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.
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! Â
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.
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.
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.
Halo Halo Kitchen is a casual Filipino Restaurant located in Phoenix Arizona. You might be wondering WTFork is Filipino Food?…………. Filipino Food is a fusion cuisine that was developed from natural surroundings with influences from Spanish, Malaysian, Chinese, Japanese, Indian and American Cuisines.
When you walk in you see it’s a grocery store of different foods with a DJ Table in the dining room. You walk into a cafeteria line, a cooked fish case, a breakfast menu and pictures of food on the wall. There is much to absorb in this little place. If you are not familiar with Filipino Foods I recommend to research the menu some because it’s difficult to tell what the foods are by the pictures and the names. Everyone just points to what they want. I did some research and here is my cheat sheet of some of the offerings. But don’t worry….the people behind the counter are friendly and helpful.
When you enter it looks like this.
Then you walk threw the cafeteria line.
Bottom left is breakfast menu
Here’s a closer look at menu above.
Here’s the fish case.
This case sells out fast and had much more fish in there when I came in.
You pass these foods before you order.
It’s hard to tell what foods you are looking at.
We order, pay, grab a table number and find a table. There is what looks like a DJ Table and signs for karaoke next to a cabinet of liquors.
All the tables are filled except for one.
I ordered a fish that resembles a porgy and asked for rice and a vegetable.
The fish is served warm not hot but is fresh tasting and cooked well. The skin peels easily and the sweet moist meat comes right of the bones. This is a very good plate of fish. The vegetables are very homey and were braised in what taste like tomatoes, onions and garlic. In the mix are green beans, kabochca squash, eggplant and bitter melon…..The bitter melon was bitter for me.
My husband got the Sisig (sizzling pork).
He said it was tender delicious, very spicy and had an unexpected bitterness. The egg added that perfect sauce to it. He didn’t use what he thinks was a mayonnaise squirt.
Did I mention that there is a dessert bar in the middle of the restaurant?
This wasn’t my first visit to Halo Halo Kitchen but this was my first time trying the signature dessert.
Here is the Special Halo Halo………The regular Halo Halo is a dollar less and doesn’t have the purple yam ice cream.
Well here we go!
The top is purple yam ice cream. Next is a house made square of flan followed by sweet beans. The main part of the dessert is shaved ice with evaporated milk. There are pieces of coconut and jelled fruits and different beans. I think its a little too big for even two people but is very interesting. I like when you get a little tiny bit of flan or ice cream and a sweet bean with the creamy ice…that is good.
We clear our plates and head out passing some of the grocery goods.
That was my trip to Halo Halo Kitchen in Phoenix….. The fish entree and Sisig Pork and a bottle of water only cost $21.00 (subject to change) and the food was VERY GOOD and a GREAT VALUE! (special Halo Halo purchased separately at $5.50)
**********A FORKING GREAT VALUE!************
Halo Halo Kitchen is Worth a Fork!
Worth a Fork!
www.HaloHaloKitchen.com
Everything is subject to change and your experience may or may not differ.
FiGaMi Asian Fresh is a casual order-at-the-counter mixed Asian Restaurant located in Phoenix Arizona.
You probably are familiar with Japanese , Thailand, Indian and Chinese Foods but you might be wondering WTFork is Burmese Food? From what I read on Wikipedia Burmese Cusine is a fusion of Thai, Chinese, Indian, and other local influences from minorities and distant cultures.
FiGaMi Asian Fresh offers reasonably priced sushi, bowls, ramen, Asian Specialties and appetizers.
This is a small casual restaurant. It isn’t fancy but it’s neat and clean.
The appetizers were only priced at $3.50 each (subject to change) so I thought they’d be very tiny but I was wrong and tried three.
We started out by sharing the Chicken Meat Puff.
The Chicken Meat Puff Plate is quite large (it’s as big as a sandwich) and is actually TWO puffs. It’s made of puff pastry and is generously stuffed with Indian scented moist white chicken that’s studded with carrots and peas. This whole $3.50 plate is enough for a meal.
Next we tried the Chicken Dumplings ($3.50). (subject to change)
You can tell they are fresh made and are made with fresh juicy flavorful chicken.
The appetizer that was my favorite was the Burmese Style Fermented Tea Salad with Crispy Beans and Vegetables. ($3.50 – subject to change)
This is not like any salad I ever had before. It’s earthy, tangy, crunchy and refreshing. It’s made with fermented tea leaves, crunchy beans, I think peanuts, and vegetables. It’s very unique and interesting.
For dinner my husband had the Indian Style Seasoned Rice with Dark Chicken on the Bone.($8.00 subject to change)
The rice is fluffy and the chicken is moist, flavorful and everything is delicious. Not pictured is a spicy paste to enhance the meal.
