tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-308197062024-03-13T13:16:15.705-07:00Credibly Edible - The Self Proclaimed Restaurant CriticI am a self proclaimed restaurant critic. After spending thousands of dollars at area restaurants (in the past 7 years as a Phoenician), and getting frustrated by "Commercial" Reviews, I decided I would start talking about my experiences. I will however be blatantly honest. I am not affiliated or compensated by an restaurant so the reviews are a good indication of what the restaurant is really about.CrediblyEdiblehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17198891685888712166noreply@blogger.comBlogger36125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30819706.post-1586983284368569752009-12-06T23:16:00.000-07:002009-12-06T23:16:30.030-07:00Foodies Like Us<a href="http://www.foodieslikeus.com/phoenix_restaurants">Foodies Like Us</a><div><br /></div><div>This sounds like tons of fun! I'm guessing it's not going to be South Beach diet friendly - but...alas...</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30819706.post-86135133216187787582009-09-20T21:23:00.003-07:002009-09-20T21:39:00.929-07:00Worst Italian Food Ever<span class="Apple-style-span" style=" border-collapse: collapse; -webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family:arial, sans-serif;font-size:small;"><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-size:medium;"><a href="http://www.avanti-az.com/" class="l" onmousedown="return clk(this.href,'','','res','1','')" title="Avanti Restaurant of Distinction" style="color: rgb(85, 26, 139); "><em style="font-weight: bold; font-style: normal; ">Avanti</em> Restaurant of Distinction</a></span></div>2728 E. Thomas Rd.<br />Phoenix, AZ 85016<br />(602) 956-090</span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; -webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px;font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; -webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px;font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; -webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px;font-size:small;">Let's not waste any time here. NEVER eat this food. NEVER even think about going to this place. This was honestly one of the worst meals I've ever eaten in my entire life. </span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; -webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px;font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; -webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px;font-size:small;">From the moment I drove down E. Thomas Rd. I knew there was a problem. This neighborhood is not very inviting to begin with. To see the catering van on the side of the building was another bad sign. The decor inside made of mirrorred walls and ceilings, neon lights, extremely old dinnerware, I just wanted to leave before it even started. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; -webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">W</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">h</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">y</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">d</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">i</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">d</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">I</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">d</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">o</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">i</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">t</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">t</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">o</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">m</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">y</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">s</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">e</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">l</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">f</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">?</span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; -webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px;font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; -webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px;font-size:small;">The first assault on my stomach were stuffed shrimp with crab, scallops, and spinach. Quite honestly, I could have thrown up. There was way too much bread crumb used to hold it together. It tasted as if it were prepared well in advance, refrigerated, then undercooked prior to arriving on my plate. No seasoning at all. Just disgusting. </span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; -webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px;font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; -webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px;font-size:small;">Next was the orecchiete with rapini and sausage. There was more broccoli than anything else on the plate. Pasta was actually done in three different ways on the same plate. Undercooked, just right, and overcooked. Tell tale sign of an italian kitchen that could care less. The sausage was sliced from links without removing the lining so I was able to make futile efforts to chew my food completely. There was hardly any pasta on the plate and not so fresh parmesan sprinkled on top. Honestly, this was a disrespect to italy. </span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; -webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px;font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; -webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px;font-size:small;">Stick to the house favorites they say. Well, the meat lasagna tasted like it was made with sour milk. There was a very tart, not so pleasant after taste which really made it difficult to stomach. Just don't eat this at all. </span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; -webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px;font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; -webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px;font-size:small;">Service is acceptable. But I gotta say, the italian accents seemed a bit fake. I wouldn't be surprised to know there was just a large freezer of microwavable italian meals, a few cookbooks, and italian rosetta stone cd's in the kitchen. </span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; -webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px;font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; -webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px;font-size:small;">THIS FOOD WAS DISGUSTING, DECOR HIDEOUS, AND I WAS FRANKLY EMBARRASSED TO EVEN BE THERE. The four senior citizens sitting next to us were the only other customers. While discussing their medical conditions for all else to hear, all I could think of is why did this have to happen to me.