While strolling down the north end of Mill Ave from Tempe Town Lake I was accosted by the smell of grilling beef coming from Monti's La Casa Vieja Steakhouse. I changed my plans and crossed the street to Monti's where I was greeted outside by a young woman who said something unintelligible but obviously polite.
I asked to sit at the new outside porch area. She then explained that the outside had a different menu, different drinks and a different vibe than inside--though a common owner.
I chose to sit outside. She immediately recommended the prime rib quesadilla, "it's my favorite on the outside menu."
I was disappointed at the menu. It seemed a bit limited and not the traditional fare that I was used to at the old Monti's inside.
So I sat down and ordered the quesadilla. The server said, "that's my favorite on this menu." When another man delivered my food (complete with a white and purple flower on the corner) he said, "this is my favorite on the menu."
My thought was that Michael Monti must have trained these parrots well.
My plate looked like some slightly greasy quesadilla slices with hand cut corn on top, and a flower on the side.
Then I ate it.
And, holy crap, it may be the tastiest item I've ever had on Mill Ave.
A server asked a customer nearby how his meal was and just walked right by me. I demanded his attention and, without much acknowledgement, he said, "I'm not even going to ask you."
"Yes," I told him. "They really are that good."
I won't describe all the ingredients, but the words that come to mind are these: "Cacophony becomes symphony."
So, if you venture out to my adopted home of Mill Ave drop by Monti's Tempe Front Porch and ask for the Prime Rib Quesadilla.
Don't expect anyone to ask if you enjoyed them.