Arizona Restaurant Review: Brat Haus//Friday Night With My Baby

 Friday night we were antsy. 

We had spent the majority of the week working on house projects and with empty stomachs and an empty fridge, we hit the town.

 We had walked passed this place on Scottsdale Road a few weeks prior and as soon as Marcus saw the German flag flying above it, I knew were going to make our way their sooner, rather than later.

But I didn't mind, I saw pretzels on the menu.

 It's called Brat Haus, it's in downtown Scottsdale, and it just opened up in July, so it's really new.

It's got a killer modern, rustic, german beer-garden-esque design and excellent costumer service. 

Every employee is super friendly and helpful and talks highly of the place and the food.

 Plus, they have this giant mural of Ron Swanson...so, there's that.

But here's where the problem started: Marcus lived in Germany for two years. He basically idolizes the place, and he hold their food in the highest esteem. So what I'm trying to say is, he wasn't overly impressed. 

He ordered a beer brat--the flavor and texture wasn't the same as it is in Germany, the sauerkraut was 'okay' and the bun was good. He (and I) were also not overly impressed with the pretzels. They were a little too dense. 

Nothing there was gross, it just didn't really leave us wanting more.

Except for one thing--their glass bottle sodas.

Oh.

My.

Goodness.

I got this butterscotch root beer, and DANG! did it live up to it's name. 

I think a tear came out of my eye. I begged Marcus to let me get at least a thousand to go. 

He said no.

He got SKI which is a lemon-orange flavored soda and it was so refreshing and unique.

So the pros were the ambience, the service, and the sodas.

The cons were, unfortunately, the food.

To be fair, the beer menu was like 4 times longer than the food menu, so perhaps we aren't really their target audience, since we weren't coming for alcohol.

I have a feeling we'll go back and give it one more chance. I'll try the Belgium french fries that we saw on someone else's table that looked quite divine and the beet salad, and Marcus will try a spicy brat with the apricot onion chutney and we'll of course get ourselves a glass bottle soda.

And hopefully our minds will be changed--because I like the company and I want it to be a success.

Have You Been?

Or do you know of any good German restaurants we should try?

{For Fashion's Sake} Saturday: GlassesUSA

GlassesUSA.com is an online glasses company that offers affordable prescription glasses. They were kind enough to send me a pair of their eyeglasses to review.

Unfortunately the review did not have the best beginnings.

When I got the glasses they were extremely crooked. I considered sending them back right away and turning down the offer, but I posted an instagram of the specs and you all convinced me to keep them, so I emailed the company telling them about the problem. 

They were extremely quick to reply, offered an apology, and a solution. Which I found refreshing.

Apparently you can take your glasses to just about any glasses place and have them straightened for free, even if you didn't buy from them.

Although, it was slightly inconvenient, I eventually got down there, and now they're good as new.

My retro frames were selling for $85, which is a bit cheaper than other popular online glasses shops ($99), so if you're looking to buy glasses, you can use this code for free US shipping and 20% off a pair: NEW2012

As it should be.

This weekend we went down to Old Town Gilbert for some dinner at Liberty Market (remember this story?) and afterwards we wanted something sweet, but not to big. It was then that we saw Joe's Real BBQ across the street and Marcus had the bright idea to go get cookies--remember how much we loved them last time we had a taste?

We bustled over there as fast as our full bellies could manage, stood in quite and extensive line and grabbed ourselves a couple of cookies. As we walked back to our car, we began to indulge...only it wasn't indulging this time. I took one bite and felt nothing. Another, and it was just as bland. Where had the Ooo and Aww gone from these chocolaty treats?

I tweeted my disappointment and then forgot about the event. Not an hour later I received a message from Joe's explaining that they would like to apologize and requested my address. I was pretty impressed with the apology alone and didn't expect anything more, imagine my surprise and delight when I opened the mailbox to find a note from them that also included a nice gift card and a request to give the cookies another try.

I really respect companies that are determined to please their patrons and go the extra mile to make things right. I didn't have to go in ranging and demand to speak with a manager, all I did was tweet something like, "Did Joe's change their recipe, the cookies weren't as good tonight." And that was more dissatisfaction than they wanted their costumer to feel. I really like that Joe, thanks. You'll be seeing me soon, Fear not...But those cookies better be good.

What are some businesses that have policies you respect?

Arizona Restaurant Review: Bandera

Last week my big brother, Richard and his beautiful wife celebrated their 16th wedding anniversary--which is pretty hard to believe seeing as one might mistake her of looking darn near 16. But alas, she has teenagers, so what seems an impossible is indeed a reality.

Since my other brother and his family were in town, they invited us all along on their celebratory evening. 

We were to meet at a restaurant that none but they had ever eaten, so blindly trusting, we went.

It was located in the quaintness of Old Scottsdale, a place dripping with South-Western character, and a place that I once saw Steve Nash of Phoenix Suns acclaim. (It's kind of fancy-pancy down in Scottsdale.)

Upon entering Bandera, it oozed masculinity with it's wood ceiling beams, dimmed lights, leather seats, and a black and red color scheme. The menu was pretty minimal, but every option sounded mouth-watering. 

