Where to eat in Flagstaff on Valentine's Day for a romantic evening

Love is in the air this month. With the big V-Day smack dab in the middle of the month, expectations for romance are high, even for those that don’t celebrate Saint Valentine’s memory. After all, long before there was a Valentine’s Day in February there was a pagan festival in the middle of the month called Lupercalia, a fertility festival dedicated to the Roman god of agriculture. (Read more about that at history.com. Here’s a look at where to wine and dine your beloved this month in Flagstaff…

Brix, 413 N. San Francisco

Brix is celebrating Valentine’s Day with a romantic evening designed around a four course affair. The meal is priced at $75 per person and includes a glass of champagne. The menu has two choices at each course. Highlights include a delectable sounding beef tartare, roasted butternut squash soup, pan seared elk medallions and a dessert of chocolate truffles and golden pippen apple bordeloux. See the full Valentine’s menu at brixflagstaff.com. Call 928-213-1021 for reservations.

Cottage Place, 126 W. Cottage Place

The Cottage Place is another cozy romantic setting with food that will ignite your love affair with more and more passion as you progress through the courses. They’re offering their special Valentine’s Day menu on Sunday the 12 and Monday the 13^th (for $80 per person) as well as on the big V-day itself (for $100 per person). These all include a glass of sparkling wine. The menu will include an appetizer, lobster bisque soup, a salad, sorbet, 8-10 different entrees including venison striploin, mahi mahi with mango malsa, beef wellington, stuffed jumbo shrimp and others plus a dessert like tiramisu, Irish cream cheesecake and other choices.  Dinners these days also come with Cottage Place Chocolate Truffles, a keepsake menu and other TBA special surprises. Visit cottageplace.com for the menu and more details. Call 928-774-8431 for reservations.

 Josephine’s, 503 N. Humphreys

The quaint stone house setting sets the scene for a lovely evening at Josephine’s which features a special Valentine’s four course menu, priced at $72.50 per person. Each course has several options. For your appetizer, opt for the Baklava Baked Brie. Then move on to the champagne vinaigrette salad. For the main course try the Oscar filet mignon topped with lump crab and béarnaise sauce or the walnut encrusted Australian rack of lamb. For dessert the black forest cake adds the perfect sweet, decadent touch to your evening. See the complete Valentine’s Day offerings at josephinesrestaurant.com. Call 928-779-3400 for reservations.

Karma, 6 E. Route 66

For an evening featuring Asian deliciousness, head to Karma. They’re handsome atmosphere with a red, black and yellow color scheme that adds a little whimsical romance to your evening. Make your own five course romantic evening by starting with the shrimp and veggie tempura, Karma Karpaccio sashimi appetizer, and ramen soup – one bowl is enough to share and is far from those ramen packets buried in the back of your cupboard. Then add your favorite sushi or grilled teriyaki dish. Put a dazzle in her eyes by ordering their dessert topped with a real sparkler! It’s such a fun touch to end your dinner on and one you will remember. See their full dinner menu at karmaflagstaff.com.

Flagstaff Cultural Partners Coconino Center for the Arts, 2300 N. Fort Valley Rd

While not a dinner, the 5^th Annual Valentine’s Day Concert at the Coconino Center for the Arts includes a pre-concert wine and chocolate tasting at 6:30pm (with the concert – featuring local folk duo Dave McGraw and Mandy Fer - starting at 7:30) that will make for a romantic evening. Fine wines and locally made chocolates will be featured in the tasting event. Tickets are only $16 each. The show generally sells out each year. You can buy tickets at 928-779-2300 or online.

This story was originally written by Angele for Flagstaff Live!

For the love of cheese: Must-trys for cheese-lovers in Flagstaff

While it in no way helps meet New Year’s resolutions of dropping fat, cheese lovers can rejoice that this month celebrates National Cheese Lover’s Day (January 20^th). To mark the occasion, here’s a look at where to get your cheese on in Flagstaff…

Taverna Greek Grill, 2420 Woodlands Village

Definitely the best presentation of cheese in town, Taverna’s saganaki doesn’t disappoint. This dish consists of rich imported Kaseri cheese flambéed at your table. It’s served with pita sections for a fancy pants and yummy app that cheese fanatics must try.

Josephine’s Modern American Bistro, 503 N. Humphreys St.

