Hottie & The Fatso

3July2009

Coming Soon – Review of the new Jackson’s Grill

Posted by hottie under: American.

Note: nice patio and dogs welcome

3June2009

Malone’s Deli Delish

Posted by hottie under: American; breakfast; sandwiches.

Malone’s Bakery & Deli                       3 1/2 out of 5 peaks
1490 Riordan Ranch Rd. (next to Michael’s, near Target)
913-0133
Open for breakfast and lunch

Malone’s was recently named by the NAU Lumberjack as having the best breakfast burritos in town. We took the Lumberjack up on this claim and agree. The students know what they are talking about. The one catch is that even if you are hungover, you’ve got to get in by 11 am Monday – Saturday or by noon on Sunday to partake. There are many burritos to choose from, they are tasty and relatively cheap (around $5).

Another draw for breakfast is their breakfast sandwiches and house-made donuts. I’m not big on the donuts here and don’t like their specialty, the orange spice, but the Fatso thinks they are fantastic. But I’m kind of a sweets purist. They seem to be plenty popular so you can decide for yourself. You can get various coffee drinks, but the coffee is kind of standard.

Lunch is a good draw and Malone’s is known for their sandwiches. We rank them up there with the Del Rio Cafe as some of our favorites in town. (Crystal Creek too, but we haven’t done an official review yet. We’ll get around to that one soon.) The pastrami & swiss is billed as the best in town and we can agree with that. Lunch isn’t a crazy bargain at around $7 for your sandwich and a bag of chips, but the sandwiches are a good size and the pricing is comparable to most in town. We never made it to try one of the hamburgers, but will update this post when we do. For you vegetarians, there are salads but that’s not so much there thing here.

It is deli style, so the to-go option is likely your best bet. It’s counter service and a few tables, but there’s not too much in way of atmosphere. But it is delish.

28May2009

It’s a Pita Jungle Out There

Posted by hottie under: Contemporary; Kids; Meditteranean.

Pita Jungle                                                              3 out of 5 peaks
320 S. Regent St. (next to New Frontiers on Butler Ave.)
774-0086
Open 10:30 am – 10 pm every day

Pita Jungle is a good place to get tangled up in for a casual but nice lunch or dinner. Pita Jungle is a Phoenix chain that has made its way up the hill to Flagstaff. Their goal fits nicely with the Flagstaff profile: fresh, healthy food that is creative. It is good to have somewhere to go that is the closest thing to a real Mediterranean restaurant here. However, keep in mind that it isn’t a true Mediterranean restaurant and is a chain at heart and you’ll be doing fine.

The food is decently good. There are several dishes we like and actually, after many visits (including in the Valley) we have never experienced anything bad or disappointing. But it’s not authentic Mediterranean and the biggest fault to me at the Flagstaff location is that the pitas are grocery-store quality. In fairness, we are told there has been some problem in their distribution chain so that they can’t get the same pitas offered in Phoenix trucked up here. Hopefully this can be solved in the future.

Pita Jungle has done a nice job with the space. It is attractively decorated and comfortable and they offer two patios for summer dining. It can get noisy in the restaurant though as they use polished concrete for the floors; but some may feel that’s a bit of a plus as it gives a more urbane style and buzz to the atmosphere. Cocktails are available at this location. It is kid-friendly too.

13May2009

Tinderbox Gets Me Stoked

Posted by hottie under: American; Bistro; Fine Dining.

Tinderbox                          4 peaks out of 5
34 S. San Francisco St.
226-8400
Open Mon. – Sat. 11 – 2 (summer only), and 5 – 9 pm

Tinderbox comes from good stock. Its bones were the Frisco Street Grille, which unfortunately didn’t quite make it but had some good food in its day. Its head comes to us from Scott & Kevin Heinonen (Scott being most formerly the head chef at Cuvee 928). Its skin is Matt the fabulous bartender who makes everything silky smooth during your visit. And in a similar vein, Tinderbox uses their provisions in a wise way to create some really delicious food.

This cuisine is American classic with a twist, such as buffalo pot roast with handmade egg noodles, or macaroni and cheese with duck confit. And definitely try the meatball appetizer -so tasty. Also, they make their own ketchup here from scratch.

It’s a nice restaurant, one that you’ll want to go to for a splurge or to celebrate, but slyly makes the atmosphere so casual and comfortable you won’t feel like you have to dress up to go out and you may even want to keep coming back, even for no particular occasion. The atmosphere is lively but casual, modern yet classic. Tinderbox has done a nice job with the space and you’ll feel at home. (There is a kids menu too and kids will not be out of place.)

Service at the restaurant is right on spot. It’s attentive, helpful and friendly but you’ll never feel suffocated or that it’s snobby. Matt can pick you the exact wine you’ll want with your dinner and has a range of cocktails up his sleeve (he’ll even approximate something if he doesn’t already know the exact recipe and the results have been very good).

The desserts are worth it here, especially the donuts. These were devoured at our table as if there were wolverines present. There has been one night where the donuts were a bit off, but the restaurant just opened and is perfecting their technique and we’re confident they’re getting it just right.

Tinderbox is one that the Fatso and I will be coming back to again and again.

12May2009

Best of NAU – Our Take

Posted by hottie under: Uncategorized.

The Lumberjack’s Best of NAU poll came out at the end of April.  (Lumberjack: Why not publish this in late fall or January?  The late date of the poll doesn’t give students enough time to try out new places and they’ll forget about them by the time they come back after summer.  Just some advice to help support the local businesses.)

Here we review some of the students’ picks and let you know our take on the results.

Best Breakfast Burrito: Malone’s Bakery & Deli (Lumberjack)
We agree with this pick. Taste wise it’s a tie for us between Malone’s and Campus Coffee Bean. But Malone’s is slightly cheaper and faster, so they get the edge.

Best Mexican:  La Fonda (Lumberjack)
We know why students went with La Fonda. It’s classic Arizona-Sonoran, it’s cheap and good and they have a killer Friday night $2 house margarita special (the house margs are terrific). I am a La Fonda fan. But overall, there are other fine picks that are closer to campus: Martanne’s (won best place to cure a hangover), El Capitan (won for best tacos & salsa), Casa Bonita (especially for the seafood dishes), Ay Caray. Let’s not forget that second place finisher, Burritos Fiesta – always good. Try one out.

Best Italian: Oregano’s (Lumberjack)
Any reader of this blog will know that we love Oregano’s. However, best Italian in town? I don’t know I can go that far. Make the trip to Mama Luisa, a little farther from campus I know, but worth it. Also Pesto Brothers is more expensive but can be quite fine. Second choice in the Lumberjack was Strombolli’s and that will always do in a pinch.

Best Chinese: August Moon Agreed.

Best Sandwiches: Crystal Creek (Lumberjack)
Hmmm. Maybe. We need to do a sandwich showdown. Other fine choices: Malone’s (came in 2nd) and Del Rio Cafe on S. San Fran.

Best New Restaurant: Cheba Hut (Lumberjack)
Ok, well notice it didn’t win best sandwich. The maryjane theme has strong appeal apparently. We vote Diablo Burger or maybe now Tinderbox (although Tinderbox wasn’t open yet when the poll was taken). Next year is your chance, guys.

Best Pizza: Nimarco’s (Lumberjack)
So interesting. An easy walk from campus, but on our list Nimarco’s was ranked #8. NJ Pizza is our pick, but it is more expensive and much further. Fratelli is our 2nd pick and just as close to campus as Nimarco. It’s a love it or hate it relationship with the Nimarco crust, so it’s curious it goes over this well with the students.

As always, we welcome your comments, so please let us know what you think!

28April2009

Cheba Hut – Not High Cuisine

Posted by hottie under: American; sandwiches.

Cheba Hut                       2 1/2 peaks
1411 S. Milton Rd.
637-6430

For those unfamiliar with Cheba Hut’s theme, this Phoenix-based sandwich chain is all about the cheeky marijuana references. Cheba Hut, (the name of which is taken from a Tone Loc song extolling the wonders of the illegal drug), makes “toasted” sub sandwiches, the lengths of which are marijuana measurements (4″ nugs, 8″ pinners and 12″ blunts). The sandwiches are named after varieties of marijuana (the “Chronic”, “Acapulco Gold”, etc.). All of this makes ordering and eating here giggly fun for primarily high school and college students (ok, and maybe some grown-ups too).

That being said, Cheba Hut has been awfully busy lately and will likely always have a built-in audience because of the theme. The restaurant is deli-style with your first stop to order with the cashier and then make your way down the line to pick out your toppings and get your goods. As you might imagine, the interior isn’t anything too fancy but is replete with posters and paintings of famous stoner musicians, actors and the like.

As for the food, we found the sandwiches to be entirely boring. Not much originality other than some of the sandwich combinations offered. Many of the other sandwich chain restaurants we have in town could suffice as a substitute easily. The variety of baked goods Cheba Hut offers are funny though in that stereotypical way, such as brownies and “goo balls” (rice krispies with peanut butter, honey and cocoa). We did try one of the brownies and I will say I could have spared the calories and cost and made the same thing at home with a boxed mix from the grocery store.

So go for the theme if that’s your thing, but know there are many better options around, some just down the street.
Note: I would not bring kids here unless they are toddlers or younger due to the nature of the material.

28April2009

Gorging at Gordiland

Posted by hottie under: Mexican.

Gordiland                        3 1/2 peaks out of 5
2116 E. Route 66
214-8087
Open Mon. – Sat. 9 am – 8 pm

Gordiland sure doesn’t seem like much from the outside (and actually from the inside too, though it is quite clean). It’s a simple place with a faux chain restaurant type look. The name seems strange too, though it is based on the word “gorditas” – Mexican pita pocket style sandwiches. However, if you look past all of this, you will be richly rewarded. The food at Gordiland is great and cheap, a double bonus.

