Review of Tucson's Blue Point Restaurant

I'm WAY behind on my food blogs, but I've been out eating a lot so I promise I'm going to spend more time blogging my food experiences over the next few weeks.

Last Wednesday night a girlfriend and I decided to head out to La Encantada to do a little shopping and grab a bite to eat. Whenever I dine at La Encantada I usually go to North Restaurant, but I eat there so much and I've already done a review for them and it's always great so I figured I better try something else. Blue Point in located in the upper east end of La Encantada across from North, and I've enjoyed dinner or drinks there before because of the fun location and atmosphere. Blue Point specializes in seafood and steaks, but they also have an array of other specialties on their menu. They have a really neat bar area with quite a bit of space and TV's for those that can't go out for fear of missing a sporting event. Still it's a classy bar area that's inviting and relaxing. The bar at Blue Point does get busy on Friday and Saturday nights just like the other restaurant bars at La Encantada because the location is a real "hot spot" for the hip crowd. Blue Point has a great drink and wine selection; prices are pretty reasonable across the board and they specialize in martinis so they have some great concoctions to try.

On past visits to Blue Point I've had some great food and some average food, but for the sake of time I'll focus on discussing this specific visit. When we entered the restaurant on Wednesday night we were surprised to find the place packed. I mean standing room only at 6pm in the middle of the week. I didn't bother to make a reservation because I've never needed one when dining during the week, so this crowd really surprised me. The hostess then explained that Blue Point was celebrating their fifth anniversary and providing free drinks and appetizers to guests until 7pm. I was handed a certificate to receive $25 off my next lunch at Blue Point. Yes, I did say $25 off; there's no minimum purchase and I just need to use it by February 8th. Not a bad deal! No wonder the place looked like a singles bar during happy hour! I'd never seen so many people standing in line waiting for their free shrimp cocktail as they checked out the opposite sex. Blue Point is a classy restaurant so this night was an exception. Anyway, I didn't feel like mingling in the bar so we sat down in the dining area for dinner. The waiter greeted us by explaining that in honor of the restaurant's anniversary we could get free drinks, which I thought meant house wine and beer. I was surprised to find that we could order any drink from the bar and it would be free, which was great because Blue Point has some really good wines by the glass. So my friend and I took advantage. I must remember that Wednesday January 16th is Blue Point's anniversary and that I should be there next year for the free stuff!

After reviewing the dinner menu I decided that I would start with the Pecan, Pear and Bleu Cheese salad, which I've had before and always loved. It's mixed greens with candies pecans, crumbled bleu cheese and sliced pear with dried cranberries and a lite cider vinaigrette. It's a bit sweet but usually small so it's not too much before dinner. On this night I was shocked when the salad came out and was about four times it's normal size. I'm not sure if the cooks were being generous because of the anniversary thing or if they just didn't care about food waste; either way my friend and I got to split it and still had left overs which was great.

Ever since Blue Point opened they've had this great dish that I always recommend to others because it's so wonderful. It's one of those foods you just can't forget because it's comforting and delicious and makes you think of mom's cooking. The Seafood Mac and Cheese is that dish; it's cork screw pasta, shrimp and lobster that's baked in a rich, creamy mascarpone sauce and topped with some Creole spices and baked cheese. Originally it was baked in the oven until the cheese on top was golden brown and bubbly. In my opinion it used to be the best food in the world; it's been awhile since I've had it and something has changed that's not good. This time the mac and cheese tasted like it came from a box; the sauce was thin and flavorless and there were barely any shrimp or lobster to be found. It was just spooned into a bowl and was hardly warm. It was devastating! Needless to say I will never recommend this dish again. It seems that too many good restaurants change their menus/ingredients due to food/labor costs over time and they lose what makes them special. Oh well.....

My friend decided to order the fish and chips, which made me happy because I love fried fish and I figured I could snack off her plate. The fish is tempura fried cod that's served with french fries, a small side of cole slaw, cocktail and tarter sauce. The fish looked great when it came out; perfectly fried to a crispy golden brown. Unfortunately Blue Point's fish and chips suffers from the same problem that plagues many other fish and chips dinners; lack of seasoning in the batter. Don't get me wrong, the batter was cooked to a perfect state of crispiness, but it had no seasoning what so ever so it tasted pretty bland. I'm not one that likes to season my food with salt, so it your one that doesn't mind throwing some extra salt on your food I would highly recommend the dish because seasoning is it's only flaw.

