Where to find the best big salads in Flagstaff

Big salad
By Angele Sionna

On a hot summer day when the sun is beating down you can cool off from the inside out (and get in some needed veggies) with a salad. All out big salads a la Elaine of Seinfeld fame are all too often overlooked as deluxe menu items. But that’s not the case at many of Flagstaff’s great restaurants. Here’s a look at some of the best more-than-lettuce creations in town…

Oreganos
605 W Riordan Rd

Oreganos has gigantic salads to suit any appetite. Of those, the one that stands out above the rest – the Southwestern Shrimp Ceasar salad. Oh how delicious it is! Served on a bed of specially made fried noodle crisps, this big boy consists of a mound of crispy green romaine lettuce tossed in just the right amount of their slightly spicy and tangy southwestern ceasar dressing and topped with a fair helping of shredded parmesan cheese and seasoned, grilled shrimp. Makes me hungry for it again just writing about it. Yum!

Big Foot BBQ
In the basement of the Old Town Shops building, at the corner of Birch & Leroux

Big Foot BBQ has one of the best, most unique salads in town. I know – a barbeque joint with a top salad? But it’s true! Their Fried Chicken Salad is fab with fresh crispy lettuce, spinach, tomatoes, toasted pecans, croutons, cucumbers, fried okra, fried chicken and buttermilk ranch dressing. The dressing is creamy and compliments the salads’ other flavors perfectly! This isn’t the healthiest of the salads in town, but you’ll still be glad you went for it.

Pita Jungle
320 S. Regent Street (Next to New Frontiers)

Newcomer to town (and first time out of the Phoenix-metro area) Pita Jungle brings with it some delightful options. The salad menu consists of cold traditional salads with a fresh twist like their Caribbean Salad -that mixes pineapples, oranges, grapefruit, apples, strawberries and bananas with mixed greens topped with coconut, raisins and a strawberry vinaigrette. Plus even more innovative concoctions like the Grilled Vegetable Salad, which is a bed of lettuce topped with freshly sautéed hot veggies including broccoli, squash, carrots, and eggplant all coated with a zesty lemon vinagarette dressing. The height of healthy and quite tasty to boot.

Beaver Street Brewery
11 S. Beaver St.

From small side salads to meal-sized biggies, Beaver Street is another great place to go if you’re seeking fancified greens. All their dressings are delightfully divine. One big salad of particular note: the Calypso Chicken Salad. It consists of mixed greens tossed in a walnut raspberry vinegarette dressing, topped with grilled chicken, mandarin oranges, dried apricots, dried cranberries, honey chipotle walnuts, feta cheese and red onions. Super refreshing and it’s really pretty looking too.

Mountain Oasis
11 E. Aspen

Mountain Oasis is a home away from home for many salad lovers. Among the top choices here: the Greek Salad. It combines feta cheese, kalamata olives, red onions, pepperoncini and greens topped with Greek dressing. For an extra treat top it with their Gyro meat to make it even more satisfying.

 

Flagstaff’s Best BBQ

‘Que for you
By Angele Sionna

As a Texas native, barbeque is an essential meal in my rotation. Going without those slow cooked, tender meats smoked for hours with love would just be a shame. So it’s no surprise then that for me nothing says summer more than great barbeque eaten outdoors on a picnic table. While Flagstaff’s barbeque restaurants don’t actually have outdoor seating, you can still find that down home feeling in their food.

Big John’s Texas BBQ
1740 E Rte 66 (just east of Enterprise)
Call ahead for hours at 928-699-2707

I was so excited when I found Big John’s Texas BBQ. He’s not an official restaurant by any means. Big John runs his joint from a movable trailer with a giant smoker attached. He parks his rig-slash-movable restaurant on Route 66 just east of Enterprise three days a week (usually). Most Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays when the weather is good, you can smell that sweet, sweet smoke in the air as you drive near. And the taste of Big John’s brisket is even better. He takes is B-B-Q-ing seriously and you can taste that careful slow cookin’ in every bite. Big John’s also serves up ribs, pork, great potato salad, barbequed baked beans, and Texas sweet tea. Mmmm Mmmm good! You can buy the meat by the pound (which is how I like to do it for a great family meal) or you can get a sandwich.

The Smokehouse
3404 E. Rte 66 (In the Museum Club parking lot)
menu at: simplythebestbbq.com
The Smokehouse has been around for about two years but only recently came into my world – and I’m so glad. Their meats melt in your mouth and are slow cooked in the back of this trailer-turned-smokehouse restaurant. Like Big John’s there’s nowhere to eat at The Smokehouse itself. It’s drive up and go – which makes for a great picnic. The owner/ chef – who hails from Austin, Texas – makes both the tasty and tangy mild and spicy sauces himself in the back of the place, along with his cole slaw and spicy pinto beans, and, of course, all the meats which are smoked up there too. The choices here are plentiful – and like all the best Texas barbeque spots – makes sliced turkey brisket, along with other classics like beef brisket, sausage, pork, ribs and more, if you can believe it. For the back of a trailer this place serves up lots of great stuff! Can’t wait to go to The Smokehouse again (but not on Sundays, ‘cause they’re closed).

Flagstaff BBQ & Catering Co.
9001 North Highway 89 at Silver Saddle Rd
About eight miles from downtown sits the modest Flagstaff BBQ (formerly known as Pig in a Poke BBQ). Next to a gas station/ convenience store – this place has that southern barbeque feel as you drive up. Flagstaff BBQ cooks up Kansas City style que. It’s the place to come for a great deal and great tasting barbequed chicken dinner. For just $5.99 you get a half chicken and two sides. Their onion rings and curly fries may add to your thighs but they taste great and compliment the chicken nicely. The brisket sandwich is too try for my liking so I’d opt for Big Johns or The Smokehouse if that’s what you’re craving. Flagstaff BBQ is closed on Sundays and Mondays.

Big Foot Bar-B-Q
Basement of the Old Town Shops, downtown Flagstaff at Leroux & Birch
Menu at: bigfootbbq.com
Big Foot has been rated the best barbeque restaurant in Flagstaff for several years running. But truth be told, they really haven’t had much competition until recently. Big Foot boasts on its menu that their “truck stop creations” are “influenced, inspired and outright stolen from some of the most auspicious gas stations across the south.” I’ve eaten at many of those gas stations they compare their grub to and Big Foot doesn’t come close. Still, Big Foot does have a lot to offer. The best things here are the sides. I don’t think I’ve tasted better onion rings or fried okra anywhere in town and they could definitely give some of the sides at real southern joints a run for their money. Their brisket and ribs are in need of moisture but the sauce is sweet and tangy and definitely spices up the meat enough to make a good meal. The atmosphere at Big Foot is really casual and relaxed. You never feel rushed and you leave feeling happy and full, definitely adding to the charm.

(*Note: This article first appeared in Flagstaff Live! – written by me!)

 

Flagstaff’s Best Hot Dogs

Hot Diggity Dogs
By Angele Sionna

It’s hot dog season! While it may more commonly be referred to as summer, the beautiful weather that is upon is means it’s time for treating ourselves to those tasty franks that satisfy without breaking the bank. If you don’t have time to grill up a dog on any given work lunch hour, then check out the goods at Flagstaff’s top hot dog stops.