As newbies, we relied heavily on the opinion of both the waitress and the celebrating couple. 

Without hesitation Rich requested a couple of orders of their cornbread. He assured us (even if we weren't cornbread fans) that we would die and go to heaven upon consumption. 

It was a true statement. We are dead, but oh-so-happy about our last meal.

It was, however, so very filling, that it made it hard to eat our meals when they came. It also had a gentle sweetness that would let it pass as a dessert were you to order it at the end of your meal, just keep in mind the eminent death bit...

I followed the waitresses recommendation and my brother's example and ordered the Old Town Cheese Burger, but subbed my fries for their mac and cheese. It was ooey gooey goodness. The burger was also amazing, but quite large and I barely made a dent in it. 

Marcus got their Macho Salad (so 'macho' that three people at the table ordered it, but probably could have shared one). It was DIVINE. Truly one of the best salads I've had in my life. A little bit of spicy a whole lot of goodness.

Sterling broke the mold and did not order a cheese burger or a salad, but instead went for the Carnitas Sandwich with Braised Pork, Avocado & Rio Grande Glaze, though I did not taste it myself, he assured me that it was prepared to perfection. 

The only thing that could use improvement in our families opinion was the chicken in the Macho Salad. It was a little to chickeny tasting (and looking). Is that a weird thing to say? It looked a little too jiggly and not quite as 'clean' as us Bagley's prefer (but we are a little OCD in the meat department, so maybe you should just see for yourself and let me know what you think) Also the corn was rumored to be 'way too smokey', but it sure was pretty! 

Were I to go back, which I would very much like to do, I would order the Macho Salad, a lemonade and corn-bread for dessert. In fact, Marcus and I could split that, keep our bill around $25, and still have oodles of it left over.

It was a wonderful night filled with delicious food and even better company!

Here was the overall rating for the night, based on a 10 point system, and determined at the end of the meal:

Old Town Cheese Burger: 9 

(I'd give it an 8, my brother gave it a 10)

Macho Salad: 9 

(10 if you exclude the chicken)

Shoe-String Fries: 8 

(delicious, but a bit salty)

Carnitas Sandwich: 9

Corn on the Cob: 3

Mac & Cheese: 7.5

Fresh Lemonade: 10 

(but sour, so beware if you're sensitive)

Cornbread: 12 

(ya, i just did that)

{For Fashion's Sake} Saturday: Four-Eyes

Bonlook Frames

Lately I've been hearing a lot about this online frame shop called BonLook and as soon as I saw their variety of frames, I was in love! I posted about them on Facebook and a friend told me about Warby Parker--also amazing (plus they work like TOMS shoes--buy a pair, they donate a pair).

Warby Parker Frames

Something you might not know about Marcus and I is that one of our favorite stops in the mall is the glasses stores. The problem is the selection of cool frames is sparse and the one's we do like are in the $200 range. Eek!

Ray Bans

We both have and are grateful for our 20/20 vision, but we both have childhood memories of trying to trick our parents into getting us glasses. (Marcus actually succeeded, he lied his way through an entire eye-exam, got a pair of glasses then never wore them because they, of course, gave him headaches! haha)

Anyway, I'm guilty of wearing fake glasses, and now with this virtual try-on session, I may be saving my pennies to buy myself a pair from BonLook or Warby Parker frames.
Mostly I'm just glad to know that there are stylish and affordable ($95-$99) frames out there, in case I actually did need a pair someday.

Which are your favorite?

If you end up doing a virtual try on session, I'd love to see pics!

Giving In. No Regrets.

Perchance you are wise enough to be pursuing the isle of La Grande Orange Grocery Store in Phoenix.

Perchance you happen upon the perfectly humongous made-in-house sourdough English Muffins.

Perchance you are tempted to buy and then you look at the price and see that they are quite a bit more than you are used to paying for those precious nooks and crannies.

Stop now. Don't walk away. Don't over-think it. Just follow your heart not your budget. Give in. 

It might just be the best decision you ever make.

Yuuuuuuuuuummmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm!

Yahhhhoooooooo!

a day at the spa with the girls of bagley lane.

I've been playing personal assistant to my friend Doreen for the last few months and as a super special treat she took me and my sister out for the greatest girls day we've ever had!

We went to this super posh Spa in Scottsdale called Willow Stream for hot stone massages, and a day of total relaxation. 

When we pulled up in our Ford Contour we felt a little silly next to the BMW and Mercedes, but the valet boys were nice and only laughed at us as we walked away...

Lunch was fresh and surprisingly filling.

The rooftop pool was the most incredible thing and we could have stayed there all day and night had we not had massage appointments to get to.

Thanks Doreen, for spoiling us rotten. 

It was a Girls Day for the history books!

Have you ever had a hot stone massage? 

I was a little skeptical at first, but after this experience, I'm a believer! It was AMAZING!

thursday, friday, saturday, sunday.

 Morning girls trip to Bare Escentuals with my sister and DD.

I'm newly converted to their tinted mineral veil! You must try it.

 Ate ice-cream and waffles for lunch
(like i do almost everyday. basically, I should be dead.)

