Let's talk about Brunch baby...

I love brunch. One of my favorite episodes of How I Met Your Mother involves the dilemma of Marshall being able to share brunch with another bro when he and Lily were no longer together. "Damn you brunch!" Brunch is the perfect mix of breakfast foods, of which I am particularly fond, and savory flavors from lunch. These are my top five places to enjoy weekend meals with friends.

Crackers

1285 W. Elliot Rd.

Tempe, AZ 85284

I love the blackberry bread pudding here, but that isn't exactly brunch, now is it? I have enjoyed their crab eggs benedict and although I had a small bit of shell here and there, I was comforted in the knowledge that it was real crab meat and none of that icky fake crab! Their blintzes are yummy and the chicken salad sandwich is tasty. Their cream of spinach and artichoke soup is divine and very rich. A great place for taking your future mother-in-law or girls brunch to catch up! They actually have several locations, so find the one most convenient for everyone and enjoy.

Chompies

1160 E. University Dr

Tempe, AZ 85281

Where do I start? The blintzes are quite good. There is a hint of orange in the cheese filling. Have them with a little sour cream and you'll thank me. The tartness of the sour cream cuts the sweet richness of the dish. I can't get enough of their potato latkes with applesauce for a bit of the savory. The coffee leaves a bit left to desire, but the bagels are so good, you might not notice. I love a properly made bagel with lox (smoked salmon) and shmear (cream cheese). Add a little red onion and capers and you have an amazing brunch! Expect a wait on the weekend, but it's totally worth it!

Petite Maison

7216 E. Shoeman Lane

Scottsdale, AZ 85251

This place has an unreal champagne brunch on Sundays. $29 buys you your choice of three courses and unlimited glasses of champagne, mimosas, and bellinis! I usually have their quiche lorriane (French pastry shell filled with eggs, bacon, leeks, onions, and cheese) and steak et oeufs (steak and eggs) and I cannot get enough Beignets au Nutella (basically little pieces of fried dough you dip into chocolate and hazelnut sauce). The patio is a romantic garden and the staff is amazing. You'll never have better service or food!

Au Petit Four

2501 E. Camelback Rd #18

Phoenix, AZ 85016

I know I've already mentioned a French place for brunch, but this place is a bit more casual and extra delicious. This tiny little place is hidden among office spaces within the Esplanade off 24th and Camelback. Park in the garage and it's on the ground floor tucked into the central corridor. The owners make everything fresh. Their daily egg scramble specials are always good. I usually have the provencal quiche or goat cheese. I've never consumed a better croissant, which makes perfect sense that they are also known for their incredible pastries. The coffee is made fresh for each person who orders, so don't forget to chat with the owner about your specific likings...they are very agreeable and love talking about their place.

Matt's Big Breakfast

801 N. 1st. Street

Phoenix AZ, 85004

Ok, hipsters crowd this place every weekend, but if you're willing to wait you'll have one of the best breakfast sandwiches ever created. The place is no bigger than a minute, so you put your name on the list outside and wait for the extremely friendly staff to seat you. Chatting with others waiting for a table or wandering across the street to Phoenix Public Market for ten minutes can be a great way to pass the time. I have dedicated the better part of an hour before and never ONCE have been disappointed. The egg sandwich is served on a fresh roll, grilled onions, cheese, eggs (duh), and bacon. You must try their amazing home fries made with rosemary and onion. I love their waffle, served with real maple syrup, it's perfectly crisp and yummy. You'll feel hip just being here!

Take-out

I happen to love going out for dinner. After a long day of work, sometimes a girl just needs great take-out. I'll introduce you to a few of my favs...

#1. DeFalco's Italian Deli & Grocery
2334 N. Scottsdale Rd. Scottsdale, AZ 85257

On my way home from work, I used to drive by this place and a tear would fall knowing they closed early...until NOW! Open until 9pm every day of the week, this place can offer the best meatball sub I've ever had. I have tried several of their deli sammies and also the best place to get a cannoli. They have a fantastic selection of deli meats, pasta entrees, and pizza - all to go. Did I mention they have an adorable little Italian market? Everything from frozen ravioli and fresh cheeses to quite a vino selection and authentic Italian imports. This is THE place to go when you are missing your Aunt Lena and her homemade meatballs and sauce!

They get pretty busy at lunch time, but you can always call ahead for speedy service.