Primo’s Hot Dogs
113 S San Francisco St

Primo’s Hot Dogs, just south of the tracks downtown. Boasting Chicago-style dogs, Primo’s is a true hole in the wall joint. The door boasts seating for 1,000, four at a time, i.e. they have four seats lining the wall on the right. That’s it.
Here their standard dog is known as the Easy Dog. The bright green relish contrasted nicely with the crispy, diced white onion… with a little vivid red and yellow of the ketchup and mustard ever so slightly poking thru. The ingredients were fresh. The dog itself was plump, juicy, and flavorful. The perfect proportion of toppings, bun, and dog. And vegetarians take note, Primo’s doesn’t want you to miss out on its goodness. They serve veggie dogs with any toppings for about the same price. In all, Primo’s has 14 types of hot dogs and sausages plus meat lover’s sandwiches and nachos.

Mountain Top Dogs
113 E. Birch

Mountain Top Dogs is a true hot dog stand at the corner of Birch and San Francisco. Only open when the weather’s good and run by the owner, Mountain Top Dogs is in a great location for tourists and business folks for lunch. At Mountain Top Dogs, the hot dogs are flame grilled right in front of you and it’s the only place on this list where you add your own toppings.
The dog was a little less flavorful and not as thick as the ones at Primo’s, but the smoky flavor that comes from the grilling makes up for it. The condiments were standard, just like the ones you’d have at a back yard cookout at home. But you can taste the personal touch and care of the owner in every bite.
Mountain Top Dog has a handful of dog and sausage choices ranging a standard hot dog up to their claim to fame: a hand-wrapped and grilled bacon quarter pound dog.

Route 66 Dog Haus
1302 E. Route 66

The Route 66 Dog Haus is a Flagstaff classic. Right on Route 66 with cars whizzing by their can’t-miss-it red A-frame building, you can walk up and place your order or drive thru. And I do mean drive thru – cars pull up to the window in the center of the building. A novelty that catches kids eyes. Seating is limited to a few cement tables with umbrellas. Their menu includes sides like fries and is much more expansive than the other hot dog joints.
The Dog Haus dog itself was overloaded with ingredients and oozing as I opened the wrapper. The bun was super-soaked and soggy. It did not have the beauty of the Primo’s dog or the flame-broiled smell of Mountain Top but when I took a bite I was pleasantly surprised. There was too much of the overly sweet onions and relish though, ironically making this drive-thru joint the only place where the dog isn’t driver friendly.

Hot Dog Express
1566 S Riordan Ranch St

Newcomer to the hot dog scene is Hot Dog Express. They’re located in the little red and yellow shack surrounded by cheery picnic tables and umbrellas in the west end of the Bookman’s parking lot on the southwest side of town.
Here the choices are walk up or drive up. You can smell the hot dogs cooking on the grill as you do either. That’s such a great smell! Hot Dog Express offers up everything from standard dogs to more fanciful options like the gianormous Cujo dog or the spicy Jalapeño Express hot dog.  The dogs comes served in a fresh and flavorful bright yellow bun and loaded with a fair amount of toppings. They also have combos with a soda and chips to make the most of your lunch money. And if you want a little picnicy feel to lunch, consider adding a side of their cilantro slaw or potato salad. For the kid inside, top it off with one of their slushies for dessert.

(Note: This article was origninally published in Flagstaff Live! - written by me too!)

 

Taco Tour of Flagstaff

Make a run for the border: A taco tour of Flagstaff
By Angele Sionna

Flagstaff is filled with little nook and crannies that are in turned filled with little Mexican dives. Some of these joints are definitely worth stopping in for a satisfying bite with some south of the border flavor. So, join me on a taco tour of Flagstaff’s best, in honor of Cinco De Mayo.

Starting off on the Southwest side of town, working our way North and East… we begin our adventure at …Burritos Fiesta (1530 S Riordan Ranch St # 405C, next door to Bookmans). This place is always packed and has a lot of people sitting at their tables with satisfied grins on their faces. The tacos here are served on corn or flour tortillas and much larger than your average taco dive’s taco. And they serve up a small side of chips on your plate at no extra charge. Taco choices include: shredded beef, steak, fish, shrimp and chicken ranging from $2.50-$3.75 per taco.

Basically across the street, we move into a much smaller little taco joint… Los Altenos Restaurant (1481 S Milton, behind Strombolli’s). Los Altenos is open every day from 8a-9p serving breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks. Their taco list is pretty expansive from your standard tacos de pollo (yum) to tacos de tripas – which is intestine with cilanto and onions in a corn tortilla (eew, unless that’s your thing). They also have several types of pork and beef choices, all at $1.99 each.

Moving up Milton, we find ourselves at… Ay Caray! Mexican Grill (1300 S Milton Rd, next to Picazzos) Ay Caray! upgrades their dive status by serving you at your table with fresh, extremely tasty homemade chips and salsa. I really love their chicken taco here. The meat is all white meat and marinated – mmm. They’ve got nine other taco choices too… all are served with salsa or guacamole included for $2.50 each (fish tacos cost $3.25). If you get their to-go menu, there’s a little coupon on the front for 15% off for NAU students or a free ice cream cone for the kids. Nice bonus.

As we head towards downtown on our taco tour, we stop next at… Tacos Locos (2 S. Beaver St. Suite 170 on the Phoenix Ave. side of the building). This taco shop is a little more, okay a lot more, high tech with free wireless internet. They have a unique menu and style- much more “Californian” than others. Their tacos start at $2.29 for a potato taco and go up to $3.49 for a grilled ahi taco. They’ve even got a weird one called a California Taco that has carne asada, guacamole, lettuce and, yes, french fries. It’s pretty good, actually. Extra bonus: they play cool music and serve beer and margaritas. Menu online at: tacoslocos.com

These next two stops are on the East side, are accessible without leaving the comfort of your car and have lots more than just tacos… Poliberto’s Taco Shop (221 E Cedar Ave.). This quickie stop seems to always have a line, which is what drew me in the first time. They’ve got beef or chicken tacos for $1.99 each or 3 rolled tacos with guac or sour crème for the same price. Fish tacos move up to $2.10 each and specialty ones are $2.45 each. Poliberto’s also has combos that include a drink.

And last but in no way least, our final stop is at… Tacos Los Altos De Jalisco (3650 E. Route 66, off of Fanning Dr.). This joint has drive-thru or sit down options. Los Altos serves hard shelled beef or chicken tacos for $2 each or specialty tacos for $2.25-$2.75. You can also get rolled tacos for 99 cents a pop and mini tacos starting at $1.25. They also have lots of combos, including for breakfast.

If you wanna upgrade…
•To a full-service restaurant: Check out the ever-popular “local’s secret” La Fonda. It’s been in business in Flag since 1958 and has good tacos and everything else. The original La Fonda is at 1900 N. Second St in the Sunnyside neighborhood.
•To a fancy pants taco: I love the pecan-encrusted fish tacos at Josephine’s Modern American Bistro. They’re not always on the menu, but when they are – yum! Great spring and summer lunch choice on their fantastic patio! Josephine’s is at 503 N. Humphrey’s Street, just north of downtown.

Note: THis article was firt published in Flagstaff Live! – written by me too!

 

Best restaurant patios in the Flagstaff area

Best Patios
By Angele Sionna

The weather’s warming up, so take advantage of the beautiful Flagstaff fresh air. Sit under the big blue sky, kick back and relax. There are several spots in Flagstaff to do just that. Here’s a look at the best of the best that add the inviting ambiance of our town.

