March:

By Lynette Carrington

In 2009, Pastis Delicatessen & EuroGrille was voted ‘Best New Restaurant in 2009’ by Phoenix Magazine. The word got around and the accolades have continued to roll in for the restaurant. What could easily be the crown jewel of bistros in Scottsdale, Pastis has instead established a wonderful home on the Mesa/Gilbert border on Val Vista just north of Baseline. Best described as a modern European bistro, it is equal parts dining, martini bar and mini Euro mart. Next to the amazing food, what sets Pastis apart is the true love that the owners have for their restaurant and the attention to detail that goes in to everything they do.

Owners/Partners Luka Muslin, Slaven Grubisha and Steve Djekic have named their place ‘Pastis’ after a French liquor from France. As a summer drink associated with good times and social events, the name compliments the atmosphere to a ‘t’. “I’ve learned it’s a hard business , but very rewarding,” said Luka Muslin, “It’s great to see regulars coming back.” Customers have come from Gold Canyon, Scottsdale and Avondale to revel in the French, Italian, Mediterranean and European cuisine.

Muslin gave a rundown of some of the menu highlights that showcase the variety of cuisines. Two of the most popular appetizers are the Calamare a la Romana served with a side of cilantro plum sauce and Crab Cakes complimented with chipotle aioli and pineapple sauces. With more than twenty homemade soups (including traditional French onion), there is always a delicious surprise awaiting diners. The Chicken Cordon Bleu entrée began as a special and was in such high demand, that it is now a featured menu item. The Stuffed Pastis Burger is not an American burger, rather it is a dual patty hugging fresh, homemade mozzarella cheese served with fries, made fresh in the restaurant every day and cooked in organic Canola oil. Even the kids menu features homemade macaroni and cheese (made with three types of cheese) which often becomes the guilty pleasure of parents on their second visit. Freshly prepared crepes, complete with a choice of Nutella, bananas, strawberries, apricot jam or other delectable toppings are always a crowd pleaser.

A European chef was initially brought to Pastis to train the staff. “She comes in periodically to make sure everything is still up to her standards,” Muslin explained. As I watched some of the patrons leaving the restaurant, they were all warmly thanked by Muslin and he conveyed how it is so important for all of the Pastis owners to be present in the restaurant, ensuring for a quality dining experience and exceptional hospitality.

Friday and Saturday nights Pastis boasts live music with everything from Motown to jazz and rock. A generous happy hour also happens every night from 3:00 p.m.-6:30 p.m., with specials on appetizers and drinks. With an amazing selection of unique beers and a variety of martinis, there is something for every “spirited” visitor. “My wine selection is very European,” said Muslin, and his varietal offerings span the globe from Italy, Spain and Germany to South America and Romania.

Dine on the patio or enjoy the warm, European ambience in the restaurant. If Pastis was one of the Valley’s best kept secrets, it appears that the cat is now out of the bag. Start your culinary journey at Pastis, located at 1935 S. Val Vista Drive, or call 480-926-3354 to cater your next event. Learn more at www.pastisaz.com.

 

 

By Lynette Carrington

Based in Illinois and winning rave reviews from happy eaters and satisfied dieters for over 20 years, Seattle Sutton’s Healthy Eating is so much more than an effective way to enjoy delicious meals. With no commitments, no contracts and no pressure, customers are able to enjoy the convenience of freshly prepared meals that are designed to fit just about any lifestyle.

Sharle Dille is an independent distributor and loves to have the chance to help people in their pursuit of healthy eating. “It’s ‘no-gimmicks’. It is what it is,” said Sharle Dille. “It’s not just for weight loss, it’s a healthy way of eating,” she explained. This revolutionary program also helps customers address health issues such as diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, cholesterol issues and weight control. All cuisine is freshly prepared (not frozen or “boxed”) in the Seattle Sutton commercial kitchen in Phoenix and then is ready for pick up at the East Mesa location in Dille’s office.

Salmon

As I interviewed, Dille a customer came in to the office and said he found out about Seattle Sutton from ‘The View’ and was most interested in starting the program because of portion control. As a specific benefit to customers, all meals are strictly calorie and portion controlled to get people in the mindset of not overeating. With a five week rotating menu, there is always something delicious on the Seattle Sutton menu. Each day, there are three complete meals designed to tempt the palate and keep eating habits in check. Some breakfast offerings include pancakes with spiced apple topping and veggie sausage, breakfast wrap with salsa and fresh juice and cinnamon raisin oatmeal with an English muffin and fruit spread. Lunches offer entrees like Mozzarella Bake, chicken with pineapple sauce, tortellini vegetable soup and the famous pepper jack burger. For dinner, enjoy offerings such as Heirloom Ravioli, chicken and linguini, fluffy egg noodles with meatballs and chicken and Swiss cheese casserole.

Lasagna

Meals come in two different plans: 1200 calories per day or 2000 calories per day. Meal orders need to be placed by 6:00 p.m. on Thursdays and are ready for pick up on the following Monday and Thursday between 3:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. Delivery is also available. Orders may be placed online or in person.
Because Seattle Sutton’s Healthy Eating is a perfect diet and lifestyle option for so many, it is an excellent choice for seniors who can no longer cook for themselves. “For some, Seattle Sutton’s Healthy Eating is the difference between living independently and living in a group home,” explained Dille. The meal program is also ideal for busy singles, single parents or those who want an effective way to lose or maintain their weight. Seattle Sutton’s is also a generous and healthy gift for new parents as they adjust to a new lifestyle.

Chicken & Linguini

The community is invited to come to an Open House and meet Sharle Dille, learn more about the Seattle Sutton’s Healthy Eating menu and check out some of the fresh meals on the menu. On March 14 from 10:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m., potential customers can get their questions answered, try some samples, enter a drawing and take advantage of ‘The View Five Week Special’. To visit the open house, stop by Seattle Sutton’s Healthy Eating East Mesa at 2929 N. Power Road (north of McDowell), call 480-354-7743 or visit www.SeattleSutton.com.