For the Love of Food: Papaya Thai

Last weekend my family and I were in need of a good dining experience. My sister was here from out of town and an adults only dinner was planned. Long story short, we ended up in a strip mall on the NWC of Lindsay and University Roads at Papaya Thai.

Walking in, I think we were all a little skeptical. First, it's in a strip mall. There were large fish tanks on most of the walls that didn't look very inviting. However, I think after all was said and done, we all agreed that we'd definitely go back. In fact, my mother has been craving what she ordered since we left. Plus, there is an open window to the kitchen, which I like. For some reason I always feel more comfortable in restaurants that you can see into the preparation area.

For appetizers, we had the egg rolls. They were surprisingly good for vegetarian egg rolls. The four were $3.95. Next time, I'd like to try the crab wontons. Others in our party ordered and enjoyed them. For my entree, I ordered the Mango Curry Chicken. It had a unique flavor (lots of curry and coconut oil), but it was delicious. They allow you to select your level of spice. I got a one (on a scale of 1-5) and it was almost too much for my weak mouth. But the flavor was delicious. I also tasted the orange chicken, which is probably on the top of my orange chicken list (if you've ever had it from Bamboo Club, that's what it was like). I think the entrees were around $6.95 - 8.95 and they were served with steamed rice.

The service was good, but odd. I'm not sure if it had to do with the fact that we had such a large party (12), but some people at the table had their appetizer and main dish before we got our appetizer. Everything still came out quickly, so they must have turned in the order for the first four people, then the next four and then the final four, resulting in our food coming out in shifts. This didn't detract from the good food, just a warning if you go with a large group.

All in all, it was relatively inexpensive and the food was great. I will definitely be back.

Papaya Thai
2706 East University Drive
Suite F6 & F7
Mesa, AZ 85213
Sunday through Thursday - 9 AM to 9 PM
Friday and Saturday - 9 AM to 10 PM

For the Love of Food: The Egg and I

Last Friday I enjoyed breakfast at The Egg and I Cafe and found myself wondering why I haven't written a review for this blog about that restaurant. Located on the NEC of McDowell and Power Roads, it's very near freeways, allowing for easy access.

On our last visit, they messed up my sister's order and then the "fixed" omelet was still missing her spinach. When the waitress brought it out, she apologized and said she wouldn't be charged with her meal. I don't know about you, but I am a big fan of good customer service. I don't expect perfection, as long as sufficient steps are taken to properly handle mistakes. My sister didn't even complain, they just acknowledged the errors and compensated her in a way they felt was adequate.

Like I said, I've been several times and never been disappointed. I did have an interesting dish there (French toast with cream cheese and sausage in between), that I wouldn't order again, but it wasn't bad quality, just not my preference in taste. They use fresh ingredients and have a wide selection on their menu. The selection is a little overwhelming, especially if you are indecisive. They serve breakfast and lunch from 6:00am - 2:00pm (I think...). My favorite thing to get is the Sunrise Quesadilla.

Have you ever been to The Egg and I Cafe? How was it? What do you suggest?

The Egg and I Cafe
2823 N Power Rd
Mesa, AZ 85215
480-641-8080

(Sorry, no picture. These days I have time to type and that's about it.)

Chives

While we may not have our "Restaurants" button up and running, I decided it's time we start our local restaurant reviews. The other day I went to Chives for the first time. It's a little cafe on the grounds of the Stonebridge Manor (East side). Dining is only on the patio, which makes it perfect for 75% of the year here in Mesa.

The menu is very limited (I had a choice of one of four sandwiches or a salad) and currently, all salads and sandwiches on the menu are $5 (which includes tax). I'm not sure how long this promotion is running. You fill out a paper with what you want, pay and then they bring you your food. Just a warning: the menu items listed on Chef's Doug website aren't guaranteed. That just shows what items might be available.

I split a Vanilla Pecan Chicken Salad Sandwich and a House Salad.

The Sandwich was a little on the sweet side, but tasty nonetheless. It was served on focaccia bread that was nice and fresh. The only turn off were the golden raisins. But that's just because I'm not a fan of raisins. Fortunately, everything blended well so I didn't notice them too much.

The House Salad was good, but a little overboard on ingredients. In addition to the greens, I counted ten other items. All good items, but overwhelming when combined. I also didn't realize there would be craisins, black berries and vanilla candied pecans (which I could eat by the fistful), otherwise I might have opted for a more complimenting dressing other than the Ranch I ordered. Next time I go, I'll likely stick with a sandwich and a bag of chips, unless they have other salad options available.

Part of a dining experience is the atmosphere and I really enjoyed being outside in such a peaceful setting. It wasn't terribly busy, but we also weren't the only customers, which tends to make things awkward.

Hours: 11:00 - 1:30
Location: 4000 E. Palm St.
Contact: 480.641.4148

The food was good, the price was right and the atmosphere was relaxing and different than your typical cafe. This is the best picture I got of the surroundings. As you can see, it's nestled near trees and greenery.

Read more about the Cafe and Chef Doug here.