Flagstaff's Pesto Brothers set to close in 2011

After 12 years in Flagstaff, Pesto Brothers is set to close in 2011.
The restaurant is losing it's lease in it's current location and has yet to find a new location, so will close in January, on a yet to be released date.

"For now, if you have any plans to enjoy an evening out with friends or family, please think of one last meal at Pesto Brothers or catering for your holiday event," says Pesto Brothers owner Richard  Fernandez. "We have been in Flagstaff for almost twelve years & are very sad about this development, but as a family we are looking toward the future, which is uncertain."

Pesto Brothers will still be open for Christmas dinner on the 25th at 4pm. They're also hosting a festive New Years Eve dinner as well as a salsa dancing party to ring in the New Year.

Where to find some of Flagstaff's best bowls of soup, stew and chili

Soup and salad combo at Wildflower

"Soups, stews and chilis"
By Angele Sionna

From chowder to chili, gazpacho, bisque, borscht, gumbo, goulash, consommé and more – soups are a body-warming must when there’s a chill in the air. Whether an entrée or appetizer, a good soup is hard to beat. Here’s a look at a few great spots to grab a bowl of winter goodness…

Wildflower Bread Company
530 East Piccadilly Drive (at Butler and Lone Tree)
From vegetarian favorites like butternut squash to classic chicken noodle to hearty veggie beef stew, Wildflower is the first place that pops to mind when I crave soup. They have six choices daily... something for every whim. Potato cream cheese, vegetarian chili, French onion, chicken and dumplings, chicken coconut curry, forest mushroom, roasted corn… the list is seemingly endless. Order up a bowl of one of their thicker varieties in a bread bowl for maximum fullness. Or have a soup and sandwich or soup and salad combo. Really, any which way you do soup here, any time of the day, you can count on it being delish. Check out their soup of the day menus at wildflowerbread.com/soup.

Simply Delicious’ CAFé Daily Fare
408 E. Route 66
The homemade soups at Café Daily Fare are eclectic as the rest of their cuisine. There are two to four choices daily during the winter, including a vegan and a gluten-free option. Selections can include New England and Manhattan clam chowders, tortilla lime, white bean kale, southwestern quinoa, mulligatawny, classic minestrone, split pea wild rice, classic chicken noodle and others. Call for the soups of the day: 774-2855.

It’s About Coffee
2620 N Steves Blvd
It’s About Coffee is a popular spot for soup enjoyment. They offer two choices Monday through Saturdays. One is always the vegetarian and gluten-free tomato lentil. The other soup o the day changes between sausage three bean, chicken enchilada, red potato ham, chicken wild rice mushroom and split pea. That chicken enchilada is gluten-free and ever so tasty! They can run out of soup so get there for an early lunch. Call for today’s soup at: 779-1053.

Beaver Street Brewery & Whistle Stop Cafe
11 S Beaver St., Flagstaff
Beaver Street is a Flag staple for many reasons, including their hearty soups and chilis. Their choices change daily and usually include a chili of the day plus a soup of the moment. All I’ve tried are satisfyingly tasty but of particular greatness – Beaver Street’s thick, creamy and spicy southwestern corn chowder and any of their chilis. In fact, I’d dare say Beaver Street is the place to beat for chili in town. Order up a bowl, a beer and some of that ginger stout cake- and you’ve got yourself a delightful tummy-warming winter meal. Call for the soup and chili specials of the day: 779-0079.

Satchmo’s
2320 N. 4th St
Satchmo’s is home to Flagstaff’s Cajun soul food and barbeque. During the winter in addition to their popular gumbo and jumbalaya, you can also sometimes find fresh pots of cheddar ale soup, a zesty chicken soup and/or what they call Trust Chili –with locally raised beef from Flying M ranch plus other hearty ingredients like black beans and Anaheim chilis plus Satchmo’s smoked spice blend. Call to see what soups are on at 774-7292.

Mountain Oasis International Restaurant
11 E Aspen Ave
Mountain Oasis prides itself on its homemade soups. This upscale yet relaxed café in the heart of downtown serves up several soups per day, which change periodically. The variety can range from a special cream of carrot to an old school split pea as well as inventions like their unique curry salmon chowder. Mountain Oasis consistently includes at least one vegetarian soup choice.  Check to see what the soups of the day are at 214-9270.

*This article originally ran in the December 16, 2010 issue of Flagstaff Live!, also written by me, of course!*

Satchmo's Update (12/16/10) Flagstaff, Arizona

Satchmo's BBQ

2320 N. 4th St

Flagstaff, AZ
Satchmo's is open in it's new location, in a small unassuming shopping complex on 4th st just south of 7th ave. The brightly colored Louis armstrong-themed decor lifts the spirits on your lunch break, sans any spirits offerings. The tables are covered in paper with a box of crayons in the condiments baskets for doodling as you wait for your order to be delivered. When you walk in, head to the counter and check out the menu -there are a few changes since they first opened in the tiny old location, most notably no turkey sandwiches.
There are some additions worth trying too... Like the trust chili, made with local free range beef. This is an almost soupy gumbo like style of chili. It's quite tasty and warms both the mouth and the tummy. And it comes with a nice little cornbread roll. Order a small /2 pint for $3.50 or a large pint for $6. Another must have, the satchmos tots. These babies are deep fried then coated with satchmos special seasonings. Quite a tasty treat.
On the barbecue front, satchmos has pulled pork, brisket and chicken sandwiches plus ribs, all of which you can order as a basket with a side or stand alone.
The house made barbecue sauces are right on the table. Choose either sweet or spicy. Both are thick and flavorful options.
Satchmos doesn't have their menu posted anywhere officially yet, so check out the below photo for the menu as of December 16, 2010:

Do note they're closed on Sundays and Mondays. Check their website for current hours.

New Year's Eve in style at Flagstaff's Cottage Place

Looking for a romantic, special and incredibly delicious New Year's Eve celebration?
The Cottage Place is hosting an extra special evening that will incorporate traditional New Year's menu items from around the world. 
The six course menu with complimentary glass of sparkling wine, full color keepsake menu, decorations and party favors costs $90 per person plus tax and gratuity.  For an extra $25, there will be an option of wine pairings.
The Cottage Place will be seating until 11pm and will be featuring a live saxaphone duo from 10:30 to 12:30.

Dining family-style in Flagstaff

Dining family-style in Flagstaff
By Angele Sionna

Bigfoot's Kiddie Corral

Dining with the kids can be a challenge. If they’re young – is there anything they’ll eat on the menu? If they’re older, can you all decide on the same thing for dinner? There are several Flagstaff restaurants that help ease that pain and make going out together fun, tasty and not a break-the-bank adventure. Here’s a look at just a few of the best kid-friendly menus in town…

Bigfoot Bar-B-Q
120 N Leroux St, Basement Marketplace of the Old Town Shops
Tucked down in the basement of the Old Town Shops with plenty of room to play in that ab fab “kiddie corral” and splendid for not having to fret about those little noise makers, Bigfoot has to be the number one spot for dining with kids, especially young ones! Add to that awesome days like half price wing basket Mondays and a $3 kids (12 and under) menu that includes hot dogs, corn dogs, chicken strips and grilled cheese – all with fries and a drink. Then toss in buckets of crayons and piles of paper to draw on along with free peanuts that can be thrown willy nilly on the floor. You’ve got a winner. Bigfoot is hands-down the number one place my three tots like to dine.

Café Ole
119 S. San Fransisco
In a time when the economy has left most folks needing any help they can get, Café Ole still has their FREE kids meals on Wednesdays. This is a super (tasty) deal! All day Wednesdays, both lunch (11:30a-3p) and dinner (5-9p), Café Ole serves up a free quesadilla, burrito or taco for sus niños (12 and under). Normally, the kids meals (that include a drink) are $5, still a good price. Plus this little Mexican joint near downtown and NAU has a nice colorful atmosphere that the whole fam will enjoy. Muy Bueno!

Pita Jungle
320 South Regent Street, next to New Frontiers
Ah, choices - they can make a break an out to eat experience with kiddos. Pita Jungle is the place to go for choice. They have a great $5 kids (10 and under) meal – that lets the kiddies pick from nutritious and delicious options. You pick one protein, one green and one carb – plus get a fruit cup and a drink. Proteins range from turkey to tuna to tofu (and many more). Greens include cucumbers, broccoli (make fun all you want but it is my childrens’ fav!), spinach or carrots. Carbs range from pasta to mac and cheese to a pita crisp and more. Quite a feast!

Diablo Burger
120 N Leroux, on the square behind Pesto Brothers
Seating in here is tough for little kids because of the cool high stools, but if they can sit still – Diablo Burger is a great burger joint to take the tots. They have mini versions of their divine grass-fed, locally raised burgers (or a grilled cheese sandwich) with a side of those yummy frittes for around the $5 mark. In nice weather, sitting on DB's outdoor tables and letting the kids play in Heritage square while they as much noise as they want as they burn off that extra energy is an added bonus.

