Dining on a Dime:

So, this time out we decided to try something a little healthier and chose Pita Jungle in Arcadia for their happy hour. This is a place we come to often with friends especially the vegetarian ones. It isn’t often that you find tasty cuisine that’s not only healthy but reasonably priced. Pita Jungle was defiantly a score!

While we don’t usually go for chains, Pita Jungle is local to Arizona with 10 stores around the state and has the feel of a great mom and pop restaurant. The comfortable, friendly atmosphere makes it a great place to go for a casual dinner or lunch. Art work from local artists is displayed in the dining room and is available for purchase which is helpful in supporting the local community.

The cuisine claims to be the “art of healthy eating” with a Middle Eastern and Mediterranean influence. Tapas (small plates) are a great way to go if you want to get bang for your buck. You can try a variety of specialties for a cheaper price, and if you’re culinarians like us, you’ll want to try everything!

At happy hour (weekdays 3-5pm) an array of tapas are offered ranging from $1-$3 each. A glass of Chardonnay or Cabernet is also offered for $3.  You don’t get to pick which brand, but for that price who cares! The happy hour menu is displayed as a label on the wine bottle which is a fun way of presenting it. We both started off with a nice glass of their Chardonnay (Julie can drink legally now! Woo hoo!).

We really wanted to try everything but stick within our budget to our budget. It allowed us to try about six different plates including a trio of hummus – garlic, roasted red pepper, and jalapeño – with pita, tomato with mozzarella, balsamic, and basil, seared scallops in curry sauce, steamed mussels, sautéed mushrooms (def suggest these), and grilled chicken with lemon and pine nuts.

In consideration of our combined sweet tooths (or is it sweet teeth?), we ordered a slice of apple caramel pie with berry coulis and strawberries for dessert which most defiantly hit the spot.

We ended up getting out of there pleasantly sated for just under $28 including tip. Another success in our book! 

 

Pita Jungle, Arcadia

4340 E. Indian School Rd. (Indian School & 44th st.)
Phoenix, AZ 85018
602-955-PITA (7482)

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