Tuesday, April 22, 2014

Superior, AZ. Just about an hour east of Phoenix, this small mining town offers a unique pinch of restaurants.

There are a whopping total of FOUR restaurants that you can go and enjoy a bite to eat.

-The first of which is, Los Hermanos. Given by that name I'm sure you figured out it was a Mexican restaurant. Located off US60, here you can find anything from a breakfast burro, some albondigas, to chile rellenos. Aside from the menu, the best perk to this place are the homemade tortillas made fresh daily inside their very own Los Hermanos Tortilla Factory. They make some of the best corn and flour tortillas around.

Pancakes from Casa Denogeans
-Next, a few feet east on the US60 is Casa Denogeans an other Mexican restaurant. Here you'll find the usual expected ethnic food but, one surprising menu item are the pancakes. Casa Denogeans has some of the best pancakes I have ever had. No, these are not some sort of Mexican inspired pancakes, they are just good old fashion pancakes cooked to a perfect texture.


Asian Beef Noodle Salad from Jade Grill
-The last of the US60 restaurants is Jade Grill. This Asian restaurant has become a local favorite as it helps add diversity to the selection. Owner and Chef Lucy Wing creates a unique Asian BBQ Fusion of food. Lucy makes some delicious spring rolls which go really good with her Asian Beef Noodle Salad(This is what I get every time I go). Another great quick bite is the teriyaki chicken bowl filled with riced and vegetables. a quick yet satisfying meal.

Club Sandwich from Porters Cafe
-Last but not least, there is Porters Cafe. Located off of Main Street, Porters offers some great American food. There is the Club Sandwich (my personal favorite), burgers topped with green chili, and their daily specials which include the ever so popular meatloaf and even chicken tacos. Porters is that cross between a small biker bar and a great family restaurant where you can enjoy outdoor seating or sit indoors and view the collection of artifacts and art.



Overall, Superior AZ may be small but the food is unique and the people are always happy to serve you.



As always, remember to follow us through social media using @Dished_Out and hashtag #DishingOutAZ to recommend a place or be featured on our posts.

Monday, April 7, 2014

The Bluehound Kitchen & Cocktails

The Blue Hound Kitchen & Cocktails
CityScape Phoenix is one hot spot you don’t want to miss when visiting Phoenix. Known for its concerts, comedy clubs, and extraordinary holiday bashes, this area is also home to the Hotel Palomar which is a perfect fit for Phoenix. The hotel is very contemporary yet comforting and it even has its own choice of restaurants. They offer rooftop views from the LUSTRE Rooftop Garden, art on the walls, and even bikes to ride. But keeping food in focus, the Blue Hound Kitchen & Cocktail restaurant is on the ground level of the Hotel Palomar. At the Blue Hound, you can enjoy a great dining experience and great food (which can sometimes be hard to find both in one place) the Blue Hound staff are extremely personable, and they truly know the menu. As for the menu, it hosts a simple variety of food and some seasonal specials.
Grilled Yellowfin Tuna

Upon my trips to the Blue Hound, I have sampled many different dishes made by Executive Chef, Stephen Jones, such as the “Tater Tots” (smoked bacon, chives, romesco sauce) and they are quite unique and a great way to start the meal. Then, there is the “Grilled Yellowfin Tuna” (Eggplant, spinach, pickled shiitakes, tapemade) which was cooked to perfection. Also, there is the “One Big Ass Steak” which is 32oz of juicy steak served with scalloped potatoes and herb butter (I would recommend sharing this unless you are an Arizona Cardinals Player or just like eat till you drop).

Executive Chef Stephan Jones
Some other things to look out for is the seasonal menu items. Executive Chef Stephan Jones knows all about using seasonal produce to keep the dishes fresh. With that, he has been able to add some new hits such as the "Crispy Salk n Pepper Shrimp", "Charred Baby Leeks", and even some "Cured Strawberry & Fennel Flatbread". And these are just a few to name. At Blue Hound, the quality and creativity can really be tasted in the food and rather your a true foodie or just plain hungry, you cant go wrong with their lunch or dinner menu.

