Yen Sushi and Sake Bar in Phoenix

Yen Sushi and Sake Bar Review

Yen Sushi and Sake Bar is nestled in a small strip mall in north west Phoenix. It’s rather unobtrusive from the outside but once a new customer opens the tinted door they easily come to realize that the unobtrusive nature is strictly intentional. It’s is peaceful, quiet, and dim, just perfect for some perfect sushi.

The interior of the restaurant is dimly lit. Shades hang down the entire expanse of windows, keeping the restaurant cool as well. Don’t worry about the darkness though, apart from a handful of patrons the only thing it’s hiding is some of the best tasting sushi in the Phoenix area.

As usual we started with an appetizer, this time it was the Crunchy Calamari ($5). The discounted prices on the happy hour menu just made it taste even better. The calamari was served in 5-6 separate battered and deep fried pieces with a special thin sauce. They were good, but not spectacular. I guess in the future we might want to avoid deep fried… well, perhaps anything? If I felt just a little bit let down it didn’t take long to recover.

Not more than a couple of minutes after the appetizer was delivered to our table by a smiling hostess that same hostess also delivered the first roll of sushi, the Philadelphia Roll ($5). It included 8 pieces of rice wrapped avocado, asparagus and cream cheese topped with thin slices of pink, tender salmon. It was magnificent and the Crunchy Calamari was pushed out of the way and replaced by this wrapped, smooth, tasty piece of sushi accompanied by soy sauce, wasabi and sliced, light ginger.

Calamari Tempura Roll (back) and Spicy Tuna Roll ($5 each)

The Philadelphia Roll was just about ready to disappear for good when the rest of the sushi was brought out. It was a combined plate with a roll of Calamari Tempura ($5) and a roll of Spicy Tuna Tempura ($5). My clear favorite of the two was the Calamari Tempura. It was smooth and rich. The taste of calamari was clearly present but not so strong as to offset the tastes and texture of the rice and other ingredients. The fried Spicy Tuna didn’t quite ring my bell. The texture of the roll had not quite reached the point that I felt it would be best eaten at and instead of blending with the sushi the fried portions seemed to put on a taste of their own.

Philadelphia Roll with Salmon, Avocado, Asparagus and Creme Cheese ($5)

In general I would still highly recommend Yen Sushi and Saki Bar. While not everything ordered was outstanding, those sushi rolls that were more than easily picked up the slack for the rest. The Calamari and Philadelphia rolls were top notch and I don’t think it will be too long before I find myself sitting once again in it’s dark interior.

This is an unpaid review of Yen Sushi and Sake Bar at 17037 N 43rd Ave. Phoenix, AZ 85308. If you are associated with a restaurant, or know of a restaurant in the Phoenix valley that you would like us to review please contact us at Troy@Phoenix.org and we will see if we are able.

New Asian Kitchen Outside Photo

There is a hidden gem in north Phoenix. Situated in a strip mall, the restaurant is a quaint 25 feet wide, squished between a cigar shop and a carpet liquidator, yet although New Asian Kitchen is stuck in such a small building, it carries big flavor. Now, it may not win any national awards for Asian cuisine, or fill the restaurant’s seats seven days a week, but when you combine taste, portion size and cost almost any critic would admit that the New Asian Kitchen is a winner.

New Asian Kitchen is located in the southeast corner of the junction of Bell Road and 43^rd Avenue. If you are still having a hard time finding it (as we did), then look for the Taco Bell; they share a parking lot.

The first thing we noticed when we walked in the door was the small number of customers. Our addition to the restaurant increased the patronage by 50%, bringing the total to three occupied tables out of perhaps 12-15. Usually only three groups of patrons in a restaurant is a bad thing. In our case though, it just meant fast food, and I mean really fast food.

Pu-Pu Platter ($3.25 per person)

We were seated immediately upon entrance and the drinks followed quickly after. Once it was time to order it took all of two minutes and twenty eight seconds for our appetizer, the Pu-Pu Platter ($7.50) to arrive. When the platter appeared we happily ignored the name and had no trouble eating through the selection of egg rolls, fried shrimp, crab puffs, BBQ pork and beef skewer with a side of sweet and sour sauce.

