Posh Ramen at Posh Improvisational Cuisine (5 Plates)

It's official, Tuesday is Ramen day!

I have been searching for a quality Ramen around the area  since the day I arrived in Scottsdale. I've tried the ramen at Ramen Republic, Cherry Blossom, Yoshi Bento and Umami and just recently, I tried Posh Ramen. By far, Posh Ramen takes home the bacon (or should I say the Chashu pork). 

Posh Improvisational Cuisine switches from the adventurous Posh menu to a simple ramen bar menu every Tuesdays. The prices for the ramen choices are reasonable. On an average, a guest would spend around $12 per bowl. For a high end and original big bowl of ramen, i think it's a good value for your $12 bucks.

The ambience of the place also tones down to a more relaxed and casual feel. As compared to the upscale feel that the restaurant has between Wednesdays to Saturdays. The staff goes casual with their shirts that say Posh Ramen.

Service is still excellent. We wanted to order two appetizers but our server recommended that we save room for the ramen since the ramen bowls are pretty big. So we just ordered a plate of Okinomiyaki. It was a good suggestion that allowed us to enjoy our ramen fully.

The Ramen. Again, the best ramen I've had this side of AZ so far. The noodles were cooked properly. Not too soft but not undercooked as well. It doesn't break when you do the slurp (which is how ramen should be eaten). The broth is full of flavor. The few choices that they have offer every type of taste bud something to enjoy.

Okonomiyaki

Appetizer: Okonomiyaki. Perfect way to prepare you for a great bowl of ramen. The savory vegetable pancake with bacon and shrimp was complimented by the bbq sauce and mayonnaise. What really added to the experience was the bonito flakes. It had the fishy asian character that would complete your every bite. 

Goma Ramen I think had a laksa finish to it. It had bokchoy, scallions, sesame seed and peppers. Maybe my favorite out of all the ramen we tried. 

Shoyu Ramen was the classic ramen. You know you are enjoying a ramen because of the flavor profile of the pork broth. The marinated bamboo was tender and it was served with a soft egg that had very unusual (good unusual) yolk. The yolk was sweet and it really complimented the broth.

Shrimp Ramen had a very Chinese soup flavor. It had a little bit of a kick that I would recommend to those who like Thai Tom Yum.

I would definitely be waiting for Tuesdays from now on because of Posh's ramen.

Visit their site at http://www.poshscottsdale.com

Also visit Chef Josh Herbert's blog at http://poshscottsdale.wordpress.com

Zinc Bistro (5 Plates)

Visit their site at http://www.zincbistroaz.com

You gotta give credit to those who deserves it and Zinc Bistro definitely deserves all the 5 stars. If I could, I would even rate them higher.

My AZ restaurant week adventure took me and my wife to our second upscale restaurant in 3 days. Our taste buds took us to Zinc Bistro on a rainy Saturday night.

From the outside, the bistro looked very ordinary. A simple restaurant sign, glass and wooden door, and some patio seating for the romantics. Nothing intimidating and nothing too fancy.

Inside the bistro, it was different. You are immediately transported from AZ to NY. The place turns from ordinary to exciting. The vibe becomes alive. Unlike other upscale restaurants, this one is upscale but not a stuck-up. In fact, this one is quite inviting. I felt like I can laugh around my friends while enjoying my wine and enjoy some stories while not rushing my meals.

Ambience... CHECK!

We were greeted at the door, then the receptionist led us to our corner table. The usual. Nothing extra ordinary. Soon as we settled at our table and our server (Dylan) greeted us and gave us the menu, from there on, the service was quick, efficient and VERY attentive. I can't even remember when and who filled our glasses with water. I usually measure service by how attentive the staff is, if your glass of water is always full and ice cold, that means someone is always looking after your table. At Zinc, my glass was never empty. For me, that says a lot about their service. Our server (Dylan) was also at the top of his game. He made sure we our enjoying our food and also made sure we enjoy our experience by offering the best that they have. You always feel comfortable when servers approach your table with a smile. Service was simply EXCEPTIONAL...

Service... CHECK!