Granny’s Closet
218 S. Milton Rd.
Leave it to ol’ Granny to have a super bargain for kids under six – for just $2.50 they get their shot at that classic soup and salad bar. Pretty sweet. For kids 6 to 12 it jumps up just a bit to $5.50, but still a good reason to go for either lunch or dinner. Add to that those fun booths where kids can watch TV at their table, you’ve got a winner for an entertaining time for all in your party.

Wildflower Bread Company
530 East Piccadilly Drive (Near New Frontiers)
Here’s a little freebie for kids I love – every Wednesday right after school (from 3:30-4pm) you can take the kiddos down to Wildflower for a free milk, cookie and activity. It’s completely free! Wildflower also has a good kids (12 and under) menu for about $4 for breakfast, lunch and dinner. It comes with a small milk (or soda) and at lunch or dinner they toss in a chocolate chip cookie too! Choices range from French toast, pancakes or egg and cheese sandwich at breakfast, sandwiches or meatballs for lunch and pastas for dinner.

Foodie gift idea: Shop the Flagstaff Community Markets new store downtown

Flagstaff Community Markets opened a new holiday store this week - just in time for buying gifts for your foodie friends this holiday season. The store - located in the Old Town Shops (corner of Birch & Leroux downtown) features an eclectic variety of independent artists, specialty food producers, and regional growers. It has such items as regionally produced honey, jams, pasta, salsas, hot sauce, soaps, tamales, jewelry, children's clothing, yarns, pottery and more- all hand crafted by many of your favorite vendors from the Flagstaff Community Market.
The Community Market Store will be open 7 days a week 9:30 am to 9:00 pm through January 1, 2011.

Where to eat in Flagstaff on Thanksgiving 2010

Thanksgiving is a time for gathering with friends and family and sharing your appreciation of what they add to your life… plus good food. Celebrate together without making mom and grandma cook all day. Instead let some of the city’s finest establishments prepare your Turkey Day feast. (Reservations are recommended, unless otherwise noted.)

Cottage Place
126 W Cottage
774-8431
cottageplace.com
Get in on Frank’s famous five-course meal. The Cottage Place opens at noon for Thanksgiving where you’ll enjoy an appetizer, soup, salad, a choice of about 9 different entrees including turkey of course and choice of dessert.  Price $30-$45 per person, based on which entree you choose. They’ll also have a special children’s menu for those in your party under 12.

Little America
2515 East Butler
779-2741
littleamerica.com/flagstaff/thanksgiving_brunch.html
You don’t need reservations for this annual feast. Remember that if you burn your first turkey – all hope is not lost. Little America’s Thanksgiving Day Champagne Brunch is a delight every year. It runs from 10am to 3pm. $29.95 for adults, $14.95 for children 7-11 and free for children 6 and under plus tax and tip. The meal will include turkey, prime rib, Alaskan crab legs, omelets, a chocolate fountain, desserts, champagne, tea coffee and much more. Check their website for a full menu.(Their popular holiday lights festival kicks off the next day!)

Josephine's Modern American Bistro
503 North Humphreys Street
779-3400
josephinesrestaurant.com
Josephine’s “Thanksgiving Banquet” will run from noon to 7pm. It’s $35 per person and $12.50 for children under 10. The meal features starters like scrumptious butternut squash soup and champagne vinaigrette salad, a main course of roasted cider brined natural 'Red Bird Farm' turkey, apricot preserve and clove rubbed Smithfield Ham, beef Wellington served with bordelaise sauce and cedar plank charbroiled Atlantic salmon plus traditional sides with desserts ranging from traditional pumpkin pie to a flourless chocolate torte. Check out the full menu on their website.

Radisson Woodlands Hotel
1175 West Route 66
773-8888
A carving station with everything from turkey to prime rib, entrees from chicken to pork loin, a breakfast station and all the traditional accompaniments plus champagne make up the annual turkey day feast at the Radisson. Seating times run from 10am to 3pm. Adults are $26.95, children 6 to 12 are $10.95 and little ones under 6 are free.

Mormon Lake Lodge
Main Street, Mormon Lake
928-354-2227 x14
MormonLakeLodge.com
Head about half an hour southwest of town for a holiday in the pines at the rustic Mormon Lake Lodge. Here they’ve serve up a family style turkey dinner with all the trimmings for 50 years… you even get to carve it at your table. So you’ve got all the fun of having your family in an intimate setting and leftovers but no one has to be trapped in the kitchen all day for it to happen. The family-style feast is for parties of four or more, reservations required. Smaller parties can order individual meals of turkey or prime rib, no reservation required. Adults are $19, kids 5-12 are $15 and kids 4 and under are free for the family feast. Individual meals are $18 adults/$16 kids for the turkey and $24/$18 adults/kids for the prime rib. All meals include lobster bisque soup, salad, cherry hazelnut stuffing, roasted garlic mashed potatoes, almond rice pilaf, candied yams with marshmallows, green bean walnut medley, orange-ginger glazed baby carrots, and choice of dessert. You bring home all the leftovers. Their Saloon will be open next door from 11am to 7pm that day as well to hang out together afterwards. Dinner is served from 11am to 4pm.

(originally written by me for Flagstaff Live Nov 11 edition)

New Flagstaff restaurant: Flippin Dutch

A new restaurant has opened in Flagstaff in an odd sharing of space with the delish Pesto Brothers. The new joint is called Flippin Dutch. It has an eclectic menu with what it calls "Dutchies" at its heart. Right now you can pick up a coupon for $1 off outside of the restaurant - it's in the Old Town Shops, downtown Flagstaff off Leroux. Flippin Dutch is open breakfast through dinner.
Here's a scan of their new menu (as of November 2010):

Foodie gift idea: Community Supported Agriculture membership

Here's a great Christmas gift idea for the foodie in your life - a membership to a community supported agriculture project. It's like belonging to a fresh food of the month club - but local!
To participate in the Flagstaff Community Supported Agriculture project, you must sign up for the entire season (think fall, winter, or spring) in advance. A season usually lasts 12 weeks and costs $240 ($20 per week). If you miss the beginning of the season you can sign up. Contact FCSA for details.
Folks in other areas can contact local restaurants or restaurant associations and ask for info about a CSA in their area.

Greek food in Flagstaff, Arizona

Greeks have a special word to describe their feelings about the importance of sharing the dining experience by eating out with others: paraia. It basically means good food, good times or as famed British writer Lawrence Durrell put it, paraia is “a transcendence of the dinner table to include conversation, the view, ambiance and the overall spirit of place.” Flagstaff’s Greek restaurants go about capturing paraia in different ways, all with some good food and a little “Opa! Opa!” for your taste buds!
Taverna Greek Grill
2420 South Woodlands Village Boulevard

Taverna's Chicken Pita

A Gorgeous lodge like setting with big wooden timbers, Taverna feels like you're eating in a fine dining establishment (that’s laid back and casual). And fine it is, with the largest variety of Greek food in town. The menu features classic Greek foods like gyros, pitas and other authentically flavored fare, some with a modern interpretation. The ingredients are all fresh. The feta is creamy and generously served, as are the other pita ingredients from gyro meat to, thick sliced chicken breast. The sauces are light and flavorful and add the perfect touch. They also have a kid-sized gyro on the kids’ menu, which is an added bonus for families! Besides the pitas, check out the Keftedes (Greek meatballs wrapped in lettuce topped with tzatziki sauce), Loukaniko (grilled sausages and peppers), Spanakopita (a pastry filled with spinach, feta, egg and herbs), Souvlaki (skewers of beef, lamb, pork, shrimp or chicken), and so much more. Desserts include baklava, phyllo pastry layers filled with nuts and drenched in honey syrup, and loukoumades, which are a scrumptious Greek version of fancy donut holes. Check out a full menu at tavernagreekgrill.com.

