I must first admit that I have eaten here a handful of times in the past few years. To me, this signals that I like the place. It is a simple building with a handful of parking spaces in the front. Their are more spaces out back, which is helpful because the placement of the street sign creates an awkward obstacle to maneuver around. When I arrived, the first thing I noticed was the lack of customers. It was Friday after all, and I had expected to wait in line as I had in the past, this time there was no one in front of me. Alex was already seated in the mostly emptied dining area. The young Hispanic woman at the register greeted me with a smile as she took my order of a Cochinita torta, fries and a coke in bottle (the kind from Mexico, made with real sugar). The total was $11.80.
I took a seat at a table and waited just six minutes for my meal to arrive. The torta was wrapped in white paper, which was on a white ceramic plate. A handful of French fries were piled along side, with a plastic ramekin filled with ketchup. I made my way to the salsa cart where I found three types of fresh colorful sauces, lime wedges and cucumber slices. I tried all the salsas, which tasted fresh, traditional and spicy. They all had nice textures. The sandwich was good. The bread was soft and fresh. The pork was moist, however it could have used more flavor. The mayonnaise may have muted the punch of the pork alone. The avocado, lettuce, tomato and roasted green chili pepper added a solid compliment to the meat. There was a hint of spice, a crunch of texture and all around happiness in my mouth. Following the torta and fries, Alex decided to try a quesadilla and some tacos, donating half of this quasi-dessert to me. The tortillas were exceptional, warm and soft with a rich masa taste. The beef was full of flavor inviting me to indulge in a few more of the tacos than was probably necessary.
Overall the food was solid as always. The grounds were clean with a slight lack of direction in design. I think this works, as the target market doesn’t seem to mind and more focus seems to have been placed in the design of the food. It is the type of place I like to tell people about, and will be back again in the future.
Dave
Tuesday, March 9, 2010
#3 of 21: Tortas El Guero
The Cochinita
Tortas El Guero (for me, TEG for short) is a little tortas/taco shop in the Uptown area of Phoenix. If you are familiar with Barrio Cafe, it’s right down the street. “Tortas,” for you gringos (like me), is just another way of saying “Mexican sandwich.” TEG also provides tacos, burritos, quesadillas and the like.
I had heard a little about TEG’s tortas before I visited. My expectations were solid without being unrealistic; however, they were a little slower at 12:30 than I had anticipated. The crowd was predominantly Hispanic , both young and old. The restaurant itself was very clean and fairly simple. Concrete floors, tin sheets on the wall (think Chipotle’s restaurants), painted walls of yellow, brown and salmon, and framed awards and write-ups on the walls.
Now that I think about it, what’s with all the concrete floors nowadays? Have you noticed that they are in almost every restaurant now? I’m sure they are more affordable and definitely more durable. I wonder if it’s just an Arizona thing? Hmmm, maybe I’ll save that for another blog.
All in all, the restaurant was very simple but clean and orderly. Clean and orderly, unfortunately, are two areas that are often overlooked but shouldn’t be...EVER!
The staff at TEG was very polite, friendly and fast. If you read my last post on Bertha’s Cafe, I commented about the dude with no smile. This was not the case at TEG. I felt welcomed and comfortable. Don’t you think all restaurants should have that as a goal?
The featured sandwich for this location was the Cochinita torta. It’s a slow roasted, shredded pork served on a wonderful, light, toasted bread with fresh avocado, lettuce, tomato and pickled jalapeno. A point worth noting for all of you avocado lovers, the avocado was perfect! It was ripe, bright green and full of flavor. Avocado is one of our best super-foods but is often misused. The last thing anyone wants to see with their food is something mushy and black or green and hard. Unfortunately, that’s what we get much of the time. I don’t know where you are getting your delicious green fruit TEG but kudos for caring about quality.
The pork on the Cochinita torta was a unique combination of sweet, salty and slightly tangy. After completing the first half of my sandwich I couldn’t help but day dream about a giant Cochinita burrito. Oh well, there’s always next time. Anyways, the sandwich was excellent! I would happily go back again and again for this treat or one of their other items.
Now don’t let me fool you into thinking the Cochinita was all I had this day. Oh no my friends, I went after it. I also tried their asada tacos, pollo tacos and their roasted pork quesadilla. They were all fantastic, especially the quesadilla with it’s homemade tasting tortilla. Combine these items with a Mexican bottled coca-cola and you’ll be feeling Mui Bueno.
