Sapna Cafe on Grand Ave

I read about this place somewhere. A little food stand that began at the Central Phoenix Farmers Market and now is its own free standing reastaurant located in the old Bragg's Pie Factory right on the slim corner of Grand Ave and McKinley St. (1301 W Grande Ave to be exact). My husband tried it and and said we HAVE to go back to sit for breakfast. He had tried the Tofu Scramble to-go and said the dish was amazing.
So one morning off we went. We got there a little after 8 and we had to knock on the door to get in. (opened at 8 that day) We were the only ones in there for breakfast..although it was during the week. We ordered. It was a simple menu and sometimes simple menu's are the best, it does not overwhelm. Although, there was still a great selection, and I had a little difficulty deciding. I chose the baked eggs in a spicy tomato sauce and my husband once again chose the Tofu Scramble.
It took a few min to get our food, even to get our beverages...I think we caught her by surprise. Perhaps she doesnt have to much business for breakfast during the week, although we didnt mind. Once I got my coffee, which happened to be really good, we sipped and chatted till our breakfast came.

Turns out the Tofu Scramble my husband talked about was just as amazing as he said and the roasted veggies that came with it were even better. WOW! And as for my Eggs....

I heart that dish, I am in LOVE with everything about it. The runny yolks, the spicy thick tomato sauce, mmm and some nice thick grilled toast. I am a huge fan of tomato anything, though, and that was the perfect flavor.
I have been reading other blogs about some of her other dishes and I have got to go back for the Seafood Paella!
Check it out on Facebook.

PIZZA! At the Parlor

This is my second post and notice both are about PIZZA! And I can tell you it will not be the last. There is just something about pizza, especially when it has been fired in the brick oven and it gets that brown bubbly crust that even has a few charred spots from the fire....and the tasy mozzerella that bubbles over the crust with whatever toppings you chose roasting perfectly atop the pie. (Ready for pizza?)
What a great garden this guy has at the entrance of the restaurant. If the weather is nice try the patio. There is a fireplace to warm it on cooler nights. But the beauty of our city, is that we often have gorgeous evening patio dining weather. And thank goodness the delicious cuisine to match it.

The reclaimed wood that decorates the walls adds a very nice rustic feel. I dont currently see the squash blossoms on the menu, perhaps its seasonal, but try them when they come back around. The cauliflower was divine, the beet salad was great and I don't remember the white wine I selected but I asked for a sample of the Tocai and I adored it and was sorry I did not get that. It will be my choice for my next visit. It was perfect with our variety of appetizers. We enjoyed good company and chatted it up with the Chef. Then our pizza came and exceded expectations. We have even returned with family since our first visit.

Mozz, Arugula, and Procuitto

PIZZA-A-METRO

A friend of mine told me this is their favorite pizza in all the valley. I had never heard of this place so I was surprised that it was so close to the area we live in. She did mention that we should definitely take it to go, as this is a tiny restaurant and that there is not much ambience.
So, we went with the thought of possibly doing just that, but we wanted to survey the surroundings with an opened mind before we made any hasty decisions.

Yes, as she said, it was a tiny restaurant we easily could have missed (and most likely have multiple times), squeezed into a small plaza. Once in the little place we decided to stay. It was actually pretty cute in there.

The kitchen was busy with cooks and one waiter attending to the guests. We laughed at the thought that this place, with about 6 tables, was packed!

An amazing appetizer is placed on your table, unless you order pizza (but it doesn't hurt to ask).

The bread was AMAZING. The spread was some sort of caramelized onions and olives.  We  decided on the prosciutto and Arugula Pizza.

This turned out to be some very good pizza. I will, however, say that the arugula was not fresh on the pizza, and sort of a yellowing, and old, and I ended up pulling it off. OO If only it had been fresh, how I love arugula. But that will not stop us from coming back. Overall we had a great dinner.
Oh and did I mention you can get an entire meter of pizza that gets baked in the brick oven? Would be a great one for your next dinner party.
Check it out. 


UPDATE 2/17/10  Meter Pizza

With friends we ordered the Meter of Pizza. We once again got the Prosciutto and Arugula. And to my dismay, I watched him clump on the arugula. At the house I examined the pizza, and the arugula was slimy clumps of rotten mush. How disgusting and disappoining. STAY AWAY FROM THE ARUGULA. I wish I had said something before we walked out the door.
After my last visit I emailed the retaurant explaining my complaint. I did not hear back from them. This time I think I may call and complain. Ugh!! How gross!
2 for 2 on the bad arugula.