Café Ole
119 S San Francisco

Tranquil and whimsical. That’s the feeling you’ll get on the courtyard-like patio tucked in the back of Café Ole. This isn’t the biggest or fanciest patio in town, but it’s a favorite of almost everyone who’s been there with its brick floor, large fountain and Mexican pottery and trinkets that add color here and there. The sun warms the area but it never seems hot or too sunny, just comfortable. Turn up the enjoyment with one of their special drinks like blueberry mojitos and pomegranate margaritas. The food is good too. I rec the “make your own combo” platter with 2 cheese enchiladas and a guacamole taco.

Josephine’s American Bistro
503 N. Humphrey’s Street

Josephine’s patio is alluring even from the street. It’s big umbrellas and stone floor surrounded by a rock wall and flowery garden make this a great place to relax and kick back for a nice lunch or dinner. I particularly like lunch here on a warm spring day. My fav to order: the pecan encrusted fish tacos, when that’s on the menu. Josephine does change their menu seasonally, so be sure to check josephinesrestaurant.com to see what they’re serving up right now.

Ski Lift Lodge Restaurant
6355 N Highway 180 (at the base of Snowbowl Road)

Homey is the perfect description of the patio at the Ski Lift Lodge Restaurant. It’s anything but fancy with its plastic tables and chairs. But sitting here on their patio feels timeless. It’s only seven miles north of downtown, but you feel like you’re sitting at a small countryside diner, relaxing in the sun. They’ve got several good beers on tap that add to the experience. The menu has such items as Volcano Caps (which are beer battered fried jalapeño rings), chicken fried steak, pizzas, pastas, sandwiches, even a kids menu. Plus daily specials. You can check out the details at arizonasnowbowl.com/lodging.

Flagstaff Brewing Co.
16 E. Rte. 66 (Downtown)

Flagstaff Brewing Company is the patio for people watching. It’s out in front of the pub’s entrance looking onto a busy little area of downtown.  A hot spot in town, Flag Brew’s on tap especially made microbrews and Stink Burger (topped with roasted garlic, swiss cheese and an onion ring) are among their most popular items.

Hotel Weatherford
23 N. Leroux Street

If you’re looking for a beer with a view, you’re going to want to check out The Weatherford’s upstairs bar with its own balcony. They’ve got several beers on tap, plus lots of other tasty beverages. But best yet, it’s a great place to sit and watch all the folks walking around downtown. Maybe you’ll meet some of the hotels famous ghosts while you’re there too.

Junipine Cafe
8351 N. Hwy 89A, in Oak Creek Canyon

While not technically in Flagstaff, on a nice day a drive down through Oak Creek Canyon can be enjoyable on its own. Top that off with a visit to the Junipine Café at the Junipine Lodge. About 20 minutes outside of Flag (10 before you get to Sedona), the open spacious decked patio at the Junipine Café is a great spot to sit an enjoy canyon views, catch some rays and eat one of their signature fish dishes, including some featuring locally caught trout.

(Note: This article first appeared in Flagstaff Live! – written by me too.)

 

Big John’s Texas BBQ

By Angele Sionna

• 1740 E Rte 66 (just east of Enterprise)
• call ahead for hours or catering at 928-699-2707

You may (or may not) have seen a long black trailer with a big black smoker at one end of it on Route 66. That is all there is to Big John’s Texas BBQ. Inside is a tasty treat for barbeque lovers… and I’m talking real BBQ. The kind that doesn’t need any sauce to taste good. A real rarity in these parts.

We drove by and talked with John about his movable roadside joint. He’s there every Thursday, Friday and Saturday. Unless there’s high winds like last week, then he might be there on Sunday too. We only had a sample because we’d already had dinner, but my goodness. It was good. Smokey meat that’s been cooked the right way. I can’t wait for Thursday to come around already.

The menu is simple – beef brisket and pulled pork by the pound or on a sandwich and ribs with beans and potato salad sides. And let’s not forget real southern sweet tea. Mmmmmm. The menu has sandwich plates for $8 and brisket/pork by the pound for $12/pound. Stay tuned for a full report!

*UPDATE*

A pound of the BBQ brisket

Big John’s is as good as that sample! We went for lunch this week (at 11 am on Thursday, to be precise!) and stood in line for about 10 minutes for our pound of brisket and side of potato salad. Both were good, definitely the best in Flagstaff. The brisket is shredded, not sliced, unfortunately. But super tender and full of flavor. You can tell Big John doesn’t rush his meat. You can taste the hickory smoked goodness in every bite and the smell… mmmm. It’s good stuff. Big John’s sauce is a bit watery but the taste is there. The potato salad is classic. A single side is $2 and is enough for two people. Unlike most Texas BBQ joints though, there’s no sliced bread or pickles served along with by the pound meat here. Luckily the meat is great so I’m going to let that slide and it won’t keep my family away.

I’d recommend packing a full picnic basket, stopping by to pick up your BBQ from Big Johns and heading to a local park, unless you live around the corner. That way it’ll still be hot and fresh when you eat it! Perfect for a spring or summer day. I just wish Big John’s was open every day so that if I get the craving for good BBQ in town, I’d be able to get it every day. Here’s hoping Big John’s is a success and can expand soon.

Big John's Potato Salad

 

Ay Caray! Mexican Grill

By Angele Sionna

• 1300 S Milton Rd (next to Picazzos), Flagstaff, AZ
• No menu online, but they have to go menus with coupons on their counter (run in and check it out before sitting down to order!)

Ay Caray!, formerly known as Ay Carrumba! (they had to change their name the owner tells me because Ay Carumba was trademarked and they had to change it), is a surpring little find in a strip mall along Flagstaff’s man drag. Next to Picazzos and August Moon, sits this little gem with super friendly service and fantastic food. Don’t mistake this little joint for some of the other taqueria-type places in town. It has several tables and the owner waits on you himself. He’s great at check on you ad your satisfaction and about making sure your drinks are filled up. It’s nothing fancy, but feels relaxing.

The menu’s pretty simple – tacos, enchiladas, tamales, tortas plus some salads and soups – all of which is freshly made, including the chips nad salsa. I knew it was going to be a great meal as soon as I took my first bite into their chips. So good and so fresh. These could quite possibly be the best in town. The salsa is spicy and flavorful but doesn’t burn the tongue.

For my lunch today I ordered up a chicken and guacamole taco ($2.50) and a green chile chicken tamale ($2). Both were good but the taco was outstanding. The chicken isn’t dry and stringy like at a lot of other joints in town. And its flavored well. It’s served in a double corn tortillas. Yum. The tamale is a different type than I’ve had before. The masa is much more fluffy than most, but the taste was decent and fresh. Though after eating the fantastic taco, I wish I’d just ordered two of those. My husband has the asada enchiladas. Unlike most enchiladas, there was barely any cheese inside (if any) and were stuffed with grilled beef and cheese on top. His came with sour cream, guac, rice and beans, all of which were quite tasty and plentiful. I always like it when places don’t go crazy on their upcharge of guac. It’s not *that* expensive to make fresh, so the fact that it just comes with the tacos and enchiladas was a great surprise and on top of that it tasted fab to boot!

Mexican joints are not a place I think of when I think great deserts, but Ay Caray’s flan is excellent. If you ask, they’ll let you sample the differnt flans of the day. Today I tried the plain and the coffee. The coffee I must recommend. It was smooth and flavorful, and let’s not forget sweet and rich. The presentation was nice too – served on a plate with chocolate drizled across it and a cherry sliced into a flower on top. I’ll be getting that again.
All the food here tastes like the chef back in the kitchen really cares. That is the sign of a fabulous restaurant, no matter how simple and small. I think I’ve found my new favorite Mexican food in Flagstaff!

