Looking for the best burger and beer in town? The trendiest new cocktail? Team SWAY loves good grub and we want to share some of the most excellent eats that tickle our taste buds.
When you first arrive at Lisa G's Café Wine Bar, you immediately think, Wow, this looks just like my childhood home…if by "childhood home" you mean that you have an interior designer, a chef, and a kick ass built in bar. Lisa G's Café Wine Bar is one of a number of the little treasures we enjoy here in Phoenix: the little bungalow-turned-business that has much charm and character…and this place delivers.
My last visit to Lisa G's Café Wine Bar was on a Friday night. We arrived without reservations and were promptly greeted by Lisa G (Lisa Giungo), herself. She said there would be a slight wait and invited us to visit the bar where we checked out the wine list full of some very smart, affordable and chic wines.
Seconds after you meet Lisa G, you discover that in addition to her erudite background, she is clever and approachable. She spent about 15 years in the Philadelphia retail industry before relocating to Phoenix, where she made a career change to the culinary world with Arcadia Farms. Folks that have been in the Valley for a while have Lisa G to thank for Flying Dog Grocery now known as Le Grande Orange Grocery and Café as well as her time spent at My Florist Café (another one of SWAY's faves…watch for a review on that HOTSPOT soon!).
Once seated, we found ourselves deep in debate about everything on the menu. The starters are all inviting, however we felt we MUST begin with the BRIE. This yummy but sophisticated cheese is a favorite of mine, so I'm a bit of a Brie snob. I'm happy to report, it faired well! It was served with rustic Italian bread, caramelized apples, and cranberries and was ooey-gooey goodness…all grown up!
When it was time to make entrée selections we fought over, just based on the name alone, who was going to order the Bowl of Balls (I have a personal rule about everyone ordering the same thing). Being the victor, I celebrated my win with another glass of 2004 Martinray Angeline Zinfandel (which unfortunately is being discontinued soon).
The family recipe this comes from must be a tightly kept secret; at least I would keep it under wraps if it was mine. It starts with three-four meatballs made of a mixture of succulent beef, pork, and veal and is served with a slightly spicy, yet refreshingly smooth, tomato-based sauce that is undeniably decadent. It is served with crust of Focaccia bread and a pungent wedge of Provolone and all for under $10! What a steal!
Lisa G Café Wine Bar is open most days for lunch and dinner. Visit her website (www.lisagwinebar) for more info. The staff, ambiance, and cuisine offerings are all a superb find here in Phoenix.
A little birdie told me that the Mini Chicken Salad Sandwiches are to die for so I'm sure to be seen there again soon!
