Readers’ Choice– All right, I get it. You’ve been sniffing out some really amazing new food finds and I’ve … been ignoring you. So I’ll just shut up and let the people speak for a change. All the readers who chimed in here will receive a gift pack with free passes to Laffs Comedy Club and goodies from the new Jinja Bar and Bistro at Paseo Del Norte and Ventura. Here’s what you’ve been talking about. • Spinn’s Burgers and Beer: They’ve only been open a few months, but Spinn’s is already making a dent in our BOB Restaraunts Poll, placing third for "Restaurant with the Best Art on the Wall" and fifth in "Best Beer Selection." While I haven’t ventured out there myself yet, quite possibly the most exciting thing about this place (besides the burgers and beer, of course) is that another mom and pop is taking root at the lonely intersection of Coors and Montaño (next to Hastings, 899-6180). Take it away, Jerry! "Although the menu is not extensive, all the food is of high quality–especially their signature burger and grilled chicken sandwich with green ‘chili.’ They also have about 60 kinds of bottled beer on hand and expect to carry 100 flavors. With the surprise of finding their steaks to be of high quality for a so-called burger joint. If you are ever on the Westside you should check them out and try to guess who the people on the wall are." • King Tut: Yeah, it’s got a funny name. But readers like Amanda who’ve made it in say that the food is serious. "Just had to drop a line and give huge props to a new restaurant called King Tut Restaurant at 2906 Juan Tabo NE (Juan Tabo and Candelaria, 292-8100). They serve a variety of Mediterranean foods for lunch and dinner. Prices, service, atmosphere and food were all really outstanding. They are in the complex on the southeast corner there, tucked back behind the grocery store, and aren’t getting a ton of traffic. Just had to lift them up in praise!" • Big Mama’s B-B-Que and Soul Food Is Closed: A hawk-eyed reader says Big Mama’s (which we reviewed in the first week of June) has gone belly-up. I guess we weren’t surprised. Soul food establishments in this town have the lifespan of a butterfly … but they’re beautiful while they last. • Fu Yuang is Open for Lunch: In addition to what have been woefully short dinner hours (just 4:30-8 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday), Fu Yuang is now serving the best kimchee in town (according to this year’s Best of Burque Restaurants results) for lunch. Swing up to the Scottsdale Shopping Center (3107 Eubank NE, to be exact) from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. for a new menu of Korean and Chinese delicacies that’s "very reasonably priced," according to one faithful patron.
If you'd like some equally sweet prizes, send your food-related tips to me at lauram@alibi.com, call 346-0660 ext. 260, or write to me here at the Alibi offices (the address is listed in the front of the paper and online at www.alibi.com).