The appetizers in the Pu-Pu Platter, like everything else we eventually ate, were hot, really hot. While the fried shrimp was a little thick on the breading, the shrimp inside was large and moist. The crab puff was filled with sweet crème cheese and small bits of crab meat. The egg rolls, like their platter partners, were piping hot and filled to the brim with fresh veggies complemented by a crisp outer roll. Mine was stolen more than once from my plate by my dining companion wanting “one more taste”. The beef skewer was probably the least enjoyable part of the appetizer platter; it was still good, just outshined by the other foods. The final portion of the platter was the BBQ pork. It filled a small dish and was lightly dusted in a sweet, dark sauce. The meat was soft, perhaps a slight bit too soft, yet certainly enjoyable enough for it to disappear in quick time.

Pot Stickers with Soy Sauce ($4.50)

We hadn’t found the time to finish the appetizer platter yet, and believe me, we were making good time, when a plate of six fresh pot stickers ($4.50) was brought to our table. We happily made way for this lovely new addition which was served on a bed of shredded cabbage. On the side was the best soy sauce I’ve ever tasted—soy sauce with floating green onion slices. The pot stickers had a small touch of salt on the outside with cooked vegetables and pork on the inside and like all proceeding portions, were piping hot. A large enough portion for two to suggest leftovers, we thought we might have some. We didn’t.

All this and we hadn’t been served main course yet…

The entrées came just as quickly and just as hot. Full of authentic taste, the dishes were a plate of Mongolian Beef ($7.95) and Pineapple Chicken ($8.95). Each plate came with an endless bowl of sticky rice. The Mongolian Beef was composed of tender slices of beef accompanied by white and green onions as well as a spicy sauce.  The entire repertoire of flavors blended wonderfully and the white rice added to the satiation of the meal without diluting the taste.

Mongolian Beef ($7.95)

Pineapple Chicken ($8.95)

The pineapple chicken included deep fried chicken with pineapple, carrots, green pepper and onion, all with the same sticky rice to accompany it. The carrots, peppers and onion all tasted fresh and crisp, unfortunately that couldn’t be said for the pineapple, which in all likelihood came from a can. It was certainly enjoyable and disappeared quickly enough, but fresh pineapple would have been a wonderful completion to the dish.

Overall thoughts…

New Asian Kitchen was great. The service was outstanding, the food arrived quickly, the prices were extremely affordable, the portion sizes were large for Asian restaurants and the food quality was terrific. While I probably wouldn’t drive across town to dine at New Asian Kitchen, if I were in the neighbor hood of Bell Road and 43^rd Avenue in North Phoenix, it is a choice that I would be happy to make again.

Unlimited Sticky Rice (Free with Entree)

During the time we were in the restaurant we saw a handful of patrons drop in to pick up take out as well as saw a delivery driver return from delivering an order or two.

If you would like to get in contact with New Asian Kitchen use the info below:

• 4231 W. Bell Rd.   Phoenix, AZ 85023
• (S.E. Corner of 43rd Ave & Bell Rd.)
• Bell Plaza Shopping Center
• Phone: (602)-938-0848

This is a free review of New Asian Kitchen provided by the staff of Phoenix.org. If you own or are associated with a restaurant and would like Phoenix.org to provide a review please contact us using the submission form found at http://phoenix.org/contact/.

We do not charge a review fee.

Schnepf Farms Peach Festival May 2011

The Schnepf Farms Peach festival participants may enjoy countless peach centered activities. Some of the activities include peach centered games, peach pie spitting contest. A peach pie eating contest. There will also be demonstrations by well known local chefs at 10am on each day of the festival. The festival occurs on May 14^th, 15^th, 21^st, 22^nd.

Make sure to bring your kids as well. Attendance is free but there are many activities to participate in that do require a small fee such as a ride through the orchard on a train that is $3 per person. There is also a small roller coaster, a honeybee adventure, and giant slide and more. Unlimited ride wristbands can be purchased for only $10.

For more information contact Schnepf Farms at 480-987-3100 or visit their website at http://www.schnepffarms.com/.

