Aloha Kitchen

2950 S Alma School Rd Ste 12 
Mesa, AZ 85210

Companion and I decided to drop in for a Hawaiian dinner. This is a small place that has been in the same place for many years. It has changed little over the years.

The menu is somewhat extensive and varied and has a fair amount of foods that you might get in a typical Hawaiian place on the big island.

Companion ordered the tempura shrimp and teriyaki chicken plate.

I ordered the fried shrimp and teriyaki chicken plate. As in the islands, plates come with 2 scoops of rice and a scoop of macaroni salad. 

Companion's tempura shrimp were very large and came with a dipping sauce while the chicken was all dark meat and had a small amount of teriyaki sauce on it.

My plate came with 5 decent sized fried shrimp (not all breading) and a dipping sauce for it also. As we both prefer dark meat chicken, that was a plus for us as it was nicely cooked and quite juicy.

Drinks were typical soft drinks though one could also choose from an assortment of island sodas and juices.

All orders are served on foam plates with plastic dinnerware.

Unfortunately, sanitation is not their forté. Not only does the health department not like their food handing, but to be honest, neither do I. The girls at the counter who also handle plates of food need training on how to handle food and sanitation. While we were there the girl with the black hair was observed to place her bare hands inside her pants and onto her butt cheeks. She then proceeded to remove them and serve food to another customer. This is a major violation of health code.

4 stars for decent food and nice portions, but deducting 1 star for poor sanitation.

Cholla Prime Steakhouse eval #2

We had reservations for 5:30 and were seated immediately. We were brought a basket of house baked bread and an amuse of a piece of steak.

Our meal began with an appetizer of slow smoked pork belly with a maple, honey and brown sugar glaze. As with the last time, it was excellent.

Between courses we were brought small glasses with a ball of raspberry sherbert as a palate cleanser.

Companion ordered the New York Strip Steak medium with sauteed mushrooms and garlic mashed potatoes. It was pronounced delicious. 

For myself, I ordered the rib steak (which was perfectly cooked), sauteed spinach w/garlic, and to share at the table a fresh off the cob corn casserole in a fennel cream and onion sauce which is to die for.

Topping off the meal was a chocolate cake with caramel sauce for companion and a creme brulee for myself along with a glass of  Grahams Port to wash it all down.

What an excellent dinner this was. If anything, the food has gotten even better since  my last review.

5 stars for excellent food, good service, good cleanliness.

Cocina Madrigal

Cocina Madrigal
4044 S 16th St 
Phoenix, AZ 85040

Companion and I had an early dinner here. We made reservations for 4:00 and when we arrived we managed to get the only parking space still free. Our reservation time was honored and we were seated immediately.

We were brought chips and dips right away and the salsa was so good i took a pint of it home with me. We also tried the habanero salsa which was well made and almost fruity in flavor but not in heat. This was the start of a really good meal.

Because we were driving, companion ordered a virgin margarita. This was the first one and was followed by another.

We ordered our main courses. Companion ordered the Al Pastor Tacos. While they are really good, next time companion will order them as lettuce cups to keep down the carbs.

For myself, I ordered the Al Pastor Burrito. I have seen babies that were smaller than my burrito! It was absolutely delicious but I could not finish it and took half of it home. While the rice was nothing exceptional the beans were first rate - toothy and with nice flavor and a sprinkle of cotija cheese on top.

Service was first rate. As a person who has reviewed restaurants around the world, I am used to good service, but this was truly exceptional. Servers literally ran from table to table taking care of customers. Our server Gabriella was fantastic. She was right there with anything we needed. I should mention that our food came out from the kitchen beautifully hot. It was obvious that it had just been made and was not sitting under heat lamps.

5 stars for outstanding food and service. Highly recommended.