Monday
TOPIC
Restaurants with a view

GUESTS
11:00-12:00 - Olashawn from the Wild Thaiger Cafe, 2631 N Central Ave, Phoenix AZ (602) 241-8995
12:45 - Larry from BoxedGreens.com

QUESTIONS FROM LISTENERS
We do our best to keep our listeners well-informed and well-fed. If you have a question, give us a call during the show at (480) 949-1310. You can also send questions via comment on the blog, in the chat room during the show, or by e-mail to Kim@KXAM.com. Put CC in the subject line so I won’t think it's junk mail.

Mike from Gilbert is looking for a romantic seafood restaurant for his 20th wedding anniversary. Money is no object. Any ideas? Please feel free to add to this preliminary list:

First, this list at AOL CityGuide is pretty good:

Another good list is "12 Romantic Restaurants," from azcentral.com.

Yasha called and said she was looking forward to taking her 15-year-old out for her birthday. She loves belly dancing, and she loves the Bacchanal Greek Restaurant, but it is too smokey. Do we have a good suggestions for a fun place to go? Let us know.

Bacchanal Greek Restaurant
3015 E Thomas Rd, Phoenix AZ 85016 (602) 224-9377

I had heard that Sinbad's in Mesa had belly dancing. I read a review that said the food was good, not great, but the belly dancer danced with candelabras. That reminded Don that we had seen the same belly dancers at Sinbad's years ago, under different ownership. Excellent! And lots of fun--my dad even got up and danced!

Sinbad's
5004 S Price Rd, Tempe AZ 85282 (480) 491-5588

If she enjoys theatre, The Broadway Palm Dinner Theater often has some good performances with dinner and desert. That's a fun thing to do.

The Broadway Palm Dinner Theater
5247 E Brown Rd, Mesa AZ 85205 (480) 325-6700

For fish we can recommend Mastro’s Ocean Club, Eddie V’s Edgewater Grill, and Salt Cellar Restaurant.

Mastro’s Ocean Club
15045 N Kierland Blvd, Phoenix AZ (480) 443-8555

Eddie V’s Edgewater Grill www.eddiev.com
20715 N Pima Rd, Scottsdale AZ 85255 (480) 538-8468

Salt Cellar Restaurant
550 N Hayden Rd, Scottsdale AZ
2575 E Camelback Rd, Phoenix AZ (602) 468-1200

One listener e-mailed me and asked for restaurants with great views. Here is a short list. Feel free to e-mail me or call the show if you have other great ideas.

Susan from Sun City recommended Sassi for great views, romantic atmosphere, and wonderful Italian food. She loved the appetizers and noted that they offer half-priced bottles of wine. Call about the special summer deals. (Remember to tell them that you heard about them from Culinary Confessions. Thanks!)

Sassi
10455 E Pinnacle Peak Pkwy, Scottsdale AZ 85255 (480) 502-9095

Susan from Ahwatukee and Carol from Phoenix called and recommended the Compass Room at the Hyatt Regency Phoenix.

Compass Room
122 N 2nd St, Phoenix AZ 85004 (602) 440-3166

Steve from Scottsdale called in to say he loved the views and the food at the Acacia at Four Seasons Resort Scottsdale at Troon North.

Acacia
10600 E Crescent Moon Dr, Scottsdale AZ (480) 515-5700

Olashawn from the Wild Thaiger recommended the Zambre Grille. She said she loves the food and the views.

Zambre Grille
16770 N Perimeter Dr, Scottsdale AZ 85260 (480) 502-3836

Top of the Rock
2000 Westcourt Way, Tempe AZ (602) 225-9000

Elements
5700 E McDonald Dr, Paradise Valley AZ (480) 607-2300

Different Pointe of View
11111 N 7th St, Phoenix AZ (602) 866-6350
- posted by blogmaster @ 10:44 PM 0 comments

 
Friday
TOPIC
Who has your favorite barbecue?

GUESTS
11:00-12:25 - Roger from Thee Pitts Again, 5558 W Bell Rd, Glendale AZ (623) 996-7488
12:45 - Michael from Sportman's Fine Wines & Spirits www.sportsmans4wine.com

QUESTIONS FROM LISTENERS
We do our best to keep our listeners well-informed and well-fed. If you have a question, give us a call during the show at (480) 949-1310. You can also send questions via comment on the blog, in the chat room during the show, or by e-mail to Kim@KXAM.com. Put CC in the subject line so Kim won’t think it's junk mail.

GREAT TIPS FROM LISTENERS
Paul from Scottsdale suggests that you grill fresh pineapple pieces wrapped with 1/4-inch-thick bacon strips. He serves it for dessert, and it is always a hit!

RESTAURANTS MENTIONED ON THE SHOW
Marty from Scottsdale brought us some White Castle burgers from Chicago since we had never tried them. He called to see what we thought of them. Let's just say they didn't hang around long, and we had to hide them from the rest of the crew here. Thanks Marty! He also recommended Barrio Cafe for its wonderful Mexican food. He likes the guacamole that is made right at the table, and his mom likes their fish.

Barrio Cafe
2814 N 16th St, Phoenix AZ (602) 636-0240

Barry from Phoenix called to say that Thee Pitts Again is his favorite barbecue. He loves the pulled pork.

Thee Pitts Again
5558 W Bell Rd, Glendale AZ (623) 996-7488

Mary called and said she loves the R & B Rib House. She loves the short ribs and brisket, in fact, everything on the combo platter, which runs about $14.

R & B Rib House
1616 E Main St, Mesa AZ (480) 844-7427

James from Mesa called in about Joe’s Real BBQ. What's good there? Everything, including the homemade rootbeer and their great applesauce.

Joe’s Real BBQ
301 N Gilbert Rd, Gilbert AZ (480) 503-3805

Alicia from Gilbert likes Honey Bear's BBQ, a "Memphis-style" Tennessee-smoked barbeque with secret flavors and sauces that go back multiple generations.

Honey Bear's BBQ www.honeybearsbbq.com
7670 S Priest Dr, Tempe AZ (480) 222-2782
2824 N Central Ave, Phoenix AZ (602) 279-7911
5012 E Van Buren St, Phoenix AZ (602) 273-9148

Paul from Scottsdale called to say he likes Waldo’s BBQ. He likes a sweeter sauce.

Waldo's BBQ
4500 E Main St, Mesa AZ (480) 807-6475
- posted by blogmaster @ 10:49 PM 0 comments

 
Thursday
TOPIC
Steakhouses in Arizona

GUESTS
12:00-1:00 - Tom and Irene Borchard from Room Service Restaurant Delivery Service www.scottsdaleroomservice.com (480) 998-3333

Sarah from Scottsdale called and said she used Room Service Restaurant Delivery Service for a party with some friends. They delivered from Jilly’s American Grill and she loved it. Everything was hot. She had eggrolls, rockin shrimp chimichangas, and calamari. It was a great way to have a party.

Room Service Restaurant Delivery Service www.scottsdaleroomservice.com
(480) 998-3333

QUESTIONS FROM LISTENERS
We do our best to keep our listeners well-informed and well-fed. If you have a question, give us a call during the show at (480) 949-1310. You can also send questions via comment on the blog, in the chat room during the show, or by e-mail to Kim@KXAM.com. Put CC in the subject line so Kim won’t think it is junk mail.

RESTAURANTS MENTIONED ON THE SHOW
The following are some of the restaurants our listeners registered for in our Father’s Day promotion. One lucky winner will receive a $100 gift certificate for the chosen restaurant.

Tarbells www.tarbells.com
3213 E Camelback Rd, Phoenix AZ 85018

Dillans
8706 W Thunderbird Rd, Peoria AZ (623) 979-5353

Don & Charlie’s
7501 E Camelback Rd, Scottsdale AZ 85251 (480) 990-0900

Durants www.durantsfinefoods.com
2611 N Central Ave, Phoenix AZ (602) 264-5967

Salt Cellar
550 N Hayden Rd, Scottsdale AZ (480) 947-1963

Brian from Phoenix loves Nando’s Mexican Cafe. He says the food is great and the service is wonderful.

