January 19, 2012

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 20th). 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 flambĂ©ed 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.

January 9, 2012

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?