Greek Islands
109 E Phoenix Ave
This homey hole in the wall with a teeny tiny patio (but hey, at least they have one) seats maybe thirty people tops but is a great escape from traditional Flagstaff. You'll find the owners working here, serving up all sorts of authentic Greek specialties. The chicken chunks are boldly marinated in a lemon herb blend that brings a mouthful of flavor in each bite. The gyros are overstuffed and the thing to get if you can’t decide. Get something, anything (like the calamari) with the housemade marinara sauce. It is fantastic - unique and surprisingly different - a flavor that hints to anise, fennel or something similar that will bring you back bite after bite. Other things to try at Greek Islands: moussaka (which is basically an eggplant and lamb casserole), spinach pie and beef or chicken souvlaki. Note, Greek Islands is cash only, but not to fear there's an ATM right inside. They’ve got their full menu on Facebook

Pita Jungle
320 S Regent St
Mediterranean influences bringing together Greek, Armenian, Middle Eastern flavors with an American flare at Pita Jungle. Sure they've got your gyro and falafel pitas but they also have options you wont find other places in town like my favorite Mediterranean Roasted Chicken (Shawarma) pita with grilled marinated chicken breast, mixed greens, tomatoes, onions, pickles, garlic sauce and tahini. Or try the Hummus & Taboule (Middle Eastern wheat salad) plate or the Lentil Fetoosh Salad (a mix of lentil and rice cooked with caramelized onions, over mixed greens, tomatoes, cucumbers, red onions, pita chips topped with a lemon vinaigrette dressing. Do add a side of those garlic new potatoes too! On the unique Greek fusion pizza front, pita jungle has pita and lavosh pizzas that bring a unique taste in their crust and toppings that include feta cheese. Try the Glazed-Chicken Lavosh Pizza with crispy wood-fired lavosh bread topped with honey-mustard glazed chicken, wood-fired onions, cheddar, feta, mozzarella and herbs. For dessert go for the baklava or rice pudding (aka Rizogalo). Check out a full menu at pitajungle.com.

Mountain Oasis
11 E Aspen Ave
The vegetarian and more mecca that is Mountain Oasis spreads its international reach of flavors to Greece. Home to many a popular Greek dish from gyros to falafel, Mountain Oasis also serves up dolmas, stuffed grape leaves with a homemade lemon tahini dressing, and a favorite Greek salad with feta, kalamata olives, Greek dressing and gyro meat. Mountain Oasis also makes their own hummus. You can get it as an app with pita bread, garnished with sprouts, cucumbers, kalamata olive and tomatoes or get it on a wrap with avocados, cucumbers, carrots, black olives and lettuce. Check out their full menu of Greek and other international delights at themenuplease.com/mountainoasis.

Cottage Place offering 'Holiday Cooking' class

Forget that boring old Thanksgiving dinner you normally make, The Cottage Place is hosting a Holiday Cooking class!
On Saturday, November 6th starting at 11am OR Sunday, November 7th starting at noon, Chef Frank will be sharing his secrets for a scrumptious gourmet holiday meal.
Cost is $50 per person and includes instruction, a packet of recipes, tastes of all the food and several tastes of wine that have been paired with the food. Things you can look forward to making and trying out: Roast Turkey, Apricot-Pecan Stuffing, Cottage Place Whipped Potatoes, Frank's famous Winter Squash Soup, a salad with Cranberry-Orange Vinaigrette, Pumpkin Cheesecake and more.
Call The Cottage Place to make your reservation at 774-8431.

Where to find some good cocktails in Flagstaff

There are so many places in Flagstaff to kick back and liven your spirits. Here’s a look at some sweet spots, many of which are close together so you can enjoy them on a walking tour of the downtown area and avoid having to drive anywhere.

Picazzo's Organic Italian Kitchen
1300 S Milton
What’s not to love on the drink menu at Picazzos, especially during their awesome happy hour when their organic cocktails (and apps) are half off! That’s a reason to celebrate right there. The drinks are made with organic ingredients – from the liquor to the fruit – and they taste goooood. I particularly have enjoyed the Watermelon Mint Mojito with silver rum, lime juice, watermelon and mint leaves and the Raspberry Lavender Limonade with big juicy raspberries and a delightful lavender lemonade vodka. The floral bouquet comes alive in your mouth. Another popular option- the Ginger’s Hot with Corazon Reposado Tequila, fresh ginger, agave nectar, lime juice and the kicker –fresh jalapeños. If a spicy twist is what you’re after, consider the Mango Tango with honey mango vodka, mango puree, lime juice and jalapeños. This one is for anyone who enjoys a mango salsa. The taste buds get the sweet and the throat gets the afterburn. The menu goes on and on with interesting concoctions, which is just what summer is calling for.

Tinderbox Kitchen
34 S San Francisco
Dust and delays on San Francisco adding to frustration? Pull over, cool off and chill out with a Shandy or two from Tinderbox. Traditionally a shandy is a mix of ale and lemonade (I fell in love with the shandy at the famous Hoffbrauhaus in Germany. Delightful!) TBox’s Shandy puts a twist on traditional, as per their norm, instead serving up 4 Peaks Sunbru with fresh lemon juice and a shot of Tru Organic Vodka. Good stuff to make those construction pains fade away.

Salsa Brava
2220 East Route 66
Salsa Brava has a large selection of margaritas to meet your desires. Many come in regular and super grande sizes for those days you need a little extra relaxation. Among the choices you’ve got your traditional house specialty Salsa Brava Margarita with or without fruit. Or try the Agavero Cadillac made with Hornitos Reposado and Agavero Tequila, which is made with a flower known to be an aphrodisiac. They also have several mojitos from the classic to peach, mango, raspberry and strawberry options. Of course, one of their Pina Coladas will also go a long way to help you chill on a hot summer day. And not to be left out, the house made Sangria crafted the traditional way with burgundy, citrus fruit, and brandy.

Criollo Latin Kitchen
16 N San Francisco
Making a name for themselves on the happy hour circuit is Criollo with their sangrias and margaritas a plenty. These margs are particularly addicting, so make sure someone else is driving. You’re going to want to keep ordering them and there’s no skimping on “the goods.” They don’t even have a blender I’m told, so don’t ask for a frozen one. Their red sangria is smooth, tangy and goes down fast. All signs point to excellent bartenders.

Lumberyard Brewing Company
5 S San Francisco
While you’re probably tempted to go for a good ol beer to beat the heat at the Lumberyard, seeing that it is a brewing company and all… consider the refreshing change of the unique white sangria instead. This house made concoction features white wine with red 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.

Altitudes Bar and Grill
2 S Beaver
Sit back and relax on the patio at Altitudes and catch a summer breeze while sipping on one of their popular cocktails. Ones to try… Coconino Lemonade with Bacardi, razz rum and fresh squeezed lemonade and the Orange Crush with vodka, triple sec, freshly squeeze orange juice and a splash of Sierra Mist.

New Jersey Pizza update

I've heard several people around Flagstaff recently say New Jersey Pizza isn't open anymore - but I'm glad to confirm those rumors aren't true... they're just not open for lunch.

The new hours for New Jersey Pizza are Sunday, Monday and Tuesday 5-8pm and Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday 4-9:30pm.

Read previous reviews of the delish New Jersey Pizza Company HERE

You can find their latest menu and specials at http://newjerseypizzacompany.com.

Yummy dessert spots in Flagstaff, Arizona

"Life's short, eat dessert first"
By Angele Sionna

Life's short, eat dessert first… it’s been said a million times before and will be said a million more because the sweet wrap up to your meal can be just about the ultimate in food satisfaction. Whether it’s hot and gooey or just melts in your mouth from the delicate construction of fine fruits and sugar blended by an artisan of delectables, a good dessert can put a smile on your mouth and make your day. Here are some great Flagstaff spots that you should go ahead and consider ordering dessert before the rest of your meal…

The Cottage Place Restaurant
126 W. Cottage
www.cottageplace.com
Flambé is the word of choice at the Cottage Place. These desserts have a tableside presentation involving fire. It's just hard to beat and doesn't hurt that these desserts are delightfully fresh and satisfying! The other treats here also have as good of taste as they have presentation, but I'd expect no less from Cottage Place’s fine chef Frank Branham. They truly have the art of cooking mastered for every course.

Josephine’s Modern American Bistro
503 N Humphreys St
www.josephinesrestaurant.com
This is where I go for crème brûlée. It’s, well, a cup of awesome! I've been known to go to Josephine’s just to have dessert and coffee out under the stars on the patio, an enchanting atmosphere to relax in and for your taste buds. Other nectarous treats to enjoy here include a rich and luscious Mascarpone Chocolate Mousse Tiramisu.

Cafe Daily Fare
408 E. Route 66 (behind the Babbitt used car lot, 1/2 block east of Elden St)
www.simplydeliciousflagstaff.com
Café Daily Fare is a nice spot to grab lunch away from the hussle and bussle of downtown without going too far at all. Desserts here range from cookies and cupcakes (Belgian chocolate, lemon poppy, carrot raisin walnut, and “pineapple upside down cake” flavors) to crème brûlée, and bourbon chocolate pecan tarts. They even will make birthday cakes and deliver them to students at NAU (or anyone else anywhere in town) to make your special one’s special day a little sweeter.

Wildflower Bread Company
530 East Piccadilly Drive (at Butler & Lone Tree)
wildflowerbread.com
If you haven't somehow filled up on Wildflower’s salads and sandwiches, they have quite an assortment of sweet treats to indulge in. My fav - the Lemon Coconut Torte. It is, as the menu calls it, "scrumptious." It's a white cake layered with a light and airy lemon mousse and topped with coconut and a whipped topping. A little happy in every bite. Perfect for a relaxing summer night with a cup of coffee out on the patio. For you chocolate lovers, try the Ultimate Chocolate Cake. It is rich yet still some how airy. It is a rich chocolate cake filled with a decadent chocolate mousse covered in a dark chocolate ganache.