#2. Tott's Asian Diner
1817 E. Guadalupe Rd, Tempe, AZ 85283

I'll admit, I was a bit skeptical about this place when I was first introduced. I have always preferred Szechuan style Chinese, but the food and the service here are wonderful. The owner, Young, is such a nice man. His concept is that he serves the best from each Asian country. You have a little bit of everything...Korean, Thai, Chinese, Japanese. The Wonton soup will heal you overnight...guaranteed! I like the shrimp chow mein, but the udon is also quite good in a highly flavorful black bean sauce. The cheese puffs are better than you'd get at any fancy place for twice the price (at $4, these babies are a steal!). If you are looking for something light and healthy, he also offers a selection of stir fry flavors and they'll cook it to order.

The location is next to the Starbucks and across the street from Trader Joe's and Changing Hands Bookstore, so if you are out running errands...just stop in and grab dinner for yourself or the fam! mmmmmmmm

#3. Essence Bakery
825 W. University Dr. Tempe, AZ 85281

Alright, so not everyone gets take-out for breakfast, but believe it or not, Essence does it well. The place isn't open on Sunday, which is it's only downfall. However...if you are in the mood on a Saturday morning to grab an amazing breakfast to go back to your place, this is the spot. They also serve lunch on weekdays and make a great croissants.

I recommend the Big Breakfast which comes with two eggs, mashed potato cake (this is not your Bubby's potato latke, folks), sausage, mushrooms, and house baguette toast with jam. The mashed potato cake is perfectly seasoned and accompanies the breakfast nicely instead of hash browns. The quiche is amazing and they have something called French scrambled eggs which are made with cream, chives, dijon mustard and parmasan cheese...some of the best eggs I've ever eaten, in fact.

Treat yourself to a little brunch and never have to get out of your jammies!

#4. Delhi Palace
933 E. University Dr. Tempe, AZ 85281

I know, I've mentioned this place before. HOWEVER it is worth mentioning again. If you are in the mood for the best Indian food in town, this place is open pretty late (10pm) and the take-out is super yummy when you just don't feel like changing out of those work clothes to get dinner. Try some Lamb Boti Kebab, or maybe the Chicken Tikka Masala. If you are vegetarian, the Palak Paneer is super tasty! The naan makes a great side, but don't forget to get some papadum and mango chutney for your appetizer! OH! The Kheer....how did I almost not mention dessert?! Very unlike me.

#5. Dilly's Deli
414 W. University Dr. Tempe, AZ
3330 S. Price Rd. Tempe, AZ

So this place proves that sometimes, you just need a sandwich. I can't get over how good this place can make something as simple as bread and meat. You can call in an order to go and swing by their location off the 101 on your way home. If you are in the mood, the soups are in home-made bread bowls that are SO super yummy.

The house-made bread is partially why I love this place. The sandwiches are enormous and there is no reason you need more than a half unless you are looking for two meals. I usually order a Dilly's Dilly, but it's no longer on the menu. As far as I can remember it's turkey, avocado, sprouts, and I ask for light mayo and honey-mustard dressing instead of Catalina on mine. nom nom nom

I scream! You scream! We all scream for ice cream!

I love dessert year round, but the best is something cold in the summer...

Now that it's nearly 100 degrees outside, I feel it's appropriate to break down my favorite places for ice cream in the valley.

1. Sugar Bowl 4005 N. Scottsdale Rd. Scottsdale

The atmosphere here is reason enough to go. Pink and white striped wallpaper, white wrought-iron chairs, the formica counter wrapped in chrome. The place was opened in 1958 and is a Scottsdale landmark. If you have ever read the comic strip Family Circus by Bil Keane, you'll be impressed by the connection to the Sugar Bowl.

Enough about the place, let's talk ice cream...

I ALWAYS get the Buster Brownie. It's a freshly-baked brownie topped with vanilla ice cream, topped with marshmallow, whipped cream, and topped with a cherry. As you may have imagined, this thing is huge and may be shared. If you can allow yourself to do so, you're a bigger person than me... You can also substitute any of their amazing flavors of ice cream for the vanilla if you feel so inclined.

My mom always gets the Camelback soda, which is basically a float, but with any ice cream you desire and a flavor of syrup. I have also seen more than one friend tackle the Desireme (D-sire-me) Banana Split and loved it.

Please bring anyone who needs amazing ice cream topped with a little nostalgia!

2. Mary Coyle 5521 N. 7th Ave. Phoenix

This place is also a landmark, opened in 1951. A rather unassuming building, you might miss it as you drive by. I love that this place has a drive-thru...perfect for those days where it's absolutely too hot to get out of the car!

