Niños Mexican Restaurant
Guess who's back... Back again, with another review... Andre's back reviewing again... So tell a friend. (while reading intro please play Eminem song "Guess who's back.")
I know it has been a while and I do apologize many times over, but as I explained in my previous blog, things were hectic for a while. So bear with me now -- I might not be as sharp as before and need a little practice in writing my palate-pleasing reviews once again.
If you're not aware yet (headlines flash) "DODGERS LEAVING VERO BEACH, MOVING TO PHOENIX FOR SPRING TRAINING." Queue the 'dum dum dum' music.
I know this has been known for a while and is the cause for some excitement for Dodger fans in LA simply for the fact that the Dodgers will now be much more accessible during the training in spring. But I know the anxiety that has overcome many of the fans with this move to Phoenix -- "but where do we grab a good bite to eat?" Well, rest assured Dodger fans, this food blogger happens to be born and raised in Phoenix and can't wait to share some of his fave spots with you.
Now that I can feel the ease come upon you, you are now ready to take my upcoming reviews to use and start planning your trips for Spring Training.
Yee-haw...here we go...
Most of the places I choose to review are gonna be in proximity to ballparks around Phoenix, so you will be able to make complete day trips out of it. First up is a great hole-in-the-wall place that sits in the middle of the triangle that is Surprise Stadium, Peoria Sports Complex and your Dodgers' ballpark, Camelback Ranch.
Niño's Mexican food sits in a non descript grocery store strip mall in the aging, graceful town of Sun City (if you're not aware of what Sun City is, look it up). One might ask, "Andre, how does a youthful man of your age find yourself in Sun City?" Well, it just so happens, of course, that my grandma-ma lives there. Ahhhhhh.
She has been begging me for quite some time to come join her for Saturday lunch at her favorite restaurant. Me being the great grandson, only put it off for a year or so (for the pure fact that older people usually don't still have the palate required to truly pick out great food). Notice the abundance of buffets in Sun City.
We walked into the place which sits in the corner of the strip mall and we were instantly welcomed by Johnny, the owner of Niño's. Of course, he was tipped off to my coming by my grandmother calling ahead and reserving our table. * Side note - Johnny is a huge baseball fan and visits one or two Major League stadiums every summer, so he had been begging my grandmother for me to come in for some time.
He had the table set up with the usual -- chips with two different kinds of salsas (one being mild and the other hot!!) And I do mean hot. This is not to be taken lightly.
As soon as we began to enjoy the chips and salsa, two cheese crisps were brought out. Let me tell you, nothing brings me back to good childhood memories like a nice hot cheese crisp - every kid's main course at a Mexican food restaurant.
I forgot to mention that this little old man, Johnny, happened to take the seat right next to me and grilled me on my experiences of Major League Baseball and how much times have changed since he was young. Great man and above all, one full of so much life.
Now the true test of the place: My plate came out and it smelled, looked, and sizzled with goodness. I had ordered the red chile burrito enchilada style with rice and beans. Wow...let me reminisce. The beans were perfect, the rice full of flavor, and the burrito - well, let's say it's hard to mess up but this one does stand out from others I've had.
You can tell I liked this place, which is not hard to do on the food front, but it was just great down home style Mexican food. I guess it helps when Johnny's daughter is the waitress and his grandson does all the cooking. It's just like being at someone's home.
So, when you stop by here for some great food, don't forget to ask for Johnny cause he'll make it feel just like home.
Andre,
Excellent review. Mexican is one of my faves food. But let me tell you, Lunch time is the worst time to read a restaurant review. My mouth was watering as I was reading about the Enchilada style or "Wet" burrito. Well now you know...grandma's know best! It sounds like she picked an excellent restaurant. I'm glad that you are spending a lot of quality time with Family. And it seems that in every state Sun City is a retirement city. There is Sun City by me, here in Riverside, CA. And it is a city for the grandmas and the grandpas. Andre hope to see you soon and take care.
.
ROSE....GO DODGERS!
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Andre,
Forgot! Well I want to wish you and your family a Happy & Healthy Thanksgiving. This year we have a lot to be thankful for. But thank you for an excellent year with the Dodgers. You are one of the best.
.
Rose
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Hey Andre!
Rose/dodgersrule is right; lunch time is the worst time to read a restaurant review! But this place sounds great! I do love authentic Mexican food and this place sure sounds like it fits the bill quite nicely! As far as this being your first review in a while, we understand. But in all honesty, I think you did another great job! I especially liked your, "Yee-haw...here we go..." line! Thx for the review! I am hoping that we can make it to ST; I can't wait to try your fave spots!
