January 2009 Archives
5:36 AM Fri, Jan 23, 2009 | Permalink
Nikki Buchanan, Restaurant Critic
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3554 N. Goldwater Boulevard, Scottsdale
480-946-4494
El Molino doesn't look like a typical Mexican restaurant because it isn't. With its big windows, pastel-colored mural and long bar for single diners, it looks more like a cafe and operates, more than anything else, as a take-out. But why quibble over terminology? The important thing here is that this cute little place turns out great AZ-Mex food, including tacos, tamales, burri...
5:36 AM Fri, Jan 16, 2009 | Permalink
Nikki Buchanan, Restaurant Critic
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114 W. Adams Street, Phoenix
602-254-6763
Nicole Dorio, an ex-New Yorker with many years in the deli business, owns and operates this small, neat-as-a-pin shop downtown, specializing in heroes of every make and model. With help from fiancee Jay Friedman, the two of them dish out plenty of sassy commentary along with their freshly made salads, sandwiches and wraps. Served on substantial, sesame-speckled rolls, the heroes are gigan...
5:15 AM Fri, Jan 09, 2009 | Permalink
Nikki Buchanan, Restaurant Critic
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2041 N. 7th Street, Phoenix
602-682-5627
In this instance, America refers to a person, not a country, a person who grew up in Mexico and makes a mean batch of carne asada. The meat is so good that America and her husband Terry Bortin decided to build a little taco shop around the concept. They found a cute little house on Seventh Street, painted the outside in bright colors and decorated the inside with whimsical pictures of Mex...
5:35 AM Fri, Jan 02, 2009 | Permalink
Nikki Buchanan, Restaurant Critic
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230 N. Gilbert Road, Gilbert
480-892-1900
Housed in the 30s-era building that was home to Liberty Market for 70 years, the new incarnation is still part market -- offering pastas, cheeses, olives and grab-and-go sandwiches. But most of the space has been transformed into a sleek, no frills, order-at-the-counter restaurant, complete with community table and espresso bar (the latter named for and built around the famous Italian esp...
