The Raven : Prescott, AZ

It is the middle of August, and this is about the time when cabin fever sets in. This August has been particularly humid and disgusting... some days reaching 117 degrees. There is no reason to hang around in that balmy garbage so Pat and I hit the road to go up north a ways to Prescott, AZ. (Pres-kit to the locals)

First we stopped at Cuppers Coffee Shop. It was a cute little place. Pleasant people and a nice little table outside to enjoy the cooler weather in the shade. We didn't stay long, we mostly stopped by for a potty break. Those have been more necessary lately.

Apparently, Prescott has a happening little courthouse. Every corner has a different band playing a different kind of music. Pat and I sat on a curb and listened to some blues for a while. I really enjoyed the scenery. There were people walking dogs, kids raising money for a school trip. It was truly everything one would expect of a small town.

After the band stopped playing Pat and I ran off to do a little antiquing... unsuccessfully. On our antique journey we saw The Raven.

I was really excited about this joint because they have a patio and boast local, organic plates and I was in the mood for something healthy... and a potty break.

Pat ordered us food at the counter while I found us a seat. I had no idea where the patio was, so we sat by the front door for good people watching. I am really not a fan of ordering food at the counter. I feel like I am back in a school cafeteria, without the immediate gratification of food on your tray.

We sat, watching people and finishing our drinks, for a half hour. This is when I really want a server to be strolling about. Perhaps get Pat another beer, or I could have a refill on my lemonade? But, this is what I have found counter restaurants to be... unsatisfactory in the service department.

Our food arrived and I was quite relieved. My hummus plate was perfect. It was a refreshing plate and the artichoke hearts were a great surprise.

Pat ordered the Corned Beef Sandwich with onion rings. I have really been on a corned beef, or pastrami kick lately, ever since our lunch at Cibo. Pat's sandwich has not only corned beef and cheese but also cabbage and Thousand Island dressing. The onion rings were delicious, as onion rings often are. The sandwich was good... but still cannot stand against Cibo's.

We give The Raven a !!
Perhaps if we would have sat on the patio we would have enjoyed our time there a little more. But, counter restaurants have to strive a little harder to get my vote. 

Cibo: Phoenix, AZ

Today I took the day off to spend a little quality time with my Mister. So we made a trip into Phoenix to get some important stuff done, then it was lunch time! We love to have excuses to get into the City to eat some real culinary treats. We find very little of that out here in the burbs.

So, we headed to Cibo (chee-bo), not to be confused with another favorite, Ciro. We have been here once before, probably 2 years ago when we lived in N. PHX, but that time we visited for dinner. Cibo has an entirely different menu for lunch.



The coolest thing about Cibo is that, like many Roosevelt District joints, it is in an old house. Therefore, you feel right at home when you sit down.






Patrick ordered the Pastrami Saltimbocca Caldi with the most beautiful House Salad I have ever seen. House Salads one usually comes across are full of iceberg lettuce and dried up shaved carrots, drenched in ranch dressing. Not this salad, it had fresh veggies and pine nuts. What house salad has pine nuts???



Because I am not only 15.5 weeks pregnant, but was also starving, I pretty much confiscated the entire sandwich. It was easily the best sandwich I have ever had, or very close to. The bread is made from the same dough they make their pizza with. I have never thought of that, but man it was OUTSTANDING.

Now, I, on the other hand, ordered Pesto Insalate. I was looking forward to the pine nuts, and the parmigiano cheese. Potatoes in a salad interested me, so I took the chance and kept them in.I was hoping for a crispy breakfast potatoes or something along those lines.



Unfortunately, I didn't care for the potatoes. They were soft enough to eat, but still very much had the flavor of a raw potato. I am not sure I would order this salad again.Thankfully, Pat let me eat enough of his sandwich, and the salad came with bread, so I was plenty full by the time we got the bill.
We were eyeballing the dessert menu, which was filled with Nutella deliciousness, but  we were full to the brim.
Our bill was only $21.86 (including 2 sodas for the mister- not including tip). I feel pretty good about that!
Can I also say how much I love when restaurants collect various dishes to serve on? I freaking love it!  It really gives you that at home feeling I was mentioning. (Although, my mother would not be caught dead serving on mismatched plates).

We give Cibo !!!! 

Patrick promised to bring me back in the fall so we can eat on the patio, which looks lovely!

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)