</span></span></div>Dr. Foie Grashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13371733659335404048noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30819706.post-91715376898344134152009-09-12T08:04:00.006-07:002009-10-06T21:20:56.448-07:00At Last, A Great Piece of Meat...Fleming's<br />Pime Steakhouse & Wine Bar<br />9712 West Northern Avenue<br />Peoria, AZ 85345<br /><a href="http://www.flemingssteakhouse.com/locations/az/peoria/">http://www.flemingssteakhouse.com/locations/az/peoria/</a><br /><br />Long work week, too many quick snacks taking the place of a real meal, it's time for 'meat and potatoes'. I'm typically not a huge of fan of large steakhouse chains (ie, Morton's, Ruth's Chris). I find consistency to be the achilles heal for most of these places. It's not as if the prices are forgiving either, so my expectations for a good meal are never compromised. Now, I'm a definite supporter of any steak coming off the grill at Maestro's, but this night it was just a little too far to travel. In comes Fleming's Steakhouse.<br /><br />I've been to their Boston location on previous occasions and have always come away satisfied with their meal. This night I opted for the special of the day appetizer, a seafood chowder advertised as having a large amount of shrimp and lobster. AVERAGE. Just your typical chowder with heavy cream, small pieces of minced seafood and a few bacon bits. Second, crab cakes with lime butter sauce. AVERAGE. I've never had a great crab cake. They are always under seasoned, filled with bread crumbs to increase size, and too greasy. This was not too much different. Greasy seafood by definition is never good. This is where Fleming's succeeded where Deseo failed (see last post). Next was the double thick Australian Lamb Chops with a champagne mint sauce and mint jelly. Cooked to perfection (medium rare), very well seasoned with a nice carmelization around the edges. Forget about the mint sauces, why mask the meat. Just a great piece of meat all around. I also sampled the bone-in ribeye (my personal favorite piece of meat) and this was also fantastic. Of course there were your typical steakhouse sides, an asparagus, potato gratin, french fries, onion rings.........yaaaawwnnn...who cares.<br /><br />When ordering from chain steakhouses, its very simple. Minimize your bread, appetizer, and side dish intake. Focus on the meat, this is what they do best and it's worth your while. Ok, maybe add a few cocktails in there as well. Why get full on sides then throw away half of your $50 piece of meat.<br /><br />If you want a very respectable piece of meat...go to Fleming's and stay focused, you won't be dissapointed.Dr. Foie Grashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13371733659335404048noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30819706.post-5946921857792431702009-09-06T09:48:00.007-07:002009-09-07T16:19:16.260-07:00For a second they had me...<b>Deseo</b><br />6902 East Greenway Parkway<br />Scottsdale, AZ 85254<br />Ph: (480) 624-1030<div><b><a href="http://www.kierlandresort.com/golf_spa/deseo_main/index.html">Website</a></b><br /><br />Still in search of the ultimate dining EXPERIENCE.....<br /><br />I figured, what a great time to try and add a little flare to my saturday night in AZ. After several long moments of internet searches, I was drawn to DESEO, a latin restaurant in the Kierland Commons area.<br /><br />Your dining EXPERIENCE starts from the moment you drive up. PROBLEM. Their location at the West Kierland Resort was like parking at a baseball stadium in general parking, then walking to your position in center field. Just one huge parking lot, too weary to find valet, and no spots except for on the outer edges. Very long walk, finally to the hotel, we find the restaurant.<br /><br />The restaurant title is spanish for 'I desire', supposedly known for a latin themed cuisine, this just looks like a glorified Applebee's tucked away in the Holiday Inn to me. We were promptly seated at the ceviche bar. Meal time finally.<br /><br />On the house, 'millionaire tacos' with raw ahi, greens, red onion and jalapeno, yuca taco, very delicious. It's clear already that if they don't cook it, you may be very pleased. Feeling good at this point despite lackluster decor. Next was a trio of ceviche including hamachi with yuzu and sweet soy...simply delicious. Lobster ceviche that the chef presented and pointed to as calamari by mistake...also pretty good. Last was an ahi tuna with creamed coconut...average. Flavors were just a bit muddled. Next was a foie gras and fig empanada. The foie gras was sliced way too thin and just put on top after being cooked too long. No longer with a lush, creamy but firm texture, this foie gras was shriveled to hell. Too small to taste much and overpowered by the fig as well. Entrees included rack of lamb (requested medium rare) with jalapeno-honey and mint mojo. First it was completely overcooked. Basically it was well done. Sauce had very little flavor. This was just downright bad. A disprespect to the lamb and the customer. Also a chilean sea bass....again extremely overcooked. Seared for way too long, edges were hard and chewy. Fish had no flavor. Huge dissapointment considering both of these are very forgiving items to cook and aren't that difficult. You would figure that with chef/owner in town, the chefs would step up. WRONG! The owner Douglas Rodriguez did give us a free course of a stone bowl rice with chorizo, lump crab, and a fried egg on top...Actually very tasty and one of the highlights. Despite knowing I would be dissapointed, we ordered the spanish style creme brulee for desert. HORRIBLE. Cold brulee with no flavor. Texture completely wrong. Berries with red wine for sauce disqusting. Why did I bother?<br /><br />All in all, would avoid all cooked items in this place including deserts. Overpriced for the quality of food. Decor puts you to sleep. Service is almost embarassing. Food just dropped off without explanation of the ingredients or cooking techniques. We were charged for bottled water that we never asked for. Definitely stop by for the ceviche bar only for a snack. Find valet service if at all possible.<br /><br />This place did not get me any closer to a true dining EXPERIENCE...<div><br /></div><div><b>NOTE: This post is by a guest blogger on Credibly Edible.com.</b></div><div>Want to be a guest blogger? Had a an amazingly good or amazingly bad experience.</div><div>Email me at webappguru@gmail.com with your article and it may get posted and you will be giving credit for the the post.