Tag: Best of Flagstaff 2020

Fratelli Pizza: Best Pizza

Best of Flagstaff December 2020

Written by Gail G. Collins

From the beginning, brothers Brent and Pete Schepper were all in and motivated to succeed in the pizza business. In 2002, they opened Fratelli Pizza in a 500-square-foot space that seated four and focused on the grab-n-go lunch crowd. Two slices from a 20-inch pie—which is still cut into six substantial pieces today—plus a drink cost $4.25. At first it was mainly service industry folk, like bartenders, servers and cooks, bound for work who swung by. The brothers also strolled the streets, offering free slices and catering to small businesses with limited staff restricted from stepping out for a bite.

In 2004, Fratelli Pizza expanded and moved to the former location of a Pizza Hut—the first in Arizona—and again three years later, to their current downtown location. Add the Fourth Street space, and three years ago, the Fort Valley Road spot, and their feat is multiplied.

It’s no wonder the local pizza shop has garnered the Best Pizza award each year since they began.

Brent Schepper spoke for the brothers. “It’s let us know we’re keeping standards fair and continuing to be a strong part of the Flagstaff community.” 

Of course that doesn’t mean he’s letting his guard down anytime soon, hoping to keep the title for many more years. Fratelli attributes its favor to high end ingredients like Wisconsin whole-milk mozzarella, house made sauce and dough topped with quality, cured meats.

Even during the pandemic, when supply issues caused prices on cheese and fine meats to spike, Schepper said, “We always strove to get the best and ours cost more—we pay that.” As far as handcrafted pizza, he qualified, “We’re still competitive.”

Despite the crashing waves of 2020, Fratelli righted its ship quickly, according to Schepper. With the take-out business at the forefront, a loyal customer base supported them in tandem with longtime fundraising efforts for schools and charities.

Respect is universal at Fratelli Pizza. The business moved to a minimum $15 per hour wage before the law required it.

“Employees had paid vacations 15 years ago and health insurance 12 or 13 years ago—always ahead of the game on state initiatives,” Schepper said.

That is reciprocated by pizza makers, staff and managers, who strive to create the best product with attention to preparation, cooking and customer service. Partnering with Door Dash offered the latest delivery option.

Pete brought the pizza experience to the mix, crafting recipes and building the menu, and with a little “dough” from their parents, Schepper said, “We were all in.”

They had good credit, but sometimes, no cash in the till to make change. The razor thin margins were a proving ground. Daily, the shop did not close until the phone stopped ringing.

Fratelli’s lunch special is $10 today, but as plate-filling as ever. The traditional pizzas sell best, like the Works with red sauce, mozzarella, pepperoni, Italian sausage, mushrooms, olives, onion and bell pepper, or the Margherita with red sauce, Parmesan and mozzarella cheeses, basil pesto, Roma tomatoes and garlic.

The specialty pizzas at Fratelli are truly unique. The best seller Route 66 pizza honors the Mother Road with BBQ sauce, mozzarella and cheddar cheeses, bacon, roasted Hatch green chilies and red peppers, grilled chicken and red onion. The Pesto Cashew pizza layers basil pesto with mozzarella, grilled chicken, roasted cashews, red onion, mushrooms and blue cheese crumbles.

“This one stands out—roasted cashews on the baking pizza release oil from the nuts and a pop of salt,” Schepper said. “We don’t see anything like it at the pizza shows.”

Guests can also grab a salad to get their veg on. Whether it is the Anti-Pasta medley of mixed spring greens, topped with genoa salami, ham, pepperoni, mozzarella, banana peppers, green olives, artichoke hearts and grape tomatoes or a simple garden salad of fresh greens, cucumbers, black olives, shredded carrots and tomatoes,  it is the ranch dressing that maintains a fervent following. Guests come with mason jars to see them through until their next fix.

“Pizza is simple—crust, sauce and cheese made right, and it’s all good,” Schepper said. “We’re grateful for the continued support and will continue to provide the best.” BESTofFLAG2020

https://azdailysun.com/fratelli-pizza-best-pizza/article_36dcbbe6-f6bf-5c13-b71c-d04b1dcd2fdf.html

Josephine’s Modern American Bistro a Flagstaff icon

Best of Flagstaff December 2020:  Best Fine Dining

Written by Gail G. Collins

Josephine’s Modern American Bistro sits on the hill in a Craftsman bungalow just above downtown. It is an icon as far as the building’s historic stature—built in 1911 and listed on the National Register of Historic Places—as is the restaurant, which has striven to offer classy, classic fare since 2002. Such diligence and happy patronage has earned Josephine’s the Best Fine Dining award.

