofu Vegetable options. I can vouch that the Grilled Chicken, Shaken Beef and Grilled Pork are Great Choices….They all taste different but all are a Great Value and are delicious…This is the best $9.00 complete plate that I know of in North Phoenix.
They are small street sized tacos but these vegan tacos from Casa Terra in Glendale are to die for……..and we’re only priced at $9.00. They are made with house made tortillas, pibil mushrooms and escabeche…OH SO FORKING GOOD!
I hit the jackpot at FiGaMi Asian Fresh in Phoenix. They have a whole menu of $3.50 appetizers I didn’t try them all yet but the three I tried were all very good. (Chicken Meat Puff, Chicken Dumplings and Burmese Style Fermented Tea Salad)
My favorite Appetizer was the Burmese Fermented Tea Salad. It was earthy, tangy, crunchy and refreshing. It was unlike any salad I ever tried before. It was made with vegetables, peanuts, fried beans and tomato. (ONLY $3.50)
For my dinner I enjoyed the Burmese Style Fish Noodle Soup ($6.50)
It was crazy Forking Good. It was a thickened fish soup with rice noodles, crispy noodles, an Asian marinated jammy egg and fresh cilantro. This dish happens to be the national dish of Burma……Dang it was great!
I’m certain that there are a bunch more out there but this is what I tried this past year
Everything is subject to change and price increases are to be expected.
Dining Out with Dogs in Metro Phoenix is just a “Fluff” story about taking my dogs out to eat. It all sort of started when my dog Louie came down with aggressive cancer and was only given a 3-6 month prognosis. Louie was also elderly so he couldn’t a lot but he did enjoy going out to eat so I took him out to eat as often as I could. Instead of the 3-6 month prognosis he made it another 17 months. Today I take my current dogs out to eat and they enjoy it.
There are several things to know before you dine out with dogs. Many restaurants in Metro Phoenix have dog patios but not all patios are dog friendly. Some patios are certified Dog Friendly. Most patios are not. Either way it’s always BEST to call a restaurant before showing up with your dog because you never know if the patio is booked for a party as they often are. It also BEST to dine with dogs at OFF TIMES. The restaurant needs your business more at off times. It’s also BEST to avoid other people and other dogs. It’s BEST to avoid as many people as possible because some people don’t share your love of dogs and some people are allergic to dogs and you can be asked to leave. It’s also best to avoid other dogs because dogs like to bark at each other and if the dogs start barking you might be asked to leave. For the reasons mentioned and more DINE AT OFF TIMES and try to avoid as other many people and dogs as possible.
There are some rules for Dining Out With Dogs. Dogs are to be by your side at all times. Dogs are NOT to sit on restaurant furniture or to eat or drink from restaurant plates or bowls. You also need to know that most food and drink that you consume can be harmful or TOXIC to your furry friend. You must consult your veterinarian on a food friendly list and a foods to avoid list. Usually a lean sauce free piece of meat is safe. DOGS are NOT as heat tolerant as you. Over 90 degrees F is too hot to dine out with dogs. All dogs just like people have a different tolerance to heat. Not all but most younger healthy dogs might be able to tolerate up to 90 degrees F BUT ONLY IN SHADE. When in doubt it’s best to leave your dog at home.
We are ready to dine out with dogs now!
I said enough and I’m turning The Forking Truth over to my dogs.
“We are on our way to Pita Kitchen in the Arrowhead Section of Glendale.”
“Pita Kitchen is a fast casual Mediterranean Greek Restaurant in Arrowhead in Glendale.”
“Our male human companion got the two meat plate of gyro and beef meat.”
“Our female human companion got the Greek Salad with a Chicken Kabab.” “I really love that chicken.” “It’s delicious meaty and always moist!” “We wait a long time for it because they cook it real slow and low to order.” “It takes like 25 minutes to get it.” “Our male human companion always says that he’s getting the chicken kabab next time but never does.”
“We Forking love Pita Kitchen especially the Chicken Kabab!”
www.PitaKitchen.net
“WOO HOO!” “We are on our way to Banh Mi Bistro Vietnamese Eatery in Phoenix”
“Banh Mi Bistro Vietnamese Eatery is a PHO FREE Vietnamese Restaurant that specializes in serving the Banh Mi sandwich.” “They serve about a dozen different varieties of the Banh Mi.” “They also serve many different appetizers, salads, noodle bowls, rice plates, curry and MORE!”
“Today our male folk got the yummy oh so tender and delicious grilled pork rice plate.”
“Our female companion got the chicken and egg roll noodle bowl.” “GOSH that chicken smells good!”
“Move it runt!” “I gotta get chicken first!”
“We FORKING Love Banh Mi Bistro Vietnamese Eatery! “It’s one of our favorites!”
www.BanhMiBistroAZ.com
“We are on way to Doda’s Pizza in Glendale!”
“Doda’s pizza is a little family owned pizza shop in North Glendale.” ” They got brand new patio furniture with umbrellas so we are checking it out.”
