Tottie’s Asian Fusion 2 Experience

He Said

A Phoenician originally from Laos? This has to be good. I had been hearing that a new location from Chef Tottie Kaya was just opening and having a craving for Asian food we gave this a try. In the usual Phoenix strip mall, tucked away behind trees of bamboo lays a mix between what you would expect and a completely new Asian Fusion experience.

Walking in reminded me of every other Chinese restaurant mixed with a sort of kitschy feel. Lots of bamboo and trinkets reminded me of the restaurants in Chinatown in San Francisco. We were greeted and allowed to choose our own table which being the first ones in was a wide variety. I look forward to going back when it is cool enough to sit outside as they had a nice patio area seclude from the strip mall with lots of trees and bamboo.

They automatically bring out a nice small spring mix salad with a light and refreshing dressing. I enjoyed it as I was craving some veggies. Our starter was a traditional spring roll. Maybe it’s because they make me feel like I’m being healthy but I love spring rolls with lots of veggies all wrapped up in rice paper. Tottie’s did a great job and I was thinking I could make a meal out of these. The peanut sauce was perfect and reminded me of my time in Kuala Lumpur. Chicken Satay is on the menu and trust me, it is one my list for the next visit.

Our main dish was the Singapore Noodles. I’m not a fan of too much spice and I had heard the kitchen could be heavy on the spice but this was not spicy at all and in fact I could have gone with just a touch more. The curry was not too heavy and the shrimp was cooked perfectly. I did think the chicken was a touch dry but the sauce more than made up for it.

Finally we ended with was had been recommended by just about everyone. The bananas and coconut Milk ice cream. I am at a loss for words to describe this with the praise it deserves. The bananas were fried in what to me, tasted like a fry bread of sorts, covered in honey and peanuts. Then a big scoop of this amazing dairy free ice cream, made of coconut milk. I’m convinced that the next time someone wants to go out for dessert, I will force them to Tottie’s. Trust me it’s worth the calories.

She Said

We went to Tottie’s on a weekday for lunch. The daily specials were displayed on a board outside and caught my attention as we walked up. The dishes not only sounded tasty but the prices seemed very reasonable, I was excited about going in.  I loved the ambience, the restaurant was filled with lots of Asian plants and decor which gives it an exotic feeling. We were greeted instantly by a friendly host and he let us decide where to sit. We chose the open/airy bar.

The waiter immediately brought us traditional Asian small salads and we decied to start with the the spring rolls. The spring rolls were wrapped in soy paper and filled with fresh vegetables, shrimp and a hint of mint. They were simple & refreshing and extra tasty when dipped in the peanut sauce they came with. They weren’t too filling and left enough room for the main course of Singapore Noodles we ordered. The Singapore Noodles were very tasty! Not too oily and just the perfect amount of spice.

The highlight of the meal was desert. We shared the fried bananas with coconut milk ice cream….that’s right coconut milk so it is dairy free!  The bananas were perfectly crispy and warm while the ice cream was cool and refreshing, a perfect combination. I was pleasantly surprised when the bill came, it was so inexpensive for all the great food we had just consumed. Great ending to a great meal! I liked Tottie Alottie!