. . "2009-05-24T00:00:00"^^ . "So, I was missing New York City...especially that really cool farmhouse restaurant called Friend of a Farmer....anyhooo... I was driven to this jaunt by some caring and concerned friends. Here is the play by play experience...\nWe pulled up and were valet parked for free. We walked in after 8pm on a Friday on a holiday weekend and were immediately seated. The booths are fabulously placed and private somehow. Menus distributed it took seconds for Alison to offer us their famous white sangria which I winced a bit at because they do not have red sangria at all. But you know I still indulged. Then moments later a very HOT guys whose name I did not manage to get but whose profile I did capture, placed our beverages in front of us. Clinking glasses we realized that having to save to go out instead of going out EVERY day could really be okay. The economy a concern, we still found the place reasonably priced. I mean, the cost of the Sangria pitcher was about $20 and that pitcher well satisfied us.\nThen, due to what was explained to us as having to deal with some \"interesting characters\", and only after one of us went to the host to solicit some attention, Alison...our missing server resurfaced. She was apologetic and lovely. Fearing that she might never return, we dumped all that we wanted on her at once... The sashimi tuna, the shrimp esceviche, the mac and cheese, the rotisserie chicken, the swordfish tacos, and the soft-shell crabs were all drool-teasers listed that we simply had to try! We even hinted early that the desert of Destruction by Chocolate and Red Velvet and Key Lime Pie might be victims and the CSI team could be tipped off that it would have been us that done it!\n\nNot quite sure that this place would be able to pull off good drinks and excellent food, I let my eyes wander around the space that was created. I excused myself from my friends to continue my search on foot. I found a perfect oasis outside in the form of a delightful outdoor dining room which we had refused the offer to sit in upon arrival...clearly not knowing how wonderfully appointed this space would be. There was a lovely fireplace, good intimate lighting, defined areas of conversation, and what appeared to be very attentive service. I went to the ladies room and found that there was great style continued in there and the room was immaculate... really.\n\nReturning to the table, I was greeted by the appetizers. All was lovely. To begin, the escheviche was perfectly marinated. The tuna was so nice and fresh. I really had to ask Alison where the tuna came from? It was confirmed that the seafood is daily sent in from California and that nothing really just sits there... This gave me hope since I am such a seafood lover and Arizona really has few waterfront opportunities. \n\nThe main dishes arrived timely and exceeded expectations. The rotisserie chicken was so tender, seasoned without being over-done, juicy, and afloat a lovely risotto. I can still taste it 12 hours later! YUM.\nThe mac and cheese was a white one but for me it was nothing special...It will please those who want a grown up mac and cheese without actually having any kick or additional flavor to sort out. It was a little bland but smooth and would compliment another dish that was full of flavor...\nI am not gonna lie. That soft-shell crab was almost as good as being in LaCombe, Louisiana for the Blue Crab Festival! \n\nThe swordfish tacos were adequately portioned and flavorful. You will not go wrong with this option, especially if you plan on having room for the deserts I mentioned.\n\nAnd yes, we had them. They came with a scoop of Haagen Daaz in some cases so we just HAD to order them.\n\nDefinitely give this place a try. It is good for double dates...I think. Ask the table next to you when you get there... I did."^^ . . "1"^^ . "1"^^ . "1"^^ . "4"^^ .