Tag: Dining Out

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Waffleto Brunch & Waffles: Worth the Hype or Another Overrated Spot?

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Waffleto Brunch & Waffles: Worth the Hype or Another Overrated Spot?

Can We Talk About Social Media Food Hype?

The way I am so tired of over-hyped TikTok and Instagram eateries. Social media has disappointed me too many times with perfect reels, staged bites, and then… underwhelming food.

So, when my husband showed me an impressively edited reel for Waffleto Brunch & Waffles in Goodyear, AZ, and asked if I wanted to try it, I gave him a non-committal, “I guess.”

First Impressions: Busy but Welcoming

We pulled up around 11 a.m. on a Saturday. It was busy, but we didn’t have to wait, major win. The place is a small sit-down brunch spot with a casual, open feel. We were greeted right away and handed menus, which gave us a moment to look things over before ordering.

Waffleto Menu: Sweet Meets Savory

Waffleto’s menu offers hearty savory waffles and over-the-top sweet creations. in a good way:

Savory Options Include:

  • Fried egg, bacon, and spinach
  • Chorizo and egg
  • Grilled chicken with pesto
  • Omelets and traditional breakfast plates (for the non-waffle folks)

Sweet Options:

  • Strawberries and cream (with seasonal berries, but you can request strawberries only)
  • Peaches and cream
  • Nutella-topped waffles

👉 Check out their full menu here

What We Ordered

We split our meal:

  • One Fried Egg, Bacon, and Spinach Waffleto (no syrup drizzle—because I don’t trust the drizzler!)
  • One Berries Waffleto (strawberries only)

You can split your waffle between savory and sweet, which we loved—it felt like a brunch plate and dessert all in one.

And I have to mention this, the home-fried breakfast potatoes were delicious. I live for a good breakfast potato, and these hit the mark. Crispy on the outside, tender inside, and perfectly seasoned. Don’t skip them.

Watching the Waffle Magic Happen

The open kitchen gave us a view of the action, and I noticed the waffles looked darker than I prefer more brown than golden. I’m a light, fluffy, slight-crunch-on-the-edge kind of waffle girl.

When I asked about it, our server reassured us that the color comes from the batter, not overcooking, and they’re still soft inside. She was right. The waffles were perfectly cooked, lightly sweet, and honestly, some of the best I’ve had.

Is Waffleto Worth the Trip?

If you’re in the Goodyear, Avondale, or West Phoenix area—yes, Waffleto is worth a stop.

If you have to drive far or wait in a long line? Maybe not. It’s good, but not a “drive across the Valley and wait an hour” kind of place. That said, Waffleto delivers on flavor and creativity, and the service was on point.

Waffleto Brunch & Waffles Location + Hours

Heads up: If you love breakfast for dinner, this isn’t your spot. They close early and stick to brunch hours.

🕒 Hours:
Monday – Friday: 8 AM – 2 PM
Saturday & Sunday: 8 AM – 3 PM

📍 406 N. Litchfield Rd., Ste 208
Goodyear, AZ 85338

Final Thoughts

Waffleto might not be the viral hotspot you travel for, but it’s definitely a local gem if you’re nearby. The flavors are solid, the sweet/savory combo is fun, and the vibe is low-key and relaxed.

Have you tried Waffleto or any other social media-famous food spots that were actually worth it? Let me know in the comments or over on Instagram @SharondaShariee (yes, I’m posting again!).

Appetizer, Dining Out, Food Opinion, Home Cooked Food, Living, Things-to-Do

Bobo’s Restaurant: The Best Breakfast in Tucson: Why Bobo’s Is Worth the Wait

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The Best Breakfast in Tucson: Why Bobo’s Is Worth the Wait

Tucson, Arizona is not just a place we drive to for concerts or a quick getaway, it’s also home to one of the best breakfast spots we’ve ever experienced, Bobo’s Restaurant.  During one of our trips, I searched for “the best breakfast in Tucson,” and Yelp led us straight to this charming gem.  With nearly a five-star rating, we knew we had to check it out.  Spoiler alert: it did not disappoint.

