One of my favorite intimate restaurants in town. Located in an old house near ASU one would not think of this as a great place for great eats. Good! Don't spread the word because this is the best kept "secret" in town. If you decide to go I suggest a spot on the patio, in the winter they have a huge fire pit going and it makes for a very romantic evening. Just be aware that you may find a small cat curled up in chair upon arrival as House of Tricks has a couple resident patio cats. This suits me just fine as I am a cat lover but if you are not amused by meows prompting you to share the butter or bits of your meal and accept head bumps and curls around your ankles as thanks I would suggest sitting inside because the little black fellow I have run into on several occasions thinks its his job is to taste your meal to ensure it is up to standards. If you are like me and think this sounds adorable then enjoy the patio with the gorgeous old trees and carefully tended garden, it is utterly magical and the company is cute and furry. The ambiance is enough reason for me to go back over and over, but the food is to die for!
The menu is very seasonal with many of the specials coming from what is found in the local markets that day so there is always something new to discover! A staple that never disappoints for me is the lamb. Always cooked spot on, tender and delicious, and a generous enough portion for me that the cat got a whole chop! If the foie gras appetizer is on the menu I would implore you to try it, absolutely divine! Rich, creamy and utterly luxurious! Don't know what to try? The friendly servers are never shy to offer up an opinion and they rarely miss the mark on suggestions.
Overall this is a wonderful restaurant that has a quirky, sweet charm about it. It serves 5 star cuisine without the 5 star snottiness that is often found in many valley restaurants. If you are looking for an alternative to the stuffy, chic new restaurants that seem to abound in Phoenix and want an intimate dining experience that is top notch this is your place.