Phoenix City Grille

www.phoenixcitygrille.com

I went to Phoenix City Grill last night, and while I thought it was tasty, I thought it was outrageous when it came to price. Granted, I was with a large group, and we split the bill evenly among us, but we each got one drink and one entree, along with ZERO APPETIZERS, and each of us chipped in a hefty $37! I started out by ordering a Pineapple Martini which tasted EXACTLY like a pineapple Lifesaver! It is a great summer drink with the temperatures near scorching, it was just what I needed at the end of a LONG DAY! I ordered the Rose Lane Chicken which was absolutely moist and delicious, served with horseradish mashed potatoes, which didn't hold a candle to Olive and Ivy, but good none the less! The asparagus were kind of overcooked and not very good, which was disappointing because that is BY FAR my favorite vegetable.

Others around me had the Salmon, the Bacon-Wrapped Shrimp, the PCG pasta, and the Seafood Linguine. All of these delectable meals were gobbled up in an instant! Good eats!

Sprinkles

www.sprinklescupcakes.com

I was not impressed. Sorry to tell you all that there was WAY TOO MUCH frosting, the cake portion was nothing phenomenal, and I wouldn't pay $3.50 per cupcake ever again! Jackson picked out the Vanilla Milk Chocolate, and I sampled it, it was nothing special, and the sprinkles that topped the cupcake totally ruined the flavor of the frosting.
I will admit that the lemon and banana were tasty, but once again, probably a cupcake I could make somehow! The red velvet had cream cheese frosting that was delicious, but the cake portion of the cupcake was nothing great. Overall, I DEFINITELY would not stand in line for these cupcakes, and I wouldn't go out of my way to get one. To go with a three year old, it is a little exciting because it is the "cupcake store", but overall, it did not impress me.

Delux Burger

www.deluxburger.com

Well, after a LONG wait, I was finally able to make it to Delux Burger for lunch today! I have to say that they were very welcoming when Claire and I showed up with our four kids, needed two highchairs, more room at the table, Kid's Menus, crayons, etc. It was an absolute PERFECT day to enjoy their patio complete with misting system. I had the Delux Burger and Claire had the Standard Classic Burger, both cooked to perfection. I opted out of the blue cheese addition to my burger, but I added Cheddar, and it was absolutely enchanting! We also shared a basket of sweet and french fries. A combination of their french fries and their sweet potato fries. Neither Claire and I were looking forward to the sweet potato fries, but they were surprisingly tasty! The fries come with ketchup and their "house" dipping sauce which is a combination of sour cream, mayo, lemon juice, garlic and special seasonings. Since all the kids ate a grilled cheese kid's meal. I can tell you that it was nothing special, cheese on a hamburger bun that looked like it had been in a panini press. I was not all that impressed with their kids menu that had a grilled cheese, hot dog and peanut butter and jelly. I really wanted Jackson to order the hot dog so at least I would be paying money for a little meat, but NO GO! The Kids Meal was expensive at $5 because it didn't include a drink and that cost us $2 each! Overall the hamburger was DELICIOUS and the fries were perfect, but I don't know that I would necessarily go back. It was REALLY expensive for what we ordered. I know they use real QUALITY ingredients, but I think the kids and I would have been just as happy down the road at Fuddruckers!

Olive & Ivy

http://www.foxrestaurantconcepts.com/olive.html

Quite the swanky location in the heart of the Scottsdale shopping district. The atmosphere is AMAZING, and I absolutely ADORED the patio area. They are INCREDIBLY strict when it comes to their 5:00 dinner service, but they will allow you to sit on the patio or in the bar area while you wait for your table. On a nice day there is not much difference between eating indoors or outdoors, so don't be too concerned about asking for first available!

I went there with my MIL, who like her son is a SUPER picky eater, and she loved it, so that is always a good sign. We began with the chickpea hummus and the Red Sangria, YUM! Both were very delightful. I adore the taste of chickpeas, so maybe that is why I am such a fan, but it was full of flavor and the pita bread it came with was so soft and warm. We both had the Braised Short Rib which was EXCELLENT, but the selling point of the meal is this little crock of mashed potatoes that they serve as a side with the meal. They are whipped and buttery and the absolute BEST mashed potatoes that I have ever eaten ANYWHERE!!!!

I wish I could say that we sampled some dessert, but we left without ever tasting any of their homemade gelato. They have an adjoining marketplace displaying all of their gelatos and it is truly a delightful little place!

