Let's Eat: Culinary Solutions Cafe lets patrons BYOB

Culinary Solutions Cafe would like to be ahead of the curve when it comes to finding an affordable way for its guests to enjoy a glass of wine with dinner: Let them bring their own.

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The restaurant, located at 6340 S. Rural Road, is the first in Tempe and one of only 26 in Maricopa County to apply for a liquor exemption license.

"We're hoping that will translate to people thinking they can still afford to eat out," owner and Ahwatukee Foothills resident Karen Vojtek said. "We hope that people will appreciate that opportunity."

She said the money saved by bringing in store-bought wine rather than paying $50 or so for a bottle at a restaurant can cover the cost of the meal at Culinary Solutions Cafe.

Vojtek opened Culinary Solutions Cafe with her husband, Mark, five years ago. Mark Vojtek has been an executive chef for 20 years, after graduating from Johnson & Wales University with classmate Emeril Lagasse.

Mark makes his sauces from scratch, including his Hollandaise sauce, making his eggs Benedict one of the most popular items on the menu. Other specialties include the banana pecan pancakes and raspberry French toast, as well as soups, salads and hot and cold sandwiches.

"Our customers can get real good quality food, still get good portions and not pay through the nose, which is really important right now," Karen Vojtek said.

Culinary Solutions Cafe is open five days a week, from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m., closed Mondays and Tuesdays. Dinner hours are Fridays from 4:30 to 8:30 p.m. The restaurant also offers free delivery on orders of more than $25, catering for special events and even rents out their restaurant space for private parties.

The Vojteks encourage their Ahwatukee Foothills neighbors and community members to venture across Interstate 10 to check them out.

"It only takes 10 or 15 minutes to get here from Ahwatukee," Karen Vojtek said, adding that she just wants to let her neighbors know the BYOB option is available.

"I think we're destined for greatness."

For more information, call (480) 839-6423 or visit www.culinary-solutions.com.