Meet Phil Madison | YourPhixInPhx on Instagram #WhereToNext

Food is art and in the industry, everyday restaurants are providing masterpieces. The biggest challenge is really giving the food and beverages the credit they deserve through the picture that I am taking. I pride myself on presenting these dishes not through a filter but through the natural lens of the camera. No editing, no apps no filters, just that natural shot. If I have to change the picture with the wonders of technology that cameras now provide, I did not do my job. That is how I got to where I am now, one picture at a time, and the lessons never stop. Every new restaurant, new table, and new menu provides a lesson on how to bring the picture to life more than the last time. That’s what I love about this. Every day presents something new. If the world could read my story, I would want them to read about how much love and hospitality is (put forth?) in these locally owned restaurants. They are a part of the neighborhood, the community. The bartender will be the difference between regularly visiting or just coming in once n a while. The restaurants bring a unique energy and light to a neighborhood that cannot be created by anything else. My story is their story and my page is meant to be the doorway for the entire world to come in and look inside.

Bring your appetite! Uptown Phoenix has become somewhat of a hot spot for locally owned restaurants. The choices are endless and what makes it even (better?), the majority of them are incredible no matter what time of the day it is. Brunch, Lunch, Dinner or Happy Hour (sometimes you capitalize lunch/dinner/happy hour, sometimes not – they do not need to be capitalized or they can be, but I would keep it the same throughout), the biggest question is, “Where to next?” If you have ever visited my food page on Instagram you will notice that I end every post with the same question, #WhereToNext. It’s very catchy, and it’s also very true. The question comes up often when I am just not ready to go home yet. Let’s start the vacation with one of my favorite foods, sushi! For a truly authentic Japanese experience I would definitely take you to Hana Japanese Eatery. Even though it is BYOA (Bring your own alcohol), the menu makes it well worth it. If fresh fish is not your thing, their grilled and fried options will not let you down. Another sushi restaurant that has a more modern, upbeat vibe that I love to visit is Sushi Vibe at Uptown Plaza. Try the Yellowtail Ponzu! Do you enjoy New Mexican cuisines? Richardson’s and Dick’s Hideaway are great choices. Dick’s opens at 7 a.m. if you are one of those early birds. Forgive me for being all over the map, but in Uptown, you have different parts of the world all located in this one small part of town. For Mexican food, especially on Taco Tuesday’s, Revolu Modern Taqueria & Bar has some of the best tacos in Phoenix, and was recently recognized by Phoenix Magazine. La Pinata, Rito’s & Otro Cafe are also some of my personal favorites. Are you a Food Network fan? If you are, then you are no stranger to Chef Scott Conant. Taste his award winning food at Mora Italian. You will see why he has such a huge love for Italian flavors. While I am on the subject of Italian flavors, Federal Pizza and Parlor Pizzeria will never do you wrong. Veggie, meat lover, build your own pizza…both spots are super chill and friendly, perfect for any occasion. It’s probably time for a break from food and to get ready for a drink or two. Now just fyi, everywhere I have mentioned so far are always great destinations for happy hour. Like I said in the beginning, so many places are great to visit regardless of the time of day. The first Happy Hour bar is going to be your good ol hole in the wall dive bar…. Dodey’s on 7th Street. Don’t be scared of the label, the bartenders are some of the friendliest people you will ever have the pleasure to meet on your trip. A special shout out to the bartender, Lauren, who goes by Lo – probably the most aware and attentive bartenders I have ever met. You will never find yourself waiting for another round. She knows your name after the 1st visit and will likely have your drink ready for you as you walk up to the bar every visit after. While enjoying some adult beverages there are a couple of pool tables and dart boards to have fun on and maybe even place a friendly wager to make the game interesting. I really do appreciate different vibes and atmospheres, and for a different type of happy hour scene I would definitely go with the Vig Uptown. They have a delish happy hour menu, great happy hour prices and incredible bartenders who know how to make just about every cocktail you might be craving. Currently behind the bar are Tara and Tim. Both have the biggest smiles when you come in, and you can tell they love what they do. I know it’s a long itinerary, but you did say a week. For dinner I am going to tie everything into one. Great music, chill, and relaxing but still upbeat. A menu that has a little bit of everything – good beer, a variety of wine and a bartender who can serve any cocktail just right. Cock N’ Tails Restaurant & Lounge is fairly new to Uptown Phoenix but has definitely made its mark. They are best known for bringing that Hollywood Sunset Blvd rock and roll vibe to Uptown. You can definitely stay after dinner and enjoy those late night cocktails, but I have one more choice just in case you want to get a feel for that night out in Uptown stay. A tribute to the historic Phoenix 60’s lounge Chez Nous, The Womack serves some of the best classic cocktails in Phoenix and showcases some of the most talented local artists in the valley. There’s no reason why you cannot have a little bit of history to go along with your evening out, and I have a special place in my heart for vintage cocktails. The Old Fashioned and Manhattan are a common favorite along with the Dirty Martini. Don’t forget to try the French 75, it’s a oldie but not as much of a common goodie. Regardless of what may be your beverage of choice, the Womack and your favorite nightcap is a perfect ending to a week long trip to Uptown Phoenix. You might need to plan another vacation back in the near future. There are so many places that I would have loved to share but just not enough time to do so.