**********************
I give the Cochinita:
4 out of 5 “M’s” for a M-m-m-m
**********************
Much Love - Munch Love,
Alex
Tortas El Guero (for me, TEG for short) is a little tortas/taco shop in the Uptown area of Phoenix. If you are familiar with Barrio Cafe, it’s right down the street. “Tortas,” for you gringos (like me), is just another way of saying “Mexican sandwich.” TEG also provides tacos, burritos, quesadillas and the like.
I had heard a little about TEG’s tortas before I visited. My expectations were solid without being unrealistic; however, they were a little slower at 12:30 than I had anticipated. The crowd was predominantly Hispanic , both young and old. The restaurant itself was very clean and fairly simple. Concrete floors, tin sheets on the wall (think Chipotle’s restaurants), painted walls of yellow, brown and salmon, and framed awards and write-ups on the walls.
Now that I think about it, what’s with all the concrete floors nowadays? Have you noticed that they are in almost every restaurant now? I’m sure they are more affordable and definitely more durable. I wonder if it’s just an Arizona thing? Hmmm, maybe I’ll save that for another blog.
All in all, the restaurant was very simple but clean and orderly. Clean and orderly, unfortunately, are two areas that are often overlooked but shouldn’t be...EVER!
The staff at TEG was very polite, friendly and fast. If you read my last post on Bertha’s Cafe, I commented about the dude with no smile. This was not the case at TEG. I felt welcomed and comfortable. Don’t you think all restaurants should have that as a goal?
The featured sandwich for this location was the Cochinita torta. It’s a slow roasted, shredded pork served on a wonderful, light, toasted bread with fresh avocado, lettuce, tomato and pickled jalapeno. A point worth noting for all of you avocado lovers, the avocado was perfect! It was ripe, bright green and full of flavor. Avocado is one of our best super-foods but is often misused. The last thing anyone wants to see with their food is something mushy and black or green and hard. Unfortunately, that’s what we get much of the time. I don’t know where you are getting your delicious green fruit TEG but kudos for caring about quality.
The pork on the Cochinita torta was a unique combination of sweet, salty and slightly tangy. After completing the first half of my sandwich I couldn’t help but day dream about a giant Cochinita burrito. Oh well, there’s always next time. Anyways, the sandwich was excellent! I would happily go back again and again for this treat or one of their other items.
Now don’t let me fool you into thinking the Cochinita was all I had this day. Oh no my friends, I went after it. I also tried their asada tacos, pollo tacos and their roasted pork quesadilla. They were all fantastic, especially the quesadilla with it’s homemade tasting tortilla. Combine these items with a Mexican bottled coca-cola and you’ll be feeling Mui Bueno.
**********************
I give the Cochinita:
4 out of 5 “M’s” for a M-m-m-m
**********************
Much Love - Munch Love,
Alex
Tuesday, March 2, 2010
#2 of 21: Bertha’s Cafe
Salami Pesto and Goat Cheese
Bertha’s Cafe is a cozy little shop in the corner of a strip mall that sits on the northwest corner of 32nd street and Indian School. It would have to be classified as a destination location seeing as how you would never know it’s there unless someone told you about it or you visited one of the businesses right next door. I have no doubt that this piece of commercial real estate is on the affordable side. The location wouldn’t be my first, second, or fifteenth choice for that matter. But let me tell you, after visiting Bertha’s, the location is not an issue for this pseudo critic. Why? The food is great!
The atmosphere in Bertha’s was very relaxed. The music was subtle and had a “coffee house” sound to it. The colors inside the restaurant were predominately chocolate brown and a yellowish green. There wasn’t anything on the walls during my visit except for pieces of paper stating “New local artist coming soon.” Obviously, Bertha is in between artists. I’ll have to check back later to see how she combines local food with local art.
I enjoyed the overall relaxed feeling I had while in Bertha’s Cafe. It felt like a combination of deli, coffee shop, and sandwich shop. Beth, the owner/operator, was right out there taking orders and making drinks. I always like to see that. That’s probably why I like the mom & pop’s so much. With that being said, her sidekick was less than friendly. Trust me, I know how the restaurant biz can be and I know what a long day or a bad day can do to a person; however, a smile and some common courtesy just isn’t that much to ask for. I was especially surprised to receive this lackluster attitude when the owner was working shoulder to shoulder with this gentleman. Either way, the food was fantastic.