Beaver Street Brewery
11 S. Beaver St.
www.beaverstreetbrewery.com
You haven’t experienced all Beaver Street has to offer until you’ve had their Apple-Ginger Stout cake. This little gem is made with gingerbread cake, apples, spices, and Beaver Street’s own R&R Oatmeal Stout. It's served warm, drowned in a thin and not overpowering caramel sauce and fresh whip cream. Yum! This could be the most unique twist to gingerbread yet. Good anytime of the year, but especially great on a cold winter day with fresh snow on the ground. Still, that doesn’t stop me from ordering it while sitting on the sunny patio.

Sugar Mamas
At the East Flagstaff Wednesday Community Market (St Pius Catholic Church Parking Lot, 2257 E. Cedar Ave.)
These sweet-toothed ladies don't have a storefront yet (though they will coming up in November). Right now you can find their sweet goodies at the Wednesday Flagstaff Community Market (open from 4-7pm). Don’t miss the toffee brownies. (Mmm.) The toffee chips and caramel are ooey gooey with a crunch that tastes so great with the chocolately brownie underneath. Their specialties also include chocolate macaroons, key lime tartlets, cupcakes, strawberry cheesecake squares, lemon zucchini scones, pies and cookies.

Macy's European Coffeehouse, Bakery & Vegetarian Restaurant
14 South Beaver Street
macyscoffee.net
Macy’s has been a Flagstaff must for coffee since 1980, but if you’ve never tried their sweet treats you’re missing out. Their pièce de résistance are the chocolate chip cookies, made with a recipe from one of the chefs’ moms. But their peanut butter cookies melt in your mouth and are not to be missed too! Of course the biscotti and other breakfast treats make for a yummy sweet snack with a coffee or dessert after lunch.

(This article was originally written by me for Flagstaff Live!)

A look at all of Flagstaff's Thai restaurants

There’s something exotic about the foods you find at Thai restaurants. You almost feel special as you savor each of the flavors hitting your taste buds, like someone has just invented and hand crafted this delicacy just for you to enjoy. That's the beauty of Thai food and its combinations of edible aromas from curries with tumeric and coconut to sweet and spicy noodle dishes and still others flavored by limes, lemon grass, peanuts, hot chilis or mint. We're lucky here in Flagstaff, of all places, to have so many top quality Thai restaurants to enjoy. Take a tour around town of these fine eateries....

Swaddee Thai
115 E. Aspen Ave.
773-1122
swaddeethai.com
Swaddee is at the top of my list for Thai, especially their interpretation of the classic pad Thai with chicken. The number three heat level is perfection bringing together sweet, tangy and spicy in each bite. If you’re new to Thai food, the pad Thai is a great starting dish, it’s Thailand’s national noodle dish afterall, and Swaddee is the place to try a superlative example of it.  Pad Thai has wide noodles with a meat, bean sprouts and egg tossed in a sweet and sour sauce topped with ground peanuts. Other entrees to try: Pad Won Sen with its transparent noodles stir fried with your choice of meat, egg and veggies and Thai Barbecued Chicken prepared with Thai spices, coconut milk and a hot and sour sauce. The atmosphere here is relaxed and inviting as you sit back in the big booths awaiting your pleasure. The lunch specials are an added bonus. For about $8 you get a small salad, mini egg roll, steamed rice (except noodle dishes) and your choice of a chicken, beef, pork, or tofu entrée. Those include red, green, or yellow curry, pad Thai and others. Full menu details are on their website.

Little Thai Kitchen
1051 S Milton
226-9422
For twelve years, Little Thai Kitchen has been serving up delightfully aromatic dishes with friendly service tucked in a teeny tiny yet quaint feeling spot big enough to serve about 20 people elbow to elbow. The dishes here are on the smaller side and the meat portions aren’t always plentiful. But the food is all carefully prepared and enjoyable. Dishes have some of the coolest names in town like The Evil Princess of a Wild Jungle, which by the way is a highly recommended entrée of chicken, mushrooms, herbs and spices bathed in a creamy coconut sauce. Others of note: Cashew Gai, Gang Kiew Wan, Southern Fried Rice, Ginger Fish and Tiger Rolls. Entrees come with a small salad as an appetizer, which has the best peanut dressing in town. They have the same menu for lunch and dinner, no lunch specials.

Dara Thai
14 S San Francisco Str
774-0047
This popular Flagstaff eatery has a pleasant, almost romantic atmosphere with colorfully painted walls, some adorned with murals and old photos. Their lunch specials are fairly priced in line with other Thai food in town and come with soup or salad. Here I’d opt for the cucumber chicken soup. Its chicken broth is infused with cucumber plus big chunks of chicken and cucumbers. Dara’s dishes are imbued with rich flavors through and through. Try Tofu Rhad Prik –fried tofu chunks with red curry, bamboo shoots, onions, mushrooms and bell peppers, the Tropical Heatwave with your choice of meat, green curry, veggies all covered in a coconut cream sauce, or classic pad Thai. The medium spiciness leaves lips tingling for a while after your meal which is a nice reminder of the lovely meal you just ate.

Bangkok Thai
2112 N 4th Street
527-3293
Bangkok Thai is an unassuming cozy restaurant with a pleasing and relaxing grass green, black and white color palate, though you’d never guess from the outside as you drive up to the strip mall that houses it. The bustling lunch crowd is a reassuring sign when you walk in. The staff is friendly and attentive. Lunch specials range from $6.50 to $9 and feature a salad with your entrée. The pad Thai here is sweet and mellow with little bits of a jazzy spiciness that ring in every few bites. Not a lot of chicken but what is in there tastes good. Others to try: Panang, garlic shrimp and the Jungle Tofu with fried tofu in coconut milk, fresh lemongrass, straw mushrooms and Thai spices.

Pato Thai
104 N San Francisco St
226-8940
Located adjacent to Hotel Monte Vista, Pato Thai is a simple restaurant with a pleasant atmosphere in a good location for downtown wandering. The menu is traditional with specials at lunch starting at $6.95 including an appetizer of fried wontons and small salad. Dishes here are plentiful with nice meat portions. Spicy is something they understand, so consider dialing down a notch from your normal Thai heat level. Dishes to try here: Panang, special pineapple fried rice and, of course, pad Thai, though I find the chicken in the pad Thai here a bit dry but the noodles and sauce are delightful.

Where to find great enchiladas in Flagstaff, Arizona

Cafe Daily Fare's gourmet chicken enchiladas

You’ve probably been enjoying these tasty staples at Mexican restaurants for years, but did you know the word “enchiladas” means "filled with chili.” The word enchilada first appeared in print at the end of the 19th century.  The original version of enchiladas were more like the stacked enchiladas you may have eaten at a Mexican restaurant in New Mexico - stacked in layers with a fried egg on top. Modern enchiladas are a hearty meal and perennial Mexican restaurant favorite. Here’s a look at some of Flagstaff’s most noteworthy…

Las Gorditas Mexican Restaurant
2900 N West St, Flagstaff AZ (just south of Cedar in a small shopping center)
Las Gorditas has some of the very best enchiladas in town. They serve Jalisco-style food, all recipes of Mom Santana or recipes passed down for generations in her family. The red sauce is flavorful but not spicy. They're a super bargain at $4.99 for two cheese enchiladas with rice and beans both at lunch and dinnertime. And they're mouthwatering, as are the pork. Be warned, you may become addicted at one bite and be coming back here all of the time.

MartAnne's Burrito Palace
10 N San Francisco
“The House That Chilaquiles Built" also serves a mean enchilada. Traditional, super filling and spicy describes everything at MartAnne's and the enchiladas are no different. You can even get one for breakfast if you want with a big ol fried egg on top (like the Jerry with pork and green chile). And of course everything here is made with love by the hands of owner-chef Anne Martinez, who you'll find working in the kitchen whenever they're open. Give her a wave, a big thanks and a good tip for your delicious enchiladas, if you can break yourself away from the chilaquiles, that is.

Cafe Daily Fare
408 E. Route 66 (behind the Babbitt used car lot, 1/2 block east of Elden St)
www.simplydeliciousflagstaff.com
The eclectic Café Daily Fare serves gourmet enchiladas as part of the "Chef's Playground" part of the menu, which means they make a showing occasionally, though you can always buy them by the pan to serve at a dinner or office party. You’ll find spinach, achiote chicken or ancho pork on the menu. The chicken enchiladas are delightfully different from any other enchiladas in town. These smoky, sweet and spicy bad boys are bursting with flavor, topped with a little cotija cheese and seeds along with a house-made roasted red pepper salsa. They leave your mouth warm and wanting more.

