Caffe Boa

Caffe Boa

By Cowgirl Conniseur

We all end up in Tempe for one reason or another with so many fabulous shows and festivals in the area. So while there, schedule time for a meal at Tempe's Caffe Boa on Mill and 4th Street. The sign is tucked back behind trees, so it might be tough to find, but park near 4th and walk the west side of the street. You will find the darling little patio with a European café air. Inside the décor is modern with clean lines and earthy colors. A mix of photos and art adorn the walls and dining areas are broken up into smaller more intimate areas by ancient red brick arches, ceiling to floor drapes a mix of dark and light wood. It’s all very clean, attractive and comfortable.

At first look, the menu is very different. There are so many unique combinations of flavors, next to a few old favorites. My advice is jump in and try something new. Everything my party has tried on several visits has been delicious. Rosemary-and-twine tied white linen napkins set a mood and all that follows reminds us this is more than just food, it’s a see-touch-smell and taste experience.

The “First Bites” or Appetizers we enjoyed included a wonderful “Caprese.”$6.95 Fresh beefsteak tomatoes topped with bufala mozzarella, basil and our reduced balsamic dressing. The balsamic was so great we had our server get the name for us and it is made by the Queen Creek Olive Mill in Queen Creek, Arizona. Online at http://www.queencreekolivemill.com/ they say they are Arizona’s first working olive farm and mill, pressing the finest extra virgin olive oil from nine different varieties of olives hand picked and blended to make one of the world’s finest extra virgin olive oils. They even offer tours to experience a true Tuscan tasting experience. Amazing how one great little first bite can lead to another great discovery! Caffe Boa is famous for their meatballs “Ragusa” $8.25 sliced and served with sautéed red onions, bell peppers, marinara and melted provolone. This could be almost a meal in itself if you are a light eater and love flavor over volume.

The menu boasts an extensive selection of “Insalata” blending ingredients in such a way as to make it more than just a salad. You can add Cajun or Garlic chicken, Italian sausage or shrimp to any of the salads for an additional $4 making another light eating option. My favorites are “So. Cal Love”, $9.95 a chicken breast, sliced almonds, avocado, alfalfa sprouts with oh so delicate butter-cup lettuce topped with a champagne/lemon Vinaigrette that compliments but does not overpower the ingredients. The “Istria Insalata” $9.95 with organic spring mix with fresh raspberries, candied walnuts, Belgium endive, chevre, and apple slices, tossed with a raspberry vinaigrette is very filling. I added the Cajun chicken for $4.00 extra.

As for the pasta dishes, “Voodoopenne”$14.95 is a great Cajun spiced chicken breast grilled to perfection and tossed with fresh tomatoes, tri-colored bell peppers, light cream, and penne and it was delicious with a delicate mild Italian sausage. But to die for was the “Ravioli Rakovi” $17.95 the most requested special, now on the menu. Jumbo square ravioli filled with fresh pulled crab, marscarpone, ricotta, and herbs, tossed in a light lemon cream with tarragon. Silly me I took a bite off my date’s plate and fell in love! Entrees we enjoyed included the “Filettomignon” $23.95 of 100% certified Mid-Western grown and fed, top quality, 6oz. fillet mignon, grilled to taste and served with Cabernet/Porcini Mushroom reduction and fresh seasonal vegetables. If you can eat all of this hooray for you because it is a lot of delicious rich meat! “Lucasmeatballs” $15.95 are their family perfection of a classic! Italian sausage, premium beef, veal, pork meatballs, made daily and simmered in fresh marinara and tossed with spaghetti.

Mine are all grown, but if you have little ones they also offer a “Luca's Special Kidz Menu” for the under 12-year-old crowd.

Caffe Boa has been voted Winner of the Phoenix New Times, and Get out Magazine 2006, Best Happy Hour, everyday at the Wine bar 4-7pm with 1/2 off ALL appetizers, 1/2 off ALL wines by the glass, 1/2 off Specialty martini/drink list, and $2 for our premium draft selection. Open 7 days a week Sun-Wed 11am-10pm and Thursday, Friday & Saturday: 11am-11pm (bar open later). 398 S. Mill Avenue in Old Town Tempe. (480) 968-9112. http://www.cafeboa.com/