Cuzco Calling

Cuzco Peruvian Restaurant (3 1/2 peaks)

109 E. Phoenix Ave.
(Off of S. San Francisco St.)
779-0106
M - Sat. 11 - 2 pm, 3 - 9 pm
Closed Sundays

Cuzco is a cute place tucked back off San Francisco St. south of the train tracks and around the corner from Dara Thai. It feels like entering a foreign country. Decorated with Peruvian handicraft items and crisp tablecloths with carnations in vases, Cuzco creates a comfortable atmosphere. A very clean bathroom is a plus.

Cuzco is small with only about 8 or 10 tables, so there can be a wait for dinner. Go around the corner to Mia's for a cocktail while you wait. (Cuzco is currently waiting on their liquor license.)

Start your meal with the previously mentioned "Best Soup in Flagstaff": Aguadito de Pollo (cilantro chicken soup). At $8, it seems expensive, but the portion is so generous it is a starter to share at the table or to have as a meal on its own. The Chupe de Camerones (creamy shrimp soup) is great too. The complimentary starter of roasted Incan giant corn kernels with a spicy chile sauce is a treat.

Salads need a little sprucing up. Made primarily of iceberg lettuce, most diners these days prefer more substantial greens.

Cuzco offers an array of entrees moderately priced, but with huge portions (enough to share or for a second meal), that will suit everyone's tastes. From roasted chicken, a small selection of Mexican cuisine, to Mexican-style skirt steak with spaghetti noodles, it's all delicious even though the names might not be familiar. Especially try the stir fry dishes - Arroz Chaufa del Mariscos (seafood), Arroz Chaufa de Carne (steak) or de Pollo (chicken) - all better than any Chinese stir fry I've had it town.

Be adventurous and order a South American soda. The Chicha Morada sounds strange (Inca purple corn with pineapple and apple juices) but is so tasty and would be a great vodka mixer!

Service is friendly and they are eager to explain any item on the menu to you. Service during the meal though can be slow and the kitchen needs to get used to the busier pace with more and more customers coming in lately. It seems that they plate one meal at a time, which makes for a delicious meal, but is overall too slow. Plan to go for a leisurely but highly enjoyable meal.

The Best Soup in Flagstaff

I have found the best soup in Flagstaff. As you can see in previous blogs, there are many fine, tasty restaurants around Flagstaff. Some of these have received impressive awards. Brix, Cottage Place, and Josephine's always have solid offerings of seasonal soups. Some of the Thai restaurants in town offer wonderful, savory concoctions as well.
However, hands down the best soup belongs to: Cuzco Peruvian Restaurant. Cuzco is relatively new in town. They opened, then closed for some remodeling and are back open again. It is a good thing. This soup will invoke cravings.
The winner is "Aguadito de Pollo" (Cilantro Chicken Soup). This soup has a soothing broth as its base, finely minced cilantro that lends complexity, white meat chicken chunks with peas and diced carrots. It is a large helping that comes with plantain chips on the side. It is truly fabulous with a comforting tone, yet a little kick to it that will have you coming back for more.

Cuzco Peruvian Restaurant
109 E. Phoenix Ave.
(just east off of S. San Francisco St., around the corner from Dara Thai)
779-0106
M - Sat. 11 am - 2 pm, 3pm - 9 pm
Closed Sunday

It's a Thai!

Flagstaff offers six Thai restaurants. They are scattered around the city, so there is bound to be one close to you. Most all are decent, each with its own subtleties.

Bangkok Thai Cafe (3 out of 5 peaks)



2112 N. 4th Street
527-3293

Bangkok carries a few unique dishes compared to the other Thai restaurants such as a starter of cilantro-jalapeno hummus. Other creative meals are the Arizona Heatwave and Tropical Heatwave (although Dara Thai also carries these two). Curries seem to be their specialty here.

Bangkok's cuisine is so fresh, you can tell from the taste. The spice amount is right on par. Mine had a great bite but was not overwhelming. Bangkok uses jasmine rice as a standard - a fave of mine and so much better than most regular white rice, plus it renders a lovely scent in the air.

The restaurant is tucked back on 4th Street in a drab strip mall next to the Tortilla Lady and behind Fratelli's Pizza. I wish the owner of the mall would freshen up the exterior because it is easy to overlook the businesses within because of an appearance they cannot control.

