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 [email protected].
Rosati’s
12152 N. Rancho Vistoso (Safeway Shopping Center), 520-229-0083
Website: myrosatis.com
One late afternoon on the way to Safeway, your Cooks decided it was time for dinner and stopped at Rosati’s. This was Judi’s first time there, and she was looking forward to a new, low-key, Italian restaurant. The place was busy, there were several TVs on the wall (the sound was off!), and most of the tables were full when we arrived. We were greeted by Landan right away, and he showed us to a table promptly. We were given menus, water, and silverware when we were seated. It didn’t take very long to make our choices of a thin–crust pizza, along with their chicken parmigiana. We were hoping for delicious leftovers! Landan took our order when he saw that we had put our menus down. Rosati’s is a friendly, family restaurant, and it was clear to your Cooks that everyone was enjoying their dinners. When our food came, we were impressed with how the pizza was served—not the standard triangle slices, but squares! So much easier to hold and enjoy. The crust was perfectly crunchy (as a thin pie should be), the sauce flavorful, and the toppings were perfectly cooked. After enjoying a few squares, we started on the chicken parmigiana. It was outstanding (Landan said it was their specialty and a favorite!). Wonderful marinara sauce, crispy chicken cutlet topped with baked mozzarella cheese, asiago cheese, and fresh parsley served on top of al dente pasta. The main course came with garlic bread on the side. There may have been pizza to take home, but there wasn’t a drop of the chicken parmigiana left. This is a great local spot where you can enjoy a tasty meal and then finish your errands!
Taste & Presentation *****
Service *****
Price Range $$
Value *****
Ambiance ****
Rosati’s is highly recommended.
Le Rendez-Vous
3844 E. Fort Lowell Road, 520-354-2097
Website: www.rendezvoustucson.com
Reservations are recommended.
We have been meaning to go to this restaurant for quite a while, as it is the standard for French fare in Tucson. It has been here for many years, founded by Jean Claude Berger, and now run by his son Gordon who spent several years in Paris perfecting his craft. In the bar area, you can order small plates, which have become a standard among modern restaurants. We chose the main dining room for a more traditional menu and service. Our gourmet friends who dined with us this evening were Harry and Hinda who added much to the conversation and experience. Your Cooks started with wine from an excellent and expansive wine list and shared two appetizers. One was the Coquille Saint-Jacques, which had a multitude of seared sea scallops in a most delicious vermouth cream sauce topped with a house cheese blend. The other appetizer was the Brie en Croute with apricot jam glaze and pear sauce, which was also excellent. Harry and Hinda both had French onion soup, which they enjoyed. We must say that the other appetizers of Escargot, Moules Provençale, and Trio de Champignons were offerings that we could have chosen easily, and we look forward to trying them on our next visit. For the main course, your Cooks shared the Canard Montmorency, roasted duck served with a bourbon-soaked cherry sauce, accompanied by Anna potatoes and mixed vegetables. We received two plates with all the fixings, which made the main course most enjoyable and complete. The duck was perfectly prepared with a crispy crust, and the accompanying sides were very tasty. Harry had the Cabria Grenoble, an egg-battered bass with capers, lemon, and a brown butter sauce, which he enjoyed and said was done perfectly. Hinda had Coq au Riesling, a lovely half chicken done in a creamy white wine Riesling sauce with bacon, mushrooms, carrots, onions, and tarragon, also done to a turn, which she enjoyed. For dessert, we all shared the Grand Marnier soufflé, done in the classic French style and prepared and presented impeccably. The service was attentive, and our server was extremely knowledgeable. She followed up numerous times to make sure that everything was to our liking. Gordon, the owner, even came over to the table where we complimented him on the meal, and he was nice enough to give us a little of his background training in Paris. We could not have asked for a better meal at this iconic Tucson French restaurant.
Le Rendez-Vous is highly recommended.
Taste & Presentation *****
Service *****
Price Range $$$$
Value *****
Ambiance ****