Greasewood Flat - Scottsdale

Greasewood Flat is a good place to take people who have never been to Arizona and really want to believe we all ride horses to work and have gunfights in the street. It's outside, in the middle of the desert, with a limited menu (burgers and hot dogs) but quite a bit of cowboy charm. There's live music, bonfires, marshmallows you can buy to toast over open fires; it's fun. If you want to pretend you're camping with cowboys (but with a full bar) check it out.

33 American Bistro - Scottsdale

33 is a tiny little place with some pretty tasty food. The hummus is nice, the fish and chips are good, pretty much every dessert is amazing, and they have a great Riesling on the wine list.

Sonic - Phoenix

Two words; cherry limeade. That's what I'm talking about. Throw in some tater tots with a big glob of cheese on top, and call it lunch at Sonic.

Los Dos Molinos - Phoenix

Los Dos Molinos is one of my favorite places. It's good, fresh New Mexico style Mexican food. The salsas are wicked spicy, as are many of the entrees. No problem, wash it all down with the best sangria in the world- it tastes like candy. I get the chicken chimichanga and eat a little bit of sour cream with every bite to take the edge off. Husband recently had ribs with a fried egg on top, and said it was delicious. I'm not kidding about the salsa, though- watch out.

Cocomo Joe's - Cave Creek

We went to Cocomo Joe’s last night. The vanilla colada was delicious, as were the coconut onion rings (made with sweet onions- delish!) I had the Fiji Chicken Sandwich and it was fantastic. Husband said the wings were among the best in town.

Medizona - Scottsdale

We went to Medizona, a ridiculously overrated restaurant in Scottsdale. It was one of those places where everything on the menu was trying too hard. Like rabbit and fig baklava, or lamb tacos with eggplant instead of shells. EVERYTHING was like that, or it had a sunny-side up quail egg on top for garnish. I am all about a few cool surprises, but when everything was like that, it was off-putting. And wicked expensive.

Bridgid's - Philadelphia

Bridgid's is one of those places that just looks and feels like you think Philadelphia is going to look and feel. I had delicious spinach gnocchi, and Lindeman's framboise.

Champps - King of Prussia

Even though they don't have a Champps at home, I feel like I've been there before. Maybe because it's just the same tired old "family-friendly" chain sports bar I've seen a million times. The fish and chips were pretty good, though, a little greasy, but I didn't expect too much

Bahama Breeze - Phoenix

Go to Bahama Breeze for the drinks, maybe some appetizers, but go somewhere else for dinner. Their signature pina colada is very well done, and the tostones are really neat. None of the entrees I've tried are remarkable, I've been disappointed every time.

Four Peaks - Scottsdale

We went to Four Peaks for lunch. The peach beer is delicious, as is the 5 Layer Nacho Dip. The Grilled Chicken Beer Bread sandwich is greasy and heavy, I only ate a few bites of it. I was really disappointed in my lunch. The kids’ menus were taped to the back of mini-magnadoodles, so that was a really neat idea.