I guess I was a little disappointed with my dinner that night because I was really looking forward to enjoying the mac and cheese; but I'll know better then to order it next time. Blue Point still has a great selection of fresh fish and steaks which is a much healthier route anyway. Next time I'll visit for lunch when it's not so busy and I can enjoy their crab cake sandwich. I enjoyed it the last time I had so I'll give it another try.

Blue Point is open for lunch and dinner Monday thru Sunday. Dress is "Foothills casual", and if you're going for dinner on the weekend I would suggest making a reservation.

North Italian Restaurant; a personal favorite that always delivers

One of my favorite places to dine in Tucson will always be NoRTH restaurant in La Encantada shopping center. Serving contemporary Italian in an open dining area that overlooks the city lights, NoRTH has got quite a reputation and following. It is the "hot spot" for those living the in Foothills, and has an urban feel that attracts those looking to "be seen". NoRTH serves both lunch and dinner, and prices are reasonable, with lunches ranging between $7 to $15 and dinners ranging from $12 to $30. Dress is casual, but I would say "Foothills casual" which means many of the people dining there are dressed to impress. If you plan on visiting on the weekend I would advise making a reservation as it can get very busy, particularly the bar area which seems to be the local after work favorite for the young business professionals in the area. When we visit NoRTH we enjoy sitting at the bar as seating there is open to the interior and exterior of the restaurant, making it a great place to pull up a chair and just people watch. They have a great wine selection as well as a martini menu and everything else you can think of. The dining room is beautiful but the tables are placed close together so be prepared to learn everything you ever wanted to know about those sitting next to you. The noise level is loud most of the time so it might not be the greatest place to dine if you're planning on an intimate conversation. Now to the food....

Unfortunately I tend to stick with those foods I really enjoy and never experience the full menu, but at NoRTH I have ventured out and found I like pretty much everything. I almost always start with the Spinach salad, which is sprinkled with goat cheese and tossed in a Pancetta vinaigrette. I was really lost when there was a national recall on spinach this last Spring and I couldn't get my Spinach salad! If I'm not in the mood for the salad I will get the Calamari, which is served on a bed of Arugula that's been tossed in a lemon vinaigrette. It's incredible, that's all I can say. For those afternoons when we're eating light my husband and I will split a pizza, and I have to say they are about the best in town. The crust is very thin and slightly crisp, and North has some unusual combinations that are pretty incredible. If I'm really hungry then I have the difficult decision of choosing between the Chicken Parmigiana and the Short Rib "Osso Buco". The chicken, a huge moist breast that's served golden brown and slightly crispy, is topped off with fresh tomato marinara and mozzarella, and few butter rigatoni to accent. Every time I've had the chicken it's been incredible. The Short Rib "Osso Buco" is my comfort food; I feel guilty and peaceful every time I take a bite. And the white polenta that is served with this dish is the perfect compliment to the rich and slightly tangy sauce. If I'm feeling healthy I get the Salmon with roasted squash and sweet onions, which is delicious, but I'm partial to my comfort food. Deserts....well I have trouble getting to that course most of the time. They have the standards such as Tiramisu, Cheesecake and Creme Brulee. The few items I've had have been mediocre, but I'm VERY picky when it comes to dessert. You just got to try everything and see what you like.

Everyone I have referred to NoRTH has had a great experience. It's a lively and chic atmosphere that consistently provides great food and service. If you live in Tucson or are just visiting, I recommend stopping by NoRTH and checking it out. Who knows who you might see!

Tucson's Montana Avenue Satisfies Any Sweet Tooth

As you will soon see from all my restaurant reviews, I love to eat! Since every one's perception of a dining experience is different, I'm going to tell you about mine, you give it a try and then feel free to offer feedback.

A small group of friends and I recently visited one of the many Fox owned restaurant's, Montana Avenue. Located on Grant Road, it's convenient central location was perfect as we were all going to be in the area anyway, so rush hour traffic wasn't a significant problem. It's got a hip, urban vibe to it, and the dress code is "Tucson casual", which means pretty much anything goes. Prices range from $15-$30 per entree, but there's a great variety of appetizers so you'll likely spend more. The menu offers "regional American cooking" and a terrific wine list. The owner, Sam Fox, has several great restaurants in Tucson and Phoenix that offer a wide range of delicacies. Most are upscale (it's all relative I guess) and draw a clientele of young business professionals. The bar area in many of the restaurants is a focal point, and large groups tend to congregate here for the "after work cocktail". Fox Restaurants has a great reputation for wonderful food and service. One thing I must point out is that you need to make a reservation! Luckily I did, because when we arrived a 6:15 the dining room was already full.Unlike my first visit here, on this occasion our service was spotty. I noticed that the bartender was also our food server, which led me to believe that the restaurant was short staffed. Our server was very friendly and knowledgeable, and he maintained a calm disposition even though I could see he was overwhelmed.

