The Valley Dining Guide for Fans of the Chicago Cubs

A warm welcome to our dear friends from the Windy City.  Chances are you've either been to the Valley before our you have a random Uncle who now resides in one of those fancy retirement communities that dot our landscape.  While you might be familiar with what the greater Phoenix area has to offer we are confident in our ability to introduce you to some new gems during your stay.  And the great thing is they are all moments from your beloved ball park.

Let's get started...

A Hearty Way to Start Your Day
The East Valley is home to many long time transplants from the Midwest so there are plenty of hearty 'corn fed' options that will start your day on the right foot.  Here's a few we like.

1. Over Easy- A beloved recent addition to the breakfast landscape that offers the from scratch cooking, throw back décor and Midwestern hospitality. Sit back, enjoy the local hospitality, and do yourself a favor by ordering some waffle dogs. Don't ask, just order.
2. Cracker and Co- Another destination that will serve a full day sustaining breakfast.  Your dishes will be swimming in creams and calories but don't worry, you're on vacation.
3.  Liberty Market- The crown jewel of historic Gilbert.  Owner Joe Johnston has done a marvelous job creating a menu and atmosphere that captures the farming roots of the area in a modern bistro setting.

Loving Lunch
 While you may be spending most of your afternoons at the diamond you don't need to waste all of your calories and food budget there as well.  There are numerous places close by that can provide you with a memorable lunch.

1. Cornish Pasty- The folks at the Cornish Pasty Company have transformed this simple staple into a family of sweet and savory meat pockets that have a flavor to satisfy most appetites.
2. Empanada Republic- How about a meaty or sweet pocket with a Latin flare?  The Republica has the best empanada options from virtually every nation south of Mexico. 
3. Rancho de Tia Rosa- This place is spacious and decorated ceiling to floor with some of the most kitschy Mexican decor  but don't let that distract you from the best Mole and salmon tacos in town.
4. The Queen Creek Olive Oil Mill- As it is a good 20 miles southeast of the stadium this is best enjoyed as a half day excursion. Come to tour the working olive mill and stay to enjoy the myriad culinary delights that are enhanced by this timeless oil. 

Supper Time
Pass up the temptation to drive into Scottsdale or Phoenix and savor the up and coming East Valley scene.  There are plenty of options to suit most tastes and here are a few of the most distinguished.

1. Beaver Choice- You walk in and it looks like Ikea, You look around at the patrons and you swear you are at a Bingo night in Duluth. Enjoy the Prairie Home Companion vibe of this place and sit back for an evening enjoying the best Scandinavian and Canadian food in all of Phoenix.
2. Joe's Farm House- The farm is a wee bit of a drive but the journey is easily rewarded upon your first bite of a fontina burger.  The artfully renovated mid century farm house has been re-purposed into something called 'agritopia'and it will open your eyes to what it means to eat farm fresh.  Cap off your visit with one of their date shakes.
3. Backyard Taco- With all of the hipster joints turning a small taco into $5 affairs it is nice to find the old dives that serve them up right.... sizzling hot and cheap.  A solid spot that provides a great authentic street taco experience.

We could go on and on but we figure that this should tide you over during your desert stay.  Any more suggestions and you might have to take up a more permanent residency.  Feel free to visit Bitesizedphoenix.com for a list of more approved suggestions that cover the entire Valley of the Sun. Remember, just because you might be spending your afternoons at the diamond doesn't mean you have to tolerate its food.


And remember Cubs fans...this is the year!
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