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| - Having lived in Portland, OR the last 5 years - I've become somewhat of a food-snob and sometime critic. I loved living in a town that is known for it's fantastic dining - unique food trucks - and utter lack of national chain restaurants. Moving to Phoenix was a good thing - I love the cactus, the sun, and swimming pools. But I also love exploring new locations to dine. I enjoy exciting menu options - new things I've never tried, old familiar things that are re-created, and old familiar things done just the right way that you expect.
How excited I was to receive an invitation for a complimentary lunch at the new Scottsdale location of the Thirsty Lion Gastropub and Grill! I have to admit - I was a bit pensive thinking of how my previous experiences would translate to this new location.
Walking in the front door - all concerns disappeared. Staff at the front of the house were efficient and friendly. Just what you expect.
We were given a choice of seating locations and selected one by the window. They even have some outdoor seating that would be fabulous in this wonderful spring we're enjoying.
Our Server - I believe it was Matt C - showed right up as soon as we sat down and took our drink order. Matt was just like the others we had met - helpful, easy to chat with, efficient, and present when he needed to be without being a "helicopter server".
We reviewed various appetizer options - I was impressed with the list. We quickly settled on the tempura beans. While we waited for them - we reviewed the menu. I noted that I was pleased with the number of menu options that I had to choose from - not too many, not too few... just right. And very enticing. I love it when I have a hard time choosing between several options - rather than trying to zero in on the least offensive one!
The appetizer came out suprisingly quick - hot, tasty, and an appropriate amount for two people with an appetite. I would have preferred they had a little less batter - but not so much i hesitated to eat them. They were awesome! The dipping sauce served with them was very very very good.
We next narrowed down our main courses. Dining companion went for the fish and chips - I struggled between the enchilada stack - it sounds awesome - and the Reuben. Matt said both were solid - but he LOVED their ruben. Ahh - it's March. St Paddy's is coming up ... and since I had had a nice big meal last night - I hoped that the sandwich would serve a purpose - to fulfill it's role as a delicacy that "a king uses to purge himself of the "demon of gluttony". " Sorry ... this sandwich was so good - I believe their Corned Beef did the opposite to me. I asked for a side of grain mustard - I don't know if it's home made or not - Matt told us that they use fresh product everywhere on the menu. It shows. The bread was the freshest rye I've ever had. Every ingredient seemed as if they had labored for days to find the right product or recipe to complete my dish. Loved the fries - but I just can't get over how much I loved my sandwich.
My dining companion had the fish and chips. I tasted a bite with the tarter sauce and loved it. Very solid. He substituted the fries (which I LOVED with my Reuben) for a salad. Blasphemy! lol... his salad was fresh and the dressing again - tasted homemade. If it's not - they've found a great purveyor! He filled up quickly - so I was able to taste his cole slaw. OMG - seriously the best coleslaw I've ever had. Too often it's over dressed, over sweet, watery, bland. This was perfect. I could go back just to have a side of slaw! (Next time - regardless of what I order - I may just get a side of slaw!)
Desert was good. He had the creme brûlée - very good. I ordered the blackberry cobbler with an orange scented crust and vanilla bean ice cream. Very very good - only criticism was that there was a little "too much" blackberry... but hey - i'd complain VERY loudly if there was't enough.
Service was solid - Matt was perfect. Kitchen sent out the food very fast, well prepared, hot, and spot on. Manager circulated through to check on all patrons. Smart. How else are you going to know how things are going. I'm surprised more managers don't show up table side!
The location is fantastic. Decor makes you feel like you're in a pub as expected. Several tables filled - one with a very large group that seemed to enjoy just as quick service as we did at our table of two. Bathrooms were easy to access and spotless.
Bottomline - Home Run! (Oh wait - that's what I need to do next - spring training games and then back to the Thirsty Lion for more fantastic dining.)
Thanks for the invitation Thirsty Lion. It's gutsy thing to open yourself up to folks who like to critisize restaurants online. You've got it figured out. Bravo! And thanks for bringing a bit of Portland to the Sonoran Desert!
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