Owners Tony Cosentino and wife Marlene, who manages the operations, shared, “We are honored and proud for the award. What makes us stand out is that we are owner-run; it is not just about business for us. We are and have been a part of the community for decades. We love Flagstaff and want to put our contribution into making it a special place.”

As the bistro is chef-owned, the menu of comfort foods with a fancy twist is forefront. Cosentino is notable in his own right, gathering experience as Executive Chef at Forest Highlands and L’Auberge Restaurant in Sedona before founding Josephine’s. Still, Cosentino, a Chef of the Year recipient, gives enormous credit to his chefs, Manny Ramirez and Ivan Fuentes, who total 15 years’ combined experience at Josephine’s. Remaining teachable and humble are their team strengths.

“Often you meet chefs, or for that manner, people in many professions, who think they know all there is to know. We are not afraid to step back and learn something new,” Cosentino said. “That gives us the ability to continue to improve.”

Improving on gold standards keeps their menu lively and engaging—the kitchen has offered a fried green tomato dish each summer for years. This past season, the chefs varied the prep to create pepita cornmeal fried green tomatoes with grilled panela cheese, pepita pesto and pickled red onions.

“This is a good example of how we keep things fresh,” Cosentino said. “We aren’t afraid to take an old restaurant standard item and change it up to improve on it.”

Southwestern influences are natural, too, and expected by tourists and locals alike.

A headline choice is the osso buco, a traditional Italian dish of braised pork shanks. The bistro puts a twist on the herbs and spices to showcase an achiote demi-glace served with sweet, green chili polenta for regional flare and a side of sautéed baby vegetables. A Lapis Luna Zinfandel is suggested for pairing.

Alongside popular menu items, seasonal showstoppers arrive with the harvest produce. Menus regularly reflect updates on favorite dishes or innovative new ideas, sometimes found on a trip to Mexico or a cruise in French Polynesia. 

Overall, Josephine’s menu is comfort-food driven. Many people have mouth-watering memories of meals that tug at the heartstrings, especially in the winter months. Perhaps that is why entrees like Diablo Shrimp Macaroni and Cheese with its seashell pasta in smoked Gouda sauce, topped with sun-dried tomatoes and pickled red onions and wild Mexican shrimp retains firm footing with diners. Cosentino recommends sipping a St. Francis Chardonnay.

The menu gently guides diners to perfect pairings with the bistro’s creative cuisine, but an extensive wine list broadens the choices. It has been featured on the Wine Spectator’s Award of Excellence for years running.

The casual and comfortable bistro is open for lunch, dinner and weekend brunch. Two fireplaces chase away the chill of wintery weather and add romantic ambiance. On warm days, the landscaped patio beckons. That garden space is set for expansion with new decking, pavers and more umbrellas to make the most of our elevated summers.

“Food and service are crucial in the fine dining experience, but the whole package includes the atmosphere, and our patio rocks it,” Cosentino said.

As others in the industry coped, Josephine’s also met the pandemic challenges with safety protocols and procedures, and the patio afforded pleasant, outdoor seating options.

Like the heritage home on the hill, Josephine’s Modern American Bistro appreciates the classics, but focuses excitedly forward.

“Whether it is in the kitchen or the front of the house,” Cosentino said, “we keep on top of our game to provide the full experience for our guests. It truly is the people working on our team who make the difference.” BESTofFLAG2020

https://azdailysun.com/josephine-s-modern-american-bistro-a-flagstaff-icon/article_8f9de0d4-6111-5343-a951-bed2383a384e.html

Aloha Hawaiian BBQ: Authentic island fare

Best of Flagstaff December 2020:  Best Hole in the Wall/Late Night Snack

Written by Gail G. Collins

Hawaiian barbecue traditionally consists of marinated meat, sticky rice and macaroni salad. Its history is one of simply necessity. In the late 1800s, Hawaiian plantation workers paired rice with any available meat. This grab-and-go meal evolved into a standard plate lunch served at roadside stands and hole-in-the-wall joints around the island.