The ice cream flavors are so yummy! I can never decide which to get. I can barely finish a two scoop sundae of the chocolate almond, but it's probably my favorite. They also have a selection of sherbets, yogurts, and sugar free ice creams, for those not wanting the 16% butterfat ice cream (crazy, I know...but SOOO worth the calories!)

3. Don and Charlie's 7501 E. Camelback Rd. Scottsdale

I know, this is a steakhouse...BUT you haven't *lived* until you have had the goldbrick sundae. I'm not exactly a plain Jane vanilla kinda girl...but this is the BEST vanilla ice cream I've ever had. It is topped with the most amazing hardened "goldbrick" chocolate sauce. It is made with chocolate chips, butter, evaporated milk, and pecans - so you know you're in for a decadent treat.

It comes out in a frosty dessert glass and a sturdy spoon. You'll need this utensil and a little elbow grease to breach the hull of this sucker, not to mention fight off your dining partner from getting any of your sundae. Wars may be fought over this one...

4. Zinburger 25o2 E. Camelback Rd. Phoenix

So your burger might be amazing...but you absolutely must save room for the creme brulee shake. Some people describe it as being more vanilla than creme brulee, but HELLO?? That's what the flavor of creme brulee IS! Ugh...anyway. The subtle flavor of burnt sugar is what is so wonderful. They also make a banana's foster shake that is pretty darn tasty. Split this one, though. One is WAY too much for just myself, and that is saying something.

5. Grateful Spoon Gelato 4410 N. 40th St. Phoenix

It's not "ice cream" per se, but it is cold and delicious, so it makes the cut. There are a few gelato places in the area, but this is my favorite. I like the location, next to La Grande Orange (or "LGO" as the hipsters call it).

The parking lot is a nightmare, but if you're lucky, you can snag a spot not taken by some 50K car and zip in for a miniature cup of pistachio or maybe the tiramisu.

In a little cup there is enough flavor to satisfy the craving without breaking the calorie budget. To cut that number even more, try one of the many refreshing fruit flavors. nom nom nom

Battle of the Burgers

I love a good burger as much as the next girl.
I'm a medium-rare, lots of flavor, cheese please kinda gal.
The best place to sink you teeth into a juicy one is a debate much enjoyed by my group of friends...

1. The Chuckbox 202 E. University Dr. Tempe

They only take cash, but this burger has so much flavor! They are also open until 11pm 6 days a week, 8pm on Sundays. Everything is grilled right in front of you, so you can make sure it's just the way you like it. Try the Big One...nom!

2. Delux 3146 E. Camelback Rd. Phoenix

Don't be turned off by the trendy atmosphere. The burgers are delicious - topped with gruyere and maytag cheeses, caramelized onions, and applewood bacon served on a baguette. You can also get a classic burger if you don't like all the fancy stuff. I can't get enough of their sweet potato fries served in a little mini metal shopping cart. Dip your fries in the garlic aioli (basically mayo with a kick of garlic) for a little something different. The beer selection is also quite good. If you have room, the hot fudge sundae is delightful. De-Light-Ful! Delightful.

3. Smashburger 777 S. College Ave. Tempe

I have to admit, for a chain, this place is pretty damn good. The concept is that the meat is "smashed" onto the grill in order to form the patty. I love the smash fries - flavored with garlic and rosemary - they are savory and delicious in a new way for the old french fry.

4. Stax Burger Bistro 4400 N. Scottsdale Rd. Scottsdale

I like the little sliders here. They have a variety of meats and toppings to enjoy. You pick your favorite combos and they come out out looking like beautiful little pieces of art. Delicious delicious art. I love the turkey slider with pineapple and guacamole and the lamb slider with tomatoes and feta cheese. The place has a hip feel without being pretentious - which is nice for Scottsdale...haha. Also, they are open until 11pm Monday - Saturday. Enjoy!

Here we go...

It's an age-old question..."what's for dinner?"

I've been asked many times by friends and colleagues to suggest some places to go for a good meal. Word has apparently gotten around that I love to eat. hmmmmmm...wonder how that happened...

As a Tempe native, I have seen the city grow and change as I grow and change. Some of my favorite memories are food-related. My family wasn't, correction, *isn't* typical when it comes to food choices. I grew up taking Chicken Korma and Naan leftovers for lunch. I remember fellow classmates in Catholic School at first hesitant to inquire about my food, but soon into the meal would offer a trade of Doritos Chips or some such for a bite of my lunch.