</div></div>Dr. Foie Grashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13371733659335404048noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30819706.post-433886048990299132009-09-02T23:46:00.006-07:002009-09-06T09:46:56.749-07:00Bobby's, A Mancuso NightmareBobby's, A Mancuso Restaurant<br />7122 E. Greenway Parkway, Kierland Commons<br />Scottsdale, Arizona<br />http://www.mancusosrestaurant.com/bobbys/bobbyscontact.htm<br /><br />First things first, I'm tough but I'm fair. Why debate varying degrees of mediocrity? Why give any restaurant a second chance once they've already shown something less than exquisite is acceptable. Something decent here and there is just not good enough. My goal is to find the ultimate dining EXPERIENCE. A true dining experience not only takes into account all the basic principles creating flavor profiles and texture combinations to create a good meal, but also the subtle caveats that can transform just a good plate of food into a thought provoking and cultural experience. This does not require summer truffle shavings over the perfectly cooked foie gras ravioli.......or gently sauteed morels decorating a course of finely sliced japanese...but that is a damn good start. Your EXPERIENCE starts with the restaurant location, then the ambience once you enter the front door, the hopefully well executed front room host, then finally the meal. Let's just say Bobby and I didn't get past first base.<br /><br />Ok..ok,..the Kierland Commons area is a young, vibrant sector of town that is very inviting for the food seekers like myself. There seems to be a 'so fresh, so clean' aura to the area and I dig it. But what top flight restaurant can you walk into, slowly wander through the front entrance walkway, past three waiters and hostess, climb the stairs to the upstairs dining area and bar, then wait another five minutes without getting so much as a 'welcome'. I honestly didn't know if this place was open to patrons or not. It turns out this was happy hour! Sure, it was sunday at 5pm, but at least fake it a bit. The bartender who looked like a fresh graduate from ASU finally arrived and I knew it was going to be a financial loss. I just had that dreaded feeling of know I was about to make a bad financial decision and buy something to eat there. Before I could wrap my mind around the menu which was entirely too long (always a bad sign!), the waitress spilled a bucket of bleach in the bar and it quickly became an official chemical spill site that should have resulted in my following the evacuation orders my conscience was screaming in my head. But no...I forged ahead with reckless abandon.<br /><br />In my opinion, a tasting menu is always the choice if offered. The alternative is to order as many starters as possible and several entrees for the table if you can. No such tasting menu in this place, just several lists of your typical italian fare without any twists at all. The greatest of italian food relies on very few ingredients and perfect execution to harmonize the flavors. I figured a simple butternut squash ravioli and homemade lasagna would be a safe option considering what I've already been through. WRONG!<br /><br />No need to pull punches here. Probably the most disgusting, dried up, salt ridden, flavorless lasagna I've ever eaten. This made Stouffer's lasagna seem like something straight out of Mario Batali's kitchen oven itself. Calling the poison hotline for further guidance would not have been unreasonable. Even the edges of the lasagna was burnt, and not in a way that made the overheated cheese taste good cut from the edge. It just tasted burnt and salty. The butternut squash was hardly a step up. How many times can you order ravioli in a restaurant and you are always left wondering why is there never more filling in the ravioli? It should be much easier than it seems to stuff ravioli full of great ingredients and let them explode in your mouth. Instead, you might as well just brushed a little flavorless squash over some pasta and thrown it in a bowl.<br /><br />This place clearly does not deserve my business ever again. Could I potentially go there for drinks, on a night where more than myself and two others are projected to be in the building....ok, I will give it that. But don't drink too much, you may get the munchies and make the same financial mistake I did and order their salt packets they call lasagna and butternut squash.<br /><br />I am hot on the trail for a truly great meal, a true dining EXPERIENCE. Stay posted!Dr. Foie Grashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13371733659335404048noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30819706.post-3725768429951945822009-07-26T00:45:00.002-07:002009-07-26T00:59:33.340-07:00Ole' Tapas Bar, Studio City, CAOle' Tapas Bar<br />Tel: (818) 986 3190 / Fax: (818) 986 3353<br />13251 Ventura BlvdStudio City, CA 91604<br />website: <a href="http://www.oletapasbar.com/">www.oletapasbar.com</a><br /><br />This place is really one of the better Tapas restaurants I have been to. The food was great....<br />we ordered:<br /><br />Coconut Shrimp with Avacodo Dip<br />Skirt Steak in Anchovy Sauce<br />Garlic Shrimp<br />Calamari in Garlic Sauce<br />Chicken in Pomegranete Sauce<br />Ceviche<br />Salad with Goat Cheese<br /><br />You have a get the coconut shrimp app... an awesome dish, Garlic Shrimp is another fabulous one. If you like ceviche, this was a little more like a tartare because it is served with a lot of avacado but very delicious. The chicken, the salad and the Skirt Steak... not bad but nothing to write home about... Service was fine... we werent harrassed but she was around when we needed her. The sangria is a MUST wether you like White or Red.<br /><br />The decor is nice spanish decor... the hostess was great and super friendly. It gets busy on saturday nights so make reservations. If you want live Flamenco music, go on Tuesdays.CrediblyEdiblehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17198891685888712166noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30819706.post-60831490380945078422009-03-21T00:24:00.006-07:002009-07-26T01:04:00.044-07:00Indus Village Restaurant, Chandler, AZ<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_iRttJFn7qhQ/ScSYdnZAEcI/AAAAAAAAAEg/1utQzCP52S0/s1600-h/IMG_0229.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5315541094761501122" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: pointer; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_iRttJFn7qhQ/ScSYdnZAEcI/AAAAAAAAAEg/1utQzCP52S0/s320/IMG_0229.jpg" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_iRttJFn7qhQ/ScSYUo7_hVI/AAAAAAAAAEY/z2ISXqvRVG8/s1600-h/IMG_0228.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5315540940557878610" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: pointer; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_iRttJFn7qhQ/ScSYUo7_hVI/AAAAAAAAAEY/z2ISXqvRVG8/s320/IMG_0228.