Chris Malloy
Belly Kitchen and Bar 4971 North 7th Avenue One of the many ways that Belly rocks is by making simple food sing. A lemongrass-scented horchata sugar so muted that the fragrant rice and the great perfume of the lemongrass can tango is a drink destined to be slurped down on your drive home from scoring takeout. Consider, why not, a simple side of sautéed seasonal vegetables rippling with umami bass notes, even the meaty fist of cauliflower tender at the core. Or take the claypot-cooked chicken, dark thigh chunks and sinewy-looking strips uncommonly succulent, touched by the warmth of turmeric and a measured zap of fish sauce. The quartet behind Instrumental Hospitality, Michael Babcock, Wayne Coats, Paul Waxman, and Robert Cissell, already has their restaurant humming. And that’s without even writing about A-sides and cocktails.
Lost Dutchman Coffee Roasters 12 North Center Street, Mesa Got a day of antique shopping ahead of you? Stop in at the Lost Dutchman coffee shop, and they ll get you set up. Yes, there s the usual options (Americano, cappuccino, cold press), but hyper-local orders like the Gold Rush and decaffeinated Flying Dutchman steamers are also available. In addition to a cup of coffee, you can grab green coffee beans for home roasting, or a quick treat from the in-house Lombardo s Gelato Company. The setup is perfect for a laptop day or a hang with a small group of friends.
Jarrod s Coffee, Tea, & Gallery 154 West Main Street, Mesa