UPDATE: We went to Olive and Ivy on Saturday night (5/24/07) and once again it was an absolutely MARVELOUS experience. They have changed the menu around, and I knew I desperately wanted the mashed potatoes, so I asked, and they accomodated my every wish. The short rib was also now served with turnips, and I didn't really want those, so I was able to pick another vegetable!!! Really did not even flinch when we all changed our side dishes! I also had a chance to sample their White Peach and Hibiscus Margarita, DELICIOUS! I was also able to watch people enjoy their dessert. Apparently the Apple Fritters are delectable because my husband was diving across the table for more. They are these donut holes, filled with apples and served with a "frosting" dipping sauce. A must try!!!!

Corbin's Bar and Grill

www.corbinsbarandgrill.com

One of the greatest neighborhood restaurants that I have been to in a long time, and I am happy to say that they have expanded to the West Valley as well! The Central Phoenix location is warm and inviting, never making one feel as though they have over stayed their welcome! It is one of the only restaurants that my friends and I have not been booted from in the past few months.

Their Spinach and Artichoke Dip is to die for, I hear the Pesto Cheese Bread is amazing, but once I tried the Spinach Dip, there was no turning back. My husband, Patrick, did not care for the nachos, claiming that there were too many chips and not enough cheese. He thought maybe a runny cheese would be better for such a large pile of chips, but he did enjoy the wings. Their "Stone-Fired Quesadillas" are large pizza like items. We had the Sauteed Shrimp, and I REALLY LIKED IT! I do think that it is a unique item, and for those with picky tastes it may be a little too outlandish for them, but I thought it tasted FANTASTIC! The Peppercorn Burger scared Patrick because he doesn't like pepper, but he left craving more of the delicious mixture of flavor. Also highly recommended: Club Salad, Caesar Salad, and Grilled Cheese!

Not to stop with food, their drink menu is extensive and satisfies all palates! The lemon drop martinis are beautiful (and tasty), the Carmel Apple Martini is a local favorite, the Latah Creek Riesling is a great selection, and most importantly, their shots are ENORMOUS! Lucky for me, I did not consume the shot that night, but it was easily 2 or 3 shots in one LARGE glass.

Vito's Pizza Place

www.vitospizza.com


If you were driving down Lindsay in Mesa, Arizona, and you happened upon this restaurant, nothing about the outside of the building screams STOP, but it is a must if looking for authentic, thin-crust pizza. The cheese, sauce, meat, veggies combination is perfection. I have tried several varieties of this pizza and I would have to say it is a tie between the plain cheese or the sausage and mushroom pizzas. Served piping hot, cut in squares, any requests you have will be met.

I happen to think it is a great place for children. The place mats they provide for children are able to be colored on with provided crayons. One of my son's first pieces of artwork was done at this very restaurant.

Appetizers are an essential when building the yummy meal. Their fried zucchini and mushrooms are delectable! I believe that they also provide bread when dining in, which is always a plus in my books!

I have never had room for dessert, so if you go, you will have to let me know how it is!

bomberos Cafe and Wine Bar

www.bomberoswinebar.com

This place is SMOKING hot when it comes to the Central Phoenix scene! A South American Wine Bar, it is very unigue in the city. I have been there several times, and each and every time, it is a low key crowd: having a MNO, hosting a meeting, quiet date, etc. Their patio is ABSOLUTELY fabulous, separated by gate from the parking lot, with a fire roaring, you would hardly know you were in the heart of Central Phoenix. I have yet to be there when they have their live music performances, but I have heard through word of mouth that they have great performances.

I have tried many of the wines: La Playa 06, Alamos 06, Cantena Agrelo 05, and the Susana Balbo Crios 06. While I have not tasted a red wine, several of my friends have tried it, and I have yet to hear a complaint! I still need to take my husband there so that he can report back on some of the beers.

While the wine is top notch, the food is too die for! The bruschetta is amazing. I have not had the salami and manchego with pesto or the tuna, but the other three are melt in your mouth goodness. The choice of three artisan cheeses are never a disappointment. Nothing can beat a cheese named Drunken Goat. The chocolate tort is served with fresh whipped cream, not too sweet, and from the looks of the plates that were scrapped clean, I would say it was a hit!

Don't let my post fool you, it is more than a late night, hot spot. They open at 7, serve fresh pastries and coffee and provide an inviting atmosphere to start your day!