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.
Harvest Restaurant
10355 North La Cañada, 520-731-1100
So many people here in SaddleBrooke have asked if we had dined at Harvest, and until now, the answer was no. We arrived in the middle of the dinner hour, were greeted warmly, promptly seated, given menus and water, and we were ready to enjoy our evening! After reviewing the menu, we easily decided on what we wanted to eat and drink, and our prompt server Jenn was right there to take our order. We each had a cocktail. Judi had a vodka martini, and Jerry ordered a bourbon sour, both of which were served in coupe glasses, an interesting presentation that neither of us had seen since the ‘50s! We shared house-made 7-onion soup. This truly rich and delicious soup was made with lots of onions, a crunchy crostini, and melted Swiss cheese. It was the perfect way to start our dinner. Jerry ordered the Duroc Tomahawk bone-in pork chop with grilled asparagus, charred cherry tomatoes, and creamed spinach. Jerry said that the pork chop was well prepared, but he had forgotten to order it medium rare. Judi ordered the truffle mushroom burger, which was made from grass-fed beef and served with sautéed mushrooms, caramelized onions with truffle oil, and Swiss cheese, with a roasted garlic spinach truffle aioli. As always, she requested the burger be made rare, and it was. The side dishes were excellent, and we both enjoyed our evening out. If you want to enjoy a delightful meal in a lovely, casual setting, Harvest is worth a visit.
Food ****
Ambiance ****
Taste & Presentation ****
Service *****
Price $$$
Value ****
Harvest Restaurant is highly recommended.
Wildfire Wings & Grill
15318 N. Oracle Road (Bashas’ Shopping Center), 520-800-4748
Tucked into the far left (north end) of the Bashas’ Shopping Center is an interesting and unassuming local pub. It is the sister location to Fork & Fire in the Oro Valley Marketplace. We popped in for an early and light dinner, as Jerry never can get enough wings. Entering, you get the distinct feeling of being in Cheers, a local place with what looked like regulars at the bar, and an interesting vibe with upbeat music. Our server was right there taking our drink order, which was delivered quickly—a good sign. Jerry had an orange-flavored beer (that even Judi liked!), and Judi had a glass of wine. For an appetizer we shared the wood-smoked chicken wings wrapped in bacon with a delicious Yaquina sauce, sweet and savory without excessive heat, perfect for Judi. For our main courses Jerry ordered the hand beer-battered fish filet sandwich, crispy coated flaky cod, with cheese, lettuce, onion, pickle, with a spicy tartar sauce on a large brioche roll—a really superior sandwich. Judi had the Wild Burger, done to her liking, rare and juicy, with fried onions and the house wild sauce that complimented this above-average sandwich. For an easy, unassuming place serving good food at a good value, this is a good choice.
Food ****
Ambiance **
Taste & Presentation ****
Service *****
Price $$
Value *****
Wildflower Wings & Grill is recommended.