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />Finally!!! An indo-pak restaurant (actually more paki and indo) is in the Valley.... Chandler now welcomes the new Indus Village restaurant.<br /><br />My All Time Favorite dish (have been there twice) is the Kunna Gosht... Its the most tender meat in a very spicy sauce full of the most amazing flavors... defintely got to try it. The seekh kabobs are fabulous, especially if you like a Karachi kabab place called "Tusso's" (apparently: I have never been their)<br /><br />This place definitely hit the nail on the head with its royal decor.... chairs must have been flown in from Pakistan as they are beautiful.... and look handcrafted.<br /><br />Prices are reasonable but not dhabba priced (a dhabba is basically the equivalent of the authentic mexican hole in the wall place but for pakistani food... only meant for those that want the real stuff - no gringo food at these places. Dhabbas are also very reasonably priced.)<br /><br />The service is... well... not 100% up with all the items on the menu sometimes and dont necessarily follow Amy Vanderbilt's Complete Book of Etiquette for Servers but you know its service with a smile and you know they are trying. Even if the server doesnt have all the experience but if they are really trying to do a good job, I encourage them.<br /><br />They have live entertainment every Fri and Sat Nights.... this guy tonight was pretty good. He was doing Ghazals from the 70's 80's and 90's....CrediblyEdiblehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17198891685888712166noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30819706.post-85851239464136050182008-11-13T07:40:00.000-07:002008-11-13T07:42:42.017-07:00My Restaurant ReviewsI have had some comments from bloggers that they dont think I should reveal that I am a food critic. I DONT!!!! The only 1 exception was after the fact when I was getting no response from the restaurant or management. It was the following day when I contacted the corporate headquarters for the restuarant.<br /><br />A few times I have told management about my reviews after I have eaten and paid. I will do this sometimes when I have been thoroughly impressed by a restaurant.CrediblyEdiblehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17198891685888712166noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30819706.post-43265595114060210502008-11-13T07:33:00.000-07:002008-11-13T07:34:14.095-07:00HandiStill waiting on a phone.... I guess they are having problems with their phone lines so there is no contact # for the, yet.CrediblyEdiblehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17198891685888712166noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30819706.post-29713495862766461322008-11-10T23:43:00.000-07:002008-11-10T23:45:22.514-07:00New Pakistani Restaurant Hits North Phoenix: Handi Pakistani RestauantThis one is called Handi Pakistani Restaurant on Greenway just east of CaveCreek.<br />As soon as I have an address and a phone number I will post the full reviewCrediblyEdiblehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17198891685888712166noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30819706.post-46508181078157982262008-10-22T22:20:00.000-07:002008-10-22T23:11:11.309-07:00Go to Kabuki in Westgate and Go to Bed Hungry....Kabuki Japanese Restaurant<br />6770 N Sunrise Blvd<br />Glendale, AZ 85305<br />(623) 772-9832<br />Corporate Website: <a href="http://www.kabukirestaurants.com/">http://www.kabukirestaurants.com/</a><br /><br />WOW! That is all I can say. I have been to hundreds of restaurants. Service can vary from place to place and but NEVER in the history of my eating (15-20 years) have I ever been refused a return when food is not up to par.<br /><br /><br /><br />So we decided to try Kabuki in Westgate for the 1st time. I am always looking for good Sushi in the West Valley and there are a few decent places but nothing compares to Stingray Sushi in Scottsdale, AZ.<br /><br /><br /><br />The hostess was the best part of the experience. She was courteous and smiling and actually was the most helpful to us in the end. Our sever was a nice friendly guy and overall I didnt have any problem with the service. I would have hoped he would have gone to bat for us a little more or even fluffed his Manager's response to not ruin our meal, but he was young and terribly honest.<br /><br /><br />We ordered a Fried Calamari appetizer and another dish with Tuna that I cant remember along with 3 rolls. The problem was that when the Calamari Appetizer came I was hit with a wiff of Fish!!!! It was very hard (over cooked). I tried a few pieces. I didnt really care for their version of a dipping sauce.<br /><br />So as I do in any other restaurant, I told the waiter to take it back, and I would gladly order something else. He came back and said: "All I could do was get you 50% off because my manager tasted it, and he didnt think it tasted bad..."<br /><br />WHOAAA!!!!<br /><br />1) I was a restaurant manager for 5+ years and I have never eaten the food of a plate that came back from the dining room. I actually had a long talk one time with a bus boy who I caught doing that. I actually bought him dinner out of my pocket I felt so bad for him. I doubt the manager was hungry.....<br /><br />2) Does it really matter what the manager thinks of the food, its what the customer believes.<br />I also NEVER returned food without going to the table and personally finding out whats wrong, show compassion for their unhappiness, and make them feel like we cared.<br /><br />So after the waiter brought the dinner, by that time we started losing apetite. I finally told the waiter that I would like to see the manager. He comes to the table and the 1st words out of his mouth was :"Whats the problem here.... " with an attitude of disgust (like I would rather be sitting on a cactus then be here right now).<br /><br />This type of service from a restaurant manager is completely un-accpetable. We ate maybe 25-50% of the food and paid full price for almost all of it. They did remove the Calamari but it really didnt matter... the damage was done.<br /><br />I have been able to send back Lobster at Red Lobster. In this case it was an $8.95 calamari appetizer and I was actually going to buy something else.