If you know Rod and Javier, you know they love to eat! They’re making the most of being downtown. That means using the business card to take clients out to lunch, as a business lunch, of course. These are a few of their favorite spots to eat in the Arts District (Charleston & Main St)
Makers and Finders
Finder’s Keepers- your new favorite lunch spot!
Makers and Finders’ is known as the Home of the Empanada. They have a fabulous empanada special every Wednesday. All their empanadas are only 2$ each! The variety of empanadas knows no end here, with both savory and even dessert options. If you truly can’t decide which flavors to try, then you’ve got to try the Empanada flight. The flight is made up of beef, chicken tinga, queso, garlic shrimp, and spicy mushroom, along with sauces (including their SPECTACULAR chimichurri sauce) They also offer a variety of delicious lattes and other caffeinated drinks. With M&F’s huge menu, you can choose between something healthy or incredibly indulgent. They also provide outlets for those who wish to work remotely. We give this place 5 out of 5 empanadas!
Must Haves: The Beef Empanada, The Power Lunch, Ceviche Nachos, Fresh Berry French Toast
Esther’s Kitchen
Good luck getting a table–it’s worth it!
Want excellent Italian for any meal? Make a reservation in advance for this wildly popular hotspot in the Art’s District. Even when you get a reservation, plan to arrive a bit early to try and find parking (pro tip: there’s usually parking across the street across from Artifice/The Garden). If you decide to go there on a lark without a reservation, I’d say it’s worth it to fight for a spot since their ever-revolving seasonal menu is why they’re consistently named one of the best restaurants in the Valley.
Must Haves: Cauliflower. Sourdough with the spreads, Garlic Tuna Salad, Any of their Mocktails
Cornish Pasty Co
Comfort food perfect for a pair!
Ever had a pasty? It’s basically a handpie filled with an abundance of choices for fillings–and at Cornish, the pasties are huge and perfect to split between two people. It’s dark, large, and moody like a spacious English pub and perfect for either a date or a group of friends (they have pool tables too). The service is always great, but before you start searching for a pasty to settle on, be sure of what’s available because some of the best ones sell out all the time!
Must Haves: Chicken Tikka Masala, The Oggie, Lamb Vindanoo
https://www.cornishpastyco.com
Good Pie
It’s true–the pie is good!
After having a Good Pie and their incredible grandma-style crust, you almost know what it’s like to have a warm nonna from sicily who wants to make sure you’ve had your fill. You can’t miss with any of their flavors, but you can always elevate your choice with some Hot Honey (it’ll even work great on the cheesecake). Either dining in or carrying a slice out, you can walk out of Good Pie knowing you’ve made a good choice.
Tacotarian
Your new undercover vegan recommendation.
Instagram worthy for their wide open spaces with perfectly diffused lighting, and palate worthy for their pitch-perfect flavors, Tacotarian will be that new lunch spot to take both your vegan and non-vegan friends alike. From their fun cocktails to horchata iced coffee (*chef’s kiss*), even their drinks don’t miss. You can’t go wrong with any of the “meat” choices, but the standout is the al pastor!
Must Haves: Taco platter (three taco chocies), Horchata Iced Coffee
Follow Blake Home Group on Facebook and Instagram for more of our favorite food spots around town.
@BlakeHomeGroup