The Drive to Tucson

Getting from Phoenix to Tucson is an easy 95-mile drive, taking about an hour and a half.  Whether you are headed there for a specific event or just passing through, you will definitely want to make time for a stop at Bobo’s.

First Impressions

We first visited Bobo’s on a Sunday morning around 11:30 AM. It is a very small, yellow brick building sitting off a main road, that otherwise I would have driven passed.  When we arrived, about 10–15 people were already waiting outside. Pro tip: if you are not a fan of waiting, plan your visit strategically.  The wait for a table can take about an hour during peak times, but we have also visited later in the day, about 40 minutes before closing, and got seated immediately.

What’s On the Menu

Let’s talk about the food, because it’s why you go to Bobo’s, and it’s what makes the wait 100% worth it.  Over a few visits, we have tried several dishes:

  • Apple Upside-Down Pancake:  My husband says this is a breakfast masterpiece that’s equal parts sweet and filling.
  • Buttermilk Pancake: Fluffy perfection every single time. Cutting your pancakes like this makes them taste even better.
  • Chicken Fried Steak with Eggs & Fried Potatoes: Comfort food at its finest, with rich gravy. I usually put it on the side, because you cannot trust everyone’s gravy. I eventually put it on my food, since it passed the taste test. The potatoes I can have live without.
  • French Toast with Eggs & Bacon: The French toast is done how we used to make cinnamon toast in the oven as kids.

The consistency of the food is outstanding.  It is clear why Bobo’s has earned its loyal following and stellar Yelp ratings.

Cost & Value

If you do not know by now, I am always about value, and for the quality and portion sizes, Bobo’s offers unbeatable value.  Whether you are craving something hearty or sweet, you will leave both satisfied and full without breaking the bank.

Better Than Mom’s Cooking?

Bobo’s tagline is “Just like mom’s cookin’,” but honestly, they might need to tweak it to “Better than your mom’s cookin,’ at least for breakfast.  Sorry, Mom!”  It is that good.

Plan Your Visit

Location:  Bobo’s Restaurant, 2938 E. Grant Rd. Tucson, AZ 85716

Pro Tip: If you want to skip the wait, aim for non-peak hours (like just before closing or early morning).

Whether you are heading to Tucson for a concert, a day trip, or even just passing through, Bobo’s Restaurant is a must-visit for breakfast lovers.  Trust me, it is worth every mile and every minute of the wait.

Your Favorites & Recommendations

What is your go-to breakfast spot when you are on the road?  Share your favorites in the comments.  I am always looking for my next great meal!

Classes, Coffee, Date Night, Food Opinion, Living, Self-Care, Things-to-Do, Travel, Tutorials, Wine, Wine Tasting

Think Wine Tasting, but with Coffee: My Experience at Press Coffee Roaster’s Interactive 101 Class

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Think Wine Tasting, but with Coffee: My Experience at Press Coffee Roaster’s Interactive 101 Class

When I signed up for Press Coffee’s 101 class, I wasn’t entirely convinced that I’d walk out a coffee aficionado. But as it turns out, I left with some serious coffee knowledge.  Everything from where coffee originates, to how it’s processed, to what it takes to get it from the farm to your cup.

I stumbled upon this class thanks to Eventbrite’s “events you might like” feature (they know me so well), and seeing Press Coffee’s name didn’t hurt.  Press Coffee is always listed as one of the valley’s premier coffee roasters.  After all, they have 12 locations around Arizona and even supply coffee to multiple retail spots across the valley.

The Scene at Press Coffee

We arrived to find Press buzzing with coffee drinkers in the front, some sipping and socializing, others laser-focused on laptops.  In the back, there’s a spacious second level for more seating, but we stayed downstairs, where three enormous coffee bean roasters sat in all their luxuriousness, along with our cozy 12-person classroom setup.  It was perfect for both tasting and learning.

Our host welcomed us with a steamy cup of Gesha coffee.  This rare, high-end coffee ($50 per cup, just FYI!) has a unique profile that’s more tea-like than coffee-like, and he wasn’t kidding.  It was a delicate, almost floral flavor, unlike anything I’d tasted in coffee form.