Take your love of cheese first class with the baklava baked brie at Josephine’s. This appetizer wraps brie cheese, pistachios and orange cardamom in a phyllo shell with just the right about of honey. The result is a sweet but creamy treat to start your meal off right.

La Fonda Mexican Restaurant, 1900 N. Second St.

La Fonda’s cheese enchilada weekday lunch special(aka “G”) is a tasty bargain at $7.50 for two of the best tasting cheese enchiladas in town, rice, beans, a soda and sopapilla for dessert. Their enchilada sauce is full of flavor but doesn’t burn your mouth down. It’s a perfect compliment to the cheese melted inside the corn tortillas. It’s a must have weekly in my book.

Brix, 413 N. San Francisco

Enjoy a fine dining experience with the artisanal cheese selections at Brix. Try the French Brillat Savarin, Californian Seascape, Portuguese Palhais or one of the other carefully selected cheeses from across the world.  The plate of three to five of your choices comes with poached apricots and house made lavosh. Add a glass of one of their wonderful wine selections to complete your meal.

Beaver Street Brewery, 11 S. Beaver St.

Beaver Street has several must-trys for cheese devotees, two of which are fondues. The Beaver Street Brewery Fondue is made with sharp cheddar, caramelized onions and their Railhead Red Ale. The Whistle Stop Fondue is a classic Swiss style dish with gruyere cheese, white wine and cherry brandy.  Dip in the beer bread cubes and go to heaven. Beaver Street’s third cheese-centered app of pure creaminess is the pesto cream cheese dip made with fresh basil pesto and cream cheese baked in their wood-fired oven. Mmmm. It’s served bubbling hot with crouton rounds and sourdough bread slices.

Pizza Furiosa, 2500 S Woodlands Village

How could a cheese lovers roundup be complete without a cheese pizza. Pizza Furiosa serves up a classic with a twist to delight those who just want to enjoy melted cheesy goodness. The #8 tops their handmade crust with mozzarella, asiago and parmesan cheeses. The flavors combine perfectly for a salty, gooey gratification for your tastebuds.

Bisbee Breakfast Club named best cafe in the West

Bisbee Breakfast Club has been named "Best Cafe" in the West by True West Magazine.

True West says about Bisbee Breakfast Club:
Okay, so it’s technically located in Lowell, Arizona, not Bisbee, but owner Chris Reece was smart to tie his cafe to its extremely close neighbor. This place is usually packed, whether it’s breakfast or lunch time. We never go to Bisbee without stopping for a meal here. Not only are the huevos rancheros and the salads delectable, but also the ambience is fun, as the converted glass factory makes for interesting rooms to spread out the diners. When you stumble out of there with a full belly, just be sure you don’t fall into that mining pit.  

True West asked readers to name thier favorite cafe in the west as well. The winner: Rock Springs Cafe, just north of Phoenix and home of great pies! 

Others worth a try:

• Brandy's in Flagstaff, AZ
• La Bellavia in Flagstaff, AZ
• Pine Country Restaurant in Williams, AZ
• Mormon Lake Lodge, Mormon Lake, AZ
• Wagon Wheel in Needles, CA
• Matt's Big Breakfast in Phoenix, AZ
• Ruth's Diner in Salt Lake City, UT
• Silver Fork Lodge, Salt Lake City, UT
• Spotted Dog Cafe, Springdale, UT (Near Zion National Park)
• Jailhouse Cafe, Moab, UT.

What do you think the best cafe in the West is?

Flagstaff's Sweet Spot: December food holidays and where to celebrate in Flag

Get ready to get your sweet on. December is filled with holidays for your sweet tooth from ‘Anything Dipped In Chocolate Day” on the 16^th to egg nog (it’s National Egg Nog Month) to candy canes and maple syrup, to the delight of Buddy the Elf and his kindred spirits. Here’s a look at where to celebrate your sugar-love in Flagstaff this month…

Dec 1: National Pie Day – Start things off right this month with a big slice of pie from Pine Country Restaurant (107 N Grand Canyon Blvd, Williams). Pies range from traditional flavors like apple, pumpkin and double chocolate to more exotic delights like double butterscotch, banana chocolate peanut butter and Hawaiian delight. Let’s just say it’s a good thing there’s about 30 miles in between Flagstaff and Pine Country for your waistline.

