16
November 2015
Neighbors
Cozy Gabriela’s Kitchen features comfort food with Mexican twist BY KATHY KERBY
Gabriela’s Kitchen is the newest addition to Patterson Landing on the northeast corner of Val Vista Drive and Guadalupe Road. Since opening in June, in the spot vacated by Holly’s Bakery, Gabriela’s is building a loyal following of people who want fresh, flavorful food with a Mexican twist. This little gem is cozy with just eight tables but the curtained glass windows in front, the large shelves stocked with bakery goods and the glass case and counter looking into the kitchen give a homey feeling that says “come in and enjoy some good home cooking.” We were greeted by Gabriela and her adorable cousin, Kaelynn, who gave us a menu and asked if we would like to begin with juice or a smoothie. We selected the mixed berry smoothie with yogurt for $5 and looked over the compact menu. There are eight breakfast options along with a nice selection of natural fruit juices, smoothies and coffees. For lunch, five
the homey atmosphere, the dinner different salads and seven sandwiches selections were braised beef ribs and are offered. meatloaf, so that made it easy to Dinner is different than any other order. We felt like restaurant I have we were eating in a visited. After 4 friend’s kitchen as p.m. each day Gabriela prepared two fresh family our food and Kaelynn dinner options cheerfully served are served. it. We finished our A rotating yummy smoothie and schedule is dove into a cup of posted on the delicious albondigas website and ($2.50). With mini each dinner is meatballs, squash, served with a onions, carrots choice of two and tomatoes, this sides (vegetable, chunky, spicy soup pasta, rice) and was nearly a meal in a roll. The green chili stew had large chunks of itself. A bowl of green Tita’s Daily pork swimming in thick green chili. GSN chili stew ($5) came Dinners are photos by Kathy Kerby out next and the huge $8.99 each or chunks of pork swimming in a thick four for $25. They include roasted green sauce was just right, not too hot turkey breast, stuffed bell peppers and and not too spicy. pot roast, just to name a few. Gabriela came out to visit with us as On the Friday evening that my she delivered our dinners. She told us husband, Lou, and I were enjoying
This meatloaf tastes just like the one grandma used to make.
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that she had been cooking since she was 4 or 5 with her grandmother in Mexico. At 13 she was making pies and cakes and selling them in little shops. She attended Scottsdale Community College, taking culinary classes in addition to nutrition and business classes, and later graduated from ASU. Her dream was always to open a restaurant. Assisted by her three adult children, her brother and her sister, Gabriela’s vision is to help “mothers who work all day and don’t have time to prepare a home cooked meal and seniors who don’t want to cook but want to eat nutritiously.” We feasted on the braised ribs with beef so tender it fell off the bones and meatloaf that was meaty and flavorful. The ribs were served with a twicebaked potato and a fresh salad with mixed greens tossed with tangy cilantro vinaigrette dressing. Mixed vegetables, potatoes and gravy added color and taste to the rib plate. We enjoyed each bite and couldn’t get enough of the large, pillowy soft rolls that came with each meal. Gabriela had just finished baking fresh chocolate chip cookies and oatmeal raisin cookies ($2 for three) so we munched on those for dessert and took some home for snacks the next day. The cookies were crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, the perfect light dessert for a delicious meal. Gabriela works hard to prepare great food that is “inspired by the seasons and guided by flavor.” Gabriela’s Kitchen 891 N. Val Vista Dr. Gilbert 85234
The albondigas soup is chunky and spicy served with the pillowy rolls. GSN photos by Kathy Kerby
The shelves at Gabriela’s Kitchen are stocked with yummy baked goods.
Warm chocolate chip cookies served right out of the oven.
Gabriela’s Kitchen is the newest addition to Patterson Landing.