As you might imagine, Gordiland’s specialty is gorditas. You can get either the corn or flour pocket (we recommend the flour), and then a multitude of fillings: frijoles con queso (beans and cheese), calabacitas (a squash and zucchini mixture), nopalitos (prickly pear cacti leaves), chicken mole, carne chili colorado (red chili pork), carne chile verde (green chile pork), chicharron (pork rinds), rajas con queso (chili with cheese), molida (ground beef) or just plain cheese. Each of these sandwiches are tasty, filling, and only cost $1.25!

There are also meal specials such as chipotle chicken tostadas, discada tacos (a mixture of meats), tacquitos. All of these are good and cheap. The meal deals come with a side of frijoles charros, entirely decent.

One of our favorite finds are the churros here. Seriously, they are the best churros in town. Many come too overcooked and hard. These are done just right – tasty cinnamon sugar with a crunchy outside but a still tender inside. Yum.

You could definitely get a gordita selection catered for your next party, and in fact, the Hottie & the Fatso will do just that for our next one. Gordiland will sell them by the dozen – with delivery, mind you – and it is actually cheaper to do so.

So overlook the location, Lego-looking bright orange awnings, and interior decor – this one’s a winner.

17April2009

Saddle Up to the Del Rio Cafe

Posted by hottie under: American; sandwiches.

Del Rio Cafe                                  3 1/2 peaks out of 5
17 S. San Francisco St.
(next to Cafe Ole)

Open for lunch

The Del Rio Cafe is the perfect place to take out-of-towners.  With a nicely done design scheme of an old-timey Western/Route 66 theme, Del Rio is welcoming, cute, and relaxing.  They also happen to have some pretty delish food.  The Cafe is delicatessen style with lunch-only offerings of soups, salads, sandwiches and sides.

Brought to us by the family who originally opened Cafe Ole (and sold it a year ago), the Del Rio team has a way with good cooking.  The soups change daily and are always homemade, from scratch.  We have tried the roasted pepper (not a pureed bisque) and the zucchini.  Both were terrific.

Favorite sandwiches of ours are the Pico Nico (toasted classic Italian beef and provolone) and the Monterrey (beef, cheddar and green chile).  Take heart, there are also plenty of vegetarian options with the soups, salads and the Deluxe Wrap.

The garlic bread side is good, but is different.  It’s not your typical Italian garlic bread, instead accented with a garlic hint.  It is also perfectly toasted – crispy on the outside, still a bit soft inside.  An ideal accompaniment to a bowl of the Rio soup.

The “french” potato salad side is different too – we couldn’t decide if we liked it or not or what was “french” about it.  Try it and let us know what you think.

7April2009

Meet Me at the Rendezvous

Posted by hottie under: Beer; Cocktails; Coffee Shop.

Rendezvous                                4 peaks out of 5
Monte Vista Hotel
Aspen & San Francisco Streets
Open 7 am – 2 am

Rendezvous is a cute, little place tucked into the corner of the Monte Vista Hotel, right on the corner of Aspen and San Francisco.  It is a coffee bar by day, cocktail bar by night.  Intrigued?  You should be.

First, they have marvelous cocktails and good coffee.  Second, the Rendezvous is a great people-watching post.  Third, they offer free WiFi.  What more could you want?  Food?  We’ll get to that part in a minute.

On the coffee bar front, Rendezvous is often overlooked at least by locals, since Late for the Train is across the street.  However, you can get in and out of Rendezvous quickly with your morning coffee for this reason.  Since it is not as crowded, you can get a seat.  And their coffee is close to being as good as Late for the Train’s.

Now for the food part.  Rendezvous does carry a selection of some baked goods, desserts and hand-made chocolates, and burritos for lunch.  The burritos are ok if you are in a pinch, but are nothing that remarkable.  Go across the street to Pita Pit instead or one of our other recommended restaurants nearby.  Rendezvous is carrying desserts from Caked and those are worth the indulgence.  Being a chocolate addict, the Uncle Buzz chocolates are not my thing.  They are fine and get extra points for being hand-crafted, but just aren’t quite the quality I’d like to see.

The quality I do like to see are in Rendezvous’ well made and artful cocktails.  At around $9 a pop, these are premium and yes they are worth it if you like a good drink now and then.  These concoctions are also strong so one should serve you just fine.  From the excellent mojitos, classic margaritas, lovely martinis and impressive collection of single malt scotches, Rendezvous will treat you right.  (There is also a large selection of bottled beer.)  One word though: patience.  Because the cocktails are complex, they do take a little longer but quality is worth it.

So grab some coffee or a cocktail and enjoy the downtown sights.  Since the Hottie & the Fatso are fans, you may one day meet us at the Rendezvous.

31March2009

Brandy’s on TV

Posted by hottie under: Uncategorized.

Don’t forget that Brandy’s Restaurant & Bakery will be featured on The Food Network’s “Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives” on Monday, April 13 at 7 pm!

Congratulations, Brandy’s and Salsa Brava (Salsa Brava already appeared in an earlier episode of the show).