Chowhound's Latest » Phoenix

En route from Grand Canyon to Phoenix - delicious bites?

morninglemon — Tue, 15 May 2012 23:05:49 GMT

Emily, I'm from NYC, and learned northern Arizona doesn't really have a regional cuisine, and Phoenix follows Los Angeles (very very slowly) food wise. if you're just looking for tasty, then... in flagstaff, there is a Nepalese/Indian place that's quite good - Himalayan grill. in Sedona, I usually get sandwiches as I find the food there overpriced and subpar. good sandwiches here but weird hours, days off: Sedona memories on jordan rd. in Phoenix, go to pizza Bianca if you have time. go early, sit at the bar, it'll be faster. best pizza, and I'm not joking. if you can't make it, get fish tacos at gallo blanco.

Best Banh Mi?

mesafoodie — Tue, 15 May 2012 20:03:09 GMT

I like to search out the best banh mi wherever I go. Where are your favorites?

I need Pies!!

Dapuma — Tue, 15 May 2012 19:26:57 GMT

The Farm at South Mountain makes amazing pies - best Pecan and Pumpkin I have ever had (not cheap around 25-30) but excellent Call them to see what other kinds they can make - their dried cherry bread pudding is pretty amazing as well

Chef Headed to Scottsdale

Bill Hunt — Tue, 15 May 2012 01:15:17 GMT

We find ourselves in Sedona about once - twice per year, for meetings, but have just not made it to Elote. I hear great things, and from people, who I trust, so I must correct that. Mahalo, Hunt

California Foodie Visiting Scottsdale for Spring Training 2012

Bill Hunt — Mon, 14 May 2012 05:13:07 GMT

You are correct. For us, "fine dining," is what we gravitate to, regardless of where we travel. Now, that does not mean that we eschew "local favs.," though they are usually down the list a bit. Since we are usually traveling on business, a jacket is part of the luggage, regardless of where we end up, so attire is never much of a consideration. Most of all, ENJOY! Hunt

Caf' Casino in Phoenix area

exit2lef — Sun, 13 May 2012 20:07:49 GMT

It was on the southwest corner of 24th St. & Camelback next to the old Cine Capri -- across the street from the Ritz Carlton.

White Grapefruit and Meyer Lemons - in season end of april?

johnseberg — Wed, 09 May 2012 23:23:10 GMT

Here's another page I found: http://www.greenfieldcitrus.com/grapefruit.htm Oroblanco looks interesting (if I was in the market for a tree).

Best Sausages / Hot Dogs / Hamburgers for grilling - large bbq

Dapuma — Wed, 09 May 2012 21:10:25 GMT

Ended up going to german sausage co - they had a very small selection so left there, went to stanley's downtown who were still temporarly closed - then went to Schreiners, who i should have started with to begin with Great selection, all the sausages were amazing, and very good price 48 sausages was around 60-70 bucks and i got all sorts of them

Cooking classes: worth it?

lballinger — Wed, 09 May 2012 18:57:01 GMT

Thai Gourmet House offers individualized, private instruction as well as group classes. I cannot recommend it enough! It is run by Praparat Sturlin, a world-class Thai chef in her beautiful commercial kitchen in her home. My husband and I had a day-long cooking lesson from her a few years ago, and it was one of the best cooking classes we ever attended. We still talk about it. It is expensive, but contact her to see if you can work something out for you. The food is out of this world and it she makes it fun and educational. Here's the website: www.thaigourmethouse.com

Asian Cooking Classes in Phoenix?

lballinger — Wed, 09 May 2012 18:55:09 GMT

I just posted this in response to another query on this forum. Thai Gourmet House offers individualized, private instruction as well as group classes. I cannot recommend it enough! It is run by Praparat Sturlin, a world-class Thai chef in her beautiful commercial kitchen in her home. My husband and I had a day-long cooking lesson from her a few years ago, and it was one of the best cooking classes we ever attended. We still talk about it. It is expensive, but contact her to see if you can work something out for your husband. The food is out of this world and it she makes it fun and educational. Here's the website: www.thaigourmethouse.com

Cooking classes in/near Scottsdale?

