AZ/88

We wandered around in the heat looking for a place for lunch and everything seemed closed. Maybe it was Monday, maybe the economy. I asked in a local salon where they go for lunch and they said “Get the chicken sandwich as AZ/88” and gave general directions.

So we tromped around some more and by the time we rounded Scottsdale Mall and came upon the cool, white almost empty minimalist space that it AZ/88, we would have stayed as long as they gave us water and a place to sit.

However – it was worth the heat and trouble. The staff was super friendly and the menu was simple but interesting. 1 person did indeed get a chicken sandwich – marinated in lime juice, topped with grilled
jalapeño peppers and honey – an amazing contrast of tastes and textures. I had thin crust galette topped with
bacon, sweet caramelized onions, black olives and a sprinkling
of Parmesan cheese and ordered a plate of Hell’s fire chips for the table – homemade chips, sprinkled with
melted bleu cheese and hot sauce.

I engaged the manager in a discussion about the music and artwork (varied and funky – there was a cab hanging from the ceiling) and he mentioned that the owner has at least 3 other places inclduing Elsa’s in Milwaukee. What a coincidence we exclaimed – we ate there when we were in Milwaukee but it actually turned out that we ate across Cathedral Park at Mikey’s – oops.

This place is really great. They are well known for their yearly Christmas tree which has been made of everything from champagne flutes to stilleto shoes to Barbie dolls in glass jars filled with colored water.

The bar is named for the state AZ it is in and the year 88 it opened.

OH – and we sure to check out the restrooms – floor to ceiling glass with entrances that are intentionally cryptic!