Ever had a meal that made you nod your head every time you take a bite? As if telling yourself that you made the right choice and you did a good job choosing the right meal. That's Zinc bistro food for you. You know you made right choice on every bite. We ordered the Smoked Duck Terrine and Pastrami Cured Salmon Burrata. The smoke duck terrine filled my mouth with all the texture you would look for. It had both a crunch and velvety bite from the terrine and pistachio. Also gave the salty flavor from the duck while balancing it out with the apricot and vinaigrette. You also get the freshness from the carrot and arugula as you mix all the component in one bite. The pastrami cured salmon on a burrata did not fall short as well. There perfect balance of texture with the burrata and salmon while you get the freshness from the roast beet and butter leaf salad. The appetizers alone made me nod on every bite. The main course was just CRAZY GOOD! The flat iron steak was perfectly cooked. The crust from the outside complimented the tender and juicy medium rare center. Make sure though that every slice you take has some caramelized shallot or else it might be too salty for your taste. The caramelized shallots balances the flavor to the sweet, salty and partly tangy perfect bite. My wife had the confit lamb shank. The lamb was so tender and the meat falls off the bone easily. It was perfectly complimented by the Beluga lentils, medjool dates, roasted turnips and crushed almonds. Again, the texture and flavor was well balanced. We also loved the slight touch of the crema fresca that cut through the gaminess of the lamb. If you hate lamb, this meal might just change your mind.

Pastrami Cured Salmon Burrata 

Flat Iron Steak 

Confit Lamb Shank with beluga lentils, medjool dates, roasted turnips and crushed almonds.

Smoked Duck Terrine

Lastly, the dessert. I alway want my dessert to be sweet but not overly sweet. I want it to make me feel like it satisfied my sweet tooth without making me like I ate a whole box of cake. We had the brown butter cookie w/ peanut butter nougat and salted caramel. It was a very sexy Snickers bar on a plate. When eaten w/ small bites of mint leaves, it takes the sexy snickers over the top. 

We also had the grilled pineapple tarte tatin w/ toasted tahini and cardamon ice cream. The cardamon ice cream cuts through the tanginess of the pineapple. Since the pineapple was grilled, the natural sweetness of the pineapple comes out.

Oh and the chocolate soufflé ( their top dessert ) is a must have. How was it? It was so good that only tasting it on your own can explain the experience.

Food... CHECK!

Overall, it was a perfect experience. Which is worth the money you are shelling out. The food was awesome. The service was exceptional. The place was alive and inviting. Truly deserving of a 5 star.

Benedict's (4 Plates)

Eating at Benedict's made me feel like having brunch at my favorite aunt's house. The place was homey, the service was warm and the food was comforting. 

The place was small and only had a few small tables. There were some tables outside that offered seating for larger groups. I can easily understand if it would take a while to get a table on a busy day. Good thing (or unfortunately) we got to Benedict's a little past lunch already. We immediately got a table and we were greeted as soon as we went through the door. I don't think they have a lot of servers. Take note of this when you visit this place when it's busy. I would think everyone would scramble to make sure everyone is helped and taken cared of. As I've written, the place felt like home, even my own mom or aunt would have a hard time managing several guest at one time.

The service was hands-on. The lady who served us during our visit was very warm. She was engaging and very friendly. Again, like what I wrote, she was just like my favorite aunt. I did have some concerns, else I would have rated this with 5 stars. I ordered 3 items from their menu that were not available. Thus, why coming here late might be a disadvantage. They ran out of fruit for the crepe, challah bread for the french toast and avocado for the California eggs Benedict. Would have been nice to try it out. Maybe i'll come in early the next time so I get to try what I want.

The food that were served to us was very good. Let me correct that, it was very good. It was better than other big time brunch places that I have visited. it was original and full of flavor. We had the Arizona eggs benedict and their egg and bacon croissant sandwich. The croissant sandwich was soft, airy and tasty. The additional kick on the sandwich was the pesto sauce. The egg was cooked nicely and the bacon, though not as crispy as I wanted had a good bite as well. My wife loved the Arizona eggs benedict. It had tomatillo sauce instead of the usual hollandaise sauce. There was also a hint of corn tortilla taste on the sauce that gave the dish a mexican finish. Eggs were poached perfectly and the runny yolk complimented the sauce. The sausage wasn't bad as well. Not too salty and but had enough kick at the end to tell you that you are eating a sausage. 

Coffee and pastry were also very good. Add the warm ambience and service with good, Benedict's Cafe just felt like home.

Croissant Sandwich

Arizona Eggs Benedict

Visit their site at http://www.benedictscaterers.com

Christopher's and Crush Lounge (2 Plates)

Visit their site at http://christophersaz.com/food.cfm

2 Plates .... I would have rated it higher, but as always... service either makes it or breaks it.

It was restaurant week in Arizona so my friends and I decided to try something new. First stop for the restaurant weekend was Christopher's and Crush Lounge.