 

Salsa Brava Fresh Mexican Grill

By Angele Sionna

• 2220 East Route 66, Flagstaff, AZ
  
• menu online at: salsabravaflagstaff.com

If you’re not careful, you may pass by Salsa Brava without even noticing. (I do this accidentally almost every time we go there). In a nondescript orangey colored building built right on top of the sidewalk on Route 66, sits Salsa Brava. (Find out about Salsa Brava being featured on The Food Network HERE.)

This is the place to go in town if salsa is your thing. They have a salsa bar with lots of great choices from the mild but flavorful pico de gallo plus a hot salsa (which is like many regular salsas) plus a tangy tomatillo salsa verde, and the sweet with a spicy backlash pineapple habanero salsa. All are good and none give more fire than a trained mouth can handle. You really could just eat salsa and chips here with a margarita and go home happy.

The menu features everything from quesadillas and fajitas to more unique offerings like a lobster/shrimp enchiladas, Maui Tacos, and stuffed sopapillas. They have lots of seafood items which is a nice twist combining some of the Arizona style Mexican flavors with Baja style. There’s definitely something for everyone. Even the kiddos – with a $4.95 kids menu, including a drink, with items like a cheese enchilada or a build your own burrito.

I got the chicken stuffed sopapilla on my visit tonight topped with the green chile enchilada sauce. The menu says spicy but it’s not really. It’s gigantic and best described as a Navajo taco meets smothered burrito. All in all pretty good and very carby and filling. Something you need to be in the mood for for sure cause this one’s gonna stay with you all day or night.

On this trip, my husband got the steak fajitas. Not a generous portion, so they definitely aren’t for splitting, and they only come with two tortillas. You can get two extras for 50 more cents). The meat is tender. Though I would say it needs a bit more saltiness if you eat it on its own but tastes pretty good with all the fajitas fixings.

One weird thing about the menu – they have what they call signature black beans, but they’re not served with any of the entrees. You have to add them for 50 cents extra. Kind of a weird thing when it’s their signature item I think.

Salsa Brava is worth a visit for sure and among Flagstaff’s best Mexican restaurants.

 

Salsa Brava’s Chicken Stuffed Sopapillas

The Food Network recently featured Flagstaff’s Salsa Brava in the opening segment of Diners, Drive-ins and Dives’ Route 66 tour. They also included a how-to make Salsa Brava’s signature chicken stuffed sopapillas. Yum! Check out the episode HERE. More about Salsa Brave HERE.

Diners, Drive-ins and Dives is also featuring Flagstaff’s Brandy’s in this week’s episode of the show. You’ll be able to see that HERE or catch the show tomorrow night at 7. It replays Mondays at 10pm and 10:30pm, Fridays at 9pm and 9:30pm and Sundays at 3pm and 3:30pm. More about Brandy’s HERE.

 

Junipine Cafe

By Angele Sionna

• 8351 N. Hwy 89A, in Oak Creek Canyon (about 30 minutes from Flagstaff and 10 minutes from Sedona)
• No menu online (but they will fax you one if you call and ask)
• JunipineCafe.com
• Call for reservations: 928-282-7406

The Food (taste/flavor/quality of food & drinks)
>>>= good, but not great

The Atmosphere (environment, wait staff, comfortableness)
xxxxx= you’ll love it

Price (what to generally expect to pay per person per entree)

breakfast $ -$10

lunch $$-$$$ – $10-15

dinner $$$$-$$$$$ – $20-$30

Value (what you get for your money)
**** = worth it – you won’t be disappointed with what you get for your money

Junipine Cafe is located in a beautiful location in the midst of Oak Creek Canyon, just north of Slide Rock State Park. It’s the perfect spot for a quick getaway for locals and a nice rest stop of tourists. (And it’s a part of the Junipine Resort hotel, which is a nice location for visitors who want to check out Flagstaff, Sedona and the Grand Canyon without staying at a place that feels super touristy, though I can’t speak to the rooms because I’ve never stayed there.)

The cafe has a great patio with views of the towering trees and red rocks in the canyon. The sun shines down through the trees, leaving it warm but not too hot, though it can get windy. But its a very relaxing feeling and the premium place to sit at the restaurant when its sunny out. Inside has a very woodsy, cabin feel with oak paneling and furniture.

The claim to fame at Junipine are their fish dishes, they say. They use locally caught trout and fly in other fish fresh from the coast. The lunch menu includes blacked or season fish specials, fish tacos, several salads, burgers, sandwiches and a soup of the day. Dinner has many of the same items plus steak, fajitas and more fish selections… all at higher prices of course. They also serve up breakfast, with items like trout and eggs, waffles and pancakes on the menu.

We ate at Junipine today for lunch, celebrating my daughters birthday. The perfect time to try something new. We’ve driven by so many times and always wondered what their food was like but never stopped and their menu isn’t online so we had no idea what to expect. But it’s such a nice day, we figured why not. And it was a good choice.

For an appetizer, we got the calamari. It was very good, nice light crust and very flavorful, and among the best we’ve had in this area, though the dipping sauces weren’t very exciting at all. I got the blacked fish special with a side ceasar salad. They don’t make any of their own dressings and you could tell. It was just average. The fish, however was perfectly cooked, though almost too seasoned, but full of flavor and something I’d order again. My husband and dad ordered the sandwich special of the day – the Reuben with fries. The fries were very good and the Reuben was also tasty and worth getting. Junipine also serves a turkey reuben daily for those who don’t eat beef. And for vegetarians, they have a garden burger. My step-mom ordered the Junipine burger which was really small and had an okay taste, but nothing special. For my daughters – chicken nuggets and fries from the kids menu. The kids menu says the meal comes with a beverage – all for $5, but they charged us an $2 extra for that on the bill, so be sure to ask before you order so you don’t have any surprises. On the desert front, we tried the apple cobbler a la mode- which was homemade with a nice flaky crust and fresh apples, but not too sweet- and the chocolate lava cake with a scoop of ice cream. My daughter really loved that. Though we were there for her birthday and informed our waitress, they didn’t give her a complimentary desert nor did they put a candle in her cake or sing to her. All of which was fine, but kind of surprising being most of this area’s nicer places offer a complimentary birthday desert with a candle to blow out, so we were a bit disappointed.

Prices are inline with Flagstaff and Sedona restaurants at about $10-$15 per person for lunch, so they’re more expensive then they should be for each entree but what you would expect for this nice location. And dinner puts them up into the expensive range at closer to $20-$30 per person. If you have a party of six or more – even if some of your party are babies that don’t order – they take it upon themselves to add a 18% gratuity. That’s also unheard of in this area, where most places don’t include kids in their party totals when automatically adding gratuity. When we asked about it our waitress was really snippy and rude and quite frankly it ruined the nice, relaxing experience of our lunch today. She also got defensive when I asked why she charged us for milk that the menu said came with the kids’ meal. They’re also not on top of things when it comes to drink refills. So I wouldn’t say service is their string point but all in all Junipine is a nice change of place and really feels like a nice getaway, even though it’s just down the road.

