Sexy Red Carpet Peach Cobbler at Ticoz Resto-Bar

For those of you who have read my dessert reviews I know what you're thinking, "What!... another peach cobbler review?' But let me explain. As the back in the day saying goes, "See what happen was..." It has been a long while since my last review and it hasn't taken this long for lack of effort ( I have been eating dessert... trust me ) but unless I'm truly inspired, what's the point right?
Usually, I go out with the intent to try a dessert and write a review, but this took me by total surprise. And I LOVE food surprises :-). So much so that I have been back 3 more times just for confirmation - after all, I don't want mislead you.
After a disappointing night out on the town, my girlfriends and I decided to try Ticoz Resto-Bar. Initially we went in the area for another restaurant that offered comfort food, but decided that Ticoz might offer something more intriguing..and we were looking to salvage our night in some way.
We not only salvaged the night, it was a full Upgrade!! Every aspect of the experience I enjoyed and kept saying to myself, "oh I'll be back here again for sure". From the decor to the ambiance to the great service from the friendly staff. To the fantastic menu options and finally the most important.... the food.

The food...now we're getting to the good part. But this isn't just any ole "food" review...this is a dessert review with a twist. After thoroughly enjoying my Lobster Spinach Queso dip, the waiter asked my favorite question..."would you like to see the dessert menu?" Instantly a light bulb went off in my head. Could this place inspire my writer's block? As I read thru the choices, Tortilla Bread Pudding, Chocolate Macadamia Nut Brownie, the rest of the menu faded to black when I read the words "Peach Cobbler". I was immediately captivated because Ticoz Resto-Bar wasn't the "norm" for delivering such a legendary southern dessert.

So what can you expect? The unexpected. At first site of this divine creation it throws you for a loop. If you can't think or eat out of the box this is not for you. The presentation alone of this peach cobbler sets an expectation of something inconsistent with the legend's southern roots. With my first spoonful I was seduced by the crust. It is warm, moist and somewhat dense, yet has a lightness like a bread pudding with the top edges having a slight crunchy texture. Having the perfect amount of sweetness this crust has a shortbread taste and is just plain sexy. Intertwined within the crust the peaches are tender with a very light touch of cinnamon and baked to perfection. Topped with a complimentary scoop of vanilla ice cream this peach cobbler gets 5 stars and is definitly red carpet worthy. www.ticozaz.com

A Dream Deferred…Until Now

Attending culinary school has been something I’ve dreamed about for the past 8 years since moving to Arizona.  I say dreamed of because in my research it was quickly dismissed and considered unattainable mainly because of cost and the time commitment.  And the fact that I had 4 children to put thru college, one of which who will be graduating high school next year.   

Like the famous poem A Dream Deferred by Langston Hughes I had to decide what to do with the desires of my heart.  What would become of my deferred dream?

Well it didn’t dry up like a raisin in the sun, stink like rotten meat or sag like a heavy load.  In fact, it did just the opposite.  Over the past 8 years my inner Chef has emerged and persevered.  I’ve been hard at work developing my palate thru my foodie experiences exploring new foods and flavors thru local restaurants and honing my skill by constantly watching The Food Network and being inspired by my favorite TV Chefs.  My inner Chef also had time to learn more about nutrition and healthy food choices and found I have a strong desire for sharing information and educating adults and more importantly children.  I now realize that I had to show “passion” in order for this dream to be confirmed.

My final confirmation was delivered in the most unusual way.   A little over a month ago I received an email from LivingSocial.com that changed the status of my dream.  Thru this email, I was informed of a gourmet cooking classes being offered by Classic Cooking Academy in Scottsdale, Arizona.  But what I didn’t know is taking the step to purchase a gourmet cooking class would turn into the adventure of becoming what my heart finally decided on at the age of 35.  The Happy Healthy Chef Extraordinaire - Chef Gillette!  

