aileen b.'s Profile

10/12

Happy 2nd anniversary, Crust!

To celebrate Crust's 2nd Ann'y, the entire menu, minus hard liquor, was going for 50% off today!  I decided I'd order my fave Rustica bianca, as well as two other selections I've wanted to try: the Crusted Mac 'n Cheese and the Pasta alla Forno.  The mac 'n cheese is too-die-for!  Love that crust topping and toasted cheeses- count 'em, there's five: fontina, velveeta, romano-pecorino, parmesan, and cheddar?  I'll have to double-check sometime soon ;)  The Pasta alla Forno is also very tasty; the peas lend the dish a sweetness that I like.  Oh, but the mac 'n cheese...  

For dessert, I'd ordered the Nutella pizza, but with everything included (I was going to try eating bananas again).  I forgot to stipulate "no powdered sugar," so after the 15-minute wait, I was presented this pretty dessert pie, but I couldn't enjoy it due to all the powder.  It was promptly removed, but I'd have to wait another 40 minutes for a new batch (the resto was packed).  I must've had a pretty sad face on while waiting for my ticket, bec. Mike came out and offered me a complimentary mini-cannoli.  I was still pretty sad about missing out on all of that Nutella goodness, but after a couple of cannoli bites, I was once again my happy self :D  

BTW, the leftovers warm up well!

What a great breakfast spot!  

Came here for a quick one yesterday before heading over to work for our complimentary annual flu shot and work after.  The weather was delightful enough that I toyed with the idea of dining outside, but wasn't sure if smoking was allowed (I don't smoke).  I decided to dine in at the counter, but did find out that smoking isn't allowed in all dining areas, at least not in Scottsdale!  I'll have to try patio-dining with friends soon.

Had ordered the biscuits and gravy platter, which came with herbed potatoes and fruit, but all I really wanted was a biscuit and gravy, and soon spotted it among the sides menu and cancelled the original.  My only complaint during yesterday's experience was that I felt my server had pressured me into ordering more than I had wanted to.  I'd asked if their gravy was chunky since most of the places that boast "sausage gravy" LIE, and she assured me that I'd love their chunky gravy, so I knew not to order a side of sausage patties, but she had asked me more than three times if I wanted to order two sides, so I thought of trying the bacon, but decided against it when my inquiry of whether or not it contained corn syrup and celery juice came back positive.  So I went with the patties.  There wasn't a need to order more meat as the side of B&G is ample enough for little young me :)  [This dish kept me going for almost six hours!]

I loved this spicy breakfast item so much, I came back for more this morning!  I literally bumped into an old friend, at the Mayo Clinic of all places!, and we thought it'd be nice catch up during breakfast afterwards.  I arrived earlier and placed my order in for a biscuit and gravy ($3.95) and one stuffed pancake ($2.95).  I chose the peach creme brulee.  (This was going to be a treat as I haven't had peaches in three years!)  No powdered sugar, please, and FYI, the pancake syrup here isn't 100% maple.  My friend, who exercises and counts calories as much as I do, was going to looking at the pancake list when I, recalling he liked egg-white omelets, told him that DD offered an egg-white wrap.  He instantly ordered this, but also ordered a blueberry and banana pancake made w/ honey whole wheat.  (I'd lamented that the server hadn't asked me for my batter preference, so my pal said he'd order one with whole wheat, for me to try.  A pleasant double-surprise was when he chose blueberries and banana, the latter which I haven't eaten in three years!)

He absolutely loved his egg-white wrap.  I almost tried a bite, but didn't want to play with fire since I was already trying my luck with the peaches and the banana.  (The wrap contained eggs and mushrooms...)  I loved both of the pancakes- the peach creme brulee was perfect w/out any added butter or syrup, but my friend's pancake needed a little maple syrup- thank goodness I always carry some, just in case!  =)

Can't wait for that upcoming UYE a yelper teased about during our jaunt at Haus Murphy's ;)

9/29

Oh yeah, I'll be back!  

So what if this place was practically dead when I arrived at 4:30pm?  And so what if it took me two times to ask for some table bread, which didn't arrive till after I'd placed my 2nd appetizer order?  Or that the glass of Primitivo Mediterranean red was a bit disappointing?  Oh, no.  I was captivated after my first bite of the Asparagus bruschetta!  By the second bite, I was knee-deep in quicksand and succumbing to sweet surrender.  Sweet, roasted red pepper surrender.  On a bed of creamy, luscious, and lust-provoking goat cheese.  I was so transported by this dish that I wasn't satisfied with just one... No, no.  I had to have another!  And yes, if you must know, I ate it all =)

Oh, and the table bread?  I sampled a thumb-twist of the honey-whole wheat, and it, too, was delicious.  I took the rest home, and I'm unhappy to say that not a crumb of it was present 24 hours later (no thanks to my roomie).

