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Tag Archives: Phoenix

Crushin’ on Waffle Crush!

21 Wednesday Jan 2015

Posted by Nicole Small in dessert, restaurant review, vegetarian/vegan

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Tags

arizona, biscoff, cookie butter, food blog, food truck, liege waffle, Phoenix, phoenix flea, restaurant review, Scottsdale, sweets, waffle crush, waffles

If you live in Phoenix this is one food truck you MUST seek out.

Waffle Crush Review

We recently went to Phoenix Flea, a super adorable outdoor market offering vintage and new handmade treasures. It was fun to shop and explore the market, which took place in Heritage Square in Downtown Phoenix, but the true highlight of the day was Waffle Crush. I’m pretty sure that anytime I eat Waffle Crush it’ll be the highlight of my day. Dare I say of my month…!?

hanging out at Phoenix Flea

I enjoyed the Berry Waffle, a gourmet Liege Waffle topped with Biscoff (cookie butter!!!), fresh whipped cream and strawberry slices. The waffle itself is delicious, almost caramelized, with a perfectly crisp outside and soft, fluffy inside. The Biscoff melts into the waffle in the most delicious way, while the strawberries brighten the flavors. And anything with handmade whipped cream is divine. This is waffle heaven.

About to enjoy my first Waffle Crush

The Berry Waffle from Waffle Crush

It was absolutely the best waffle I’ve ever had. They also have chocolate filled waffles.
You read that right.

Waffle Crush

Waffle Crush Food Truck Information

Website: http://mywafflecrush.com
Hours & Location: Find their location & schedule via Instagram, Twitter and Facebook: @mywafflecrush
Phone: (480) 304-5636
Pricing: The Berry is $7.50

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St. Francis – Restaurant Review

28 Sunday Jul 2013

Posted by Nicole Small in restaurant review

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Tags

appetizer, food, food blog, gluten free, happy hour, Phoenix, restaurant review

St. Francis has become one of my favorite places in Phoenix, especially for happy hour. They have happy hour every day! That means Saturday and Sunday too! Plus St. Francis’ patio is gorgeous even during the summer.

St. Francis Restaurant Review | via Tsiporah Blog

SANTA ROSA

Start out your dining experience with a cool and refreshing Santa Rosa. During happy hour all of St. Francis’ cocktails are $5, and they are all pure works of art. The Santa Rosa is no exception; pink grapefruit juice and fresh basil are expertly combined with elder flower and vodka to create a drink that is perfect during the warm summer months.

St. Francis Restaurant Review | Santa Rosa Cocktail | via Tsiporah Blog

Clockwise from the top: Dark and Stormy, Cucumber Cooler, Santa Rosa

Fingerling Potatoes

You can’t come to St. Francis without getting their Fingerling Potatoes. Don’t make the mistake of ordering the “side” of Fingerling Potatoes – the appetizer order comes with crispy fried herbs and parmesan cheese on top, which elevates the dish from good to out of this world! I don’t think I can explain my obsession with these potatoes; I tried to make them at home but nothing can compare.

St. Francis Restaurant Review | Fingerling Potatoes | via Tsiporah Blog

Fingerling Potatoes topped with Parmesan and crispy herbs along with lemon aioli and Mexican ketchup

Pork Chili Verde

My 2nd favorite dish at St. Francis is their Pork Chili Verde. St. Francis has a wood burning oven in which they make many of their specialties, this one included. The pork is fall-apart-tender with a mixture of onions, tomatoes, etc that I imagine have been cooked down so long that the vegetables are hardly identifiable anymore, they only compose one thing: the stew that anchors the entire dish. Topped with a charred chili, fresh cilantro and jack cheese, and accompanied by a small side of corn bread, this is one that you don’t want to pass up.

St. Francis Restaurant Review | Pork Chili Verde | via Tsiporah Blog

Pork Chili Verde

Baked Goat Cheese

St. Francis Restaurant Review | Baked Goat Cheese | via Tsiporah Blog

Baked Goat Cheese with house-made Baguette

Goat cheese is amazing to begin with, but when it is baked into a gooey mess composed of fresh goat cheese, tomatoes and herb pesto and served alongside a fresh baguette… no one can resit. It is one of my favorite appetizers; it is so incredibly simple and satisfying.

