alsobidingmytime

Had dinner on a Thursday evening. Not crowded although we did secure a reservation in advance. Started with an appetizer, a “ravioli” with white asparagus and peas with a light yet flavorful sauce. Not your typical stuffed ravioli but a layer of pasta sitting on top of the vegetables. Crispy skinned arctic char was well cooked and enjoyed the fact that the skin was not skin at all but a crunchy skin-like mild rice breading. Finished with a mango sorbet that was refreshing. Restaurant itself was very modern with clean walls and furnishings. Loved the look of the bar. Enjoyed the blood orange margarita as well. Another member of our party had the omelet. It looked light and delicious. Only comment was the bacon could be crispier. Overall, I would return if I was staying nearby.

I have been going to Sakana’s Ahwatukee location for years and have had good experiences each week. Sushi is generally your typical varieties — albacore, ahi, salmon, sometimes blue fin tuna, aji. There are occasions when the restaurant serves something a little different like abalone or giant clam. Sit at the sushi bar — the service is better there and the sushi chefs are more attentive. Always check your bill because there have been times where you were charged for something you did not eat or drink like a $12 bottle of cold saki. I’ve been to one of the other locations and prefer the Ahwatukee site due to better service.

Have stopped at this location of Baskin-Robbins several times after dining at a nearby restaurant. There is never a line and the ice cream is always good. Try the Gold Medal Ribbon if you are looking for something creamy and tasty with several flavors.

Although located in an odd area just south of the downtown area on 7th Avenue, La Canasta serves good food. I dined here with my family before a Diamondbacks game. I had the tamale and enchilada combination and it included rice, beans and an extremely large flour tortilla for under $10. The green corn tamale was tasty as was the cheese enchilada. Although I didn’t really have room for the tortilla, I tore off a few pieces because it was extremely tasty mixed with rice, beans and cheese. The rest of the family enjoyed their dishes as well. The waiter replenished our chips and salsa without us having to ask and kept our water glasses and ice tea filled too.