18 Feb 23rd–March 1st, 2023 phoenixnewtimes.com phoenix new Times | music | cafe | film | culTuRe | NighT+Day | feaTuRe | NeWs | OPiNiON | feeDBacK | cONTeNTs | mon-THU: 9AM - 7PM fri: 9AM - 7PM sat: 9AM - 6PM sun: 10AM - 5PM 3330 w Van Buren St • Phoenix • 602-272-0034 (NE Corner of 35th Ave & Van Buren) *prices are subject Bunk-Bed-Frame 2pc sectional Box and mattress with mattress CHESTs Starting from 4pc bedroom set 5 drawer chest $309 $529 WESTSIDEFURNITURE.com VALLEY-WIDE DELIVERY AVAILAbLE CALL foR pRICIng T-$119 F-$139 Q-$169 K- $289 $639 Choice of fabrics Twin Mattress w/ 6” Foam $7995 $439 $139 $139 has a concrete spot on the Fire at Will menu — caramelized onions, Noble Bread brioche bun, and all. Find a spot at the communal table, or bring a date and tuck into a booth to watch staff in the open kitchen plate savory beef bolognese and whole grilled branzino. The Mr. Brownstone, a brown butter bourbon cocktail with black walnuts and brown sugar, is a fitting accompaniment to the dimly lit space. First & Last 1001 North Third Avenue, #1 firstandlastphx.com Don’t let the small space at First & Last fool you. This charming eatery has a rotating menu that includes steak, quail, fish, and pasta. A highlight is the kale pesto pasta with pine nuts and goat cheese. The bar has the feel of a specialty craft cocktail bar where drinks such as The Scenic Route and Lady Liz are strong on both flavor and booze. Having a second drink may provide the perfect excuse to order the crisp street fries that you won’t regret dipping into cider salt mayo. End the night with creme brulee, a creamy version with just the right bite of caramelized sugar. Lom Wong 218 East Portland Street lomwongaz.com Regional Thai restaurant Lom Wong, set in a black bungalow at Second and Portland streets in downtown Phoenix, packs a piquant punch. Owners Yotaka and Alex Martin have firsthand experience with the robust flavors. Yotaka grew up in San Maket, Chiang Rai, a village in northern Thailand. She spent her childhood cooking tradi- tional dishes alongside her mother and grandmother. Alex met Yotaka in Thailand, and the two began traveling the country together, returning to northern Thailand to dice shallots and stir-fry crab with Yotaka’s family whenever they had the chance. The menu at Lom Wong, which features dishes like charcoal- grilled Thai sausage and eggplant in hand- pounded curry paste, is meant to be shared. Boozy cocktails complement the food well. Thunder’s Piña Colada includes fresh coconut cream and fish sauce, while the Bo Sang is crafted with vodka, lychee, and rosewater. Santé 15507 North Scottsdale Road, #100, Scottsdale lovesante.com The term “organic” is more than a buzzword at Scottsdale’s Santé. The ethos centers on ethical food sourcing and a keen focus on being green from start to finish. Drinks are the way in with selec- tions such as the Watermelon Mambo, which features elderflower liqueur, basil, and vodka, or the classic prickly pear margarita. Mocktails also are available for those who want to skip the alcohol. Cheese boards have vegan and non-vegan cheeses, and you simply cannot pass up the shishito cornbread, a mixture of peppers and cheddar cheese, with dippable maple butter. Hearty entrees include salmon, sea bass, and polenta cake. Order the sweet potato waffle if you Top 100 from p 17 Above: Lom Wong. Below: First & Last. Allison Young Allison Young
