FAVORITE SPOTS: POSTINO

Since I'm a little low on travel photos this week, let's stay closer to home and look at one of (if not the) favorite lunch spot when we're out and about.  It's Postino on Central.  Although Postino in Arcadia is equally delicious, as is the baby of the family, Postino in Gilbert.  Yes, we've been to all three (although Gilbert is a real hike) just to be sure they're as good as we think they are.

I'm huge on atmosphere, and I have no idea exactly what creates that magic but, in my world,  Postino has it in spades.  I particularly like the patio in Arcadia and the inside coziness on Central.  The only time I've been in Gilbert, it was packed to the rafters, so I definitely need a return visit to find my special place there.

Since we're part of the lunch/afternoon crowd, we're mightily impressed with the great selection of wine for $5.00 a pop, and all the time in the world to sip and relax with it and each other.  I hope Postino continues to realize what a valuable commodity that is.

In our world, we must start with bruschetta or the experience just isn't the same.  I believe Postino offers twelve choices and I don't think you'd go wrong with any of them.  I avoid the smoked salmon, but BC eats it first.  So, it's obviously all about personal choice.  For example, here are a couple of choices from a recent trip to the Central Avenue location with a friend.

 Followed within a week or two by these choices at the Arcadia location when our daughter and husband flew into town.

 And no, it won't be too much to add the Butcher's Block if there are three or four of you.  Actually, it comes out just right.

 
Don't worry.  Postino doesn't begin and end with gorgeous appetizers.  They also offer Soup of the Moment, Salads and Sandwiches, and any combination thereof.  Our servers have always been super accommodating with our requests to split or combine this with that...or that with that.  They're very kind.

Everyone I've taken to Postino has loved it, and commented that we've never been rushed, never felt that we've sat too long or laughed too much.  Even my conservative son-in-law, who travels the world for business and grades each country according to its availability of Coors Light, has learned that Postino will satisfy his need for the "closest taste" to the canned stuff and do it well.  That, and small pitchers for $5.00 won him over.

Perhaps, the only thing we notice about Postino (and it's not a bad thing) is that we are, hands down, always the oldest people in the building.  To their credit, no one has ever alluded to our age, called us "honey", or suggested we might be more comfortable if we chose a regular table rather than our favorite high-top.  We firmly believe that climbing up to a high-top keeps a person young. 

The sad thing about the age deal is that I know the sweet young customers sitting around us are thinking that they will never allow themselves to become this old.  And, for sure, never look this old as they become this old.  They will.  But, trust me, it helps if you just relax and enjoy it.