Tinderbox Kitchen - Flagstaff, AZ
Wednesday, November 18, 2009 at 04:38PM I can’t remember the last time I was as excited about a new restaurant as Tinderbox Kitchen. Located in Flagstaff, it’s the kind of place I would absolutely love to have somewhere close to my house. We visited for lunch, and started with a luscious bowl of Butternut Squash Soup and a Trio of Cheeses complimented with a perfect chutney. Mains consisted of a Steak Sandwich with Blue Cheese, and a Meatloaf Sandwich. Best. Meatloaf. EVER! Crispy on the outside, very smooth consistency inside. Service was friendly and genuine.
But, from what I’m told, dinner is the real star at Tinderbox. With an emphasis on “American Comfort Food” done to a very high standard, I see many parallels with what’s also going on at Noca, another one of my favorites. It’s not “complicated food” but, rather, simple food prepared to a high standard using excellent ingredients. Although I haven’t yet been for dinner (will definitely visit soon, and it sounds like it’s worth the drive), I’d venture to say that Tinderbox Kitchen sets a very high standard not just for Flagstaff, which has far fewer “higher end” dining options, but for any major city.
The interior is chic yet comfortable, with blacked-out tin ceilings and simple photography on the walls. It was quiet at lunch, but I’m sure it’s got a great vibe at night, especially on a cold Flagstaff night.
The menu changes regularly, but I’ve published a recent menu below. Jalapeno Mac-n-Cheese with Duck Confit? Yes, please. House-made charcuterie? Yes, please. Winter Vegetable Pot Pie with White Truffle Oil? Bring it on, now.
Tinderbox has been open for six months now and, based on the reviews thus far, it has been a big success. Quite honestly, I’ve never found much reason to visit Flagstaff. The last time I was there we went skiing and my dad had to be taken by Ski Patrol down the mountain on a sled as a result of altitude sickness. The time before that was for band camp at NAU…an experience I’d rather forget. (My roommate routinely challenged me to a “dance off.” My wife can attest to the fact that dancing is not something I do.)
Thanks to Tinderbox Kitchen, I now have a reason to return to Flagstaff without the fear of a band camp dance-off.
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Tinderbox Kitchen
34 South San Francisco St.
Flagstaff, AZ 86001
Phone: 928.226.8400
twitter: tinderboxkitchn (there is no "e" in "kitchen")
Reader Comments (2)
Saw your link to this on Twitter & suggested Tinderbox to visiting family for dinner last week. Was bummed they chose Oreganos instead but at least I kept them out of a national chain. Not an easy task, considering they come from Texas where it's usually "...cloudy with 100% chance of chains." (Gwen Ashley Walters quote). I'll definitely be dining there next time I head North!
The Tinderbox Kitchen is off the hook tasty. I never knew "American Comfort Food" could be so tasty. The Heinonen boys have it going on. The menu changes all the time, but if you can make it in on a night when chef Scott is serving up his famous burger, you are in for a real treat. I consider myself a self proclaimed burger expert and this burger is the BEST burger I have ever had in my life. Everything from the choice of meat to the bun, the homemade potato salad and the toss green salad is truly a party in your mouth. Oh.. and don't forget the donuts! I am not much of a desert eater, but these donut holes are incredible. The best way to eat them is hot, but your to full to have some right after your dinner, order some to go... You will be happy you did... So your next trip up to Flagstaff, be sure to swing into the Tinderbox Kitchen for a dinner you will remember it for ever.. The T-box is located on South San Francisco (South of the tracks) in historic downtown Flagstaff... See you there...