Pumpkin Soup

St. Francis Restaurant Review | Pumpkin Soup | via Tsiporah Blog

Pumpkin Soup

St. Francis features numerous seasonal soups during the year. In the fall, St. Francis sometimes has a pumpkin soup decorated with creme fresh and pomegranate jewels. Keep your eyes open for it this fall – this smooth and creamy soup is comforting and cozy during the chilly fall and winter days!

Bone-in New York Strip

St. Francis Restaurant Review | NY Strip | via Tsiporah Blog

New York Strip Steak

This steak blew me away. It was perfectly cooked, melt in your mouth tender, and the sauce was a suiting accompaniment for the velvety potatoes underneath. This may be one of the best steaks I have ever had.

White Fish

St. Francis Restaurant Review | White Fish | via Tsiporah Blog

White Fish

This White Fish embodies summer; it is light, flavorful and the mixed bean and corn salad underneath is beautifully refreshing. The fish itself is flaky, tender and moist, topped with mixed herbs that brighten the already vibrant dish.

St. Francis also serves some very popular flatbreads, salads, sandwiches and burgers.

St. Francis tRestaurant Information

Website: http://stfrancisaz.com/
Hours: M-Th 11am-10pm, F 11am-11pm, Sat. 9am-11pm & Sun. 9am-9pm (brunch on the weekends 9-2:30, happy hour every day 3-6)
Location: 111 E. Camelback Rd. Phoenix, AZ 85012
Phone: (602) 200-8111
Pricing: Happy Hour $5-10, Lunch & Dinner $10-30

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Tuesday Travel: Phoenix & Scottsdale

23 Tuesday Jul 2013

Posted by Nicole Small in restaurant review, travel, Tuesday Travel

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Tags

food, food blog, Phoenix, restaurant review, Scottsdale, travel

In my Tuesday Travel series I will be sharing with you a city that I have traveled to, what I enjoyed doing there, and what I loved to eat while I was there.

I’ve found that many times my travel destinations are centered around food first, activities second. Although sometimes my travel destination is out of my control, like when I visit family, I always make the most of it… usually through food. Now I want to share with you my passion for travel along with my “must eat” locations in each city.

Why am I doing this, you might ask? Well, 6 weeks from today I’ll be landing in Tel Aviv, Israel for a 5 month adventure of food, friends, beaches, marketing, and more food. Because of this, the tone of my blog will stay the same, but the focus of the recipes and posts may slightly shift according to my access to a full or partial kitchen.

Cooking at home | via Tsiporah Blog

I’m going to miss cooking in this beautiful kitchen with my beautiful sister!

Before I launch into places I have traveled to, I want to first start with my home: Scottsdale, Arizona.

Phoenix, AZ Travel Guide | via Tsiporah Blog

Whether you have been here, live here, or want to visit, hopefully this post will be somewhat of a mini guide. As I have lived here for most of my life, I could probably write a novel about my favorite restaurants in the city… I’ll spare you that and leave you with my top 5:

Where to eat in Phoenix & Scottsdale

Sweet Republic

Sweet Republic, hands down, sells the best ice cream in the valley. The. Best. They locally source all of their ingredients, from milk and cream to fresh mint right off the plant for their Real Mint Chip, which is one of my favorites. Their flavors rotate regularly, but keep your eyes open for Lavender, Bananas Foster, Basil Lime Sorbet, Strawberry Buttermilk, Horchata, and Huckleberry Swirl, just to name a few! Everything here is made in house, from their waffle cones to their candied bacon, which are both incredible and the difference is noticeable.

Sweet Republic Restaurant Review via Tsiporah Blog

They have won many “best ice cream” awards around the valley and nationwide, which in my opinion are very well earned. Alton Brown featured them on The Best Thing I Ever Ate on Food Network. They’re just amazing. There is only one location, plus a food truck, and you can find pints of their ice creams in Whole Foods around the valley.

