Saturday, April 23, 2011

The Habit Expanding Into Arizona

Known in the Golden State for their chargrilled burgers, chicken and tuna, California-based chain, The Habit, is expanding into Arizona with not one but two locations!  According to the wonderful Fast Food Maven out in Orange County, California:
"The first Arizona location will open in late May in South Tempe."
But, that's not the only spot!  A look at The Habit's website shows plans for another location "coming soon" in Chandler.  The Tempe location will be at 1817 E. Guadalupe Rd. #102 Tempe, AZ 85226. While the Chandler restaurant will be at 960 N. 54th St. Chandler, AZ 85226.

Friday, April 22, 2011

Review: Athena Greek Cuisine

If you tell me something is related to ancient Greece (or ancient Rome) there’s a good chance I’ll be interested.  Based on that, I was delighted by the elegant Greek décor when I first walked into Athena, which is located in the busy Scottsdale 101 center with the Harkins Cine-Capri.  I was promptly seated and listened to the live music while I waited for the rest of my party.  The dim lighting and cool colors created a very relaxing environment to chat and eat. 

For an appetizer I ordered the Fried Zucchini, which is served with a garlic spread rather than the usual ranch dressing you would find at another place.  The zucchini arrived, was lightly coated and was among the thinnest I have come across.  The thinness was a surprise but the garlic spread was incredibly tasty. 

For my entrée, I ordered the Lemon Chicken Breast with Wild Mushrooms.  Whew, was this good! The chicken was very tender and juicy and the bite of the creamy lemon sauce was just delicious.  Perfectly sautéed wild mushrooms and some rice pilaf rounded out this seemingly healthy dish.

Surrounded by elegant architecture, a relaxing atmosphere, delicious food and the occasional belly dancer, I would definitely recommend Athena.  

Athena Greek Cuisine: 7000 E. Mayo Blvd. #26 Phoenix, AZ 85054 
(Average dinner entrées: $17-$20) - 480-502-4466

Filiberto's & Chipotle to Open at The Scottsdale Pavilions at Talking Stick


Filiberto's will soon occupy the former KFC location next to Denny's, while Chipotle takes over the area formerly occupied by Barbecue's Galore.  Not sure of the exact opening dates, but if you drive by you will see the "Coming Soon" signs.

Update (5-4-2011): Filiberto's to open in mid-May
Update (5-14-2011): Filiberto's to open Memorial Day weekend, Chipotle in July
Update (5-27-2011): Filiberto's is now open
Update (6-20-2011): Chipotle to open on 6-27

In The Beginning...

Welcome to the site of the AZFoodDude.  You might be thinking this site will only deal with food in Arizona.  In many ways you are correct, but I see no reason why we can't branch out in the future.  Let's put it this way, if it's food related, you just might find it here.
Keep in mind that while many of us love food of all kinds, occasionally you or I might find something else to talk about, so don't be surprised to find some odds and ends here every now and then.  Having never attempted anything like this before, I have no idea where it will go, but I hope to make it interesting for you.  So, without further hesitation, let's go!