It's a Festivus Miracle!!!

The AZFoodDude is back!  As I sat eating yet another subpar meal, followed by another subpar dessert, I realized there had to be another way.  Out of that, the AZFoodDude has been reborn...Rising like a Phoenix from Arizona.

I hope everyone is putting the final touches on their Festivus meatloaf and letting everyone in their lives know the ways they have disappointed them over the past year.

Truly, I look forward to finding good deals and eats for you once again and may even throw in a few surprises, none of which will include bad lighting on the porch.

Everyone be safe and be well.  I hope everyone has a happy Festivus, a happy Hanukkah, and a merry Christmas!

Phoenix Eaters in the Top 10 in Taxes, Tucson & Mesa Not Far Behind

NRN has a report out by a Washington, D.C. based think tank which ranked cities with the highest taxes when purchasing restaurant meals.  According to the survey by the Tax Foundation:

During the recession, an increasing number of municipalities, ranging from Omaha, to 146 of Massachusetts’ 351 cities and towns, enacted meals taxes in addition to regular sales taxes to help make up for revenue shortfalls.

The #1 city on the list was Minneapolis with a 7.775% sales tax and then an additional 3% meals tax creating a 10.775% tax on the bill.  Also of note is #3 Virginia Beach, VA which came in with a 5% sales tax but a whopping 5.5% meals tax for a total of 10.5% in taxes.

Phoenix, it should be noted, did not enact an additional meals tax, however, the 9.3% sales tax was high enough to tie Phoenix for the #7 spot.  But Phoenix is not the only Arizona city on the list.  Coming in at #11 is Tucson with a 9.1% tax and Mesa at #13 with a rate of 9.05%.  Again, both of these cities did not add a meals tax onto their sales taxes.

More information and the Tax Foundation's top 50 list can be found here.

If Restaurants Serve Smaller Portions, Will They Offer Lower Prices?

According to the NPD Group, a consumer and retail market research firm based out of Chicago, IL, consumers are clamoring to eat smaller portions when they go out. Whether people want to lose weight, cut down on unhealthy food or want to eat more smaller meals throughout the day, out of the 5000 people asked,

...57 percent...said they want to eat smaller portions in the coming year, indicating that serving sizes will increasingly influence the choices consumers make, said Dori Hickey, NPD’s director of product management and author of the report.

I have no problem with this at all, but I do have one concern,

For restaurants, the increased interest in portion control offers an opportunity, she said...With consumers aspiring to eat smaller servings, restaurants can “reset the consumer vision of what a real portion is..."

Perhaps it's the skeptical part of me talking, but I hope this opportunity to serve customers smaller portions also includes the vision for restaurants to lower prices. If you give me less food, give me a lower price. What do you think?

New Exhibit at the National Archives - U.S. Food History

What has the effect of the U.S. Government been on the American diet over the years? This is just one of the questions the new exhibit at the National Archives in Washington, D.C. sets out to answer. Along with this, they have a plethora of food history in the United States. From the exhibit website:

"We demand that our Government ensure that it is safe, cheap, and abundant. In response, Government has been a factor in the production, regulation, research, innovation, and economics of our food supply. It has also attempted, with varying success, to change the eating habits of Americans."

What's Cooking, Uncle Sam? will be open through January 3rd, 2012.

A fascinating article from the Associated Press via the Casa Grande Dispatch describes the exhibit and some of its many interesting tidbits, including Presidential tastes.

The Future: Virtual Reality Changing the Food We Eat?

Remember growing up, being forced to eat all the food on your plate even if you didn't like it.  Remember a few days ago when you tried to cook something and it didn't exactly come out the way you intended (I can't be the only one that's ever done this?!). When this happens in the future, besides finding more palatable food, you might just need something like the Meta Cookie.  Developed by researchers at the University of Tokyo, the Meta Cookie could be the first step in changing the way we all eat food.  According to the Cosmic Log over at MSNBC, by using a head mounted camera and scented filled tubes, the Meta Cookie system:

"overlays images of several types of cookies on plain cookies piled on a plate.  Once the user selects one, the system pumps air near the user's nose with the corresponding scent.  The power of the scent is adjusted as the user brings the cookie closer to their mouth.  Upon taking a bite, the user really thinks the cookie isn't just a bland treat, but whatever the system turned it into."

Thankfully, since I'm sure you want to see this, there is a video demonstration to go along with the full article here.

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