Nando’s Mexican Cafe
3519 E Baseline Rd, Gilbert AZ (480) 633-1313

Ed from Mesa likes the Landmark Restaurant, particularly the salad room, the pot roast, and the atmosphere.

Landmark Restaurant
809 W Main St, Mesa AZ 85201 (480) 962-4652

Michael’s at the Citadel
8700 E Pinnacle Peak Rd, Scottsdale AZ 85255 (480) 515-2575

Paul Lee’s Chinese Kitchen
1368 N Cooper Rd, Gilbert AZ (480) 539-6616; for takeout call (480) 632-9988

Kincaid’s Restaurant
2 S 3rd St, Phoenix AZ 85004 (602) 340-0000
- posted by blogmaster @ 7:38 PM 0 comments

 
Wednesday
TOPIC
What is your favorite cut of beef?

You name it, our listeners love it . . . as long as it's the best.

GUESTS
11:00-11:20 - Dee Logan from Arizona Community Farmers Market Group http://farmersmarketsaz.blogspot.com and Jerry and Judy Walp from Diocletian Garden. You can enjoy their great produce at the Roadrunners Farmers Market on Saturday mornings from 7 to 11 o'clock. The market is in the park on the north side of Cactus Road, just east of Route 51.

12:00-1:00 - Victoria Tiendens and Josie Quiones from Carolina's Mexican Food www.carolinasmex.com
1202 E Mohave St, Phoenix AZ (602) 252-1503
2126 E Cactus Rd, Phoenix AZ (602) 275-8231

QUESTIONS FROM LISTENERS
We do our best to keep our listeners well-informed and well-fed. If you have a question, give us a call during the show at (480) 949-1310. You can also send questions via comment on the blog, in the chat room during the show, or by e-mail to Kim@KXAM.com.

Jim from Gilbert said he just moved here and didn’t know what steak house to go to. I promised to list some great places (see below). Please feel free to add to this list if you like.

Check out Karen Fernau's helpful article, "Make Dad Feel Special with Steak," in the Arizona Republic Food Section. She lists some great butcher shops too.
www.azcentral.com/home/takeout/articles/0615goodtogo0615.html (Tip: If you find this article useful, print it before it's moved into the subscription-only archive!)

RESTAURANTS MENTIONED ON THE SHOW

Prime steakhouses ($40-$60)

Fleming's Prime Steakhouse
20753 N Pima Rd, Scottsdale AZ (480) 596-8265
6333 N Scottsdale Rd, Scottsdale AZ (480) 538-8000
20753 N Pima Rd, Scottsdale AZ (480) 538-8000
905 N 54th St, Chandler AZ (480) 940-1900
Prime beef, a-la-carte menu.
Howard Seftel (Arizona Republic) pick: 4 of 5 stars
www.azcentral.com/ent/dining/articles/0208steakhouses.html
AOL Cityguide: #4
www.digitalcity.com/phoenix/beststeakhouses/?page=main&tab=restaurants

Mastro's Steakhouse
8852 E Pinnacle Peak Rd, Scottsdale AZ (480) 585-9500
Howard Seftel (Arizona Republic) pick: 4 of 5 stars
www.azcentral.com/ent/dining/articles/0208steakhouses.html

Morton's, The Steakhouse
2501 E Camelback Rd, Phoenix AZ (480) 951-4440
15233 N Kierland, Scottsdale AZ (602) 955-9577
Howard Seftel (Arizona Republic) pick: 5 of 5 stars
www.azcentral.com/ent/dining/articles/0208steakhouses.html

The Grill at the TPC
7575 E Princess Dr, Scottsdale AZ (480) 585-4848
Howard Seftel (Arizona Republic) pick: 5 of 5 stars
www.azcentral.com/ent/dining/articles/0208steakhouses.html
Wet-aged and dry-aged prime beef at the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess Resort.

Capital Grille
2502 E Camelback Rd, Phoenix AZ (602) 952-8900
Kim loves the lobster bisque and great prime beef.

Donovan's Steak & Chop House Restaurant
3101 E Camelback Rd, Phoenix AZ (602) 955-3666
Newest kid in town.

Ruth's Chris Steak House
2201 E Camelback Rd, Phoenix AZ (602) 957-9600
7001 N Scottsdale Rd, Scottsdale AZ (480) 991-5988

Drinkwater's City Hall Steakhouse
6991 E Camelback Rd, Scottsdale AZ (480) 585-9500
This restaurant was picked by food critic Nikki Buchanan to be a Nikki Notable.
AOL Cityguide: #7 of the top ten
www.digitalcity.com/phoenix/beststeakhouses/?page=main&tab=restaurants

Cholla Prime Steakhouse and Lounge
9700 E Indian Bend Rd, Scottsdale AZ 85256
524 N 92nd St, Scottsdale AZ 85256
Award-winning restaurants at Casino Arizona.

Acacia at the Four Seasons Resort
10600 Crescent Moon Dr, Scottsdale AZ (480) 515-5700

Steakhouses ($20-$40)

Houston's Restaurant
2425 E Camelback Rd, Phoenix AZ 85016 (602) 957-9700

Kincaid's
2 S 3rd St, Phoenix AZ (602) 340-0000
Howard Seftel (Arizona Republic) pick: 4 of 5 stars
www.azcentral.com/ent/dining/articles/0208steakhouses.html

Frank & Charlie's Wood Fire Grill
2050 N Alma School Rd, Chandler AZ (480) 857-9444
Howard Seftel (Arizona Republic) pick: 3 of 5 stars
www.azcentral.com/ent/dining/articles/0208steakhouses.html
AOL Cityguide: #8
www.digitalcity.com/phoenix/beststeakhouses/?page=main&tab=restaurants

The Rokerij
6335 N 16th St, Phoenix AZ (602) 287-8900
Howard Seftel (Arizona Republic) pick: 4 of 5 stars
AOL Cityguide: #9
www.digitalcity.com/phoenix/beststeakhouses/?page=main&tab=restaurants
This restaurant is classified as a Nikki Notable by food critic Nikki Buchanan.
www.azfamily.com/cgi-bin/entertain/rest_search.pl?nikki=y

Cook N' Jack's
7042 E Indian School Rd, Scottsdale AZ (480) 947-8747

Don & Charlie's
7501 E Camelback Rd, Scottsdale AZ 85251 (480) 990-0900
Kim loves the relish tray and chopped liver. The baseball theme makes it a sports fan’s dream.

Steakhouses with local history or color ($20-$40)

El Chorro Lodge
5550 E Lincoln Dr, Scottsdale AZ (480) 948-5170
An old girls school at the foot of Camelback Mountain. Great atmosphere and sticky buns. Open for lunch and dinner.

Durant's
2611 N Central Ave, Phoenix AZ (602) 264-5967
An Arizona landmark, old-time steakhouse.
Howard Seftel (Arizona Republic) pick: 3 of 5 stars
www.azcentral.com/ent/dining/articles/0208steakhouses.html
AOL Cityguide: #2 in the Valley
www.digitalcity.com/phoenix/beststeakhouses/?page=main&tab=restaurants

Pink Pony Steakhouse
3831 N Scottsdale Rd, Scottsdale AZ (480) 945-6697
Howard Seftel (Arizona Republic) pick: 3 of 5 stars
www.azcentral.com/ent/dining/articles/0208steakhouses.html
Sports Illustrated said this is one of the best steakhouses in the US. It is loaded with character.

