660727 Mon Oct 19 11:50:49 -0700 2009 4 6 Southwest 0 5114745 Some family members are flying in from Southern CA and staying just overnight before continuing on their vacation. Their plane doesn't land until 6:30pm, so I'd like to take them to a great non-fussy restaurant for dinner and to catch up. Since they're staying around Central/Camelback, I was thinking about Ticoz Resto-Bar, but have never been there. Thoughts from those who have been there? Mon Oct 19 11:50:49 -0700 2009 1090109 AllPhoenix 1 5114811 I think I understand why some people like Ticoz, but frankly, it just doesn't do it for me. I've been disappointed by the food, the drinks, and, at times, the service. Too many of the food items seem to have come out of a can or a bag in the freezer. Great place for people who value style over substance, IMO. For good unfussy food in that area, I'd go with Padre's (Southwestern/ Mexican) or Lola (Spanish/North African tapas). The noise level at Lola can often be a challenge, so I'd recommend grabbing seats outside if you can. If you're willing to venture a little farther, I'd add Sierra Bonita Grille (Southwestern/Mexican) and The Parlor (Italian/Pizza/Pasta) to the list. Edit: ...and depending on how you define unfussy, Hana (Japanese) could be a good option to consider. Hana is BYOB, so if you want to have drinks with your dinner there, you will want to add a trip to the beer and wine shop to your plan. Place link to follow... Mon Oct 19 12:13:21 -0700 2009 5114745 86822 hohokam 2 5114834 Hana place link... Mon Oct 19 12:20:05 -0700 2009 5114811 86822 hohokam 3 5114880 In that event, I don't think Ticoz is a good fit for this particular dinner. Thanks for the input. Padre's menu looks very good, but is it noisy on a weekday evening? Mon Oct 19 12:36:40 -0700 2009 5114834 1090109 AllPhoenix 4 5114966 I'm not making any guarantees, but I've never had a problem with the noise level at Padre's. The space is divided up between a large room with a bar and high-top tables and a smaller dining room. I think Padre's might also have a small outdoor dining area off of the west side of the smaller dining room, but I can't remember for sure. Mon Oct 19 13:02:22 -0700 2009 5114880 86822 hohokam