Welcome back, SPMers, for another semester of eating out and trying new things. There are a couple of new things going down with Brite's Bites this semester.
First of all, we've added a new rating system to bring coherency to overall food taste, service, atmosphere and satisfaction. Look for those at the bottom of each review.
Next, I'll be spending more time venturing out of Tempe. I'll be heading downtown, up north and even way out west to discover the best (and worst) of the entire Valley.
That's why I began this semester of Brite's Bites right in the heart of downtown Phoenix, at Carly's Bistro (128 E. Roosevelt St.).
Carly's sits in what looks like a worn building on a dangerous street downtown. But it's really right at the epicenter of the Phoenix art district (the place is packed on First Fridays), and it shows: The décor is hip, with orange and blue paint-strewn walls and artwork pressed under the glass-top tables.
Even the food and drinks make you feel cool. With an extensive list of wines and obscure beers, you can sound pretentious without even knowing what you're ordering. And the names of Carly's wraps and sandwiches (from the Pain Bagne to the Europa) and appetizers like a Brie wedge with toasted bread and hummus dip, make you feel like a full-blown hipster.
I went to Carly's one Thursday evening with three friends. The mood was relaxed as we drank some wine, ate an over-priced Brie wedge ($6.50 for what would cost $2 in the grocery store) and listened to the live blues music.
I ordered the vegan wrap, and it was an amazing blend of hummus, olive spread, greens, cucumbers, feta cheese and tomatoes inside a perfectly toasted wrap. Two of my friends ordered sandwiches, which they both thought were fantastic. One person ordered the Greek salad, which she described as good, but just a salad.
Overall, Carly's food was excellent and perfectly fit the atmosphere inside and outside the building. The food is reasonably priced (between $6 and $8), but the beer and wine get a little pricey (some more than $10). But I guess that's what it costs to look, and eat, so cool.