Check out the menu in the below gallery:

 

Black Bart’s Steakhouse, Saloon and Musical Revue

By Angele Sionna

• 2760 E Butler (Just off I-40)
• Full menu at: BlackBartsSteakhouse.com
• Open only for dinner

The Food (taste/flavor/quality of food & drinks)
>>= mixed bag, can be good but can be bad, can’t count on it

The Atmosphere (environment, wait staff, comfortableness)
xxxx= comfortable

Price (what to generally expect to pay per person per entree)
$$$$ $20

Value (what you get for your money)
** = okay – overpriced for quality/taste

Black Bart’s is a unique Flagstaff restaurant. It’s located at an RV park just off I-40 on the east-central side of town. It’s claim to fame is its singing waiters (who are all music students from NAU).

The theme is western and very comfortable. They take reservations but in general you can make them the day you go and probably don’t need one if you go when they open at 5pm. I’ve never been there when it was packed. The service is always good and friendly and they’re on top of things because all the singing waiters help each other out.

The menu too is western themed with steaks, barbequed ribs and chicken, fish, salads plus some pastas. The prices are on the higher side, but that does include your entertainment. Black Bart’s is kid-friendly and has a kid menu. My children love to see the singers and clap after each performance.

The food is decent but nothing to rave about. The steaks aren’t very flavorful (and we’ve tried their prime rib, filet and sirloin steaks all on different occasions and all with the same boring taste). The barbequed chicken is pretty good and the way I recommend to go. If you like fries, ask if you can get curly fries instead of steak fries. They serve curly fries with the kids meals so they always have them, they just normally serve adults the steak fries. The baked potato is pretty small and plain tasting but again a decent choice. Their ribs are an okay option but they’re kind of tough and don’t fall off the bone but the flavor is good. Everything here tastes like its missing a real chef. All the entrees do come with a salad and biscuits, both of which are really quite tasty and my favorite parts of the meal.

Black Bart’s is worth going to at least once for the experience and a good place to take out of town guests who really want to do something with a “western”-ish feel. That’s when we always go because someone always has heard about it and wants to check it out while they’re here. But it’s not really good enough to keep going back to for the food. The good news for locals is you can always find a 10% off coupon or a 1/2 of dinner (with purchase of another dinner and two beverages) coupon in the Money in the Mail monthly coupons that show up in your mailbox.

 

Mama Burger

Mama Burger

By Angele Sionna

• 112 E. Route 66 (in the former downtown Fratelli’s location, next to AZ Music Pro)
• (no website, but you can find their full menu at the bottom of this review!)
• Note: Mama Burger has limited hours, only open Monday thru Saturday from 10:30 am – 2:30 pm.

The Food (taste/flavor/quality of food & drinks)
>>>>= a favorite, can count on it being good every time

The Atmosphere (environment, wait staff, comfortableness)
x= if the food’s good enough, still worth going, otherwise forget it

Price (what to generally expect to pay per person per entree)
$                    under $10

Value (what you get for your money)
***** = superb -lots of quality/taste for what you pay

If you’re looking for a good burger at a decent price, then you’re going to want to try the new Mama Burger downtown Flagstaff. This is literally a hole in the wall with only a few stools at a bar shoved up against a little window. (So I opted to eat my feast in my car.)

Mama’s has a basic menu: burgers and fries (plus soft serve ice cream and shakes). If this isn’t what you’re looking for, then at least you don’t need to ponder whether or not to go. If you *are* in the burger mood, it’s perfect and probably the best priced local combo you’re going to find in downtown Flagstaff. You can get a double cheeseburger with all the fixings, fries and a fountain drink soda (with free refills) for just $7.95. That beats Beaver Street’s $10+ burgers with fries but no soda, but then there’s really no service or atmosphere so to speak at Mama Burger. And if you’re just looking for a burger, you can get the Mama Burger (with no cheese) for just $3. That’s a bargain (and probably as close to In-N-Out Burger as you’re going to find in town).

Mama’s burgers are simple but quite tasty. They kind of have an old fashioned flare. The toppings aren’t deluxe by any means (they use plain old iceberg lettuce, for example) but they get the job done. We really enjoyed our meal and left feeling satisfied.

The fries are handcut and thin and quite good as well. Again, nothing fancy but quality. You can jazz them up by ordering cajun-style (at no extra cost). But I liked the plain ones more, quite frankly. I wouldn’t order a side of fries by themselves though, as they’re quite pricey for the little bag you get at $3. (I think french fry prices in Flagstaff need a reality check for sure. And not just at Mama Burger.)

The shakes are good though priced on the high side at $3.75. I ordered their strawberry. It’s made with soft-serve ice cream and fresh strawberries and topped with whip cream. But I would skip their plain soft serve ice cream cone at a ridiculous $3.

The folks work hard and fast and are friendly at Mama’s- but do check your order. My burger came without onions, though I ordered it “mama’s way” with all the fixings they have, and we were missing one of our fries, which they quickly corrected, of course, but still. I like to trust that I’m getting what I ordered without having to check. They were super-packed when I stopped by this week for lunch though, so I’m going to cut them a little slack on that.

All in all, Mama Burger is a contender for best burger in Flagstaff. It wins the prize on burger value for sure. And while this is not a place to take the fam for lunch, it would be a great spot to pick up and bring home or over to the park for a tasty treat. We’ll definitely be stopping by Mama Burger again!

Mama Burger’s Menu

MamaBurger……………………………………$3.00
with cheese……………………………$3.30
DoubleMama……………………………….. $4.00
with cheese……………………………$4.60
Mama’s way: lettuce, tomato, onion, sauce, mustard
Or the highway: choose from any of the above
Hand cut Fries: we cook em’ in pure peanut oil!…….$3.00
Cajun or Regular
Shakes…………………………………………………………. $3.75
Chocolate, Vanilla, Strawberry
add Oreos for 50 cents
Cones……………………………………………………. $3.00
Chocolate, Vanilla, Twist
Dipped in Chocolate……………….. $3.50
Sundaes……………………………………………………………… $4.25
Hot fudge or Strawberry
with or without peanuts
Sodas……………………………………………………………………………. $1.81
Mama’s shoe throwin’ Combos
number 1: MamaBurger, Fries, and a soda…………………………. $6.95
number 2: DoubleMama, Fries, and a soda………………………… $7.95
Free cheese on Combos. Sub a shake for $1.75

 

The Best Irish Pub Food In Flagstaff for St Patrick’s Day or Anyday

Collins Irish Pub

By Angele Sionna

• Route 66 and Leroux, downtown Flagstaff
• Full menu at: collinsirishpub.co

The Food (taste/flavor/quality of food & drinks)
>>>= good, but not great

The Atmosphere (environment, wait staff, comfortableness)
xxxxx= you’ll love it

Price (what to generally expect to pay per person per entree)
$$                 $10

Value (what you get for your money)
**** = worth it – you won’t be disappointed with what you get for your money

(This article was first published in Flagstaff Live! on March 12, 2009, written by me of course!)

Sláinte! Pick up a mug of Irish goodness (a.k.a. beer) and toast your friends and family in this month of St. Patrick’s Day. Saint Patrick is the patron saint of Ireland and the one who lovers of all things brewed have taken to celebrating in March. In Ireland, St. Patty’s Day is really more a day of religious observance than here in America, where we tend to enjoy the party side of things. I’ve been to Ireland on St. Patrick’s Day on two occasions and was surprised to learn that the festival there isn’t quite like in the States … though they are embracing the tourism dollars more and more and have upped the party attitude in honor St. Patrick’s American devotees.