Salt n Pepper Shrimp

But what’s a meal without drinks? Stephanie Teslar and her crew are shaking things up behind the counter at Blue Hound. Rather you’re a bourbon, scotch, or even some prohibition era type of person, Blue Hound has it all for you. They can mix up some margaritas and cocktails or show you their extensive wines. Blue Hound even has some specialty Blue Hound originals.

So, next time you’re in Phoenix, or even if you’re in the mood to take a drive for some unique food and drinks, the Blue Hound is the place for you. With their wonderful location, contemporary design, and of course delicious food, this place will never disappoint. 

For more information visit the Blue Hound online here

Don't forget to follow us around Arizona using @Dished_Out and use #DishingOutAZ if you find something you would like to share!



Photos compliments of Blue Hound Kitchen and Cocktails.



Monday, March 10, 2014

Food Truck Crush

Waffle Crush

There is a new truck crushing the food truck scene and they have made quite the impact since they've hit the streets. Waffle Crush is a unique food truck featuring traditional style liege waffles. With the use of authentic imported Belgium cast iron waffle irons and pure natural Belgium sugar, Waffle Crush has been able to create a waffle unlike any other in Arizona.

However, being the best waffle truck in AZ is no Sunday drive. The Waffle Crush Crew has spent countless hours working on making their truck look just as delicious as their waffles. Then, even more hours coming up with their perfect recipe for waffles and topping combinations. Together, best friends, and truck owners Rachel and Erica have traveled around the US eaten stacks of liege waffles which has since sparked a dream for both of them. And thanks to the support of their friends and family, they have been able to bring Arizona the first ever liege waffle truck.

Each week they spend the trucks downtime mixing up the dough for the liege waffles and making sure their truck stays clean and pretty. Then, when they aren’t mixing dough or being full time mothers, they are on the truck dishing out hundreds of waffles to the hungry residents of Arizona. But, in the end they love spreading joy through biscoff and Nutella with fruit on top of a fresh warm waffle and seeing people faces light up with each bite.

Waffle Crush has truly pioneered waffles in Arizona and all from inside a food truck! Needless to say, go check them out and once you have a waffle you’ll be able to taste the hype.

Also follow @MyWaffleCrush on Facebook, twitter, and Instagram so that you can see where they are parked and track them down for a waffle of your own.

And don’t forget to follow us on Facebook, twitter, and Instagram too! For pictures and new places to eat all in the state of Arizona!

#DishingItOut

Monday, March 3, 2014

The Gilbert Farmers Market

The Gilbert Farmers Market

Gilbert Farmers Market
  Every Saturday Morning, Downtown Gilbert becomes flooded with excited local business supporters and their hungry stomachs. With the combinations of perfect Saturday morning weather and the smell of food in the air, the market is hard to avoid. The Gilbert Farmers Market hosts a large variety of food trucks and other vendors who set up shop around the Gilbert Water Tower Plaza. Here you can find the freshest produce from The Farm at Agritopia, Bravo Farm, Jeff’s Nursery, and so many more. While doing you weekend grocery shopping, you can swing by the nearly 50 other food vendors offering everything from pies and cookies, to salts and olive oils.

My Waffle Crush
  Then, if you didn't eat breakfast or are a major foodie, you can get fresh made liege waffles from My Waffle Crush. Or even some Arizonan inspired food from Luncha Libre and Short Leash Hotdogs. There is even the Uprooted Kitchen providing a unique cuisine of all natural and local Vegan/Vegetarian favorites. But, if you become so full you couldn't even take One More Bite from the One More Bite Bakery, you can still stroll around the goods and services providers offering everything from dog training, artwork, to soaps and so much more.


  Another great thing about the Gilbert Farmers Market is that they support local charities such as the Arizona Adopt a Greyhound and the East Valley Young Marines. The Gilbert Farmers Market has played a huge roll in revitalizing the original Downtown Gilbert area. Then with the growth of other great business along the historic Gilbert Road area, the town is continually attracting more and more attention. The Town Of Gilbert has been named one of the fastest growing towns in the US and it’s no wonder why. Gilbert is home to some of the most diverse people from every walk of life. When walking around The Gilbert Farmers Market you can really feel a sense of community and even the nostalgic feel of what Gilbert used to be like in its early ages. So if you haven’t stopped by yet, or even if you have, come check out The Gilbert Farmers Market every Saturday from 8am to 12noon and enjoy the wonderful weather, food, and shopping.


For more information check out The Gilbert Farmers Market Website and their supports pages such as Local First AZ and Get Local AZ.

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Friday, February 21, 2014

Paletas Betty: Keeping it Fresh for the Summer

It is nearly summer time in Arizona, which means the heat is coming back. Fortunately Paletas Betty is serving up handmade paletas and Agua Vita all across the East Valley. These frozen treats are the perfect way to cool off in the upcoming heat. And lucky for you, Paletas Betty is conveniently located in historic Downtown Chandler and in the middle of Mill Avenue in Tempe, which are two of the best places to walk around and visit in Arizona. Aside from their storefronts, Paletas Betty can even be found at farmers markets, banquets, and other community events. At Paletas Betty they strive to create a traditional treat for the community while utilizing the skills they have learned throughout years of traditional home cooking and culinary school. So what is a paleta? A paleta is a Latin American frozen treat on a stick that is made from either fresh fruit and or cream. Then, nuts, chile, and other unique ingredients are added in for some extra flavoring. With this, they truly have become an Arizona favorite.


Paletas from Paletas Betty
But, what Makes Paletas Betty unique is their use of all fresh and natural ingredients. There is always real fruit in the paleta treats.  There are never any frozen or canned fruits added, no preservatives, and no coloring. Even the spices used are ground from whole. While only using fresh seasonal fruit, this means you will always have a chance to try a new flavor all year around. Some of the flavors currently in stores include: Chocolate (Mexican chocolate and spices), naranja (orange vanilla cream), lemon amarillo (tart lemon with lemon zest sugar rub), nuez (roasted pecans in a cream blend), and many more! These frozen pops are so different from any regular ice pop or something you can buy in the freezer aisle. When eating a paleta, the true natural flavors are what make this treat so good to eat. And with the signature taste-test “bite” already taken out you will know, “the bite means its ok to eat”.

Agua Vitas from Paletas Betty
So what if you’re not an ice pop kind of person? Well, Paletas Betty also serves another traditional favorite they call Agua Vita, which is their take on an Aqua Fresca drink. An Agua Vita is a combination of fresh fruit and white tea used to create a cool and refreshing drink. They are high in antioxidants and other nutrients thanks to the use of real fresh fruit and fruit juices which are never from concentrate or powder. Another thing that makes these drinks so great is the fact that they are individually mixed for each serving cup. This helps to ensure the best taste for each individual drink. Some of the flavors they have are: Brisa Vita (a blend of fresh lemon syrup with fresh strawberries mixed with refreshing white tea. Pepinto Vita (fresh cucumber syrup mixed with fresh cilantro and chile powder blended with refreshing white tea). Aguita Classica (fresh lime syrup mixed with fresh raspberries topped off with seltzer water). Tropical Vita (fresh pineapple syrup blended with fresh orange juice mixed with refreshing white tea). These drink are perfect for the upcoming summer heat and even all year round they taste great.


So, rather you looking for something cool to nibble on or a refreshing drink to help rid your thirst (or maybe even both), then Paletas Betty is the perfect remedy for you. Go ahead and check them out! You can even follow them on Twitter (@PaletasBetty) on Facbook,  and even Instagram (@paletasbetty). 

Follow us on Twitter (@dishingoutaz) and Instagram (@dished_out) or Facebook (facebook.com/dishingoutaz)

Wednesday, January 29, 2014

Phoenix Street Eats: Food Truck Festival

  This past weekend (January 25-26, 2014) Phoenix New Times hosted one of the year’s first largest food truck festivals at Salt River Fields of Talking Stick Resort and Casino. With over 50+ food trucks in attendance, live music, games, and perfect weather, this was a great event that you hopefully didn't miss out on.

Inside the Chedda Truck
  During this weekend, Dishing It Out had a wonderful opportunity to help the one and only Chedda Truck at the event. This was a unique experience into the food truck world and gave me a new perspective about food trucking functions. I was able to see firsthand how fast placed the kitchen must work to ensure all the food is being made to customer satisfaction. I saw how the wonderful burgers are made to order. I also realized how communication between all the staff plays a large role in functionality. To the Chedda Truck and all other food trucks, I really respect all of you as you have such a small space to work with, yet you are always dishing out wonderful works of edible art.

  As for me, this was really different from working in my kitchen at home. I found myself making a huge mess of food as I tried to prepare the Chedda Tots to go out. Pouring the dipping source into the dip cups also wasn't that easy in the mobile kitchen.  Another huge challenge for me was the fact that all this food was in front of my face and I became extremely hungry as more food passed by me.

  But, after my work was done, I was able to go explore all the other trucks meet new people with similar food passions and eat until I felt like exploding. With over 50 trucks all serving something different, I decided to just try as many as I could. And if day one wasn't enough, I returned on Sunday to continue my exploration. Sadly, I was unable to try everything I wanted since my stomach can only handle so much.  Then, there were several cooking sessions going on and even food eating competitions and friendly cook-offs between trucks.

  Aside from food, the live music was a great addition to the festival, and fun zone for kids looked like a blast. Then the VIP section featured a live DJ a covered dance area, and lots of drinks and tables. Overall, this event was a great way to kick of 2014 and I look forward to many more like it. If you want to see pictures visit out Instagram @dished_out or our good friends @FOODTRUCKSAZ.




Chedda Tots: Chedda Truck
Phx Street Eats 2014

Phx Street Eats 2014
Philly Cheese Steak: Big Boy Sandwhiches

Hey, Give me Some of Your Tots: The Chedda Truck

The Chedda Truck

Food trucks are among one of the most unique forms of dinning there is.  And the truck owners are some of the hardest working people in the food industry. They have to drive, cook, clean, and entertain all at the same time. One prime example is Nick Watts, owner and chef of the Chedda Truck. Nick Watts is a very humble and creative food trucker who opened up his Chedda Truck in October of 2013. Since then, he has started to generate a lot of interest around the east valley and people have come miles around just to eat a burger and some tots. But these are not just any burger or tots….

The "Kill Me Softly" Burger
So what makes the Chedda Truck so unique? It’s the fact that all of Nick’s burgers are inspired by something or someone from his life. With this inspiration, he has been able to create a genuine artist’s burger. Such burgers as his, Kill Me Softly, or The Green Mile. The Kill Me Softly burger is one of the most interesting burgers I have ever eaten and is one I would definitely never get tired of. It has bacon, blue cheese, arugula, cranberry gastrique, a perfect patty, and it is all between a warm Krispy Kreme donut! For many, this could seem offsetting but in reality this burger is definitely a true food lover’s paradise. Nick didn’t just mix random toppings together and call it good, but he actually took the time to create this burger and make sure the flavors would go together and still represent who he is. Now for me to describe this taste is very hard, as so many descriptions come through my mind, but none seem to do it justice. But in an attempt I will try to describe that the strong blue cheese mixed with the sweet Krispy Kreme donut match so perfectly together. And the cranberry gastrique and arugula just top it off.

Then there is The Green Mile filled with Mac-N-Cheese, roasted peppers, bacon, and whole grain mustard. This burger has also topped the charts for creativity and taste. Even the Mac-N-Cheese is enough to make you want more. The next in line is the Silly Round Eye topped with local pastrami, kimchi, Swiss, and Russian tarragon dressing.  Which this burger has really been interesting being my first burger filled with kimchi. But, if still not sold on trying something new and just want a regular burger and fries then he has that too.

Aside from burgers, Nick has a special side dish which he home makes straight from the truck. The Chedda Tots, are truck made tater tots with cheese served with chipotle crème cheese dipping sauce. Then to wash everything down  glass bottled sodas which are the perfect truck refreshment.


The Chedda Truck is definitely hashtag worthy and I can’t wait to go back again and try his other creations. For creativity, taste, and being a cool guy, Nick and his Chedda Truck get a #YES.


The Green Mile

Silly Round Eye