If a Restaurant Could Be My Doppelganger

Julie here. I’m embarrassed to admit I’ve been 100% neglecting Bumbs&Crumbs. I’d like to blame it on working 40 hours a week, starting grad school and/or preferring to venture around outdoors in this beautiful AZ “winter” weather. But, alas, there is just no excuse. While it’s never easy to break out of the loll, Central Phoenix’s Postino certainly gave me something to write about. 

Darin and I share many common loves. Two of which are restaurants and lists. We’ve spoken more than once about our Top 5, Top 10 favorite places. It is no secret we both have a fond place in our heart for Joe Johnston and his Gilbert based eateries. I’ve said more than once, if there is one restaurant that mimics my personality it is by far, Liberty Market. Everything about the place - from the simple food done right down to the bulbed light fixtures - screams Julie. I’d stick my bed in the corner and call it home if I could. If Liberty Market were my home, I’d want Postino to be my backyard. 

A clean and simple establishment, Postino offers light fare and wine, as well as, one of the greatest patio atmosphere’s I’ve been on. Lucky for us Arizonians, we were able to enjoy our brunch outdoors on this patio despite the winter calendar. The only things that would have made my experience more wonderful were if we were stationed right next to the outdoor fireplace and/or if we were able, like so many others, to ride and stash our cruiser bikes right outside. 

NYC Grilled Cheese. Simply, crusty and comforting. Served with three dippers: ketchup, mustard and pesto. All in-complexly delicious. 

Though AZ’s winter is intensely mild compared to Darin and I’s known East Coast temperatures, we just couldn’t resist a bowl of warm roasted bell pepper tomato soup. I’m glad we both decided on the half sandwich and soup combo. If just one of us would have ordered this soup, the other would have been fighting for it.

Darin’s Nine Iron - Hickory smoked bacon layered with grilled chicken, fresh burrata mozzarella, lettuce, beefsteak tomatoes and dijonnaise 

My Chicken & Mozzarella - Grilled chicken with fresh mozzarella, arugula, red onion and spicy sun-dried tomato mayo. 

After out soup and sandwiches I felt complete. However, Darin had another thing in mind. Of course, I just could not resist. Classic Vanilla Creme Brulee with chocolate shortbread. 

Would I go back? Between the atmosphere, food and friendly wait staff, there just isn’t any reason not to! Postino would be a sweet spot for any out of town guest to soak up the mild AZ climate this time of year. (hint hint people)