<br /><br />This brings me to my question of the day.... Has the West Valley area around Westgate lost the customer focus due to the heavy tourist traffic.... Has anyone else had bad service here on in the Westgate restaurants... I would love to hear your comments.... post away!!!CrediblyEdiblehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17198891685888712166noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30819706.post-82431839798708619042008-08-24T21:20:00.001-07:002008-08-24T21:50:27.142-07:00Saddle Ranch Chop House, Scottsdale, AZ, Best "Meat"Saddle Ranch Chop House<br />4321 North Scottsdale Rd.Scottsdale, AZ 85251<br /><strong>Phone:</strong> 480.429.2263<br /><strong>Fax:</strong>480.874.4855<br />Website: <a href="http://www.srrestaurants.com/">http://www.srrestaurants.com/</a><br /><br />Ladies: forgive me for the reference here but Saddle Ranch Chop House has some of the best meat in town, but not the edible kind. I am not referring to the prime aged beef that you would get in a Scottsdale chop house, but rather the 2 legged kind. I would best describe this place as Hooters meets Sports Bar meets "I call myself a steak house but I wouldnt know good steak if it hit me in the ^&*"<br /><br />The table we got was next to the bar and I could see all the bar patrons scouting "meat". It was right next to a circular bull pen which contains an electric bull that patrons can ride as the rest of the bar cheers them on. There at 72" flat screen TV's all over to watch a multitude of sporting events.<br /><br />By having Chop House in the name, I imagined a country western ambience but still high quality steaks. I would rate the steak quality to that of Sizzler, Golden Corral, Red Lobster, or Olive Garden. So it would be below Outback but not quite as bad as Denny's or IHOP.<br /><br />The service was what you would expect from a TGI Fridays/Hooters. The waitress did a good job in that sense so I wont talk bad about the service. A few issues I faced<br /><ol><li>I Ordered a 12 oz steak Medium and got a Medium Well 8 oz steak</li><li>My wife order an 8 oz Medium steak that was just shy of well done.</li><li>Baked potato instructions were very simple yet still messed up</li></ol><p>The manager did touch our table, when he realized that it wasnt up to par for us. Any self respecting manager would either re-cook the steak, or at least not charge for it. He made it very clear (trying to be slick the way he said it, but I am a foody and saw right through it) that for our poor meal experience he would offer us a dessert. When we explained that for health reasons we cant have desserts (diabetes), he said he would bring it to the table and we could choose to eat it or not. His choice was a 3 foot tall mound of cotton candy. I ended up passing it over to the bar next to me and told them to pass it around. I sure as hell wasnt going to eat straight glucose. He was basically pretending to care by offering a gesture. </p><p>So lets see.... I paid $29 for a steak that sucked and his way to appease me is to give me whipped sugar (for an insulin dependent diabetic) which cost him ($.50) as opposed to an $8.00 loss... my final bill was $72 and I left without really being satisfied. Even if he actually felt bad for us having a poor meal, I might not have even wanted it off the bill. The offensive part was that he thought he could appease me with a 50 cent dessert. </p><p>To put this all in perspective. I guess for some people that like places like sports bars, and want that Hooters environment and kind of miss their life in Nashville, this would be sophisticated steak that they would enjoy. I have been to steak houses accross the country but I have never rated on this low. </p><p>Pro's<br />Hot Chicks<br />Big TV's<br />Free drinks while you wait for a table (supposedly)<br /></p><p>Con's<br />Reminds me of Hooters<br />Their steak is not worth it<br />Toooooo Expensive for Hooters.</p><p> </p>CrediblyEdiblehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17198891685888712166noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30819706.post-73251161696560900772008-07-21T18:00:00.000-07:002008-07-21T18:16:04.918-07:00Bravi Tuscan Kitchen: Has this gem lost its luster???Bravi Tuscan Kitchen<br />5940 West Union Hills Drive<br />Glendale, AZ 85308<br />(602) 588-3000<br /><a onclick="externalLinks(this);" href="http://www.bravionline.com/">http://www.bravionline.com/</a><br /><br />This used to be one of the best Tuscan style Pizza places in Phoenix. I would drive up from Goodyear to 59th Ave & Union Hills whenever I had an excuse to.<br />The bruschetta was spectacular and the Pizza was like none other I had before.<br />Then I guess the owner decided to expand.....<br /><br />We got really excited that he opened on up on Northern Ave & 101 much closer to us.<br />We got in the 1st week they were open and the pizza was burnt, and the cookies were stale. The bruschetta was ok, but wasnt quite like we expected.<br /><br />Yesterday I said, I would avoid the Northern location and head out to the original one on 59th ave. WOW! The pizza has fallen to the quality of mall pizza but still above frozen grocery pizza. The cheese appears to have been changed from 3 cheese to what seems to be cheap mozzarella. They over cheesed it so you couldnt really taste the tomato sauce. The pizza was so big it wouldnt fit on the plate so it sort of hung off the plate and grease was dripping on to the table.<br />The dough was so thin, that many times, if you try to break off a slice of pizza, it would tear from the weight of the cheese and the excessive grease. Even the bruschetta bread wasnt toasted properly so at the end of the meal, it was mushy bread with the tomatoes. it used to be able to withstand a full lunch and still be crunchy and yet soft.<br /><br />I guess that is what happens when you expand too quickly and forget your original customer base. I wish the owner all the best. Is it possible that both these incidents are isolated..... perhaps. But perception is reality and right now this beautiful pizzeria has been demoted to mall food.<br /><br />Anyone have similiar or different experiences recently????CrediblyEdiblehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17198891685888712166noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30819706.post-87685190838796093422008-07-20T00:18:00.001-07:002008-12-10T18:17:32.983-07:00Marcellino's Italian Cuisine: Our #1 Pick for the Finest Italian Cuisine outside of Italy<div><a href="http://www.marcellinoristorante.com/">http://www.marcellinoristorante.com/</a><br />1301 E Northern Ave<br />Phoenix, AZ 85020<br />(602) 216-0004<br /><a href="http://maps.google.com/maps?sourceid=navclient&ie=UTF-8&rls=HPIB,HPIB:2006-35,HPIB:en&um=1&cid=0,0,14086877957274616025&fb=1&dq=MARCELLINO+RISTorante+loc:+Phoenix,+AZ&daddr=1301+E+Northern+Ave,+Phoenix,+AZ+85020&geocode=12505266654426313497,33.553131,-112.054407&ll=33.553131,-112.054407&iwstate1=dir:to&iwloc=A&f=d&sa=X&oi=local_result&resnum=1&ct=directions-to">Get directions</a><br /><br />WOW! Hands down this has to be one of the most incredible Italian experiences I have had since my last trip to Rome.