I am pleased to announce to my friends and family that I will be starting culinary school March 5, 2012.

S. Gillette-Palmer

*Thank you Langston Hughes

Urban Cookies: Unforgettable gourmet cookies and cupcakes

With a name like Urban Cookies, I couldn’t resist checking this place out.    Being a city girl, having lived in Chicago, Houston, San Francisco, Los Angeles and now Phoenix I was compelled to see if their sweet offerings stood up to such a stylish name. 

As I drove to the Central Phoenix location on 7^th Street and Highland, not knowing what to expect, I couldn’t help but wonder was it merely the location that brought about the name or were these cookies really something special.

The Urban Cookies bakery offers gourmet cookies, cupcakes and single layer 8x8 sheet cakes in the same flavors as the cupcakes.  Fascinated by their name, it was only fitting that I focus my taste buds on their cookies first.   As I gazed thru the baked goods display case, I liked the variety they offered:

• Simple –milk chocolate chip 
• Trail – almonds, sunflower seeds, raisins and oats
• Tropic – pineapple and coconut
• Featured Cookie - Double Chocolate with Sea Salt.   

Then there is the “The Urban”. The Urban is the flagship cookie that got the ball rolling for husband and wife team, Brady and Shaun Breese back in 2005. 

At first site, the Urban set itself apart from any other cookie presented.  With ingredients like dark chocolate (imported from Belgium), walnuts, coconuts and oats this chunky “non-perfect shaped” cookie had a lot of character and bearing the name of the bakery, I knew it had something to prove.   And with the first bite, it proved it.  This cookie is simply and generously delicious.  With such bold elements like coconut and oats, I was surprised that it didn’t turn into a glorified oatmeal cookie with a clever name.  But no one ingredient overpowered the other.  The ingredients all mingled together to create a deliciously unique taste and texture that makes you say “now that's what I'm talking about!”

The folks over at Urban Cookies are meticulous about creating their yummy treats with the freshest and highest quality ingredients.  They are committed to organic (whenever possible) and obtaining ingredients from specific purveyors, both local and international, that uphold high quality standards like their own.  Urban like, “The Urban” cookie is dense and eccentric. It is both chewy and crispy and heavily populates your palate with a flavor combination that leaves a lasting impression. 

Urban Cookies also have a variety of decadent cupcakes which include: brown velvet (their version of red velvet), black and white, carrot cake, chocolate chocolate, vanilla, and a seasonal specialty cupcake.

The Brown Velvet cupcake came about because Urban Cookies bakery does not use any food dyes, etc.  Besides the color difference from the traditional Red Velvet, it did not disappoint in the least on presentation and taste.  The cake is a luscious chocolate flavor with a moist pillow like texture.  That combined with their wonderful cream cheese frosting and topped off with chocolate sprinkles makes me call this one “brown heaven”. 

So in response to my concern of whether the name Urban Cookies was based purely on the location, or even the swanky store front digs, the answer is “neither”. The cookies and cupcakes are definitely what they are all cracked up to be.  One bite and they’ll have you rethinking your strategy for cheat days. 

The next time you’re thinking about picking up some indulgent treats to share over coffee with coworkers or an after dinner delight with family and/or friends, don’t forget about Urban Cookies.  You can stop by the store front at 4711 N. 7th Street, Phoenix, AZ 85014 or order online at http://www.urbancookies.com/ .

The Cool Factor: Urban Cookies offers their customers a custom gift option that lets you to design your gift box packaging based on the event.

5 Star Peach Cobbler

Peach cobbler is by far one of my favorite desserts.   The warm and sweet characteristics of it, makes it easily qualify as a comfort food.  We all have our own personal list of “comfort foods” along with those special places we go to get them to satisfy that craving when it kicks in.   When I get a hankering for peach cobbler, the family owned and operated Karim’s Cobbler Shop & Deli (in downtown Phoenix) is “The Spot” because they take comfort food to another level.

