Hungry yet?
We're working up our appetites for our huge Best of Phoenix issue, out September 30, with daily servings of Chow Bella's 100 Favorite Dishes from across the Valley -- in no particular order
Leave your suggestions for upcoming favorites in the comments section.
Visit our sister blog, Jackalope Ranch, for a companion series on 100 Creatives who make Phoenix a little more interesting for all of us. We'll be posting the next 76 picks daily through the rest of the summer.
Number 77: Italian Stallion at La Piazza Al Forno
This family-owned pizza joint on the main drag in Glendale has pretty much everything you'd want in a great neighborhood spot -- cozy, casual vibe, affordable food, and friendly people. La Piazza Al Forno always seems to be busy, and without fail, owner Justin Piazza is chatting up customers as he tosses pie after pie, manning the mammoth wood-fired oven that's the centerpiece of his open kitchen.
Piazza's Italian Stallion pizza is as badass as it sounds, a meat lover's dream come true. Think pepperoni, prosciutto, sopressata, and locally-made Schreiner's sausage heaped on a thin, crisp crust, with just enough San Marzano tomato sauce and housemade mozzarella to tie it all together. Nothing subtle about it -- which is a good thing.
The Favorite Dishes, so far: 78: Bourekas at Spices Mediterranean Kitchen 79: Warm Maine Lobster Salad at Modern Steak 80: Escargots En Croute at Petite Maison 81: Salumi at Quiessence 82: Okonomiyaki at Hana Japanese Eatery 83: Croissants at Essence Bakery Cafe 84: Coronado Coney at The Main Ingredient 85: Green Chili at Rito's Mexican Takeout 86: Soup Gyoza at Sens Asian Tapas & Sake Bar 87: Pop Cho and Sweet Ginger at The Breadfruit 88: La Jawab Kadahi Gosht at The Dhaba 89: Chicken & Waffles from Lo-Lo's 90: Burrata at Humble Pie 91: Bruleed Foie Gras Torchon at Posh 92: Moroccan Nomad Stew at Chakra 4 93: Peking Duck at Gourmet House of Hong Kong 94: Mozzarella Sandwich at Pane Bianco 95: Egg White Omelette at Fez 96: Machaca From Los Dos Molinos 97: Shish Taook from Baiz Market 98: Pasties From Cornish Pasty Co. 99: Clams in Black Bean Sauce From Asian Cafe Express 100: Bruschetta From Postino
