New Phoenix restaurants: Windsor & Churn

I’ve been waiting a long time for Windsor – both literally and figuatively.

I’d heard word that the Postino people were opening a new restaurant across the street from the Central location.

I watched construction on aforementioned location for months, but I didn’t let myself believe it until I saw cars in the parking lot and signs saying it was officially open for business.

Last Monday, Craig Demarco’s new restaurant Windsor, named for the Windsor neighbor where it resides, and dessert destination, Churn, opened for business.

The atmosphere is cozy meets funky. The space is small; Leather booths line the wall, old-school brass fixtures are combined with cassette tape wallpaper.

The patio is open and airy (a model of how I’m hoping to remodel my own patio) with a cool wooden fence, lots of potted cacti & succulents, strings of over-head lights: basically the perfect easy breezy outdoor eating and space.

It’s great to see a good looking restaurant — but there have been a lot of those opening recently, with a lackluster menu.

Would this place be more of the same?

In a word, no.

Windsor’s menu is right up my alley: lots of sandwiches, simple appetizers (corn dog bites!) and some delicious drinks (and cocktails).

On our recent visit, my husband and I started with the corn dog poppers ($6), because who doesn’t love a good corn dog? They were as expected, bite-sized hog dogs in a sweet breading with a yellow mustard dipping sauce (see above). Mmmmm.

For lunch, I had the Halibut Banh Mi ($13) with was made with sanbal mayo, carrots, and cilantro.

My husband had the Porkwich ($12) and we marveled  at the three different types of pig — pulled pork, ham, and bacon — which were joined by slaw and sweet mustard.

Each sandwich has a choice from one of several sides: the more typical fries and chips, but also a bevy of beans, okra, or cheesy potatoes.

Even though our meal was totally filling, I had to check out the dessert spot next door, Churn.

Their offerings: several flavors of ice cream (I wish I did dairy so I could try the peanut butter flavor) and plates of cookies, cupcakes and sweets.

I did wish that the sweets were available on the Windsor menu. I’ll walk for a sweetie, but it would be easier just to put it all on one bill.

The Windsor & Churn
5223 N Central Ave
Phoenix, AZ 85012

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