I regret never having taken a photo for all the times I stopped into this lovingly over-priced but irresistible little grocery store. But in my defense, I was not a Yelper during my years in AZ.
Anyone who loves to cook will understand me implicitly when I say trying to achieve gourmet perfection in your own kitchen is a challenge in Phoenix. All the more reason to appreciate places like AJ's which try to offer a little comfort from around the country to those razed by the sun.
It's got a diverse produce section. This is the place to hit when you have a craving for multi-hued carrots, watercress, juniper berries or gobo root. Mike at the meat counter may no longer be there but during my desert rat days, he was always free to chat while he fetched you a prime grade tenderloin or a Chicago style hot dog (only here - never seen them anywhere other than Chicago!). You can special order just about anything. Pheasant, rabbit, ostrich or quail if it tickles your fancy. They have bountiful selections of gourmet sauces, cheeses, cured meats and pasta. There is a sushi chef on duty during the day or you can grab pizza or sandwich from the deli. Their bakery is awesome. You need to see it to be impressed, though. Thursday nights (if memory serves) they cook pasta to order outside when it's cool enough and indoors by their roast chicken display when it's not.
It's not as big as it's rival from Texas whom we won't name here, but it has the charm of being a local product with enough moxy to earn its namesake.