Salsa Brava
2220 E Route 66 (at Santa Fe)
Salsabravaflagstaff.com
The beloved Salsa Brava has quite a selection of enchiladas on the menu. Sour Creme and Chicken, spinach or Enchiladas de Cameron (shrimp) are all topped with a yummy cilantro cream sauce. They also have unique Portobello and Spinach enchiladas with grilled portobellos mixed with spinach and cheeses topped with a red chili sauce. Or you can go traditional with cheese, pork, beef and chicken enchiladas. You can’t go wrong with Salsa Brava’s classic cheese enchiladas with a little homemade salsa on top.

La Fonda
1900 N 2nd St (Just north of Route 66)
Lafondaflg.com
One of the best lunch specials in town revolves around the enchiladas at this locals favorite restaurant: two cheese enchiladas, rice, beans, a soda and a sopapilla al for $7.50. They’re simple and delish. La Fonda also has several other enchiladas any time of day to choose from including chicken, shredded or gowned beef in red or green sauce as well as carnitas enchiladas.

Casa Bonita
1551 S Milton (across from Target)
Casabonitaaz.com
Try Casa Bonita’s Camaron (shrimp) enchiladas with tomatoes, onions and cilantro or Enchiladas de Espinacas (spinach) with fresh sautéed spinach, tomatoes and onions, both smothered with a creamy sauce. They also serve up what they call Enchiladas Deluxe which are your choice of enchilada topped with green salsa, lettuce, guac, sour creme, tomatoes and onions. I love these extra toppings! Other house specialties include Enchiladas de Jaiba which have crab meat topped with a special tomatillo sauce and sour creme and Enchiladas Suizas, which are traditional enchiladas with a tomatillo sauce and sour creme on top.

Tacos Los Altos de Jalisco
3650 E Route 66 (off of Fanning Dr)
This little drive-thru (or small sit-down) restaurant serves up a mean cheese enchilada. It is smothered in a red chili gravy and topped with a bit of lettuce and tomato. These aren't spicy, just a mouthful of flavor. Tacos Los Altos also has shrimp, beef and chicken enchiladas.

Los Altenos Restaurant
1481 S Milton (Near Cheba Hut)
Grab a bunch of napkins before you bite into Los Altenos' enchiladas. These are served up in an almost soupy state smothered in a ton of chili sauce and melted cheese. They don't skimp on the meat either. You can order two or three cheese, chicken or beef enchiladas with rice and beans for $6 to $7.

Poliberto's
221 E Cedar Ave
Simple, fast, cheap and gigantic describes Poliberto's enchiladas. Here I'd go for the green chicken enchiladas. They are overstuffed with shredded chicken (but no melted cheese anywhere in sight), lightly topped with a thick green sauce that is spicy with a great aftertaste. The order of two comes in at $4. Poliberto's also has cheese, beef and chicken enchiladas topped with a milder red sauce.

(This was originally written by me for Flagstaff Live!)

Where to find the best pancakes in Flagstaff, Arizona

One of the giant Mormon Lake Lodge pancakes

Pancakes, flapjacks, silver dollars, short stack, crepes... The beloved breakfast classic goes by many names and all of them equal a mouthful of happiness. While an American breakfast staple, pancakes are eaten around the world in various forms all day long and have been for centuries. Some are sweet treats for dessert, others are in the salty realm with cheeses and meats if you can believe that. But here we generally just have fluffy bready slightly sweet flat circles that are cooked up on a griddle, flipped then served with syrup, butter, and sometimes fruit toppings. Here’s a look at some of the best ones being served up around Flagstaff.

Wildflower Bread Company
530 East Piccadilly Drive (at Butler & Lone Tree)
wildflowerbread.com
Sure they've got traditional pancakes, but wildflower also has some of the most special stacks around: they’re signature lemon ricotta pancakes. These have ricotta and lemon gently cooked right in for a fresh morning feeling on your taste buds. They come with a sweet blueberry compote which eliminated the "need" for syrup, but it comes with that too and a light and fluffy butter. These are some of the best in town.

Mormon Lake Lodge
Main Street - Mormon Lake, AZ (You really can’t miss it – it’s the only place to eat in  the tiny town)
mormonlakelodge.com
For a cowboy breakfast head out to Mormon Lake and stop at their Lodge restaurant. Their Cowboy Flapjacks are gigantic (think as big as your head). They taste delightfully buttery and fluffy. Consider getting them as part of the Pega Special, which is two pancakes topped with two eggs plus a side of bacon or sausage for a massive meal sure to fill you up (and leave leftovers for later) for a horseback ride, mountain bike ride or walk through the trails in the area. Added bonus: Mormon Lake Lodge was Flagstaff’s first “green” restaurant. So you’ll find plenty of naturally, organically or sustainably grown items on the menu, including the Flapjacks.

La Bellavia
18 S. Beaver St
La Bellavia is known for their Swedish Oat Cakes. These huge buttermilk and oat cakes are served with a hot cinnamon apple topping. They taste like a treat, but they’re relatively good for you. One of these babies can fill you up, so don’t go crazy and get a big stack unless you’re going to be sharing with the kiddos. You can also order a side-sized oat cake, which is the size of a normal pancake other places, to compliment another breakfast entrée like the spuds medley or as a kid-sized meal.

Brandy’s Restaurant & Bakery
1500 E Cedar Ave
brandysrestaurant.com
Brandy’s used to be owned by the folks as La Bellavilla. (The owners of Brandy are the ones who founded both.) So there is some Déjà vu to the pancakes at the two spots. They have similar tasty and hearty Swedish Oat Pancakes here as well as Brandy’s Pancakes, which are buttery buttermilk cakes that can be filled with apples, bananas, blueberries or chocolate chips. They also sell their pancake mix so you can whip up a batch of these beauts anytime of the day or night.

Old Town Creperie
120 N Leroux St (in the alley behind the Old Town Shops by Uptown Billiards)
oldtowncreperie.net
Try what is basically the French-equivalent (kind of) of thin pancakes- crepes- at the Old Town Creperie downtown. This outdoor-ish spot has a vintage feel with crepes and more crepes on the menu. The classic here is the Genevieve with a nice lemony light taste but not too sweet topped with a raspberry puree and whipped crème. Make it more of a dessert stop with the Leroux filled with Nutella, chocolate chips and other goodies. If you’re willing to get your mind past a pancake-ish meal being sweet, then try one of their “Savoy” crepes with meats and cheeses like the Grilled Chicken Spinach with a béchamel sauce or the Frankie with organic egg, cheddar, tomato, spinach and a white sauce. The Creperie has a large selection and something for everyone to try. You can find a full menu on their

(Originally written for Flagstaff Live! by me, of course)

Old Town Creperie in Flagstaff, Arizona

Old Town Creperie
120 N Leroux St (in the alley behind the Old Town Shops by Uptown Billiards)
Menu online at oldtowncreperie.net

This outdoor-ish spot has a vintage feel with crepes and more crepes on the menu. Old Town Creperie is what I call an indoor/outdoor eating experience. It has two walls the others are open for what amounts to a quaint covered patio tuckd out of the hustle and bustle but still right in the thick of things.

This is the place to go in Flagstaff for a French experience. Crepes may be like pancakes (kind of) but they're not just for breakfast back in the Old World. They're for anytime of day and the hours and menu of Old Town Creperie reflect that with "Sweet" and "Savory" selections that take you from a late breakfast to lunch, dinner and dessert. They're open basically only outside of snow season - from late spring (generally April) through early November, Sundays 10-4pm, Wednesdays thru Saturdays they open at 11am and close at 7pm Wednesday and Thursday and at 9pm on Friday and Saturday.

The classic here is the Genevieve with a nice lemony light taste but not too sweet topped with a raspberry puree and whipped crème. Make it more of a dessert stop with the Leroux filled with Nutella, chocolate chips and other goodies. If you’re willing to get your mind past a pancake-ish meal being sweet, then try one of their “Savoy” crepes with meats and cheeses like the Grilled Chicken Spinach with a béchamel sauce or the Frankie with organic egg, cheddar, tomato, spinach and a white sauce. The Creperie has a large selection and something for everyone to try. You can find a full menu on their website.