Krua Thai

As I’ve mentioned before, Krua Thai is my favorite Thai restaurant in Phoenix. They have fantastic lunch specials for about $7-9 which include spring rolls and the best daily soup. In addition, their coconut ice cream is to die for! Krua Thai also has sweet Thai tea that is the best I’ve ever had… as a matter of fact, everything I’ve had at Krua has been the best! You can read my full review here.

Krua Thai Restaurant Review via Tsiporah Blog

St. Francis

St. Francis has a wood fired oven that delivers some of the best food that I’ve had in Phoenix. Their Fingerling Potatoes are to die for; they keep me coming back again and again. The Pork Chili Verde (pictured below) is perfectly spicy and bursting with flavor. St. Francis has perfected every course, from cocktails to dessert. The best part? They have happy hour every day!

St. Francis Restaurant Review | Pork Chili Verde | via Tsiporah Blog

Postino

Postino has the perfect balance of beautiful wines and amazing food. They are best known for their bruchetta because they have about 12 different types to choose from. You can choose 4 different ones or get 4 of the same type, it’s your choice! On Mondays and Tuesdays after 8pm they have a special which includes a bottle of wine and a board of bruchetta for only $20. They also have an awesome brunch on the weekends, my favorite part of which is the tomato salad that comes on the side of the Farm Scramble. Postino’s peach bellinis are also fantastic!

In addition to unique bruchetta combinations like Brie & Apples with Fig Spread, or Tomato Jam & Fresh Sheeps Milk Cheese (my two favorites), Postino also features a rustic patio filled with plants and a happy, modern vibe. Everyone who I’ve brought to Postino has loved it and I’m confident that you will, too!

Postino Phoenix Review - Bruchetta | via Tsiporah Blog

Board of Bruchetta, from left to right: Brie & Apples with Fig Spread; Ricotta with Dates & Pistachios; Tomato Jam & Fresh Sheeps Milk Cheese; Prosciutto with Figs & Mascarpone

Postino Phoenix Review | via Tsiporah Blog

Tomato Salad

Zinc Bistro

For the best chocolate souffle and fine dining French food, don’t miss Zinc Bistro at Kierland Commons. Their chocolate souffle is the most perfect expression of chocolate that there is, maybe even in the whole world. It takes about 25 minutes but it is well worth the wait. In fact, while you’re waiting, why don’t you enjoy some Zinc Fries, a perfect bowl of French Onion Soup, a Zinc House Salad, the spectacular Warm Dungeness Crab Crepe, or their popular Moules Marinieres (mussels with frites). Craving something a little more filling? Indulge in their Prime Flat Iron Steak, a dish no one could resist, perfected by Zinc’s brandy au poivre.

Zinc is popular for special occasions like anniversaries, proposals, and graduations, but for lunch their menu is not too pricy and still offers some of the incredible dinner fare. They also offer a simple brunch on the weekends with specialty pastries. Request a table in the romantic courtyard during the cooler months and enjoy twinkling candles, trickling water, and the feeling that you might actually be in Paris… not Phoenix.

Zinc Bistro Review | via Tsiporah Blog

Zinc’s Cocktail Area

Zinc Bistro Review - Chocolate Souffle | via Tsiporah Blog

Zinc Bistro Chocolate Souffle

Things to do in Phoenix & Scottsdale:

Hiking

Phoenix Travel Guide - Hiking | via Tsiporah Blog

Phoenix is a great place to go hiking. Despite the heat, this activity doesn’t stop during the summer (it just slows down a considerable amount)! There are many different places to hike in Phoenix, including Camelback Mountain and Piestewa Peak. Make sure you bring water and sunscreen!

Salt River Tubing

Salt River Tubing is just one way that Phoenicians like to escape the heat during the summer months. For a few hours, enjoy a gentle float down the salt river on tubes or rafts. Bring a cooler with water and snacks and enjoy the ride!

Desert Botanical Garden

The Desert Botanical Garden is one of my favorite places in Phoenix. Their grounds are so beautiful and a visit is a great way to learn about native plants. In addition, the garden also frequently has events and featured artists, like the Chihuly exhibit shown below.

