Food Club no. 11 {Brat Haüs, Scottsdale}

This Month's Food Club was at Brat Haüs in Scottsdale.  It's actually one of our family's favorite Restaurants and you might have seen me mention it before on this blog {for Emily's rehearsal dinner} but some of our Food Club Ladies had never been there so we ALL enjoyed it this past week!

Here's a look at their Menu. 

Kentucky Mule {We've been all about the Bourbon in this house lately}

Brittany's Pumpkin Ale

Gina's Krombacher & Gretchen's Raspberry Limeade

Fundido Appetizer 

Side of Fries with HUSH HUSH sauce, oh so good!

Spicy Pepper Jack Brat

Haus Favorite Burger and Fries

Vegan Burger

Haus {no topping}

Brat Sliders 

Beet & Goat Cheese Salad with Wheat Berries 

The lovely ladies and myself

The Full Review:

Favorite Appetizer: Fundido! 2 pretzels and warm gooey cheese, perfect for sharing or eating one there and taking one home for tomorrow.  

Favorite Entree: Haus Brat is probably the best recommendation for someone's first time, but as a vegetarian I LOVE their beet salad and the vegan burger {with cheese} is pretty good too.  I know everyone ordered a variation of Brats and I've never heard someone complain about their food.  I don't think you could really go wrong with anything here. 

Favorite Drink: Everyone got beer, except Gretchen and I.  I had the Kentucky Mule {Buffalo Trace Bourbon, Lime, Fever Tree Ginger Beer} which was pretty good, although I think Gretchen's Raspberry Limeade {Hanger 1 Raspberry Vodka, Lime, Soda} is just a bit better.  And Obviously they're known for their beers, The Duchesee de Bourgogne is my favorite but right now they have a few pumpkin and fall brews which sounded pretty amazing as well.  

1-10 Service {0 worst, 10 best}: 9; Our waiter {Mike, I believe} was great.  He got us waters right away while we waited for a few more people to join us.  He carded us, even though I'm 27, which you know is sort of sweet, as if I could even look that young if I tried.  He got our order and checked on us frequently {although I did run out of water} and split up the check without us even asking him to.  The only other "problem" was our pretzel came out with the meal so I didn't get to devour it while waiting for my salad, but I didn't specify I wanted it early so it could be my fault.  And it actually worked out better because I took most of it home and enjoyed it for a snack, yum bread and cheese!

Cost {$  $$  $$$  $$$$!}: $$ There were items in all price ranges.  The brats come with a topping but you have to order fries separately which can add up.  Their beers are a good price and the only things that get expensive are the specialty items, but who wouldn't pay $20 for baby back ribs, you know?

Mistakes {corrections?}: It would have been nice to get the pretzel with the meal, as a proper appetizer, but not really even an issue I would have brought up with the server.

Reservations? I know for large groups they'd like a warning, but it's an awesome patio area with plenty of seating so we've never needed reservations {expect for my sister-in-law's rehearsal dinner}

Would we eat there again? We {my family} literally eat there every other week, Husband was bummed we were going there for food club because it meant he couldn't go there with the girls for dinner.  It's that good!

Next Month? Postino!

-Jenn

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Food Club no. 10 {The Greene House, Scottsdale}

This month we tried out The Greene House in Scottsdale. 

Table ready for our gathering.

Emily's beer and the Pink & Greene Martini {guava and green sugar give this drink it's name}

White wine.

GH Mojito

Melted Brie Appetizer 

Gretchen & Emily

My sister Brittany and me {and a Vera eye}.

Macey, Stephanie and Britt.

Bacon Wrapped Pork Tenderloin

Greene House Salad

Turkey on Grilled Flatbread

Mac & Cheese Side

Kale Salad {a few of us orded this with variations of shrimp or chicken so I'm only posting one photo}

Grilled Asparagus Side

The Full Review:

Favorite Appetizer: The only appetizer we ordered was the Melted Brie and while the Hummus and Artichoke Fondue both sounded equally amazing this was really what my sister and I were craving.  The Cranberries were cherried! and amazing I highly recommend this appetizer for any brie lover.

Favorite Entree: I didn't order one entree, rather a salad and a few sides.  My sister-in-law claims the Bacon Wrapped Pork Tenderloin was the best!  So there's that.  I loved my kale salad, although it was on the cheese-y side, and if you're into something healthy might want to ask for less cheese.  As far as side dishes go, the Mac & Cheese was alright, but I've had better and I'd probably skip the asparagus next time, it might be out of season but I prefer thin crunchy stems and this just wasn't doing it for me.

Favorite Drink: Sadly, I've cut out most alcohol and really just try to drink water, but I did taste the Pink & Greene Martini and I would highly recommend that, although the GH Mojitio was also a refreshing summer drink!