lballinger — Wed, 09 May 2012 18:50:34 GMT

Thai Gourmet House offers individualized, private instruction as well as group classes. I cannot recommend it enough! It is run by Praparat Sturlin, a world-class Thai chef in her beautiful commercial kitchen in her home. My husband and I had a day-long cooking lesson from her a few years ago, and it was one of the best cooking classes we ever attended. We still talk about it. It is expensive, but contact her to see if you can work something out for your group. The food is out of this world and it she makes it fun and educational. Here's the website: www.thaigourmethouse.com

Ambiance and fine chow

Bill Hunt — Mon, 07 May 2012 02:32:12 GMT

That is good to know. We are hosting another couple there in a few weeks, and I have been holding my breath. Thank you, Hunt

tripe-italian style

MD29 — Thu, 03 May 2012 23:51:15 GMT

Does anyone know of any italian restaurants that serve tripe? I'm not talking Menudo style...I'm looking for tripe served with red sauce. I'll travel anywhere within the greater Phx/or scottsdale area to eat it! Thank in advance!

Review: Ranch House Grille - Phoenix (w/ photos!)

kmarg — Mon, 30 Apr 2012 02:51:06 GMT

Excellent news. Spicy Tortilla time!

best green chile in town?

johnseberg — Sat, 28 Apr 2012 15:05:32 GMT

Now, they have re-opened (Ranch House Grille).

Downtown Phoenix for 5 nights....food/drink recs

Beach Chick — Sat, 28 Apr 2012 02:00:34 GMT

Durant's...one of the best for drink, food and the beloved chilled relish tray...great bar dining for solo diner. Don't get any more old school than this. www.durantsaz.com

NYC Chowhound needs help! 5 days in Scottsdale

jnineaz — Sat, 28 Apr 2012 01:46:21 GMT

danieli10 is spot on. how'd your trip to az go? can you give us an update on where you dined and what you thought?

Italian tapas in Phoenix?

Dapuma — Fri, 27 Apr 2012 18:28:53 GMT

I would have to advise to avoid tapas papa fritas, i went there the other night and everything was pretty much horrible after ordering there left and went somewhere else it was that bad overcooked shrimp, too much sauce and questionable freshness on the mussels and bony oxtail that tasted more like a beef stew from a can than oxtail http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/820044

Off to Phonenix for one night and then to Hawaii

gpjba — Fri, 27 Apr 2012 01:12:32 GMT

Distrito was enjoyable but not outstanding. Everyone liked the pulled pork best. Scallop dish could have used a better sear. Huarache was very good. Hubby enjoyed the flight of tequilas. Barbeque half roast chicken was pleasant. Good for the one night except for the taxi driver who couldn't find it on the way there.

Good Mexican near Phoenix

johnseberg — Wed, 25 Apr 2012 22:14:07 GMT

All good. I didn't know there was a location of Los Reyes de la Torta on Indian School. http://losreyesdelatortaaz.com

Great Mexican near airport?

Poerz — Wed, 25 Apr 2012 22:12:52 GMT

Secreto's is definitely New Mexican. They have some good items but it's not even close to Mexican food. Carolina's is the Mothership and is every bit as much a dive as described. Keep in mind the airport is very close to 16th Street which is the Mexican restaurant row of Phoenix. Lots of good choices such as Phoenix Ranch Market, La Condesa and Barrio Cafe, generally considered one of the best Mexican restraurants is the country.

Paletas Betty (Chandler and Tempe)

RWCFoodie — Tue, 24 Apr 2012 18:15:49 GMT

Will have to check out the Sonoma places next time we're up there. The big pecan halves are what got me - just sounds so good! I will have to check Los Manguitos here in Redwood City to see what their's are like... (I know, doesn't belong on this board)!

Where to buy Italian Tuna?

Arizphil — Mon, 23 Apr 2012 22:17:05 GMT

A.J.'s carries a jarred, imported tuna that is quite good.

Oysters in Phoenix

FishTales — Mon, 23 Apr 2012 20:19:27 GMT

Do you know where their oysters are from, or does selection vary? Thanks. Cheers!

Mekong Plaza Food Court [Mesa]

RWCFoodie — Sun, 22 Apr 2012 14:29:27 GMT

Yes, there were no signs of being open the day we were there.

Meal Delivery Services for relative in Mesa?

cowVSpig — Sun, 22 Apr 2012 00:33:26 GMT

My aunt (who lives in Mesa) is recovering from surgery. I'd like to send a few pre-prepared meals that her son could easily cook at home. Here in San Francisco we have several companies that deliver packaged yet decent meal options - any such beast in Mesa?