Additional Information:

Dates: May 14,15,21,22

Hours: 7:30am-4:00pm

Admission: Free

Phone: 480-987-3100

Location:

Schnepf Farms

24810 S. Rittenhouse Road

Queen Creek, AZ. 85242

Sample Fuego Bistro Discount Card

Fuego Bistro and Phoenix.org have teamed up to offer residents of the Valley of the Sun with a 50% discount at Fuego Bistro’s wonderful eatery. If you have not eaten at Fuego Bistro then you are missing out. Their Latin fare will rock your mouth and send you into a state of perfection that one rarely experiences. From their signature empanadas served with homemade BBQ sauce to the mouthwatering Green Chilli Cheese Burger made with real Angus beef, Fuego Bistro is a great place for a date with your special someone or just a great local to hang out with the friends.

The deal that Phoenix.org is offering you is good for a 50% discount on your complete dinner order (up to a $100 value and excluding alcohol). To make sure that you experience as much as Fuego Bistro as possible the discount is broken up into 5 different uses. This means that you can visit Fuego Bistro, order $40 worth of food and only pay $20 for it and you can do this five different times! Lets see, that means you can try the Angus Grilled New York Strip Steak,  then the Jumbo Sauteed Prawns followed by Pan Seared Blackened Ahi Tuna and then possibly the Natural Farmed Chicken Breast… the combinations and choices go on and on!

OK, so what is this $100 value going to cost…

Easy, just $9.99!

Yep, you read that right. For just $9.99 you can save up to $100 eating at Fuego Bistro, one of the tastiest restaurants in Phoenix and it is all brought to you by Phoenix.org.

• Fuego Bistro
• 713 E. Palo Verde Drive
• Phoenix, AZ 85014
• 602-277-1151

Still not sure if Fuego Bistro is the kind of food for you? Then take a minute and read some of the overwhelmingly positive reviews all over the internet.

Fuego Bistro Yelp Reviews

Fuego Bistro AZCentral.com Reviews

Fuego Bistro Urban Spoon Reviews

You can purchase the discount card via paypal using the “Buy Now” link below. Because the discount card is a professionally made physical card and not simply a printable page it is necessary that you provide us with your address so we can mail it to you. The card will be mailed within 24 hours of payment.

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By: Trevor Freeman

If I had to pick just one word to describe Arizona, it would be inspiring. Maybe it’s the variety of landscapes and climates, or perhaps it is the remarkable sunsets. Whatever the reason, there’s just something about Arizona that inspires people to get creative. Here is my list of some cool books about Arizona:

Weird Arizona Book Cover

1. Weird Arizona by Wesley Treat

This book features all of the weird, strange, and unique places you won’t find in other travel guides. Weird Arizona features roadside attractions, haunted places, and all manner of weirdness. Definitely a must-read for those off-the-beaten-path explorers. It also makes a great gift!

Weird Arizona by Wesley Treat

2. Moon Handbooks: Arizona by Bill Weir

A dear friend gifted me this excellent travel guide to Arizona. It covers Page to Nogales and everything in between. The best Arizona has to offer in attractions, lodging, and dining are all packed into this extremely portable book. Weir goes a step beyond other travel guides by introducing each of Arizona’s regions with a detailed and contextual history.

3. Phoenix Then and Now by Paul Scharbach and John Akers

Take a trip back through time and see what Phoenix used to look like in its early days. This book takes it a step further with “rephotography” – modern-day photos from the same locations as historical photos. Akers and Scharbach do a masterful job of showing the city’s changing face over time.

Phoenix Then and Now

4. The Exploration of the Colorado River and Its Canyons by John Wesley Powell

Civil War veteran, geologist, and explorer John Wesley Powell was the first man to lead an exploration of the Colorado River Valley in 1869. Powell’s journal records the incredible 1,000 mile journey that led to the first recorded exploration of the Grand Canyon with the soul of a poet and the wit of a scientist.

5. Official Arizona Trivia by Marshall Trimble

As the Official State Historian of Arizona, Marshall Trimble has spent his life preserving the state’s history and culture through his written works. In Arizona Trivia, he recounts the weird, wacky, and unusual facts about the state’s history that you simply won’t find anywhere else!