Bangkok Thai in Flagstaff (includes menu)

Bangkok Thai
2112 N 4th Street
527-3293
Bangkok Thai is an unassuming cozy restaurant with a pleasing and relaxing grass green, black and white color palate, though you’d never guess from the outside as you drive up to the strip mall that houses it. The bustling lunch crowd is a reassuring sign when you walk in. The staff is friendly and attentive. Lunch specials range from $6.50 to $9 and feature a salad with your entrée. The pad Thai here is sweet and mellow with little bits of a jazzy spiciness that ring in every few bites. Not a lot of chicken but what is in there tastes good. Others to try: Panang, garlic shrimp and the Jungle Tofu with fried tofu in coconut milk, fresh lemongrass, straw mushrooms and Thai spices.
Here's a look at the menu as of July 2010:

Where to find good burgers in Flagstaff

A hamburger by definition is a patty of meat sandwiched between two halves of a bun usually with some toppings. But as every burger gourmand knows, this ever popular American classic (that came to us from German immigrants and their love of Hamburg Steak) is really much more complex than it sounds. The quality of the meat, how it’s seasoned and cooked, along with the types of bread and toppings used makes all the difference (and it never hurts to serve it up with a side of good of fries). Here’s a look at the burger hot spots of Flagstaff…

Tinderbox
34 S San Francisco
Talk about your gourmet burger, this is the place on Fridays when Tinderbox serves up their burger blueplate lunch special. The Big Time Cheeseburger is made from ground sirloin and striploin steak dressed with their house "secret sauce," TBox Signature Steak Sauce, cheese and chopped greens. If you ever see the “Rancher’s Burger” (photo above) come back to the specials of the day menu – get it! That one has lamb, venison and Kobe beef ground up together in an extra juicy melt in your mouth special. When part of the blue plate lunch special, the burgers come with a drink, a side salad and potato salad plus awesome fresh, hot donut holes for dessert, all for $10. Quite a deal!


Diablo Burger
120 N. Leroux St
Diablo Burger has ten different burger options on the menu plus an infinite number of combos you can make up to order. All of their burgers are medium-rare char-broiled out of open range-raised, antibiotic-free and growth- hormone free beef from the Diablo Trust ranches of Arizona. They’re served up on a unique DB branded buns (aka a toasted english muffins). Topping options all have fun names like the Wrigley Field with homemade sauerkraut, bacon, swiss cheese and a spicy honey mustard or The Cheech with their house made Holy Guacamole, pepper jack cheese, and jalapenos. Added bonus: the burgers here come served with a side of some of the best fries in town.


Beaver Street Brewery
11 S Beaver St
Beaver Street is known for their beer and burgers. Of special note – the Beaver Street Burger. This bad boy is a half pound of ground angus beef with garlic, fresh basil and sun dried tomatoes mixed in then grilled up and topped with havarti cheese and basil pesto mayo plus lettuce, tomato and red onions all served on a nice fresh bun. My husband has a hard time not ordering this baby every time we go. No kidding. I think maybe once or twice has he departed from this favorite. Worth a try even if you’re dedicated to another standard on their menu.

Josephine’s
503 N Humphreys St
Josephine’s has good food, always with a flare of some sort. Their burgers are no exception. They use freshly ground 80/20 chuck, then you can dress it a variety of ways. The one to try here that is among the best in town: The Flagstaff Burger with roasted poblano peppers, red bell peppers, caramelized onions, smoked gouda cheese, applewood smoked bacon and ancho mayo on a toasted Kaiser roll. Josephine’s owner Chef Tony says his fav is the Tillamook Cheddar with a yellow mustard mayonnaise sauce, shredded iceburg, sharp cheddar cheese and caramelized onions.


Criollo
16 N San Francisco
At lunchtime, Criollo features an Arizona-raised criollo beef burger topped with pickled red onion, watercress and their secret zinger chipotle aioli sauce that makes it mmm mmm good. It’s really the only non-Latin inspired thing on their menu but it’s worth veering out of their norm and sinking your teeth into. The Criollo Burger comes with a side of fries. It goes nicely with one of their tasty margaritas too.

Mama Burger
12 E. Route 66
Mama's burgers are simple but quite tasty. They have an old fashioned flare with downhome goodness reminiscent of what I imagine burgers from the glory days of Route 66 (on which they reside) must have been like. The toppings aren't deluxe by any means (though the house made thousand island dressing is a nice touch) but they get the job done. Mama Burger is easy on the wallet too. You can get a single (with no cheese) for just $3.

Bun Huggers
901 S. Milton Rd
A Flagstaff classic, Bun Huggers has been serving charbroiled burgers (aka “hugs”) cooked up on their big mesquite charcoal fired grill for years upon years. Order up a little (about ¼ pound), regular (1/3 pound) or big (1/2 pound) hug or seven different styles of hugs from a Hula Hug (a burger topped with ham, swiss cheese and pineapple) to a Philly Hug (a burger topped with grilled bell peppers, onions, garlic and swiss cheese). Then add what you like at their topping bar.


It’s About Coffee: The Factory Restaurant and Coffee House
2620 N Steves Blvd.
It’s not really all about the coffee at this small eastside joint. They might just surprise you with their popular burgers for lunch or dinner. They have two types: a 1/3 pound American Kobe Beef Burger or a ½ pound Balsamic Infused Angus Cheeseburger. Both have their charms. Whichever you decide, get the combo with the hand-cut red potato fries to make it a feast.

Pine Mountain Cafe at Flagstaff Pulliam Airport (FLG) - Menu

The Pine Mountain Cafe is located at Flagstaff's Pulliam Airport (FLG). It serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner plus has a full bar. They also deliver. Here's a look at their menu as of July 2010.

Profiles: Simply Delicious Catering and Cafe' Daily Fare in Flagstaff, Arizona

Profiles: Simply Delicious Catering and Cafe' Daily Fare

• Nancy McCulla, Chef/Owner
• Simply Delicious Catering has been open for nine years, Cafe' Daily Fare for two
• 408 East Route 66, Flagstaff, AZ
• www.simplydeliciousflagstaff.com
   

Nancy McCulla

Photo courtesy Simply Delicious

Examiner: What makes your establishment unique?
Nancy: We offer interesting specials like Blackberry Marinated Duck Tacos, Quail Tamales, Crabcake Sandwiches, great daily soups and a variety of sandwiches and salads that you can't find anywhere else in Flagstaff.

Examiner:  What is a little known factoid about your place?
Nancy: We actually DO have parking in a downtown location! We boast over 20 spaces up at the end of the ally on Historic Route 66 at the east edge of downtown.

Examiner:  What is your specialty?
Nancy: I relish working with many different menus of all kinds of cuisine and enjoy the learning process of working with a variety of cultures and clients. I want our customers to "crave" the food and come back for more.
Examiner:  What is your patrons' favorite thing about your establishment?
Nancy: Our patron's love the atmosphere and the unique artwork featured monthly, as well as the great service and the fact we listen and react to to our customers' needs.

Examiner: Anything new on the horizon that people can look forward to trying?
Nancy: Oh yeah... plans for expansion are already underway as we grow our business and great reputation.
Examiner:  What is the top thing you recommend visitors to your city do/see - besides your business, of course?
Nancy: Go visit the great folks at the Museum of Northern Arizona or Lowell Observatory... we still believe in Pluto as a planet!!

Ode to the french fries of Flagstaff

Oh the glory to the mouth when you take a bite of a good french fry. Crispy exterior with the perfect amount of salt, seasoning and slight oiliness. Then your teeth enter the smooshy, light fluffiness that is the potato’s core. That’s a hard to beat sensation.
Fries have been pleasing American taste buds since the 1800s, though they didn’t take off until after World War I. (The horror that we waited so long to appreciate this beloved side.)
There are plenty of spots in northern Arizona to find fantastic frittes. Here’s a look…


Diablo Burger
120 N. Leroux St (Downtown off the main square with alley entrance behind Pesto Brothers)
At the DB they’re committed to quality and the fries are no exception. The “Frites,” as they call them here, are double cooked in peanut oil Belgium-style and tossed with fresh rosemary. They smell as delightful as they taste! A true piece of poetry for the watering mouths of hungry fry appreciators. These fries also come with a special homemade dipping sauces. I like the ranch. Other choices include Hatch Chile Mayo, spicy honey mustard and pesto.

Oregano’s Pizza Bistro
605 W Riordan Rd
I often get a basket of Oreganos waffle-cut fries as an appetizer because they are irresistible. They’re lightly salted plus seasoned and crispy without being overly cooked. These bad boys are light and fluffy deep-fried goodness.

Bigfoot BBQ
120 N. Leroux St
Bigfoot has some of the best sides in town hands down. Their garlic romano fries are tasty without being overpowering. So you can easily munch and still give your sweetie a big old smooch after lunch. These fries in particular compliment Bigfoot’s tangy barbecue sauce. As good as those are, the sweet taters are my fav here. They are cooked up with a crispy, lightly salted outside and warm sweet soft inside.

Ski Lift Lodge Restaurant
6355 N Highway 180 (at the base of Snowbowl Road)
The Ski Lift Lodge Restaurant may be more known for its fab chicken wings and relaxing patio, but the fries are a must order. They’re airy on the inside and crunchy on the outside with a touch of salt. I like to order these with wings and dip them in the wing sauce and ranch dressing.