Phoenix Travel Guide - Botanical Garden | via Tsiporah Blog

Phoenix Travel Guide - Botanical Garden | via Tsiporah Blog

Chihuly at the Desert Botanical Garden

Casinos

Arizona is home to many casinos, like Talking Stick Resort Casino, because Indian Reservations are allowed to have casinos on the land. Many popular ones have sprouted up throughout Arizona’s history and have become hot spots for tourists and locals alike. Casinos are a fun place to spend a night out with friends, and then bask by the pool the next morning.

Diamondbacks Baseball Game

I’ve always loved baseball so to me, Diamondbacks games are a fun way to spend a night out with friends. Spring training games are also very popular. It doesn’t even matter if you have the furthest seat away from the plate; grab a beer, maybe some nachos and enjoy the game! There’s just something about the atmosphere that makes it so fun, and you can find really affordable tickets to most home games.

Phoenix Activities: Diamondbacks Baseball | Tsiporah Blog

Shopping

There are many great places to shop in Phoenix and Scottsdale, including the above mentioned Kierland Commons. Kierland is a luxe shopping center that has amazing window shopping and great places to eat. They’re also home to the nearest Anthropoligie to my home… no further explanation necessary. Other good shopping areas:

  • Scottsdale Quarter
  • Fashion Square Mall
  • Tempe Marketplace
  • Anthem Outlets

Phoenix AZ Travel Guide via Tsiporah Blog

Do you live in Phoenix? Share your favorite places in the comments!

Sick of the brutal Phoenix heat? Check out my Tuesday Travel post next week which will be all about Northern Arizona.
Update: Read the Northern Arizona post here, and check out even more travel posts with the link below:

Explore More Travel Posts

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Krua Thai – Restaurant Review

20 Saturday Jul 2013

Posted by Nicole Small in appetizer, asian, gluten free, restaurant review

≈ 1 Comment

Tags

food, food blog, Phoenix, restaurant review

krua thai phoenix review

I’ve had a lot of Thai food, but Krua Thai is the restaurant that my family and I keep coming back to. The owners here are so sweet and the food is just divine. My Mom is in love with their Yellow Curry and I adore their Thai Sweet Basil. I always start out with their sweet Thai Iced Tea with just a splash of cream. If you go to Krua Thai for their lunch special you’ll get to enjoy fresh spring rolls with sweet and sour sauce as well as their daily soup. I would come to Krua Thai JUST for the soup!

Krua Thai Restaurant Review via Tsiporah Blog

Their soup is made daily and it is always a bit different, sometimes it has tofu, sometimes, rice noodles, but the broth is always refreshing and peppery. If you’re craving something sweet, Krua Thai’s coconut ice cream is amazing!

Krua Thai Restaurant Review via Tsiporah Blog

Thai Iced Tea, Spring Rolls & Yellow Curry with chicken

Krua Thai also has some great appetizers, including a Crispy Tofu which is served with a sweet and sour garlic sauce. Their Yellow Curry is the best I’ve ever had, a perfect balance of sweet, spicy and savory, jeweled with carrots, onions, as well as potatoes that melt in your mouth. The Thai Sweet Basil is equally overwhelming in flavor; it has green beans, bell peppers and onions in a sweet and spicy sauce with delicate thai basil leaves throughout. The Thai basil perfumes the dish with an enticing aroma. We also love their Thai iced tea.

Krua Thai was on the Phoenix Best of the Valley for 2012 best Thai food, and we definitely agree!

Krua thai phoenix lunch special

Krua Thai lunch special – Thai Basil with Chicken and a spring roll with sweet and sour sauce

Krua Thai Restaurant Information

Website: http://kruathaicuisine.com
Hours: M-F Lunch 11am-3pm, Dinner 5-9pm. Saturday Noon-9pm. Sunday Closed.
Location: 1601 E Bell Rd # A11, Phoenix, AZ 85022
Phone: (602) 971-4988
Pricing: Lunch Special $7-9, Dinner $9-14

Restaurant Review Phoenix

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