<br /><br />To start with I got to meet the Owners: Sima and Marcellino Verzino. It really shows that they just love Italian food and love to entertain. I basically felt I was in their personal home. <a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_iRttJFn7qhQ/SILu2ncHX2I/AAAAAAAAADI/Y8jKT3DQIoU/s1600-h/Cook.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5225001139770449762" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_iRttJFn7qhQ/SILu2ncHX2I/AAAAAAAAADI/Y8jKT3DQIoU/s200/Cook.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Decor is nice and elegant without being too over the top. This is the only Italian Restaurant to date that I have experienced that is using the team approach of 2 servers per table. Service is International Level!<br /><br />The food: All his food is fresh and homemade. I tried his one of 7 dinner specials which was a filet filled tortellini, and my wife's was a porcini fettucine in a white truffle oil and lobster. No food compares to Chef Marcellino.<br /><br />Appetizer Prices run from $9.99 and up.<br />Dinners can range from $19.95 - $39.95 with some specials exceeding $50.<br />Desserts are in the $9.95 range.<br /><br />Whats not good: This is hard. I guess this place only had 1 item so far that I didnt like as much. The beef carpaccio seemed a little too thick by a few millimeters. It could be broken with a fork, but with more work, and the knife was recommended. I am used to carpaccio that I could break with anything -- super paper thin.<br /><br />Pros:<br />Incredible Service<br />Great Food<br />An Italian Experience<br /><br />Cons:<br />Price - although well worth every penny.<br /><br />I am making this my special ocassion place. Although expensive in cost, it is all worth it. Oh an ask them for their homemade Lemoncello before you leave (as long as you have a designated driver). If you dont know what Lemoncello is..... google it :)</div>CrediblyEdiblehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17198891685888712166noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30819706.post-48861641060827651682008-07-17T19:15:00.000-07:002008-07-17T19:16:08.404-07:00Restaurant Owner Goes above and beyond....This is an article I found in the Arizona Republic.... I think this will be my next review:<br /><br /><a href="http://www.azcentral.com/community/phoenix/articles/2008/07/17/20080717phx-restaurant0718.html">http://www.azcentral.com/community/phoenix/articles/2008/07/17/20080717phx-restaurant0718.html</a>CrediblyEdiblehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17198891685888712166noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30819706.post-71537628071027120992008-06-27T21:38:00.000-07:002008-06-28T18:49:18.238-07:00Thai Elephant, Phoenix, AZThai Elephant<br />20 W. Adams St.<br />(NE corner of 1st Ave. and Adams St.)<br />Phoenix, AZ 85003<br />602-252-3873<br /><br /><strong>Pros: </strong>Healthy and Delicious<br />Tasty<br />Decent Priced<br /><br /><strong>Cons:</strong> Downtown Phoenix Parking<br /><br />This was definitely an interesting thai experience for me. They are located in Downtown next to the US Bank Building and across the street from Ernst & Young. Most thai restaurants are heavy on sauce and rice. This place only served with a small bowl of rice. The entrees are not as saucy as most thai dishes, even the curries. But the flavor is nice and the food is super fresh. They have added a lot of veggies to their foods that make this even more satistfying because it doesnt make you feel super full. Most Entrees run between $10 and $15, which is about standard for thai food.<br /><br />Here's the real surprise. This is the first Thai restaurant that actually offers proper service. She checked back with us, corrected any issues, and always said "Please" and "Thank You".<br />It was service with a smile.... No this is not a TYPO... its real. There is finally a thai restaurant in AZ that offers customer service with their meal.<br /><br />When I was their, they had a couple come in right before closing. When they were asked if they want Take Out or Dine in, they said they would get Take Out because of how late it was. The server offered to stay late and told them they were welcome.... WOW! That doesnt happen often. I have been to many that say, sure i can place an order this late but you must do it TO GO!.<br /><br />This will definitely be a good night spot for me when I have to go to Phoenix Suns games.<br />Try them out, and I would love to hear your feedback!CrediblyEdiblehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17198891685888712166noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30819706.post-65922355978888229122008-06-19T00:01:00.000-07:002008-12-10T18:17:33.939-07:00Marrakech Morrocan Experience! Las Vegas, NV<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_iRttJFn7qhQ/SFoFag54xrI/AAAAAAAAACg/WEJKStaBCBc/s1600-h/P6150203.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5213485471702238898" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_iRttJFn7qhQ/SFoFag54xrI/AAAAAAAAACg/WEJKStaBCBc/s200/P6150203.JPG" border="0" /></a> <div><div><div><div><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_iRttJFn7qhQ/SFoFP9rc2_I/AAAAAAAAACY/5Kbtlla0MVo/s1600-h/P6150202.JPG"><strong><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5213485290447756274" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_iRttJFn7qhQ/SFoFP9rc2_I/AAAAAAAAACY/5Kbtlla0MVo/s200/P6150202.JPG" border="0" /></strong></a><a href="http://www.marrakech-lv.com/"><strong>http://www.marrakech-lv.com/</strong></a><strong><br /></strong>3900 Paradise Rd<br />Las Vegas, NV 89169<br />(702) 737-5611<br /><br /></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><div>Editors Note: <em>Website not working at time of publishing</em> </div><div><br /> </div><div><strong>*** Some people have indicated that they are offended by Belly Dancing</strong>... um ok. Everyone for themselves, if you are then please miss out on this "experience". For the rest of us, who can appreciate the Arts, see the pics below:<br /></div><div>This gem found of the Las Vegas strip on Paradise Rd is quite an experience. They take you back to the true Moroccan dining adventure (or so it appears. I have never been).</div><div><br /><strong>It is a 6 course PriceFixe menu at $39.99 per person.</strong></div><br /><div>Although thats a little pricey but its great for romantic dinners or just someone wanting a break from buffet food. Courses may change, but this is what we had</div><div></div><br /><div>Course 1: Shrimp Scampi with Bread</div><div>Course 2: Veggies Grilled with Hummus</div><div>Course 3: Lentil Soup</div><div>Course 4: Filet Mignon Kababs</div><div>Course 5: Grilled Cornish Hen with CousCous</div><div>Course 6: Apple Pastry with Cinnamon & Powdered Sugar</div><br /><div></div><div>All I can say is that the service was worth every penny. The service was that of any 5 star restaurant. You have to be very open minded for this one because you are sitting on the ground and most of your meal is eaten with the hands. They will explain when you get there. I dont want to spoil the fun.