A warm welcome to our
dear friends from the Windy City. Chances are you've either
been to the Valley before or 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. The location in North Mesa has since closed, head to the other spot in Gilbert.
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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