by Foodies Like Us Staff

One of the things that I love about Phoenix is that nearing the holiday season while other states are experiencing 10 degree weather during the day, we enjoy a nice, sunny, 78 degrees.  Perfect weather for light sweaters, sitting outside and enjoying a great lunch.

Though there are many restaurants that can do both indoor and outdoor lunch/dinner, The House at Secret Garden does it in a 1929 beautifully restored Spanish Mansion where you can enjoy our wonderful weather, stimulating company and truly enjoyable food.

Valley restaurant staples Pat and Dustin Christofolo run the House at Secret Garden.  They brought us wonderful places like: The Farm at South Mountain, The Farm Kitchen, Quiessence and Morning Glory Café.

Dustin Christofolo, the owner/chef was the previous general manager of Quiessence, then went on to complete his culinary education at the Italian Culinary Academy, bringing back with his sous chef Jan Francis H. Feliciano.   The duo now flawlessly execute an inviting and delicious menu.

If you’re itching to find new and interesting places in the valley, this is a definite stop.  Located in South Phoenix, this “secret” welcomes you and your taste bud’s visit.

Something that I loved about it is that after parking, you walk along a nice path under trees next to their “Urban Barn” (where they can host events. More on the barn later) to an open area where during nice weather (which is almost all the time!) you can sit outside and enjoy your meal, if you walk around the area you cross a goldfish pond and into the “house”.

On some days (this one included) the succulent aroma of BBQ brisket wafts through the air.  Thanks to a friend of mine this past year, I’ve come to really enjoy the smell of BBQ, which now an unforeseen side effect, it get’s my mouth watering, (think Pavlovian conditioning).

How’s the food you ask?  Excellent.  It’s definitely a trip worth making to check out this gem.  Their lunch and dinner menus have a wide selection of items (several sandwiches, soups and salads and entrees to please everyone).  Their ingredients are locally farmed, right down to their herbs, which they pick from a garden that you’ll see when you walk in.

I started out with an appetizer called “Sweet Potato Planks”, better named in my head as “pinwheels of pancetta goodness”.  These bite size  (5 in all) angels are perfectly stacked sweet potato skins, crème fraiche, scallions and topped with pancetta pinwheels.  (Santa, if you are reading this, I’d like some of these).

For my entrée, the Traditional Pasta Carbonara.  Light, flavorful and fresh.

From time to time I indulge in Pasta Carbonara, but I find it too heavy or bland.  This variation will please you.  Also I have to mention that the portion size here is very appropriate.  When was the last time you went somewhere and they gave you a HUGE plate you could barely finish?  I guarantee your hunger will be satisfied without having someone roll you out to your car because you ate too much.

The House at Secret Garden can also be a host for your next event.  Behind the property they have a space they call the “Urban Barn”, outfitted with stunning tables and chairs as well as a ready bar for you and your guests.  Just right outside its steps is a tree-covered area that can also serve as an additional gathering area.

If you want to whole kit and caboodle, you can get married right next door, called The Secret Garden (their phone number is 602-268-5522).  Although under seperate ownership, it serves as a beautiful wedding space where couples can jump the broom.

Pat and Dustin have really brought us another outstanding restaurant.  I’ll be posting some recipes in the upcoming newsletter to share with you Chef Dustin’s culinary talents.  In the interim, get down to The House at Secret Garden.  You’ll wonder why it took you so long!

If you want to see what other culinary adventures we’re having, click here!