Friday Bites with David Romako
As immersed as I am in the food world, I have had the opportunity to meet so many amazing people through that journey. Sometimes it’s an executive or pastry chef, sometimes it’s a restaurateur or owner and other times it’s an incredible person in the PR world. David Romako falls into the latter category.
As co-founder of Bright Brothers Strategy Group, David Romako is one half of an amazing team that I am so lucky to work with. In addition to his Monday through Friday marketing genius, David is a published author (he wrote a 1,000 page book on forensics in high school!), a serious foodie, and a volunteer for the Nearly Naked Theatre, among many other passion projects.
As someone who can often be found in the kitchen or out at the hottest local spot, we thought David Romako was the perfect person to share his favorite spots around town!
Friday Bites with David Romako
Authentic Arizona | Pat O’s Bunkhouse Saloon + The Tamale Lady
The quintessential Arizona food should be cheap, spicy, honest, easy to share, and – most importantly – eaten outside. Putting your feet up on a giant patio with a tray of cold beers with lime and a huge pyramid of homemade tamales bought from the back of abuela’s car is Arizona foodie perfection.
Best Asian| Hana Japanese Eatery
Chef/owner Lori Hashimoto creates my favorite sushi and authentic Japanese food in Phoenix. It’s a treat watching her team break down a giant Bluefin, or tempting regulars with live seafood. Always ask for the specials- some of the best items aren’t on the menu.
Dining Solo | Pane Bianco
I’m addicted to Chris Bianco’s sandwiches. When peppers are in season, the sopressata sandwich is the only thing I want to eat. Lux is right next door for an afternoon coffee or drink, great people-watching, and excellent desserts. At night, Pane Bianco serves the same James Beard Award-winning pizza that made Pizzeria Bianco famous, but without the two-hour waits.
Fresh from the Market | House of Tricks
Chef Andrea Bales visits with local farmers every week to personally select the produce for this romantic Tempe institution. Get there on Monday- that’s when she gets really creative featuring her favorite finds.
Best “It’s Too Hot To Think About Food” Food | Clever Koi
When it’s pushing 120 degrees, Clever Koi’s chilled green tea soba noodles with lemongrass chicken are my refuge. Be sure to try the Pig Face dumplings and something from their incredible cocktail menu.
Have someone that you would love to see profiled on Friday Bites? Let me know and I will do my best to get them profiled. Do you want to be profiled? Reach out to me and let’s chat!
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© Taryn Jeffries 2016
About the Author - Taryn Jeffries
Editor and Chief Eating Officer of PhoenixBites, 2017 Food Writer of the Year (Arizona Culinary Hall of Fame) Taryn grew up in a small town in Illinois with a doting Grandmother who taught her the way around a kitchen and that food is representative of love. Her current quest is to find the love in local dishes and the chefs behind them. In addition to running all things PhoenixBites, Taryn is also a freelance writer, sharing her insight on the best dishes and where to get them each and every month.
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