6. Phoenix: 21st Century City by Edward Booth-Clibborn

This book is a compilation of photographs that highlights the architectural and artistic side of Phoenix as it continues to grow and expand in a seemingly endless sprawl of suburbs. It’s worth owning just for the remarkable photographs of a city that is contstantly in transition and the effects that has on its residents.

7. Arcosanti: An Urban Laboratory? by Paolo Soleri

This Italian-born architect has adopted Arizona as the home for his vision of the future. Arcology is a fusion of architecture and ecology, exhibited at Soleri’s experimental community in Mayer, Arizona and at Cosanti in Scottsdale. His visions of the future are as ambitious as they are grand, which makes for some controversial yet interesting theology.

8. Monumental Places: National Parks and Monuments in the Grand Canyon State by George McNamee

Published by Arizona Highways, this book takes readers on a tour of Arizona’s most famous places. At just 80 pages, the focus of this book is clearly on quality. It features the stunning, award-winning photographs that Arizona Highways magazine is famous for. Great for shutterbugs and Arizona enthusiasts alike.

9. Route 66 Across Arizona by Richard and Sherry Magnum

Check out this comprehensive index of Historic Route 66 in Arizona! From the New Mexico border to the California State Line, this book features maps, photos, and information about the Mother Road’s path through Arizona.

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Trevor Freeman is a resident of the Phoenix valley and a contributing author to Phoenix.org. He also maintains his own local blog at NorthPhoenixBlog.Blogspot.com.

If you would like to contribute an article to Phoenix.org then please contact our editor at Troy@Phoenix.org.

By: Trevor Freeman

Like any major city, Phoenix has its share of excellent shopping, dining, and entertainment attractions. But what if you want to do something a little more unique, something a little more…Arizona? In that case, here are ten activities which you can only do in Phoenix.

10. Ride “Desert Storm”

Castles-N-Coasters is the home of Desert Storm, Arizona’s biggest roller coaster and the only one in the state with two inverted loops. Besides the coaster, Castles-N-Coasters also offers other rides, miniature golf, and a two-story arcade.

Hotel San Carlos Phoenix

9. Take a Ghost Tour

The Hotel San Carlos in downtown Phoenix is rumored to be haunted by the spirit of a woman who leapt to her death from the hotel’s roof in the 1930s. The hotel caters to ghost hunters with guided tours running October through December.

8. Climb Camelback Mountain

This Phoenix landmark does sort of look like a camel’s hump, if you squint a little. It is one of the most popular trails in town and provides hikers with an excellent view of Phoenix and the quirky Camelback Castle.

7. Catch a Diamondbacks Game

Nothing is more enjoyable than watching a baseball game on a real grass field – unless of course it were air-conditioned! That’s exactly the case at Chase Field, where the retractable roof opens and closes in just over four minutes.

6. Eat at Pizzeria Bianco

This locally owned pizzeria in downtown Phoenix was voted the Best Pizza in America by New York food critic Ed Levine in 2005. Chef Chris Bianco’s gourmet wood-fired pizzas are a big draw, so grab a drink at the bar while you wait for a table. Wait times can be as long as 2 hours, even on a weeknight!

5. Ride the Light Rail

Valley Light Metro Rail

Phoenix’s light rail system offers 20 miles of track connecting the city with Mesa and Tempe. Take a ride on the smooth and quiet electric train and experience one of Phoenix’s newest icons.

4. Play Golf in December

There’s no question about it, Phoenix is a hotspot for golfers. With over 250 days of sunshine per year and over 150 courses in the greater Phoenix area, you can get in another round at any time of the year.

3. Dine with a Twist

The Compass Restaurant in downtown Phoenix will have your head spinning before you even get to your table! As Arizona’s only revolving restaurant, it makes one full revolution in about an hour. Lunch and dinner are served year round.

2. Visit Hunt’s Tomb

Located in Papago Park near the Phoenix Zoo, Hunt’s Tomb is the final resting place of Arizona’s first Governor. Mr. Hunt served seven terms as Governor of Arizona and is one of the few non-Egyptians to be commemorated with a pyramid.

1. Visit Ro Ho En Japanese Garden

This Japanese garden is one of Phoenix’s best kept secrets. Located above the Interstate 10 “Deck Park” tunnel, the garden features traditional Japanese plants and landscaping that provide a truly relaxing experience.

