October food holidays and where to celebrate them in Flagstaff

Halloween dominates the thought of October, but this month is filled with other holidays in the food arena. For starters, we’re in Eat Country Ham Month, Fair Trade Month, National Apple-Cookie-Dessert-Pasta-Pickled Peppers Month (and that’s just half the “National __ Month” list) and we haven’t even discussed the weeks of honor from American Beer Week (the 2^nd week of the month, which is also National Food Bank Week so be sure to donate while you’re indulging too) to Chicken Soup for the Soul Week (4^th week of October). And now, for the national food holiday days to celebrate this month, take a look at the below Flagstaff suggestions…

October 4: National Taco Day

Treat yourself for 99-cent tacos at the local treasure that is La Fonda (1900 N 2nd St.). They not only have top notch Mexican food, but the service is hard to match. They’re friendly and always on top of everything here. That’s a winning combination.

October 11: National Sausage Pizza Day

Sausage is singled out on the pizza front this month. Two completely opposite but solid sausage topped pies to try: Scott’s Chicago Pizza’s (103 Birch Ave) Southside Classic with Italian sausage, mushroom, onion and bell pepper and Pizza Furiosa’s (2500 S Woodlands Village Blvd) #9 with chorizo and pepperoni The whole month is National Pizza Festival Month – so you might as well go around town and hit up both (and the rest of your pizza favorites), just to be in the spirit of all things cheesy and delicious while you’re at it.

October 17: National Pasta Day

On this day dedicated to a staple of most of our menus –pasta – go for the best pasta in town, the house-made goodness that is Pasto (19 E. Aspen). They’re currently featuring a nice variety like crab maccheroni, corkscrew pastas in a creamy cheese sauce with blue crab; pennette Mediteranea, small penne pastas in a combination of red onion, roasted tomatoes, artichoke, arugula, olives, capers and feta; and the classic and delish spaghettini e popette, which is a thin spaghetti topped with tomato sauce and meatballs.

October 21: National Pumpkin Cheesecake Day

The combination of two wonderful flavors – pumpkin and cheesecake should take you to Beautiful Leaf Bakery (2028 N. 4th St). They make basically every flavor of cheesecake in three to nine inch sizes. A rich, creamy treat you totally deserve, so go for it!

October 25: National Greasy Foods Day

For tasty grease-filled goodness, go to Mountainaire Tavern (110 Mountainaire Rd.). They serve up some mean homemade beer battered onion rings, fried mushrooms, zucchini, cauliflower and broccoli. All served with ranch. Who said you wouldn’t eat veggies today!

October 26: Pretzel Day

Wildflower Bread Company (530 East Piccadilly Dr.) makes yummy oversized pretzels that are perfection for a filling snack or a nice plus with one of their fine soups, like the roasted garlic tomato.

October 31: Trick or Treat for UNICEF Day

While you’re out there getting free candy, trick or treat for UNICEF too. They’ve been doing this fundraiser to help kids since 1950. Find out more at youth.unicefusa.org/trickortreat. Also while you’re out on Halloween, don’t miss out on the city’s annual Halloween Harvest festival of fun downtown.

For more October food holidays – and there are a ton this month – go to TheNibble.com.

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

Celebrating National Food Holidays in August in Flagstaff, AZ

Everything from s'mores to steak is honored in August. Check out these highlights of where to enjoy national food holidays this month in Flagstaff...

National Mustard Day: August 6 (1^st Saturday)

Perfect day to try RisingHy Honey Mustard. It’s made right here in Flagstaff. You can buy it at the local Farmer’s Markets or enjoy it at several local eateries. Find a bunch of RisingHy’s recipes that incorporate their devilishly hot mustard on their website.

National Zucchini Day: August 8

Celebrate your favorite squash variety with the tasty stylings of Buster’s (1800 S Milton) zucchini muffins that come in their yummy baskets of bread! They’re reason enough to go to Buster’s. Or go the opposite route, by getting this green veggie fried right up at the Ski Lift Lodge (6355 N Hwy 180). Their fried zucchinis are so fresh and delish. Perfect “disguise” for getting your veggies in.