Collins' Black & Tan Onion Rings

You may not think Irish when you think Flagstaff, but we do have one little joint where you can feel a wee bit o’ the Irish charm everyday of the year and celebrate Éirinn go Brách (a Gaelic saying meaning “Ireland forever”).
That’s Collins’ Irish Pub.
Collins’ Irish Pub is an Americanized Irish pub in a century-old downtown building at the corner of Route 66 and Leroux. When you walk inside you get the feeling of many pubs in Ireland. It’s nothing overly flashy, but it is warm and welcoming with a wooden bar and lots of big tables—though I’ve never been to any Irish pub with the great booths of Collins’. They’re roomy and comfortable, perfect for conversing.
The everyday menu has many traditional Irish pub selections, and some they’ve invented themselves. In the appetizer realm, they serve up Irish nachos made with homemade “Irish potato chips,” and black and tan onion rings made in a Guinness and Bass beer batter. The onion rings are really good, though pricey at about $9. The main menu includes pub grub like homemade Newcastle beer-battered fish and chips, Molly’s corned beef stew, Guinness and beef stew and corned beef and cabbage (of course), all at about $10 per entrée. The food has the same flare and flavors of many of the Irish pubs I’ve visited across the pond. Collins’ also has a friendly wait staff that adds to the enjoyable atmosphere.
Of course, if you’re looking to celebrate American-style on St. Patrick’s Day here in Ire-zona with an all-out beer fest, Collins’ is good for that too with both Guinness Stout and Harp on tap, plus many other fine beer choices. You can find a full food and drink menu online at www.collinsirishpub.com.
In honor of St. Patrick
The flavors of Ireland may not get an everyday showing on the menus of many restaurants around town, but on St. Patrick’s Day Beaver Street Brewery is making an exception. All day on St Patty’s Day, they’ll be serving up a traditional corned beef and cabbage entrée. I’ve never had anything sub par at Beaver Street, so I’m sure this dish will be one to try as well.

 

Diablo Burger

By Angele Sionna

• Downtown off the main square with alley entrance behind Pesto Brothers (no street)
• diabloburger.com
• Cash Only

The Food (taste/flavor/quality of food & drinks)
>>>>= a favorite, can count on it being good every time

The Atmosphere (environment, wait staff, comfortableness)
xxxx= comfortable

Price (what to generally expect to pay per person per entree)
$$                 $10

Value (what you get for your money)
**** = worth it – you won’t be disappointed with what you get for your money

Diablo Burger opened up this week in downtown Flagstaff. It’s a funky little joint tucked away in a little nook behind Pesto Brothers off the main square downtown. It’s what one might call a hole in the wall, but with style and a hip feel.You might think they had outside seating because DBs is tucked behind the patio for Pesto Brothers, but I asked and that is Pesto Brothers patio only. Though DBs does plan on getting a picnic table to put outside somewhere soon, which will really be great.

There are four copper topped tables and a bar, all with tall stools. You walk up to the counter and place your order and pay on the spot – cash only. (They say cash only because a British study found that using cash tends to support local markets, while credit cards send money other places.) There’s no real waiters and waitresses but everyone there is very friendly and welcoming and makes sure you’re enjoying everything.

The menu is simple but still deluxe. The focus is on local with their beef coming from the Diablo Trust Ranches in Northern Arizona. They have burgers and fries and a few other tidbits like Homemade Holy Guacamole (which I didn’t try this time but will on another occasion). They also have a chili and a seasonal vegetable soup of the day (but sadly when I ate there tonight they didn’t have soup).

The fries are fabulous and definitely going to be added to my best fries of Flagstaff list. They’re $4.25 for a basket and come with a special homemade dipping sauce of your choice. I went for ranch which was fab. Other choices include Hatch Chile Mayo and pesto.

Now to the burgers. They all come with the yummy fries and are served on an english muffin and range in price from $6.50 for their Monk, which is a basic burger… on up to $9.25 for the Blutarsky, served blackened with bacon, sharp cheddar and holy guacamole. You can also build your own burger for $7.50 for a two topping to $9.25 for a four topping burger.

To come is a veggie burger – which I really look forward to trying. Though I feel like they’re teasing me with it there on the menu. They do have a super fancy Grilled Cheese but I just can’t muster up to buying a grilled cheese at a restaurant for adults, unless it was to come with freshly made tomato basil soup.

Oddly enough all this focus on local is absent in the beers part of the menu. No Arizona beers are on the menu, even though we have some fab brews right here in Flagstaff and Sedona. Instead beers are all from California’s North Coast Brewing company. That’s kinda disappointing with their local focus.

And if you’re one of those Coke-a-holics who love a Coke or Pepsi, you might wanna ask if you can bring your own cause there’s nothing like that high fructose corn syrupy, bad for you carbonated goodness served at DB. They do have the better for you alternative – Hansen’s sodas.

Not to be left out – the dessert menu. It has milkshakes made with hormone-free whole milk and Strauss Family Creamery ice cream for $4.25 and Simply Bread’s chocolate chip cookies with a scoop of ice cream for $4.25.

Note to parents and families: DB doesn’t have high chairs yet (though they told us they plan on getting one). So bring a stroller. The chairs are all tall stools so tiny tots that would normally need a booster aren’t going to be accomadated either. My three year old was fine on the stool but she wasn’t in a squirmy mode.

All in all this is a place worth trying. Cut them a little slack cause they just opened this week. You’ll be glad you did.

 

Best sugary breakfasts on the go in Flagstaff

(This story, written by me, originally appeared in the 2/26/09 issue of Flagstaff Live!)

Man does not live by health food alone. Some days you need
that sugary sweet taste of a good donut or pastry to start
the day off right. Luckily, Flagstaff is a great place for
sweet-toothed folks to live and love (eating). Here are a few
places to find that perfectly sweetened morning sunshine for
your mouth …

Malone’s Bakery and Deli
1490 S. Riordan
Wanting the fresh, sugary goodness of a donut for breakfast
on a fine wintry morning? Malone’s is where you want to go.
They make the best homemade donuts in town in several
varieties—glazed, chocolate, maple and cake. Homer
Simpson would definitely approve!
Also on the menu are lots of other sweet morning treats like
Bavarian cream horns (quite a sweet punch and, I would
argue, more of a dessert but still good anytime of the day),
long johns filled with Bavarian cream (and my husband’s
fave sweet treat in the whole city), muffins, apple cinnamon
burritos, cinnamon twists, cinnamon rolls, pecan coffee cakes
and more.
If you’re looking for variety with great taste, this
is the stop to make.

Village Baker
1421 S. Milton
The Village Baker isn’t just for bread loaves anymore. When
they opened their new location behind Strombolli’s, they
added an array of scrumptious breakfast pastries. The fresh
fruit Danish is fabulous and my fave. They also serve up
cinnamon rolls, cheese Danish, and apple, mixed berry and
cheese strudel. And if there’s a particular something you’re
craving and can’t find anywhere, Village Baker will custom
make anything you want with just a few days notice. You can
call them for details on custom orders at 773-9310. I’ve
never had anything here that wasn’t top of the line, so you
really can’t go wrong.

It’s About Coffee: The Factory
2620 N. Steves Blvd. (in Kachina Square)
This coffee house is also known for its fab cinnamon rolls.
They claim to be the best in Flag, and they are indeed quite
tasty. They’re ooey and gooey and you’re going to need to
get plenty of napkins. Be sure to ask them to heat it up for
ultimate enjoyment. The icing is a sweet, cream cheese-
style that really tantalizes the taste buds when warm. It’s
About Coffee also bakes up muffins. Both, of course, are a
fine choice with their coffees.

