The Henry
4455 E Camelback
Phoenix, AZ  85018

Companion and I had reservations for 5:30. We were seated promptly in an area were I could watch the expeditor as well as most of the cooking and prep. 

Our wait person arrived fairly quickly and brought menus. Instead of bringing both a regular menu and a Restaurant Week menu she had to be asked for a Restaurant Week menu. 

Except for main dishes companion and I both ordered the same food. We started out with the Caesar Salad. Probably one of the worst interpretations of a Caesar Salad I have ever forced myself to eat. Barely dressed, the salad was dry and covered with a mountain of grated parmesan cheese that reminded me of Kraft! It would have been a whole lot nicer if it had some shaved parm on top and some actual dressing on the salad. The croutons were the best part of the salad.

For main courses, companion had the Bolognese, which was quite adequate. Personally I'd have liked a bit of tomato in it, but that is personal preference. The penne pasta was properly al dente. Companion could not finish the entire bowl that was served.

I had the Korean Skirt Steak. I had asked for it to be blue, but our waitress had no idea what I was asking for and I had to teach her. Not my job, but someone had to do it! The steak was cooked perfectly and had good flavor. It was served of a delicious fried rice medley.  I was barely able to finish the portion.

Next was dessert. We both ordered the bread pudding made with Warm Croissant bread, caramel ice cream and whiskey raisin sauce. I'd return if for no other reason than to have the dessert again. 

Sanitation was apparent. Silverware and dishes were spotless with a person inspecting each piece and wiping it by hand. Very nice.

Dings: This is yet another restaurant that serves serrated knives with steak. All they do is tear the fibers of the steak instead of cleanly cutting it.

The open kitchen concept as well as the brigade was interesting, but  I certainly did not enjoy seeing into their spice pantry which had a curtain to block it off but someone was too lazy to pull it. Restaurateurs need to be aware of things like this and have them taken care of. Patrons really don't want to see the back of house. 

I find myself on the edge between 3 and 4 stars. When that happens I will always give the higher star rating in the hopes that when I return for a second eval, which I will, that they will show that they deserve the higher rating.

4 stars

Cholla Prime Steakhouse

524 N 92nd St.
Scottsdale, AZ 85256

Companion and I had reservations for dinner at 5:30. Upon our arrival our waitress tried to seat us at a small table for two. Upon asking for a regular four top she quipped that we would have to leave by 7:00 because the table had a reservation for that time. We assured her that we would leave by then. Foodnote: When we left more than half the tables were still empty!

Our busser quickly brought out a nice basket of assorted breads including a wonderful whole grain cranberry walnut? bread along with sweet butter and pesto. We were off to a good start.

We shared a starter of Maple and Honey Glazed Pork Belly which was wonderful.

House Caesar Salads were next and were ice cold and served with shaved Parmesan cheese on top. Very good.

We were next brought a strawberry sherbet palate cleanser, which was delicious and reminded me of dining at Jean-Georges in New York by MOMA.

For the main course, we shared a huge (32 oz) Porterhouse Steak which was perfectly medium rare and came with a cup of Demi and a cup of Bearnaise Sauce. The Bearnaise was one of the few dings in the meal, as it had little flavor and nary a tarragon flavor to be found. The Demi was a nice touch and graced the top of the steak nicely.

We opted to purchase the Prime Sides, one of which was Lobster Mashed Potatoes which had nice chunks of lobster along with (I think) parmesan cheese. It was excellent.

The other Prime Side was the Sweet Corn Casserole which I could have eaten all night and into the next day. It was fresh and devine!

Desserts were a weak area with a limited menu. Companion ordered the Chocolate Caramel Bar, and left most of it on the plate.

I ordered the Crème Brulee which was properly made and literally covered in assorted fresh berries which I shared with companion.

A glass of Grahams finished off the dinner.

The table was bussed as needed and everything was immaculately clean.

5 stars for excellent food, reasonable prices, and a good busser that deserves a raise.

Andreoli's Italian Grocer

8880 E Via Linda 
Scottsdale, AZ 85258

We went to Andreoli's for lunch today and as far as I am concerned, I had lunch in Calabria! Only thing missing was a bocce ball court.
The place is small, but it is made up for with the food and wonderful service.
I ordered a Porchetta Sandwich and companion ordered an Antipasto Plate. We were given a nice table in the middle of the room, and shortly after sitting down next to a large party all speaking Italian, we were brought a small but exceedingly delicious basket of bread and some nice olive oil to dip it in. Mind you that I have eaten in Italian restaurants all around the world, and a lot of them don't even think of giving you a bread basket.
The Porchetta was perfect, and came on a homemade Italian Bread petite loaf that was divine. Also on the plate as a lovely fresh green salad which had  oak leaf, red leaf, arugula, and other greens with a very homemade oil and vinegar dressing that was perfect.
Companions plate was a beautiful combination of several assorted meats and cheeses as well as a number of other items and was pronounced delicious.
The restaurant is stocked with true Italian products, as they are just about all written with Italian instructions! Hard to find items such as small buckets of Lupini beans and Anchovies in hot spices as well as many types of pastas adorn the shelves. They also carry a number of fresh made and frozen pastas which are made on the premises. Among items in the cold cases were homemade Coppa as well as homemade Pancetta. Among the dessert case are wonderful cakes including a magnificent Pistachio cake like no other that I have ever seen.
While the decor is not the most romantic, it is more than made up for with the wonderful food and the excellent service. Sanitation was excellent with tables being bussed as soon as the diners left.
I want to go back as soon as tomorrow to try some of the other items they make such as their Pasta dishes with homemade sauces, and their legendary Pizza. I'd also like to try their Carpaccio as well as their fresh made Burrata.
The easiest 5 stars I have ever given out!