“YUM!” “I smell a cheesesteak and a pepper pizza.”
“I’m Forking Starving.”
“I need some cheesesteak and pizza now!”
“We enjoyed ourselves at Doda’s Pizza!”
www.DodasPizza.com
“We are on our way to Culver’s in Phoenix.”
“Culver’s is a national group of fast food restaurants that is well known for their signature never frozen beef butter burgers, hand battered Icelandic Cod and daily made fresh frozen custard.”
“My folks came here because they were hoping to get the limited walleye pike special that normally runs threw lent to Easter.”
“They are Forking out of walleye so we got hand battered cod and butter burgers and one was for us!”
“Ummmmm butter burgers!’
“The hand battered cod isn’t bad but it’s not as great as the walleye.” “The cod is less meaty and seems to soak up the oil a little more…but is not bad.”
“Can’t wait for my next bite.”
“Maybe someone will drop something?”
“We enjoyed our butter burger and the hand battered cod at Culver’s.”
www.Culvers.com
“That was Dining Out With DOGS in Metro Phoenix for April 2019.” “We hope the weather holds out for us because we like going out to eat!”
“We hope to see you next month!”
The Forking TruthIn Memory of Louie 5-5-2001 – 3-3-2017
Fabio on Fire is a small Italian Restaurant located in Peoria Arizona. This restaurant specializes in serving Neapolitan Style Pizzas, house prepared pastas, baked goods, house made gelato and more. Fabio himself is already established as a mobile pizza vender and bakery that sets up at farmers markets, events and various festivals. The restaurant offers some bar seating, a dining room and a patio.
They start you off with Fabio’s fresh baked crusty bread and olive oil spiked with balsamic vinegar.
We started out by sharing the wood roasted beets over goat cheese with peppery arugula.
It’s delicious…the beets are fresh and sweet. Arugula adds that slight bitterness to balance the sweet. That creamy milky goat cheese. It’s so delicious.
I ordered the bufalina pizza.
This pizza has all kinds of flavors going on. The crust is chewy, very thin but also crisp. The sauce is rich and also sweet from San Marzano Tomatoes. There’s spicy slightly bitter arugula against sweet reduced balsamic and really great bufala cheese dressed with nutty parmesan and olive oil. It works together so well. Another benefit is that the pizza seems very light because it’s so thin. Tonight I ate half and still had room for that amazing gelato.
My husband tried the sausage ravioli special.
The Ravioli are topped with a creamy sauce and fresh herbs and are packed with a generous amount of sausage.
One of the many must get dishes is the Strawberry Gelato from Fabio on Fire.
Trust me…….This is Forking Incredible!
Somehow he made strawberry taste better than strawberry….It’s like a glass of the best tasting strawberry you ever had…..In the past I also enjoyed the passionfruit flavor maybe just as much.
Another one of the must try dishes is the Spinach Ravioli in walnut sauce. (when they are offered)
WOW! Astonishingly great! I think the best ravioli I’ve ever tried anywhere.
A few of the other dishes we tried were- (there are more but I can’t find them)
Veal TortelliniDiavola
I have to say Fabio on Fire is Worth a Fork!
Worth a Fork!
www.FabioonFire.com
Everything is subject to change and your experience may or may not differ.
FnB Restaurant is a contemporary restaurant located in the arts district of Scottsdale Arizona. They serve an ever changing innovative menu of farm focused, globally inspired cuisine that also showcases the most amazing vegetable dishes. FnB is not a vegetarian restaurant as meat dishes are offered. The atmosphere is formal but also casual. They offer a small patio and have linen topped tables and bar seating.
You might find things on the menu that you are not familiar with such as Farcous….(French Chard Fritters) or Caltuce…….(Obscure vegetable also called stem lettuce), Babna Cauda (warm hot Italian dip) and many more. No fear the menu will be explained to you.
It’s always difficult to decide on what to order because there are so many interesting plates that you would want to try. The menu is usually broken down to cold sharing plates, warm sharing plates and entrees. It’s best to share as much as you can. They start you off with locally made Noble bread and high quality olive that is so delicious it’s impossible to pass up.
We started out with the salad of crunchy radishes, dates, pumpkin seeds with caper anchovy dressing.
It’s looks beautiful and taste light and delicious. The radishes are not strong tasting like the ones from the store. Instead the radishes have more of a sweet flavor. What a great starter!
The next sharing plate is Salmon Gefilte Fish with Pickled Beets, Beet Horse Radish, Pickled Eggs and Buttered Matzo.
WOW! If all Gefilte Fish did taste like this everyone would like them. These are mild with a light texture and enhanced with fresh herbs, eggs are great, beet horseradish is delicious….the pickled betts are also really special…..They have a predominant flavor that I’m not familiar with that goes so well with beets……I think the flavor is a sort of liquor and question my waiter on what it is…..He doesn’t tell me so it’s secret. Love the beets.
Dinners arrives with our additional sharing plate of Corona Beans with Grilled Radicchio, Salsa Verde, Provolone.
