South Mountain Villager

A Positive News Publication About the South Mountain Village

Posts Tagged ‘Reviews’

DJ’s Smokin’ Rib Shack Review (Feb 2011)

Posted by South Mountain Villager on January 12, 2011

DJ’s Smokin’ Rib Shack

(By Chelsey Heath)

If you’re looking for home-cooked comfort food including barbeque and a mean plate of catfish, look no farther than DJ’s Smokin’ Rib
Shack inside Bougainvillea Golf Course.

David Johnson, Rib Shack owner, is not a new hand at managing a business of cooking up barbeque. He has his own smoker on the premises, where he slow cooks each type of meat he serves until juicy and ready for his homemade barbeque sauce. Originally from St. Louis, Missouri, by way of southern California, Johnson left the jewelry business to join the family business – barbeque.

Wherever you look in the Rib Shack, you see evidence of sports, from the large flat screens showing college football to the large windows overlooking the golf course.

The restaurant serves breakfast, lunch and dinner to hungry golfers and others who stop in. Happy hour is daily from 3 to 6 p.m. Friday night marks all-you-can-eat catfish and Saturday serves up a beef brisket plate for just $10.00.

The catfish platter is a must, along with a patty melt ($4.25) for lunch or the pulled pork ($5.00) or half-slab of BBQ ribs ($15 – $18) for dinner. You can also try some of the bread pudding, pound cake and sweet potato pie.

Johnson said all the food is made from scratch at the restaurant, with the exception of a Rib Shack-exclusive ice cream flavor Scooptacular makes.

The Rib Shack also has live music during the Friday night jazz jam and has oldies dancing as well as Chicago-style stepping on Saturday evenings.

The golf course is at 5740 W. Baseline Road in Laveen. Watch closely for the turn in and sign that advertises karaoke and great barbeque. The Shack is inside the building with “Golf Shop” on the door. Call (623) 707-6958 for more information and hours.

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Restaurant Review (Dec 10)

Posted by South Mountain Villager on November 21, 2010

The House at the Secret Garden

2501 E. Baseline Rd., Phoenix, AZ 85042

by Chelsey Heath (cfheath@asu.edu)

Though the upscale eatery with friendly prices has only been open for a week, Chef Dustin Christofolo said they have already had a three-time repeat customer – which is certainly saying something. Christofolo, who previously worked at The Farm Kitchen at South Mountain and Quiessence Restaurant, emphasized the ambiance of the House, built in 1929 and restored to its original craftsmanship. He also said the Italian cooking background he shares with fellow chef Jan Francis H. Feliciano influenced how the mostly American food menu is prepared from Arizona local ingredients.

For a late Saturday lunch, my dining companion and I started by learning that parking for the House is behind the property. Once inside the cozy spot, I chanced to order lemonade, which appeared with a sprig of rosemary and a zesty taste to match. We chose the ham and cheese sandwich ($8.50) and the Irish bacon cheeseburger ($10) for our main course. Both were perfectly portioned and the sandwich was crunchy and juicy, while the burger was melt-in-your-mouth. Each came with a side of delicious potato crisps

Should you stop in for dinner instead, they have a wine bar and dishes like lemon-grilled chicken ($17), braised short ribs ($21) and shrimp and grits with bacon and carrots ($16).

Though we didn’t have room for dessert, the House offers fig-ricotta fritters ($8) with three kinds of dipping sauces and chocolate cloud cake ($8) made with Fleur de Sel Caramel and sweetened whipped cream.

The restaurant runs lunch and dinner six days a week, as well as a daily happy hour. Visit http://houseatsecretgarden.com/ or call 602.243.8539 for more information.

 

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Home Sweet Home

Posted by South Mountain Villager on May 19, 2009

By Mitch Hammes

If the term ‘Home Sweet Home’ causes your mouth to salivate then I will assume one of two things.  First, you grew up in a family that new how to cook.  Secondly, I would guess that you’ve visited South Mountain Village’s newest soul food restaurant…Home Sweet Home! (on twitter)hshcw

Hidden in the Safeway shopping center on the southwest corner of 16th Street and Baseline (just behind the Arizona Federal Credit Union), you’ll find tasteful and delicious catfish, fried chicken, gizzards and waffles.  That’s right…waffles with butter and syrup…just the kind you have for breakfast.

I tried the fried chicken breast, macaroni and cheese and a waffle.  To my surprise, the waffle was really good.  I’ve never tried chicken and waffles together, but I’m glad I did.  And I’ll be going back again real soon!  The fried chicken breast was delicately spiced and fried without any skin, bones or batter.  It was really a nice change from most fried chicken I’ve tried.  The macaroni and cheese wasn’t the bland, florescent orange stuff you get from a box with a funny cartoon.  It was southern-style, baked macaroni and cheese with only one problem…the side dish was toooo small.

hshHome Sweet Home is restaurant that needs to be visited.  The family atmosphere and friendly service, combined with hearty, home style food won’t be a disappointment.  In fact, I think I’ll head back as soon as I’m done writing this article!

Mitch Hammes is the owner of The Hammes Group, a Phoenix-based restaurant and hospitality consulting company.  Visit www.hammesgroup.com for more information or to contact him.

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The Bourbon Street of Chicken!

