31 Dec 8th–Dec 14th, 2022 phoenixnewtimes.com phoenix new Times | cONTeNTs | feeDBacK | OPiNiON | NeWs | feaTuRe | NighT+Day | culTuRe | film | cafe | music | 2812 E. Thomas Rd. • Phoenix • 602-224-5464 longwongs28thst.com All Wishes Need a Little Help partnership includes concepts such as Char’s Live, a rhythm and blues club on Seventh and Highland Avenues, and The Lost Leaf, a green-lit bar, music venue, and art gallery in the Roosevelt Row Arts District of downtown Phoenix. Pop-ups from the Hungry Homie are now on hold. It’s SnapBack Pizzeria’s turn to step into the spotlight, with a menu that includes the Tie Dye Pie, made with both red sauce and pesto, garlic butter, and lots of mozza- rella, and the Julian, SnapBack’s signature pizza with ricotta, Italian sausage, and caramelized onions. The Detroit-style pie didn’t end up making the cut, but SnapBack is off to a strong start so far, according to Benitez. “We’re killing it so far,” he writes in a text. “I hope everyone that loved Grand Avenue Pizza gets to stop by for a slice sometime soon!” On a late night in downtown Phoenix, when you’re wandering around with an empty stomach, buzzed and ready to grub, make your way to SnapBack Pizzeria. The joint has big shoes to fill; patio seating, New york style pizza, Neapolitan ingredi- ents, and all. SnapBack Pizzeria 1031 Grand Avenue Wednesday through Saturday, 4 p.m. to midnight 602-253-6107 snapbackpizzeria.com Ryan Moreno and his staff test pizza recipes for SnapBack’s menu. Natasha Yee 49’er Flapjacks are a love child between a pancake and a crepe. These thin, wide, chewy creations take up the entire plate. So pour on some hot syrup and slather on the butter. Who knows, they may even replace classic pancakes as your new favorite. Otro Cafe 6035 North Seventh Street 602-266-0831 At Otro Cafe on Seventh Street north of Bethany Home Road, Mexican and American cultures and cuisines blend together to create a charming and popular space. Diners wait in long lines on the weekends, and the kitchen staff occa- sionally sings along in Spanish with the live musician in the dining room. The Cajeta Flapjacks were rumored to be legendary, a draw that proved impossible to resist. They’re topped with fresh sliced bananas, creme fraiche, cajeta, a thick Mexican version of caramel made with goat’s milk, and candied peanuts. While the regular flapjacks are good, the cajeta version definitely deserves bragging rights. The creme fraiche neutralizes the caramel, so the dish never seems too sweet, while the banana and candied peanuts add depth. SugarJam The Southern Kitchen 15111 North Hayden Road, #170, Scottsdale 480-948-6210 If you’re looking for a party with a side of pancakes, SugarJam The Southern Kitchen is the perfect place. This north Scottsdale spot goes all out on the weekends with live DJs, many mimosa variations, and a Southern-inspired brunch. Weekdays are quieter, if that is more your style. On a recent visit, a server recommended switching out the Belgian waffle that normally accompanies an order of Southern fried chicken for a side of pancakes. And we are so thankful we took the advice. The three cakes, already a tad sweet on their own, were topped with powdered sugar and served with sides of butter and syrup. They’re the perfect meal paired with the crispy spice of buttermilk fried chicken and the warm comfort of scrambled eggs. The pancakes may also be ordered a la carte. But if you go for the chicken and pancakes version, you may even box some up for a midnight snack. Stack from p 29