Carol – Dodger fan and Ethieraholic forever!!!
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Yeah Andre,
And I also forgot to wish you and your family a Happy Thanksgiving!
Carol
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Andre!
thanks for putting my anxiety and other at ease about Spring Training.
.
Unlike Rose and Carol, I was enjoying my lunch and reading your review. ahhh, the only thing I wanted with my spicy red pepper soup and sandwich was some chips and salsa. See ladies, you need to eat at the same time and read Andre's reviews.
.
looking forward to trying El Nino restaurant. Hey! how did you get the ~ in the "N".
.
Have a great Thanksgiving day Andre and thank you so much for keeping up with the blog. The best to you and your family and to all our Dodger family! We love your reviews! Like the "I Love L.A." song says "WE LOVE IT!". Any good desserts? I love my sweets!
.
Emma (crzblue)
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Andre~
Now we are talking!!!! Pizzeria Mozza was fabulous, but I have to go with my buddies that got here before me, carol and rose, and say that Mexican food is my favorite. Even though I read this in the morning, while getting my hair done no less, it made me hungry for mexican food at 9:00 this morning.
Once again, your detail about your experience is what sells it. Going back to the Pizzeria Mozza review. We would have never even considered some of the things on that menu if you hadn't described our experience so brilliantly. Well, as far as this restaurant, Ninos, you've sold it once again. The only thing I would change on what you had, is I am a verde girl - green sauce all the way :)
Thanks again for a fabulous review. You are so funny and charming in your approach to your writing. I like the personal touch you put in your stories. It is very fun to read, whether you like the food you are talking about or not.
Have a wonderful Thanksgiving with your family!!!
Best Wishes Always, Andre, to you and your family~
Debbie ~
Dodger Fan and Ethieraholic forever!!!
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Great review 'Dre!
And great song choice, by the best rapper alive (I know you might argue this because you're a Lil Wayne fan, but oh well). Andre, your writing really comes alive, I can't believe you received only a C in creative writing.
I can't wait for next season, i'm so excited to see who stays and who leaves.
Erika
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* Happy Thanksgiving to you & yours. I'm thankful for baseball, The Dodgers, but most of all for Andre Ethier!
:D
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Andre good to see your post again, First of all let me wish you and your entire family a wonderful Thansgiving. Second I am so thankful for a tremendous season we were albe to share not only with you but the entire Dodger organization. Also let me raise my glas to an even better 2009 season," Rings For Everybody I Say."Yee-Hah right back at ya, great touch with the Eminem song. When ever I'm in the area I will be sure to
stop bye and see Johnny and his family. That food looks just fabulous, smells a little like pumpkin pie but looks fabulous!
Give my best to all of our Boy's in Blue, and have an awesome offseason. Come back prepared to grab that ring.
Peace - Out Bob ~ Dodger4life
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Great job as usual, Andre. I'm going to put all your favorites on my to-do list for Spring Training. I also loved Pizzaria Mozza. Happy Holidays to you and your family.
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hahahahahahaha. I'm not sure if anyone picked this up but the name of the song is "Without Me"
I was looking at my list of songs on my computer and didn't see "Guess Who's Back" and quickly realized that's not the name of the song hahaha
BTW, great review once again!
Go Dodgers!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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Oh, you said Johnny is a huge baseball fan but didn't mention his favorite team, so I'm going to assume his favorite team is not the Dodgers. (perhaps the Snakes?!)
You better convert him!
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Andre,
AHH I love that you love Mexican food. Haha And nice intro? I guess haha. We should go see Dre and Eminem together haha! When they go on their comeback tour. Haha. Just kidding! and I love how you said "grandma-ma" Lol! That's so cute!
This makes me want to go to spring training to try all these places you've tried. If I don't make it to spring training, I'll definitely be there on your birthday! Yay!
I hope you and your family have a wonderful Thanksgiving and I can't wait to see you in that Dodgers uniform
Happy Thanksgiving,
Love,
Your Number One Fan Michelle
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Andre,
WOW I was laughing so hard when I read "guess who's back - back again" as soon as i read that i started singing the song!! this is an absolutely fantastic write up!! this place looks SSOOO great!! you are so funny!! i couldn't help but laugh out loud while i was reading it!! I LOVE mexican food and yes now that you guys will be closer during spring training I will be going to a couple games so I can't wait to try out the places you tell us about!! thanks so much for doing this! can't wait for ST!!! Have a great Thanksgiving with your family!!!