Moderately priced places to get a steak

Cork'n Cleaver
5101 N 44th St, Phoenix AZ 85018 (602) 952-0585

Feeney's - A Restaurant & Bar
6314 N 12th St, Phoenix AZ 85014 (602) 274-9700

Buster's Restaurant Bar & Grill
8320 N Hayden Rd, Scottsdale AZ 85258 (480) 951-5850

Keg Steakhouse & Bar
21001 N Tatum Blvd, Phoenix AZ 85050 (480) 419-7772

Fire House Restaurant
1639 E Apache Blvd, Tempe AZ 85281 (480) 966-4531

Flat Iron Rotisserie & Grill
3752 E Indian School Rd, Phoenix AZ 85018 (602) 522-8500

Firebirds Rocky Mountain Grill
3435 W Chandler Blvd, Chandler AZ 85226
16067 N Arrowhead Fountains Center Dr, Peoria AZ 85382 (623) 773-0500

Cattleman’s Steakhouse and Saloon
16840 N 83rd Ave, Peoria AZ (623) 776-0606

Carvers Steak and Chop
10825 N Scottsdale Rd, Scottsdale AZ

Less formal, less expensive steakhouses with a western theme

Pinnacle Peak Patio
10426 E Jomax Rd, Scottsdale AZ (480) 585-1599
Howard Seftel (Arizona Republic) pick: 3 of 5 stars
A fun, informal place to go with the family. Don’t wear a tie because they will cut it off.
AOL Cityguide: #3
www.digitalcity.com/phoenix/entertainment/venue.adp?sbid=101838215

Stockyards Restaurant & 1889 Saloon
5001 E Washington St, Phoenix AZ 85034 (602) 273-7378
Real western motif, recently renovated.

Michael Monti's La Casa Vieja
1 W Rio Salado Pkwy, Tempe AZ 85281 (480) 967-7594
Great old photos of Arizona.

Rawhide Steakhouse & Saloon
23023 N Scottsdale Rd, Scottsdale AZ 85255 (480) 502-1880
AOL Cityguide: #2 for Best Cowboy Chow.
www.digitalcity.com/phoenix/entertainment/venue.adp?sbid=101838215
This is no ordinary restaurant, as a quick look at their attractions page will verify: www.rawhide.com/attractions/default.asp This has an old-time western and Arizona theme with many attractions in a western town.

Reatta Pass Steakhouse
27500 N Alma School Pkwy, Scottsdale AZ (480) 585-7277
AOL Cityguide: #7 for Best Cowboy Chow
www.digitalcity.com/phoenix/entertainment/venue.adp?sbid=101838215
This is the site of an original 1882 stage stop.

T-Bones Steakhouse
10037 S 19th Ave, Phoenix AZ 85041 (602) 276-0945
AOL Cityguide: #5 for Best Cowboy Chow
www.digitalcity.com/phoenix/bestcowboychow/?page=main&tab=favorites

Rustlers Roost
7777 S Pointe Pkwy W, Phoenix AZ 85044 (602) 431-6474
AOL Cityguide: #1 for Best Cowboy Chow
www.digitalcity.com/phoenix/entertainment/venue.adp?sbid=101838215

Bill Johnson's Big Apple Restaurant
7322 W Bell Rd, Glendale AZ (623) 776-1900
16810 N 19th Ave, Phoenix AZ (602) 863-7921
3101 W Indian School Rd, Phoenix AZ (602) 277-6291
950 E Main St, Mesa AZ (480) 969-6504
3757 E Van Buren St, Phoenix AZ (602) 275-2107
Family restaurant. Serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

Black Angus Restaurant
2125 E Camelback Rd, Phoenix AZ (602) 955-9741
1164 W Southern Ave, Mesa AZ (480) 964-5568
7606 W Bell Rd, Glendale AZ (623) 878-6200
Family restaurant.

Brazilian steakhouses

Fogo y Brasa
4909 E Chandler Blvd, Phoenix AZ 85048 (480) 783-6060

Rio Brazialian Steakhouse
10425 N Scottsdale Rd, Paradise Valley AZ 85253 (480) 991-1952

Other specialized steakhouses

Coyoacan Steakhouse
9014 S Central Ave, Phoenix AZ (602) 323-9010
A Mexican steakhouse.
- posted by blogmaster @ 1:11 AM 1 comments

 
Tuesday
TOPIC
How far will you drive for a good meal?

Would you believe four and a half hours (roundtrip) and across multiple state lines . . . for lunch? That's right! Although many said 20 minutes to an hour each way, a few won't let time or distance get between them and the vittles they've been craving, especially if a scenic drive is involved. We can relate to that.

GUESTS
11:00-12:00 - Al Wheelis from Jerry Tucci's
12:45 - Ron Cortez from Cafe Cortez

Jerry Tucci's www.jerrytuccis.com
4602 E Cactus Rd, Phoenix AZ (602) 996-1023

QUESTIONS FROM LISTENERS
We do our best to keep our listeners well-informed and well-fed. If you have a question, give us a call during the show at (480) 949-1310. You can also send questions via comment on the blog, in the chat room during the show, or by e-mail to Kim@KXAM.com.

RESTAURANTS MENTIONED ON THE SHOW
Linda from Phoenix called and said she loves El Chorro Lodge. Linda and her husband love their ambiance and the chateaubriand for two (about $60). They serve a relish tray, and they have the best sticky buns.

El Chorro Lodge www.elchorrolodge.com
5550 E Lincoln Dr, Paradies Valley AZ (480) 948-5170

Janet from Mesa went to Ollie’s Omellette House. She liked the senior menu, where she could order a two-egg omellete (instead of the standard four-egg omelet) with cheese and mushrooms for $3.99.

Ollie's Omelette House www.olliesomelettehouse.com
5166 W Olive Rd, Glendale
13623 N 32nd St, Phoenix
2410 W Bell Rd, Phoenix
1411 S Country Club Dr, Mesa

Charlie from Tempe went to Jerry Tucci’s and had the veal. He said the experience was outstanding!

Dan from Scottsdale also went to Jerry Tucci’s for a pasta salad and said it was delicious with nice service.

Jerry Tucci's www.jerrytuccis.com
4602 E Cactus Rd, Phoenix AZ (602) 996-1023

Kathy from Phoenix called in about Cucina Tagliani. She loves the gnocchi, the pecan-crusted Romano chicken, and the artichoke dip.

Cucina Tagliani www.cucinatagliani.com
17045 N 59th Ave, Glendale AZ 85308 (602) 547-2782
8349 W Bell Rd, Peoria AZ 85382

Jerry from Scottsdale likes Maggiones.

Magiannos Little Italy www.maggianos.com
16405 N Scottsdale Rd, Scottsdale AZ 85254 (480) 333-4100

Rachel from Chandler called in about Mi Linda's Restaurant. She said it is authentic Mexican.

Mi Linda's Restaurant
2041 N Arizona Ave, Chandler AZ 85225

Sarah called and she told us she likes Pane Bianco and Pizzeria Bianco. She said she had a caprese sandwich at Pane Bianco for about $8. Pane Bianco has only a few tables for outside dining. She said you should be prepared to wait at Pizzeria Bianco.

Pane Bianco
4404 N Central Ave, Phoenix AZ (602) 234-2100

Pizzeria Bianco
623 E Adams St, Phoenix AZ (602) 258-8300

Joan from Mesa called and told us about her great experience at Citrus Cafe. She loved the ambiance, the food, and the service.

Citrus Cafe
2330 N Alma School Rd, Chandler AZ 85224 (480) 899-0502
- posted by blogmaster @ 9:40 PM 0 comments

 
Monday
TOPIC
Menu design.

From stickiness to typos and from enigmatic writing to overchoice, there is plenty to gripe about. Fortunately, delicious food almost always follows.

GUESTS
11:00-12:00 - Chris Scelza from Bada Boom Pasta Room www.badaboomaz.com, 4151 N Marshall Way, Scottsdale AZ (480) 214-2666
12:45 - Larry from Boxed Greens www.boxedgreens.com

QUESTIONS FROM LISTENERS
We do our best to keep our listeners well-informed and well-fed. If you have a question, give us a call during the show at (480) 949-1310. You can also send questions via comment on the blog, in the chat room during the show, or by e-mail to Kim@KXAM.com.

Doug e-mailed us and wanted to know if there was a Peruvian restaurant in the Phoenix area. Two have recently shut down. The only one Kim was able to find was in Prescott, named Machu Picchu Peruvian Restaurant. Mark was in our chat room (a handy feature on our blog) and told us he found Irene's Peruvian Cuisine in Tucson. Later he found Miraflores Peruvian Cuisine, also in Tucson, but he's not sure if the Tucson restaurants are still open.

Machu Picchu Peruvian Restaurant
111 Grove Ave, Prescott AZ 86301 (928) 717-8242

Irene's Peruvian Cuisine
254 E Congress St, Tucson AZ 85701

Miraflores Peruvian Cuisine
5845 N Oracle Rd, Tucson AZ 85704 (520) 888-4880

Kim read a good review of a Colombian restaurant, which might be close enough in cuisine . . . maybe?