I'm almost afraid to post this review because I'd love to keep this place quiet and all to myself.

Opa Life Greek Cafe

227 E Baseline Road

Tempe, AZ  85283

We arrived for dinner without reservations at 5:30. While the restaurant was busy, they had an available table. Every table outside was taken and most of those inside were also, especially one with a party of  about 16.

Our waiter was Christian, and he was terrific. A whirlwind on his feet, almost running from table to table.

We started with appetizers. I had the Avgolemono soup which I can only describe as comfort in a bowl. One of my companions had the Calamari which was nicely cooked with very light  breading. Another companion ordered the Tzatziki which came with a nice portion of fresh pitas to dip in it. 

Main courses came next with one of my companions ordering the meat lovers wrap (Gyro meat, Grilled Chicken, Bacon, and assorted veggies in a tomato basil wrap). Another companion ordered the Garlic Shrimp Pasta (A garlic lovers dream). For myself, I ordered a half order of  Souvlaki lamb with a Greek salad. Probably the best Greek salad I have eaten and the lamb done to perfection.

We decided to share desserts. First was the Baklava Cheesecake. My considered guess is that it was somewhere near 8000 calories, but it was magnificent. Next was Loukoumades (deep fried donut holes with vanilla bean ice cream, cinnamon, honey, whipped cream, fresh strawberries, chopped walnuts and another 8000 calories!)

Our waiter kept our glasses topped off, and was there for our every need. I have eaten in much more expensive restaurants with much worse service. He is a gem!

The premises are clean, crowded, and yet service is great.

5 stars for great food, great service, and cleanliness.

Highly Recommended

Benihana

3025 W Chandler Blvd
Chandler, AZ 85226

Our reservation was for 6:30 and was honored on time. The restaurant was full and was very noisy. Our table was in the very back and we were told that it was not a table that is usually used. We found the area temperature to be quite cold and asked to have it turned up. After a while a somewhat disheveled manager with his tie in all directions except the correct one showed up and said he turned the temp up.

 

Orders were taken and that was the last we saw of our wait person for some time. He eventually showed up and told us that he had to check out another table which took a long time. Salads were brought, all exactly the same with a dollop of unidentifiable dressing on top and the bottom swimming in water.

After an unknown span of time, the show started, with the first thing being that our cook forgot to bring eggs and had to ask for someone to bring them to him. 

Appetizers were brought from the kitchn for those who ordered them. I ordered the soft shell crab, and it was nicely cooked though the dipping sauce could have used a bit of thought in its preparation. Companion ordered gyoza's, which showed up just at the same time as the main course. The other companions ordered tempura and sushi all of which arrived at the exact same time requiring the rest of us to move our plates over to make room for the burgeoning load of dishes.]

There did not seem to be any order or direction to how the meals were cooked. It appeared that the cooking of the chicken fried rice was of great importance while main courses waited. The cook tried too chat with us but the place was so noisy that it was often difficult to hear what he had to say. Two of the people at our table should not have been allowed in according to the "official" dress code of Benihana. The man came to the table in a sweat shirt and pants and the lady insisted on playing loud games on her phone. If your going to have rules than enforce them of get rid of them.

My main course was the spicy shrimp. They were nicely cooked and came with 2 pieces of pepper and that is all. The rice which I had ordered never came and was never served.

Companion ordered the Steak Yakisoba, and was the last to be served at the table. It wasn't even started cooking until everyone else was served.

After the entire table of 8 was finished our cook served an appetizer as well as a pile of onions and mushrooms to everyone. It seemed a bit out of order, since we were all mostly finished eating and the appetizer shows up!

Finally, we were offered dessert of ice cream or sherbert. This was one of the highlights of the meal.

Inspection of the bathrooms showed them to be badly in need of attention and cleaning. Sanitation at our table left a bit to be desired as plates were not bussed until there were piles of them.

To say that I was disappointed in the dinner is putting it mildly. This was a birthday celebration which turned into a partial disaster. When I spend $240 for dinner for 4 I expect a lot better than I got.

2 stars and that's all.

Koreatown - 3rd Review

Koreatown
1832 W Broadway Rd.
Mesa, AZ 85202

I am so happy to report that Koreatown has done a complete turn around as well as an all new interior. It is now set up for Korean BBQ with tables being able to cook their own food. The decor is outstanding, and the food has improved so very much.

Companion and I came to eat Korean Fried Chicken, and were not in the slightest disappointed. A large pile of succulent, crackling fried chicken pieces perfectly cooked. We ordered half with garlic and half with gochujang and were not in the slightest disappointed. Wonderful flavors assailed our taste buds. 

Our banchan was up to usual standards with the Daikon as usual being terrific as well as the Kimchi. New items have been added to the banchan and were a welcome invitation to nibble.

Our drinks were not on the menu, but were produced upon our asking - Barley and Corn water, which is wonderful with the rest of the meal.

Our meal was excellent and of course, we will be returning to try the new BBQ menu. The owner informs me that they are bringing on a third chef and will be redoing the menu, removing non popular items and perhaps offering some new items as well.

The place was spotless, well lit, and well ventilated so that the smoke from the BBQ was removed immediately.

The turnaround is so complete that I have re-evaluated my thoughts and am taking them back up to 5 stars for the best Korean Fried Chicken I have ever eaten. 

Great food, Great Cleanliness, Pleasant people. 

Highly Recommended