I really enjoyed the Burmese Style Fish Noodle Soup. ($6.50 subject to change)nThe Burmese Fish Soup is also known as Mohinga and happens to be the National Dish of Burma.
It’s a thickened fish soup with thin rice noodles, an Asian Marinated jammy egg, crispy noodles and fresh cilantro. Dried hot pepper and a wedge of lemon or lime is served with this dish. I found this extremely delicious. I just love it!
Delicious fresh food that’s different and a very good value.
*******IT’S FORKING CHEAPER THAN FAST FOOD!*****************
All that food was only $25.00 before tax and tip!
The owner was happy to answer questions and served everything with a smile. 🙂
******UPDATE****Went back and the food differed greatly. Prices went up slightly but the tea salad differed and the Burmese fish noodle soup isn’t as good now.
Fish noodle soup the two bowls on left. Top middle is the tea salad.Worth a Fork!
www.FIGAMIAsianFresh.com
Everything is subject to change and your experience may or may not differ.
These are the best of what I tasted in Metro Phoenix this year so far. The dishes aren’t really in any particular order. These are dishes that are not just very good……These dishes are The FORKING BEST! I mean like from another planet delicious….Out of this world!
Pictured above is a Tuna Aguachile from Barrio Gran Reserva in Phoenix. It was light, refreshing and spicy. It’s filled with special ingredients and also some unexpected surprises. The flavors just POP and it’s amazing. Actually I could list just about all the plates I tried at Barrio Gran Reserva but will list just one more special one.
Barrio Gran Reserva
This is Pan Seared Corvina. It’s with a Salsa d Xoconostle…..The fish is perfect and this salsa is the best salsa I’ve ever tasted….It’s made with a special pepper that fire roasted with an extra delicious taste….Unusual delicious ingredients are on the plate like red pine nuts and rose mole. Every bite taste different but it’s all insanely delicious together.
www.BarrioGranReserva.com
From Confluence in Carefree AZ
Confluence serves food that is astoundingly amazing….Every Forking plate is a masterpiece. It’s really great food times TEN. The plate above is a Sweet Potato Ravioli….its as great as it can be and then you taste a leek….and it taste better than a leek….It taste Forking BETTER than a leek…The chef did something to the leek to make a Forking leek amazing. Then I get to a leaf of radicchio……and it taste better than radicchio……..The waitress tells me that the Chef cooked the radicchio leaf in red wine and brown sugar. A really special plate I can add over TWENTY plates from here but I will just pick one more plate.
From Confluence in Carefree AZ
The Red Sea Bream is prepared and seasoned to perfection. Here’s that magic thing again….The little green things on the plate are green beans…..But they are OMG Amazing! They are sweet, tender, slightly pickled…..they taste better than I can describe….They sort of burst and pop in your mouth. Every other vegetable just adds another delicious layer of flavor…Also there are some really melt in your mouth gnocchi on the plate….This plate was just magical.
www.RestaurantConfluence.com
From The Collins Small Batch Kitchen in Phoenix AZ
Chef Christopher Collins has a few restaurants in Metro Phoenix but it was at The Collins Small Batch Kitchen I tried The Twisted Noodle Salad. One would never guess that a salad could have so much going on…..This salad has everything and is bright, sour, sweet, spicy, flavorful, crunchy and chewy. It’s made with soba noodles, kale, avocado, pickled cucumbers, arugula, scallions, herbs, toasted coconut, peanuts, carrots and is dressed with chili-lime vinaigrette. I am certain that their are a few more secret ingredients that make this salad unbelievably scrumptious with a KICK that doesn’t hurt.
www.TheCollinsAZ.com
The Cabbage Rolls from Cafe Chenar in Phoenix were the BEST Cabbage Rolls I’ve ever tried. Did you ever taste a cabbage roll that melted in your mouth just like cotton candy? I never had a cabbage roll like this before. The cabbage was so tender it just dissolves in the mouth. The filling was so light, tender and really perfectly seasoned. The filling was a mix of this amazing tender beef, rice and some potato. I never had beef of this light texture before. It was tender like it was cooked in a sous vide water oven. These cabbage roll were really extra special!
I haven’t found a website for Cafe Chenar but you can find them on Facebook.
This next one was an unexpected one…….and doesn’t look special.
