Judi Friedman and Jerry Lankin
We’re two SaddleBrooke foodies forever seeking great places to eat! We’ll review two restaurants each month for taste and presentation, service, price, value, and ambiance. If you have a favorite eatery and would like to spread the word, please send us an email at cooksoutofthekitchen@gmail.com.
Truland Burgers
7332 N. Oracle Road, Tuscan, AZ 85704, 520-395-2975
Trulandburgers.com
On a chilly night, your Cooks decided it was a good evening to explore a restaurant we had passed on Oracle many times but had never stopped. The restaurant was very crowded, but we were seated immediately in the covered, heated outside area in the front of the dining room. We would not have called it warm, but it was reasonably comfortable, so we stayed there so as not to have to wait for quite some time before being seated. We didn’t realize it would have been a good idea to make a reservation. There were lots of groups and families enjoying their evening. The service was incredibly quick, friendly, and efficient. We had heard a great deal about their French fries and ordered them. They were excellent! Jerry ordered the Shroom and Swiss burger. It had slices of Swiss cheese, grilled cremini mushrooms, caramelized onions, and garlic aioli. Jerry always orders his burgers rare, and it was done exactly right. Judi ordered the Truland Basic, also rare, with the Tru-sauce on the side. Both of the burgers were delicious, as they use premium, hormone- and antibiotic-free beef from Niman Ranch, which is cooked on their state-of-the-art grill. Judi was very impressed with their use of Niman Ranch beef, having enjoyed it for many years in the Bay Area. The grilling seared in all the juiciness of the burgers, as well as maintaining all the natural flavors. While Judi had a glass of wine, Jerry opted for a Maya iced tea. All in all, it was an enjoyable and tasty evening!
Ambiance **
Taste and Presentation *****
Service ****
Price $$$
Value ***
Truland Burgers is highly recommended.
Terraza at La Hacienda Del Sol
5501 N. Hacienda del Sol Road, 520-526-9345
Haciendadelsol.com
We reviewed the wonderful La Hacienda Grill (main dining room) several months ago and gave it our highest accolades. This time we returned for a totally different experience at the Terraza Garden Patio, with much lighter fare, and to listen to a friend who was singing to the accompaniment of an excellent band. We recommend making a reservation and arriving about an hour before the music starts to get a great seat. We were accompanied this evening by Jerry’s daughter Julie and son-in-law Rob. The singer was Steve Duson, a local favorite and Rob’s brother-in-law. The service was particularly attentive when seated, and our drink orders were taken immediately and served quickly. One of the first things Jerry learned in the restaurant business was getting that first drink on the table ASAP—all the better to have the second round made possible. We started with guacamole and corn chips for the table. Tasty and well prepared with plenty of chips to go around. Your Cooks shared a Caesar salad, generous and well dressed with a garlicky finish. Judi ordered a smoked deli turkey sandwich with bacon, bib lettuce, tomato, and avocado served with a green chili mayo on multigrain bread, which she really enjoyed! Jerry had a classic French dip—shaved prime rib, Italian baguette, with caramelized onion, provolone cheese, and a side of au jus broth served with French fries. It was well executed and a tasty offering. Rob had the Alaskan cod fish and chips, a generous portion, with fries, which he said were well prepared. Julie had the street tacos with cabbage, cilantro, slaw, avocado crema, salsa fresca, and a lime queso fresco beef birria, which was not a hit. The drinks, food, and music made for a great evening—well-priced and very entertaining.
Ambience ****
Taste and Presentation ****
Service *****
Price $$$
Value *****
La Hacienda – Terraza Garden Patio is highly recommended.