When LGO Hospitality took control of a strip mall at the corner of 40th & Campbell in Northeast Phoenix, the area was hurting. The residential neighborhood in the shadow of Camelback Mountain needed a jolt, and that initially came in the form of caffeine. In 2002, LGO installed an outdoor Java Garden. Convinced they could sell cappuccinos, they added a grocery, pizzeria and Italian bar called radioMILANO. The company gained momentum and was eventually able to attract artisanal tenants like Arlecchino Gelateria, Tammie Coe Cakes and Paper Joy. The corner was revitalized, and long lines formed. While we enjoyed each operation to varying degrees during our recent visit, the best meal came from LGO’s least popular concept: radioMILANO.
The space itself is less residential and more West Hollywood, a fashionable wood emporium with an exhibition kitchen, an inviting bar and plenty of high top tables. No surprise: radioMILANO played high-energy, modern music. That’s one thing that we noticed throughout the weekend: LGO restaurants feature great soundtracks that had me continually reaching to tag the tunes with Shazam.
The pasta came with a small but effective Caesar salad combining all the usual ingredients, plus celery, which added another level of crunch.
RadioMILANO’s only weakness: their cocktails, neither of which was very well balanced. Unfortunately, there was only one cocktail that didn’t involve vodka, which is behind the times. “Tinis” are out. Gin, Bourbon, whiskey and tequila are in. Gin Blossom ($8) utilized Hendrick’s Gin, St. Germain elderflower liqueur and Campari. The Ginger Press ($9) featured homemade ginger ale, Stoli handcrafted vodka and a lemon twist.
For dessert, we opted for a creamy cup of malted chocolate pudding from La Grande Orange Grocery topped with whipped cream.
The vibe was warm, the food was very good and the music was memorable.
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radioMILANO – Phoenix, AZ – March 28, 2009 < It’s all about the trends
May 20, 2009 at 10:48 AM
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