Cowgirl Creamery Cheese

Bill Hunt — Thu, 19 Apr 2012 03:13:22 GMT

I order on-line. Hunt

Chickpea flour

johnseberg — Wed, 18 Apr 2012 02:53:45 GMT

I saw this product in the gluten free baking section at Whole Foods on Tatum and Shea. At only 2.99, it could be the cheapest thing in the store. http://www.bobsredmill.com/garbanzo-bean-flour.html?&cat=5

Chef Peter DeRuvo Leaves Cuoco Pazzo

starre — Tue, 17 Apr 2012 17:29:03 GMT

OK reporting back. We tried the duck and it was delish. Instead of the steak we had pork shank with heirloom beans. i didn't ask what kind of beans guess i was thinking a nice creamy cannellini turned out to be cici which was good but didn't have that creamy profile I was looking for. My bad for not asking. Probably would have enjoyed the steak more. We also had the crispy ribs for an app. That was good too. We enjoyed the bread with dipping oil and fresh herbs. All in all a nice dinner. We did not enjoy dessert. maybe we ordered the wrong thing. Brownie with pistachio gelato. The brownie was soso and the gelato was well really yech. It had a grainy texture and no real pistachio flavor. So while I would go back for the duck which to me was the star of the meal I would pass on the sweets BTW the service was outstanding sorry its been a few weeks and I don't remember his name but he had a shaved head and great bod. LOL my dh told me to ad the bod comment

Does anybody sell extra-rich milk?

hohokam — Mon, 16 Apr 2012 18:59:23 GMT

An answer qualified by some "maybe"s...Giant Coffee uses Strauss Creamery products in its machiattos, cappuccinos, and lattes, which means they *may be* using the homogenized version of the Straus cream-top whole milk, which they *may be* willing to sell to someone by the half gallon. I think this is probably the closest you'll be able to come to getting something like extra rich milk around here.

Anything good at the local casinos?

Bill Hunt — Mon, 16 Apr 2012 03:09:54 GMT

Thank you for doing the "heavy lifting." In very general terms, AZ "casino food," is rather... well, shall we say, "limited?" However, and greatly depending on the exact casino, there CAN be some good, to great food, like Kai, near Wild Horse Pass. Thank you, Hunt

Lunch options downtown near courthouse (jury duty)

johnseberg — Sun, 15 Apr 2012 19:44:54 GMT

Looks like the address for Chloe's Corner is: 50 W Jefferson St Ste 100, Phoenix, AZ

Vancouver foodies in Scottsdale for four days

Bill Hunt — Sat, 14 Apr 2012 02:54:13 GMT

Since no one seems to have mentioned it, I put in a rec. for T. Cooks at the Royal Palms, just up Camelback from where you are staying. It's upper-end, but well worth it. Another restaurant, and not that far from you is Lon's at the Hermosa. The menu has a bit of a Southwest flair, but is not Mexican. The patio, if the weather here is nice, would be lovely. Enjoy, and welcome to Arizona. Hunt

Nobua at Teeter House bizarre experience just now

mwest9 — Mon, 09 Apr 2012 18:22:22 GMT

I had bad service there, too, in Feb of this year. http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/746585 Something is very wrong in that establishment.

Fish/Seafood Stores in the Phoenix Area?

FishTales — Sun, 08 Apr 2012 18:02:33 GMT

We don't have a Costco card & Hobe's website doesn't say anything about seafood, but Bluewater Grill, now -that's- exactly what we're looking for. Thanks!

ISO recommendation in between Mesa & Goodyear

exit2lef — Fri, 06 Apr 2012 13:08:53 GMT

I can think of no better place for a group of knitters to meet than in a "dead zone." Actually, I don't really believe that but wanted to make the point that stereotyping Downtown is as unhelpful as stereotyping knitters. Lux is an interesting idea, although it's so crowded inside that it would be hard to have room for knitting. Hob Nobs, a coffee house with food and a liquor license, might do. It's situated just off I-10 at the northern edge of Downtown. I wouldn't put the food and drink at quite the same level as Lux, but it's less crowded and more sedate. Another idea near I-10 is the Downtown branch of Pita Jungle. The interior is mostly booths, but there's a very nice patio where you might be able to spread out, particularly on a weeknight.