Aahhh....now for the food! I felt like trying a healthy entree so I could later indulge in desert. I ordered the special, which was a broiled Mahi served on a bed of cranberry beans (flavored with bacon) , sauteed tomatoes and arugula. Very pretty presentation, but my Mahi was extremely overcooked. Still the meal was very good. A friend ordered the Shrimp Risotto, which was wonderful, as was the Grilled Ahi and Flank Steak. Another friend ordered the Pork, which was extremely undercooked. It was very busy on this particular night so I would expect a few inconsistancies, but overall we enjoyed our meals.

I must say that Montana Avenue has overall, the best deserts in town. My favorite is the Bread Pudding, which is INCREDIBLE (it really gives the bread pudding at Vivace a run for its money). Two other guests decided on the warm Cinnamon Sugar Donut with vanilla custard dipping sauce. Numerous other deserts are available and all are very good.

Although the meal was not a complete success, I'm sure we will go back for another try. Montana Avenue has a great atmosphere, and as a general rule the Sam Fox restaurants provide exceptional food and service. If all else is a flop, at least I have the bread pudding!

First In and Out Arrives in Tucson

Now I originally wrote this entry back in April 2007, but since my Tucson Foodies blog is new I'm including my older posts from my Greater Tucson Real Estate Blog, and I think this story marks a significant date in Tucson. Once your city gets an In and Out Burger you feel you've finally made it in the world. On April 25 the first In and Out Burger opened to much fanfare in Tucson, and it opened at 9am, 1 1/2 hours before its scheduled opening time. As I predicted, the lines were out the door as people waited for a little taste of heaven. At 12:30pm I counted 83 cars in the drive thru line, with the last being a police car. I wonder if the officer was on the clock as he waited to order his Double Double. I admired all of those dedicated souls that stood in the long line, just to satisfy that persistent craving that cannot be satisfied by your normal burger joint. As seating inside was limited, many could be found enjoying their meals on the roofs of their cars in the parking lot. Still, I know that there are many individuals that don't believe the hype about In and Out, so I have provided a photo of the franchise's loyal fans for those non believers. Once the commotion has subsided (and the temperatures have cooled a bit) I too will be standing in that long line as I salivate. To answer the question "Is it worth the wait" I answer "You betcha!"

For all you Tucson Foodies

Welcome to the official Tucson Foodies blog! As I mention in "About Me" I'm a real estate agent in Tucson Arizona, and one of my many passions is food! It's something that we all have in common, whether it be eating to survive or eating for the dining experience. Food provides us with nutrition, comfort, and time with those we care about. To me there is nothing like sitting down to a fantastic meal, having great conversation and experiencing it all in an interesting setting.

The term "foodie" is defined by Wikipedia as "an informal term for a particular class of aficionado of food and drink". When I hear the term "aficionado" I visualize an older British gentleman with a glass of cognac in one hand and a Monte Cristo No. 2 cigar in the other. This is probably why I don't consider myself an aficionado. I really just enjoy good food, and I'll add good wine.

Since I enjoy eating and my husband and I do get the opportunity to venture out to area restaurants quite a bit, I thought I would start a blog about it. Several of my past clients were new to Tucson when I first met them and were unfamiliar with where to go for a decent meal. I enjoyed finding out what their likes and dislikes were and then recommending a restaurant that might match their tastes. Most of the time they were very happy with the recommendations, and even gave me feedback on some of their favorites (now I know what to try next time I visit). Tucson has a great variety of options when it comes to eateries; there is almost too much to choose from. Some are good and some are not so good, but I'll give honest feedback about everywhere I dine. Please remember it's all personal opinion, so if you've been to one of the restaurants I mention and had a different experience please post a comment. The goal of this blog is to have fun while I help everyone out there make that all important decision....Where do I eat?

Valorie Bradley

Long Realty

Tucson Arizona

http://www.valoriebradley.com/