Sunday, June 24, 2012

Postino on Central - Phoenix, Arizona

When we lived in North Phoenix, we stumbled across Postino a little too late. Our first visit there was for brunch. Not knowing the space at all, we sat inside, mistake numero uno! Always, always sit on the patio.We couldn't quite get the vibe that day, in fact, we felt like we were not cool enough for the joint... but, determined to love this place, we came back for the bruschetta board one night. Sold. We moved to the burbs shortly after and made many many trips back to wine and dine here.We were told an East Valley location would open one day, and we waited with bated breath.

Our favorite restaurant, always good, period.
Atmosphere, check.  Good food, check. Good wine at a great price, check.  Good service, check.
Bruschetta to die for. 
They have the best specials if you get there at the right time, or on the right day! Tuesdays and Wednesdays they have a Board & a Bottle for $20! Any bottle of wine, and I stress ANY bottle of wine with your favorite bruschettas, choose 4. (Trust me, you will quickly find your favorites).  

Even though East is newest, and closest, Central remains our favorite and we still venture back into PHX for brunch there.The music at the Central location is always spot on. I can't say the same for Postino East. I think we heard Bon Jovi there... not hatin'. The Central location is full of hippies and hipsters, the East location is a little more family friendly (changing stations available in the bathrooms some nights). This will come in handy in January.


This is what eating out should be.  Relatively affordable good food and great service with a unique and hip atmosphere.  Want a place to eat? DO IT!  Check them out in 3 different locations, Central, Arcadia, and East.
Restaurant rating: !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! (this is the rare over the top excellent rating)

The Beacon! Twin Falls, Idaho

The Beacon is Emily's grandfather's favorite place to get a burger in her home town. So, when we decided to stay an extra night in Twin Falls, ID, there was no other way to celebrate! The Beacon was calling our name!
This is a "down-home dive" but the food was great!  They specialize in burgers and beers served in a mason jar.
Yummmm, the burgers were good and BIG!

Overall, the experience was decent.  I had heard the quality of the restaurant wasn't what it used to be (back in the 80's) that being said, we still had a good time and good food.
Restaurant rating: !!. (2.5)

Ciro - Sun Valley, Idaho

We were in Sun Valley, ID for our honeymoon last June. Because it was summer the whole place was like a ghost town. Even the locals seemed to be out of town.
After a shower and a short nap, our first mission was to find some food. The concierge at The Lodge, where we were staying, gave us several recommendations. Visiting from Phoenix, all we wanted was a patio with cool Idaho air. So, the Valet ended up giving us his recommendation, Ciro. (cheer-o)

The pizza was great, straight from the brick oven!
The calamari was authentic with the tentacles as well!
The beers were great, good domestic and Italian beers as well.
The dessert was great, pannacotta.  Best of all it was free because we were on our honeymoon!!

All in all, this Idahoan restaurant was a true gem. (See what I did there?)  If we are in Sun Valley again we will surely go back for more pizza and the great patio.


Restaurant Score: !!!!