Dang I just got full but I must at least try a little of both. The Beans are not like any beans I had before…..Think of Gigante Beans….they are like anorexic beans compared to the sweet extra plump Corona Beans….Each bean is almost delicious meal. They are in a broth with all kinds of fresh flavors with provolone….They are just amazing. The Mexican Grouper Fish is Stunning…..It taste as fresh as can be and is prepared to perfect it really does melt in the mouth with these delicious flavors brushed on. Really one of the best fish dishes I’ve ever tasted. The plate is also served with heirloom cauliflower, snap peas, and sunflower seeds. Really an incredible beautiful and better than amazing plates.
We didn’t share a dinner because my husband wanted the Lamb Loin with Arizona Grains, Tepary Beans, Green Beans, Chermoula and Mint.
I won’t eat lamb but my husband says that I wouldn’t know the difference between this lamb and beef. He says it’s very good and also loves all the grains, beans and vegetables with this plate.
I want to do dessert but I can’t because the food was so FORKING AMAZING I couldn’t stop eating the sharing plates. I have a large box and a small box to bring home.
Here is what I could have tried if I paced myself better.
Every Thing was FnB was Forking Amazing!
Worth a Fork! You would drive across town to dine here!
www.FnBRestaurant.com
Below are only a few of the past plates we enjoyed at FnB.
Langos Hungarian Fried (potato) Bread SaladButterkin SquashThis is 1/2 of the Pink GrouperApple SharlotkaHouse Cured SalmonMelon SaladHalabutDuckBerry ShortcakeBroccoli with Tangerine aioli and pistachiosTrout Riliette Soft Shell Crab
Every thing is subject to change and your experience may or may not differ.
There were several Italian Restaurants serving Easter Meals in Metro Phoenix in 2019. One Italian Restaurant called Veneto Trattoria in Scottsdale Arizona differed from the other restaurants and offered Passover Dinners in Venetian Style to honor the Jews of ancient Italy. It seemed interesting to us so we gave it a try. Incase you didn’t know….Passover is the Jewish holiday that celebrates the Israelite’s liberation from slavery in Egypt. Passover dinners were $42.50. The daily menu was also offered.
We were seated on the patio. It’s a nice large patio with shade and lovely marble top tables.
We received complimentary matzo with a honey nut marmalade. (pictured at top of page)
Our first course was Venetian Style Matzo Ball Soup called Polpette in Brodo di Matza e Pollo all Veneziana.
It’s a light chicken broth with thin bars of celery, other vegetables and chicken. The matzo ball is light and fluffy. I don’t know what makes this Venetian Style but it’s a good bowl of Matzo Ball soup.
For my dinner I picked the Sautéed Petrale Sole with sweet tomatoes and golden raisins that came with braised fennel and sweet potato kanederli (a pasta that is similar to gnocchi).
The sole is mild, tender and flakes well. It’s prepared nicely. The sweet tomatoes with the raisins tastes more sweet than savory. The fennel is almost like a steak and is very good. Sweet potato kanederli are made nicely and have a flavor that compliments everything.
My husband tried the Chicken stuffed with Dry Cherries and Pine Nuts sautéed in dry cherry wine.
I tried a small bite. The chicken is tender like butter. The stuffing is more savory than I was expecting…slightly mineral-like but tasty and delicious.
Last course was an Almond Cake Drizzled with Chocolate Sauce called – Torta Di Mandorle.
The cake is quite great! It’s spongy, light and very moist. It’s not too sweet. It’s studded with a few surprises. It’s just very good!
That was Italian Passover Ancient Venetian Style at Veneto Trattoria.
www.VenetoTrattoria.com
Then on Easter Sunday we did a bunny hop over to Bottega Pizzeria Ristorante in Glendale for Easter.
Incase you were wondering what Easter is I can tell you that it is not about chocolate bunnies and jellybeans. Easter is the Christian Holiday that celebrates the resurrection of Jesus Christ and the New Testament.
They offered the regular menu, the lunch menu, a brunch menu and the Easter Specials.
They started us off with fresh baked breads, soft butter, olive oil and house spicy oil. We both decided to try the Spaghetti al Salmone.
The home made fresh pasta was very good! it was studded with chunks of wild caught salmon and blistered tiny sweet tomatoes in a saffron laced light slightly creamy sauce that had a little bit of heat to it. It was very reasonably priced at only $18.00 for a holiday meal.
We also shared the Easter Dessert Special of Limoncello Tiramisu.
Wow this is also really great! I like this more than traditional tiramisu. It’s light, lemony, not too sweet with the right amount of tartness. The layers of soaked lady fingers taste like limoncello…. It’s a treat and a sweet ending!
That was Easter at Bottega Pizzeria Ristorante.
www.BoteggaRistorante.com
That was so great that Veneto Trattoria served ancient Venetian Style Passover Dinner and that Bottega Pizzeria Ristorante served the public on Easter with a nice special.
Everything is subject to change I don’t Forking know if these restaurants will serve Easter or Passover next year.