I ordered, of course, the Salami, Pesto and Goat Cheese Sandwich that was included in Phoenix Magazine’s “21 Best Sandwiches.” With the sandwich ordered, I couldn’t dare walk out of there without ordering their soup of the day, Meatball Pesto Soup. I’m a sucker for a good meatball! The sandwich was a tasteful combination of Italian dry salami (that they didn’t skimp on), creamy goat cheese, sun-dried tomatoes, pesto and mixed greens. I’m guessing the bread was either done in house or by a proven, local baker. The bread was full of flavor, slightly chewy (think french bread) and perfect for this particular sandwich. Even the novice would notice that Bertha’s uses quality, fresh ingredients. I was particularly impressed with the mixed greens on the sandwich. This wasn’t your drab iceberg, romaine mix. All the ingredients were wonderful and worked well together to provide a sandwich worthy of a “best of” list.
The soup, which was a pleasant surprise, had a rich tomato flavor with small pieces of ditalini pasta and a few homemade meatballs sprinkled in. It was topped with a dollop of homemade pesto and a little bit of cheese. It was like turning a great spaghetti and meatballs dinner into a soup. After devouring the sandwich I had planned on having only a few bites of the soup and giving the rest to my girlfriend in an act of generosity. I know, I know, what a gentleman. Well, generosity went out the window and I slammed the soup like there was a fire in my stomach and meatball soup was the extinguisher. Um, umm!
Oh, and let me not forget Bertha’s greatest gift the chocolate-marshmallow cookie. It’s like they knew I was coming in and they wanted to make sure I danced out the door with joy. If there is one thing I absolutely can not resist it’s something chocolatey with marshmallows in it. It was soft, warm and as tasty as you could only imagine.
Beth, Bertha, Dude with no smile, whoever I should be talking to...thank you for a wonderful meal!
**********************
I give the Salami Pesto and Goat Cheese:
4 out of 5 “M’s” for a M-m-m-m
I give the Meatball Pesto Soup and Chocolate Marshmallow Cookie:
5 out of 5 “M’s” for a M-m-m-m-m!
**********************
Much Love - Munch Love,
Alex
Bertha’s Cafe is a cozy little shop in the corner of a strip mall that sits on the northwest corner of 32nd street and Indian School. It would have to be classified as a destination location seeing as how you would never know it’s there unless someone told you about it or you visited one of the businesses right next door. I have no doubt that this piece of commercial real estate is on the affordable side. The location wouldn’t be my first, second, or fifteenth choice for that matter. But let me tell you, after visiting Bertha’s, the location is not an issue for this pseudo critic. Why? The food is great!
The atmosphere in Bertha’s was very relaxed. The music was subtle and had a “coffee house” sound to it. The colors inside the restaurant were predominately chocolate brown and a yellowish green. There wasn’t anything on the walls during my visit except for pieces of paper stating “New local artist coming soon.” Obviously, Bertha is in between artists. I’ll have to check back later to see how she combines local food with local art.
I enjoyed the overall relaxed feeling I had while in Bertha’s Cafe. It felt like a combination of deli, coffee shop, and sandwich shop. Beth, the owner/operator, was right out there taking orders and making drinks. I always like to see that. That’s probably why I like the mom & pop’s so much. With that being said, her sidekick was less than friendly. Trust me, I know how the restaurant biz can be and I know what a long day or a bad day can do to a person; however, a smile and some common courtesy just isn’t that much to ask for. I was especially surprised to receive this lackluster attitude when the owner was working shoulder to shoulder with this gentleman. Either way, the food was fantastic.
I ordered, of course, the Salami, Pesto and Goat Cheese Sandwich that was included in Phoenix Magazine’s “21 Best Sandwiches.” With the sandwich ordered, I couldn’t dare walk out of there without ordering their soup of the day, Meatball Pesto Soup. I’m a sucker for a good meatball! The sandwich was a tasteful combination of Italian dry salami (that they didn’t skimp on), creamy goat cheese, sun-dried tomatoes, pesto and mixed greens. I’m guessing the bread was either done in house or by a proven, local baker. The bread was full of flavor, slightly chewy (think french bread) and perfect for this particular sandwich. Even the novice would notice that Bertha’s uses quality, fresh ingredients. I was particularly impressed with the mixed greens on the sandwich. This wasn’t your drab iceberg, romaine mix. All the ingredients were wonderful and worked well together to provide a sandwich worthy of a “best of” list.
