Luke's of Chicago

After some prodding from a friend I decided to go and try Luke's of Chicago t0 try the Italian Beef.

I am glad I went. When you go in the door you already know this place is special. There was a good crowd of people and it was very busy. Despite how busy it was I had my order in and food in hand in under 10 minutes. I ordered the Italian Beef and a small order of French Fries.


The Italian Beef "Thinly sliced seasoned beef heated in its own juice. Served in french bread." It is extremely juicy and the bread was soaking up the juices before I could unwrap the sandwich. Needless to say it was really good! The fries were also very good. Crispy on the outside soft on the inside.

Some of the other things on the menu at Luke's are:

• Italian Sausage
• Bratwurst
  
• Polish Sausage
• Hot Dogs - "Chicago Style"
• Burgers
• Italian Subs
• Chicago Style Tamales.
• Etc.

If you are looking for something different for lunch add Luke's to your list of places to try. You will be glad you did.


Luke's of Chicago is located at 1602 East Indian School in Phoenix. There is also a Luke's of Chicago at 15223 87th Street in Scottsdale.
http://www.lukesofchicago.com/

A Couple of East Side Reccomendations From a Friend of Mine...

My friend swears that these are the best places in the valley to get a hot dog. Both are a bit out of my way, but I will review them when I find my way to them. In the mean time let me know what you think if you get there before me by posting a comment.

Teds Hot dogs
1755 E. Broadway
Tempe, AZ 85282
(480) 968-6678
http://www.tedsonline.com/

and

Lukes of Chicago
1602 East Indian School Rd
Phoenix Az, 85014
http://www.lukesofchicago.com/

or

Lukes of Chicago
15223 N. 87th Street
Scottsdale Az, 85260
http://www.lukesofchicago.com/

My freind also provided a link to an review for Lukes of Chicago. You can read it by going to
http://www.azcentral.com/ent/dining/articles/2007/06/01/20070601lukeschicago.html

Carolinas Mexican Food

I have been to Carolina's a few times, and have tried a variety of things on the menu. Some of my favorites from previous visits are:

• Chicken Crunchy Tacos
• Shredded Beef Crunchy Tacos
• Oaxaca Special Burro
• Bean and Cheese Burro

This time at the suggestion of a friend I tried the Machaca mixed burro. This my new favorite. The flavor of the beef, beans, cheese and green chili is excellent. First timers... If you don't know what to try... the Machaca Mixed Burro is an excellent choice.

Carolina's is located at:
1202 E Mohave Street
Phoenix, AZ

http://www.carolinasmex.com

Val's Brazilian Cuisine

Website: http://valsbraziliancuisine.com/

Address: Wigwam Commons 14960 Ste 208, Goodyear AZ.

First some terminology to help those of you who are not familiar with Brazilian food.

• Feijoada - A bean soup or stew made typically made with black beans and cuts of pork and or beef and often brazilian sausage known as linguiça. It is also flavored with salt, onion and garlic.



• Linguiça - A Portuguese / Brazilian sausage usually made from pork and flavored with onion garlic and paprika.



• Churrascaria - A all you can eat meat buffet where the meat is slow roasted over fire usually on skewers. The meat is usually brought to the table and sliced from the skewer for the customer.



• Pão de Queijo - Cheese Bread.



• Coxinha - A croquette made from minced chicken and spices and formed into the shape of a drumstick.

I have been to Val's Brazilian Cuisine twice and enjoyed both visits. The restaurant is not a churrascaria, although on Thursday, Friday and Sunday Val does serve some churrasco style dishes.

On the two occasions I have been to vals I have tried the following items.

• Porco Tenderloin (Pork Tenderloin) - This was delicious dish with a uniquely Brazilian flavor. It is served with feijoada over rice and small salad or vegetable. I tried this dish on two occasions and both times the flavor was excellent. On the first visit the meat was very tender and moist. On the second visit the meat was not quite as tender, but the flavor was still outstanding. The feijoada was excellent as well.



• Frango Marinado (Marinated Chicken) - I was supprised by the amount of chicken that was served with this dish. It was also delicious and extremely tender. It was served with choice of side dishes. I chose the feijoada for the side dish and once again it was excellent.



• Coxinha (Chicken Croquettes) - Very Good. I strongly reccomend you try at least one. There is nothing else quite like a good Coxinha.

I was also able to try the Bobo de Camarao and the Straganofe de Carne and both were also delicious.

If you are looking for Brazilian food but don't want to pay the price that a Churrascaria will cost you, or if you are just looking for something different Val's Brazilian Cuisine is definitely a place that you should try.