Talking Dish

For all you Phoenix foodies, here is a great opportunity to sample some of Phoenix’s top restaurants. It’s called Arizona Restaurant Week and, like most things in Phoenix, mirrors the same concept from San Diego and New York. Tons of restaurants all over the Valley are offering three course menus-appetizer, main course and dessert-for $29 per person or $58 per couple. Some of the restauarants are even offering additional items such as wine or signature drinks. This is a great deal when you consider some of the restaurants include Cowboy Ciao, The Estate House, McCormick and Schmick’s, and The Capital Grill. All of these places would easily cost $100+ per couple on any other night, but diners will get the opportunity to sample some of the restaurants’ signature dishes without paying their signature costs. 

For a list of all participating restaurants, course menus and reservations, visit Arizona Restaurant Week’s web site at www.arizonarestaurantweek.com.

We here at Talking Dish are happy to see this happening in Phoenix and hope it becomes an annual event.

Barrio Cafe is in a bit of a rough neighborhood in central Phoenix, hence the name “barrio”. But don’t let the neighborhood fool you, this is part of the charm of the restaurant. Once you’ve parked next to the “barred-up” windows and have found your way into the restaurant, it’s quite awesome. It’s a small place, but very authentic Mexican food. The plates are average size, and the meals are a little on the pricey side, especially for Mexican food. However, past that, the food is amazing, and the atmosphere is great with live music and a small drink bar providing a small, niche and very cool environment. The margaritas are excellent, not quite as stong as a z-tejas margarita, but really quite good. The food is not spicy Mexican, and is a bit unusual sounding with cloves, rosemary and other unique flavors found in really traditional, old school Mexican food, but not often in cookie-cutter Mexican places. Check out the chicken mole, it’s awesome.

Overall Pricing:

• Margaritas: $6 – $7
• Beer: $4 – $5
• Entre’s: $15 – $25

Overall Rating & Recommendations

• Great for a unique date
• Get the margaritas or a Mexican beer
• Thursday nights are often live music nights
• Beware the neighborhood, it’s a bit rough looking, but don’t let that scare you
• 9.0 for authentic and unusual Mexican food

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Anyone who is familiar with the area knows that Oregano’s is a valley-wide treasure.  If you can handle the wait which greatly varies given the day, time and specific location, you’ll definitely love the food.

The atmosphere is one of a small, casual, intimate diner set in the 40s and 50s.  Unfortunately the music is from that time period as well and they play it over and over and over.  However if you’re not one of the wait staff it probably won’t bother you over the course of your meal.

The menu is extensive with pizza/salad/pasta as their specialties.  Every dish is huge and easily split between two or more people.  They are also known for their cookie/ice cream dessert Pizza Cookie as well as their Bellinis.  Best of all, the price is extremely cheap!

The local chain recently merged with a national resturant company.  There is a good possibility you will see Oregano’s Pizza Bistros across the U.S.  Hopefully their great price and casual atmosphere stay the same.

Overall Cost Estimate:

• Appetizer’s: $4-$7
• Entrees:  $8-12
• Beer: $4 – $5
• Wine: $5-7

Overall Thoughts:

• Great inexpensive food
• Wonderful place to take someone visiting from out of town
• Be prepared to search for a parking spot and possibly wait in line

www.oreganos.com
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