The Living Room Cafe and Wine Bar (Phoenix Location)

*CLOSED*

(Humble Pie now occupies this location)

(New Phoenix Location)

http://www.livingroomwinebar.com/phoenix/

2333 N 7th street

602.229.1289

Loved it. 

The service was great, the food was great, the ambiance was great! Check out the pictures from our visit.

Garlic Fries

Squash Soup

Mixed olives

Bruschetta. YUM!

Calamari

Viet Kitchen Phoenix Location

Lunch Break Trip to the new Vietnamese Spot

Last Friday I received an email that Viet Kitchen was opening that day. I was really excited. I have loved Vietnamese ever since we became regulars at DaVang.

I left my office and walked over to check it out over my lunch break. I recognized the building. It used to be a Mexican food place that I actually liked. Sad to see it go. The restaurant was packed, but there was no line at the register yet and I ordered the Shrimp Spring Rolls…and waited patiently….for a long, time.

There was no place to sit for to-goers, so I stood there, watching people come in and out. Watching the girl behind the counter become overwhelmed as she looked at tickets, and more to-goers flooded through the door. After about 25 min I scooted my way through the crowd that was waiting for either to-go food or to be seated. I asked the girl how much longer for my rolls, and she looked up at the to-go order that had been placed there over 10 min prior and said, “right there, its ready” and I smiled, paid my $4 for my 2 spring rolls and left. When do you say, “Really?! I have been standing here for 25 min waiting for a spring roll to-go order that has been sitting in the window for 10 min”? The disorganization really seemed to be the girls at the register taking the orders.

How was the food?

I was really hoping the food was going to make me feel better about enduring the whole annoying situation, but I was even more annoyed to see that the rolls were a little puny, that they had yellow lettuce, and were pretty bland. So, if you are in a hurry for lunch, or for some reason are in the mood for really good food, I would not recommend it. Perhaps it was just a bad day. They have only been opened for a week, but apparently their other store is doing great. Please tell me if I am wrong and I will give it another try.

Los Reyes De La Torta

When our friends told us about this place, and we followed them there we were nervous as we drove into the run down plaza housing a Mexican tienda, Salon, and a couple of hole-in-the-wall restaurants, and tucked in the corner of this old strip mall is our place. But once you walk in, immediately you are in a festive, clean, loud and packed restaurant watching huge Fresca's and large colorful plates of food being delivered to crowded tables. Ever since that moment we have been back who knows how many times. We are, what you call, regulars. 

The price? You cant beat it. Inexpensive appetizers could pass for a meal, and entree's  are split-worthy. The fresh fruit drinks are generous, and the fresh fruit plate, the small mind you, is big enough to share with 4 people. Word is out. They have been featured on "Man vs Food" and are worthy of the hype.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=byYAmFxZl2Q

Watch Man vs Food Episode for Los Reyes De La Torta on You Tube.

(Last half of video, starting at 6 min.)

One of the large selections of tortas

Quesadilla Del Rey served on a thick chewy corn tortilla

Maize's Cafe and Bistro

We rode our bikes there for happy hour one evening. Grabbed a few glasses of wine and 3 appetizers. We were pleased with everything we got. I was especially impressed with the cheese dip that tasted exactly like buffalo wings, served with a basket of colorful corn chips. That one is a winner. I couldn't get enough of it and I thought about it for days after. The sweet potato fries and the hummus plates were both really good as well. The owner who came to check on us was very friendly and helpful with our selections. Any given night stop by and this place is bustling and packed with locals. Overall, a really great place to dine downtown, or technically, midtown. 

http://www.maiziescafe.com/

Nice Patio Seating

 Sweet Potato Fries

 Hummus plate

Buffalo Wing Dip

Hula's Modern Tiki

Definitely on my list of "likes", this newly renovated building has come to life, located right on Central Avenue next to Lola's Coffee and even a few Boutiques that are waiting to be checked out, now home to Hula's, complete with delicious offerings from the sea. I love the patio seating, very modern with a tropical flare. Wait staff is adequately friendly, but not over the top. The food, though, is really delicious. They know how to prepare some decadent seafood. I highly recommend the Blackened Fish Sandwich with sweet potato fries. They also have some tasty non-meat items on the menu such as Spicy Tofu Taco's. This is a nice spot to visit during daylight hours, then really comes to life with more of a party scene after dark. 

http://www.hulasmoderntiki.com/

Blackened fish sandwich served with Sweet potato fries and an aioli dipping sauce.

Local Breeze

If you had ever dined at Palette, you will understand my next few statements. There really is no way that one could not be disappointed. Disappointed to see them go. Disappointed that the "new place" is not Palette. What a place to live up to! Amazing food, French style decor, friendly staff, one of the best patio seating restaurants around, and the ultra cool couple that owned it commonly out chatting and laughing with guests.

So maybe I need to forget the past and look at this with a fresh, unspoiled view...... Okay, its not working. Don't get me wrong we enjoyed our food. It was a beautiful day to sit out on the patio. I believe it was the owner that was serving us. He wasn't the friendliest and I'm sure I am not alone when I say...that really turns me off. And the decor just isn't the same. Thankfully there are still a few remnants of Palette, like the very cool bathrooms, done by a local artist. Thus, the bathroom pictures I have included in my post.

 It has actually been a while since I have been there and I haven't been back. I would not be completely against it but it no longer has the same draw. But hey, go there. Enjoy. I have to say that the food was really good, eggs cooked just right in a creative and very tasteful dish.

Speaking of Lola's...

With unfortunate times, Lola Tapas did not make it and I am sad for that. We ate there about 3 times, and always enjoyed the evening. It was an experience...community tables, dim lighting, exotic Spanish women serving tables, great nibbles, good Sangria, and the smell of freshly brewed espresso. Yes, it was enjoyable. However, in doing so, I sat back and asked myself why am I paying $9-$15ea for a selection of tiny plates of food, and, yes, that is crazy! It was a novelty, but an expensive night out for a small amount of food. Perhaps that was a contributing culprit, along with the growing surrounding competition, such as my favorite, St. Francis, where I can get a large, very delicious plate of food for $13.

Now this building, once flowing with Spanish wine and Tapas, occupies Thats-a-Wrap, which is worth a try, its is really good and can be made VEGAN.

 On another interesting note, there is a rumor circulating that the location that Thats-a-Wrap came from on 7th Street will be home to GREEN Vegetarian #2. My absolute favorite Vegetarian/Vegan restaurant. This is a rumor that I really, really hope comes true!

At any rate here are a few shots of our tasty tapas.

Lola's Coffee on Central

Wake up and get a great cup of Local coffee! One of my favorites as they roast their own beans and get creative with the foam in the Latte's. A local baker provides some fresh, delicious pastries that are available. One of my favorites is ciabatta toast with raspberry preserves to nibble on with my latte.

This cool Vintage Shop and Hula's Modern Tiki both share the strip with Lola's.