Sabor Latino Colombian Restaurant
2160 N Alma School Rd, Chandler AZ (480) 899-0618

RESTAURANTS MENTIONED ON THE SHOW
Patty from Phoenix said that she and her husband used the Everyday Gourmet and loved it. They had the Sicilian Pork Chop and Chicken Saltinbocca, which were absolutely delicious!

Everyday Gourmet www.personalgourmetaz.com
12351 S 176th Ave, Goodyear AZ (602) 989-0352

Gayla from Scottsdale called to tell us how much she enjoyed Foster's. She liked the sourdough rolls and the fish, and she said the sauces are wonderful. Every detail was super.

Foster's Seafood Grille
10510 N 90th St, Scottsdale AZ 85258 (480) 905-9833

Jerry from Mesa called and said his kids are hooked on a new place called Rock-N-Roll Fingers, which serves chicken fingers with all kind of sauces. It is on the southeast corner of Rural and Broadway. A large plate with three pieces and fries costs $5.95.

Rock-N-Roll Fingers
937 E Broadway Rd Ste 2, Tempe AZ 85282 (623) 374-2662

Mary Katherine called and told us about the oyster shooters at the Salt Cellar. She goes to happy hour, which she thinks runs from 4 to 7 o'clock. Check it out, and let us know what you think.

Salt Cellar
550 N Hayden Rd, Scottsdale AZ 85257 (480) 947-1963
- posted by blogmaster @ 12:56 AM 0 comments

 
Friday
Remote broadcast at Sicilian Deli. It was great to see everyone there and to meet so many new listeners.

Sicilian Deli
7620 E McKellips Rd, Scottsdale AZ (480) 941-8591

TOPIC
Would you eat cloned beef or pork?

Generally, the answer was "yes," but we heard hesitation and caution.

QUESTIONS FROM LISTENERS
If you have a question let us know by commenting on the blog or write to Kim@KXAM.com.

Marsha was looking for Cathy’s Rum Cake. Listeners called with the answers:

Cathy's Rum Cake Caterers www.cathysrumcake.com
4200 N Marshall Way, Scottsdale AZ 85251 (480) 945-9205;
1076 W Chandler Blvd Ste 106, Chandler AZ 85224 (480) 963-6271
4807 E Greenway, Phoenix AZ 85032 (602) 996-9099

Barbara from Scottsdale called to tell us about Mom’s Bakery. They make a great rum cake.

Mom's Bakery
1305 W Guadalupe Rd, Mesa AZ 85202 (480) 831-8734

RESTAURANTS MENTIONED ON THE SHOW
Jimmy from Glendale went to Thee Pitts Again. He had the combo platter, and his wife had the ham. They really enjoyed it.

Thee Pitts Again
5558 W Bell Rd, Glendale AZ (602) 996-7488

Felicia called about her family business, Dos Gardunos on Val Vista and Elliot. She says everything is delicious!

Dos Gardunos Mexican Grill
53 N Val Vista Dr Ste 100, Gilbert AZ 85234-6188 (480) 539-5909
- posted by blogmaster @ 11:17 PM 0 comments

 
Thursday
TOPIC
Salads

GREAT TIPS FROM LISTENERS
Caroline from Ahwatukee called in about a great salad--a chicken ramen salad with ramen noodles. We received an e-mail from a listener with the recipe, which we posted at www.culinaryconfessions.com/soups.htm.

QUESTIONS FROM LISTENERS
We do our best to keep our listeners well-informed and well-fed. If you have a question, give us a call during the show at (480) 949-1310. You can also send questions via comment on the blog, in the chat room during the show, or by e-mail to Kim@KXAM.com.

We heard from Caroline from Ahwatukee who wanted a suggestion for a pizza place that has a separate room with a capacity of 30 people for a business meeting, ideally around 24th Street and Thomas in Phoenix. Can you help? Just respond on this blog or e-mail Kim@KXAM.com.

Some of the suggestions we received were:

California Pizza Kitchen at the Biltmore.

Tuchetti’s, depending on time of year. They have a nice-looking patio that might work well.
2135 E Camelback Rd, Phoenix AZ (at the Town & Country Mall) (602) 957-0222

We also heard by e-mail from Joanne and Russ from Chandler, who are looking for a good stuffed pizza, or at least a good deep-dish pizza. They are from Chicago, and they miss Giordano’s. They say you can order it online for $17 plus a shipping charge of $30. They have tried Oregano’s and BJ’s, but they don’t do the trick! Help! They need a local fix (ba-a-a-d), and we need to save their bank account. Any suggestions?

Kim knows people from Chicago love Salerno’s of Berwyn, and she believes Rosario makes a Sicilian-style pizza, but she suggests giving them a call:

Salerno's from Berwyn Restaurant & Pizzeria
3921 E Guadalupe Rd, Gilbert AZ (480) 892-4350

Kathy from Scottsdale suggested Paisano’s Restaurant. Kim could not find any information about it, but she has heard good things!

Paisano’s Restaurant
Thunderbird and 43rd Ave

Steve from Scottsdale called saying that he was looking for good red snapper, prepared any way, as long as it's delicious. He did not like what he got at Rockfish. Kim and Don recommended these four and one possibility:

Molise Cucina Italiana
2515 N Scottsdale Rd, Scottsdale AZ (480) 423-5801

Salt Cellar
550 N Hayden Rd, Scottsdale AZ 85257 (480) 947-1963

Fish Market
1720 E Camelback Rd, Phoenix AZ (602) 277-3474

Ocean Club Fish House
15045 N Kierland Blvd, Scottsdale AZ 85254 (480) 443-8555

(Not sure about this one yet.)
Eddie V’s Edgewater Grill
20715 N Pima Rd, Scottsdale AZ (480) 538-8468

RESTAURANTS MENTIONED ON THE SHOW
Susan from Scottsdale called in about the chicken Caesar salad at Fresh Gourmet to Go on 20th Street and Camelback.

Fresh Gourmet to Go www.freshg2g.com
1650 E Camelback Rd, Phoenix AZ (602) 265-8646

Ann from Paradise Valley called and said she likes the cobb salad at AZ 88. She says they will chop it up more for you if you ask. Ann also likes Tarbells BBQ salmon salad with a potato cake on the bottom.

AZ 88 Restaurant
7353 E Scottsdale Mall, Scottsdale AZ 85251 (480) 994-5576

Tarbells Restaurant
3213 E Camelback Rd, Phoenix AZ 85018 (602) 955-8100

Dan from Scottsdale called and said he loved the cobb salad from the originator of it, the Brown Derby in California. You can make it yourself from this recipe: http://familyfun.go.com/recipes/disney/feature/dmag79derby/dmag79derby3.html

Stacy from Scottsdale likes the Citrus Chicken Salad at Claim Jumpers. She thinks it is about $12.95. We also talked about the potato cakes from Claim Jumpers, and one of our nice listeners e-mailed me the recipe. (All of our Culinary Confessors are so nice!) The recipe is on CulinaryConfessions.com.

Claim Jumpers www.claimjumper.com

Pam from Scottsdale likes the salads at Arcadia Farms.

Arcadia Farms www.arcadiafarmscafe.com

Charlie from Tempe likes the salad at Naples Restaurant in Chandler.

Naples Restaurant
888 W Warner Rd, Chandler AZ 85225 (480) 963-9033

Janet from Mesa likes the raspberry chipotle dressing at Crackers & Co as well as Annie’s Natural Dressing.

Crackers & Co
535 W Iron Ave, Mesa AZ 85210 (480) 898-1717

Don from Scottsdale called in about Frank & Charlie's restaurant. He likes the Martini Shrimp and the Prime Steaks.

Frank & Charlie's Wood Fire Grill (Cuisine: American/Steakhouse; price: $20-$40)
2050 N Alma School Rd, Chandler AZ (480) 857-9444

Laurie from Chandler called in about the salads from the Cheesecake Factory. She likes the tostada chicken, and of all their many locations, she likes the Chandler one best.

Cheesecake Factory www.thecheesecakefactory.com
They have many locations.

