On The Road Again

On The Road Again originally published on Food and Fond Memories on November 19, 2013 by sandyaxelrod Leave a Comment (Edit)

A woman in a turquoise outfit in front of a wall painted with Eat at Matt's and an arrow pointing the way.

Matt’s Big Breakfast Phoenix Arizona

Our outrageously amazing evening at Searsucker in Scottsdale was followed be a fabulous Sunday breakfast at Matt’s Big Breakfast in Phoenix. Shortly before we left on vacation Food Network aired an older episode of Diners, Drive-ins and Dives in which Guy Fieri visited Matt’s so I quickly listed it on my restaurant agenda for the trip. It was an absolutely glorious day for our drive to Sedona but we needed sustenance for our journey. Matt’s is pretty small but it is twice the size it was before Triple D’s visit. They moved all the way to the opposite corner from where they originated. The restaurant was packed and we had a 40 minute wait. But we didn’t mind because it was so delightful out, plus the time passed so quickly because we were chatting with the locals who were also waiting for a table.

A white plate topped with a tall stack of pancakes, a pat of butter and syrup.

Yummy Fluffy Pancakes

When our name was called we were quite pleased to be seated by Matt himself so we had a minute or so to talk. One of the things he told us was that being on Guy Fieri’s show was the gift that kept on giving. It actually originally aired four years ago! But it’s not the fame alone that keeps this place full, it is definitely the food that’s the star. Steve’s plate of a mushroom omelet with home fries offered up eggs that were creamy and loaded with sauteed fresh mushrooms and home fries that were crisp on the outside and velvety on the inside. And I thoroughly enjoyed my fluffy, lighter than air pancakes with real maple syrup and perfectly crisp thick cut bacon. The portions were huge and the prices very reasonable and for me another big plus was that the coffee was delicious.

A white plate with cooked eggs and mushrooms and home fried potatoes on the side of the plate.

Mushroom Omelet and Home Fries

Quite sated we got back on the road again for our two hour drive to Sedona. Along the way we couldn’t help but stop for magnificent photo opportunities. We picked the perfect time to get to see all of the fall colors in their glory. Just outside of Sedona we detoured to visit Red Rock and got to see the fabulous Chimney Rock and Cathedral Rock. Very cool indeed. I also had a brief encounter with Smokey the Bear and a little family of bronze Javelinas which I later learned wander the streets of Sedona regularly. The live ones, of course, not the bronze sculptures.

Three sculptures of Javelinas, one large and two small.

A Family of Javelinas

A building with a bear dressed as a ranger sculpture in front.

Smokey the Bear!

A bald man in a black t-shirt leaning against a rail with red rock formations in the background.

Steve at Red Rock

We arrived at our inn on Airport Mesa which had beautiful gardens overlooking the town of Sedona below us. The area is known for its vortexes, one of which was right there at the garden overlook! I did experience an overwhelming sensation of creativity and took pictures of every little bird and mountain.

A tiny yellow bird sitting on the tip of a bare tree branch against a perfect blue sky.

Beautiful Little Bird at Airport Mesa

After a little gallery hopping we stumbled upon a steak house called Shugrues Hillside Grill. Unfortunately it was too cold to sit outside because the view was spectacular, but we had a lovely table right by the window. The menu was straight forward and the portions were huge. Our server, Anabel, didn’t steer us wrong by suggesting that the Calamari a la Greque was a good choice of appetizer. The calamari were nicely breaded with a crisp and very flavorful coating and fried to perfection. They were served with two dipping sauces. The first was the usual marinara but the second was much more creative. It was a sharp, pickle remoulade which Steve and I both agreed was outstanding. We followed our appetizer with separate salads. Mine was a super fresh Spinach Salad that was unlike any I’ve had. The spinach was accompanied by breaded artichoke fritters, parsnip chips, roasted beets, feta and kalamata olives and drizzled with a nice vinaigrette. Steve inhaled his wedge salad with Blue cheese, crisp bacon, vegetables and chopped egg topped with an equally tasty dressing.

An oval white bowl filled with fried calamari sitting on a white platter with two ramekins holding a white sauce and a red sauce.

Fried Calamari at Shugrues

A white dinner plate topped with three fried shrimp, vegetables and mashed potatoes with a lemon half sprinkles with chopped parsley

Half an Order of Fried Shrimp

By the time our entree was served we were so glad that we had decided to share one. The chef was kind enough to split the entree for us and we each had our own sides. The plating was old school with herbs scattered on the plate. Very 80’s. But the food was most assuredly bright and fresh highlighting quality ingredients. The enormous shrimp had a well seasoned tempura style Panko crust that was fried to golden perfection. The side dishes were delectable as well. But it was the sauce for the shrimp that stole the show. We were told it was a sweet chile and “shruzu” dipping sauce made with pickled red chile, vinegar, sugar and salt and more ingredients that were unnamed, naturally. I would so love that recipe!!! We finished off dinner with a beautiful Creme Brulee. I have to add that in addition to really good service; the owners Shelly and Michael Mullins (they bought the restaurant pretty recently but Michael has been the chef at Shugrue’s for over 20 years) made us feel quite welcome and at home.