</div><br /><div></div><div>Belly Dancing Live: I missed one of them, my camera was acting up, but here is what it is like:</div><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_iRttJFn7qhQ/SFoG7u6R1YI/AAAAAAAAACo/UaZHW2nhGVs/s1600-h/P6150211.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5213487141909288322" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_iRttJFn7qhQ/SFoG7u6R1YI/AAAAAAAAACo/UaZHW2nhGVs/s200/P6150211.JPG" border="0" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_iRttJFn7qhQ/SFoHqdSIxCI/AAAAAAAAADA/zsDzH0ORbRc/s1600-h/P6150209.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5213487944631370786" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_iRttJFn7qhQ/SFoHqdSIxCI/AAAAAAAAADA/zsDzH0ORbRc/s200/P6150209.JPG" border="0" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_iRttJFn7qhQ/SFoHcPGB7oI/AAAAAAAAAC4/HyZTXV_HWTI/s1600-h/P6150209.JPG"></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_iRttJFn7qhQ/SFoHcPGB7oI/AAAAAAAAAC4/HyZTXV_HWTI/s1600-h/P6150209.JPG"></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_iRttJFn7qhQ/SFoHcPGB7oI/AAAAAAAAAC4/HyZTXV_HWTI/s1600-h/P6150209.JPG"></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_iRttJFn7qhQ/SFoHJkbXTxI/AAAAAAAAACw/_oRsLlkKsvw/s1600-h/P6150209.JPG"></a></div></div></div></div></div><br /><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dwoQfqRnr2W1lTh7T9yM3bxrsGhLbXsAPmRASsP9T057G4LrelKNCyMPdsO8rWvJSa7H3Im1LT9T0M' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe>CrediblyEdiblehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17198891685888712166noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30819706.post-13388344846777884252007-12-23T12:48:00.000-07:002008-07-20T00:39:49.559-07:00Kabab Palace, Tempe AZ710 W Elliot Rd<br />Tempe, AZ 85284<br />(480) 775-6288<br /><br />Website: <a href="http://www.thekabab.com/">http://www.thekabab.com/</a> (not up as of publish time)<br /><br />This restaurant claims to serve Halal Food <em>(I only say it this way because I cannot authenticate it.)</em><br /><br /><br /><br /><strong>Pros:</strong> Ambience, Atomosphere, Service<br /><br /><strong>Cons:</strong> Too Pricey<br /><br /><br /><br />This restaurant comes originally from California (according to articles published on the web). This is an Afghani Restaurant, maybe the 1st in Arizona. For those of you that have never experienced Afghani food it would be a cross betwen say Iraqi Food and Persian Food. It definitely has more flavor than Iraqi food but doesnt even come close to going on the other side of the border into the Pashtoon region of Pakistan... thats when the flavors come out!!!<br /><br /><br /><br />That was my problem. I thought afghani food would be similar to Pashtoon... its a far cry!!<br /><br />I had lamb chops that were decent and had some interesting flavors. For $22.95 to only get 4 chops I felt a little disgruntled.<br /><br /><br /><br />You have a choice of sides that are paired with the entrees, eggplant, lentils, or sauteed spinach. The lentils and sauteed spinach was a little too bland for my taste and I was annoyed by the fact that it was on a bed of lettuce (everytime I went into the food I would get a piece of lettuce)<br /><br /><br /><br />What saved the night was the Rice Pudding (sorry cant remember the afghani name).... similiar to Indian/pakistani Kheer but even thicker. It was quite divine I might say. The turkish coffee was very good as well... they made it tableside.<br /><br />Overall its a good experience to try and enjoy... you just need to bring some money!<br /><br />Dinner for 2 with dessert and cofee was $58.21CrediblyEdiblehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17198891685888712166noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30819706.post-23216451104471345272007-12-23T12:38:00.000-07:002008-07-20T00:40:34.985-07:00The Curry House, Chandler AZ2051 W. Warner Rd, Ste. 7<br />Chandler, AZ 85224<br />Phone: 480-857-2277<br />Fax: 480-857-2982<br />Mail: curryhouseaz@gmail.com<br /><a href="http://www.curryhouseaz.com/">http://www.curryhouseaz.com/</a><br /><br /><strong>Pros:</strong> Service, Lamb Chops, Food Presentation<br /><strong>Cons:</strong> Eclectic Ambience, Price<br /><br />This newest entrance to the Indian Restaurant category is located in Chandler is definitely adding the service aspect to the Indian Restaurants. They offer a typical lunch buffet for $10,99/ We did not try this because I wanted to really get an idea of their dinner menu.<br /><br />$10.99 is a bit high for buffet, but I could still live with that. Appetizers range from $6.00-16.00<br />Entrees range from $10-20. This is too pricey for an Indian Restaurant of this caliber.<br />We had the lamb chop appetizer for $15 and the Chicken65.<br /><br />The lamb was a little gamey but presented very well and had good spice. The chicken65 is not anything what chicken65 is supposed to be. Its usually in a lighter almost yellow sauce. This was basically spiced with chinese/thai hot sauce. it was tasty but too spicy and not actually chicken65.<br /><br />Overall if I am ever in the area its an occasional stop but this is not my hottest little. Check it out if you are in the area but dont forget the credit card!!!CrediblyEdiblehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17198891685888712166noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30819706.post-11593576085385115182007-08-26T01:23:00.000-07:002007-08-26T01:38:40.163-07:00How to Hookah in Arizona.. the best of the bestOk. One of my favorite past times when I want to relax is to smoke a waterfilled pipe called a Hookah... I have been to many places that serve them so I decided to higlight 3 in different cities that will help my readers enjoy the "hubbly bubbly" as some call it, when they go to these places.<br /><br />#1 In the Nation! Ok so I think so<br /><br />Grapevine Restaurant<br />1204 Foothill Blvd.La Verne, California 91750 <br />(909)392-3500 Fax: (909)392-0995<br />Website: <a href="http://www.4grapevine.com/">http://www.4grapevine.com/</a><br /><strong>Description:</strong> Tons of fun on the weekend! Food is decent but slightly on the expensive side but its a total blast. Very High Quality tobacco and great working hookahs. Great Service as well<br /><br />#2 In the Nation and #1 in Phoenix<br />Sultan's Mediterranean Grill<br />5625 West Bell Road Glendale, AZ 85308<br />(602) 298-4400 Fax : (602) 298-4401<br />Website: <a href="http://www.sultansgrill.com/">http://www.sultansgrill.com</a><br /><strong>Description: </strong>This place rocks from 11pm - 2am Friday & Saturdays... its the greatest fun to have dancing and hookah in the West Valley!!! Gotta Try it!