Marty from Queen Creek likes Romeo Euro Cafe. He loves the feta cheese dressing and the garlic chicken pesto.

Romeo’s Euro Cafe
207 N Gilbert Rd Ste 105, Gilbert AZ 85234 (480) 962-4424
- posted by blogmaster @ 1:08 PM 0 comments

 
Wednesday
No Don today. Kim flew solo!

TOPIC
Do you have a good kitchen or food tip to share?

Jimmy from Phoenix uses olive oil to shave. He puts it on his face and adds shaving cream as usual. He gets the best shave ever.

Kathy from Scottsdale adds crystallized ginger to her beans when she cooks them. It helps alleviate the gas and bloating caused by beans. (A natural Beano.)

Janet from Mesa doesn't brown her meatballs before cooking. She just tosses them into hot sauce and . . . voila! Less work and less mess.

Susan from Scottsdale uses a rubber band around the top of a stubborn jar lid that just won't open. It provides traction for your hands. Wide bands work best.

Jaq from Phoenix says that The Pampered Chef has many great items to help in the kitchen. She distributes Pampered Chef merchandise and can arrange a party at your house. (You can get some great hostess gifts!) Call Jaq at (480) 390-0931.

Joy from Mesa puts lemons in her garbage disposal to keep it fresh-smelling.

Jane from Mesa called about putting bread at the bottom of the meatloaf pan before adding the meatloaf and baking. It absorbs the fat. (Kim has done it, and it works well. She likes to use up stale bread that way.)

GUESTS
11:00 - Dee Logan from Arizona Community Farmers Market Group http://farmersmarketsaz.blogspot.com
Dee also invited James Scott, a farmer from One Windmill Farms in Queen Creek. You can reach him at www.onewindmillfarm.com.

QUESTIONS FROM LISTENERS
If you have a question, let us know via comment on the blog, or write to Kim@KXAM.com.

Terry from Tempe called to ask where to get the grain alcohol for the lemoncello recipe listed on CulinaryConfessions.com. Janet from Mesa, whose recipe it is, (although it may really belong to her friend, Queen Ester) said she got it at Sunflower Markets for $16.95. She also saw it at AJ Fine Food for the same price.

GREAT TIPS FROM LISTENERS
See the responses to the survey question of the day.

RESTAURANTS MENTIONED ON THE SHOW
Aaron from Mesa said she really liked PF Chang's spicy scallop dish.

PF Chang's China Bistro www.pfchangs.com
They have many locations.

Terry from Tempe loves Durant's. She enjoys the prime rib and their garlic bread.

Durant's Restaurant www.durantsaz.com
2611 N Central Ave, Phoenix AZ 85004 (602) 264-5967
- posted by blogmaster @ 11:06 PM 0 comments

 
Tuesday
TOPIC
Coffee, tea, or ? How many cups a day?

We had a lot of responses, from coffee (of course) to Yerba Matte. Don from Mesa says Yerba Matte has the effects of coffee without caffeine. Ginny from Scottsdale drinks Rooibos, which she says is spicy and nutty. She also says that it has minerals, vitamins, and healing properties and that it is an antispasmodic.

GUESTS
Ron Cortez from Cafe Cortez and tea expert Manish Shaw. Order coffee and tea from the websites

Cafe Cortez www.cafecortez.com
1848 E University Dr Ste 106, Tempe AZ (480) 968-8333

Manish Shaw www.mayatea.net
(877) MAYATEA

QUESTIONS FROM LISTENERS
If you have a question let us know by commenting on the blog or write to Kim@KXAM.com.

RESTAURANTS MENTIONED ON THE SHOW
Sherry from Mesa loves Voltaire Restaurant and their foie gras. She also went to Malee’s on Main, a great Thai restaurant where she had a wonderful soup.

Voltaire Restaurant (French cuisine. Check for summer hours.)
8340 E Mcdonald Dr, Scottsdale AZ 85250 (480) 948-1005

Malee’s on Main
7131 E Main St, Scottsdale AZ 85251 (480) 947-6042

Susan from Sun City loves Tarbels Restaurant. She enjoyed a dish with Portobello mushrooms.

Tarbell’s Restaurant (American cuisine, $20-$40.)
3213 E Camelback Rd, Phoenix AZ 85018 (602) 955-8100

Remi from Paradise Valley loves Fat Slims BBQ Joint. She raves about the brisket coleslaw with blue cheese in it.

Fat Slims BBQ Joint
3961 E Camelback Rd, Phoenix AZ 85018

- posted by blogmaster @ 12:48 AM 0 comments

 
Monday
TOPIC
Father’s Day Promotion: We are giving a $100 gift certificate for any restaurant to one lucky listener. We will draw the winner on June 17. So call in and register or e-mail me at kim@kxam.com. Be sure to put CC (for Culinary Confessions) in the subject line.

GUESTS
12:45 - Larry from BoxedGreens.com

QUESTIONS FROM LISTENERS
MaryAnn from Scottsdale wants to know a great place for brunch. She wants to take the whole family, including little ones.

Janet from Mesa called in to suggested a brunch at the San Marcos Hotel in Chandler. It is inexpensive and nice. During the week (M-F) brunch is $5.95. We don’t know the weekend brunch menu. She thought kids would like the ambience. Call for details.

San Marcos Hotel www.sanmarcosresort.com
1 N San Marcos Pl, Chandler AZ 85225 (480) 812-0900

GREAT TIPS FROM LISTENERS
Susan from Scottsdale called about a new grocery store named Gluten Free Creations, which carries (as the name implies) gluten-free products.

Gluten Free Creations www.glutenfreeforyou.com
3122 E Indian School Rd, Phoenix AZ (602) 749-1392

RESTAURANTS MENTIONED ON THE SHOW
Latania likes Bahama Breeze, particularly their Jerk Shrimp in a Baguette.

Bahama Breeze www.bahamabreeze.com

Elaine called and talked about how she enjoyed her vegetarian burger at Minder Binders Restaurant. Likewise, her husband enjoyed his burger with mushrooms. Prices are reasonable. She described the restaurant as being a unique place.

Minder Binders Restaurant
715 S McClintock Dr, Tempe AZ (480) 966-1911

Diane from Scottsdale called in and said she went to Tarbells over the weekend and had to have a hamburger because she loved that from Mark’s previous restaurant, Barmouche. She asked for aoli, but they didn’t have it, so they made some fresh for her. How about that for service! The burger for dinner is $14.

Tarbell’s Restaurant www.tarbells.com
3213 E. Camelback Rd, Phoenix AZ 85018 (602) 955-8100

Sarah from Paradise Valley went to Jerry Tucci’s and really enjoyed it. They went on "Wine Down Wednesday" and had a great bottle of Pinot Noir, discounted 50 percent. She had the Absolute Penne Pasta, and her husband had the lasagna. They were great.

Jerry Tucci’s www.jerrytuccis.com
4602 E Cactus Rd, Phoenix AZ (602) 996-1023

Scott from Scottsdale likes Rancho Pinot Grill for its most superb rack of lamb and great wine list.

Rancho Pinot Grill
6208 N Scottsdale Rd, Paradise Valley AZ 85253 (480) 367-8030

Trish from Phoenix likes the Mastro’s Ocean Club Fish House. She loved the three large shrimp and two lobster tails with mashed potato. Her husband had a whole roasted chicken (huge). They loved it.

Mastro's Ocean Club Fish House
15045 N Kierland Blvd, Scottsdale AZ 85254 (480) 443-8555
- posted by blogmaster @ 12:06 AM 0 comments

 
Friday
TOPIC
What is the oldest thing in your refrigerator?

We got all kinds of unusual things: horseradish, sauerkraut, a frozen block of fish from 1983, candy bars, and a listener's mother's arm when she reaches for the milk! (The things you can hear on the radio!)

GUESTS
12:25 - Cheryl from Thee Pitts Again, 5558 W Bell Rd, Glendale AZ 85308 (623) 996-7488
12:45 - Michael from Sportman's Fine Wines & Spirits www.sportsmans4wine.com

RESTAURANTS MENTIONED ON THE SHOW
Angela from Mesa called and said she has been to four of our sponsors and loved them all. She's still talking about Salerno's Zucchini Parmigiana.