1-10 Service {0 worst, 10 best}: 9 It was a good dinner.  Our table was set for us when we arrived with waters and wine glasses.  Our server promptly greeted us and got drinks going right away.  We ordered an appetizer and waited to order our meals for the whole group to arrive, and while we had a few late comers; everything was delivered quickly.  I spent most of my meal trying to calm a fussing baby, but my drink was never empty and even after some payment confusion {I usually do the math} our server politely split the checks. 

Cost {$  $$  $$$  $$$$!}: $$ There were items in all price ranges.  The sides were large enough to be a meal, or like my sister and I did, a salad and a side between two would be enough.  I think I spent $23ish including tip.  Not bad for a girls night, of course with a drink it would have been more.

Mistakes {corrections?}: None.

Reservations? Yes, I called ahead for 12 but told them it would probably be less, they set the tables for 12 and then when only 10 arrived they removed the other table without hassle.  Although, the hostess did tell me she needed to get manager approval for any parties larger than 6.  

Would we eat there again? Sure.  If I was in the area I would definitely go again.  I do prefer local organic restaurants but this one did have refreshing ingredients and nothing too heavy so I'd be interested in eating there again.

And that was our monthly food club!

Thanks for following along, and if you've followed from the start you might know this was our one year anniversary since the start of food club.  Next month I'm thinking Brat Haus or Mexican food, want to know more about one or the other leave a comment!

-Jenn

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Food Club No. 9 {The Montelucia Resort's Prado Restaurant}

Finally!  This month we were able to have our Fancy Brunch.  I'd been wanting to do this for a while but it seemed like schedules kept conflicting and this weekend almost everyone was able to join us!  We chose the Montelucia Resort's Prado Restaurant for their brunch buffet menu.  

Let's just start with the Amazing view from our table.

I wonder if we can just bring our swimsuits next time?!

"Grandpa Frank" sat us in our very own dining room.

Most of us ordered the Full Breakfast Buffet from the menu.

There were plenty of fruit options  Not to mention the fact that they didn't mix the fruit which I appreciate.  Sometimes, I only want pineapple you know? and even more important for people with allergies. {and the lovely Anna holding temporary member, baby Vera}

Love me some fruit, yogurt, and granola.

Pasties from the Continental breakfast {included in the "Full" buffet}, those center ones are cinnamon raisin.

Adorable mini croissants.

The Waffle and Omelette station.

So good!

A plate from the Full Buffet 

My not so pretty but really yummy waffle!

My omelette to order and savory potatoes!

The prettiest butter you ever did see.

Side of fruit plate.

Emily enjoying her bacon.

Sadly a few members had to take off before a group photo on the grounds.  {Missing Stephanie, Sara, Hope, and Emily} 

Such a lovely resort and beautiful day. Plus, I had an excuse to wear heels!

The Full Review:

Favorite Appetizer: Since I ordered off the Full Buffet, I was really able to try a little of everything, I think the pastries {which were both light and flakey} were a great place to start.  I also love fresh fruit so loaded my plate with that and the yogurt cups.  

Favorite Entree: I never make waffles for breakfast, so I was happy to have that.  And the omelette to order was great too.  All of the ingredients tasted fresh and flavorful.  I would have loved to try the eggs benedict if I hadn't done the buffet.  

Favorite Drink: Juice, Coffee and Tea were included with the Full Buffet.  I had coffee and for a second almost ordered a mimosa but since I had Vera with me I decided against it.  Coffee was flavorful, not burnt or stale, I appreciate a full bodied coffee and this wasn't weak either!

1-10 Service {0 worst, 10 best}: 10 The ambiance was beautiful, like I mentioned above, we had an amazing view.  We had a private room so we could talk as loud as we wanted.  The server constantly checked in with us.  Food came out quick or we were able to get our own buffet items easily.  Everyone was very helpful and welcoming.  Bathrooms were beautiful!  I honestly can't think of anything they could have done better for us.

Cost {$  $$  $$$  $$$$!}: $$$ There were some items on the menu in the lower price range but I highly recommend the Full Buffet so you can try EVERYTHING, and that was $23 plus gratuity since we were a large party.  I spent $31 after tip and $5 more for valet parking, although they did have a free lot {I just didn't want to drive around with a newborn in her car seat}

Mistakes {corrections?}: The server did charge someone for the full buffet when she ordered the continental but promptly corrected it once she told him.  Otherwise, everything was perfect!

Reservations? Yes, I called ahead since it was going to be a bigger group this month.  But they also have a spot to make reservations on their website for parties as small as two.

Would we eat there again? Yes! I'd actually enjoy staying at the resort as well, maybe a mini staycation this summer.  But I'm a huge fan of brunch, so next time Husband is up for it, I think I'll drag him along.

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