Scottsdale/Phoenix 1 – Sofia’s, Phoenix Art Museum, Craft 64

Kirk and Cathy have better or more important things to do than post at mmm-yoso!!!, so today here's the first post from Ed (from Yuma) about food and adventures on his and Tina's recent trip to the Phoenix/Scottsdale area.

Sofia's

On our way up, as usual, we had lunch at Sofia’s in Gila Bend:

Nice decor at the little restaurant:

The chips and salsa are always good:

We enjoy the three taco combination plate with the customer choice of any three tacos. On this visit Tina had two hardshell hamburger tacos (what tacos were for most of us back in the 60s and 70s) and a soft carnitas taco:

And I ordered a simple green chili burrito:

Sofia's is good Mexican food and service, often by Sofia herself.

Sofia's Mexican Food, 530 West Pima, Gila Bend, AZ 85337, 928-683-6382.  Open Daily.

Phoenix Art Museum

In the Past, Tina and I have focused mostly on the museum’s extensive collection of modern works and Spanish colonial art. This time, however, we wanted to explore the Asian section of the museum. They were having a special show for the art of Martin Fan Cheng:

This painting could be from a food blog:

These trout in a stream look photographic as well:

I was amused by a 1976 painting by Lu Yanshao that uses traditional Chinese techniques to picture "Electric Power Station in a Mountain Village":

We loved this contemporary cerulean ceramic bowl:

Completely different is this bodhisattva:

The museum explained that this holy figure is dressed in women's attire since achieving the status of bodhisattva allows one to transcend sexuality.  

But my favorite item is in the permanent collection of the Museum, a remarkable piece entitled "Mass (Colder Darker Matter)":

It is like a giant mobile made from pieces of charred wood hung on nearly invisible wires and strings. As you move from place to place, it changes. Interestingly, the burned wood is what’s left of a rural church that ignited when struck by lightning. To me, this installation seems both ominous and numinous.

Phoenix Art Museum, 1625 N. Central Avenue Phoenix, AZ 85004-1685 (602) 257-1880

Craft 64

This new pizzeria, featuring rustic 900° wood ovens and house made mozzarella, was our choice for our first dinner in the Phoenix area. The exterior seems pretty ordinary, but it is nice to see a doggie friendly patio in front:

The interior was brightly lit, tastefully simple, and full of customers:

Thursday Night NFL was on the TVs in the bar and numerous animated conversations were all going on simultaneously, so it was LOUD. Sitting outside on the back patio would have made conversation easier, but all the tables there were taken as well.

Of course, they have 36 beer taps and an extensive collection of bottled beers and wines as well. Tina and I had a couple of their lighter beer offerings:

As soon as we tasted our locally sourced Farmers Salad, we understood why the place is so popular:

This was extremely unusual and extremely flavorful. Batonettes of fresh mango and jicama dominated, with wafer thin slices of watermelon radish, a sprinkle of radish sprouts, small strips of red onion, and cilantro leaves all contributing. The cumin lime dressing was a superb match, tempering the sweetness of the mango and giving a nice flavor boost to the usually bland jicama. Amazingly good.

We ordered two different pizzas. I wanted to try the very basic Senza Formaggio vegan pie with mushrooms:

Tina and I wondered if we would like this at all, but it was very tasty. The focus was clearly on the wonderful crispy crunchy crust highlighted with the nicely herbed tomato sweet sauce and olive oil.

Tina was intrigued by the idea of the Spanish pizza with real Spanish chorizo, sliced almonds, Spanish black olives, and a mild harrissa sauce:

Tasting it was a real experience. To the eye, it looks like a pepperoni based pizza, but to the mouth, the flavor panorama was  entirely different. The crunchy almonds were good, and the crust was magnificent.

We told our friends who were letting us use their North Scottsdale timeshare about Craft 64, they tried it, and Greg told me it was the best pizza they had ever eaten. Your results may differ, but it is damn good (can I say that?).

Craft 64, 6922 E. Main St., Scottsdale, AZ 85251, (480) 946-0542

Comments

[Soo @ hungryones]

I like the looks of the tacos and the Lu Yanshao painting!

[Ed (from Yuma)]

Yes, Soo, Sofia's is a good place, and those are nice tacos. The Lu Yanshao painting was so different - and so interesting - merging contemporary and ancient.

[Cathy]

Gila Bend has always been that 'slow down' point on the drive to or from home and I don't think we've ever thought to stop here, but now know what's good. That salad as well as the pizzas sound and look wonderful, even without cheese. What a great vacation!

[caninecologne]

The mobile art installation is quite striking. A green chili burrito sounds good right about now too!

[Ed (from Yuma)]

Cathy, Gila Bend is perfect for us, if we leave in the morning. That way we aren't frantic looking for lunch when we hit PHX.

The mobile is much more powerful in person, cc. All that charred wood.

[Scott Hagen]

Thank you for visiting us at Craft 64. I'm glad you enjoyed your experience with us. We do take a lot of pride in our fare. I'm so glad you recognized it. Hope to see you again, next time you are in town.

Best regards,

Scott Hagen, Owner and Beer Shogun at Craft 64
www.craft64.com