Both of us were blown away with all the incredible flavors packed into this Quinoa Meat-less-ball from the newly opened Meat The Ball Restaurant in Phoenix. It has a crisp thin breaded exterior and an amazingly delicious stracchino cheese core. This meatball was also SPICY HOT and full of awesome flavors……..I hope they don’t change a thing with this recipe because it was perfection. I should note that the rigatoni pasta and secret tomato sauce I had that same night was also perfection. It was shocking to get pasta that was so spectacular like from the finest restaurant but was from this little casual place.
www.MeatTheBall.com
I was recently at the newly opened fine dining vegan restaurant in old town Glendale called Casa Terra.
All the food I tried at Casa Terra was flavored very well but the street sized Tapas Tacos had all kinds on flavors and textures going on with them. They were so delicious that once the word gets out about these incredible tacos everyone will have to try them…..I wish this restaurant was open for lunch so I could enjoy these tacos for lunch………..with a soup or salad………or more food..
www.CasaTerra.com
From Singh Meadows in Tempe AZ
Singh Meadows is in Tempe and is a produce market and cafe. The cafe serves stunning dishes that are mostly vegetarian featuring magnificent fresh vegetables. I recently tried three plates from Singh Meadows and all three are worthy of being here but there’s something about the beet plate….It’s not a boring beet plate like you get from most restaurants…..It’s more like a plate that could win at a Chopped Championship. Assorted fresh beets are prepared four different ways. Almond, avocado, cream cheese, fancy greens, super sweet green beans, high quality country bread and what I think was urfa pepper just go amazingly well together.
www.SinghMeadowsTempe.com
Those were some of the BEST PLATES I tried in Metro Phoenix in 2019 so far. I can’t wait to taste the rest of the yearn Metro Phoenix!
Everything is subject to change and your experience may or may not differ.
Casa Terra is a fine dining vegan restaurant located in Old Town Glendale Arizona. This is small restaurant that offers fine mostly organic vegan Mediterranean – Mexican inspired foods. This is a small restaurant so it’s best to have a reservation to assure to be seated. They are without bar seating but cocktails and wines are available.
The building was built in 1940 and was originally a Smart and Final Whole Sale Company.
When you walk in you might notice to your left side a serving station, a waiting bench, and glass doors with a kitchen view of a wood oven.
The dining room is straight a head and it fills up fast. The old fashioned tables are small and plates might get crowded. Tables are close together but it’s charming and cozy.
They started us out with complimentary crisp flatbreads and tomatillo salsa verde. They were seasoned nicely and were delicious!
We then shared THREE appetizers, one dinner and one dessert. The appetizers we tried were all very small but all were delicious and very well seasoned.
My favorite appetizer was the Tapas Tacos ($9.00).
These are very small street sized tacos but are very well packed. The tortillas are house made and the filling is full of many textures and many flavors. They are delicious and very satisfying you sure don’t miss eating meat with this one.
The ping pong ball sized Truffled Arancini ($13.00). Were crisp, seemed free of oil and had a delicious mushroom taste.
The “Impossible” Albondigas with Polenta ($15.00) have spot on flavor that is exactly like chorizo. (also ping pong ball sized)
These albondigas have really great flavor but are on the mushy side today. The faux ricotta could pass for for genuine ricotta and is very good. The polenta was good but we both thought it was a scant serving as it only paints the plate. When I scooped up my half it amounted to about a teaspoon but it was good!
For dinner we shared the Chile En Nogada Special ($18.00).
We were told that depending on the size of the peppers the dish will be prepared with either one large pepper or two small peppers. We received two small peppers. The Chile En Nogada was filled with mostly bulgur and vegetables and was sauced with a creamy nut based sauce. It was sprinkled with pomegranate seeds and little cubed beets that look like gems.
I’m full by now but go for dessert anyway and try the Chocolate Torte.
I like the spiked vegan cream….It seems lighter and is more delicate than regular cream. The sauces and fruit is great too. The Cake is explosively steaming hot……This cake is made to order because of the hot steam coming out of it and we waited about 20 minutes for it.
Then with the check they gave us complimentary Convent Fudge (authentic Mexican Fudge) that was absolutely delicious!
I would say Casa Terra is Worth a Fork!
Worth a Fork!
www.CasaTerra.com
Every THING is subject to change and your experience may or may not differ.
Dining out with dogs 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 three-six months prognosis. He was elderly and couldn’t do a lot but he enjoyed going out to eat so I took him out to eat as often as I could and instead of the three-six months he made it another SEVENTEEN months. Today I take my current dogs out to eat and they also enjoy the experience.
There are a few things you need to know before you dine out with dogs. Many restaurants in Metro Phoenix have patios but not all patios are dog friendly. It’s ALWAYS BEST to call a restaurant before you show up and ASK if it’s ok to dine there with dogs. It is also BEST to dine at off times to avoid as many other people and dogs as possible because not all people like dogs and some are allergic to dogs. Other people might complain and ask you to leave. It’s also best to avoid other dogs because dogs are dogs and they often bark at each other so you could be asked to leave for that too. Avoid problems call the restaurant first and dine at off times.
