Temptations Cafe

[Wilbur]

My daughter and I stopped by the Temptations Cafe after an early morning of birding down in the Southeast Valley, prompted by the recent visit by Saturday Faturday. The Cafe is located just across McDowell from the old Motorola Government Business headquarters, now General Dynamics Mission systems, in a little strip mall on the north side of the road.

8322 E McDowell Rd
Scottsdale, AZ 85257

A table was opening up just as we came in, so we were able to sit and order immediately. The folks at the next table, visiting the Valley from out of town, were complaining about the other, more expensive breakfasts that they had eaten on prior mornings in Scottsdale, and comparing the offerings at the Cafe favorably in terms of both price and taste, and regretting the fact that they hadn't found it earlier.

Our Cinnamon Roll French Toast showed up promptly, and we devoured it before remembering to take any pictures. The cinnamon roll bread was so very light, and the cream contained no eggs, so it was gone in an instant. Also, the coffee was outstanding. Reggie, the owner and head chef, came over and briefly chatted with us and made sure we were doing OK. I enjoyed speaking with him and learning about some of the baking and cooking experience he has in Europe and Asia.

Still hungry, we ordered two of the three flavors of the Sylvanas, Cashew and Pistachio. These are superb, made with a creme de tarter meringue and served almost frozen. Delicately flavored and toothsome, they have more heft than a macaron, and I much prefer these. It was too hot to transport any home without a cooler and ice, which we sadly lacked.

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A couple came in after us and had the Scotch Eggs, and they looked and smelled terrific, so we will need to return shortly to give them a try, along with some Ube Brownies that were in the pastry case.

Video link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=txcei4JvCG0

[exit2lef]

When I added this to the map, I noticed the full name is listed as "Temptations Cafe by Pandesal Republik." That sounds vaguely Filipino, an impression reinforced by the ube brownies. The idea of diner food with a Filipino touch reminds me of Ludi's in Seattle. https://seattle.eater.com/2023/6/28/237 ... e-downtown

[Wilbur]

Reggie did mention that the Sylvana is originally from Manila, although the ones at the cafe here are made differently after his experiences in France.

[Wilbur]

I have been back three or four times, generally taking an early or late luncheon with colleagues, as we can talk at a normal volume inside the restaurant, and the food is an excellent mix of "regular" food Americans can eat with relish, and "exotic" stuff that pleases my tastes.

Should you have the time and opportunity, you should try the Scotch Eggs before they leave the "on special" menu. The Hollandaise sauce is terrific, and the breading / sausage / egg combination is very filling. Should you need to recover from a late night as they do on the British Isles, you cannot go wrong with this option. Please note that they serve that tomato fresh and sliced, not stewed and grim as they would in the UK.

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The Cinnamon Bun French Toast is also currently one of their specials, very light and satisfying with the Mascarpone cream.

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My better half also loves the Silvanas. This is the pistachio flavor, which is my favorite.

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And finally, it is difficult to find Ube brownies that are not chalky, but the Ube White Chocolate ones at Temptations are smooth and toothsome, rich and thick without any weird aftertaste or purple tongue from food coloring.

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