Taryn’s Picks for Restaurant Week

Arizona Restaurant Week 2011 is set for September 17th-25th and it’s time to schedule your dinner reservations! The world of food and they way that we look at dining is ever evolving. From Jamie Oliver’s Food Revolution to the insightful and life changing documentary Forks Over Knives, we are becoming a community who care where our food comes from and as much as how it tastes; we are become more and more aware of how what we eat affects us not only at the moment but for the rest of our lives.

My choices for restaurant week are restaurants that are aligned with the current culinary concerns, providing gluten-free and vegetarian options. So pick a date, treat your taste buds and be good to yourself… You deserve it!

Be sure to check out each of the noted restaurants’ special menus, as the items listed below are the items that I would choose.

• Citizen Public House | $30

Touted as an upscale version of a traditional public house, Citizen Public House offers up Chef Bernie Kantak’s impressive and creative dishes.The atmosphere is rich in design with casual elegance. The food and service are of equal delight.
I would order: the Original Chopped Salad, Chef Bernie’s Meatloaf and the Bread Pudding

• Eddie’s House | $30

Phoenix’s culinary mastermind, Chef Eddie Matney is serving up great food with a big personality. You’ll feel as if you have stepped into his personal dining room. The restaurant is adorned with personal photos which gives a quirky and personal touch. The food is full-flavored and spiced with history as some items on the menu are Matney family favorites.
I would order: Arizona Apple Salad with Goat cheese and Blueberry Vinaigrette, Pan Seared New England Cod with Panzanella Salad and tomato shrimp herb essence.

• House of Tricks | $30

One of the first restaurants I fell in love with in Arizona, House of Tricks is housed in a charming 1920’s cottage in the heart of downtown Tempe. Patio dining is surprisingly intimate and romantic. The contemporary American menu is inspired by the changing seasons and the interior is peppered with fine art collected over the last 22 years.
I would order: Smoked Sweet Corn Vichysoisse with Gruyere Buttermilk fondue, Sherried Oyster mushrooms and green peppercorn grits with Saba and Heirloom tomatoes, Key Lime Pie with Blueberry Marshmallow fluff.

• Posh Improvisational Cuisine | $40

If you haven’t been to Posh you really are missing out. One of the most unique restaurants in the Valley. Chef Josh Herbert has created a revolutionary dining experience.  There is no real menu per se, you simply mark on a form the things that you would not like to see on your small plates and then wait for the magic to happen. The menu, as always, is all improv!

• True Food Kitchen | 2 for $30

The menu at True Food Kitchen is based off of Dr. Andrew Weil’s Anti Inflammatory Diet and Food Pyramid. Great care is taken to procure the best meats and vegetables available and True Food Kitchen makes sure to use the best local produce as it is available. Great food that you can feel great about.
I would order: Kale Salad, Spaghetti Squash Casserole.