Inside, the restaurant is quite nice with clean, orderly tables and sparse yet warm decor with soothing green walls. Bangkok may want to talk to their tortilla store neighbor because the Tejano music is so loud, you can hear it through Bangkok's own calm tones.

I am pleased with Bangkok over all and will visit again.


Dara Thai (3 out of 5 peaks)



14 S. San Francisco
774-0047

Dara is a popular restaurant as it is close to the NAU campus, south of the train tracks, and offers a full bar with fun cocktails. It can get boisterous on weekend nights, but it's all good vibes.

Dara's cuisine is solidly decent and crowd pleasing, and offers everyone's favorites. Dara also carries a fairly large selection of vegetarian items. Dara does hold back on the spice though to make it acceptable for all, and if you like it hot, you should go high on the scale.

The atmosphere is fun and accommodating, the food is good and so are the cocktails. Enjoy!


Little Thai Kitchen (3 1/2 out of 5 peaks)



1051 S. Milton Rd.
226-9422
M-Sat. 11 am - 8:30 pm

Little Thai Kitchen lives up to its name. It's a tiny place next to Crystal Creek Sandwich Co. However, the quality and taste is in no way little. Ingredients are very fresh, of good quality, and dishes are well done. LTK has my favorite "Evil Prince/Princess" (depending on the restaurant) dish in town. Definitely try the Tiger Rolls for an appetizer and really, everything is great. Curries are wonderful too.

I'd love to give LTK 4 peaks, but because it's so small, it can't offer all of the amenities of a larger space and I have to knock off a 1/2 point because of that. Decor is cute though and the space does not feel constricted. It's a treat!


Pato Thai (3 out of 5 peaks)



104 N. San Francisco
213-1825
M-Th 11 am - 10 pm
F - Sat. 11 am - 11 pm
Sun. 12 - 9 pm

Pato occupies a prime spot downtown on San Francisco amidst all the bustle. This location formerly housed Racha Thai, which has relocated (more on that later). Pato has done a nice job of transforming the room from an ordinary space into a comfortable atmosphere reminiscent of Karma.

I like Pato. Pato offers a nice lunch special for a reasonable price where you chose a special of your choice plus a set appetizer and a generous side salad with a good dressing. Many of the other restaurants offer lunch specials too; Pato's is especially good and generous. Dinners are done just as well.

The food is very fresh and tasty; the spice is just right. Everything I sampled was done well. Pato's hours are generous too. This one's a keeper.


Swaddee Thai (3 1/2 out of 5 peaks)



115 E. Aspen
773-1122
Lunch: T. - Sun. 11 am - 3 pm
Dinner: T. - Th. 5 - 9 pm, F. - Sun. 5 - 9 pm
www.swaddeethai.com

Swaddee is new in town and located in the former Corea House downtown on Aspen between San Francisco and Agassiz. Swaddee is an import from Phoenix, where it has been voted "Best of Phoenix" six years running, plus holds an award from Thailand. In short, their cuisine is quite good and they know Thai.

First, it must be known that Swaddee is serious about their spice. This could be either a warning or a very good thing depending on your take. Order accordingly.

The cuisine is fresh, tasty, and everything is good. The only thing I'm not partial to is the Thai Toast appetizer. It's surprisingly bland and a little to filling for an appetizer. It would work for a light dinner though. I would also like to see the vegetables cut a little finer, easier to eat in general, but sometimes this has not been an issue. I guess it depends on the cook.

The space is nicely put together and comfortable, cozy. Something to note though - in winter, the bathrooms can be really cold. Not sure why, because the dinning area is always quite cozy. Service can be a little spotty - sometimes just fine, other times it's difficult to get your server back to your table, even when not busy. But it all works out.

I'd like to give Swaddee 4 peaks, but because of some of those discrepancies, I just can't yet. However, dinner or lunch, Swaddee is a solid pick and you won't be disappointed.


Racha Thai
1580 E. Route 66
774-3003

It seems that Racha Thai has been suffering a downfall. Formerly located in Pato's prime spot on San Francisco, Racha's lease was not renewed and they have moved into the restaurant space at the Western Hills Motel at Route 66 and Enterprise/railroad tracks. Once doing a decent business at the old location, I was the only one in the restaurant on a Friday at 12:30 - prime lunch time.

