Restaurant Blog - Chowbaby.com

by Emily Bernard

RAWHIDE STEAKHOUSE AND SALOON
5700 West North Loop Road, Chandler, Arizona 85226
*Note that hours change seasonally, contact the restaurant for details.
 Rawhide is an 1880’s Western Town complete with steakhouse, saloon and shops.  After meandering the authentic old west streets and entertaining the kids with a petting ranch, gold panning, rock climbing and bull riding (mechanical, that is), you’re sure to work up an appetite.  The charming western theme takes over the steakhouse, where showgirls and cowboys serve the best babyback ribs, mesquite grilled steaks and barbeque chicken west of the Mississippi.  Rawhide Rattler and Rocky Mountain Oysters are house specialties for the courageous diners… they even come complete with a commemorative certificate of bravery.  Work up an appetite for dessert by dancing to live country music offered every evening.  If you time your trip right, you can catch the sundown cookout held every Saturday night from February through June and October through November.  This brings the mouthwatering menu favorites of the steakhouse out under the stairs and features stunt shows, magic shows and a marshmallow roast.  Rawhide Steakhouse and Saloon is not just a restaurant, it’s an experience back in time for kids and adults alike.

by Emily Bernard

AVANTI
2728 East Thomas Road, Phoenix, Arizona 85016
(602) 956-0900
Part of Avanti’s full title is “A Restaurant of Distinction,” something you’d never guess just driving by.  Avanti is situated next to a business strip mall on a high traffic street in Phoenix, even sharing its parking lot with the offices and accompanying clients next door.  But a restaurant of distinction it certainly is.  The gourmet traditional Italian food is delicious and presented artfully in a classy, 1930’s atmosphere.  Mirrors, black and white décor and at your side service set the ambience for a glamorous dining experience.  Linguine with clam sauce, Fettuccine al Salmon and Scampi and Scallops are among the best selections on the menu.  The freshest meat and seafood add to the chef’s special recipes and flavors.  The chef also offers a risotto of the day, utilizing fresh, in season ingredients.  Dessert is absolutely a must, especially the tiramisu with creamy, rich custard and bold espresso.  Avanti is perfect for a celebration or an out of the ordinary business lunch, and anything special in between.

By: Emily Bernard

COUP DES TARTES
4626 North 16th Street
Phoenix, Arizona 85016
(602) 212-1082

Small on space but big on charm, Coup Des Tartes epitomizes French romance. The restaurant is a 1930’s farm house reinvented into a quaint French bistro. With only 14 tables and a private party room titled “Rendez-vous,” reservations are recommended up to ten days in advance. Coup Des Tartes uses only the freshest, organic ingredients and the chef-owner changes the menu every few months to reflect the weather and season. The menu can be expansive for such a small place. Bistro favorites such as Filet Mignon and Sea Bass are represented, as well as a delectable mix of appetizers, salads and vegetarian dishes. But with “tartes” in the name, expect decadent desserts, as well. Homemade tartes are made daily and range from a Banana Brulee tarte , bruleed to order, a Mango Marscapone Mousse tarte and a Hot Chocolate tarte. A unique attribute to Coup Des Tartes is the “bring your own booze” philosophy. Guests can bring in their favorite beer, wine or champagne and enjoy with their meal for a small corking fee. Truly a unique and intimate dining experience, Coup Des Tartes could not be a more romantic setting to the perfect dinner.

By Emily Bernard

LON’S AT THE HERMOSA
5532 North Palo Cristi, Paradise Valley, AZ 85253
(800) 241-1210

For an authentic southwest dining experience, Lon’s at the Hermosa is the place to go. Once the home and studio for artist Alonzo (Lon) Megargee, Lon’s at the Hermosa is a hand built ranch house and the only remaining hacienda in Arizona. The charm of the landmark is reflected in the award winning American cuisine and the unique twist on Sunday brunch. An ala carte menu including fresh salads, salmon, steak and eggs is offered, in addition to “Lon’s Original Hacienda Brunch.” Instead of buffet style displays as far as the eye can see, each party selects non-alcoholic drinks and will be served a basket of homemade breads, an arrangement of fresh fruit, a platter of wood-grilled breakfast meats, and a choice of one of the brunch entrees. Entrée choices range from buckwheat blueberry pancakes to huevos rancheros, a southwest favorite. All foods are organic and from ecologically sound sources. To top it all off, Lon’s features live jazz music on Sundays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The Mexican and Spanish architecture, the breathtaking Arizona desert views and the tranquil patio will make this a brunch unlike any others.