National Filet Mignon Day: August 14

If you’re looking for the best steak in town, head to the Cottage Place (126 W. Cottage Ave) and order up the filet mignon. The aged tenderloin cut of beef is always perfectly prepared with bearnaise sauce and is accompanied by fab whipped potatoes. Truly mouthwatering.

National Potato Day: August 19

All hail to this most delicious day, celebrating a hardy and often under-appreciated but never under-consumed edible tuber. Some of the best potatoes in town are found fried up and tossed in herbs at Diablo Burger (120 N Leroux). Chef Richard Fernandez’s housemade potato chips at the new Pizza Furiosa (2500 S Woodlands Village Blvd) are another good way to enjoy your taters today. They come with all of his paninis.

Eat a Peach Day: August 22

Prepare for both Eat a Peach Day and National Peach Pie Day (two days later) by doing some shopping at the Flagstaff Market (Sundays 8am-noon in the City Hall parking lot, Wednesdays 4-7pm at 2257 E Cedar Ave). Biting into a juicy peach is just about as close as you can get to natural perfection. But it never hurts to bake them up in a pie a la mode, either!

Banana Lover’s Day: August 27

“Go, go bananas! B-A-N-A-N-A-S!” Treat yourself to some of Wildflower Bread Company’s (530 East Piccadilly Dr.) banana bread in celebration of Banana Lovers Day. This sweet, sticky bread will have you cheering. Another must-stop for banana lovers – Jospehine’s (503 N. Humphrey’s). Their brunch menu includes Brioche French Toast with Bananas Foster (bananas drenched in a rum brown sugar sauce and flambéed).

Eat Outside Day: August 31

Wrap up the summer by celebrating this day outdoors at one of the best patios in town. There are several good ones to choose from along San Francisco. You can never go wrong with Café Ole’s (119 S San Francisco) laid back oasis. Tinderbox (and The Annex) (34 S San Francisco) has a nice outdoor space – perfect for enjoying one of their delightful Shandys. Just up the street you can take in the sun at The Lumberyard (5 S San Francisco) while sipping one of their homebrews or sangrias with fresh fruit. Head up the street a bit more and tuck into the small, secluded patio of Brix (413 N San Francisco). Where you can wine, dine and toast the end of another fabulous Flagstaff summer.

Where to celebrate April food holidays in Flagstaff

Pasto's Portabella & Eggplant Fries

Did you know April is national grilled cheese month. A whole month dedicated to this comfort food that can be so very different, depending on how deluxe you make it – that’s awesome! This month is also national soy foods month, soft pretzel month and garlic month. Now let’s take a look at the more food holidays and where to celebrate them in Flagstaff…

April 12: Grilled Cheese Sandwich Day – So not only is this the month of grilled cheese, but April 12 is also the official grilled cheese eating day of the year. That means you have to head to Diablo Burger (120 N Leroux St # 112) and try their Uncle Dee’s grilled cheese done right with three cheeses, pesto, grilled tomato, fresh basil and a fried egg, if you so desire. And they come with those scrumptious DB fries!

April 16: National Eggs Benedict Day – This day calls for going to none other than La Bellavia (18 S. Beaver St). They have more than a dozen types of eggs benedict. Here they serve up eggs poached on an English muffin topped with hollandaise sauce plus a pancake or country potatoes (hard choice!) with all sorts of toppings choices from avocados to artichokes to Canadian bacon and so much more.

April 16: Day of the Mushroom – Right in the middle of the month is a day devoted to mushrooms. They’re so versatile and so good. If you too love mushrooms, check out Beaver Street’s (11 S Beaver St) juicy rustic portabella sandwich, Pasto’s (19 E. Aspen) light and airy portabella and eggplant fries served with a balsamic butter sauce, Cuvee 928’s (6 E. Aspen Ave) baked mushrooms with farmer’s cheese, truffle oil and grilled bread, and Salsa Brava’s (2220 East Route 66 ) grilled portabella fajitas and portabella and spinach enchiladas.

