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Over four years ago I waited in anticipation for the Pizzeria Bianco to originally open at Town and Country shopping center. Peering through the windows as progress was being made on the brick wood fired oven brought thoughts of pizza dancing through my head. If only there was a chance that it would replace my longings for New Jersey. Afraid of anticappointment, I tempered my enthusiasm. Finally the day arrived. Since my first taste of Chris's labor of love, I was convinced this creation was straight from heaven to my plate. I could go on for pages on the quality ingredients, friendly atmosphere, Zagat's 29 rating for food (the highest in Phoenix), the great new location on 7th Street and Adams, but I'd rather have a Pizzeria Bianco! If you haven't been there, GO NOW! If you have, then you know what I'm talking about!
One of the most amazing sights in the area is to drive by macaroni houses with lines waiting outside in the Phoenix heat. Someone must really want pasta alot to bake for it first. I prefer to have my pasta baked instead of me. Only a quarter of a block away from the trendy eateries along Scottsdale Road and Shea Boulevard is one of the best restaurants for value in Scottsdale. Every visit to Maria's provides a treat for the taste buds. Located in the Promenade, which is almost entirely a restaurant mall, Maria's aims to please. The quality of food is first rate and portions are plentiful. I always forget that the salad is included, so when I leave the restaurant, it's not hard to figure out which is bigger, my eyes or my stomach? Next time you are waiting in the heat with one of those vibrators in your pocket, stop to consider your options. You would be well advised to go northwest a couple of blocks for an authentic Italian treat.
We were waiting for a special event to visit Robert McGrath's new restaurant. Having tasted the culinary talents of the former chef at Windows on the Green, Phoenician we were eager to try his new adventure in the cute little building on Camelback, east of Scottsdale Road. Not only was the food beyond verbal description, the service staff demonstrated that training in the art of dining service is not dead in the 'wild west'. McGrath's employees are skilled in their duties from the courteous greeting from the hostess to the samples from the kitchen the waiter brought us during the critical ordering decision. Even the food server and bus person showed timing in delivery and retrieval of the meals progress that often detracts rather than adds to the enjoyable nature of the dining experience. This level of service enhances the impression of the food and elevates the Epicurean pleasure. Where it counts the most, the food, this place 'roared' as my fork passed though the 'best ever' salmon (especially for Phoenix during the summer). The slow smoking of the filet enables the chef to produce the crisp outer layer with the incredibly moist interior. Breads with jalepanos and pistachios or dried cherry with pablano pepper cornbread were inventive. The appetizers of paper thin smoked salmon on corn cakes and pork chili with tortillas were 'to die for'. The desert is sized for four! This restaurant is destined to become known as one of the premium dining experiences in the Phoenix or Scottsdale area. The chef's hospitality as he strolled the restaurant with his foot in a sling, was refreshing.
Bistro 24 is an ideal place for lunch or dinner in the Biltmore Corridor. The classic bistro fare is complemented by modern inventions by the creative staff of Executive Chef Anthony Keene. I could eat here every day having just the evening specials of Coq au vin, Ossobuco and the other classics prepared by the kitchen. Not only does the staff handle the cosy dinners for two but banquets and receptions throught catering are exquisite. We celebrated the daughter's wedding reception in one of the ballrooms early in 1998. The attention to details and quality of the presentations made this a most memorable occasion. Bistro 24 is indeed housed in the right place--The Ritz!
