APRIL 2018 28 | {where we ate this month} KITCHEN DOORS When the Arcadia location of this eatery and nano brewery opened in 2011, the notion of brewing your own beer and drinking it on tap was totally foreign. It’s still a little out there for most of us, but never mind. Everything else offered at O.H.S.O. — as in Outrageous Homebrewers Social Outpost — more than compensates for the non-brewers. Consider their AZ Burger: lovingly adorned with jalapeño cream cheese and poblano aioli. Equally heavenly is the brisket sandwich, enveloped not just in BBQ sauces, but green chile cheese sauce as well. And if the dozens of seasonly updated beers don’t light your skies, take a walk on the whiskey side. We fell in love with the Peach Smash — a whiskey, peach nectar concoction. Locations in Arcadia, Scottsdale and Paradise Valley, with a Gilbert joint opening soon. And all are dog-friendly! — Judy Pearson O.H.S.O. Arcadia, Scottsdale and Paradise Valley This casual eatery is the creation of Aaron Pool, who spent years feeling the noble enchilada was getting a raw deal. That stops here! Diners at the two Phoenix locations create their own enchilada on the spot. The combinations of fillings, sauces and toppings must number in the hundreds. (Hint: The roasted tomatillo chicken and green chile pork shoulder fillings are worthy of celebration.) Plus the fillings and toppings can be made into street tacos, too. Tossed in at no charge is atmosphere. Sitting at the Arcadia location, overlooking the canal, are dozens of other happy enchilada fans. Gadzooks — it’s the perfect springtime meal. — Judy Pearson GADZOOKS ENCHILADAS & SOUP Phoenix I recently headed out for a night with friends at Ninja Japanese Restaurant in Chandler. The restaurant is adorably decorated like a bamboo tea house and features table or sushi bar seating and several teppanyaki tables. Our group of nine opted for sushi. Remarkably, there is a $23.99 all-you-can-eat sushi deal, all day, every day. Best of all, sushi and rolls are of high quality and generously sized. The menu includes nigiri, side dishes, rolls, dinner combos, tempura, vegetarian options and a huge variety of teppanyaki dinners. This is the perfect place for couples, friends or families and boasts wallet-friendly pricing. — Lynette Carrington NINJA JAPANESE RESTAURANT Chandler Photo: Gadzooks Enchiladas & Soup Photo: O.H.S.O. Photo: Lynette Carrington

APRIL 2018 | 29 In honor of this month’s Furry Friends issue, I recruited Tucker, my 11-year-old Jack Russell Terrier, to find his favorite spots not just to hang out, but to eat out. Here are Tucker’s picks. K9 Kitchen Doors WHERE MY DOG AND I ATE THIS MONTH From the second we walk in to Farm + Craft, Tucker feels right at home. He insists on stopping at the toy basket to choose from the selection of rope toys to stay entertained while his humans sip their kombucha cocktails. And even though Farm + Craft has only one doggie dish, it’s a solid option. The “Dog Bowl” features a generous portion of grilled chicken over a bed of faro. It’s simple, filling and delicious (or at least that’s what I surmise from the licked-clean bowl). But it’s not just the toys and tasty dish that keep Tucker coming back, the upbeat vibe and great people-watching in the heart of Old Town Scottsdale make it his go-to spot. Bark-Worthy Brunch: MORNING SQUEEZE Tucker is “all wags” for Morning Squeeze’s K9-friendly twist on brunch classics with the choice of the Chow Hound Scramble, Pup Cakes or even Doggy Biscuits and Gravy. Only thing missing is a dog mimosa. Grub on the Go: D’LITE HEALTHY ON THE GO When Tucker is looking for a quick but healthy bite, we head to d’Lite Healthy on the Go for the “Doggy Bag” filled with scrumptious leftovers from the day. Food and Fun: BRAT HAUS Tucker can’t resist Brat Haus’ Pork-and-Chicken Brat and what’s even cooler — all the proceeds benefit Lucky Dog Rescue. Tucker enjoys the lively patio with games and loves helping to “fetch” stray ping-pong balls. “Caffeine“ Fix: DUTCH BROS. COFFEE When mom is in serious need of her coffee, Tucker is happy to tag along to Dutch Bros. Coffee for a Puppacino. Sweet Treat: SHAKE SHACK Tucker likes to treat himself with a decadent “Pooch-ini” at Shake Shack — but only if he’s been a good boy! Don’t just take Tuck’s word for it. Leash up your pups and treat them to a meal out. — Catie Richman FARM + CRAFT OTHER “TOP DOG” DINING DESTINATIONS