The soup, which was a pleasant surprise, had a rich tomato flavor with small pieces of ditalini pasta and a few homemade meatballs sprinkled in. It was topped with a dollop of homemade pesto and a little bit of cheese. It was like turning a great spaghetti and meatballs dinner into a soup. After devouring the sandwich I had planned on having only a few bites of the soup and giving the rest to my girlfriend in an act of generosity. I know, I know, what a gentleman. Well, generosity went out the window and I slammed the soup like there was a fire in my stomach and meatball soup was the extinguisher. Um, umm!
Oh, and let me not forget Bertha’s greatest gift the chocolate-marshmallow cookie. It’s like they knew I was coming in and they wanted to make sure I danced out the door with joy. If there is one thing I absolutely can not resist it’s something chocolatey with marshmallows in it. It was soft, warm and as tasty as you could only imagine.
Beth, Bertha, Dude with no smile, whoever I should be talking to...thank you for a wonderful meal!
**********************
I give the Salami Pesto and Goat Cheese:
4 out of 5 “M’s” for a M-m-m-m
I give the Meatball Pesto Soup and Chocolate Marshmallow Cookie:
5 out of 5 “M’s” for a M-m-m-m-m!
**********************
Much Love - Munch Love,
Alex
Sunday, February 21, 2010
Lee's Sandwiches: One Down
Having been voted one of the 21 top sandwiches by Phoenix magazine, I was expecting more from Lee’s Sandwiches. The bread was nice, crunchy and slightly warm. Because we were trying to learn about the place we both ordered two Asian sandwiches (the #4 grilled chicken and #5 grilled pork) and a drink. I was shocked when the total came to $8.00. It was a good thing I chose to indulge because after finishing both 10in. sandwiches I was still not full. They were small, well, as small as a 10 in. sandwich can be. The meat was good, flavorful and moist, I just wish there was more of it. The first bite was one of all bread. On my second attempt I tasted the meat, pickled carrot and radish. It was fresh tasting and enjoyable, but lacked total crave-ability. There was no crazy taste explosion in my mouth. I wouldn’t drive across town again for a sandwich from Lee, but I might stop by if I was in the area.
DAVE
DAVE
#1 of 21: Lee’s Sandwiches
The BBQ Pork Sandwich
This is my first post of the “Sandwich Odyssey” in which Dave and I have decided to undertake. I am filled with the anxiousness a child would have on Christmas Eve. It really is an extended Christmas for an adult...well, an adult who really enjoys eating. Anyways, let’s begin.
The first sandwich Dave and I decided to tackle was Lee’s Sandwiches‘ BBQ Pork Sandwich. Lee’s is located just off the 101 in Chandler. Lee’s is not exactly in my neck of the woods but this is unimportant. I will travel great lengths to get some good grub. The restaurant itself was quite a bit larger than I had envisioned. This particular version of Lee’s (Lee’s Sandwiches is a chain) was located in a fairly nondescript strip mall. This, of course, is no surprise to Phoenix residents. The valley is practically one big strip mall! After lunch Dave and I noticed that this is an area with a prevalent asian influence. For one, there was an Asian art academy across the street. Second, I noticed a significant asian clientele at the gas station and CVS across the street. I’m sure the Lee’s Sandwich Corporate folks did their demographic homework.
The experience reminded me of what would be seen if one were to actually travel to, say, Vietnam or China. The colors, layout, and style all seemed to be a good representation of a fast food restaurant in some of the Asian cities. Ok, I just realized I’ve been discussing everything but what I was there for, the BBQ Pork Sandwich.
I ordered the featured BBQ Pork Sandwich and because the prices were so reasonable ($2.35 for a 10” baguette sandwich) I decided to order something a little unique. I went out on a limb and ordered the Special Combination or Head Cheese Sandwich. The two sandwiches and a 16 ounce iced tea came to a whopping $7 and change. Not bad, not bad at all!
