The last thing you'd expect to see at a car dealership is a diner, but at Sanderson Ford, that's where you'll find the Starliner Diner. They have hamburgers named for cars, delicious milk shakes, a breakfast menu and friendly service. It's the kind of place that will take you back to the golden days of Route 66. It's a pleasing blend of nostalgia and comfort food.
Welcome Diner is a classic diner serving up their delicious take on diner fare. It came from old 66. The Welcome Diner came to the Garfield Historic Neighborhood in 1979, from Williams. Check out the extensive menu. It's sure to be fun for your palate . Welcome Diner has excellent drinks to top off your meal as well as a crowd pleasing beignet to get you on your way. Don't forget to ask about Big Jim and No Way Jose.
Chase's Diner is an iconic, family owned place that has been dishin' up the good stuff for nearly 20 years. Jennifer Chase is your tour guide to the place Skip and Nancy opened back in '97. It's been a family affair ever since. Head out to Chandler for some of Andre's Spicy Green Pork Chili. It's a tangy treat. Your family will feel like family at Chase's Diner. Be sure to check 'em out online for coupons and giveaways.
Some say Mel's Diner was the inspiration for the TV show 'Alice.' The diner has been the setting for several movies and TV shows. It hasn't changed much over the years so the atmosphere is classic 'diner.' Check out their cool cup collection and don't forget the chopped steak and eggs. Keep an eye out for the occasional celebrity sighting.
Boxing is very popular in Mexican culture. Su Vida visits the Peraza Boxing Gym where Alex Rojo nurtures the tradition of Mexican boxing. It's a place where you just might meet the next great boxing champion.
Tronco Sonoran Grill features the northern Mexican cuisine so high on Vanessa’s list. Co-owner Ivan Marquez explains the restaurant started a few years ago cooking the food from the states of Sonora and Chihuahua, Mexico. The food is in the northern style of cooking and is cooked with a wood fire; apple or mesquite. The previous owner of the restaurant grew up gathering wood for his family. His grandfather told him on day he would be the largest wood gatherer in the world. When he started the original restaurant he used wood to cook. The restaurant furniture and decorations reflect his history with wood. The new owners recently changed the name to pay homage to the wood; Tronco literally means piece of wood. They also added art work by Mexican artists as part of the décor. There is 2,300 square feet of patio for diners to enjoy great food and the company of fam...
Fà-me Caffe is a Hidden Gem to be uncovered. Owner Ivan O’farrill says the meaning of the name fà-me is hungry, and comes from Latin roots. It is used in Italian and Portuguese; he says it is powerful because we are all hungry! O’farrill says the restaurant is going for a rustic, natural homey feeling, serving simple and healthy food. O’farrill shares the secrets of the French toast served at Fà-me. It starts with artisan bread soaked in an egg custard flavored with vanilla, cinnamon and citrus. It is cooked in a skillet with clarified butter and browned on both sides. The toast is served with fresh berries and sprinkled with powdered sugar – beautiful and tasty. O’farrill says when diners step in the restaurant they will get a European feel and that comes from his wife’s roots and her heritage and blends with his roots fro...
Next up on the Hidden Gems tour is Sala Thai Restaurant and JR is looking for pumpkin curry. Owner and Chef Aniwat Pluemjit says the meaning of sala in Thai is resting place. He invites diners to come in and enjoy the food in a home like setting. The restaurant offers Thai hospitality and the ambiance of Thai architecture, art and design. Every piece of décor in the restaurant is from Thailand and was brought to the United States by Pluemjit’s father. The idea was to keep it authentic; from décor to food. The ingredients are fresh and the meat is lean at Sal Thai. A behind the scenes look at the preparation of a spicy chicken dish is demonstrated by chef/co-owner Somsaun Pluemjit. From ingredients, to wok cooking and on to the plate, it is a fresh, authentic and beautiful Thai dish. A tall glass of creamy Thai tea only adds to the tempting Thai dish. Vis...
De Mi Tierra Restaurant is a Hidden Gem. Owner, Christian Malla Brito explains the cuisine. He is from Ecuador, his wife from Peru and many friends from a variety of Latin countries. His idea was the new Latino family comes from many different places and each brings a unique flavor profile to the dishes. It may only be a slight difference in adding a specific ingredient, but it makes all the difference. The chef and sous chef at De Mi Tierra demonstrate how one of the seafood dishes is made; from prep, to dredge, to fry, to garnish and to plate. It is an abundant and beautiful finished dish, making the mouth water. The ingredients at the restaurant are fresh and imported. The goal is to give diners the most authentic dishes possible. Brito welcomes everyone to De Mi Tierra where he shares his heart, his country and delicious Latin food. For information visit demitierrarest...
El Sol Café is definitely on the list of Hidden Gems. The restaurant, according to owner Obed De La Cruz, opened in 1988 in Chandler, AZ. The family run restaurant serves homemade tortillas made fresh daily. The restaurant serves the staples lovers of Mexican food expect and love. Chorizo can be purchased by the pound and tamales can be ordered for the holidays. On Saturdays they serve menudo; the breakfast of champions according to De La Cruz. De La Cruz recalls the start of the restaurant was his father and mother preparing pastries, tamales and tortillas in their home and his dad would sell them door to door. As the word spread and demand grew, the restaurant was opened. At first El Sol served the same fare that went door to door and later a full restaurant and relocation across the street. The family now has three locations across the Valley and soon a fourth will open ...
