Phoenix Trip Report- special thanks to Ljyoung and others!
Mar 30th, 2004, 09:23 AM
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Phoenix Trip Report- special thanks to Ljyoung and others!
My husband and I went to Phoenix 2 weeks ago for spring training. We hadn't been to Phoenix before but will definately be going back.
We used PL and got the Pointe Hilton Resort Tapatio Cliffs for $75 a night! WOW! This is a great resort, we just loved it! Our room was by the adult pool (no kids allowed) which is just what we wanted. Swim up bar and snack service, warm pool, mmmmmm. The grounds at the resort are really nice as is the service (free valet parking, people kept giving us bottles of free water, etc). There is also a huge area called the waterfall park with multiple pools for families, huge waterfalls and a waterslide which is fun. But when the high pitched screams of delight proved too much.... back to the adult pool! yeah
The first day we went to see the Mariners vs. the Cubs in Peoria. We had rented a convertable which was really fun. The ballpark was great, we lounged on the grass and drank beers and soaked up the sun. After the game we went to The Montastary Too at the end of the practice fields. What a fun bar! You cook your own burgers or chicken and it's cheap, like $3.50 for a cheeseburger. Very fun and lots of welcome shade to relax in. Back to the hotel for a nap and then we were off to try the first of the restaurants on Ljyoung's list- Barrio Cafe.
Barrio is awesome!!! Nice and small and casual. The best guacamole ever! I have written down everything that went into the 'made at tableside' dish and can't wait to recreate it at home. We waited for our table at the bar as there are no reservations. The drinks were good also and the bartender really nice. We were so happy with our dinner here! Absolutely check out this place while in Phoenix. And let me say that anytime Ljyoung gives you a restaurant recommendation take it!!
More later!
We used PL and got the Pointe Hilton Resort Tapatio Cliffs for $75 a night! WOW! This is a great resort, we just loved it! Our room was by the adult pool (no kids allowed) which is just what we wanted. Swim up bar and snack service, warm pool, mmmmmm. The grounds at the resort are really nice as is the service (free valet parking, people kept giving us bottles of free water, etc). There is also a huge area called the waterfall park with multiple pools for families, huge waterfalls and a waterslide which is fun. But when the high pitched screams of delight proved too much.... back to the adult pool! yeah
The first day we went to see the Mariners vs. the Cubs in Peoria. We had rented a convertable which was really fun. The ballpark was great, we lounged on the grass and drank beers and soaked up the sun. After the game we went to The Montastary Too at the end of the practice fields. What a fun bar! You cook your own burgers or chicken and it's cheap, like $3.50 for a cheeseburger. Very fun and lots of welcome shade to relax in. Back to the hotel for a nap and then we were off to try the first of the restaurants on Ljyoung's list- Barrio Cafe.
Barrio is awesome!!! Nice and small and casual. The best guacamole ever! I have written down everything that went into the 'made at tableside' dish and can't wait to recreate it at home. We waited for our table at the bar as there are no reservations. The drinks were good also and the bartender really nice. We were so happy with our dinner here! Absolutely check out this place while in Phoenix. And let me say that anytime Ljyoung gives you a restaurant recommendation take it!!
More later!
Mar 30th, 2004, 01:55 PM
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Barrio is 2814 N. 16th St, 1 1/2 blocks south of thomas road. I hope you go there if you want some good unique southwest food. It was great!!
The next day we lounged by the pool all day....ahhhh. Then went up to the restaurant on the cliff at the Point Hilton, can't remember the name, but we had expensive cocktails and watched a beautiful sunset. After we headed to Vincent on Camelback for dinner (another recommendation for Ljyoung). The restaurant is very nice, maybe the 'finest dining' in Phoenix? Anyway it is French with a southwest touch. Well my husband and I were prepared for an amazing meal! But things started shaky when we were seated, not given menus nor asked if we wanted cocktails. My sea bass did not taste fresh although I was assured that it had been fed ex'd in. My husbands lamb was perfect and it's presentation was nice. On the up side the sommelier gave us a better bottle than what we asked about at the same price and we were given desserts 'compliments of the chef'. When I asked my waiter for a glass of sauterns he replied they were out but gave me a late harvest chenin blanc. The sommelier then asked what I had and when I told him why he said they weren't out at all and went and got me a glass on the house. Very strange for $230 for the two of us. Maybe they were having an off day but no matter we still had a good time. And the service did have it's high points.... my husband went out to the car to get my sweater and they immediately called him by name and asked if they could help, etc, etc.
The next day we went to Surprise stadium to watch the M's and the Rangers. Another gorgeous hot fun day in the sun. They have deep fried oreos at the ballpark.... don't even get me started!
