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Hey Hashtagers, HashtagFoods has taken a turn into something new and is now going by Dishing It Out. All HashtagFoods post will still remain on here but please check out the new page at dishingoutaz.blogspot.com and follow us as we travel Arizona and support our local economy.

For contact information send it over to dishingoutaz@gmail.com

The Chedda Truck

Food trucks are among one of the most unique forms of dinning there is.  And the truck owners are some of the hardest working people in the food industry. They have to drive, cook, clean, and entertain all at the same time. One prime example is Nick Watts, owner and chef of the Chedda Truck. Nick Watts is a very humble and creative food trucker who opened up his Chedda Truck in October of 2013. Since then, he has started to generate a lot of interest around the east valley and people have come miles around just to eat a burger and some tots. But these are not just any burger or tots….

The "Kill Me Softly" Burger

So what makes the Chedda Truck so unique? It’s the fact that all of Nick’s burgers are inspired by something or someone from his life. With this inspiration, he has been able to create a genuine artist’s burger. Such burgers as his, Kill Me Softly, or The Green Mile. The Kill Me Softly burger is one of the most interesting burgers I have ever eaten and is one I would definitely never get tired of. It has bacon, blue cheese, arugula, cranberry gastrique, a perfect patty, and it is all between a warm Krispy Kreme donut! For many, this could seem offsetting but in reality this burger is definitely a true food lover’s paradise. Nick didn’t just mix random toppings together and call it good, but he actually took the time to create this burger and make sure the flavors would go together and still represent who he is. Now for me to describe this taste is very hard, as so many descriptions come through my mind, but none seem to do it justice. But in an attempt I will try to describe that the strong blue cheese mixed with the sweet Krispy Kreme donut match so perfectly together. And the cranberry gastrique and arugula just top it off.

Then there is The Green Mile filled with Mac-N-Cheese, roasted peppers, bacon, and whole grain mustard. This burger has also topped the charts for creativity and taste. Even the Mac-N-Cheese is enough to make you want more. The next in line is the Silly Round Eye topped with local pastrami, kimchi, Swiss, and Russian tarragon dressing.  Which this burger has really been interesting being my first burger filled with kimchi. But, if still not sold on trying something new and just want a regular burger and fries then he has that too.

Aside from burgers, Nick has a special side dish which he home makes straight from the truck. The Chedda Tots, are truck made tater tots with cheese served with chipotle crème cheese dipping sauce. Then to wash everything down  glass bottled sodas which are the perfect truck refreshment.

The Chedda Truck is definitely hashtag worthy and I can’t wait to go back again and try his other creations. For creativity, taste, and being a cool guy, Nick and his Chedda Truck get a #YES.

The Green Mile

Silly Round Eye 

Taking Pizza To The Bank: Federal Pizza

  Just on the outskirts of Downtown Phoenix right off Central Avenue stands the old First Federal Bank building originally built in the 1950s. Since then however, the bank has changed to a different kind of doe management and is now a modern yet comforting pizza restaurant which fits perfectly for the Phoenix night life. Specializing in wood fired pizzas and their wide drink selection, Federal Pizza is defiantly #hashtag worthy.

Federal Pizza in Downtown Phoenix

  Federal Pizza is not like any other wood fired pizza joint, this joint makes some classic pizzas with that perfect modern flavor. Federal’s Master Baker MJ Coe can pan out a simple yet unmatchable pepperoni pizza or if you’re a real foodie then you will notice the large variety of toppings and the strange combinations that make Federal Pizza what it is today. There is the Brussels Sprout Pizza which of course has Brussels sprouts, in addition to pancetta, manchego, wonderfully roasted garlic, and some lemon zest. Then for a more subtle yet savory pizza, there is Federal Pizza’s Manifesto, which includes mushrooms, Schreiner’s sausage, red sauce, goat cheese, and fennel. Another modern pizza includes Federal’s white sauced Margherita pizza which is very simples yet its flavors go a long way. The Margherita includes house mozz, roasted tomato, basil, and some extra virgin olive oil. Then the last one worth noting (at least so far, I will go back to try the rest soon) is the Casanova. The Casanova includes prosciutto, dates, ricotta, arugula, and pecorino. This pizza really sets the bar that wood fired taste.

  Yet, what’s a restaurant without warming appetizers and a great drink to go along with it all. The Mister Mister is a blend of house mozz, baby artichokes, baby suchini, sweet potatoes, green goddess and romesco. Then to satisfy your thirst, you can order some fresh soothing iced tea or some very modern wine coolers. There is the Strawberry Rhubarb, Mango Basil, and one that is very different but seeming hard to put down is the Grapefruit Ginger.

 

This #hashtag worthy restaurant is defiantly something worth returning two any time of the year. The staffs are amazing, the pizza is baked to perfection, and the drinks are all perfect to help wash it down. Which all of this combined earns Federal Pizza a #YES for both #food and #drinks.