<br /><br />#1 In Tucson<br />Luxor Cafe<br />3699 N Campbell Ave Tucson, AZ 85719<br />(520) 325-3771<br />No website as of publication dateCrediblyEdiblehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17198891685888712166noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30819706.post-82558400131640990722007-06-09T08:44:00.000-07:002008-07-20T00:38:50.617-07:00Thai Pots Restaurant, Chandler, Az<strong>Thai Pots Restaurant</strong><br />2950 S. Alma School Road<br />Chandler, AZ 85248<br />(480) 857-8246<br /><br />I read an online review about this restaurant that said Best Thai West of Bankok... eeeh. It was definitely ok THAI food, but I dont think I would go that far... there was an appetizer I found called Thai Summer Rolls... that was an awesome app, especially in the summer time because its not fried, and inside a cool wonton wrapper. My main complaint about their food, is their sauces are too watery and their medium is everyone elses hot.<br /><br />This is typical whole in the wall Thai. Expect no service. They had 2 servers for 20+ tables but that is typical in most Thai, Indian, and pakistani restaurants.<br /><br />Recommendations:<br />Thai Summer Rolls<br />Yellow Curry<br />Panang Curry<br /><br />Overall this is acceptable, edible thai food, but definitely nothing I would rave about....CrediblyEdiblehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17198891685888712166noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30819706.post-40887729113271342292007-06-09T08:34:00.000-07:002008-07-20T00:41:05.270-07:00Touch of Thai Restaurant, Phoenix, ArizonaBest Thai food to date this side of Bankok. Ok that cliche has been used before but its worth it. We go here like once or twice a week. This by far is the tastiest thai food I have ever had. As with most whole in the wall restaurants, this one also comes with its downsides...<br /><br />Apparently the sewer system sometimes causes a smell in the bathroom which is evil.<br />Expect No Service unless you ask for a server called Nick. Nick is like the Credibly Edible Blog, his is a straight shooter so he will tell you what he thinks.<br /><br />But despite all the downsides, this place still rocks!<br /><br /><br />Recommendations:<br />Chicken Satay Appetizer<br />Beef Salad Appetizer (yum neau)<br />Spicy Fried Rice<br />Panang Curry<br />Phat Gaphroa (I dont know the english version of this)<br /><br />You can wait on:<br />Fried App Sampler<br /><br /><strong>Touch of Thai Restaurant:</strong><br />16816 N 35th Ave<br />Phoenix, AZ 85053-2977<br />(602) 896-9009<br />No WebsiteCrediblyEdiblehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17198891685888712166noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30819706.post-89749787225300806792007-04-22T19:16:00.000-07:002007-04-22T23:18:48.999-07:00Tandoori Village, Phoenix, ArizonaTandoori Village Restaurant<br />4225 W Bell Road<br />Glendale, AZ 85053<br />Website: <a href="http://www.tandoorivillages.com/"> </a><a href="http://www.tandoorivillages.com/">www.tandoorivillages.com</a><br /><strong>Pros:</strong> Tasty Pakistani/Indian Dishes<br /><strong>Cons:</strong> Poor Service, Menu items not always what most peope would consider an item to taste like.<br /><br />I have been trying out this place the last few weeks. I think it really depends on your expectations of a restaurant. Most restaurants you expect a few basic things:<br /><br />1) Server Knowledge<br />2) Speedy Service<br /><br />This restaurant fails in both those categories. Overall the food is actually not bad. Its very tasty. My few complaints I have of this restaurant is<br /><br />1) There is no way of telling a customer from a server. Many times they sit with guests at tables and have no identifying uniform.<br />2) Certain dishes are slightly different than expected. For example: Dal Makhni in general does not contain black beans.... Traditional Vindaloo doesnt have potatoes in it.... Aloo Naan usually has some aloo in it rather than in the dough.<br />3) Servers cant pronounce and dont know whats on the menu. Many times questions are asked and they dont even now if there is a special of the day or if there is one, what it is.<br />4) Food times can be a little longer than in most restaurants. This is inconsistent. Today for instance I got food on time, but sometimes its not always this case.<br />5) Expensive: In the Indian Restaurant Category this restaurant is priced great! For Pakistani food on the other hand, this restaurant is more expensive than its competitor, Copper Kettle.Entrees at Tandoori Village average $6.99-11.99.<br /><br />Overall: This restaurant is a good alernative to Copper Kettle if you are in the Bell Road/Arrowhead area, but Copper Kettle Phoenix is by far the best overall Pakistani food in Phoenix.CrediblyEdiblehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17198891685888712166noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30819706.post-5869629069977484012007-03-20T22:20:00.001-07:002009-09-07T16:25:20.838-07:00Sol & Sombra: Spanish TapasRule #1. Never go to a Tapas Bar for Dinner :)<br />I guess I knew what tapas was but I had kind of forgotten. This restaurant nestled away in DC Ranch was a nice treat, but based on how small the portions were and they were only apps, going there for a meal I didnt care for it as much. Service was good (they all seemed a little rushed but service was still good). The apps however are incredible. Oh and they call them TAPAS (prounounced Ta-Pas). They have a jumbo shrimp thats ... well credibly edible. (ok maybe that was lame, but it was awesome), and dont miss the calamari or the mussels. Overall very high in price but good.... The drinks will make you forget the work week, and that sour boss of yours.<br /><br />Sol Y Sombra<br />20707 North Pima Road<br />Scottsdale. AZ 85255<br />480-443-5399<br />Website: http://www.solysombraaz.com/CrediblyEdiblehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17198891685888712166noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30819706.post-1164700758565746452006-11-28T00:55:00.000-07:002007-03-20T02:33:58.850-07:00Bilal Restaurant, Hawthorne, CAThis whole in the wall Pakistani restaurant recieves Honorable Mention. They provided tasty Tandoor food as well as other dishes, with a good taste, but its not anything that I would be missing while at summer camp (nothing to write home about).<br /><br />Recommend: Seekh Kabab, and Beef Dopiazza (very high in onions, but tasty)<br />Nihari was decent, but I have had better.<br /><br />Bilal Pakistani Restaurant<br />1117 W Manchester Blvd # G<br />Inglewood, CA 90301<br />310.641.4435CrediblyEdiblehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17198891685888712166noreply@blogger.com1