.
your fan amy
Ethieraholic and dodger fan for life!!!
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talking about Mexican food, I read somewhere that you were going to be playing for MEXICO's baseball team in the WBC is it true?
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Hey Andre,
Ok, I just want to eat at Nino's simply to meet and eat with Johnny!! My daughter and I were reading together and when we scrolled down to the picture of Johnny, we both let out a very girlie "Ahhhhhhhhh....." No offense, your ok too, but he just looks like a sweet little grandpa, and since mine has been gone for a while, I'd love to eat with him! :o) Thanks for the review!
Happy Thanksgiviing!
The Scheenstra's
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YAY ANDRE YOUR BACK
omg your blog is getting me real hungry if you like Mexican food you really have to try this place called Cabredas (i think thats how you spell it) its in Pasadena trust me you will love it =D as for me im always there and it would be awsome if i ran into you there =P
anyway hope your enjoying the offseason (im not im dying here without baseball)
happy holidays
check out my blog http://dianasblog.mlblogs.com/
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Andre- thanks again for the review. You are awesome and we can't wait to all be reunited at Spring Training. Mexican food is always a good choice and I will check this place out :)
Thanks for sharing.
.
Amy
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Hey Andre,
These little hole in the wall restaurants are usually the best, I'll try to swing by Nino's when I come to a spring training game.
On another note it is very interesting to hear what goes on during the off season and in between games during the regular season, keep up the good work on and off the field.
Risky Betts
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Andre,
Man I wish I would’ve read your blog a little sooner, I was just in Glendale this past weekend!!!! This place looks absolutely amazing, and honestly looking at the picture of the burrito I was quite jealous. I come from a Mexican family and accustomed to some good hometown cooking, and Ninos seems to have it going on. I have family close to 101 Loop so I’ll have to check this out for myself next time. Look forward to seeing you and the boys play come Spring Training. Take care of yourself man.
-Carlos D.
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Okay, I shouldn't have read your blog just before dinner!
Julia
http://werbiefitz.mlblogs.com/
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Nachos, me loves Nachos, have you ever tasted them? with jalapeño hehe...
Mexican Restaurants are very common in Az.
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Andre~
I know this is your restaurant blog, but I have to say something about the Shopping Spree at Best Buy you are doing for the 40 kids. I am just amazed at all the wonderful things you are doing for children. It is fantastic!!! I just had to say that. I work with kids everyday as a teacher, and it's great to have athletes that represent the true meaning of giving anytime, but especially during the Christmas season. You are a true gift to this profession of a professional athlete, and you are going to go a long way not just in your baseball career, but just in being a super, compassionate human being. As a teacher, I thank you for being an athlete kids can truly look up to. Believe me, I have 20 first graders who are your biggest fans, second only to their teacher.
Have a wonderful Christmas and best wishes always to you and your family.
Debbie
Dodgerfan and Ethieraholic Forever!!!
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MMMM looks yummy!! I will be visiting soon!! Can wait to see all of you guys again! GO DODGERS!!!!
Love ya Ethier!!
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Andre, I just have to thank you for the charitable things you've been doing for the community. The media has such a down view of athletes these days, and actions like yours go a long way towards showing people that you can't judge all athletes by what you read about a few in ESPN's headlines. Thanks again for helping the children during the holiday season during these rough times.
John
http://northstateblues.mlblogs.com
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You're a great player, you write a great blog, and I really respect the things you're doing for the community with the kids. Thanks for the smiles you bring to all of us, Andre.
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(Rather late) Congratulations on your little one, Andre. You're a fantastic player, write a fun blog, and what you've done for the community with the kids is terrific. Thank you for the smiles to bring to everyone.
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Dude:
At first I was like, "Ouch, did you just rip on old people and their sense of taste?" But your insight, however insensitive I thought it was at first, was 100% factual. I always thought old people settled for bad food because social security/ retirement pay only allows them to buy crap food. But smell and taste sensory is hindered as one becomes older. Other factors that can hinder a person's sense of taste:
smoking
prescription medications
head trauma
nasal infections
zinc & copper deficiencies
the list goes on.....
Who knew Andre the critic, and Andre the Batter's Box Basher, was also, Andre the age and nutrition physciologist?!