I found out why.

The location of Racha's new spot seems like a great one on paper - the location is right in the center of town, basically. But the restaurant is housed in a shabby motel. The space appeared generally clean, but standard and boring.

However, upon my entry I was hit with the strong smell of old cooking oil. It was not an appetizing way to begin the meal. The spring rolls I ordered were quite oily and tasted off - something was not right with this cooking oil. The filing of the rolls was standard and bland.

The entree was not good either. The sauce was made by combining jarred chili powder and flaked red pepper. It was not a sauce at all and the powdery taste overwhelmed the dish. The meal was not fresh, the egg in it overcooked.

**NOTE: Racha Thai has now gone out of business.

The Dining is Fine in Flagstaff

Brix Restaurant & Wine Bar (5 out of 5 peaks)



413 N. San Francisco St.
928-213-1021
Winter hours: Open M - Sat. at 5 p.m., closed Sundays
brixflagstaff.com

Brix has come into some national fame as of late. The youngest restaurant to the fine dining scene, its rise has been meteoric for good reason.

Brix features seasonal menus with an emphasis on local, organic, and small sustainable farm suppliers as much as possible. Start your meal with one of Brix's excellent artisan cheese plates and a spot-on wine recommendation. Brix's wine list and knowledge is truly superb.

As the modern American menu does change seasonally, it is difficult to recommend specific dishes. However, I can say with confidence there have never been any missteps I have ever encountered. If you come for lunch (offered in spring and summer), the Kobe beef burger is a must. The chocolate pot du creme is a must as well (at least for this reviewer), if you can get some before it is sold out! The ahi tuna special I ordered recently was the most perfectly cooked ahi I have ever seen. Lamb, beef or fish, all is prepared perfectly. Vegetarian dishes are always offered as well.

The staff is wonderful - attentive, yet low-key and always at the ready with the right recommendation, be it cheese, food or wine.

The room is small and reservations are a must for dinner these days. The atmosphere is warm, cozy and enjoyable. In the summer there is a lovely patio for seating. It all makes for a delicious and memorable lunch or evening.


The Cottage Place (5 out of 5 peaks)



126 W. Cottage Ave. (2 blocks north of Butler on S. Humphreys)
774-8431
Open W - Sun. from 5 - 9:30 p.m.
cottageplace.com

Open in Flagstaff since 1994 as THE fine dining place to go, owners Frank & Nancy Branham are still keeping its reputation going strong. The Cottage Place has won the Best Fine Dining Restaurant in Flagstaff category by the Arizona Daily Sun for many years running. More traditional and French in its cooking style than Brix, The Cottage Place is a relaxing and romantic dinner.

Located in a cozy, historic converted home downtown, the mood is warm and aglow. It is the perfect place to go to celebrate a special occasion or for a real treat. Reservations are recommended.

Here the menu also changes seasonally and everything is delectable. (Right now the Brie en Croute and the Stuffed Mushrooms are amazing appetizers.) A real specialty of the house are the seafood dishes. Again, staff recommendations are spot-on. A chef's tasting menu is also available for a six course meal with paired wines and is always a fine choice.

Cottage Place's wine list is extensive and is also superb. So much so that they have earned an Award of Excellence from Wine Spectator Magazine every year since 1996.

Staff is exceptionally well trained and attentive without hovering. They are the most finely trained staff in Flagstaff.

Another note is Chef Frank Branham regularly offers cooking classes of some of his best dishes and hosts holiday brunches, dinners and catering for special occasions.

You will be soothed and pampered at The Cottage Place and will be glad you came.


Josephine's Modern American Bistro (4 - 1/2 peaks out of 5)



503 N. Humphreys
779-3400
Winter hours: Open for lunch M - F 11 - 2:30 p.m., dinner M - Sun. 5 - 9 p.m.
josephinesrestaurant.com

Josephine's Modern American Bistro is a treat in its own right. Housed in another historic, converted home, Josephine's offers a larger space than Brix or Cottage Place and often holds holiday brunches and dinners.

Josephine's cuisine is also seasonal and usually features daily food and wine specials. The food is outstanding, yet a bit simpler than the fare at Brix or Cottage Place and usually features a Southwestern bent. This statement in no way knocks the quality here, it is merely a different style.

