Archive for the ‘Fabulous Fried Foods’ Category

I should have had this review written two months ago…but, I was waiting for a picture of the best fried fish ever!  Every time I order it  I forget to get a picture.  So, here I am ready to show it all.    Before the Crossings was Mama’s Italian Cantina.  I rarely went to Mama’s, but it held a special place in my heart, as my husband and I had our wedding rehearsal dinner there.  Mama’s always had fresh Italian and Mexican dishes but had problems with owners, landlords,  and consistency and thus, eventually closed its doors.  Enter Adam Massey, FOH manager from a pub in Scottsdale, ready to run his own joint.   They renamed it, got a proper chef, and rewrote the menu; but kept the  Italian/Mexican fusion idea that really wasn’t.

best fish fry I ever had!

So, the first time we went into The Crossings was a Sunday early afternoon for the Chicago Bears football game.  There was a large Sunday Bears following there and my husband told me to come along and that they had 25 cent chicken wings, so I was sold.  When I got there I was totally craving onion rings.  No onion rings on the menu…so I though, what the hell, I’m gonna ask!  I asked the manager who was also my server if the chef wouldn’t mind making some and he said SURE!!  I was very happy and let me tell you, I should have taken a picture of that tempura battered masterpiece because it was the first and the last time we were able to get them!!! Three other tables in the bar requested them after they saw ours.  SO FREAKING GOOD!  I still don’t understand to this day why they didn’t  put them on the menu.  Also, on Sundays they have a special $5.0 breakfast/lunch menu that is pretty great!  We most always come for the cheap wings, but I got an egg, ham, and cheese sandwich one Sunday that was totally delicious!

$5.00 sunday afternoon special

perfectly cooked and sauced wings

We’ve also tried the hand tossed pizza which was excellent as well!  The crust was brushed with butter and a special seasoning that made it so darned tasty.  YUM-MY!!  Here’s the thing folks, The Crossings always had consistent, delicious, and hot food.  It was always made with fresh ingredients and piping hot out of the kitchen every single time we ate there.  The owner and manager were super cool and they had one of the best  Bloody Mary’s that I have had in a LONG time. 

I am sad to report that in the last few days The Crossings has closed its doors due to unforseen issues.  I heard that this was coming, but I also know that Adam would like to reopen in another location.  When he does, I will be there and pass on the good news to all of you!  Until then, we thoroughly enjoyed this establishment during the football season while it lasted.  I hope they open again and now I’ll be on the hunt for a Friday Fish Fry that tops The Crossings!  If you know of one out there, food tramps in training, please let me know SOON!!

16852 E Parkview Ave
Fountain Hills, AZ 85268

As  I was on my way with my husband to go do a review (I even made reservations) my husband mentions that we will be close to Lo Lo’s in Scottsdale so, “why don’t we go there?”  I wasn’t surprised, as he is very skeptical about going to fine dining institutions with me; it’s just not his thing.  He was lucky that fried chicken was sounding good, cause I called and canceled our reservation and we headed out to Thomas and Scottsdale rd!  Lo Lo’s is easy to find, located on the southwest corner of Thomas and Scottsdale Rds in the corner of a strip mall that has an Albertsons in it.

We walked in and starting looking for a table since there was no sign that said “wait to be seated”, we were quickly told by diners that we do wait.  So we patiently awaited our hostess who took us to our table.  Now ladies…just a word to the wise..Lo Lo’s cooks massive amounts of deep fried chicken every day and because of that, their floor is slippery.  Strange thing to have to mention in a dining review, but I was wearing heels and almost ended up on my face.  I guess the grease from the floor in the kitchen just makes its way out into the dining room which doesn’t bother me at all, just wanted to forewarn.

took me back in the day!

I’ve already checked out Lo Lo’s menu many a times online so I already knew I was getting the soul food platter ($13.) and red koolaid ($2.5).  My only decision was what two sides did I want?? They all looked so amazing.  From earlier recommendations I ordered the greens and the mac n cheese.  Really felt the need to try the candied sweets ($3.5) so we threw in a side of those as well! If you know the food tramp, you know I got that chicken smothered with gravy and onions baby!   The man got the Sheedah’s special ($9.) which comes with two pieces of chicken with a waffle.  A side of collard greens was added for ($3.5).  Don’t forget the sweet tea, his favorite for ($2.5). 

the food tramp was in love

no words to describe this

This food was top notch, exactly how I read it was by other bloggers and more!  Now, I know that Lo Lo’s and Noca had a fried chicken throwdown a few weeks ago, but I seriously am wondering how Noca won!?  This chicken was so moist, that even after it being deep fried, it was falling off the bone!  The greens were very tasty and had a quick hit of heat which was just right and left me wanting more.  The mac n cheese was one of my favs of the night.  Reminded me of how my grandmother used to make it, using real cheese and processed cheese slices for a rich creamy cheese flavor.  The candied sweets were also great, very traditional the way I make them at home.  Jeremy thoroughly enjoyed his chicken and waffles as they were gone in mere minutes!

I have to say that I’m super happy that my husband reminded me that I needed to do a review here, it was a great last minute change to the itinerary!  We will be returning back in the near future and bringing the kids, as we both knew they’d love all of this down home southern cooking.

Lo Lo’s Chicken & Waffles

2765 N. Scottsdale Rd

Scottsdale AZ, 85257

480-945-1920