 Saw Harry Potter early with Lauren and Ted.

 Wore my summer crown and more tribal print.

La Grande Orange triple date.

 Went to dinner with two of my siblings + spouses. Ate the most delicious pizza of my life.

Avocado Pizza at La Grande Orange=Heaven

 Ha!

 Delicious Burger Date Night at Liberty Market.

Sunday Best c/o A Slip Shop and Modcloth

Sunflower Heads for Planting in the Fall from Beth!

I hope your weekend was beautiful and that you're ready for this week! 

I've got lots of things I'd like to accomplish 

(most involve cleaning and organizing!)

What Are You Trying to Get Done This Week?

Arizona Restaurant Review: Crackers & Company

For about two months I've woken up every single morning craving these California Eggs Benny that I had had a bite of at my sister-in-laws birthday brunch.

No matter how many delicious waffle breakfasts I would make, I still longed for that breakfast I never ordered.

Finally, one day I had enough. With a watering mouth, I convinced Marcus to take me.

I lured him in with talked of the fresh avocados, the crispy strips of bacon, the eggs, and toasted english muffin.

California Eggs Benny

Turns out it wasn't quite as delicious as my memory had convinced me of...
but don't feel sad, because this never fails me:

Augustina's Brandied Cinnamon Bread Pudding

No not for over 10 years has this treasure failed me!

Next time you need a sweet and creamy treat, do yourself a favor and get yourself to one of the two Cracker's locations and skip the California Eggs Benny, and get yourself one or maybe two orders of their FAMOUS bread pudding.

I sure love me some brunch!

What's Your Go To Brunch Spot?

Arizona Restaurant Review: The Grind.

We have a brother-in-law who is particularly fond of food. 

He also seems particularly fond of us. 

And we're pretty keen on him too. 

All of those variables come together to form a friendship that usually entails him raving about one of his favorite new restaurants, us listening intently with our mouths agape, him inviting us to lunch, us graciously accepting, and all of us having a great time telling stories and noshing on the best cuisine Phoenix has to offer. This week our adventures took us to a modern little place called The Grind.

Sweet & Spicy Burger

The Grind is a high-end hamburger joint that uses a coal-fired ovens and fresh organic ingredients.

It also happens to have the best french fries any of us have ever tasted. 

My BLT burger was equal parts huge and delicious, but Marcus' Sweet & Spicy burger won the prize for most unique and succulent burger in the world.

That's right, I just pulled that card--IN THE WORLD.

Because I have authority to make such judgments. 

Obviously.

Steakhouse BLT

Just as we thought nothing could get better, Jay order's these mini donuts with a salted butterscotch sauce.

I can't even begin to tell you how fantastically amazing, no I won't even start. 

Just go.

Go now.

Get in the car.

Seriously, stop reading my blog and get yourself some of these donuts.

If you know what's good for you, you aren't still reading this. And if you aren't still reading this, then I'm really really jealous of what's about to be in your mouth...

Thanks Jay!

Arizona Restaurant Review Featuring: Rocket Burger

 Sometimes life throws you a curve and you're supposed to be spending your Saturday evening at an off-the-chain International Cultural Festival held at the Arizona State Fair Grounds, but instead you find yourself at a single Mexican food stand, a few henna tattoo booths, and an over-sized stage with 9 middle-aged white belly dancers doing an all-but-embarrassing rendition of a traditional middle eastern dance.

So, once you see more jangling coin-skirts than anyone should probably see in a lifetime,you make a run for the car, grab your iphone, and turn to your trusty app YELP in hopes of redeeming your Saturday night by finding something special (and cheap) to satisfy your hunger.

And when I say yours, I really mean Marcus and my own.

That was the story of how we found and fell in love with Rocket Burger & Subs' in Phoenix.

I'll admit, when I saw the unfortunate store front, I turned to Marcus and asked, "This is where you want to go...?"

But once we got past the stripmall exterior, we found ourself in a cozy little diner, with smiling staff members and colors galore!

It truly is every rainbow-loving, retro-enthusiasts dream. 

Or at least one who's been especially keen on burgers for the past month or so...

The walls are tastefully lined with retro tin plaques and the coolers were meticulously organized by color and flavor of every imaginable glass bottle soda around.

And if I'm wrong about that, and somehow you know of a soda they don't carry, just tell them (they'll happily order it specially for you).

Reds.

Greens.

Oranges.

Their menu is modestly priced and for about $10, Marcus and I were noshing on one classic hamburger, 1 philly cheese burger, 1 large basket of DELICIOUS shoe-string fresh-cut fries, two specialty sodas, and a variety of dipping sauces (best ranch).

A uniquely seasoned patty with an extra black peppery kick, fresh tomato, and a bun so light and toasty it must have been homemade, had my mouth watering and my words speaking blasphemy as I boldly declared, "Marcus, I know this might hurt you, but these burgers are better than In-N-Out."

Let's just say, it's a good thing it's not conveniently right around the corner, or I'd be there a lot more often then I fear I already will be.

If you live in Arizona or ever plan to visit, you simply must go.

Tell them I sent you, and bring your appetite.