First Impressions

Bellagio continues their seeming perpetual process of reinvention since our last visit.  The most prominent new feature is a massive wall seperating the bar area from the dining room.  The result is a more intimate-seeming dining room, and a somewhat hipper looking bar area, and a round of confused looks as we entered a bar area the size of a postage stamp looking for the rest of our party.  The dining area itself, however, retains the same general vibe of murals on the walls and wooden tables.  A little more ornate than family-spaghetti-night at Buca di Beppo, but still inviting and unpretentious. (more…)

First Impressions

When Web-Op moved into its first offices, the Falcon’s Roost was right across the road, having been there for about 200 years.  A death in the owners closed it for several months, and it re-opened with a decidedly less dank and bar-like atmosphere.

Much of the small dividers, and all the booze bottles went, and now there’s a few small posters of aviation fairs, and an endless movie of small aircraft being projected on the wall.  It’s a more welcoming place than the original Roost, but it seemed to be as short-staffed as ever.  Only 4 in our party, a fairly empty room, and we still had to wait for a menu.

The Menu

The Roost has also scaled back their menu– many of the Mexican dishes and breakfast items are away, leaving a few American standards and a custom burger or two.  It still seems like a very old menu, where nobody wants to offend anyone, so they make two cuisines.

Food

I chose the patty melt.  It was my favorite at the old Roost, and it seemed largely the same– big patty, onions, sort-of rye bread.  While I had to get it re-cooked (it was initially a bit raw, for hamburger– scary!)  the finished meal was fresh and crunchy, with very home-style french fries.  It was reasonably priced– about 7.50– for an American style diner.

Service

While the service was slow, they were attentive and polite when we sent back stuff.  It’s all we can hope for, realistically.   They also did better after the order was made.  Our orders were correct, and came together.

Conclusion

The Falcon’s Roost fills in a local niche:  reasonably-priced food not even an 85-year-old would fear, but still more vital than the Iowa Cafe.  I hope they can thrive with their new layout and target market.

First Impressions

Mi Amigo’s has moved up in the appearance department-  less frills and random decor, more of a tidy, moderately expensive place.

However, once we were seated, the impression failed.  A laminated, child-proof menu, and crude tortilla chips, made of a half-tortilla each, didn’t make the grade. (more…)

First Impressions

They spent a lot of money furnishing Flancer’s.  Framed vintage posters and large plasma televisions dominate the walls, and nicely finished wooden tables and fresh booths fill the room.  However, it was still difficult to find a seat for eight; we were wedged into a booth really best meant for six.

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Today we ended up at a new Italian restaurant called Pisa Pizza located in Mesa. Upon entering there is a seating area lined with a wall that separates it from the main dining section. As you proceed to your table you are surrounded by what looks like a small Italian town with murals and fake windows. The restaurant was very clean and the service was fast.

Being a group of 8 we ordered three 18″ pizzas. One was a three cheese with peperoni, another was their “special pizza” which was composed of meats and vegetables, and the last one was pizza Ala vodka. We also ordered three bruschetta portions to start. The appetizers were amazing. The bruschetta tasted very fresh and had a unique tomato/cheese mix. The pizza was great as well. I only tried the three cheese and the Ala Vodka. Both had different seasonings and awesome thin crust.(they offer pizza in both thin and thick crust)

Overall the service was extremely friendly and even gave us complimentary garlic knots to start. Our waitress asked us on a scale of 1-5 what we thought. I would have to give them a 4. All ingredients were tasty and not overly greasy or stuffed with too much garlic. I would recommend Pisa Pizza for take out or to eat at the restaurant.

First Impressions

Nielsen’s used to be across the street, in a building now housing a vet.  Instead, they’ve moved into the former Iceburg Drive-in.  The interior is spacious and uncrampled, but the spotless tile and racks of vending machines in the corner make it clear it’s a non-edgy and family-safe encounter.

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First Impressions

Rosa’s, in a lower-rent neighborhood on University, gives the impression of a slightly downmarket Tia Rosa’s.  They are, or at one time, were ran by the same firm, so it’s not surprising.  Expect a lot of brickwork and tile mosiacs, and some rustic styling across the board, all hidden in a strip mall. We were given a table suitable for 10 for our group of eight, some trays of chips (fresh-tasting, but a bit greasy and not warm) and plastic cups of salsa to start.

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For Friday lunch we ended up at Crackers and Co. Although we were seated quickly, the location of our table was in the middle of a lot of traffic made up of waiters, waitresses and customers. Initially for a table of 10, the table was just big enough for the 8 of us that made it.  But besides the location, the service was fast considering the restaurant was crowded.

I ordered a Cracker Club with a side of fries and a pickle. Everyone else ordered specialty sandwiches. They were well proportioned and very fresh. The fries were crunchy and not over cooked. Besides sandwiches they also offer salads and soups as well as other dishes. In the end I left feeling full. I would suggest anyone who hasn’t tried Crackers & CO. to give it a try.

Just a brief review, since I made a longer review of this establishment recently.
The decor and general degree of service remained unchanged.  It meets the percieved needs well, judging by how busy it was.

For an entree, I tried the ‘Steve’s Bacon Cheeseburger.’  Now, Steve, obviously does not know that ‘medium well’ is not particularly pink.  The bacon was crisp and savory and the bun had a nicely crisped edge.  However, the overall experience, with greasy cheese on top, was a little short.  The portion, admittedly, was more than ample– I left about a third of the burger.

The standard side for the burger was french fries.  Sadly, these are the ultra-crisp, double-fried kind.  They don’t taste homemade or even good– just crisp.  Who likes these?  It seems everyone dishes ‘em up now.

The server was at least cooperative, taking our payment as we finished eating, since we were in a rush.  Still, the experience is merely acceptable.

Sinaloa Mexican Restaurant is located on the south east corner of Gilbert and Mckellips in Mesa. It is in the back corner and almost hidden. Sinaloa specializes in traditional mexican food and seafood. I have been here several times and love the place. For around 7 bucks you can get a shrimp coctail that tastes great. For those of you who have had a mexican style shrimp coctail you know what I’m talking about. For those of you who don’t, go to Sinaloas and order one.

I usually like to order their tacos. They have fish, marlin, carne asade, pork, and chicken. They are right around 2.50. Very good price because after the chips n salsa two is usually enough to fill me up. Oh, and speaking of the chips n salsa, it is awesome at Sinaloas. The chips are average, but the salsa is above average for sure. If you are in this area and you are looking for some traditional sonoran style mexican food, go to Sinaloas!!  Trust me…you won’t regret it.