Glooooooorious

One of the great things about living here in Arizona is the ability to eat outdoors most of, if not all year long. Back in NY, especially on Long Island, the outdoor eating options are very limited, no matter what the season. And while there are plenty of beautiful restaurants out here, there really is nothing like enjoying a good meal outside on a sunny, breezy day in a beautiful location. If that sounds like something you’re into, i recommend checking out Morning Glory Cafe, one of 3 restaurants at The Farm at South Mountain. The farm is made up of 12 acres of grass lawns, pecan trees and organic gardens to explore, or just for a morning stroll. Dotted through the farm are three restaurants…The Farm Kitchen, Quiessence, and the breakfast/brunch spot we decided to check out, Morning Glory Cafe. Once you get to the farm and find a spot to park, it’s a bit of a walk to get to Morning Glory, but in this case that’s a good thing. It gives you a chance to take a nice relaxing stroll and enjoy the beautiful surroundings. It’s apparent almost immediately that the farm, and restaurants, are very family and also dog friendly. Outside food and drink isn’t allowed, but if you so choose you’re welcome to purchase your food and go have a picnic on one of the many big grassy areas. There were countless families enjoying a picnic, playing games or just kicking back and lying out on the grass We didn’t take Bumble with us this time, but if there is a second meal at the farm we will be sure to bring her along. As expected on a sunny saturday morning there was a bit of a wait which seemed to go rather quickly though. Between all the trees and network of umbrellas there’s plenty of shade blocking the sun from cooking your food for a second time. The setting was beautiful, i was hoping the food wasn’t a let down. The menu touts house baked muffins and pastries, locally made sausages, season omelets and the finest local ingredients. I appreciate a place that tries to stay as local as possible. I was pretty excited to see a breakfast option on the menu that included chili. Throw 2 over easy eggs and sour cream on top of it, served with a couple pieces of fresh warm bread…my mind was made up pretty easily. I’m not sure how exactly to describe it, but considering what i was eating, it was somewhat light…as far as chili and 2 over easy eggs go. Mopping up the chili and the yolks of the eggs with the toasty bread was definitely the best part of the meal. Everything was delicious, and while the food definitely was not a let down, i cant RAVE about the meal i ate. Maybe i ordered wrong, maybe i should have ordered something that showcases all the local ingredients better. I will say this, everything appeared to be VERY fresh. The surroundings and laid back setting somewhat made up for what i thought the meal was lacking food-wise. I’m not complaining though, i enjoyed Morning Glory Cafe quite a bit. Even though you’re only minutes from downtown Phoenix, it’s nice to feel as though you’ve gotten out of town for a bit.

Would i go back? Yes, but i’d order something different, and i’d bring Bumble. Julie and i both agreed, this is a great place to bring some friends or family who are in from out of town. It’s a unique place, with a bit of a wow factor that i think out of towners would appreciate…

Happy Chanukah

South Mountain Omelette -  Maya’s and local vegetables, with arizona goat cheese and salsa verde

Cowboy ‘breakfast’ chili and eggs - AZ Power Ranches beef, local tepary beans, melting cheddar cheese, 2 over easy eggs, sour cream, fresh cilantro and griddled bread