Yours,
Chris
ocdodgerblue@yahoo.com
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I LOVE CHEESE CRISP! I have tried to make it at home- and not so much. I love it with the green chilies. If you reviewed Tuscon (i know i know) you would have to try Molina's where I had my first cheese crisp.
dude. mouth is watering now. Must fly to AZ for SP.
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Hey Andre!
I know I wrote something before about the Nino’s review earlier, but I had to post another comment about what seems to be your other passion (aside from playing great baseball). I’m talking about community work! I am so proud of you and of all the great things you do for our community! I just want to congratulate you on being such a wonderful and giving human being! To go to the Union Rescue Mission a second time inside of, what, 6 months is terrific! And taking the kids to Best Buy must have been great for the kids! I know this big kid would’ve loved to go!!! Well, have a great Christmas and we will see you in AZ! I’ve already put a bug in my husband’s ear that I would love to go to ST in ’09!!!
Carol – Dodger fan and Ethieraholic forever!!!
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Andre,
I just wanted to thank you for being the great person that you are and giving back to the community. Seeing you do this leaves me speechless and I know it means a lot to these people you are helping. Everytime I go to dodgers.com and see a new article regarding you helping out the community or giving back, it makes me so happy to know that my favorite player has such a big heart.
Meeting you at "Under the Lights" was truly one of the greatest opportunities I've had in my life. You were so sweet and it really made me extremely happy. I wish that day would start all over again.
As for now, take care and I hope you have a great off season with your family.
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oh baby! that pic of the food made me salivate!
Like many Dodger fans, I will be making a trip to Arizona to check out the new stadium with a group of friends. I will tell them that we HAVE to go to this place. Maybe i'll even tell the little old man that Andre sent me ;o)
- cynthia
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3 years ago we stoled you from Oakland!
Never had I been happier with a trade, still glad to have you here. :D
-Erika16
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Andre!! Glad to see you back reviewing restaurants. I love these types of Authentic Mexican restaurant. We have one here in town that make Chille Verde Fried Chicken. It is the best and so original.
Thanks for the review and enjoy your time off!
~Rocio
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Andre~
I just wanted to wish you and your family a wonderful holiday season with a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. Best Wishes Always!!!
Debbie ~
Dodger Fan and Ethieraholic Forever!!!
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Andre,
Haha! I'm listening to "Without me" right now because of your blog. :) I'm Mexican/American and you can't ever go wrong with authentic Mexican food. I'm sad about Vero Beach, but I'm so happy about the new Spring Training facility because it's so much closer. I'll be able to catch a few Spring Training games now and I'm sure a lot of fans here in California are happy about that also.
I live in Northern California and I go to AT&T park at least three times a year when you guys are in town. I can't wait until the 2009 season begins! Only 101 more days to go, but who's counting? LOL! ;) Nah, enjoy your time off, Andre. We Dodger fans are grateful to have you on our team!! Hope you and your family have a wonderful Christmas and a very safe New Year. Best Wishes to all, Andre! :)
P.S. Tell the rest of the guys we love them and appreciate all of their hard work! I love the Dodgers!! I hope we're able to re-sign Manny Ramirez. *Crosses fingers* :)
GO DODGERS!!!
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Merry Christmas Andre!
I hope you have a wonderful day celebrating your first Christmas as a parent!
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...
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OMG
Andre how is Milanos blog in the top 100s and yours is not THATS CRAZY
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Yes it is, DWD came in at number 18.
Congrats!
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Hey Andre, reading your blog just made me very very hungry. It's kind of a bummer when im at work and it's verly 8:41 am. This is really going to be a very looooong morning. Glad to have you back!!!
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This is PERFECT!
Most of my family lives in Phoenix, and my dad raised my brothers and I die hard Dodger fans (obviously he was listening to vinnie long before the d-bags came around), so I'm stoked I can kill 2 birds (family and baseball) will one stone.
I live in Seattle now and my boyfriend is a HARDCORE Mariners fan, and we already have our Mariners vs. Dodgers tickets bought for the 24th plus we're thinking we'll need to catch a game in Peoria. We're bringing out the whole family and Ninos sounds like an epic eatery- at least in LA the best mexican was always in stripmalls growing up.
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'Dre:
I'm gonna be there March14-18, St Patty's Day on the 17th. Me and a bunch of my bros will be there. Can you recommend a good place for St Patty's. I figure there'll be plenty of bars to go to in Tempe, but I am looking for something that might be better suited for St. Patty's.