Big City BBQ www.bigcitybbq.com
1425 S Alma School Rd Ste 105, Mesa AZ 85210 (480) 844-1010 [map]
5118 S Rural Rd, Tempe AZ 85282 (480) 756-5702 [map]

Patsy Grimaldis Pizzeria www.patsygrimaldis.com
many locations

Cafe Cortez www.cafecortez.com
1848 E University Dr Ste 106, Tempe AZ (480) 968-8333

Salerno's from Berwyn Restaurant & Pizzeria
3921 E Guadalupe Rd, Gilbert AZ (480) 892-4350

Jerry from Mesa went to Molise Cucina Itliana and enjoyed the Tuesday night half-priced bottle of wine. They loved the food.

Molise Cucina Italiana
2515 N Scottsdale Rd, Scottsdale AZ

Vince from Mesa went to Cupids Hot Dogs and loved the happy hour in the afternoon. He got the Chicago Dogs. It is a fantastic deal that he couldn’t believe it was not packed. Call for details.

Cupid's Hot Dogs
58 W Buffalo St, Chandler AZ (480) 855-8343

Tami went to the Bell location of Ollie’s Omelette House. She had the pork tenderloin sandwich and loved it. She also liked the fried onion rings and appreciated their great prices, great service, and clean, bright appearance.

Ollie's Omelette House www.olliesomelettehouse.com
2410 W Bell Rd, Phoenix AZ
5166 W Olive Rd, Glendale AZ
13623 N 32nd St, Phoenix AZ
1411 S Country Club Dr, Mesa AZ

See our list of advertisers.
- posted by blogmaster @ 11:00 PM 0 comments

 
Thursday
TOPIC
Special Occasion Dining

GUESTS
12:00 - Danny Davis and Scott Storry from Ollie’s Omelette House www.olliesomelettehouse.com

QUESTIONS FROM LISTENERS
Carrie and Judy are looking for an upscale restaurant in the East Valley for her office Christmas party. (It's never too early to plan ahead.) They are looking for a private room and expect to have 40 attendees . In the past they have been to Marco Polo’s and Drinkwaters. Do you have an idea? Let us know by commenting on the blog or write to me at Kim@KXAM.com. They got 11 suggestions from Kim and Don (see below).

RESTAURANTS MENTIONED ON THE SHOW
Elaine from Mesa called to say they went to Salerno’s from Berwyn in Gilbert, and Rosario the owner remembered them and treated the whole family to desserts. They loved the chicken and the eggplant parmigiana.

Salerno's from Berwyn Restaurant & Pizzeria
3921 E Guadalupe Rd, Gilbert AZ (480) 892-4350

Betty Ann from Tempe loves Carlos O’ Brien’s Mexican Restaurant. They have two locations.

Carlos O’ Brien’s
1133 E Northern Ave, Phoenix AZ (602) 274-5881

Carlos O’ Brien’s Mexican Restaurant
7111 E Bell Rd, Scottsdale AZ (480) 367-0469

Judy called and is looking for New York style pizza. She does like Amoroso & Sons.

Amoroso & Sons
15842 N Cave Creek Rd, Phoenix AZ 85032

We recommended Joe Pizza. They have just opened a new location on Thunderbird Road, west of Scottsdale Road, in the Smart & Final shopping center (where the old Wiseguys pizza was).

Joe Pizza
7321 E Shoeman Ln, Scottsdale AZ (480) 947-5637

Patsy Grimaldi's Pizzeria www.patsygrimaldis.com
many locations

Kelly called and said she loves Pasta Brioni’s. They have great pesto.

Pasta Brioni’s
4416 N Miller Rd, Scottsdale AZ 85251 (480) 994-0028

Roger called about Maggianos Little Italy. He thinks it might be a great place for an office party

Magiannos Little Italy www.maggianos.com
16405 N Scottsdale Rd, Scottsdale AZ 85254 (480) 333-4100

Mindy from Tempe called in about Tutti Santi Italian Restaurant. She had her wedding rehearsal dinner there. She loves their ravioli and great service.

Tutti Santi Italian Restaurant
7575 N 16th St, Phoenix AZ 85020 (602) 216-0336
1859 W Guadalupe Rd, Mesa AZ 85202 (480) 820-7656
6339 E Greenway Rd, Scottsdale AZ 85254 (480) 951-3775

Janet from Mesa went to L’Ecole at the Scottsdale Culinary Institute. She was disappointed because when she went there years before, it was a six-course meal, and this time it was only three. It was good, but she wanted more.

L’Ecole Restaurant
8100 E Camelback Rd, Scottsdale AZ 85251 (480) 990-7639

Don from Mesa called to say he went to Mastro’s Restaurant. He was not impressed. It was expensive and just OK. The chopped salad that had been recommended Don found vinegary.

Mastro’s Restaurant
8852 E Pinnacle Peak Rd, Scottsdale AZ 85255 (480) 585-9500

Rhonda called with the correct answer to the trivia question, what is the most popular drink in the US? (The Martini.) Rhonda is fond of the Raspberry Martini, which she had at the Melting Pot. She loved the food (the feast for two) and her experience there.

Melting Pot
3626 E Ray Rd, Phoenix AZ 85044 (480)704-9206
8320 N Hayden Rd, Scottsdale AZ 85258 (480) 607-1799

Vince from Mesa called and suggested Rustler’s Rooste. He had a holiday party there and had a great time.

Rustler's Rooste
7777 S Pointe Pkwy, Phoenix AZ 85044 (602) 431-6474

RESTAURANTS THAT KIM AND DON MENTIONED
Kim and Don made 11 suggestions for a venue for a holiday party ( in no special order):

Michael’s at the Citadel www.michaelsrestaurant.com
8700 E Pinnacle Peak Rd, Scottsdale AZ (480) 515-2575

Lon’s at the Hermosa www.hermosainn.com
5532 N Palo Cristi Rd, Phoenix AZ (602) 955-7878

Top of the Rock at Wyndham Buttes Resort www.wyndham.com/hotels/PHXBU/main.wnt
2000 Westcourt Way, Tempe AZ (602) 225-9000 $$$

Roaring Fork www.roaringfork.com/scottsdaleaz/
4800 N Scottsdale Rd, Scottsdale AZ (480) 947-0795 $$

Wrigley Mansion
2501 E Telawa Trl, Phoenix AZ (602) 955-4079 $$$

Wright’s at the Arizona Biltmore Resort & Spa
2400 E Missouri, Phoenix AZ 85016

T.Cooks at The Royal Palms
5200 E Camelback Rd, Phoenix AZ (602) 840-3610

El Chorro Lodge
5550 E Lincoln Dr, Paradise Valley AZ 948-5170

La Hacienda at the Princess Hotel (fine Mexican cuisine)
7575 E Princess Dr, Scottsdale AZ (480) 585-4848 $$$

Kai Restaurant at the Sheraton Wild Horse Pass Resort & Spa www.wildhorsepassresort.com
5594 W Wild Horse Pass Blvd, Chandler AZ 85226 (602) 225-0100

Cholla Prime Steakhouse and Lounge inside Casino Arizona at Indian Bend www.casinoaz.com Menu items at this New Times "Best of Phoenix" include Peppery Elk Tenderloin, Veal Porterhouse, Roasted Rack of Lamb, as well as prime steaks, poultry, pasta and seafood.
(101 & McKellips) 9700 E Indian Bend, Scottsdale AZ 85256 (480) 850-7736

We will continue to add to this list, so stay tuned. Feel free to add any other top restaurants in the East Valley.
- posted by blogmaster @ 12:35 AM 0 comments

 
Wednesday
TOPIC
What are your favorite fruits?

GUESTS
11:00 - Dee Logan from Arizona Community Farmers' Market and Jan Cook, market manager at the Mesa Community Market (open Fridays, 9 a.m. to noon). farmersmarketsaz.blogspot.com
12:00 - Larry from www.BoxedGreens.com

GREAT TIPS FROM LISTENERS
Riva from Scottsdale told us about a snack she makes for her husband, who is allergic to raw apples. She cuts up a Granny Smith apple, adds cinnamon and sugar, and microwaves it for 3 or 4 minutes. It makes its own sauce. Yum! Riva likes Gala apples, uncooked.