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Trevor Freeman is a resident of the Phoenix valley and a contributing author to Phoenix.org. He also maintains his own local blog at NorthPhoenixBlog.Blogspot.com.

If you would like to contribute an article to Phoenix.org then please contact our editor at Troy@Phoenix.org.

Cirque De Soleil Alegria Phoenix

The international cast features 55 performers from 17 countries celebrating joy and happiness through acrobatics and aerial feats. Acts include Power Track, a group whose synchronized choreography is done atop a trampoline system below the stage floor, and Russian Bars, who do flying feats, landing on the shoulders of other troupe members.

Sunday, 1:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Wednesday, 7:30 PM
Thursday, 7:30 PM
Friday, 3:30 PM – 7:30 PM
Saturday, 4:00 PM – 8:00 PM

Phoenix Metro Area

Fireworks Over Phoenix

25th Annual Freedom Wireless Fabulous Phoenix Fourth

July 4
Steele Indian School Park
Phoenix

FREEDOM WIRELESS FABULOUS PHOENIX FOURTH— Help celebrate our country’s freedom once again at Steele Indian School Park, 3rd Street and Indian School Rd.  The fun will begin at 6 p.m. with an expanded fireworks display beginning at 9:20 p.m. There will be two stages of entertainment, Kids World area, Classic Car exhibit, refreshment vendors, and more! For more information call 602 262-6862.

For More Information
http://www.phoenix.gov
Phone: 602-262-6862
Phoenix, AZ

Downtown Mesa

Celebration of Freedom

July 2 through July 3
Downtown Mesa
Mesa

Visit downtown Mesa for the inaugural Arizona’s Celebration of Freedom festival. There will be classic cars, motorcycles, beer gardens, art, music, games, and more.

Celebrations start Friday with the ever popular, “Motorcycles on Main” and a flag raising at Stage America. Along Main street bands will be playing music and businesses and restrautants will be open for your shopping and dining pleasure.

Saturday night includes an American classic car show and the official Salute to America program featuring musical performances, brief comments by Mayor Scott Smith and others and a spectacular fireworks display choreographed to a special selection of patriotic songs.

Each night, the event includes “fun zones” and specific program areas up and down Main Street. The Wet Zone, a “you-will-get-soaked” area at the event, is sure-to-be popular with kids and adults with more than a dozen water activities. The Family Fun Zone, your traditional county fair area includes games, pie-eating and watermelon-eating contests, carnival games for the kids and more.

FREE TO THE PUBLIC, FREE PARKING

Fri., July 2, 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.
Sat., July 3, 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.

Downtown Mesa (Street Closures: Main Street, from Morris just west of Robson to Centennial just east of Center Street Center, Macdonald, and Robson 1st Street to 1st Avenue)

For more information go to www.azcelebrationoffreedom.org.

July 4th- A Star Spangled Shoot Out!

July 4
Rawhide Wild West Town
Chandler

5:30pm – 11pm

Celebrate your independence this July 4th western style with us right here at Rawhide! If it’s a party yer lookin’ for, we’ve got you covered with cowboys, gunfights, food, fun, family and fireworks!

Attractions & Entertainment:

• Live music throughout town
• Action Packed Performances
• Aerial Fireworks Display

Admission: $10 per person (ages 6 & up), Kids 5 years old and under are Free.
Admission cost includes Rawhide attractions, entertainment & Aerial Fireworks Display.

For More Information
http://www.rawhide.com
Phone: 480-502-5600
Chandler, AZ

If you’re looking for something different to celebrate this year—a chance to get away from the crowds—there are celebrations going on throughout the state. Phoenix.org will highlight a few for you.

Around the State:

Prescott Rodeo

Perhaps you are looking for a Rodeo. At just under a two hour drive, the Prescott Rodeo and dance is sure to please. Or maybe you’re looking for a more small-town rodeo. In that case, why not make the trip to Taylor, AZ, or Eager, AZ, where both towns will be hosting rodeos, and enjoy a scenic drive through the Tonto National Forest while you’re at it.

Should you be looking for a non-traditional way to celebrate the fourth, there are events going on which will be enjoyable and certainly entertain.