I do not claim any special qualification for my recommendations. I simply have a particular taste for ethnic foods and would like to spread the word. Most restaurants I frequent are a bit off the typical "American Diet." I didn't try casserole until I was 16 and eating dinner at a friend's house.

With that said...let me rate my top 5 Tempe restaurants (nom nom nom nom nom)

1. Haji Baba: 2131 E. Apache Blvd.

This place is a gem. The food is amazing. It's cheap. The service is good. My favorite part? The place never changes. I can walk through the door and Ali already knows my order. The Chicken Shawarma special comes with their hand-made pita - so soft and delicious. The chicken is seasoned perfectly and comes with a yummy little dollop of garlic sauce. I've never found better hummus in my life. I've had it all around town, in New York, in L.A. (ick...L.A. *shudder*). SO good! The iced tea has a hint of rose water. OH and the gyro? Hands down, the best in town.

Did I mention they have a market attached? Talk about the best price on spices in town! The spices come in little plastic sealed pillows, so get some spice jars from Ikea and stock up!

I couldn't get through this without mentioning the lamb tongue. I am no connoisseur of organ meats, but this sandwich is like the most tender lamb you've ever had in your life. Shut up and try it.

The only sad part about Haji's is that they close early. Usually 8pm on a week-night, but totally worth getting to-go orders if you can swing in on your way home from work!

2. Delhi Palace: 933 E. University Dr.

I have yet to find a better mix of service and food at any Indian food restaurant. The place is dark, cool, and the food is incredible.

Palak Paneer - good for your vegetarian friends
Chicken Korma - sweet and savory flavors in a creamy
yellow sauce
Lamb Boti Kabab - the onions will melt in your mouth
Chicken Tikka Masala - tomato base with a little kick
Garlic Naan, I could go on and on...

Have the papadum and ask for the mango chutney as your appetizer. If you are so inclined, the veggie samosas are delicious with some of the tamarind sauce drizzled on top. Have some Indian Tea to drink, but save room for the Kheer for dessert.

They are also good for to-go orders and it's usually ready in minutes!

3. Byblos: 3332 S. Mill Ave.

For a special occasion, there is no better place to go than this great Lebanese restaurant. The owners are such wonderful people. They always recognize your and your family when you come in to visit - even if it's only a few times a year. There is always the lamb special - leg of lamb stuffed with a blend of rice, pine nuts, and almond slivers roasted for 5-7 hours until it's falling off the bone. The lamb is served on a bed of the rice and has SO much flavor. My father always enjoys the lamb shank - in a beautiful tomato-based sauce. The meat is always tender and scrumptious.

I almost forgot to mention the soup! If you are lucky enough to get there on a night when they have the tomato soup, DO IT! The lentil is also quite tasty, however. Don't forget dessert...they make a delightful pudding with rosewater and sprinkled with crushed pistachios and drizzled with honey. Oh man...

4. Cafe Laibela: 849 W. University Dr.

I've heard all the jokes..."Ethiopian food? I thought they didn't have food in Ethiopia?" Hilarious. Now go and try this place!

It's basically piles of meats (Wat) or veggies cooked slowly with lots of flavors and served on Injera, a sourdough-tasting spongy bread that resembles a large crepe. You tear off pieces and scoop up the forms of Wat or veggies. I cannot pick a favorite of the meats, although the Alicha Sega Wat is very good. I love the Misir Wat (lentils) and Gomen (collard greens - very garlic-y).

Save room for dessert. A little known fact, but they have some of the Valley's best Tiramisu. I happen to love their Tres Leches cake also. A smooth sweet finish to an otherwise spice-filled meal.

5. House of Tricks: 114 E. 7th St.

A great place to celebrate and laugh...the patio is gorgeous with open fire places and lots of beautiful trees. The food by Chef Kelly is, well, to die for. For a certain chicken dish I might commit murder. It's called the Ballantine Chicken. Imagine if you could make chicken into an orgasmic experience. A crispy skin that oozes juices as it is pierced with your knife. The stuffing made with brioche and all presented on a puree of fresh butternut squash. OMG! The raspberry iced tea is delightful, as is their wine selection. Sometimes it's nice to find a place in the middle of the city that makes you feel as if you are on vacation. The historic houses that make up the indoor seating are adorably rustic with modern twists. Take someone you love here...