Chew On This

CHEW ON THIS -YOUR GUIDE TO LOCAL DINING

OVER EASY: MAKING THE BREAKFAST GAME LOOK EASY

By Molly Cerreta Smith

Back when famed local chef Aaron May open the first Over Easy location in Arcadia more than a decade ago, breakfast joints were much less common than they are today. A pioneer of the trend, Over Easy has changed ownership and expanded across the valley with partners Ryan and Jason Field and Troy and Trace Richards splitting operations of the valley locations.

“Initially the menu started with May’s Midwest background as the inspiration for the dishes,” says Ryan, who heads up Tatum and Shea location with Jason. “The breakfast concept really took off and we’re continuing to expand. But this location really bridges the gap between the Arcadia location and the east valley ones.” The Tatum and Shea location (10637 N. Tatum Blvd.) is one of the largest, with old school breakfast counter seating along with table seating inside as well as an ample patio — ideal for long lunches and brunching. Speaking of “old school,” Over Easy encompasses a seamless blend of retro style and modern simplicity. With bold yellow and teal hues literally waking up customers, the atmosphere is warm and inviting — like mama’s kitchen…but better. (Don’t tell mom I said that!)

Speaking of the menu, breakfast is, of course, a highlight — and many of the dishes have received their 15 minutes of fame on national TV. From Banana Nut French Toast to Chicken and Waffles, five of the morning dishes have been showcased on shows like Diners, Drive-ins and Dives and The Best Thing I Ever Ate. Other breakfast favorites include Chile Pork and Grits with hatch green chile sauce, slowcooked pork, pepper parmesan grits and a sunny side up egg; the Basil Melt with shaved ham, scrambled eggs, basil pesto sauce, sharp cheddar and Swiss cheese on sourdough bread; and the OE-styled Hawaiian LoKo MoKo featuring a sunny side up egg, six-ounce ground beef patty, crispy onions, mushroom gravy and white rice. Let’s not forget a daytime cocktail to wash it down such as a mimosa flight (Strawberry Rosemary or Grapefruit Elderflower, anyone?), Morning Mule, Irish Chai or a “Bloody Good” Bloody Mary.

Beyond breakfast, Over Easy is becoming increasingly popular for its lunch menu. Featuring a selection of Avocado Toasts, Salads, Classic Sandwiches and a Build Your Own Burger, guests can dive into a hearty nooner anytime. With such a variety of menu items, a full bar and specialty brews made with Press Coffee on tap, it’s no wonder Over Easy has accumulated a dedicated regular crowd. “Some people come in every single day,” Ryan admits, adding, “Breakfast has that vibe that encourages regulars. But we also have a lot of families that come in on the weekends and retirees that come in anytime.” As we sat and talked, many people were also scattered around the restaurant working on their laptops as they enjoyed a bite, and with such a wide selection of breakfast and lunch favorites as well as full bar and inspired morning cocktails, it should come as no surprise that Over Easy became my new favorite brunch spot.

For more information including a full menu and list of all locations, www. eatatovereasy.com.

FEATURED ON Food Network’s “DINERS, DRIVE-INS, & DIVES”

www.EATatOVEREASY.com $5 OFF BREAKFAST

Open Early Open Daily 6:30a–2p

10637 N. TATUM BLVD. | (602) 595-6020 corner of Tatum & Shea inside Paradise Village Gateway

Expires 1/31/20. Please present an original copy of this coupon at the time of payment. Valid only at Over Easy Paradise Valley. One offer per table. Cannot be combined with another offer, or applied to gratuity and tax. No cash value.

AIOLI GOURMET BURGERS ADDRESS: 10652 N 32nd St., Phoenix PHONE: 602-971-5555 CUISINE TYPE: Burgers Whether you’re in the mood for a juicy burger, a fresh salad, or a thick and creamy shake, there is something on the menu for everyone. Not sure what you want? While you peruse the menu, snack on our warm pretzel bites, mac and cheese bites or our aioli fry flight. Make sure to try our Truffle Burger which recently made ABC 15’s Top Five Burgers you must try in Arizona.

www.AioliBurger.com

BOOTLEGGERS MODERN AMERICAN SMOKEHOUSE ADDRESS: 3375 E Shea Blvd., Phoenix PHONE: 602-996-4228 CUISINE TYPE: Barbecue Bootleggers brings a bbq driven menu full of comfort foods, craft cocktails, beers and wines that all revolve around our smoked meats. When speaking with our staff, you know right away that they all love BBQ and put their all into providing our customers with the best. Enjoy Sunday brunch, happy hour specials and live music. Have a special occasion? We cater too!

www.BootleggersSmokehouse.com

32 SHEA ADDRESS: 10626 N 32nd St., Phoenix PHONE: 602-867-7432 CUISINE TYPE: Coffe and cafe During the day, we are an indie espresso bar/café, serving breakfast, lunch and light cocktails. After 4 p.m., we transform into a trendy lounge/restaurant with a dark and cozy candle lit atmosphere. Enjoy sitting inside, or outside on our dog friendly patio. Need a quick pick me up? Drive-thru service is available!

www.32shea.com

UNCLE SAM’S ADDRESS: 3217 E Shea Blvd. Phoenix PHONE: 602-996-3511 CUISINE TYPE: American Uncle Sam’s is a family restaurant that specializes in east coast style pizza and sandwiches. We have the only true cheesesteaks, hoagies, and grinders this side of Philadelphia! We only use the highest quality products to produce the best pizza and wings in the valley. Everything we make is done by hand on premise and made to order.

www.UncleSamsAZ.com OLIVE MEDITERRANEAN GRILL ADDRESS: 4575 E Cactus Rd., Phoenix PHONE: 602-462-5327 CUISINE TYPE: Mediterramean At Olives Mediterranean Grill, our pita and pizza dough are made in-house from scratch with true irresistible flavor – fresh baked when you order. Our special Mediterranean recipes are what gives Olives the most authentic and unique flavors. It’s a tradition of quality that we’ll never outgrow.

www.Olives.cafe

WOOD FIRED PIZZERIA GELATO SPOT ADDRESS: 10608 N 32nd St., Phoenix PHONE: 602-494-4010 CUISINE TYPE: Pizza & Desserts We focus on making food based on strict old-world standards with the freshest ingredients and most-exclusive imports. Come in and enjoy a variety of healthy options including appetizers, panini, salads, pasta, wood fired pizzas, and of course, what started it all, our world renowned Gelato. Open for brunch, lunch, and dinner!

www.GelatoSpot.com/phoenix-location

BITES YOUR GUIDE TO LOCAL DINING

FATSO’S PIZZA ADDRESS: 3131 E Thunderbird Rd., Phoenix PHONE: 602-992-1122 CUISINE TYPE: Pizza At Fatso’s our goal has been the same from the beginning; provide the best quality food, the friendliest service and the coldest beer in town. We use only the finest, freshest, natural ingredients available. Live music Thursday – Saturday nights and Sunday afternoons on the patio.

www.FatsosPizza.com

MICHELINA’S ITALIAN RESTAURANT ADDRESS: 3241 E. Shea Blvd., Phoenix PHONE: 602-996-8977 CUISINE TYPE: Italian At Michelina’s, we take only the finest ingredients, many of which we grow ourselves, and prepare you the freshest Italian seafood dishes around. Your chef and our namesake, Michelina, grew to love cooking in the kitchen of the finest chef in all of Italy, her mother. Now she shares her passion for cooking with you.

www.MichelinasRestaurant.com