That night we wanted to go to Barmouch but it wasn't open so we went to the sister restaurant Tarbell's. FANTASTIC! Tarbell worked as a chef at Taillevent some years back, Paris' arguably best restaurant. The food was perfect, all of it! The wine was great, the service great! Not shorts and t-shirt casual but not dressy. And let me just drool thinking about this chocolate cake we had! wow!!! We will absolutely come back here and/or try Barmouche next time in Phoenix.
So Tarbells and Barrio were our favorites by far. I just think the recommendations I got were excellent so thank you everyone!
The next day we lounged by the pool all day....ahhhh. Then went up to the restaurant on the cliff at the Point Hilton, can't remember the name, but we had expensive cocktails and watched a beautiful sunset. After we headed to Vincent on Camelback for dinner (another recommendation for Ljyoung). The restaurant is very nice, maybe the 'finest dining' in Phoenix? Anyway it is French with a southwest touch. Well my husband and I were prepared for an amazing meal! But things started shaky when we were seated, not given menus nor asked if we wanted cocktails. My sea bass did not taste fresh although I was assured that it had been fed ex'd in. My husbands lamb was perfect and it's presentation was nice. On the up side the sommelier gave us a better bottle than what we asked about at the same price and we were given desserts 'compliments of the chef'. When I asked my waiter for a glass of sauterns he replied they were out but gave me a late harvest chenin blanc. The sommelier then asked what I had and when I told him why he said they weren't out at all and went and got me a glass on the house. Very strange for $230 for the two of us. Maybe they were having an off day but no matter we still had a good time. And the service did have it's high points.... my husband went out to the car to get my sweater and they immediately called him by name and asked if they could help, etc, etc.
The next day we went to Surprise stadium to watch the M's and the Rangers. Another gorgeous hot fun day in the sun. They have deep fried oreos at the ballpark.... don't even get me started!
That night we wanted to go to Barmouch but it wasn't open so we went to the sister restaurant Tarbell's. FANTASTIC! Tarbell worked as a chef at Taillevent some years back, Paris' arguably best restaurant. The food was perfect, all of it! The wine was great, the service great! Not shorts and t-shirt casual but not dressy. And let me just drool thinking about this chocolate cake we had! wow!!! We will absolutely come back here and/or try Barmouche next time in Phoenix.
So Tarbells and Barrio were our favorites by far. I just think the recommendations I got were excellent so thank you everyone!
Mar 30th, 2004, 07:48 PM
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Loving your trip report. I'm so jealous. I've been trying to talk my dh into a Phoenix trip but no go so far. If only the Red Sox had their spring training in Phoenix, we'd be there in a heartbeat. In the meantime I'm living vicariously through Fodors.
Apr 1st, 2004, 08:50 AM
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bennie, I have to say that Phoenix was definately a great surprise. I didn't think I would like it that much. We had been in Tucson last year and it just wasn't my cup of tea. But I'll try to use the spring training excuse to go back to Phoenix again next year!
Aug 23rd, 2004, 04:25 PM
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Great report on Phoenix, stormygirl. I'm hoping to get back there in November and will keep your recommendations in mind. My husband really likes Phoenix and would like to spend more time there. I'm still disappointed because we didn't get to see the Grand Canyon last time.
Mar 4th, 2007, 10:05 AM
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"That night we wanted to go to Barmouch but it wasn't open so we went to the sister restaurant Tarbell's. FANTASTIC! Tarbell worked as a chef at Taillevent some years back, Paris' arguably best restaurant. The food was perfect, all of it! The wine was great, the service great! "
Glad you thought so, Stormygirl, but that wasn't my experience. My bride and I found the food there to be quite good, though not memorable, but the ambiance and service left a great deal to be desired. The place is loud and noisy....not a romantic place at all!....the tables are too close together, resulting in a faceful of server's butt every time he waited on a neighbouring table, and it seems that table turnover is everything there...they couldn't get us fed and out the door quickly enough. Poor choice for the romantic dinner that my wife and I had expected. Shame...it was a lot of money for a bummer of an experience.
Glad you thought so, Stormygirl, but that wasn't my experience. My bride and I found the food there to be quite good, though not memorable, but the ambiance and service left a great deal to be desired. The place is loud and noisy....not a romantic place at all!....the tables are too close together, resulting in a faceful of server's butt every time he waited on a neighbouring table, and it seems that table turnover is everything there...they couldn't get us fed and out the door quickly enough. Poor choice for the romantic dinner that my wife and I had expected. Shame...it was a lot of money for a bummer of an experience.
Mar 8th, 2007, 11:11 AM
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jeffery that is too bad but I also wouldn't have picked it for a romantic dinner. I agree it is loud and more casual. We just went for a good meal- not ambiance...... did you find some other place that you liked for a romantic meal?? there are so many strip mall restaurants there that I'm not sure if I know of any??
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