Queen Creek Olive Mill
I really love discovering local treasures. I'm just sorry it took me so long to make it out to the Queen Creek Olive Mill. Since I'm such a sucker for breakfast, we opted to try theirs out. I had to go for the vanilla bean olive oil waffle with bananas and pecans (hint: waffles are served all day). And, as luck would have it, we arrived before 10:30 and got a discount on breakfast by checking in via FourSquare. To describe the waffle as delicious would be an understatement. Other waffle options include the Classic and Berries & Cream. The rest of the menu looked equally fantastic, but I'd be hard pressed not to get the waffle again.
Vanilla Bean Olive Oil Waffle with Bananas, Pecans & Fresh Made Whipped Cream
After eating, we wandered through the retail area (and made purchases, of course) and then took the tour. The retail store includes more olive oil options than I ever thought possible, a variety of tapenades, an olive bar, cupcakes, lotions, etc. If you can put olives or olive oil in it, I think they have it. They also offer a nice selection of wines including many from local wineries. And be sure to take advantage the olive oil and tapenades samplings.
I highly recommend making the tour part of your visit to QCOM. It's only $5 per person, and you really get the low down on how they produce their extra virgin olive oil using sustainable farming practices.
The olive oil magic happens here
Outdoor picnic tables for enjoying our warm, sunny weather
Oh, don't forget to grab some gelato on your way out. I can vouch for the chocolate olive oil flavor (yum), and a little QCOM birdie told us that the raspberry gelato drizzled with chocolate olive oil is a must. They do mix it up with their gelato flavors so who knows what they might have when you visit.
To see more photos of my visit to Queen Creek Olive Mill, check out our Flickr stream.
Queen Creek Olive Mill
25062 S. Meridian Road
Queen Creek, AZ 85242
queencreekolivemill.com
Windsor & Churn
It's so exciting to have new local spots open up, and thanks to the owner of Postino Wine Cafe, Central Phoenix has a new restaurant and a new ice cream and sweets shop - Windsor and Churn, respectively. The two share space on Central Ave., just north of Camelback, appropriately in the Windsor Historic District. They've only been open for two weeks, and I've already been twice! Windsor is a casual, comfortable neighborhood hangout where you instantly feel at home and Churn is reminiscent of an old-fashioned ice cream parlor.
Windsor Patio and Bar
I can officially announce that Windsor serves my new favorite salad, the Kale Caesar. It's a fun (and delicious) twist on a traditional Caesar with shredded romaine & kale, cheddar biscuit croutons, avocado, celery & crispy capers. The cheddar biscuit croutons are a little touch of genius, at least in my humble opinion. They also serve one of my Southern favorites, fried okra. Definitely not something you see on many menus in Phoenix. Other menu items include Corn Dog Poppers, Country Vegetable Chop, Backyard Burger Windsor Style (sharp cheddar, shredded iceberg, garlic aioli, tomato, carmelized onion), Crab Cake BLT, Brown Bag Chicken Sandwich and much more.
Kale Caesar
Fried Okra
And that just covers lunch and dinner. For dessert, you must mosey on over to Churn for some homemade ice cream (I can tell you that the Butter Pecan is deelish) and other yummy, sugary treats. Just follow the trail of cassette tapes from Windsor over to Churn. I'm not exaggerating too much - the wall of the little hallway that leads from one to the other is literally papered with cassette tapes. How fun is that?
Windsor and Churn are located at 5223 N. Central Avenue, Phoenix. See more photos on Flickr.
Churn
Awww, we love being here!
Pizzeria Bianco
Downtown Phoenix has lots of little gems when it comes to restaurants, but perhaps none is more nationally acclaimed than Pizzeria Bianco. This little slice of pizza heaven (although don't expect to order pizza by the slice here) is the creation of Chef Chris Bianco. This James Beard award winner believes in sourcing local foods first. I love chefs like Chris. He wants to know everything about the food he prepares and serves - who grows the vegetables and how, what are the chickens and cattle fed and how are they treated. This understanding and passion for food is the basis for a great restaurant and, in this case, great pizza.
That's Chris working on a pizza in the oven!