There are several factors that come into play with comfort food.  The first is the“Nostalgia” factor.  Every time I visit Karim’s Cobbler Shop, I get this sense of humble familiarity that makes me feel as though I have returned to a happy place and time. Maybe it’s the savory and sweet smell of down home cooking like that of a family reunion picnic.  Or perhaps it’s the warm smile of founder Wazir Karim along with the ever present friendly service from everyone there that says “come on in…make yourself at home…we have something special to share with you."

Secondly, there is the real motive, the “Indulgence” factor.  Peach cobbler is very basic in nature: Peaches, juice and crust.  But what makes it a truly fulfilling delight is the love that is put into it, especially when it comes to the crust.  You ask any cobbler connoisseur and they will tell you it’s the crust that makes the cobbler.  At Karim’s they have the most delicious biscuit crust I have ever tasted.  It’s flaky and creamy with hints of butter and cinnamon that will have your taste buds jumping for joy.   Once you have Karim’s peach cobbler it will not only make you want to “slap your mama” but it will also make you want to go back and slap anyone else who has ever served you mediocre fare.

Third is the “convenience” factor.  Karim’s Cobbler Shop & Deli is centrally located in downtown Phoenix on the corner of 3^rd Street and Jefferson right in front of the light rail station across the street from the Phoenix Convention Center.  For sports fans it is suitably positioned east of the US Airway Center and west of the Diamond Back stadium.  What’s also very helpful and customer focused is that they extend their regular hours of operations to fit what is going on at the different event venues.  So if the Diamond Backs have a game you will find Karim’s open and available for the fans offering their normal menu which includes their yummy cobbler (peach, apple, cherry and blueberry) in addition to baseball game snacks like peanuts, popcorn, sunflower seeds, ice cold water, etc.

And last but certainly not least is the “physical” factor.  What is this you ask?  It is the way you feel when you finally bite into a spoonful of that glorious peach cobbler with the perfect amount of peaches, flaky crust and scrumptious juice.  It’s like you just received a great big warm hug.

Karim’s Cobbler Shop & Deli is located at 333 E. Jefferson St. Ste #102 Phoenix, AZ 85004.  (602) 857-1801. www.karimscobblershopanddeli.com

Please note:  Peach and Apple cobbler made daily.  Cherry and Blueberry cobbler made on upon request.

Hours of Operation:Tuesday-Friday                11:00a.m.-5:00p.m.
Saturday-Monday            11:00a.m.- 2:00pmHours may be extended. Open every game day or special event including Sundays. 

Comfort Food has an unexpected new home: True Foods Kitchen

We all have those comfort foods that we go to when life gets stressful.  I have to admit my comfort food choices are not alway ones that I am proud of.  Let's talk about comfort food for a minute. Whether it be a warm, soft and gooey like with macaroni and cheese, chicken and dumplings or peach cobbler or a salty sweet snack food like cheese and carmel popcorn from Garrett's - it's must do two things comfort or soothe us and it must be down right delicious.  But what happens when your stress doesn't let up?  You feel guilty after eating your normal comfort foods...but today is a new day....True Foods to the rescue!

If you are not familiar with it,  True Foods Kitchen is a restaurant who's menu is packed full with healthy and nutrious food selections.  I know what you're thinking....how could anything on a healthy restaurant's menu possible qualify to be called comfort food?  I know...I'm surprised too....pleasantly surprised and excited to share. 

Meet my latest "go to - no guilt" comfort food : 

Herb Hummus

This is not your "run of the mill" hummus.  This hummus is entertwined with simple, fresh ingredients: feta cheese, cucumbers, red onions, kalamata olives, tomatoes, cilantro, parsley, topped off with a lemon yogurt dressing and served with toasted pita bread.  It is listed as an appetizer on the menu but, it is so so satisfying that it could easily serve as your main meal, which is the way I like it.