Jenny from Mesa likes pears, so she cuts the top of the pear off, slices it part way down the sides to splay the pear like petals of a flower, and then she fills it with cottage cheese and has it for lunch. Some days she goes wild and tops it with pineapple chunks or other fruit! Fruit and dairy: a healthful lunch indeed.

Kim found a recipe for tomatillo verde salsa: www.elise.com/recipes/archives/001109tomatillo_salsa_verde.php Larry from Boxed Greens said he wanted to make it and have it on eggs. Now that does sound good.

1 1/2 lb tomatillos
1/2 cup chopped white onion
1/2 cup cilantro leaves
1 tbsp fresh lime juice
1/4 teaspoon sugar
2 jalapeño peppers, stemmed, seeded, and chopped
salt to taste

Remove papery husks from tomatillos and rinse well. Cut in half and place cut side down on a foil-lined baking sheet. Place under a broiler for about 5-7 minutes to lightly blacken the skin. Place tomatillos, lime juice, onions, cilantro, jalapeño peppers, and sugar in a food processor or blender and pulse until all ingredients are finely chopped and mixed. Season to taste with salt. Cool in the refrigerator. Serve with chips or as a salsa accompaniment to Mexican dishes. Makes 3 cups.

RESTAURANTS MENTIONED ON THE SHOW
See our list of advertisers: www.culinaryconfessions.com/advertiser.htm
- posted by blogmaster @ 1:19 PM 0 comments

 
Tuesday
TOPIC
Chicken

GUESTS
11:00 - Dave DeWitt (www.fieryfoods.com) discussed his new book, The Spicy Food Lover’s Bible. He will be giving a live demo at 6 p.m. Wednesday at Sur La Table at Kierland Commons. Call (480) 998-0648 for reservations.
12:00 - Ron Cortez from Café Cortez www.cafecortez.com.

GREAT TIPS FROM LISTENERS
Cindy loves to make beer butt chicken. Add chopped onions and garlic to a half-filled can of beer. (The other half is for the cook.) Place a whole chicken on the can of beer. Cindy puts it on the barbecue grill on indirect heat. She typically makes four chickens at a time (which helps keep the chickens upright and the cook feeling no pain) and slow cooks them for 2 hours.

Carry brines her chicken in a brine of oranges, limes, kosher salt, sugar, lime zest, and garlic for at least 24 hours, preferably longer. She places a mixture of softened seasoned butter and 1/4-inch slices of mushrooms under the chicken skin. Then she bakes it in the oven vertically, either on a wire holder or on a can of liquid.

Cynthia called and said that she eats tofu instead of chicken on the grill. After she has blotted out most of the liquid, she marinates firm tofu in equal parts of soy sauce and water with some rice vinegar. She marinates for a long period, then places the half-inch slices on the grill.

RESTAURANTS THAT KIM AND DON MENTIONED
Kim mentioned T. Cooks at the Royal Palms for lunch. She recommends the lobster bisque and the portabello reuben sandwich. The desserts were spectacular, and she received excellent service.

T. Cooks
5200 E Camelback Rd, Phoenix, AZ (602) 808-0766

Kim and Don talked about their dinner at the Top of the Rock at the Buttes. They had the crab cake appetizer, Don had the sugar-cured pork loin, and Kim had the tempura sea bass--they loved all of it. The restaurant's atmosphere is romantic and offers great views of the valley. Tip: If you make a reservation, ask for a window table on the north side of the restaurant to get more open views.

Top of the Rock (Wyndham Buttes) www.wyndham.com/hotels/PHXBU/main.wnt
2000 W Westcourt Way, Tempe AZ (602) 225-9000
- posted by blogmaster @ 11:34 PM 0 comments

 
Friday
REMOTE
Thanks to Anthony and Carolyn Redendo for their hospitality at Redendo's Pizza & Pasta. The food was fabulous, and the people who were able to join us for lunch there were even better! Thank you all!



Redendo's Pizza & Pasta
(Shea & Saguaro Blvd) 16948 E Shea Blvd Ste 104, Fountain Hills AZ 85268 (480) 816-1356

TOPIC
Hot Dogs

GUESTS
Cheryl from Thee Pitts Again, 5558 W Bell Rd, Glendale AZ 85308 (623) 996-7488
Michael from Sportman's Fine Wines & Spirits www.sportsmans4wine.com

GREAT TIPS FROM LISTENERS
Culinary Confessors who called in and those who joined us at the remote mentioned many brands of hot dogs, including Hebrew National at Costco, Ball Park, Nathan's Famous hot dogs, and Sabrett’s natural-casing all-beef.

As a living testament to the superiority of the product, the annual Nathan's Famous hot dog eating contest produced another world record in 2004: 53 and a half hot dogs in 12 minutes.


RESTAURANTS MENTIONED ON THE SHOW
Dave called and said he loves Stanley's Homemade Polish Sausage. So do we! They are made with the natural casing.

Stanley's Homemade Polish Sausage www.stanleys-sausage.com
2201 E McDowell Rd, Phoenix AZ (602) 275-8788
1712 W Bell Rd, Phoenix AZ (602) 375-3999

Bev from Sun City said the best hot dogs she ever had were at Arizona Traditions Golf Course. She found out they are from Shamrock Meats, and they are called Skinless Vienna 5/16 (meaning 5 per pound). Shamrock Meats will sell retail, but you have to buy at least 10 pounds.

Shamrock Meats
(Between McDowell and Thomas) 2633 W Cyprus St, Phoenix AZ
- posted by blogmaster @ 9:34 PM 0 comments

 
Thursday
TOPIC
Anything goes.

GUESTS
12:00 - Chef Christopher Cascio from Everyday Gourmet www.personalgourmetaz.com (602) 989-0352

GREAT TIPS FROM LISTENERS
Bob from New River called with a great idea for dessert on the grill: Orange Cupcakes. Prepare ten oranges by cutting the top inch off and scooping out most of the pulp and juice, leaving some of the orange. Prepare white cake mix, and add the orange juice to the batter. Because the batter should be slightly drier than usual, don’t add as much of the liquid to the batter. Fill the hollowed out oranges 2/3 full with batter, wrap individually in aluminum foil, and put them on a heated grill for about 15 minutes. Unwrap and enjoy. They can be put in the refrigerator, if you have any left over! We already know this will be a hit with kids because it came from the Boy Scouts.

RESTAURANTS MENTIONED ON THE SHOW
Alan from New River called and spoke about his great experience at Molise Cucina Italiana. He and his wife Penny thought the food was wonderful. The Chicken Isabella was good, but the Seafood Combo, which had shrimp, scallops, calamari, clams, and mushrooms, was delicious. They also had the tiramisu and said the presentation was great. Nathan, one of the owners, was very attentive and stopped by the table twice to see that everything was alright. Jimmy the server was fantastic.

Molise Cucina Italiana
2515 N Scottsdale Rd, Scottsdale AZ (480) 423-5801
- posted by blogmaster @ 11:23 PM 0 comments

 
Wednesday
TOPIC
BBQ and grilling.

GUESTS
11:00 - Dee Logan from the Arizona Community Farmers' Market and Cindy Gentry from the Community Food Connections discuss pending legislation called Farmers Market Funding. To keep these fantastic farmers' markets in the valley, please contact your congressman to support the markets. For more information, visit their website, http://www.foodconnect.org/. They will give you the name and number of your congressman if you don’t have it. Note: You can get Cafe Cortez coffee at the Roadrunner Farmers' Market on Cactus Rd, East of Rt 51, on Saturday mornings between 7 and 11.

GREAT TIPS FROM LISTENERS
Donna from Scottsdale says for years she made pancakes from scratch. Then she tasted Krusteaz Pancake Mix, which she says is superior to her homemade batter.

Kathy from Scottsdale is from Wisconsin, and she loves to grill Johnsville brats. In a skillet she mixes one can of beer, half a stick of butter, and chopped onions to taste. After the brats are grilled, she drops them in this mixture that has been thickening on the stove and lets them simmer. When ready, she serves them on a hard roll.