For those of us who work and/or live in Downtown Phoenix, the announcement that Pizzeria Bianco will now be open for lunch was music to our ears. For years, dinner has been the only option and that often meant a long wait, even if you arrived at 5pm. You see, it's a tiny restaurant which, of course, creates a cozy, welcoming atmosphere and adds to its appeal, but doesn't leave a lot of room for seating.
I practically raced over to Bianco's once it was open for lunch and dug into the Rosa - a delightful white pizza with Red Onion, Parmigiano Reggiano, Rosemary and AZ Pistachios. One word - YUM. My dining companions had the Margherita and added Fennel Sausage from Schreiner's Phoenix. They both "cleaned their plates" so I take it they were pleased with the choice. In the spirit of keeping things simple, the menu offers two Small Plate options, three Salads and six Pizzas, plus House Made Country Bread with a side of Olive Oil for dipping.
The Rosa
The Margherita with Sausage
Pizzeria Bianco has been lauded by publications such as The New York Times and Everyday with Rachel Ray. Check it out for yourself and see if you agree. I have a feeling you will. Be sure to also check out Chris's other restaurant: Pane Bianco (also featured on this blog).
Pizzeria Bianco
623 E. Adams Street, Downtown Phoenix
(602) 258-8300
New Orangutan Habitat Opens at Phoenix Zoo
The new and improved Orangutan Habitat at the Phoenix Zoo opens to the public on Monday, April 11. I had the privilege of a sneak peek this morning and had a blast watching them play. Four Orangutans call the Phoenix Zoo home: Duchess (she's 51!), Bess, Michael and Kasih, the baby of the group at just 5 years old.
Kasih is hiding behind a piece of lettuce.
Lots of green grass and fun stuff to play with.
For more information and to learn about conservation efforts to save these amazing animals, check out the Zoo's website.
To see more Phoenix Zoo Orangutan photos, visit our Flickr page.
Food Truck Friday
I made the best discovery recently: Food Trucks. And, no, they're not the "roach coaches" you used to see pulling up to a construction site. In Phoenix, these trucks are part of the Phoenix Street Food Coaltion. They set up a mobile food court Fridays from 11am to 1pm right next to the Public Market in downtown Phoenix. Their mantra: "Bringing delicious local food to the streets of Phoenix." Amen to that!
I'll admit, I was a little skeptical at first. I assumed, erroneously so, that food truck food = meat. Well, not so. As a vegetarian, there were plenty of options for me. I went for a good ol' grilled cheese sandwich and also partook of some yummy tater tots (seasoned with rosemary) and fried pickles. Next time, I'll be sure to hit the creme brulee truck, appropriately named the Torched Goodness.
It's definitely worth a visit. The food is fresh, local and delish. They even have picnic tables set up adding to the sense of community which, after all, is really the whole point of street food.
The mobile food court is set up at at the corner of Central and Pierce. You can follow them on Twitter @PHXStreet Food
Check out Flickr for more photos.
Arrogant Butcher
A much needed restaurant has arrived on the scene in downtown Phoenix - The Arrogant Butcher (thanks, Sam Fox). This new (and fabulous) eatery is located at CityScape, a dining, retail and entertainment complex located between Washington and Jefferson Streets and 1st Street and 1st Avenue.
House Soft Pretzels & Provolone Fondue
Don't be fooled by the name. This place has a cool, laid back vibe, and the decor is, simply put, loads of fun! The menu is pretty great, too. I'd go back again and again just to have the House Soft Pretzels & Provolone Fondue - hello, yumminess. Although I could most definitely sustain on pretzels and cheese, I felt it best to also have an entree. I had the Sweet Potato Tortelli with Mushrooms, Brussels and Hazelnuts and l-o-v-e-d it. As a vegetarian, my options at a restaurant with the word "butcher" in its name is a little limited, but I was 110% pleased with my choice. I'd be remiss if I didn't mention dessert (yes, I had dessert, too!). I wasn't about to pass up anything called a Warm Peanut Butter Cup with Chocolate Gelato. You shouldn't either. Give this place a try. I think you'll enjoy it.
Sweet Potato Tortelli with Mushrooms, Brussels, Hazelnuts
Warm Peanut Butter Cup with Chocolate Gelato & Apple Fritter with Brown Sugar Ice Cream
See more photos in our Flickr stream.
The Arrogant Butcher
Cityscape Downtown Phoenix
2 E. Jefferson #150
Phoenix, AZ 85004
602-324-8502
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