Clarkdale Train

Head on up to Flagstaff to watch an outdoor movie on the square, and while you’re there, catch a Renaissance Faire and Mountain Music Festival or the 77th Annual Hopi Festival of Arts & Culture.

Superior, AZ is also offering a unique experience. Make the one-hour drive to Superior and enjoy a Dragonfly Walk; sure to be a highlight in the non-traditional celebration of the Fourth of July weekend.

Or perhaps, you’d like to spend your day riding the Firecracker Express through the majestic tunnels of the Tonto National Forest in Clarkdale. For the athlete, head to Tucson to spend the fourth participating in the 15th Annual Holualoa Firecracker Triathlon. Whatever you choose, Arizona has much to offer.

Lake Powell

Looking for a scenic place to watch the fireworks? Here are a few options in the beautiful state of Arizona. Head north to the city of Page and watch the colors as they gleam off Lake Powell.  As a closer option, choose to visit Parker, AZ and enjoy the fireworks on the Colorado River. If you’re planning a trip to the east-side of the state, make Pinetop one of your stops to enjoy fireworks over Sunrise Lake.

While there are sure to BBQs going on in neighborhoods and backyards all over the state, should your mouth be watering for professional Barbequeing, head to Williams, AZ where teams will compete for $10,000 in prize money. At a closer option, Maricopa, just outside South Phoenix, will also be hosting a city-wide BBQ.

Maybe you’re looking for something to do with an old-fashioned feel. Well, look no farther! Visit Clarkdale to eat a pancake breakfast, ride the train and a live band concert. In Williams, AZ you can join in a game of vintage baseball, railhead shoot and hometown parade.

Tucson Music Hall

If you’re looking to light up the weekend with the sounds of patriotic music, head to the Tucson Music Hall to enjoy the Arts Express Choir and Orchestra.

Regardless of what your tastes are, we’re confident that one of these activities highlighted by Phoenix.org will be right for you and your family. If you know of an event that is not listed here that you would like our readers to know about, please contact us and we will be sure to update this article.

Have a safe and happy fourth!

Check out other celebrations happening throughout Arizona!

Railhead Shooting Competition

July 1 through July 4
Williams Shooting Range
Williams

43rd Annual 4th of July Celebration

July 2 through July 4
Veterans Memorial Park
Sierra Vista

2010 Light Up the Sky Festival

July 2
Maryvale Baseball Park
Maryvale

6th Annual Art Barn 4th of July Arts and Crafts Festival

July 2 through July 4
Pinetop
Pinetop

Frontier Days Parade

July 3
Courthouse Plaza
Prescott

Independence Day Celebration

July 3
Alpine

31st Annual Prescott Rodeo Days Fine Arts & Crafts Show

July 3 through July 5
Courthouse Plaza
Prescott

30th Annual Pine-Strawberry Arts & Crafts Festival

July 3 through July 4
Pine Community Center
Pine

Show Low Main Street Farmers’ Market & Art Walk

July 3 through July 31
Festival Marketplace
Show Low

4th of July Celebration

July 4
City Park
Benson

Fourth of July Celebration & Fireworks

July 4
Paul Mason Sportsplex
Casa Grande

11th Annual Fantastic Family Fourth of July

July 4
Cottonwood Kid’s Park
Cottonwood

Freedom Fest

July 4
Florence Pool & Heritage Park
Florence

Fourth of July Celebration

July 4
Patagonia

Family Style 4th of July

July 4
Medigovich Field
Tombstone

Bisbee’s Annual Fourth of July Celebration

July 4
Tombstone Canyon
Bisbee

4th of July Fireworks & Celebration

July 4
Veterans Memorial Park
Douglas

14th Annual 4th of July Parade

July 4
Historic Downtown
Flagstaff

Star Spangled Spectacular

July 4
Crossroads at Silverbell Park
Marana

July 4th Celebration

July 4
Pioneer Park
Prescott

Prescott Valley 4th of July Celebration

July 4
Mountain Valley Park
Prescott Valley

39th Annual Fourth of July Celebration

July 3
Sunset Park
Wickenburg

Fourth of July Fireworks

July 4

Emil Nasser Stadium

Winslow

24th Annual Independence Day Flag Raising Ceremony

July 4
Caballero Park
Yuma

Vivian N. Is the owner of PhoenixNeighborhoodBlogger.com and a regular contributer to the entertainment and food columns on Phoenix.org