The Class Kicks Off

From there, we dove into the rich world of coffee.  We learned about origins, flavors, and roasting techniques.  A cool part of the tasting was letting each blend cool down a bit and then trying it again.  Who knew a little time could bring out so many different notes?

My Favorite Coffee Roast

My favorite roast was Brazil Mogiano for its boldness, but it was also subtle. I like a medium roast. Right up the middle. My husband? He was into them all!

Behind-the-Scenes of Coffee Bean Roasting

We wrapped up with a behind-the-scenes look at the roasters and even learned about the farm Press Coffee owns, which supplies their unique beans.  If you love coffee, want a fun outing with friends, or cool date idea, I can’t recommend this class enough. And yes, you even get a code for a free bag of coffee with a subscription (no pressure to keep it, but why wouldn’t you?!).

Press Coffee 101 Details, Sign-Up, and Cost

So, who’s ready to sip like a pro?

Appetizer, Best Food in Seattle, Date Night, Dining Out, Food Opinion, Seattle Eats, Things-to-Do

Seattle Eats

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Jackson’s Catfish Corner

Jackson’s Catfish Corner was recommended by someone I met online that was from the area. It was the perfect off the plane, grab something to eat meal. The catfish was seasoned well, the fries were great. If you have to choose between the sandwich and the strips, get the strips. The side sauce is A1.

This is what we ordered:
1/2 Fillet Catfish Strips with Hushpuppies – $16.99
Catfish Sandwich – $12.99
Total Bill: $31.95

Location Visited:
2218 S. Jackson Street
Seattle, WA 98144

Communion Restaurant & Bar

Let me start by saying, make sure you make a reservation well in advance. I made our reservation about 10 days ahead of time, and there was only one early 4PM dinner reservations left. We almost opted out, but decided to follow through, and I am so happy we did. Everything from the host, our waitress, to the food was AMAZING! The fried chicken was probably the best fried chicken I have ever had outside my home. I was afraid of the pork chop, but my husband said we are on vacation, let’s try new things. It was delicious. We also had hoecakes, and macaroni and cheese. I love me a hoe cake, and macaroni and cheese always rounds out this type of meal.

This is what we ordered:
Unc’s Wings – $21
Pork Chop – $42
Better Than Yo Grandma’s Mac & Cheese – $12
Sweet Potato Hoecakes – $8
Total Bill: $134.61

Location Visited:
2350 E. Union Street
Seattle, WA 98122

Biscuit Bitch

The biscuits at Biscuit Bitch were soft, fluffy, and buttery. I could not stop talking about how airy, and pillowy the biscuit was as I ate it. Even with the softness of the biscuit it did not fall apart, as we ate it.

Tip 1: Order a sandwich to eat then, and order one for later or for the following morning.

This is what we ordered:
Bitchwich Sausage – $8.50
Bitchwich Hot Link – $9.00
Total Bill: $21.83

Location Visited:
Biscuit Bitch Belltown
2303 3rd Avenue
Seattle, WA 98121

Tip 2: Order ahead to cut down on your wait, and be sure to arrive at the proper location. Two locations are blocks away from each other.

Pike Place Chowder

Apparently there is a local competition about who has the best clam chowder in the Seattle area. We asked about 7-10 people, and Pike Place Chowder won, paired with their online reviews. My husband or I eat clams, but we actually thought this was pretty good. I would not choose to eat clam chowder in general, but I am with someone else who would like to make this stop, I would not mind.

This is what we ordered:
New England Clam Chowder – $15.95 (shared)
Total Bill: $17.59

Tip: Upgrade to the Sourdough Bread Bowl

Location Visited:
Pacific Place Shopping Center
600 Pine Street
Seattle, WA 98101

Razzi’s Pizzeria Downtown

It was cold rainy night and we did not want to venture to far away from our hotel, and the concierge suggested Razzi’s Pizzeria. I thought it would at least be edible. Razzi’s turned out to be more than edible. If Razzi’s was in my local town, it would be on a weekly rotation. The pepperonis were so crispy and flavorful. I seen someone else order pesto on the side. I said to my husband, they must know what they’re doing, and they did! The wings were sauced great, and cooked just right. Razzi’s has a good thing going on for a quick, fast, and delicious meal. We noted Razzi’s as a spot we would come back to even if we were traveling with our kids.

