Nikki's Restaurant Reviews BLOG

August 2009
S M T W T F S
           
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
         

Categories

Brad Cesmat

Music

New Season

Nikki's Picks

Skylights

The Girls

The Guys

Weekly reviews


More 3TV Blogs

Nikki's Picks: May 2009 Archives


Pastis Delicatessen & Eurogrille

10:10 AM Mon, May 04, 2009 |
Nikki Buchanan, Restaurant Critic

1935 S. Val Vista Drive, Mesa
480-926-3354

Named for the anise-flavored liqueur that Parisians love to sip at after work, Pastis is a sleek deli/market/cafe with a relaxed vibe. That's because friends and partners Luka Muslin, Slaven Grubisha and Steve Djekic have lived and traveled throughout Europe playing soccer, and they hope to bring a bit of that stop-and-smell-the-roses sensibility to Mesa. The tiny market at the far end o...



Chestnut Lane

9:36 AM Mon, May 04, 2009 |
Nikki Buchanan, Restaurant Critic

4225 E. Camelback Road, Phoenix
602-535-5439

Housed in the cute white hut that was formerly home to Kohnie's Coffee, Chestnut Lane has become a neighborhood favorite -- with lunchtime lines out the door -- seemingly overnight. There's good reason for that. Owner Polly Levine uses great ingredients: Niman Ranch corned beef, fluffy MJ Bread, juicy tomatoes and other produce from Bob McClendon. And her short menu, which offers homem...



Caribbean Fusion

9:00 AM Mon, May 04, 2009 |
Nikki Buchanan, Restaurant Critic

2515 N. Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale
480-990-1599

Don't be scared off by the term "fusion." This friendly, well-appointed restaurant in South Scottsdale is more homey than trendy, combining authentic Jamaican dishes with American standards to keep the neighborhood happy. Although the steaks and barbecued ribs may be stellar, it's chef-owner Damian Muir's Jamaican specialties that make this restaurant such a gem. Humble ackee and s...



Morning Glory Cafe

6:52 AM Fri, May 01, 2009 |
Nikki Buchanan, Restaurant Critic

6106 S. 32nd Street, Phoenix
602-276-6360

Situated at the back of The Farm at South Mountain (a 12-acre urban oasis containing an organic farm, a pecan grove, lush lawns and three restaurants), Morning Glory has always been a swell place to enjoy the Great Outdoors over breakfast. Now that Chef Greg LaPrad operates it -- he's the talent behind upscale Quiessence, also on property -- this cute al fresco cafe is better than ever. ...