Judi Friedman and Jerry Lankin
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.
Scordato’s
4911 N. Stone Ave., Tucson, AZ 85704, 520-529-2700
Your cooks were downtown, and as it was getting close to 8 p.m., we drove directly into the parking lot of Scordato’s where Jerry parked by the front door! He had mentioned this wonderful restaurant so often that it was time for Judi to have the experience of a low-key, truly delicious Italian meal. We were seated promptly, given menus and water, and started to try to figure out what to order. Everything sounded yummy! We decided to start with a tortellini soup. The tortellini had a delicate blend of mascarpone and mild cheese wrapped in an egg pasta. It was simmered in a chicken soup with just a hint of heat. It was the perfect starter to share on a chilly evening. We then had the tagliatelle Bolognese, the typical flat, thin egg pasta with a traditional Bolognese sauce garnished with Grana Padano cheese and served with garlic toast. There was nothing typical about this sauce. It was a flavorfully rich, thick sauce with very generous amounts of ground meat. It was wonderful. We needed to save room for the pizza we ordered, so we took the rest of the tagliatelle home for the next day (and it was still perfect then, too!). We ordered a chicken meatball pizza with ricotta cheese and fresh basil. This large pie had a wonderful crust, along with the meatballs and cheese, and it was very tasty. We were there towards the end of the evening, and the restaurant still had several other diners enjoying their meals. The service was well timed. We never felt rushed, even though it was almost closing time.
Food *****
Ambiance ****
Taste and Presentation ****
Service *****
Price $$$
Value ****
Scordato’s is highly recommended.
La Hacienda
11931 N. 1st Avenue #104, Oro Valley, Ariz., 520-297-1695
www.lahaciendaorovalley.com
We were pleasantly surprised when we entered La Hacienda Mexican Restaurant at 7:30 p.m. on a Thursday evening to find the place packed. That’s always a positive sign of a popular spot serving good food, and we weren’t disappointed. We were seated quickly at one of the few remaining tables, and, magically, chips and a very good, somewhat spicy salsa appeared. Our waiter Rene brought menus and took our drink order, a Cadillac Margarita (made with an extra shot of Grand Marnier). As Jerry had made a few in his day as a bartender, he said that this one was perfect! When we go to a restaurant by ourselves to critique it, we like to share dishes in order to get as many different things as possible. We started with a shrimp ceviche: a large portion served in a soup bowl with tortilla chips. It was spot on, with lots of shrimp, tomatoes, cucumbers, and onions, and, of course, chopped cilantro, which made the dish perfect. That was followed by a large cheese crip, served bubbly hot with strips of green chili. This was a classic presentation and as good as the best we’ve ever had. Another winner. Our main course was the seafood enchiladas, which were outstanding—generously loaded with shrimp, fish, and mushrooms in a creamy white sauce that was very tasty. The standard refried beans and rice were just that, as there doesn’t seem to be any way to make them stand out, no matter where we go. We ordered a side of guacamole, and although Jerry’s not a great fan, this was exceptional. Smooth and garlicky, with a hint of lemon, it was a great accompaniment. We left La Hacienda complimenting the manager on our lovely meal and great service. La Hacienda rates among the best of Tex-Mex cuisines available.
Food *****
Ambiance ****
Taste and Presentation ****
Service *****
Price $$$
Value *****
La Hacienda is highly recommended.