Chic, elegant, and upscale were my first thoughts when I walked in. The tables were romantically lit (my other way of saying that it needs a little more light).

We were given bread while we decided what to order and everything was going well.. so far...

Then came Jose, our server. Since we are not usually offered a menu with the words Merguez, Boudin Noir de Schrieners, Vennoise and Gateau Marjolaine we decided to ask for recommendations. Our dear server simply said "all of them". Great! Now that helped a lot. We did ask for more details and even asked what each entree was. Jose did explain. It was chicken, steak, sausage and chocolate. Hmmm... very appetizing. After we rolled the dice on what we would get from the menu, Jose cleaned up the extra table and extra plate beside my seat. He then rolled a piece of bread sitting on the extra table to my plate. He then smiled and said "woohoo, extra!". Again, WOW for an elegant and chic restaurant.

The service was way below my expectation. Since my table is paying $300 for our meal, we at least deserve some good service. Not great, just good. Just the right type of dinner table service. 

Oh the food... it was original. It had so much flavor. Plating was pretty. Steak was great! Much as I want to talk about the good food and the FABULOUS dessert, I think I'm already at my word count quota while reviewing the BAD service. SAD! =(

Gateau Marjolaine

Pigs Feet

Place was too dark to take pictures without flash. Here is my Onion soup served with a piece of old menu

Thai House (5 Plates)

I have been a loyal customer since 2008. My wife and I were searching for a good Thai restaurant when we first visited Thai House. After our first visit, its been a monthly thing for me and my wife.

I have recommended the restaurant to many of my friends, colleagues and even strangers. So far, all of them loved it and have become regulars as well.

The service is fantastic. Tables are always clean, food is served fast and hot. Even take-outs are always served complete with napkins and utensils.

What I love to drink? Soon as I get a table, my first order is always the Thai Iced Tea. Some may find it on the sweeter side but my taste buds says its just right. It is a traditional iced tea with what I believe is full cream milk. I had similar drinks when I visited Thailand and it is at par to the local thai drinks. 

What I love to eat? Pad thai is my favorite. They offer choices of shrimp, chicken, beef and tofu. I usually mix and match but whichever protein I choose, I have never gone wrong.

What else to love? Just recently I tried the seafood soup. It was the bomb! It had fish, scallops, muscles, and a variety of fish cake. Also had some lemongrass, ginger and other asian spices. The serving was big. Maybe 3 people can share it. Well it depends on your appetite, I guess. But it is a must try. I also love the panang, curry dishes and their fried rice. So many options and Have never gone wrong.

Overall, one of my favorite in the valley. Cheap, good service and good food. Certified yum for the buck!

Visit their site at http://www.thaihouse-az.com/Main.html

Chelsea's Kitchen (3 Plates)

Free cookie!!!!!

My wife and I decided to try Chelsea's Kitchen for our Sunday brunch date. I think we got there just in time since we didn't have to wait for a table.

I ordered a french pressed coffee soon as I got to the table. It was perfect to start my brunch. 

Since we didn't have an idea on what to order, we just asked for recommendations. The server was so knowledgable of the menu. She gave us recommendations on every part of the menu. We decided to order tuna tartare & guacamole for starters, Chilaquiles and Short ribs for our entree.

The tartare & guacamole was big enough to share. The guacamole was placed on top of the tuna tartare. I would have wanted a little more seasoning on my guacamole and maybe a little bit of a kick. Maybe some chili peppers would do. Don't get me wrong, it wasn't bad. I just had better tuna tartare and guacamole.

The short ribs at $20+ was tender, juicy and full of flavour. It was served on top of mashed potatoes and some grilled carrots. Again, it was around $20+... I can have the same good meal for $12 and still get the same satisfaction.

The chilaquiles was a different story. I think it's appropriately priced for the size and the flavour. I enjoyed the crunch of the corn tortilla, the balance of the chicken flavour and the compliment of the spicy sauce. It was original. At least it was the first time I had a mexican lasagna made with corn tortilla, chicken and spicy sauce.

Overall, Chelsea's kitchen had its pros and cons. The pros outweighs the cons. It may be pricey, it may have an ordinary menu but if you dig in just a little bit more... you might find some good food.

I will still come back to Chelsea's. Maybe next time i'll try the short ribs taco. The next table ordered it and it looked amazing.

By the way, they give free cookies on your way out. It was really good. Maybe the best thing I ate at Chelsea's that day were the cookies. Take note, THAT DAY. Maybe it would be different the next time I visit.

Visit their site at http://www.chelseaskitchenaz.com/