I’m not going to go into detail about the Head Cheese Sandwich. All I will say is that it was not a very good take on head cheese. It was too chewy and lacked the rich flavor I enjoy from head cheese. The BBQ Pork, on the other hand, was enjoyable. Not great but enjoyable. This is the third or fourth sandwich I’ve tried that is in this style (i.e. The Tea Light Cafe). I’m sure it’s a personal preference or maybe I’m just a product of my American society but this sandwich was dry and lacks any kind of “punch.” All of these Vietnamese/Chinese sandwiches are like that. They keep getting positive reviews from the professionals but I’m not that impressed. Personally, I need the wet component. The sandwich doesn’t have to have a sauce per se but, with all that bread, I need something to balance dry versus wet.
Now don’t get me wrong, the pork was good. It was moist, it had a nice deep red color, and it had very good flavor. The bread (which is baked in house every day) met my expectations but doesn’t exactly warrant a baking award. All in all, it was ok; however, when you consider the price it is an above average value. If you were asking me, I’d tell you not to go out of your way to try Lee’s Sandwiches but if you’re in the area and on a fast-food budget, check ‘em out.
**********************
For the first time ever, I present my “M-m-m-m-m” rating system. The lowest rating being one “M” and the best of the best being five “M’s” for a rating of “M-m-m-m-m!”
I give the BBQ Pork Sandwich:
Two “M’s” for a M-m
**********************
Much Love - Munch Love,
Alex
This is my first post of the “Sandwich Odyssey” in which Dave and I have decided to undertake. I am filled with the anxiousness a child would have on Christmas Eve. It really is an extended Christmas for an adult...well, an adult who really enjoys eating. Anyways, let’s begin.
The first sandwich Dave and I decided to tackle was Lee’s Sandwiches‘ BBQ Pork Sandwich. Lee’s is located just off the 101 in Chandler. Lee’s is not exactly in my neck of the woods but this is unimportant. I will travel great lengths to get some good grub. The restaurant itself was quite a bit larger than I had envisioned. This particular version of Lee’s (Lee’s Sandwiches is a chain) was located in a fairly nondescript strip mall. This, of course, is no surprise to Phoenix residents. The valley is practically one big strip mall! After lunch Dave and I noticed that this is an area with a prevalent asian influence. For one, there was an Asian art academy across the street. Second, I noticed a significant asian clientele at the gas station and CVS across the street. I’m sure the Lee’s Sandwich Corporate folks did their demographic homework.
The experience reminded me of what would be seen if one were to actually travel to, say, Vietnam or China. The colors, layout, and style all seemed to be a good representation of a fast food restaurant in some of the Asian cities. Ok, I just realized I’ve been discussing everything but what I was there for, the BBQ Pork Sandwich.
I ordered the featured BBQ Pork Sandwich and because the prices were so reasonable ($2.35 for a 10” baguette sandwich) I decided to order something a little unique. I went out on a limb and ordered the Special Combination or Head Cheese Sandwich. The two sandwiches and a 16 ounce iced tea came to a whopping $7 and change. Not bad, not bad at all!
I’m not going to go into detail about the Head Cheese Sandwich. All I will say is that it was not a very good take on head cheese. It was too chewy and lacked the rich flavor I enjoy from head cheese. The BBQ Pork, on the other hand, was enjoyable. Not great but enjoyable. This is the third or fourth sandwich I’ve tried that is in this style (i.e. The Tea Light Cafe). I’m sure it’s a personal preference or maybe I’m just a product of my American society but this sandwich was dry and lacks any kind of “punch.” All of these Vietnamese/Chinese sandwiches are like that. They keep getting positive reviews from the professionals but I’m not that impressed. Personally, I need the wet component. The sandwich doesn’t have to have a sauce per se but, with all that bread, I need something to balance dry versus wet.
Now don’t get me wrong, the pork was good. It was moist, it had a nice deep red color, and it had very good flavor. The bread (which is baked in house every day) met my expectations but doesn’t exactly warrant a baking award. All in all, it was ok; however, when you consider the price it is an above average value. If you were asking me, I’d tell you not to go out of your way to try Lee’s Sandwiches but if you’re in the area and on a fast-food budget, check ‘em out.
**********************
For the first time ever, I present my “M-m-m-m-m” rating system. The lowest rating being one “M” and the best of the best being five “M’s” for a rating of “M-m-m-m-m!”
I give the BBQ Pork Sandwich:
Two “M’s” for a M-m
**********************
Much Love - Munch Love,
Alex
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