Yelp in Bloom Highlights Some of the Best of Phoenix

With the gorgeous Desert Botanical Gardens as a back drop, Yelp in Bloom took place on Wednesday evening, March 4^th, offering Valley Yelpers a chance to indulge in some of the best Phoenix has to offer. Yelp is a website that allows readers to review and vote on popular eateries, businesses and events throughout the country. Phoenix is quickly a top city for Yelpers to write, talk and blog about.

The Yelp in Bloom event was a way for Yelp to thank their members and offer local culinary hotspots an environment to spotlight their best eats. From heavenly foie gros from Petite Maison to delicious bruchetta from 5^th and Wine, eateries from around the Valley provided succulent fare for tasting. There was no lack of sweet stuff as cupcakes, brownies and gelato were all in attendance.

For tasty drinks, Maker’s Mark,  Cruz Tequila, Full Sail Brewery along with several other distributors offered plenty of spirits. Water was in abundance, provided by the Valley’s new Main Ingredient restaurant, to ease up on some of the succulence. The Botanical Gardens staff offered evening tours to Yelpers leaving many checking membership costs and researching the Botanical Gardens event calendar.

5th and Wine, Bombay Spice, Cien Agaves, Gelato Spot, and Petite Maison are a few of the participants that really should be added to your evening-out lists. The staff at these establishments were delightful to talk with and really went out of their way to make a positive impression on new patrons. Of course the Desert Botanical Gardens are a must visit as well and provides a lively canvas for a fun event.



Binkley’s Restaurant is a little off the beaten path, but its adventurous “molecular gastronomy” approach to food is well worth the drive. Every stunning dish here is presented like a work of art, and customers will appreciate Chef Kevin Binkley’s knack for unexpected flavor combination’s and Amy Binkley’s welcoming presence as maitre d’. Binkley’s was one of the Bon Appetit 50 Hot Restaurants of 2005 and has received accolades from the James Beard Foundation. Despite its stellar reputation amongst locals and critics alike, you won’t feel out of place if you show up in jeans and a blazer; Binkley’s is worlds away from pretension and has a laidback atmosphere with incredibly friendly service who will make you feel like you’re at home.

Binkley’s menu is seasonal and changes daily. Offerings include cold and hot appetizers, fish, meat,  poultry, cheeses (over 50 varieties), and desserts. Entrées range from $30 and up, and feature locally grown organic products whenever possible, such as Mclendon Farm beets. You’ll find anything from filet mignon to pheasant breast. Vegans and vegetarians, as well as other customers with dietary preferences or restrictions, can request special dishes in advance via Binkley’s online reservations service, OpenTable.

We find the best values are the tasting menus, which are available in four, five, or six courses. While the portions are slightly smaller than the à la carte offerings, you get to taste a wide variety of dishes without having to pay for or waste full-size dishes, and even better, you get to pick the dishes you want to taste – no worrying that the chef will send you out some strange dish you didn’t want! Tasting menus start at just $60. You might enjoy a black truffle pasta salad, smoked baby octopus with fiddlehead ferns, caramel-crusted quail, marinated white anchovies with purple potatoes, or a Grand Marnier frozen souffle with candied mint. Or, if you’re in a more adventurous mood, try the foie gras dipping dots, deconstructed baked potato shot, pear consommé lava lamp, or flash-frozen banana split. If you’re a true epicure, you can have the sommelier pair each course with its own wine for $35 more.

If you’re in the mood for entertainment with your food, try and reserve a seat at the bar, especially seats 1 and 2. You’ll be able to see straight into the kitchen and watch as talented chefs work their magic. Chef Binkley often comes through the area to ensure that customers are happy and well-fed, and you’re likely to end up with a free course or two if he sees you. While prices are higher than your average American steakhouse, a dinner at Binkley’s is more than a meal: it’s an experience to remember.

Binkley’s Restaurant

6920 East Cave Creek Road

Cave Creek, Arizona 85331

Reservations: 480-437-1072