Mama Burger
112 E. Route 66
Mama’s fries are made fresh throughout the day. These old fashioned goodies are thin and cooked just right. Nothing fancy but quality. You can jazz them up by ordering cajun-style (at no extra cost).

Sidebar: Mexi Fries
Stop the presses – a not to be missed spot for some fry goodness is Sedona’s Javelina Cantina. Yes. That’s right. Normally just on the menu to please picky kids, the fries at this Mexican joint rock.
Speaking of a taco and fry combination. Check out the California tacos and burritos at Flagstaff’s Tacos Locos. This taco has fries inside it, along with carne asada, guacamole, and lettuce.



(This article was originally written by me for Flagstaff Live in May 2010)

Flagstaff Tastecasters: Wildflower Bread Company - Specialty Cakes

Lemon Coconut Torte

If you haven't somehow filled up on the salads and sandwiches at Wildflower Bread Company, you have to try the Lemon Coconut Torte. It is, as the menu calls it, "scrumptious." It's a white cake layered with a light and airy lemon mousse and topped with coconut and a whipped topping. A little happy in every bite. Perfect for a relaxing summer night with a cup of coffee out on the patio.
For you chocolate lovers, try the Ultimate Chocolate Cake. It is rich yet still some how airy. It is a rich chocolate cake filled with a decadent chocolate mousse covered in a dark chocolate ganache. 
Check out all of their cakes HERE.

Flagstaff Tastecasters: Wildflower Bread Company - Salads

The Chopped Salad before it is tossed at your table

The salads at Wildflower are mouthwatering. They are boastable for sure and a reason to come here if nothing else moves you (but it sure should). Check out the full salad menu HERE.
We're currently tasting the not yet on the menu Chopped Salad. This is another must order for summer. It has wild Alaskan salmon, arugula, Israeli couscous, feta, red peppers, dried sweet corn, dried cranberries and sunflower sees tossed at your table (yes - tossed in front of you, a new thing for Wildflower) with a pesto vinaigrette. You can get chicken if you'd rather but it is so good as is. Look for it soon. This one is going on my best of Flagstaff salads list. Mmmmm. I could eat this one everyday I think.

The must-have Honey Passion Frozen Lemonade

Also look out for the Honey Passion Frozen Lemonade. It has fresh squeezed lemonade, mango puree, passion fruit syrup, honey and heavy cream blended with ice.

Flagstaff Tastecasters: Wildflower Bread Company - Sandwiches

Now up... lunch. Trying out the brand new Atlanic Haddock Provencal Sandwich. It is seared, lightly breaded Haddock with sliced hard boiled egg, fresh basil (yahoo), romaine lettuce, tomato and a really delish Provencal tartar sauce on a grilled Brioche roll. This is messy and it is worth every single drop of sauce that gets on your shirt. That tartar sauce is fantastic - it is herby and delightful in every bite. The Cucumber, Feta and Red Onion Salad makes a nice side for this one. Its tanginess melds well with the flavors of that tartar sauce.
This has moved to the top spot on my list of sandwiches to try at Wildflower. Others to try: Turkey Breast & Brie, Braised Beef and Mixed Grill. Check out the full sandwich menu HERE.

Flagstaff Tastecasters: Wildflower Bread Company - Breakfast

Continuing our Tastecasting event at Wildflower... it is on to breakfast!
The Roasted Tomato Feta and Egg Sandwich is light, fresh and tummy warming. That's what I love about all the things I've had at Wildflower - freshness is a key ingredient on everything. This sandwich also has scrambled eggs, roma tomato, feat and fresh basil on a buttered Ciabatta Roll. That basil is genius in the eggs. Really brings a summery and flavorful feel to everybite.
Other breakfast items on the menu that you should try: Lemon Ricotta Pancakes and Stuffed French Toast. Full breakfast menu HERE.
Next up... lunch...

Flagstaff Tastecasters: Wildflower Bread Company

Wildflower Bread Company has been open six months in Flagstaff at Butler and Lonetree. The location is nice and sunny with giant windows, comfy booths and a great patio for enjoying Flagstaff weather.

Founder Louis Basile is leading our event tonight, sharing some of his favorites. He says the Flagstaff location is the busiest of all locations.

Right now I'm enjoying the iced green tea with guava as well as the Raspberry Fruit Fizzie. Nice, light and refreshing -perfect for feeling cool when the sun beats down on you- as Louis shares his story.

He comes from New Jersey where his dad ran a little restaurant. He grew up working in food and loves it. Louis was raised in a big Italian household where bread is the center of everything. He says that every great meal starts with great bread. Which is of course at the heart of Wildflower Bread Company.
The first Wildflower opened in November of 1996 in Scottsdale. They pride themselves in being fast casual dining with customer service being right up there with food quality. I've personally found both are the pride of Wildflower. If you love it - Twitter them @WildflowerBread or Louis himself @WildflowerCEO and let them know if you found something not to your standards or liking. They really care and try to make things right.

Profiles: Brookside Chocolate Company in Flagstaff, Arizona

Profiles: Brookside Chocolate Company

• Nonette Saville, Owner
• Open as Brookside since 2002, prior to name change since 1978
• 120 N Leroux, Suite 103
• Historic downtown Flagstaff, inside the Old Town Shops
• brooksidechocolates.com

Peak shaped chocolates by Brookside

Photo courtesy brooksidechocolates.com

Examiner: What makes your establishment unique?
Nonette: What makes us unique is our huge selection of candy, imported licorice and handmade chocolates. Over 300 selections to choose from.

Examiner:  What is a little known factoid about your place?
Nonette: Little known fact is that we have been around for so long and we are a locally owned and operated business.  Not a franchise.

Examiner:  What is your specialty?
Nonette: Our specialty is our Peak shaped chocolates we make on site that come in 9 flavors and are named after the mountain peaks in the area.
Examiner:  What is your patrons' favorite thing about your establishment? What's your favorite?
Nonette: Patrons favorite would be the selection we have with a friendly smile always.
My favorite would be the great customer service we offer and all our regulars that come to the store.
Examiner:  What is the top thing you recommend visitors to your city do/see - besides your business, of course?
Nonette: Top things to do - Summer ride the ski lift.  Walk around the historic district.

Where to find good summer cocktails in Flagstaff, Arizona

What would summer be without a refreshing cocktail to help relax in the shade and beat the heat? There are so many places in town to kick back and liven your spirits. Here’s a look at some sweet spots, many of which are close together so you can enjoy them on a walking tour of the downtown area and avoid having to drive anywhere.

Picazzos Organic Italian Kitchen
1300 S Milton
What’s not to love on the drink menu at Picazzos, especially during their awesome happy hour when their organic cocktails (and apps) are half off! That’s a reason to celebrate right there. The drinks are made with organic ingredients – from the liquor to the fruit – and they taste goooood. I particularly have enjoyed the Watermelon Mint Mojito with silver rum, lime juice, watermelon and mint leaves and the Raspberry Lavender Limonade with big juicy raspberries and a delightful lavender lemonade vodka. The floral bouquet comes alive in your mouth. Another popular option- the Ginger’s Hot with Corazon Reposado Tequila, fresh ginger, agave nectar, lime juice and the kicker –fresh jalapeños. If a spicy twist is what you’re after, consider the Mango Tango with honey mango vodka, mango puree, lime juice and jalapeños. This one is for anyone who enjoys a mango salsa. The taste buds get the sweet and the throat gets the afterburn. The menu goes on and on with interesting concoctions, which is just what summer is calling for.

Tinderbox Kitchen
34 S San Francisco
Dust and delays on San Francisco adding to your summer heat frustration? Pull over, cool off and chill out with a Shandy or two from Tinderbox. Until that construction is completed, they’re serving up these bad boys “two for one.” Traditionally a shandy is a mix of ale and lemonade (I fell in love with the shandy at the famous Hoffbrauhaus in Germany. Delightful!) TBox’s Shandy puts a twist on traditional, as per their norm, instead serving up 4 Peaks Sunbru with fresh lemon juice and a shot of Tru Organic Vodka. Good stuff to make those construction pains fade away.

Salsa Brava
2220 East Route 66
Salsa Brava has a large selection of margaritas to meet your desires. Many come in regular and super grande sizes for those days you need a little extra relaxation. Among the choices you’ve got your traditional house specialty Salsa Brava Margarita with or without fruit. Or try the Agavero Cadillac made with Hornitos Reposado and Agavero Tequila, which is made with a flower known to be an aphrodisiac. They also have several mojitos from the classic to peach, mango, raspberry and strawberry options. Of course, one of their Pina Coladas will also go a long way to help you chill on a hot summer day. And not to be left out, the house made Sangria crafted the traditional way with burgundy, citrus fruit, and brandy.