April 22: Earth Day – It’s Earth Day, so respect the earth and its offerings and head to Picazzos (1300 S. Milton Rd) where you can get organic cocktails, organic salads, organic pastas, and even organic pizzas. They serve local and sustainable foods, use recycled stuff as well as recycling stuff. Perfect for celebrating the Earth!

April 22: National Jelly Bean Day – If you need a reason to get on FourSquare on your smart phone, national jelly bean day is it because Brookside Chocolate (120 N Leroux, Suite 103) gives everyone who checks into their shop on FourSquare a free ¼ pound of Jelly Bellys, no purchase necessary. How awesome is that!

April 24: Easter – Okay, not an official food holiday, but you can celebrate with a fine burnch buffet in Little America’s ballroom (2515 East Butler). They’re having roasted prime rib, honey glazed ham, a chocolate fountain and much more.

April 26: National Pretzel Day – This day demands a trip over to Wildflower Bread Company (530 East Piccadilly Drive) for their homemade pretzels. They’re delish!

April 29: National Shrimp Scampi Day – Check out Horsemen Lodge (8500 Highway 89 North) for this food holiday. They have deluxe shrimp scampi sautéed traditionally with fresh garlic and herbs in a white wine butter sauce. (And you can even find a coupon for 20% off on their website: horsemenlodge.com).

For more food holidays this month, check out TheNibble.com.

This article was written by me orginally for Flagstaff Live!

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!*

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.

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!)

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)

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.

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)

Profile: Arizona's Wildflower Bread Company

Profile: Wildflower Bread Company

• Louis J. Basile Jr, CEO
• Open 14 years in Arizona, with the newest location in Flagstaff at 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.)
• Twitter: @WildflowerBread and Louis is @WildflowerCEO (Louis responds to Twitters and really cares about customer input I've found in my Twitterings with him!)
• www.facebook.com/WildflowerBread

Louis J. Basile Jr, CEO Wildflower Bread Company

Photo courtesy Wildflower Bread Company

Examiner: What makes your establishment unique?
Louis: We bake over 15 varieties of naturally leavened, artisan bread daily in our store.  These award-winning breads are part of everything we offer including soups, salads, sandwiches, homestyle breakfast and pasta entrees.

Examiner:  What is a little known factoid about your place?
Louis: Giving back to our community is one of core business values. We contribute 10% of our baguette sales to Arizona’s at-risk schools, donate leftover bakery items to local shelters and support local causes through time and in-kind contributions. Additionally, we donate office space to a non profit organization called Open Table which is focused on helping people in poverty get back into the workforce; we work closely with Open Table to create job placements in our restaurants. 

Examiner:  What is your specialty?
Louis: Our specialties include hard-crusted artisan bread, specialty bakery, soups, salads, sandwiches, pancakes, pastas, café beverages and catering.

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Examiner:  What is your patrons' favorite thing about your establishment?
Louis: High-quality, freshly-prepared food that doesn’t break the bank. We’ve created raving fans for our cranberry scones, chopped salad, potato cream cheese soup, passion fruit iced tea and more.
Examiner:  What's your favorite?
Louis: Our favorite quality about our restaurant is making the design fit within the neighborhood so that it truly is a place created for and enjoyed by our customers.
Examiner: Anything new on the horizon that people can look forward to trying?
Louis: This Valentine’s Day we created a fun, affordable heart-shaped Valentine’s cake.  It’s sumptuous white cake layered with vanilla cream and strawberries and coated in a dark, velvety chocolate ganache. It’s perfect for a couple to share but can serve up to four.  Around springtime, patrons look forward to our homemade Irish Soda Bread and Hot Cross Buns.
Examiner:  What is the top thing you recommend visitors to your city do/see - besides your business, of course?
Louis: Visitors should spend a day skiing at Snowbowl or hiking the Grand Canyon then head over to Wildflower for a tasty meal and comforting atmosphere!

This article is part of a travel series profiling chefs, owners, managers and people behind the scenes of restaurants, hotels and other things of interest to tourists and locals alike across the Western US. These profiles also include a local favorite thing to see or do from the person at the helm in addition to him or her sharing the local flavor of their place.