7135 E. Camelback Rd.

We can't really take anything away from the restaurant for this, but being non-Scottsdale natives we had a hard time finding the front door.  Our driving directions were specific enough to include doing a u-turn, but at the completion of the drive we couldn't see the restaurant.  Ultimately we just parked and headed off in the direction we thought it should be - thanks big sign.

We sort of chose Olive & Ivy due to it's proximity to the Canal, but really, there's not much value in it - nothing evil, just nothing special.  It was a warm enough day so we gladly took the option to sit outside, and it's really nice to have the outside part of the restaurant not be pushed right up against the street.  I suspect that had we not been having a relatively late lunch this option would not always present itself.

The Host was perky and chatty (and possibly too nice to be a Host).  Our Server was polite and able to answer all our questions but didn't really offer anything up that wasn't asked for - not the end of the world by any stretch of the imagination.  The Menu was easy to figure out and had just about the right number of options for a Lunch (although we struggled over which Flatbread to start with).  And a pretty good selection of wines by the glass for quaffing in the sun.

Our meal went something like this:

• Glass of Chasing Venus Pinot Gris - just what I needed for sitting in the sun.
• Red Raspberry Mojito - perhaps a little more appropriate for the sun.
• Asparagus & Wild Mushroom Flatbread - yummy yummy crust.  Probably would have selected another variety given a less full tummy.
• Sweet Potato Cannelloni - we had to get extra bread for the sauce (which probably contributed to the decision not to go with the 2nd Flatbread).
• Cavatelli with House Made Sausage / Mushroom / Broccoli - great sausage, and more bread needed.
• Selection of Gelatos - straight from their 'Market Counter'.

Probably our late(ish) arrival facilitated this, but we were not rushed at all, even ordering one course at a time.  We had a sort of schedule to keep, so we didn't make full use of this allowance.

We were happy we persevered in finding the front door...

Stay JOLLY!
D

3915 N Scottsdale Rd

After our pre-planned Dinner plans for this evening had just fallen through it was perhaps the very easy to see red facade that caught our attention as we searched downtown Scottsdale for Plan B.  Plan B turned out to be just what we were looking for. 

At the tail end of the Dinner 'hour' Italian Grotto was still busy but we were seated by a Window with no waiting - catch is, not much to see out on the street.  Relatively quiet for the number of people finishing up with music that was pleasant and appropriate enough, but until we were just about the only people left, a little hard to hear.  A couple of TVs over the bar perhaps the reason for having the lights down quite low?

Our server wasn't particularly talkative but he did answer all the questions we asked.  We had a pretty tough time deciding on an appetizer but he confidently recommented the Mussels which we accepted and it turned out they were great and just what we wanted.  Drinks and meals arrived promptly and accurately.  Even as it was towards the end of the evening for him he didn't show any bother at us ordering one course at a time.

Our meal went something along the lines of:

• A couple of fu-fu drinks
• Crispy Bread - perfect for dipping into the Mussel Sauce.
• Mussels Portifino - an excellent recomendation by our Server.
• An Italian Riesling - at the drier end of the scale possibly more suited for sitting out on the patio with a salad during the afternoon, but no reason to cry over our choice.
• Veal Cutlet Milanese - nicely breaded, not to heavy on the sauce.
• Salmon Oreganata - not too heavy on the lemon or the breading.
• Chocolate Tartufo - crunchy on the outside, nice and rich on the inside.

For a Plan B that was only developed from a look at the building we had a very enjoyable Meal, perhaps more appropriate for how we were feeling and what we had been up to than what was developed as Plan A.  Someday we'll try revist Plan A, but now we know we have a very acceptable Plan B already tried & tested.

Stay JOLLY!
D

502 W Hwy 66

These days the Road Kill Cafe appears to be set up as an attraction for the Tourists making their way along Route 66.  I'm pretty sure it didn't start off that way, and maybe I'm wrong on that count and it is just how it's always been.  Or maybe it's a whole different scene once the sun goes down... 

Using our logic of not stopping for lunch at Subway as we drove from the Grand Canyon to Vegas, we ended up by the Seligman exit as we got hungry.  Road Kill Cafe sounded the most un-Subway like from our choices along the main drag so into the parking lot we pulled.

As you enter there's a 'normal' looking dining room with a souvenir counter in the corner and there weren't too many tourists to make us feel uncomfortable.  We were told we could sit anywhere or head through to the Bar.  A quick peak in the Bar told us we had to choose that option - a much more interesting room, and a much more interesting crowd, although small.  Clearly hunting is the theme and hunters encouraged.  The many many trophies on the walls are a simple clue, but the discount beer offered to hunters helps solidify who the targeted audience often are.

Our Server was the Bartender and as with most people, if you don't judge by appearance you come across someone doing their job quite well who was polite and welcoming and offered sensible answers to our questions.  We got to watch him serve 4 older Germans - not that there's anything wrong with that - and their drink ordering 'quirks' appeared to cause him consternation, but he persevered until they had everything just as they like.  Not the speediest service we've ever seen but certainly not the slowest either.  We were in no hurry, so no drama, no concern, just a little more time to enjoy the trophies keeping us company.

They've had some fun with the Menu in terms of keeping with the Name of the Joint - Chunk of Skunk, Smear of Deer, Rigor Mortis Tortoise, Guess That Mess among many other like described dishes.

Our Meal went something along the lines of this:

• A local brew - we asked for whatever was on draft that was local.  Probably not a beer you drink all night, but worked fine with our Meal.
• Onion Rings - big and crispy.
• Chicken Fried Steak - a nice rich gravy and more fries than most people really need.
• Chicken Tenders - we've had smaller chicken breasts.

Totally worth the stop as part of our trek!  Yes, we now own a souvenir coffee mug...

Stay JOLLY!
D

33125 S. Coldwater Road

We spotted the big sign over the Highway and negotiated amongst ourselves as to whether we give it a try or continue a few more exits looking for the more 'safe' option of a Subway or the like.  The 'ayes' had it, but it wasn't a convincing win...

The almost empty parking lot at a little after noon and the biker pulling in at the same time as us almost made us take a recount of the vote, but we didn't.  The building itself inside and out didn't come across as anything remarkable, but has plenty of space (inside and out) so there must be a time when it's really hopping.  In a room past the bar, it looks like they are set up to have bands do their thing.

It was seat yourself and we weren't sure we'd be noticed in the restaurant type side so sat in the bar with the biker and one other couple.  The Bartender was our Server and he took great care of us - got our drinks promptly, was ready to take our order when we were ready and although he wasn't cooking, our food appeared really quite quickly.  I suspect had we wanted to chat to him, he would have because he spent just about all of his 'free' time talking with the biker.

Our Meal went something along the lines of:

• Lemonade / Soda - still had a bit of driving to do so avoided the beers (our policy will be to try share a local brew regardless from now on..).
• BBQ Beef Brisket Sandwich - fall apart tender as advertised and A LOT of fries
• Western Burger - the advertised BBQ sauce came a bit late and the Burger was just fine with out it, but better with.

This experience has taught us that there are far more interesting places to stop for a lunch on the Highway than a Subway.  And that you absolutely can't judge them by their cover.  It's unlikely our travels will bring us back to the Bad Ass BBQ, but we will always trust in like minded / styled venues from now on.

Stay JOLLY!
D