Criollo Latin Kitchen
16 N San Francisco
Making a name for themselves on the happy hour circuit is Criollo with their sangrias and margaritas a plenty. These margs are particularly addicting, so make sure someone else is driving. You’re going to want to keep ordering them and there’s no skimping on “the goods.” They don’t even have a blender I’m told, so don’t ask for a frozen one. Their red sangria is smooth, tangy and goes down fast. All signs point to excellent bartenders.


Lumberyard Brewing Company
5 S San Francisco
While you’re probably tempted to go for a good ol beer to beat the heat at the Lumberyard, seeing that it is a brewing company and all… consider the refreshing change of the unique white sangria instead. This house made concoction features white wine with red 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.

Altitudes Bar and Grill
2 S Beaver
Sit back and relax on the patio at Altitudes and catch a summer breeze while sipping on one of their popular cocktails. Ones to try… Coconino Lemonade with Bacardi, razz rum and fresh squeezed lemonade and the Orange Crush with vodka, triple sec, freshly squeeze orange juice and a splash of Sierra Mist.

You can also find good mojitos at Rendezvous and good margaritas on the rocks at Cafe Ole.


**This article was originally written by me for Flagstaff Live!*

Louie's Chicken Shack finding success on Route 66 in Flagstaff, Arizona

Louie's Chicken Shack
2116 E Route 66
Flagstaff, AZ
website: www.louieschickenshack.com (coming mid June)
928-714-7097 - they deliver!

Tucked in front of an old motel in between some car repair shops sits the new Louie's Chicken Shack. Painted blue and gold in the spirit of Northern Arizona University after the owners alma matter, this little hole in the wall joint is serving up homemade chicken strips, wings and sandwiches with great success. Louie's opened May 1, 2010.

Inside you'll find Lumberjack jerseys and flags decorating the small space. There's a long counter where 2 liters of off brand soda, lemonade, Tang, and Koolaid currently sit (though they do have a fountain soda machine but they don't have it working yet). The folks working there are friendly and will explain their whole menu to you.

The Grown Man Meal combo

You'd think with a name that has chicken shack in it that they'd be serving up buckets of fried chicken, but that's not the case. The menu is pretty simple: several combos with chicken strips and sides plus some wing and sandwich options.
The chicken strips are good. They're big ol strips of chicken breast dredged in a homemade mix of paprika, spices and flour and fried up in peanut oil. They're light, crispy and quite tasty. The best I've had in town for sure.
Try their homemade Louie Sauce for dipping. If you're from Utah or have traveled there you'll find it similar to Fry Sauce. If you're not, think of it as a special concoction of ketchup and mayo and most likely some thousand island dressing, though I didn't ask what Louie's puts in theirs but it tastes darn similar.
The sides are decent but not crazy good like the chicken strips. The fries aren't hand cut and you can tell but they're still tasty enough, as were the mashed potatoes which tasted like instant but were decent.
The only issue I have is that they call things like their lemonade and mashed potatoes homemade when you ask and while they're made in house, they're obviously made from a mix. Now that may be how grandma makes her stuff at home, but I wouldn't call that a homemade dish. But if you know that going in, it's not an issue because they are still tasty. There's just an obvious difference between something like lemonade and mashed potatoes made by hand from scratch versus making them from a mix.

Wings and Thangs combo

The wings are good too - but watch out that mild is pretty spicy but has a nice taste. Still, I'd opt for the strips instead because they really are fabulous and you can order buffalo sauce for them if you'd like.
Current specials include chicken and waffles. Nice! Other things on the menu include a barbeque pork sandwich, grilled chicken sandwich, chicken salad sandwich, chili cheese fries and mini corn dogs.
Prices are pretty good too, like the plenty big Shack Combo for $5 that includes three strips (which are well porportioned), fries, texas toast and a drink. Or two people can easily share "The Grown Man Meal" with 7 strips, fries, two sides, toast, 2 sauces and a drink for $10.

The Earls of Flagstaff Sandwiches

Bread surrounding layers of delectable ingredients that on their own may be decent, but together they become a tasty sandwich. What we now call the sandwich has been around in one form or another since the first century BC, according to What’s Cooking America. The website also says that the creation of bread surrounding fillings is named in modern times after the Fourth Earl of Sandwich, John Montague, who liked to keep his hands clean by wrapping bread around meat while playing card games. Good idea. The notion stuck around and is now one of the most popular sorts of entrees served in America. To get the best ones – you’ve got to have the best ingredients layered in perfect combination. Here’s a look at some of the crown jewels of the sandwich market in Flagstaff…

Orpheum Stage Left Sub Shop
Official address is 15 W Aspen but it is really on N Beaver St  ½ block from Rte 66
The new Orpheum Stage Left Sub Shop serves up a deli-ectable variety of "Brooklyn style" sandwiches. They have a nice selection of cold and hot sandwiches from meat lovers options like the New Yorker and Meatball to veggie choices like Eggplant Parmesean and the Paisan (also known as a Caprese with some extras). All sandwiches are about eight bucks and come with a side of chips, pasta salad or potato salad. This may be the new kid on the block of Flagstaff’s sandwich shops, but these guys taste like old pros.

East Coast Deli and Grill
1300 S Milton
Another small newbie Flag sandwich creator is the East Coast Deli. Co-owned by a 22 year old NAU student, this little deli is quite popular serving up what it calls Pitsburgh style grub. Sandwiches here span the day with breakfast choices to classic Tuna Melts, Philly Steak and Cheese and even Pittsburgh Reubens (think standard Reuben plus cream cheese) and Fried Bologna sandwiches. You can make any “Pittsburgh style” by adding fries and coleslaw on top for a buck more.

Lumberyard Brewing Company Taproom and Grille
5 S San Francisco
Stop in for a beer (I rec trying the new Apricot Ale) and a sandwich at the brand spanking new Lumberyard. Owned by the same folks as Beaver Street, you’d expect good things and you’d be right. So far I’ve tried out the Blackened Mahi Mahi and the California Tri Tip. Both worth getting again. Other hot sandwiches include the popular Hot Italian Beef and Hummus Reuben. Lumberyard also serves up cold sandwiches. The only downside – they come ala carte.

Beaver Street Brewery
11 S Beaver St
With a completely different menu from their little brother (not counting beers), is Beaver Street, which features many popular sandwiches. One of my fav veggie options in town – the Rustic Portabello sandwich with a thick, juicy portabello mushroom basted in “secret, spicy stout sauce” and grilled up, then put on a ciabatta roll with sprouts, tomatoes and an artichoke-olive pesto sauce. Delish. Another fan fav here is their Meat Loaf sandwich made with their “world famous” meatloaf topped with Swiss cheese, salsa mayo and beer mustard. Of course they have ever-popular classic chicken sandwiches and burgers too.

Josephine’s Modern American Bistro
503 N Humphreys St
For lunch, check out Josephine’s unique sandwich selections. My favs there - the Po-Boy Crab-Cake Sandwich and the Caprese which has tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil –of course- plus prosciutto and baby greens all on a toasted garlic ciabatta roll with a balsamic reduction and basil infused olive oil. The flavors in these are as special as they are delectable.

Pita Jungle
320 S Regent Street (Next to New Frontiers)
On the pita side of the sandwich world, Pita Jungle is a tasty bet. My recs here – the Shawarma (aka Mediterranean Roasted Chicken) Pita. It has hot grilled chicken breast with mixed greens, tomatoes, onions, pickles, garlic sauce and tahini. So different and oh so good. You’ll crave this one! Another goodie - the Philly Steak Pita. It has steak, sautéed onions, bell peppers, mushrooms, and mozzarella cheese all wood-fired in a Greek pita. Of course, they have classic beef gyro pitas and falafel pitas worth a try too.

Wildflower Bread Company

530 East Piccadilly Drive (Southeast Corner of Bulter and Lone Tree)
www.wildflowerbread.com (You can find menus, soups of the day, locations, etc there.)
Wildflower has a ton of great selections for sandwiches, both hot and cold. Among their most unique: The Roasted Sweet Potato with roasted sweet potato, fresh mozzarella, fig confit, tomato, arugula, marinated fennel and Balsamic Vinaigrette on Herb Focacci. Other ones to try: the Wildflower Grilled Cheese with swiss, brie, cheddar, arugula and tomato on grilled Nine-Grain and the Chicken Continental with grilled chicken breast, swiss, marinated mushrooms, caramelized onion, romaine, tomato and honey mustard on a Ciabatta Roll.


Crystal Creek Sandwich Company
1051 S Milton Rd Ste A
Crystal Creek is a Flagstaff classic, routinely voted best deli sandwiches by locals and students alike. Among their many beloved is the loaded Grand Rapids and the veggie lover’s Crystal Veggie.

(This article was originally written by me for Flagstaff Live! in May 2010)