Pizzeria Bianco, Phoenix Arizona

12 Mar

Is Pizzeria Bianco the holy grail of pizzeria’s?? Well, it is truly fantastic as well as a James Beard Award winner…and it is sad that the average person cannot fully realize the incredible culmination of craftsmanship that comes together on these pies.

As with all pizza’s it starts with the most important part…the crust. There is a reason some of the best pizza’s in the world are created by bakers, they know dough…the crust is impeccable at Bianco’s…truly a shining star. Thin crispy on the outside chewy and complex on the inside with beautiful charring…so amazing.

The pizza’s themselves are shown below in the photos…they are all quite good in their own way…three with red sauce, three white…House made fresh mozzarella, locally sourced ingredients. But oh the crust.

I have been to some of the best pizzeria’s in the world, and yes this place does live up to its hype. folks who don’t agree, unfortunately don’t have a refined enough palate to discern good pizza, and probably should keep their opinions to themselves…unfortunately I did say.

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Pizzeria Bianco on Urbanspoon

Wool Growers Restaurant, Los Banos, Ca

6 Mar

Well, I never thought I would find and enjoy a restaurant in this little town predicated upon commuter traffic from the bay area to the central valley (and beyond). I have a friend who hunts ducks, and told me about a basque french restaurant that serves you an all you can eat meal, with a giant steak (or as many as you can eat) for under 20 dollars. And even more, that it was good food. Especially the Lamb Stew he said.

Well, as you can see from the photos below, it is indeed a feast; it begins with bottles of wine, soup, bread, beans and salad, then you receive your lamb stew, and potato salad…then you main course a choice of meats…I chose a new york strip…Then the ice cream cup with some cheese bits! It was all very good, but the lamb stew wast literally fantastic…I wanted to take a bucket home with me!

The restaurant is a rustic, turn of the century concept, even the lamb stew was reminiscent of classic old school technique, you could even see the caramelization on the lamb pieces where they seared those off first to build the flavor in the stew. It is like stepping back in time to a simpler way of eating in a communal fashion…very old world…anybody going there should expect that the food is served when it comes up, you are not to expect dainty servings, sent over individually when you request them. The restaurant has a fantastic old world charm.

The build-out inside is a massive mess hall within the confines of an old hotel…its a pre fixe menu, and at least during hunting season…it is difficult to find a seat. This is a must experience for anybody passing through this little town.

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Wool Growers Restaurant on Urbanspoon

Coffee Mia, Marina, Ca

6 Mar

There is a reason why this little coffee bar is always busy, and it ties into the reason why they have great reviews online. The owner, and his retired father run the join, and they put the passion into the food and drink. I go there for the sandwiches…order up any of the signature subs and you will not be disappointed…or utilize the brew bar for a fresh brewed coffee right into your cup! pictured below are a signature sub, and the Meatball Fantastic! Seriously one of the meatball sammies I have ever had…cheesy saucy, and delicious.

Either way you look at it…this is a must visit in Marina for the coffee, and the eats!

Coffee Mia Brew Bar & Cafe on Urbanspoon

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Cafe Ariana, Pacific Grove, Ca

6 Mar

I love the Little PG restaurants. this is a new installment by the owner of the Big Night Bistro. This little wine bar has fresh gelato, and some great little pizza’s all in the little cafe. It is a great spot to stop and have a glass of wine and some nibbles. The pizza is good, napoletana style, as much of a connoisseur as i am it inst anything to write home about, but it is good, just as good as the other pizza in town likely. Give it a shot, you will be glad you did…

Cafee Ariana on Urbanspoon

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Buffalo Wild Wings, Seaside, Ca

6 Mar

It is with little regard that I visited this franchise based madness, and it with less regard that I do the honor of reviewing it. Buffalo Wild Wings is a part of a monolithic chain, hundreds of restaurants. Their food is designed to be fast, affordable, and still turn a profit.

I would only recommend visiting this restaurant for two reasons, the incredible array of large flat screens playing sports, or the wings…everything else is rather blah.  But the wings are good…or try the wing challenge!

 

Buffalo Wild Wings on Urbanspoon

Pitfire Pizzeria, Downtown Los Angeles

1 Jan

Pitfire Pizzeria is an up and coming pizza chain that is sort of leading an iconoclast charge against the standard family style pizza chain. Based on an artisan single serving pizza, this concept has been taking off and doing staggering numbers. The food was OK, I mean better the domino’s but still formula fast food-ish in its approach. I would personally prefer pizzeria Mozza if I had the time to drive there. This place however did have a line out the door during the lunch rush…Crazy busy.

Pitfire Artisan Pizza on Urbanspoon

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Carmel’s Bistro Giovanni, Carmel, Ca

1 Jan

Firok Shield has been a restauranteur for quite some time in the Carmel Area. Now the owner of three restaurants, Carmel’s Bistro, Bistro Beaujolais, and Da Giovanni all in Carmel, this man knows how to keep an crowd happy.

All three restaurants are highly regarded, this particular one is my favorite of the three. Delicious Mediterranean food, fantastic wine list, and a full bar provide an extremely pleasant dining experience. My go to dish, Osso Bucco…this is perfectly executed by the chef team here. Highly recommended a visit!

Carmel's Bistro Giovanni on Urbanspoon

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