Macy’s European Coffeehouse, Bakery and Vegetarian
Restaurant
14 S. Beaver
Macy’s is a Flagstaff must for good food and good-for-you
food. Even their sweet treats aren’t all bad for the bod with
such items as the vegan almond tofu Danish. The most
popular sweet breakfast treat on their menu is the almond
cream cheese Danish. It’s not what you’d call health food,
but it is magically delicious. Other breakfast sweets include
scones (which I personally favor), muffins and berry Danish.

Café Espress
16 N. San Francisco
Café Espress is another good choice for indulging that
morning hankering for something sweet. They bake up such
goodies as cream cheese Danish, turnovers, muffins and
bear claws. Of particular note are their turnovers and bear
claws, which are as popular as they are tasty. I personally
vote bear claw as the way to go here. Mmm.

 

Flagstaff’s Finest Dining Establishments

(*Note: This story first appeared (also written by me) in Flagstaff Live! on February 12, 2009*)

Romance (and snow) is in the air these days. Celebrate it at Flagstaff’s finest dining establishments, where the atmosphere compliments the mood of love and the food is elegant and decadent. The menus vary with the season to bring you the freshest ingredients possible, so sample the flavors of the season of love.
It’s hard to go wrong at any of these three restaurants, unless you’re looking for a bargain. The fab food and ambiance come with a price to match, of course. But at least you’ll leave satisfied, so go ahead and treat yourself.
If you go at lunchtime to either Josephine’s or Brix, you can still get great food but at slightly more wallet-friendly prices. Just something to keep in mind, but who can put a price on love?

Josephine’s Modern American Bistro
503 N. Humphreys
779-3400
www.josephinesrestaurant.com
Josephine’s is the kind of restaurant that catches your eye from the moment you drive up. With its dark, volcanic rock columns and beautiful, inviting stone patio, it’s a romantic setting anytime of the day. The ambiance increases in the evenings with twinkling lights draped around the historic building. Josephine’s is my favorite fine dining establishment in Flagstaff. They’ve got a unique blend of flavors, as well as variety, and a comfortable atmostphere. The modern menu features bold and flavorful combinations to delight both the eye and the stomach. Josephine’s proclaims on their menu to be free of “ethnic constraints,” instead blending “ingredients and techniques from many different cultures.” This is the place to go for flavors that will dance through your mouth, popping with originality in their combinations.
For dinner on Valentine’s Day they’ve got a special menu, which you can check out on their Web site, along with their everyday lunch and dinner menus.

Brix Restaurant and Wine Bar
413 N. San Francisco
213-1021
www.brixflagstaff.com
Brix is anything but everyday, not that you wouldn’t want to eat here everyday if your bank account could stand it. The food is fantastic. So fab in fact that Condé Nast Traveler named them among the top 95 restaurants in the world in 2007. That’s a pretty good rec if I’ve ever heard one.
Brix describes themselves as “a casual fine dining restaurant serving seasonal, farm focused, contemporary American cuisine.” The food is fresh and fanciful, but the place is still relaxed enough to wear shorts at lunch in the summer without getting dirty looks. Still, it’s chic enough to serve as a great spot to go and enjoy vino with or without the food.
They too have a special V-day menu for l’amore. You can check it out, along with their everyday lunch, dinner and wine menus, on their Web site.

The Cottage Place Restaurant
126 W. Cottage
774-8431
www.cottageplace.com
The Cottage Place is a romantic little house with food to compliment the atmosphere, Valentine’s Day or not. They’re only open for dinner Wednesday through Sundays, so no getting in on the delightful menu at lunch for a little less dinero. But this is a place worth saving up for. Your taste buds will thank you for sure.
The menu includes everything from classic filet mignon to more unique creations including hazelnut encrusted pheasant breast, forest mushroom ravioli, and chef tableside specialties for two like rack of lamb and chateaubriand.
They have a special Valentine’s Day menu from Thu, the 12th through Sat, the 14th, but reservations are already booked full on V-day. Cottage Place also offers a different kind of fun evening out for a date with specialty cooking classes. You can check their Web site for info on when they are offered, as well as peruse their menu.

Japonais, Je t’aime
Wanna take your sweetheart somewhere upscale but not overly fancified? Check out these great Flagstaff Japanese food gems.

Sakura Sushi and Teppanyaki
1175 W. Rte. 66, inside the Radisson Woodlands Hotel
773-9118
www.sakuraflagstaffsushi.com

Karma Sushi Bar and Tapas
6 E. Rte. 66
774-6100
www.karmaflagstaff.com

Hiro’s Sushi Bar and Japanese Restaurant
1312 S. Plaza Way
226-8030
www.hiroflag.com

 

Szechuan Chinese Restaurant

By Angele Sionna

• 1350 W Highway 89A, Ste 21, Sedona
• Menu online: szechuansedona.com

The Food (taste/flavor/quality of food & drinks)
>>>= good, but not great

The Atmosphere (environment, wait staff, comfortableness)
xxxx= comfortable

Price (what to generally expect to pay per person per entree)
$$                 $10

Value (what you get for your money)
**** = worth it – you won’t be disappointed with what you get for your money

Wanna break from the Mexican choices in Sedona (though there are several good ones)?

Check out the Szechuan Chinese Restaurant off 89A in the 2nd shopping center on the right after you pass the two traffic circles in the crossroads area of town.

The dinner menu is pricey for Chinese but normal for Sedona at about $11 for most dishes. The do have a lunch special menu which looks more reasonably priced at about $8 per person, but comes with soup or salad plus an eggroll and fried wonton. Do note the menu says they charge $4 for splitting a plate.

They do have a $5 plain noodles dish that is perfect for kiddos and plenty to share. Portions on the regular dishes aren’t generous enough to split. One entree is truly for one person, unlike other Chinese restaurants. But the taste is great.

We ordered the Orange Chicken and the Chicken with Broccoli and both were great. By far the best Chinese in Northern Arizona. I’m glad we found this place. We’ll definitely be back. I only wish it was located in Flagstaff, which is badly lacking in good Chinese.

 

Flagstaff’s best spots to buy fresh bread

(*This story, written by me, first appeared in Flagstaff Live on January 29, 2009*)

Bread is a healthy diet staple (unless you’re on a no-carb kick) and a comfort food. It’s one of those things that just seems to go well with almost any meal. Good bread can make or break a sandwich or some French toast. Treating yourself to some of the great homemade loaves cooked up by Flagstaff’s best bakers will end up saving you money. You may pay a little extra per loaf compared to grocery store prices, but you’ll be making restaurant-quality sandwiches at home—not to mention how good your bruchetta and French toast cooking skills will seem to improve. What an easy way to impress.

The Village Baker
1435 S. Milton
The Village Baker used to be a tiny little bakery without a sign making some of the best breads in town.
But a few months ago they got a new location on Milton behind Strombolli’s, still without any frills, except in their foods. The Village Baker is a great place to buy fresh, unique, healthy breads. They’ve got quite an impressive assortment from several varieties of whites and sourdoughs to honey wheats and multi-grains and everything in between. Options do depend on the day and the time, so go in the morning for the biggest selection. You can call them at 773-9310 to find out what’s on the menu as well. During the summer and early fall, you can also buy Village Baker breads at the Flagstaff Farmer’s Market. It’s worth noting that when they opened the new location, the bakery also added lots of yummy breakfast items from cinnamon rolls to scones, Danishes and more. Totally worth dropping by for!