Bob from New River loves Saint-Louis-style ribs. He makes a wet rub with crushed garlic, lemon pepper, orange zest, and balsamic vinegar, then puts them on the grill for about an hour. For the last 15-20 minutes he bastes with La Choy Sweet & Sour Sauce. "Put the bone side down and let it soak in," Bob says. "You will never use BBQ sauce again after you try this." When he goes out for BBQ, he likes to go to Thee Pitts Again.

Thee Pitts Again
5558 W Bell Rd, Phoenix AZ (602) 996-7488

Bill from Mesa smokes his own ribs and likes to marinate his ribs that he buys from Midwestern Meats in Mesa and Fountain Hills. He marinates the ribs in Bushmills Irish Whiskey for 24 hours, smokes them 12 hours, and brushes them with honey-mustard mix towards the end. He also loves the pork from The Pork Shop. They have good breakfast sausage.

Midwestern Meats
4308 E Main St, Mesa AZ 85205 (480) 924-5855

The Pork Shop
3359 E Combs Rd, Queen Creek AZ (480) 987-0101

Kathy from Gilbert bastes her pork roast with a mixture of two cans of Ortega jalapeños, two jars of apple jelly, one cup of apple juice, and a little cornstarch to thicken it. She heats the mixture and then bastes the pork roast as it cooks on the BBQ grill.

TJ from Scottsdale likes to mix powdered garlic, powder onion, and ground cinnamon as a dry rub when she grills. It gives it a great flavor.

RESTAURANTS MENTIONED ON THE SHOW
Marion called to say she likes the ribs at El Paso BBQ. She also loves her own, which she par boils, bastes with her favorite BBQ sauce, and bakes.

El Paso BBQ www.elpasobarbeque.com

Elaine from Mesa called to tell us about the bread pudding at Z Tejas Grill. One order is enough for six servings and costs only $5. They have several locations.

Z Tejas Grill
7014 E Camelback Rd, Scottsdale AZ (480) 946-4171

Scott from Scottsdale called and says his favorite barbecue restaurant is Thee Pitts Again. He always get the combination plate, and he loves everything on it.

Steve also called from Scottsdale to say he loves Thee Pitts Again too. He gets the pulled chicken.

Thee Pitts Again
5558 W Bell Rd, Phoenix AZ (602) 996-7488

TJ called and said she loved Molise Cucina Italiana. She said they had the ravioli appetizer, she had tortellini, and her husband had swordfish, which he said was delicious. TJ said that Nathan (one of the owners) and her server treated them like royalty.

Molise Cucina Italiana
2515 N Scottsdale Rd, Scottsdale AZ (480) 423-5801
- posted by blogmaster @ 10:37 PM 0 comments

 
Tuesday
TOPIC
If you were creating a dinner with no limitations, what would you serve?

Our listeners came up with some good options:
Leg of lamb, orzo, Greek salad, and rice pudding.
Surf and turf, baked potato, bread pudding, with strawberry ice tea.
Prime rib with mashed potato.

GUESTS
Joey Ciolli from Patsy Grimaldi’s Pizzeria www.patsygrimaldis.com.
Ron Cortez from Cafe Cortez www.cafecortez.com.

RESTAURANTS MENTIONED ON THE SHOW
Mary from Chandler loves the bread pudding with vanilla cream sauce at Tomato’s Restaurant.

Tomato’s Restaurant
7000 E Camelback Rd Ste 1144, Scottsdale AZ (480) 994-3944

Donna from Phoenix went to Redendo’s Pizzeria & Pasta and called to say she loved it. The calzone, which had lots of thick cheese, was great.

Redendo’s Pizzeria & Pasta
16948 E Shea Blvd, Fountain Hills AZ (480) 816-1356

Bob from New River called and said how delicious the calzones are at Patsy Grimaldi’s Pizzeria. They have three locations (see their website). The Chandler location serves Dim Sum.

Patsy Grimaldi’s Pizzeria www.patsygrimaldis.com
- posted by blogmaster @ 10:50 PM 0 comments

 
Monday
TOPIC
Happy hour.

GUESTS
11:00 - Michael DeMaria from Michael’s at the Citadel www.michaelsrestaurant.com called to talk about the 14th Annual Flavor of Phoenix event on Thursday, May 26, 2005, held at the Westin Kierland Resort & Spa. To help support the American Liver Foundation, 29 of the valley’s top chefs each create a table and menu for 12 lucky diners. For tickets call Melissa McCracken at 602 953-1800 or visit www.liverfoundation.org, and look for Flavors in Phoenix.
12:00 - Larry from www.boxedgreens.com.

RESTAURANTS MENTIONED ON THE SHOW
Vince from Mesa called to say that Charleston's Restaurant has a happy hour with half-price appetizers. He likes the Shrimp Cargo and the spinach and artichoke dip with salsa and chips. He enjoyed his halibut dinner. They have three locations in Arizona:

Charleston's Restaurant www.charlestons.com
(Stapley Dr and I-60) 1623 S Stapley Dr, Mesa AZ 85204 (480) 635-9500

(Frank Lloyd Wright and Scottsdale Rd) 17001 N Scottsdale Rd, Scottsdale AZ 85255 (480) 563-7666

(I-10 and Ray Rd) 1040 N 54th St, Chandler AZ 85226 (480) 961-9434

Elaine from Mesa went to Rock City Bar & Grill and said the service was wonderful. It was also nice to see families in there. They have a good children’s menu. Elaine had a burger and said it was good, and her husband had the Juicy Lucy and loved it. They really liked the sweet potato fries. They will be back.

Rock City Bar & Grill
302 N Gilbert Rd, Gilbert AZ

Linda called to say if you order a drink at Macayo’s Mexican Restaurant, they have a great little happy hour with little burritos and other finger food. Check their website for their many locations.

Macayo’s Mexican Restaurant www.macayo.com

Nancy from Scottsdale called and had three recommendations we should check out. Some appetizers are half-price on Sunday and Monday nights. Call to check the times.

Quilted Bear
6316 N Scottsdale Rd, Paradise Valley AZ 85253 (480) 948-7760
"Wings and things."

Garduno’s Margarita Factory www.margaritafactory.com
(Many locations)
Free appetizers.

Eddie V’s Edgewater Grill www.eddiev.com
20875 N Pima Rd, Scottsdale AZ 85255 (480) 538-8468

Karen, our technical producer, recommends Sushi Brokers' happy hour. Many of their sushi rolls are deeply discounted. Karen likes the tootsie roll (a designer sushi roll). They also have a reverse happy hour.

Sushi Brokers
17025 N Scottsdale Rd, Scottsdale AZ 85255 (480) 515-5000

Michelle from Chandler called and said that she has had mixed experiences at Flat Iron Rotisserie & Grill. She said that she is often there alone, and they have seated her by the bathroom or kitchen more often than not. The food is mediocre, but the potato salad is delicious and unusual. Lunch is about $10. Michelle doesn’t think she will go back anymore.

Flat Iron Rotisserie & Grill
3752 E Indian School Rd, Phoenix AZ (602) 522-8500

Michelle did have a positive review for us though. The Happy Cooker Cafe has a great strawberry chicken salad, and she loves the owner. He treats her well, even if she is dining alone.

Happy Cooker Cafe
3601 E Indian School Rd, Phoenix AZ (602) 955-7808

Jimmy from Phoenix called to tell us how delicious the food is at Pino’s Pizzeria. Everything is homemade, and they are open for lunch and early dinner.

Pino’s Pizzeria
39 W Thomas Rd, Phoenix AZ

Jimmy thought Sierra Bonita Grill was very expensive. He had the pork shank with green chili sauce. One appetizer, two entrees, and two drinks cost $74. He said the guacamole was $7. (Chef Bill Leisses came over from Sheldon Knapp's other creation, the popular Phoenix City Grille.)

Sierra Bonita Grill
(just south of Glendale Ave) 6933 N 7th St, Phoenix AZ (602) 264-0700

When we asked Jimmy where he would go next time, he said Loco Patron. He really likes the food there, and they also have a great happy hour. Call for details.

Loco Patron
4228 N Scottsdale Rd, Scottsdale AZ 85251 (480) 874-0033
- posted by blogmaster @ 3:05 PM 0 comments