Dec 4: National Cookie Day - Get a cookie alongside your cup o Joe today at Macy's (14 S. Beaver) to celebrate this day. Can’t go wrong with their classic homemade chocolate chip, but then I haven’t met a cookie at Macy’s that I didn’t like.

Dec 9: National Pastry Day – The cinnamon jammers at Bookman’s Café (1520 S Riordan Ranch St) is my new favorite pastry to nosh when I need a sweet treat.

Dec 12: National Cocoa Day – Brandy’s Restaurant and Bakery (1500 E. Cedar Ave #40) makes a mean hot cocoa. Try their Mexican spiced hot cocoa with steamed milk served up piled high with whipped cream and sprinkled with cinnamon and nutmeg. Add a little extra buzz by adding espresso and order the Baja Mocha.  Or go for the white chocolate mocha made with white chocolate, steamed milk and espresso drizzled with dark chocolate.

Dec 17: National Maple Syrup Day – Buddy the Elf’s favorite day of the year, after Christmas, I’m sure. Enjoy flapjacks covered in maple syrup at the Mormon Lake Lodge Steakhouse (Main Street, Mormon Lake), then go for one of their guided snowmobile rides though the beautiful winter trails (if there’s enough snow by then).

Dec 20: National Sangria Day – This one is sure to take a bite out of holiday stress. Head to The Lumberyard. They have a refreshingly different white sangria made with white wine topped with whole grapes, lemon slices and a splash of apple juice. They also offer a twist on a traditional sangria sans brandy but instead has blueberries, blackberries, raspberries and a splash of lemon-lime soda.

Dec 25: Christmas – While not an official “food holiday,” Christmas is a day in which eating with your family can create lots of joyful “sweet” memories. Do so, without dirty dishes at the Little America Hotel (2515 E Butler), which is serving up their annual champagne brunch from 9a-2p. They’re also hosting a four course prix fixe Christmas Dinner from 5-9pm. Call for more info: 779-7900.

Dec 26: National Candy Cane Day – Brookside Chocolate Company (120 N Leroux) makes Oreos dipped in white chocolate and crushed candy canes that is sure to fill your sweet tooth quota of the day. Hopefully they’ll have some left after Christmas rolls around.

Get more December food holiday info from TheNibble.com.

This story was originally written for Flagstaff Live!

Flagstaff's new Aloha Hawaiian BBQ (includes full menu)

Aloha Hawaiian BBQ
16 E. Rte 66 (Across from Black Bean and next to Flagstaff Brewing Co.)
Downtown
Flagstaff, AZ
928-774-3922
Menu: see the bottom of this story
Aloha Hawaiian BBQ is Flagstaff's only current Hawaiian restaurant. This small but friendly fast food join puts everything in wasteful styrofoam containers, cups and uses all plastic silverware. That might be great for their cleanup but not so great for the environment. Most Flagstaff restaurants are very eco-concious so it is shocking to see a brand new Flagstaff joint have these types of policies that aren't really inline with community values. That said the food has a good flavor and is decently priced.

On our first visit, we tried the recommended (and one of the most ordered, along with the BBQ mix of chicken, beef and short ribs, we were told) Aloha plates: Chicken Katsu. It comes in two sizes - regular and mini. The mini is plenty big for lunch. The chicken isn't all white meat, which was disappointing but it was tastily breaded and fried. It comes with a tangy islandy-tasting sauce that compliments the crust nicely.

We also got the regular size of the BBQ beef. It has a wonderful flavor, which reminded us of Thai beef sticks. I'd definitely order that again. Both plates comes with a tiny scoop of plain jane white rice that is nothing to write home about and a scoop of macaroni salad that is basically mac pasta with mayo. It's only but again, nothing special. These seem like perfect dishes to serve some sort of fruit or vegetable with but most dishes don't come with either. The menu does show veggies with the bowls - so I would try that next time instead. Also for veggie lovers, they have an off menu plate of mixed vegetables with rice and mac for sides.
All in all, I like the friendliness of the folks at the restaurant and I like the unique (for Flagstaff) dishes but I'm not overly impressed with the restaurant. It will be a good occasional stop on the out-to-eat circuit but most days I'd rather go to one of the many wonderful Thai restaurants nearby.
MONEY SAVING TIP: Be sure to pick up one of their menus posted outside the doors. They have several good coupons!
Take a look at their menu below: