I first tried to set an reservation online, with no success. I then just looked up their number, called the restaurant and asked for a reservation.  A man answered the phone and informed me that he was a cook, “hold on for just a second” ten minutes later he came back and said “the only time he had was 8:45″. I just showed up at 7:00 waited 20 minutes and they seated us. First thing I asked the waitress, ” why aren’t you guys on Open Table or have the ability to set a reservation online”, she told me, “it’s part of the Bandera appeal, we don’t believe in all that internet stuff”. Sheeees

The food was great if you have the perseverance and are willing to go thought the pain of getting it.  I ate a rotisserie chicken and ribs plate.  They have some secret way of cooking the chicken and ribs there that’s fantastic. They have this corn bread and this grilled artichoke plate that you have to get if you go there.

The service was fine, besides the stupid answer she gave me.  Kind-of a bar atmosphere, trying to be a little “Scottsdale Cool” for some normal people “like me”.  If you have the whole night  and go here, it’ll probably be spent, it may be worth it.

In the past one of the few restaurants that we have all enjoyed has been Jason’s Deli. When the fine people (specifically Katherine East) at Jason’s Deli offered to deliver us catering how could we turn them down? (more…)

Last Friday we ventured out a little further than normal for lunch in hopes of coming across something remarkable. What we found was the Kona Grill in Scottsdale, AZ. Located in the Scottsdale Fashion Square Kona Grill has a reputation and standards to with hold, but do they? (more…)

First Impressions

While a restaurant in a mall generally imples food-court offerings sitting under a heat lamp and the ambience of a high-school cafeteria, Kona Grill is located in the swanky Socttsdale Fashion Square.  In keeping with the up-market image, the restaurant is positioned awayfrom the main walkways of the mall and is self-contained.  They offer a dining area in a sunken area, and an elevated area with a look out on the parking lot for overflow.  The lighting is dim and moody, but the effect is shattered by a large aquarium near a sushi counter, and mirrors scattered on the remaining walls.

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Saturday night I was with my girlfriend looking for a place to eat within walking distance from the Hilton on Drinkwater.  We walked down to Stingray on Scottsdale Rd and the wait looked ridiculous.  I remembered seeing a new Sushi place right across the street from the Hilton so we walked back and checked it out.  “Pearl” is fairly small but comfortable.  The weather outside was beautiful, one of the last days here in Arizona when you can actually stand to be outside so we opted to be seated on the patio.  The hostess was friendly and seated us right away.  Instantly you could tell the place was new.  Our server came to the table and asked us whether we’d been there before.   We replied no and were given the 30 second sales pitch.  We ordered drinks and browsed the menu which has a few interesting items.  Instead of opting for the normal boring sushi we routinely order we tried the “Captain Crunch” which is basically a sweet potato version of california roll (but much better) and the “Tiki Torch” which frankly I wouldn’t recommend.   We didn’t sample all that much food at the restaurant but my girlfriend loved her strawberry-kiwi martini and my impression of the place was very positive and we left thinking we would definitely go back.

P.S. I can’t help but mention that their website is AWFUL. (Pearl if you’re reading this get help!)

First Thoughts:
Grimaldi’s Pizzera (or Patsy Grimaldi’s) is located in Old-Town Scottsdale. Across the street from the Sugar bowl and just south of Indian School and Scottsdale road. Grimaldi’s Pizzeria also has a few other locations that seem to be scattered across the Phoenix Metropolitan area.
The restaurants decor is nothing to go crazy about. A nice vintage feel that seems to surround a beautiful courtyard. The decor seems to match the style of music that is played throughout the restaurant. Swing-era and jazz type music will be filling your ears and posters of Frank Sinatra will be drawing your eyes as you look around while trying to take it all in.

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First Impressions

Grimaldi’s is located in the heart of Old-Town Scottsdale, opposite expensive galleries and the famous Sugar Bowl. The inside is surprisingly airy, as the seemingly solid restaurant is actually built around an open courtyard. The kitchen is open, and big-band-era music is obviously designed to synergize with vintage photos on the wall. It doesn’t give the impression of being modern or innovative, but a clear emphasis has been placed on an impressive experience.

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