Recognizing a good thing, Aloha Hawaiian BBQ’s fans voted them the Best Late Night Snack and Hole in the Wall Restaurant.

“It’s pretty cool to win,” said General Manager Irene Lepulu. “We all work hard here from open to close, including the owner, Ben Tang, every day. It’s nice to be acknowledged by our customers.”

Chicken katsu is a popular dish. Crispy, juicy fried chicken crosses every international boundary, and a cutlet crusted with panko crumbs is perfect pairing with a variety of sides from creamy macaroni salad to dumplings to deep-fried macaroni and cheese. Other options include traditional musubi, a block of rice covered with nori, often with meat or vegetables added. Go Hawaiian with SPAM musubi.

Aloha BBQ’s mixed plate is a round-up of chicken, beef and short ribs. All meat is hand-cut and marinated in a teriyaki blend before grilling. The barbecue sauces are scratch-made, and the recipes are personal with a sweet edge. Basic flavors include brown sugar, soy sauce, garlic, ginger and onion, but on the islands, every stand has its own secret blend, as unique as a fingerprint. The Asian influences in flavor profiles and sticky rice are natural complements.

When you step into Aloha BBQ, you may be greeted with lilting rhythms and ukulele. It doesn’t stop there. Lepulu is Samoan, and other islanders, who work alongside her, lend an honest, warm island welcome along with authentic tastes.

During the pandemic, Aloha BBQ closed to dine-in guests for a spell before reopening with uniform protocols alongside most eateries in Flagstaff. Their lapse in industry business caused a roll-down effect, but Aloha BBQ is open later than other restaurants steering existing traffic happily in their direction.

People come back again and again to what they enjoy Lepulu said, “because it’s so good, different—a fusion between island and Asian food.”

Food for thought, literally, here are few reasons to hit up Aloha BBQ: It’s the closest you’re likely to come to Hawaii this year; the food is cheap as eats go; the meal plates will fill you up, and there are plenty of standard and island burgers and fries to round things out.

Like the islands from which the street food originates, you’ll find the menu tangy and sweet, colorful and fresh, fried and finger-licking, tempting and satisfying. Regulars are prone to post with gusto on Facebook, “I love you and your macaroni salad!” Aloha Hawaiian BBQ says, “Mahahlo.” BESTofFLAG2020

https://azdailysun.com/aloha-hawaiian-bbq-authentic-island-fare/article_29d6799d-35a4-50db-83a2-be56c2e286bb.html

Stop by Mama Burger for Flagstaff’s Best Burger

Best of Flagstaff December 2020

Written by Gail G. Collins

When we nurture things, they grow. So it has been for Mama Burger, even during these difficult days. After a decade, crafting vintage and trendy burgers has earned them the patronage of neighbors, schools and the medical community. With a win in 2019, they have doubled down as the Best Burger in Flagstaff.

“It’s a good feeling,” owner Bernadette Chavez said. “This time, it solidifies everything. It’s a boost of confidence for us and the business and validation for all the blood, sweat and tears.”

Co-owner and husband Pete Schepper agrees as their two daughters follow in their footsteps, supporting the family business. The couple chalks up their success to an amazing crew, who run the day-to-day show, developing customer relationships with guests, advising on community contributions to school events and more.

Mama Burger brought on a new general manager, Ryan Boser, who has delivered with creative problem-solving. The pandemic demanded it, and crises are when innovators shine. As staff numbers fell and rose again, Boser built a team, meshing former employees with a new crew.

“It’s been tough navigating the past seven months,” Schepper said, “but Ryan helped us think through problems as they arose and devise solutions.”

For example, when the delivery truck backed into their drive-through sign board and voice box, Mama Burger was caught short. Boser brainstormed an outdoor menu board, gathered materials from Home Depot and helped construct it.

“It’s easy to say something doesn’t work, but it’s rare when people come to you with solutions,” Chavez said.

Under COVID-19, Mama Burger changed their entire sales format, transitioning from a 90-percent dine-in model to 100-percent drive-through. 

“What had been an after-thought—our drive-through—was now our priority,” Schepper said. Mama Burger has continued that strategy to keep employees safe.

Running the drive-through presented a challenge to service as far as speed. With one grill and one cook, they worked to become more fast and efficient.

“We have no warmer, and food is cooked fresh to order, and that takes time,” Chavez said, “but those who wait are rewarded with a great product.”

