Fall is FINALLY here and the flavors of fall are just as beautiful as the colors! It's time for leather boots (yes, even in Phoenix), pumpkin lattes and savory spices. So, POSTINO recently invited us to come over and try THEIR version of what fall food means to them.

There's always an immediate and welcoming sense of community at Postino Kierland. Shoppers can sit at the outside bar and have a quick sip and a snack, while the date nighters and dinner groups can take an inviting seat inside or on the balcony.

The food is lighter Italian fare, Bruschetta. Soup and Salad. Charcuterie. Panini. GREAT wines. It's PERFECT for us, as we pretty much LIVED on salami, cheese, bread and wine when we visited Italy. We walked in and it was a mere second or two before we were greeted, sat and offered a glass of wine.

We started with the Butcher's Block, which was one of the BIGGEST and most delicious charcuterie boards I've seen. Artisan meats and cheeses, smoked almond hummus, asparagus, fresh olives, nuts, dried fruits and toasted crostini. I've paid a lot more for boards that contain a lot less and don't taste NEARLY as good as this. Every item was placed on this big board with respect and love for all the food we were about to eat. The wine went down smoothly and soon I was almost full from the board, but we were desperate to try some of the gorgeous bruschetta recipes that were being prepared.

I love Postino's Bruschetta menu, because you can choose four of any combination of their dozen or so items. From simple and easy like mozzarella, tomato and basil, to over the top like burrata, bacon, arugula and tomato, there's something for everyone. Some of the great fall theme items include Brie and Apples with Fig Spread, Prosciutto with Fig and Mascarpone, and Beets, Goat Cheese, Fresh Arugula and Spiced Pecans! We chose those and a couple of others including Salmon and Pesto, and Roasted Peppers with Goat Cheese.

They were ALL amazing, and I fell in LOVE with the Beet, Goat Cheese and Fresh Arugula, because of the beautiful sweet crunch that the spiced pecans gave it.

We can't wait to go back. The service, the ambiance and the food were amazing. Postino cares about its community and its food. Next time we might even bring the kiddo...but we'll probably have to order him his own Butcher Block!