This is what we ordered:
Small Pepperoni Pizza – $17.00
BBQ Wings – $21
Total Bill: $44.93

Location Visited:
Razzi’s Downtown
1314 Howell Street
Seattle, WA 98101

Tip: If you see a parking space upon approaching Razzi’s, get it. Parking spaces are far and few between.

*Beverages, tax, tip, and some items were not listed in the total bill.

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Leo’s Tacos & Burritos

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Sharonda Shariee Short:

Leo’s Chorizo Burrito is the most delicious chorizo burrito I have ever had. Slightly spicy and packed full of flavor.

We have eaten our fair share of chorizo, so when we walked up to the counter we immediately asked, how is the chorizo?  The counter person said, “We have the best chorizo.  No lie.”  He was not lying!

Here is how I order my Leo’s Chorizo Burrito:

Light Egg, Extra Cheese.  The Chorizo burrito also has potatoes inside, leave them alone.  The potatoes are nicely proportioned within the burrito.

They have other items on their menu.  They are all good, but Leo’s Chorizo Burrito is the star of the show.

TIP:  Leo’s Tacos & Burritos is closed on Sundays and Mondays

Total Cost: $9.78

Location Visited:
10277 W. McDowell Road
Avondale, Arizona 85392

Date Night, Dining Out, Food Opinion, Things-to-Do

Drunk Munk Tiki Bar & Restaurant

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Drunk Munk Tiki Bar & Restaurant

Drunk Munk Tiki Bar & Restaurant

You know when you see a mass of people waiting to be seated at a restaurant, long lines at a retail shop or anywhere, you think, whatever they are selling must be good.

This was Drunk Munk.  Twice, I had eaten at a restaurant across the street and each time I noticed the loads of people at Drunk Munk, having such a good time. I made a mental note to add Drunk Munk to my must-try list.

My husband and I finally stopped by for happy hour. This is what we had:

  • Bottle Rockets $12
  • Pork Pot Stickers $12.50
  • Spicy Teriyaki Ribs $14.50
  • Bikini Girl Cocktail $14.50
  • Flower Goddess Cocktail $12.50

I listed the regular menu pricing.  During happy hour there are select menu items half off.  Everything we ordered was on the happy hour menu. 

Although everything we had was scrumptious, I would not pay full price for anything we had.

The Bottle Rockets were the best!  Shrimp, cream cheese, scallion, wrapped in a spring roll wrapper, and fried.  The Bottle Rockets were served with sriracha and sweet chili orange sauce.  The Bottle Rockets are even worth trying to duplicate at home. 

The Pork Pot Stickers were good but nothing special.  A bag of Trader Joe’s pot stickers is comparative for much less and a larger quantity.  My family hates it when I compare dining out food costs to grocery food costs. haha

Spicy Teriyaki Ribs were tasty, tender and dipped in the standard teriyaki sauce you would find at your local Asian restaurant.  While eating the ribs, I said to my husband, it felt like it should have included a side of rice.

The cocktails!  The drinks!  The libations!  Whatever you want to call them, they are why everyone at Drunk Munk always seemed so happy and having a wonderful time. The cocktails were superb. 

My husband had the Bikini Girl cocktail, much like a Pina Colada.  I had the Flower Goddess Cocktail, mimicking a Sex on the Beach cocktail.  There was no skimping on the liquor.  I had to ask the bartender to add a little more juice to balance out the drink for me. 

So, if you are looking for great drinks, hit up Drunk Munk for cocktails, sit under the cute tiki hut outside, and order a few appetizers.

Total bill without tax and tip:
$66 regular menu price
$33 happy hour menu price

Location Visted: 
The Drunk Munk Tiki Bar & Restaurant
7133 E. Stetson Drive, Suite 1
Scottsdale, Arizona 85251