Fox Restaurant Concepts is a company specializing in creating a unique dining experience for the many walks of life. FRC is known for Culinary Dropouts, Wildflower American Cuisine, and of course, Zinburger Wine and Burger Bar.

Zinburger is located in Tucson, Phoenix, and coming soon to Gilbert. Zinburger of Phoenix is located in the Biltmore shopping center off of Camelback Road and 24^th street.  This area of town offers many shopping choices and restaurants epically during the cooler seasons. However, Zinburger stand first in line for places to eat at the Biltmore. As you first drive up, you feel like a VIP with their free valet parking. Then, you walk into Zinburger and are greeted by some of the most friendly and knowledge staff imaginable. You are given your choice of indoor, outdoor, and/or bar seating. During the few cool month of Arizona, the outdoor patios are the best way to go, especially if you would like to watch the game on TV.

As you began looking over the menu, you’ll find several choices of burgers which will make any burger addict (such as myself) want to try them all! This is exactly what I have done for you. I have honorably sacrificed myself to be your taste tester of burgers. However if you do have trouble deciding or have any questions about the meal, all the staff are very well able to answer any of your questions. The Zin-Staff won’t pull the old, “I’m not really sure what that is, let me go find out.” Nope, here, the staff know just about everything in regards to the food and wine.

Breakfast Burger

As for my decision, I jumped straight to the house burger correctly named the Zinburger. Priced only at $10 you cannot go wrong with this perfectly constructed work of art. The Zinburger is layered with Manchego Cheese, Zinfandel Braised Onions, and a complimenting layer of Mayonnaise. Then to take it up a notch, you have the choice of substituting the patty for a Kobe beef patty. If that’s not enough to get you craving the burger then, you can add additional toppings such as bacon, a fried egg, or chipotle mayo.

However, the Zinburger is almost impossible to fully describe and my description will defiantly fall short of its true glory. Needless to say, I will attempt to explain that the Zinburger is one of the best cooked and well-made burgers I have ever had. The beef patty is of amazing quality, the cheese is not just a cheap alternative (like from other burger places) but actually possess flavoring. And the mayonnaise is spread just thick enough so you won’t regret eating it. Then all of this is served inside a warm and toasted bun, which doesn’t ever get soggy nor does it crumble apart. Yet, what is a burger without its sides? At Zinburger you can order hand cut fries (including sweet potato, and double truffle fries), Coleslaw, and my personal favorite, Zucchini Fires.

Now I know that description was really week, but this is a burger that you need to try and I guarantee you will not be disappointed. This burger really is the Zin of the Burger World. Needless to say, this rightfully earns a Hashtag of #YES

Arcadia Tavern: Local Resturant and Bar

Arcadia Tavern is located in Phoenix, near the Arcadia District and backed by the Camel Back Mountain. During the cooler seasons of Arizona, you will often find the main entrance lined up with bicycles adding to the booming local business look. There is also an outdoor patio which wraps around during the nicer times of year. Once you walk in, it is clear that this sports restaurant is a great local community supporter; they hang local children’s jerseys from the ceilings. Arcadia Tavern also offers a gaming station equipped with the Wii and Xbox gaming systems. The walls are lined with large plasma screen TVs and a there is picnic style seating for large groups.

As with any locally operated restaurant, the staff are friendly and always ensure the customers are satisfied. Arcadia Tavern also offers a upbeat bar where you can sit down at a butcher block styled bar top and relax as you watch the game.

Tavern Burger

Now aside from all the glitz and glamour of a sports bar, the menu is actually very diverse. Chef Rob can cook up anything from hot pizzas, American sandwiches, ribs, steak and so much more. However, I came across this restaurant because of the almighty American burger. Arcadia Tavern showcases their house burger known as the “Tavern Burger”. First, the Tavern Burger is compiled of two 1/4lb patties combined with a layer of cheddar and jack chess in the middle. The patties are then crimped together making a hot cheesy pocket. Then the burger is topped with crisp lettuce, tomatoes, onions, and pickles all inside a toasty artisan bun. Along with the burger come the sides. You can choose from crispy fries, tots or sweet potato tots, onion rings, spicy cottage cheese and more. This burger is definitely hashtag worthy.

The overall experience of visiting Arcadia Tavern makes for a great night out that would meet the needs of any person rather that be a sports bar, or a great local restaurant with a diverse menu. And the best part is, though Arcadia Tavern carries the name Arcadia (which can often been misleading for expensive) it extremely fair price to pay for such a great meal.

Hashtag Consensus: #yes

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Hello all you foodies, food junkies, and fellow food hunters! I have created this blog to post my reviews of the restaurants I have been to as well as photos of my meal. As you read the reviews and browse the photos of food, you will see hashtags at the end of each post. This is my way of simply saying #yes I would recommend it or #no I do not recommend it. So, keep checking back hear and I will try to post as much as possible between work and school. I also take recommendations for restaurants so please feel free to point me towards your own food finds around Arizona.