Also, I was thinking you ought to have a special charity event in Phoenix sometime during Spring Training, like the Dodgers do in Los Angeles (after all , Glendale/Phoenix is now considered part of the Dodgers community). I was thinking, since you are the premier Phoenix food critic and celebrity blogger, you and some of your teammates ought to have a charity dinner after a game or something. Have the proceeds go to the Dodgers Dream Foundation and/or a local charity in the Valley. Get the ball rolling, 'Dre, and make sure you plan it when I'm there, haha!
If you want to give me some dining recommendations, without going through the hassle of posting a review mail me at ocdodgerblue@yahoo.com
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Andre How are you and yours,
.
Just wanted to say I hope your New Year is going well.
.
We are all behind you and the boys!!!!!
.
GO DODGERS!!!!!!!!!
.
ALL THE WAY IN 2009!!!!!!!!!
.
RINGS FOR ALL THE DODGERS I SAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!
.
GO GET UM!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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Hi Andre,
Great article and I love the photo of you and Johnny!
I wonder if you are familiar with Barrio Cafe in Phoenix, also spectacular Mexican.
http://www.barriocafe.com.
I would heartily recommend it. Chef-owner Silvana is a baseball fan, I believe her heart was with the Angels last I knew, but you are one of LA's angels so I know she would love to meet you!
If you are a chocolate fan, maybe you know of FairyTale Brownies, the best in the land, also hq'd in the Phx area:
http://www.brownies.com.
Both would be so delicious to hear from you on! Have fun at Dodgertown's new digs this spring and know that we all are wishing you all the best this season!
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We're meeting 10 friends and family in Glendale for spring training. After 20 years, we get to see the Dodgers! All my east coast friends want Mexican food so Ninos is a great tip. We usually go to Los Dos Molinos, but now that we switched our hotel to Glendale from Tempe, that's a bit of a jaunt and not the best place for 12 people.
So, keep the reviews coming and don't forget to add the address so we can find the right mini-mall!
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me and my husband to go visit different ballparks all summer long. We actually have been to 9 different parks in the last two years and have seen the dodgers play at 8. We love to do nothing other than dodger baseball all baseball season. Last year we saw you play in AZ, Denver, SF, Anaheim, & St. Louis... you where nice enough to give us an autograph in your home town at the AZ Dback game. We got our mini plan for spring training and will definately be spending some time eating when we are out there. I will keep nino's on my radar...
See you in March!!!
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You got me hungry now. Are you ever going to go to a restaurant you dislike?
The song is called "Without Me", Andre! Learn your music! :P
Peace, love and homers!
-EJ the Kid From New York
http://yankeesquad.mlblogs.com
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Hey everybody! I am comin' out with my girlfriend (and staying with my aunt who is from BROOKLYN who was a big Dodger fan in the 40's during WWII (she is still a bit upset about the move in '57) who lives in Sun City West. Since Andre did not post the address, here it is:
10659 Grand Ave. #14
Sun City, AZ 85351
(623) 931-3572
(info from Yahoo! Yellow Pages)
Some other places in the Valley of the Sun I personally recommend as I grew up in Scottsdale, but have been in L.A. (and been a Dodger fan) since 1976:
Pinnacle Peak Patio (Scottsdale) - BE SURE TO WEAR A TIE!!!!
Kabuki (just opened in Glendale next to the football stadium - this is a branch of my FAVE Japanese restaurant in Woodland Hills)
Mining Camp (Apache Junction) - it is a bit far, but the old west atmosphere is unbeatable
See everyone on March 19th when I come out
Brian from Chatsworth
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Hi Andre,
You should try Max's in Azusa, CA
635 N Azusa Ave # 4
Azusa, CA 91702
(626) 812-0917
Nancy
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Hi Andre!
If you're ever in Long Beach, we welcome you to visit Super Mex Restaurant on Second Street in Belmont Shore. Nothing fancy, just straight, basic Mexican food. Hope to see you and your family sometime!
4711 East 2nd Street
Long Beach, CA 90803
562.439.4489
www.supermex.com
Steve & Dana Tavarez
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Hey Andre!
great review. that burrito looked delicious! It's so hard for me to find a good burrito enchilada style here around Fullerton. :( but i wish i could just swing by Arizona and eat there! Maybe next year when spring training starts up again I'll be there. :) Looking forward to more delicious food reviews! Take care!
-Candace
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OH HAPPY DRE!!!!!! KEEP ON BATTLING ANDRE :-))))
.
GO DODGERS!!!!!!!!!!!!
BRING THE RING TO L.A. IN 2009!!!!!
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