Posted by South Mountain Villager on March 18, 2009

By Mitch Hammes

It was late on a cool March morning when I realized that I’d been craving some fried chicken. The problem was that the corporate cooked variety just turns my stomach and stains my shirt when I peel off the batter and watch as a stream of grease flows free. Then I remembered…

louisana-chicken

Louisiana Famous Fried Chicken opened their doors not long ago in the Target shopping center at 24th Street and Baseline. It’s a small location with just one table inside and one out. But the line of people out the door impressed me. Either everyone was trying it for the first time, or even better…it’s great food!

I was pleased with my four-piece meal which included a drink and a side dish. I chose the cole slaw and added a jalapeno and roll, but it was a tough decision considering that the side dish menu included dirty rice, okra, potato salad, fries and mashed potatoes with gravy. The chicken was delicately fried with a cautious blend of Cajun spice that turned the outside of each piece a dull red color. I thoroughly enjoyed the meal and, whereas I used to eat fried chicken twice a year, I’ve decided that Louisiana Famous Fried Chicken would be good twice a month or more!

Although this Louisiana Famous Fried Chicken is primarily a take-out restaurant, you can still enjoy family bucket packs of fried chicken, fish, shrimp, and chicken strips and nuggets. Louisiana Famous Fried Chicken is open Monday through Thursday from 11am-9pm, Friday and Saturday 11am-10pm and Sunday 12pm to 8pm. You can call them at (602) 268-4849 or visit them online at www.louisianachicken.net.

Mitch may be reached via email at mitch@hammesgroup.com. He is President and Founder of The Hammes Group, a Phoenix-based restaurant and hospitality services company. www.hammesgroup.com.

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Priced for 1, Enough for 2

Posted by South Mountain Villager on February 23, 2009

by

Mitch Hammes

During my short 5 years in South Mountain Village, I’ve seen our neighborhoods gain popularity and attract interesting lisbowlnew businesses. I take special interest in those that serve our epicurean desires. This month, I am honored to put the Villager’s spotlight on Li’s Bowl, located south of Southern on 35th Avenue.

Li’s Bowl is an unassuming storefront offering, what I humbly refer to as some of the best sushi and Asian specialties found in the quick service segment of the restaurant industry. Li’s Bowl offers a few appetizers and salads, seven entrees and five different sushi rolls. Some may say that the menu is limited. I say that they’ve focused on quality and quantity in order to provide us with a tasty and value added solution for our hunger pangs.

On my most recent visit, I approached the counter and ordered the sweet and sour chicken (which came with fried or white rice) and a cheese wonton appetizer. I included a regular size Coke and took a seat after paying $8. A short wait later, I was served hot, fresh food with a portion that could easily satisfy two hungry people.

As I watched other diners, I saw construction workers, executives, moms and kids and everyone in between enjoying their meals. I saw several take-out orders prepared and although Li’s Bowl hasn’t been open long, I saw regulars enter and order without hesitation. Most ordered the teriyaki beef, pork or chicken. Mental note to self…must try teriyaki on my next visit.

Li’s Bowl is open Monday-Saturday from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. and Sundays from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. If you’re looking for take-out, give them a call at 602-268-8500. Based on my experience, you won’t be disappointed. Li’s Bowl is a fresh and refreshing change from the corporate, quick service Asian eateries that have been popping up all over the valley lately.

Mitch Hammes is the owner of The Hammes Group, a Phoenix-based restaurant and hospitality consulting company. He can be reached at mitch@hammesgroup.

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Come Early & Come Often!

Posted by South Mountain Villager on November 12, 2008

marylns2By Mitch Hammes

Cher and Madonna. Two singers that only need one name. Soon, ‘Maryln’s’ will be known just as well throughout the South Mountain Village. But not because she can sing!

Open for less than two months by the time that this column is published, Maryln’s has already built a solid reputation with loyal fans by offering a wide selection of menu options that will please every member of your family.

Marlyn’s is located at 5436 S. Central Avenue (between Roeser and Southern, on the west side of the street). This is Maryln’s second location, but the first in the South Mountain Village. On my inaugural visit to Maryln’s, I sat and talked with Sam, the owner. He’s a genuinely nice guy who believes in high quality food at a fair price. Sam surprised me by saying that they bake all their own bread, rolls and buns on-site. Then he gave me a tour of the bakery to prove it. I also saw fresh, whole vegetables waiting in the refrigerator. Another sign of quality in my book!

As we walked, talked and ate, I had to ask about the name. Sam chuckled and told me that the original location at 7th Street & Maryland was supposed to be called ‘Maryland Fish & Chips’. But the sign company made a mistake and when they arrived to install the sign, “Maryln’s” was born.

The menu is full of choices including catfish, shrimp, cod and whiting. But if some of your friends aren’t fish eaters…Philly cheessteaks, hamburgers, gyros, hot wings, chicken, pastrami, and a whole slew of side orders including calamari, zucchini, clams, mushrooms, okra, cole slaw, and too many more to list fill the menu. Most of these items were on the sampler plate that Sam provided and I must say that my favorites were the fish and pastrami. The fish was light and flaky. The pastrami was cut thick and piled high on a fresh baked roll. Trust me when I say it was nothing short of spectacular.

Marlyn’s is open Sunday thru Thursday 11am-9pm. Friday and Saturday 11am-10pm. Bring your cash, debit or credit card and your whole family. Alcohol isn’t available at Maryln’s and there’s no plan for it in the future. Sam says he wants to keep a casual family atmosphere. You can call 602-268-8008 if you have any questions.

Mitch Hammes is the Owner & Founder of The Hammes Group, a Phoenix-based restaurant and hospitality services company. Please email mitch@hammesgroup.com.

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