JK - Need some mixology assistance

The Chowhound Team — Wed, 04 Apr 2012 18:17:56 GMT

We'll leave this here so JK Grence will see it, but we'd ask that he post the actual recipe on the Spirits board and then link to the new thread. Thanks!

Rice Paper?

Cookyman — Mon, 02 Apr 2012 23:37:06 GMT

Thanks everybody I finally found them in Fry's

Bulk spices

janeh — Mon, 02 Apr 2012 14:25:51 GMT

I get all of my spices at Mt. Hope in Cottonwood. The quality and selection is always good and they're nice to deal with. Their wholesale section is open Monday through Friday and I believe that you can mail order from their website. They are also the best source of dried chills that I've found north of Guadalajara!

Where are the Good Restaurants (Non-Chain) in Surprise, AZ ?

rightwingrick — Sun, 01 Apr 2012 16:58:23 GMT

Line Thai is much improved now. Went there in March, 2012. Sweet and Sour Shrimp very good. Some of the curry is very good. Some of the soups very good. Large menu, some hit and miss, but if you find a few favorites after exploration, they stay pretty consistent.

Salt (or even vinegar) packed anchovies in East Valley

Dmnkly — Sat, 31 Mar 2012 16:17:22 GMT

Not East Valley (so potentially not helpful at all), but Andreoli always has salt-packed. It's a big commitment (the tins are huge), but I know there are some guides online for cleaning and repacking them so they last a while.

Anniversary Dinner. NEED HELP!!!!

Beach Chick — Sat, 31 Mar 2012 15:21:29 GMT

After an outdoor concert in Scottsdale, we all went to Kaz bar (around 5pm) but it didn't open till 6pm.. Dang, this place looks fantastic with its decor and great wine list with small plates. Next time but thanks cactus!

Phoenix kolaches?

kittyfood — Sat, 31 Mar 2012 14:22:17 GMT

The kolache was originally a fruit-filled pastry, as you say. However, in certain parts of eastern Texas it has gone native and is commonly filled with sausages, jalapeno cheese, chorizo, and all manner of other Southwestern ingredients, as well as the more traditional sweet varieties. In other words, "Texas kolache" has a different meaning than the original "kolache."

Brunch Update from the Board

danieli10 — Sat, 31 Mar 2012 00:24:17 GMT

I am excited that Richardon's is back in play. For this time of year, thinking about something outside, unless I need a little sunglasses indoor feel that morning!

Italian Restaurant?

Dmnkly — Thu, 29 Mar 2012 00:22:49 GMT

La Fenice? That would've been rather nice, actually. 'Course, it could be argued that that's inviting all kinds of bad mojo. Keep the fire insurance paid.

Hof braus in Phoenix metro?

aynrandgirl — Mon, 26 Mar 2012 18:39:24 GMT

Think cafeteria style food service serving prime rib, roast beef, sausages of various kinds, mashed potatoes & gravy, etc, with a generally German twist.

Places in/near Avondale

exit2lef — Sun, 25 Mar 2012 22:52:12 GMT

All three places named are 20 miles or more from Avondale, and none is a place where I'd be inclined to bring a 7-month old. I don't know Avondale well, but I can't think of many destination restaurants in the southwestern quadrant of the Phoenix Metro Area. Perhaps there are some neighborhood gems, though. If no one offers any advice here, I'd suggest using other dining sites that are better suited to geographically based searching.

Gift certificate for new college grad

johnseberg — Sat, 24 Mar 2012 06:36:15 GMT

I figured. That's why I mentioned Green, which just happens to have a 7th St location. They have gift cards that can be purchased in any amount. You probably can't go wrong with Pita Jungle, either. They have a big menu and many locations including downtown Phoenix and in Tempe on the light rail. A couple of other options are Loving Hut and Persian Garden. http://www.pitajungle.com (website issues, at the moment) http://lovinghut.us http://www.persiangardencafe.com

kid friendly

avandelay — Fri, 23 Mar 2012 20:55:09 GMT

At Chelesa's Kitchen kids eat free before 6 and so its typically packed with families around that time. Pretty straight forward American food nothing to blow you away but consistently quite good. Kids also eat free at St. Francis but I'm not sure how many familities take advantage. Another great lunch place with kids is The Farm at South Mountain. Its a working pecan grove and farm with picnic tables scattered about. Lots of room for them to run. It is probably my kids favorite place in Phoenix.