The namesake burger is the most popular menu item by far. Made with house sauce, lettuce, tomato, grilled onions, American cheese and pickles, it accounts for three-quarters of orders.

“The Mama Burger is a traditional throwback to diner days,” Schepper said. “Fresh meat smashed on a flat-top griddle—there’s nothing better.”

According to Schepper, that sandwich epitomizes Mama Burger’s nostalgia, located in an old building, where time seems to have stood still.

The MOAB, or Mutha’ Of All Burgers, is the runner-up. Built on a foundation of two patties, French fries are packed on, adding tomato, lettuce, grilled onions, green chilies, bacon, cheddar cheese, house sauce, pickles and jalapeños. No need to put down that mammoth stack of meat to stuff fries in your mouth.

The burgers are a bargain as handcrafted goods, ranging from less than $5 to $7.50 for the MOAB. One can fashion a niche burger as well, adding patties or swapping cheeses and sauces, like ranch or A-1, extra toppings like red onions or jalapeños, plus primo toppers like green chilies, guacamole, mushrooms or pineapple. The world is your burger.

There is also a local, plant-based patty or gooey grilled cheese for those who might be giving beef a break. Extra deals include creating a combo with fries or tots and a drink or trading up for a milkshake.

As for adapting, Mama Burger was born of inspired ideas. Brothers Brent and Pete Schepper own Fratelli Pizza, another Best of Flagstaff winner. As the pizza place expanded and moved, they ended up with an empty lease spot. Pete pitched the idea of a burger joint, and his wife leapt at the notion. Mama Burger opened with a bang, outgrew the original location and moved to bigger digs and expanded the menu. 

Their drive-through lane often snakes into the neighborhood, but no one minds. They love Mama B, as she is known around town.

“I got her into this,” Schepper said, “and Bernadette has done a fantastic job of making it her own success.” BESTofFLAG2020

https://azdailysun.com/stop-by-mama-burger-for-flagstaffs-best-burger/article_1f85537d-b9ba-5d00-9908-fee6a101a652.html

Pato Thai offers authentic and comforting meals as this year’s Best Thai Restaurant

Best of Flagstaff December 2020

Written by Gail G. Collins

Thai culture treats every meal as a social occasion. Generally, dishes are ordered and shared family style—colorful stir fries and fragrant curries eaten in happy company. The meal does not contain courses as much as choices from many categories arriving all at once. These include a variety of meat and fish dishes, served with rice and noodles, plus egg soup and simple fruit, such as pineapple or mango, for dessert. Within these dishes, a mix of sweet, salty, sour and spicy elements balances out a satisfying meal.

In Flagstaff, we are spoiled for choice with authentic restaurants owned by Thai people.

Such is the case at Pato Thai, where a strong clientele has been keeping its door swinging for years. Customer input has a great deal to do with their specific recipes. They strive for authenticity, but stress each restaurant in town meets their customers’ tastes. It has earned Pato Thai this year’s award for Best Thai Restaurant.

Pato’s veggie wraps are enticing and eaten like sushi rolls. The vegetable Panang curry is available with any meat, seafood or tofu and incorporates bell pepper, green beans, peas and carrots in thick gravy made of chili paste, peanut sauce and coconut milk. The tom ka soup, or chicken galangal soup, is a reddish coconut broth with two kinds of fresh mushroom, tomatoes, lemon grass, lime juice, cilantro and choice of meat or tofu—lively on the spoon. The papaya salad is large with zingy sweet and hot flavors in a crisp, shredded mix of vegetables and green papaya with a shrimp atop. A favorite among regulars is the pineapple fried rice, adding sharp and sweet to sticky comfort food.

The atmosphere at Pato gives the impression of eating in a roadside stand with a row of worn, pastel doors as a backdrop along the wall. Tight tables remind guests of busy Asian food halls, but with current safety guidelines in place as necessary. Dark wood, pale paint and chandelier sparkles contrast for casual glitz.