9/18

98 South is open for business again!  When did this happen?

A friend and I stopped in for a drink and checked out the band and two singers for a bit.  I really liked the female singer- she had lovely strong vocals and danced energetically along to the song.  I only heard her sing once, and her other partner sang to the style of Frank Sinatra, my friend's favorite, for the rest of the time we were there.  

I decided to try the mojito, while my friend ordered a Miller Light.  The bartender, with big blonde hair and a very ample, um, countenance, handed me my drink after a few minutes and had to ask what my pal was having again.  While she retrieved his bottle from the fridge, I tried the mojito.  I wished I hadn't.  It was VERY HEAVY on the mint syrup.  I'm used to drinks made w/ muddled fresh mint, but if she had used a light hand on the syrup, I probably wouldn't have minded.  I had asked if she'd re-do the drink, and she said "sure," but not w/out showing her dissatisfaction.  She returned w/ two glasses- the revised drink and leftovers from the original, should I "want to have more alcohol."  As she handed him his beer, he gave her his credit card, to which she SHOUTED back a "What do you want to do with this!?"  He was so taken aback, he had repeated the question and almost retorted back an apt response, but decided against it, just to help speed the transaction along.  

I'm just glad that my companion enjoyed the jazz accompaniment, bec. I felt so bad he had to pay $12 for that terrible mojito drink, which he had me abandon after taking a photo of it.  Lesson learned: Just like with food menu selections, I should find out how they prepare their drinks.  (I really did think that a nice place like this wouldn't cut corners and use such saccharin-sweet syrups...)
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10/16

Just received an email from "Iolanda" who wanted to clarify that
a.)  98 South only serves Bud Light.  Our bad.  My friend did order a Miller Lite, but did have to settle with a Bud light.
b.)  98 South does not use mint syrup- only fresh mint and simple syrup.  Whatever they used, it was very heavy with too-sweet syrup.  So bad was the experience for my friend that he swears never to try another mojito again.  Not even one made by yours truly- ask the people I served at a party months ago... I can make a decent mojito!
c.)  She swears her credit card statement went "What do you want me to do with this?  Go shopping?"  Sorry, sweetie, but my friend and I both disagree.  In the end, my friend paid $12 for a lousy drink I had to abandon, and you still received a tip, bec. my friend is still a gentleman.  
d.)  Our bartender's name is Iolanda.

For my 2nd Yelp Eats dinner, I headed to Metro Brasserie last Wednesday, 7/22.  Excluding a slight hiccup with the moules frites (I originally intended to order the scallops for my second course, but the server sold me on their "best in the valley" dish), I'd rate the food here with 5 stars!  But I'm getting ahead of myself...

Setting was nice, if a little disconcerting with the two kitchens to the left of the entry way, the L-shaped dining area, culminating with the bar-counter and its TVs and more bistro tables and chairs to the right.  On my way out, I did think it cool to be able to stand outside and watch the chefs work their magic.

For my 1st course, I ordered the Alsacian onion tart.  AMAZING!  Loved the thin-crust presentation, with caramelized onions, crispy smoked bacon, and gruyere cheese.  Not only was this tart so tasty and so beautiful to look at, but the proportions were ample; this appetiizer could easily feed at least three people (and I don't just mean those in the petite population, either) who plan to order entrees.  (I could get away with eating two of the six pieces with a side salad and leave satiated, and very happy with leftovers, but I'd be doing a HUGE disservice suggesting that you leave w/out having tried dessert!)