House of Bread
1237 S. Plaza Way
House of Bread serves up 25 types of homemade premium breads, made with freshly stone-ground flour. They do it right in the store everyday. (But don’t show up before work to watch because all the fun goes on in the wee hours of the morning.) Their products are all natural with no chemicals or artificial preservatives. You can taste the quality of the ingredients. I really enjoy HOB’s Grandma’s White Bread. It is exactly what you want a fresh loaf of bread to taste like and it’s great for sandwiches. That being the case, the sandwiches that House of Bread serves for lunch are probably pretty good, but I’ve yet to try them. But one day the Cranky Turkey sandwich with cranberry cream cheese sauce is going to call my name. I have tried their cinnamon rolls and blueberry scones. Both are delish. By the way, HOB also makes different breads on different days. Check out what they’ve got in the ovens today by calling 774-5254 if you’re looking for something particular.

Outside of Flagstaff
Other great bread bakeries include:
Wildflower Bread Company in Sedona, Prescott and all around Phoenix, and the Orion Bread Company in Cottonwood (you can also buy this bread in Flagstaff at New Frontiers Natural Marketplace).

 

Best soups in Flagstaff

*Note this article was written by me and originally published in the Jan 22 issue of Flagstaff Live!*

Soups are among the oldest meals of mankind. Heat a pot of water, throw in vegetables, spices and leftovers, and you’ve got soup. The recipes have advanced over time and now come in many varieties from chowder to chili, gazpacho, bisque, borscht, gumbo, goulash, consommé and more. Whether an entrée or appetizer, a good soup is hard to beat.
The first thing that comes to mind when I think of soups is Seinfeld’s famous “Soup Nazi,” a character known for his fantastic soups and bad attitude. Every time that episode airs, I’m overcome with the need for some really good soup. Northern Arizona may not have a little shop that exclusively serves up soups that people line up for everyday, but it does have some great places with fantastic soups to warm you up on a cold winter’s day.

Beaver Street Brewery and Whistle Stop Café
11 S. Beaver
Beaver Street comes through once again in the soup category. 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 Southwestern corn chowder. It’s spicy, thick and creamy. Pair it with a side salad for the perfect winter meal. Call 779-0079 for the soup and chili specials of the day.

Buster’s Restaurant and Bar
1800 S. Milton, Ste. 111
At lunch, Buster’s has a great soup and salad combo that is perfect for a chilly afternoon. Their soups of the day rotate, but always available is the baked French onion soup. It’s made with a dash of sherry and topped with a large crouton and melted Swiss cheese. Call 774-5155 to see what’s being served up today.

Brandy’s Bakery and Restaurant
1500 E. Cedar, Ste. 40
Brandy’s offers a soup of the day served by the cup or bowl. Their recipes go beyond the normal choices like chicken noodle soup. One of the weirdest-sounding but best-tasting I’ve tried was a mushroom artichoke vegetable parmesan soup. It was creamy and flavorful and great with a side of fries for lunch. Find out what’s on the menu at 779-2187.

Macy’s European Coffeehouse, Bakery and Vegetarian Restaurant
14 S. Beaver
A cozy little spot to grab a cup of coffee, a bowl of soup and a sweet treat is Macy’s. The friendly and relaxed atmosphere compliment the warm goodness of the soup. They usually have two types each day and their pepper corn chowder is particularly good. It’s basically a potato soup with red peppers and corn—hearty and delicious. Call 774-2243 for the soup of the day.

Mountain Oasis International Restaurant
11 E. Aspen
Mountain Oasis is an upscale yet relaxed restaurant in the heart of downtown Flagstaff. They serve up two, from-scratch soups per day. The one to get here: the New England Clam Chowder—a classic soup, Flagstaff-style. Check to see what the soup of the day is at 214-9270.

Chi’s Cuisine
114 N. Cortez St., Prescott
For the best Wonton soup in northern Arizona, a drive is in order. Chi’s Cuisine in downtown Prescott has a great version of this Chinese restaurant favorite. A big bowl of what they call “Wor Wonton Soup” filled with wonton noodles, shrimp, pork, chicken, bok choy, carrots and broth is served up hot and fresh. This is not the tiny appetizer you get at many Chinese restaurants. It’s a full meal in itself. Find out more at 928-778-5390.

 

Best Breakfasts in Flagstaff

Best Breakfast Joints in Flagstaff
By Angele Sionna

(*Note: This article originally appeared in Flagstaff Live! Written by me, of course.)

Eggs, bacon, sausage, toast, pancakes, cereal, bagels, cinnamon rolls, danish, kolaches… the list of breakfast foods is expansive and varies culture to culture. But wherever you go breakfast means the same thing – to break one’s fast. The fast being the longest period that most of us don’t eat, which is overnight. No wonder it’s traditionally a carby-starchy meal that can take you through the day, if need be. Here’s a look at Flagstaff’s best breakfast joints. All places that make getting up in the morning something to look forward to.

La Bellavia, 18 S. Beaver St.
La Bellavia is arguably the best all around spot for breakfast. The atmosphere is homey and the food fantastic. The Swedish Oat Cakes are the perfect choice for those feeling the need for some morning sweets without going into sugar shock. These huge buttermilk and oat pancakes are served with a hot cinnamon apple topping. They’re so big that if you eat a whole stack of three oat cakes, they’ll take your photo and hang it on the wall… plus if it’s a weekday the sign on the wall says they’ll give you a free coffee mug too. Another tasty great option – La Bellavia’s omelets. They’re filled with the ingredients of your choosing then smothered with hollandaise sauce. Delish.

Brandy’s Restaurant & Bakery, 1500 E Cedar Ave
Brandy’s used to be owned by the same people as La Bellavilla. (The owners of Brandy’s being the ones who founded La Bell.) Their breakfast menus do have some feeling of Déjà vu to them. But Brandy’s chef makes the breakfast potatoes much better than their downtown cousin. In fact, I think they have the best breakfast potatoes in town. Their menu includes daily specials from quiches to homemade bagels. Brandy’s also serves up sugary yummies like cinnamon rolls and muffins. While the coffee is good, Brandy’s hot cocoas are not to be missed, piled high with whip cream, to the delight of kids of all ages.

Mike and Ronda’s The Place, 21 S Milton Rd
Mike and Ronda’s The Place is by far the best deal on breakfast. It’s simple and simply great. I recommend their two eggs scrambled with hash browns and a pancake all for the nice price of $4. Add a cup of Joe for an extra $1.50. And the service is always good there too. Added bonus: Thursdays through Saturdays they’re open 24 hours a day. When you just want a good meal at a good price in an old-fashioned diner style, this is the place.

MartAnne’s Burrito Palace, 10 N San Francisco St
MartAnne’s is a hot little hole in the wall spot downtown for Mexican breakfast. In fact it’s got the trifecta of hotness going on… Hot because it is very popular amongst those in the know. Hot because the food is really spicy. And hot because it can get pretty warm in there with all the people packed in. The quarters are tight but friendly. The food is traditional but not to imply boring by any means. It’s plentiful and filling, which is good because you’re going to be really hungry by the time it gets to you. Expect a line here every weekend plus a wait for your food, but it’s worth it.