There are some rules for dining out with dogs. Dogs are NOT to sit on restaurant furniture or to eat off restaurant plates. Dogs must be close to you and by your side at all times. Most food and drink that you consume is NOT safe and can be TOXIC to dogs. You must get a safe food list and foods to avoid list from your veterinarian. Usually a small amount of lean un-sauced meat is a safe bet for dogs. You might want to bring a collapsable water bowl for your dog too. You also need to know that dogs are NOT AS HEAT TOLERANT as you. All dogs have a different heat tolerance just like people but in general 90 degrees F and above is too hot for dining out with dogs. Not all but most healthy younger dogs can tolerate up to 90 degrees F BUT ONLY IN SHADE at 90 degrees. When in doubt it’s better to leave your dog home. Hopefully you know your dog’s heat tolerance.
Now we are ready to dine out with dogs!
The Forking Truth is being turned over to my dogs….I’ll take a break and let my dogs do the talking.
“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 the Banh Mi Sandwich.” “Our folks and us have tried Banh Mi Sandwiches from several other Vietnamese Restaurants and we like Banh Mi Bistro’s Banh Mi Sandwiches the best!” “The fillings are always fresh and delicious.” “We don’t eat much of the bread but out folks say that the bread has a Nice crisp exterior and a soft fresh middle.”
Chicken Banh Mi
“Those Banh Mi Sandwiches smell Forking Good!”
“I love all the food I’ve tried from Banh Mi Bistro Vietnamese Eatery.” “Today I’m loving Chicken Banh Mi and one of the Pork Banh Mi Sandwiches!”
“Ummmm everything is so good and I can’t wait for my next bite!”
“We always enjoy ourselves at Banh Mi Bistro Vietnamese Eatery!”
www.BanhMiBistroAZ.com
“We are on our way to Burger King”
“Our folks sort of screwed us and took us to a Burger King Drive Threw.” “They don’t FORKING eat Burger King and are going someplace nicer.” “Burger King is ok but not the best for dogs.” “At least our folks sat with us and fed us on the nearby Safeway Patio.”
“It’s a Bacon King.”
“I bet Old Man Louie wouldn’t eat this burger if he was still around and then I’d get more to eat!” “He used to spit out most fast food but me and the little guy aren’t as picky.” “No one was like Louie”…….”He could tell the difference between ground beef from Costco and home ground beef”…..”That Louie wouldn’t eat the Costco ground beef”……”He was THAT picky.”
“WOW” “I wish I met Louie.” “He sure doesn’t sound like any dog I’ve ever met.” I’ll eat Costco Beef.” “What’s Costco beef anyway?” ” “I’m Forking hungry!”
“We’ll eat someplace better next time.”
www.BurgerKing.com
“We are on our way to Culver’s”
“Culver’s is considered to be a national fast food chain based in Wisconsin and growing in locations that are mostly in the mid-west.” “They are famous for their butter burgers that are never frozen, hand battered fish and fresh made frozen custard.” “We are here for their limited time special on hand battered Canadian Walleye Pike.”
“OOOOOOooooh yes…..smelling yummy!”
“They both got walleye pike but I smell more on this side of the table because he has THREE pieces.”
“That walleye pike has such a great crispy batter on it and the fish is so mild and meaty……I just love it!”
“We did Forking alright at Culver’s!”
www.Culvers.com
“We are on our way to The Twisted Italian in Peoria.”
“The Twisted Italian is an American Chicago-Style Italian Restaurant that also offers some Twisted Food such as Italian Rellenos and Pierogi.”
“Our male human companion got this Loaded Chicago Italian Beef Sandwich that smells incredible.” “His sandwich also came with a salad……I tried a crouton and and some lettuce and it was ok but I enjoyed the thin Angus Beef Best!” ($11.50)
“Our female companion got the Salmon Grilled Vegetable lunch special that comes with Angel Hair Pasta in garlic parmesan wine sauce.” ($10.50) “We thought it all was pretty tasty and I even ate zucchini!”
“Ummmm I’m ready for more Angus Beef!”
“That Angus beef sure does smell pretty good!”
“We got to eat pretty well at the Twisted Italian today.” “We had fresh roasted vegetables, croutons, salmon, some pasta and tasty Angus beef!”
www.EatTwisted.com
“Well that was Dining Out With DOGS in Metro Phoenix for March 2019.”
“We hope that you enjoyed and we hope to see you next month!”
The Forking TruthIn Memory of Louie 5-5-2001 – 3-3-2017