As I mentioned, my server, who was efficient, yet friendly, and who answered all my questions with grace and no trace of impatience, suggested I'd go with the moules frites, instead of the scallops I'd wanted.  While waiting for the moules frites to arrive, I chatted with an older couple sitting next to me, who were nice enough to offer a taste of their onion soup (I gracefully declined).  When my entree arrived, I offered them a few mussels to taste, and with some prodding from his date, the man tried one.  His reaction?  "A little sandy, but good."  Fortunately, the server was passing by and witnessed my sharing moules with my neighbor, so he'd asked him what he thought, to which I added that I haven't found any with sand, yet.  It took me about five pieces before I found some with sand.  After that, it seemed that they all were sandy, and I just didn't feel like eating any more (which is a shame because I loved the flavor, the generous portion, and I especially loved sipping on the broth).  Speaking of the broth, it was suggested I try dipping the frites in it.  Let me just say that as soon as I had a glimpse of the frites (fries), I knew I wouldn't enjoy them.  These fries were so greasy, they weren't crispy AT ALL, but perhaps these are how bistro frites are supposed to be?  So I tried a few.  To the server's credit, the broth did wonders to the frites, but I can't make myself eat soggy, spongy-with-grease fries, so I won't be having these when I return (and I do plan on returning, since the food that followed were very, very good!)

I was fortunate enough to be able to select another item for my 2nd course, and even though the server suggested I not go with the scallops being that my first seafood selection was a disappointment, I went with them, anyway.  Am I glad I did!  Three huge pieces, beautifully presented with baby turnips, crunchy asparagus, delectable saucisson Basquaise (pan-fried sausage), with a tomato vinaigrette.  (I asked that the creamed corn be omitted.)  I ate the entire dish!

After mulling on which dessert to try for my 3rd course (all of them sounded fantastic!), I decided on the sticky toffee pudding, and was I ever so glad I ordered it!  I am embarrassed to admit that I finished this dish in about two minutes flat.  This toffee muffin came topped with pistachio gelato and was garnished with caramel and creme fraiche with a smattering of whole pistachios (the menu mentions blackberries, but I did not detect any),and it deserved to be savored slowly, which I attempted to, really I did.  I'd come back just to have this again (and try the others!).

Service was attentive and friendly, although I was a little put-off when the decanter containing the rest of the wine pour was taken away soon after the moules frites left the table.  A little strange, that.  I also didn't like exiting the restaurant to go to the restroom, which was akin to one you'd find in a state park, or a community college: basic metal stalls and no ambience, whatsoever.  It was very warm in there, too.   But the food!  Come to Metro Brasserie for scrumptious food!  I'm happy to report that Metro offers a rotating daily dinner for 2 (entree, 500 mL of wine, and beignets) for $42.  I cannot wait to return to try this feature, as well as lunch and breakfast!

*(I'm so glad most of my photos came out well- have I mentioned that I dislike dark restaurants?  I want to see my food!!)

As I walked into the church to have a look around during the last ten minutes of the 8p Youth Choir Christmas Mass service last night (I was killing time waiting for family to get out of work so that we'd attend the Midnight Mass), I was awashed with gifts of awe, beauty, and welcoming embrace that this space always bestows upon me.  This was only my second visit in 27 months since I moved out of Chandler, and last night's first moments standing in this church made me wistful of my decision to leave Chandler and this space.  (I went from attending mass every week to only attending two masses, Easter '07 and Christmas '08, since moving out!)

Even without the Christmas treatments (outdoor lights, indoor and outdoor Nativity decorations, gorgeous red- and gold-adorned trees, Advent wreaths, white and red poinsettias, and the fabulous (to me!) scents of frankincense and myrrh), this church and its grounds are beautfully designed.  Whether or not you plan to attend a service, be sure to give yourself time to have a look around, both indoors (stained-glass windows, stations of the cross and Mother Mary grotto) and outdoors (fountain depicting Jesus, the Fisher of Men and the one-year old EXQUISITE prayer garden).  I came upon this prayer garden by serendipity- while trying to kill time and burning some calories, I walked around the lot and on my way back to the courtyard, I heard and spied water fountain jets running and thought "Oh, they must have turned on the jets at the Fisher of Men statue," w/c I've never seen, or even thought it had.  So I walked through the floral-motif metal gates (wrought-iron?) and walked around the rose garden.  Its space was absolutely resplendent with fountains, an altar for the Virgin Mary, beautiful roses everywhere (planted, and painted in murals, which were accented with rose-adorned metal railings!), and a comfy metal and stone bench.  I cannot wait to come back to this space for rejuvenating quiet reflection!

While I miss Fr. Joe Hennessy's services (he retired in '07), I thoroughly enjoyed Fr. John Coleman's personality and the enthusiastic and gleeful manner in which he presented the homily and service!  The adult choir and orchestra members (all volunteers w/ the exception of the paid composer) were impressive as always.  Thanks to everyone involved, I have definitely found my way back to this community and space.