Asian philosophy centers around good luck, and Pato has channeled that local love. It has also enjoyed the serendipity. In August 2008, as Paul McCartney and his girlfriend Nancy Shevell, now his wife, traveled the storied Mother Road in a 1989 blue Ford Bronco, they stopped over in Flagstaff. Like past celebrities, McCartney booked into the historic Monte Vista Hotel. Craving a curry, the pair popped into Pato Thai for a late bite. The low-key couple sought no attention, but the doors were locked, and a private party ensued. Special vegetarian dishes were prepared, and Pato Thai guests enjoyed an unforgettable evening. A small photo of the staff and McCartney plus a signed menu remind guests that hospitality is always the best gift. BESTofFLAG2020

https://azdailysun.com/pato-thai-offers-authentic-and-comforting-meals-as-this-years-best-thai-restaurant/article_e08ee43e-e347-58bc-a4dd-cd4f807603e3.html

Best New Restaurant—Grand Canyon Distillery + Brewing

Best of Flagstaff December 2020

Written by Gail G. Collins

When John Peasley returned to Arizona following a four-year stint in Hawaii where he was stationed with the military, he chose to settle in Williams, his former vacation spot. 

In 2007, Peasley opened Grand Canyon Brewing Company in the historic downtown, behind Cruiser’s Café. With a decade of success brewing in his 15-barrel copper tanks, he moved the production a few doors down to expand.

There, Peasley created a complex, housing a production facility, company offices, vacation rental property, cold storage warehouse and a distinct building for barrel aging and wild fermentation. The result was a 27,000-square-foot 40-barrel four-vessel “rustic pub,” according to Peasley, with 16 tap handles and enough production space to double the beer volume, meeting keen demand in Arizona and Nevada, and allowing him to explore global markets. The goal was set to double the volume again by this year.

In 2017, GCBC opened a distillery. A 250-gallon pot still produces standard, prickly pear and orange blossom vodkas, rum and gin with bourbon, whiskey and a single-malt whiskey for upcoming release.

GCBC “came home to Flagstaff,” in August 2019, Peasley said. After attending Northern Arizona University, it was the next logical location. Taking over the previous Trail Crest Brewery spot in Greentree Plaza on Milton Road, Peasley upped his game with a new menu geared to burgers, sandwiches, salads and flat breads. Such boldness won Grand Canyon Brewing + Distillery the award for Best New Restaurant.

“It’s been a roller coaster year to claim the title,” General Manager Kristin VanPelt said. “The team was all in and worked hard to achieve it. We look forward to involvement in the community and contributing to the city’s growth.”

The 10-year resident with extended hospitality experience said the brew pub is popular with local families and tourists.

The menu is beer-centric ingredient-wise and ideal for partnering with a brew. Guests rave about the Bavarian pretzel, designed for sharing and dipping in beer cheese and whole grain mustard. The bone-in chicken wings are dry-rubbed with regional herbs and ancho chili, smoked and finished in the fryer. Served with bourbon BBQ, Korean, and buffalo honey and garlic sauces on the side, there is no need to choose. A range of international bruschetta flavors beckon.

As a main, there are flatbreads, like BBQ chicken featuring pickled red onion and house BBQ sauce or shrimp with bacon, pineapple salsa and smoked Gouda cheese. A root salad with roasted beets and sweet potato vie against the southwest salad, featuring avocado and cotija cheese with a charred jalapeño Caesar dressing.

Specials, like a hand-cut ribeye with mashed potatoes and asparagus, are the handiwork of kitchen manager Shawn Burns. This ribs are smoked in-house.

“Shawn cares so much and is directly responsible for our success,” VanPelt said.

Peasley embraced a more modern approach to address the college clientele and extend broader appeal. The pub offers 26 brews on tap, shared between GCBC’s brand and other local beers and ciders.

From the U.S. Beer Open Championship to the High Mountain Beer Fest, Can Can Festival and Brewers Bowl—to name only a few competitions—GCBC measures up. A team of managers, brewers and sales representatives keeps the brand expanding.

Medals have been awarded in Olympic fashion for White Water and Expeditions Wheats, Sunset Amber and Black IPA to niche categories for Winter Bourbon Barrel Brown and Coffee Bean Stout, people’s choice Hop Bomber plus a gold and best in show for Direwolf. That’s the short list.

Like the team at Grand Canyon Brewing Company, who thrill to the outdoors, they encourage their beer lovers to live curiously, seek adventure and discover a Grand Canyon State of Mind through the enjoyment of its handcrafted brews.

“We treat you as if we were inviting you into our home,” VanPelt assured. BESTofFLAG2020

https://azdailysun.com/grand-canyon-brewing-distillery/article_c8a30678-b29b-55b0-b8b9-452dd7cedce2.html