My comfort food list has just been upgraded thanks to the folks over at TFK.  I now have a healthy alternative option that I can go to when life gets crazy that sacrifices only the guilt and none of the flavor.

True Food Kitchen has 2 locations in Arizona (Biltmore Fashion Park and Scottsdale Quarter) and 2 locations in California (Fashion Island and Santa Monica Place).

http://www.truefoodkitchen.com/

Warning: Bust Yo Gut!!.....Food Truck Fridays!

In my last post, I compared finding good, more than average food options in Phoenix to trying to find a needle in a haystack.  So for my second post I wanted to come out with a bang! 



Angie(right) and friend

I started thinking about places I had heard other "Phoodies" talk about.  And it wasn't long before I remembered how my sister in law, Angie spoke with such enthusiasm about Food Truck Fridays in Downtown Phoenix. She said and I quote "I save my calories all week long just so I can come here on Fridays".  She and her Twitter friends are regulars. At last I had found my first official assignment - one that had the promise of uncovering several "needles" I couldn't wait to see and taste what she was buzzing about. 

It wasn't long after arriving, and almost getting run over in the parking lot (LOL!) that I realized this was just the kind of thing a transplant like myself had been longing for.  Right next to the Phoenix Public Market (14 E Pierce St. Phoenix, AZ 85004).  Food Truck Fridays offers a variety of street vendors offering everything from cajun seafood to gourmet grilled cheese, unusual hotdogs and delectible desserts. 

Short Leash Hotdogs: One of the more popular vendors,

this ain't just any ole hotdog.  They serve all-natural hotdogs

wrapped in flatbread with optional toppings such as mango chutney, blue cheese and cilantro just to name a few.





Paradise Melts: Gournet grilled cheese sandwiches.  One of the best comfort foods around, Paradise Melts offers a full menu of sandwiches (Reuben, pastrami and Veggie, etc.), soups and desserts.

Not only did I see and taste good food, I met some really nice people which is the other cool thing about this weekly event.  Meet my fellow Phoodies, Lynn and Chuck (hometown - Chicago).  They have been in Arizona for over 40 years and when I told them about my blog they understood why and quickly began suggesting places for me to try. 

Jamburritos: Cajun Grille Express.  This place is the truth!  Uncommon Jambalaya filled burritos and other familiar cajun fare like fried shrimp and a Catfish Poorboy.





Although I wanted to, I didn't get to try something from each vendor so I am taking the kids back today.  Looking forward to trying: Sunshine and Spice: Asian fusion, Sweet Republic: ice cream, Riteway Catering: smoked barbecue and Torched Goodness: Creme Brulee :-)

The Accidental Foodie....Or Phoodie :-D

I am a self proclaimed foodie.....or Phoodie.  Not being one to be quick to slap a label on myself, this has been in development over the past 7 years and I didn't even know it or realize why until recently. You might ask "why now do you proclaim this title for yourself?" Well...I have always been one to explore different foods, dishes and restaurants. And doing this was easy growing up in Chicago and living most of my adult life in Northern and Southern California. In those parts there was and is a plethora of delicious fare to keep your palate totally exhilarated. However, when I moved to Phoenix 7 years ago, I knew there would be an increase in temperature but what I didn't realize is my mature palate would suffer the decrease in readily available, easily found, culturally diverse casual and fine dining food options which is what drove me to become a "Phoodie".

My definition of a Phoodie: person who has moved to Phoenix (or surrounding area) from another city (Chicago, LA, Houston, etc.) and has taken ACCESS to delicious, culturally diverse, comfort and fine food for granted. And now is slightly obsessed with food and has to search high and low for more than average cuisine or work on improving their own cooking skills to cure their palate of boredom.

So if your tongue is bored or tired of the hit and miss game and the definition above echos the slightest familiarity...then follow my blog and share it with other transplants. I am on a quest to uncover the Phlavas of Phoenix.....won't you join me? Please post any restaurant suggestion.