Visiting Phoenix... (Mesa, Glendale, Scottsdale: live in, restaurant, vs)

[Katimae]

My husband and I are visiting Phoenix in a couple weeks and I'm trying to come up with a list of places to eat (I'm a vegetarian) . So far I have Cooperstown (we're huge Alice Cooper fans), Kiss the cook in Glendale, and Four Peaks in Tempe. We are mostly planning on staying in the Phoenix, Tempe, Scottsdale, Glendale area. What about pizza? I hear a lot about Grimaldi's and pizza Bianco, any opinions? I have read about Pita Jungle and Green for veggie food... which is better? What about sushi? I LOVE taquerias any recommendations? We are looking for casual, laid back dining, nothing fancy.

We are planning to go to the bead museum, the Heard museum, the zoo, Mill Ave, Old town Scottsdale, Desert Botanical Garden and the D-backs game. Is there anything else that we are missing? Has anyone been to the mystery castle? Is it worth it? We'll be back in December, so if we can't fit everything in this time we can do some more then.

[exit2lef]

Well, you've just describe a huge geographic area. Phoenix, Tempe, Scottsdale, and Glendale combined represent over 1,000 square miles.

In response to some of your questions:

I like Pita Jungle much more than Green. Pita Jungle is not exclusively vegetarian and focuses on cooking that celebrates legumes, grains, and vegetables on their own terms. Green, on the other hand, is a more severe purely vegan restaurant with lots of meat analogs. Some people like it, but that's not my cup of tea.

Other good vegetarian choices: Cafe Lalibela (Ethiopian -- Tempe), Udupi (south Indian -- Tempe), and the Dhaba (north Indian -- Tempe)

Other good pizza: Cibo (Downtown Phoenix), Classic Italian Pizza (Tempe)

[sablebaby]

Pizzeria Bianco is really good! Pita Jungle is popular with vegetarians, though I'm not too crazy about them, but that was before I became one.

[Katimae]

Originally Posted by silverbear

Well, you've just describe a huge geographic area. Phoenix, Tempe, Scottsdale, and Glendale combined represent over 1,000 square miles.

In response to some of your questions:

I like Pita Jungle much more than Green. Pita Jungle is not exclusively vegetarian and focuses on cooking that celebrates legumes, grains, and vegetables on their own terms. Green, on the other hand, is a more severe purely vegan restaurant with lots of meat analogs. Some people like it, but that's not my cup of tea.

Other good vegetarian choices: Cafe Lalibela (Ethiopian -- Tempe), Udupi (south Indian -- Tempe), and the Dhaba (north Indian -- Tempe)

Other good pizza: Cibo (Downtown Phoenix), Classic Italian Pizza (Tempe)

That is why I put in some of the stuff we plan on doing, I figured I would narrow it down a bit. I also don't want a bunch of places in Cave Creek Mesa, etc. suggested since we are not going there this trip.

Thanks for the info on Pita Jungle/ Green... fake meat totally freaks me out, Pita Jungle it is. I love Indian food, but my husband is terrified of it, so I'll have to try that on my own... I appreciate the suggestions.

I'll look at those pizza places too... That's our "junk food" fix.

[Katimae]

Originally Posted by sablebaby

Pizzeria Bianco is really good! Pita Jungle is popular with vegetarians, though I'm not too crazy about them, but that was before I became one.

What don't you like about Pita Jungle? I have read a lot of good reviews for Pizza Bianco and a friend whose parents live in Scottsdale has recommended it highly.

[HX_Guy]

I would do Cibo over Bianco. We recently ate at Bianco, after eating at Cibo over and over, and I've got to say that personally I think Cibo tastes better.

I don't know what it was about Bianco...I think the cheese, it was an older cheese vs the fresh mozzarella that the Cibo pizza uses.

[Katimae]

Originally Posted by HX_Guy

I would do Cibo over Bianco. We recently ate at Bianco, after eating at Cibo over and over, and I've got to say that personally I think Cibo tastes better.

I don't know what it was about Bianco...I think the cheese, it was an older cheese vs the fresh mozzarella that the Cibo pizza uses.

Thank you HX_Guy. I prefer fresher cheese also, so we'll probably go with that. I have to say I love your posts with all the pictures in them. Great job!

[Cida]

You should check the Southwest forum at Chowhound. This question comes up constantly, and you could just do a quick serach.

[ibarrio]

pizza Bianco

Great choice...but be prepared to wait..up to four hours.

[Elmonellie]

Make sure you go to a Ranch Market. There are a few in the Phx area. My fav is on 14th Street & Roosevelt (not very far from the airport). It is just a HUGE Mexican style grocery store....really good produce and everything else you find in a grocery. However, there is a massive food court there and the food is delicious, inexpensive and fun to choose from. They have really good fresh fruit drinks, great seafood cocktails, and about any kind of hispanic food you could think of. The tortas (mexican sandwiches) are good and you could probably get them to make you one with grilled hot peppers, avacado, cheese and no meat. English is definately a second language there, but don't worry you will find a way to communicate if you can't speak Spanish. The people are very nice. It really is a great place for a casual lunch...don't miss it!