26 June 20th - June 26th, 2024 | 2024 N E W T I M E S S U M M E R G U I D E colorful modern-yet-homey spot in uptown Phoenix with loyal fans. On weekends, tables are a hot commodity and the wait can be long. If you need a pick-me-up, head next door to Otro Cafecito and grab a cup of coffee or a fresh pastry to tide you over. Once your name is called, settle into a booth or a bistro table by the window for a delectable feast. The menu was created by Mexico City-born chef Doug Robson, who’s also known for his downtown restaurant Gallo Blanco. Warning, the salsas are spicy, but they add an oh-so-satisfying zip to the savory offerings. SugarJam The Southern Kitchen 15111 N. Hayden Rd. #170, Scottsdale On a recent visit to SugarJam, our server mentioned that the Southern Kitchen is known for its French toast. By that point, we’d already settled on ordering chicken and waffles and catfish and grits, but luckily, a side order of the aforementioned delicacy was available. And, oh man, was that recommendation right. Fluffy thick-cut challah bread is marinated in Grand Marnier before it’s griddled to perfection with a crispy crust of sugar glazing the outside like the top of a creme brulee. And at SugarJam, attention is paid to every detail. The French toast doesn’t come with standard butter and syrup but instead with a whipped cinnamon butter and warm, rum-spiked and pecan-filled syrup for dipping and drizzling. Buttery grits sop up golden yolks of the two eggs that turn catfish or shrimp into breakfast. Chicken, heavy on flavor but light on batter, is the perfect topping to a lighter-than-air waffle that’s as bubbly as the mimosas on each table. On your way out, stop by the bakery and pick up some cookies or one of SugarJam’s famous mini pies to go. The Toasted Owl Cafe 300 W. Camelback Road, #3 Flagstaff’s frequent fliers know all about The Toasted Owl Cafe, or at least are familiar with the sight of hungry customers lining up around the block for a table at the ever-popular brunch destination. Last fall, Toasted Owl landed in metro Phoenix, bringing with it all of its kitschy charm and hearty brunch items. The Valley location opened in The Newton shopping center next to Changing Hands Bookstore on Camelback Road. The duo make the perfect pair as customers can browse for books while waiting on their table next door. Once seated at The Toasted Owl, make sure to look around at all of the owl-themed artwork, knick knacks and furniture — everything is for sale. But you’re here for the food. Dig in and start with a warm cinnamon roll. These giant, soft doughy swirls make the perfect sharable snack before your meal, especially when paired with a cup of coffee or a foamy chai latte. For the main event, opt for a football-sized burrito spiced up with a jalapeno bacon kick or go French with the prosciutto and brie omelet paired with fig jam, arugula and a side of crackly potatoes. The brunch spot has also rolled out an entirely vegan alternate menu. The food at The Toasted Owl is worth the two-hour drive to Flagstaff, but we’re dually grateful the commute is now a whole lot shorter. Start your journey at The Toasted Owl Cafe with coffee and a cinnamon roll. (Photo by Tirion Boan)