Some recommendations I can make are the fabulous Southwestern Crab Cakes which are available as either an appetizer or as an entree. They usually remain on the menu regardless of season. Right now the Green Chile Pork Osso Buco is stellar. Josephine's also offers a nice wine list with good recommendations available from the staff.

A special mention goes to Josephine's flair for tasty after dinner coffee drinks and their dessert know-how. Some restaurants prepare the food well but falter on desserts; not Josephine's. Anything with their cinnamon flecked homemade whipped cream is divine. The chocolate pecan pie offered in fall and winter is sublime. I have tried many times to duplicate it at home without the same success.

Staff has a casual manner, yet is helpful and polite. If possible, try to request a downstairs table with your reservation or a patio table if the weather permits. To dine on Josephine's patio on a summer day is really living. Josephine's makes for a fine, yet casual luncheon or evening.

Pizza and Salads are Artful at Picazzo's

Picazzo’s (3 peaks/5)


1300 S. Milton Rd.
226-1000
picazzos.com


Although Picazzo’s has locations in the Phoenix metro area, Sedona, and Prescott, Picazzo’s has become a favorite of Flagstaff locals and visitors alike. Located on “the main drag”, Milton Road, the restaurant is easy to find.

Picazzo’s specializes in pizzas and salads. Portions are large and prices are reasonable. Picazzo’s also offers an array of vegetarian and gluten intolerant menu choices.

Salads are especially good with crisp, fresh ingredients and a light, flavorful touch to the dressings. (The Asian and The Greek salads are particular favorites.)

Pizzas also taste fresh with quality ingredients, (the mushrooms are not canned, but are actually fresh, for one – always a test of the establishment), and are numerous in their offerings of toppings and made-for-you combinations. However, the pizza sauce lacks pizzazz and the crust is adequate. It will appeal really to anyone as the quality is high, but to this reviewer, it’s not the best in town.

Picazzo’s has a modern, nicely put together, and very comfortable atmosphere along with a full service bar. In the summer, handsome patio seating is available for leisurely lunches or dinners. The staff is helpful, friendly, and prompt.
It is one of the nicer restaurant settings in Flagstaff in terms of comfort and accommodations, and is a perfect place to go out with friends, the family or a first date. Everyone will find something to like.

German Food Matters at Matterhorn

Matterhorn Grill (4 peaks/5)

103 W. Birch St. (SW corner of Birch & Beaver)
226-7388
Tues. – Sat. 5pm – 9 pm












The Matterhorn Grill is steadily catching on in Flagstaff. Open for a year downtown near City Hall in a space that formerly housed a Mexican restaurant, the owners have done a nice job at changing the space into a comfortable, German-themed setting.

Open only for dinner, your experience promises to be warm and relaxing in a nice, yet casual milieu. The owners greet customers personally. At Christmas time, guests are treated to a complimentary glass of glühwein, a spiced wine served warm that is traditional at that time of year in Germany to ward off a winter chill. Such a thoughtful gesture sets the tone for this welcoming restaurant.

Klaus, the owner and master chef, takes great care and pride in this place and cuisine and it shows. (They also boast the cleanest bathroom I have ever seen in Flagstaff!)

The cuisine is German and is named on the menu in German with detailed descriptions in English. The staff is well trained and greatly knowledgeable and attentive. It is one of the best staffs in Flagstaff. If you need any recommendations, they will deliver.

In one word, the food is excellent. It is well-suited to a cold evening and is comfort food at its best, even if you may not be familiar with all of the offerings. It is a perfect après-ski meal.

There are a wide variety of schnitzels (breaded pork cutlets), several fish dishes, and beef or chicken selections on the menu. Entrees come with a choice of two sides and all are fine choices.

The starter salad is one of the finest salads I have eaten in Flagstaff; perfectly cold and fresh with a savory, kitchen-made dressing. The bread is quite tasty as well – soft in the middle with a good crispy crust.

A large selection of German beer and wines are offered, along with some California wines. The servers are proficient at matching the options to best suit your meal.

A huge bonus is the Matterhorn Grill has its own parking lot, (a rarity in downtown Flagstaff), and is conveniently located at the edge of downtown so it is easy to get to and get out of, yet still right in the middle of all of the action.

I can highly recommend the Matterhorn Grill for a lovely and personalized all-around dining experience.