5th And Wine.
The people who run Humble Pie pizza took over Fine's Cellar. They removed the retail section and converted it to a pure restaurant. New furniture but otherwise the look is similar to before. I was there for lunch with people from work so didn't look at the actual wine list, but noticed that they had a fairly broad selection by the glass and that all glasses are $5 until 6 pm (otherwise ranging from $5-$11).
They serve mostly sandwiches, salads and bruschetta. I ordered a Prosciutto and Brie panini. It was ok - too much figs for my taste and I could barely taste the Brie. One of my co-workers ordered another panini and gave it "two thumbs up" and another co-worker ordered the burger and said it was good, but not extraordinary.
Touch Of Thai
This restaurant replaced Medizona (4th Ave, just east of Scottsdale Rd), which was only open for dinner and I never made it there. Anyway, this is apparently Touch of Thai's second location (the first one at 35th Ave and Bell). Pretty typical Thai fare. Lunch special for $8.95 includes soup, salad, main course, spring roll and a crab wonton.
I had the Pad Thai (my go-to dish when I try a new Thai place) and thought it was good, but not exceptional. The most impressive part of my meal may actually have been the wonton, which was filled with real crab meat. My co-workers were also happy with their food. I'll go back, but I'm a big fan of Malee's on Main St so Touch of Thai may lose out to them in the end.
Other places:
Here are a few other Old Town places that have opened within the last year or so. Daily Dose(on Scottsdale Rd, just south of Indian School, between Starbucks and Grimaldi's) has become one of my favorite brunch spots, but is also very good for lunch. Same owners as the now-defunct Fusion which was driven out of business when the W opened up. The gladiator burger is very good.
Chef James Porter, previously at Tapino, opened Petite Maison (on Shoeman Ln, just east of Scottsdale Rd, before Myst and all the night clubs). Advertised as French Country Bistro, but I think it's more fancy than that. Have only been here once so far, but enjoyed my meal. It's a tiny place with a patio in front, which would be very nice except that the location is less than inspiring: parking garage across the street and construction nearby.
The Mission (previously Union Bar & Grill, on Brown, across from the Farmer's Market, which has become quite a success on Saturday mornings) opened late last year by Chef Matt Carter (Zinc Bistro). A modern take on Latin American food; I've only made it once here too, but enjoyed both the food (fish tacos) and atmosphere.
Modern Burger is the takeout window for the new Modern Steak by Fox Restaurant Concepts in the remodeled wing of the Fashion Square Mall (near Barney's.) I haven't tried the real restaurant yet - pricy and has received mixed reviews - but have had the takeout sliders a few times now. The menu couldn't be simpler: they serve sliders (2), fries, one salad option, soda and ice cream sandwiches. The sliders are quite good - well seasoned with fried onions and thousand island dressing. If you like your In-N-Out burgers animal style, you'll like these.
Fred's is the restaurant inside Barney's. I went there for lunch opening weekend in October(?). I sat at the bar and ordered a crab cake which was over-priced ($16) but very good. The clientele is what you'd expect: I sat next to two older women whose entire conversation consisted of what plastic surgery they were planning and helping each other decide between different procedure options.
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