I’m very excited that Fall Arizona Restaurant week starts THIS Friday! If you are unfamiliar with this bi-annual food-lovers 11 day feast, familiarize yourself now! Arizona is quickly becoming home to some of the country’s BEST and top-rated dining destinations.
“This statewide affair offers foodies a wealth of dining opportunities and the chance to get outside their own neighborhood and try something new. From sizzling Southwestern and soothing comfort foods to five-star dining and international fare – it’s all on the table during Arizona Restaurant Week. So prepare your taste buds and dig in.”
You can read about my Top 10 Picks from Spring here and last years Fall edition here.
Barrio Queen Gilbert: One of downtown Gilbert’s newest restaurants is offering up a delicious menu for Fall Restaurant Week! Why I love it: It’s close, convenient and yummy!
Price: $33 Per Person
Hip Mexican street-influenced eatery turning out tacos & cocktails amid Day of the Dead decor.
First Course
Barrio Guacamole
The Queen’s signature guacamole
Ceviche de Camaron
Pacific wild shrimp cooked in spicy shrimp broth mixed with pico de gallo, cucumbers, lime juice topped with avocado serviced with corn totopos
Second Course
Chiles en Nogada
Chicken breast, dried apricots, walnuts, almonds, golden raisins, onion, garlic, and red wine in a roasted poblano pepper, serviced in almond cream sauce with pomegranate, queso fresco and cilantro garnish. Served with chipotle mashed potatoes and calabacitas.
Conchinita Pibil
The Queen’s acclaimed pork is marinated in sour orange and achiote paste wrapped in a banana leaf and slow-cooked all night long! Topped with pickled sour orange onions and pico de gallo, served with fresh hand made tortillas, arroz verde and black beans.
Chile Relleno de Vegetables
Roasted poblano pepper filled with mushrooms, spinach, zucchini, red peppers, tomatoes, onions, cilantro, Oaxaca and cotija cheese topped with zesty tomato white wine butter sauce.
Carne Asada Enchiladas
Thinly sliced beef, marinated in fresh orange and garlic then grilled, quesillo cheese, topped with crema fresca, cotija cheese, green and red sauce
Suizas Enchiladas
Pulled chicken and quesillo cheese, topped with diced onion, cilantro, crema fresca, spicy serrano tomatillo sauce and chorizo
Third Course
Choco Flan
Half dense custard, half chocolate cake, topped with Mexican chocolate sauce, Kahlua sauce and pecans
Churro
Two churros dusted in cinnamon sugar topped with cajeta caramel, pecans, and served with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream
Beverage included
Choice of any one drink:
Casa Margarita, glass of red or white sangria, any draft 20 oz beer, cresh made Agua Fresca, or fountain soda or tea
Culinary Dropout-Tempe: I love the atmosphere of the Culinary Dropout in Downtown Tempe. It’s a great date night spot or you can take the whole family and play any of their “yard” games! FYI the ASU vs USC game is on 9/26 so you could have dinner before the big game!
Price: $44 Per Couple
Leave your report cards and school books at home. From the chefs on the line with silver-studded ears and mohawk hairdo, to the inked-up, decked-out bar staff mixologists shaking and stirring some of the most creative cocktails, we’re all dropouts here. Culinary Dropout serves the very best in unique gastro-pub fare that quietly seeks out future musical venue superstars who wouldn’t mind being paid at the bar in whiskey and pretzel bites. We’re not easily definable and even harder to forget. And we did that on purpose so you could come and hang out. Spend time in our pub enjoying live music over brunch or happy hour. So seriously, come and hang out this weekend.
First Course
SOFT PRETZELS & PROVOLONE FONDUE
SMOKED SALMON BRUSCHETTA*
CHEAP HOUSE SALAD
ANTIPASTI PLATE
Second Course
(choice of)
MA… THE MEATLOAF!?!
green bean, mashed potato, gravy
FRIED CHICKEN
buttermilk biscuit, honey drizzle
(be patient – it’s worth it!)
36-HOUR PORK RIBS
jalapeño, molasses, fries
ROASTED SALMON*
creamy barley, poached artichoke, grilled asparagus, mushroom, lemon chili vinaigrette
Third Course
(choice of)
BOURBON BLACK BOTTOM PIE
chocolate ganache, graham cracker
SALTED CARAMEL CUSTARD
caramel corn
Eddie’s House:
Price: $33 Per Person
I recently went to Eddie’s House for a birthday dinner and it was delicious! Their AZRW menu had me at pumpkin cheesecake!
During ARW, Eddie’s House will be giving a $20 Gift Card for a future visit to anyone that orders off the ARW menu below.
Note: Eddie’s will be open both Sundays during ARW.
It’s comfortable, but boasts a menu that expands your boundaries. It’s eccentric, but offers the famous fares that made Eddie Matney Arizona’s celebrity chef. It is the hot new restaurant, perfectly positioned in the middle of the high-style Old Town dining district. It is evolved, but fresh and innovative. It is simple, but complex, savory and delightful. It is a place to bring her for your first date, or show off your first baby, or celebrate your silver anniversary.
First Course
Pasole Matzah ball soup, pulled chicken, radish garnish (vegetarian option)
OR
Seared diver scallop, EH chopped salad, Calamansi vinaigrette
OR
Tamari tenderloin steak tartar, ginger, cukes, toasted sesame oil
Second Course
Dinner at Eddie’s Mom’s, lamb, fetoosh, hummous, grilled pita
OR
Shrimp brown butter n sage, garlic confit egg, angel hair
OR
Zetah seared chicken thighs, cauliflower mashed, fire crispy garbanzos
Third Course
Pumpkin Cheesecake, ginger snap crust, pepita brittle
OR
Warm Boston “LAVA” banana chocolate cream pie
Olive and Ivy:
I’m sure by now you’ve been to this fabulous restaurant that is part of the Fox Concepts family of restaurants. It’s one of my favorites and has one of the best patios around town!
Price: $33 Per Person
Excludes Beverage, Tax & Gratuity
Scottsdale Waterfront
7135 E. Camelback Rd. #195 Scottsdale AZ 85251
Dining under the shady trees on Olive and Ivy’s massive patio feels more like Southern France than southern Scottsdale. If you are looking for pomp and circumstance of quiet elegance, try the signature private-dining venue, the Stamp Room. If it’s night-life, we have you covered twice with the outdoor lounge and bar. You’ll enter your own little Mediterranean world the first moment you set foot in Olive & Ivy.
First Course
MARKET SOUP
BACON WRAPPED DATES italian sausage & piquillo pepper gf
RAVENSWOOD “VINTNER’S” PETITE SIRAH $8
HUMMUS grilled pita, tomato & feta veg
COVEY RUN RIESLING $7
MEDITERRANEAN SALAD feta, almonds, tomato, couscous & oregano vinaigrette veg
STELLINA DI NOTTE PINOT GRIGIO $8
Second Course
CHOOSE ONE
MARGHERITA FLATBREAD crushed tomato, fresh mozzarella & basil veg
LA BRACCESCA “SABAZIO” ROSSO DI MONTEPULCIANO $10
ATLANTIC SALMON beets, fingerling potato & horseradish vinaigrette* gf
TRUE MYTH CHARDONNAY $9
LASAGNA BOLOGNESE spinach, ricotta & garlic bread
SAN QUIRICO CHIANTI DOCG $11
CHICKEN SCALLOPINI prosciutto, mozzarella, spinach & madeira crimini mushrooms
MELVILLE “FOX BLOCK NINE” PINOT NOIR $15
BACON WRAPPED PORK TENDERLOIN local chard, caramelized salsify & huckleberry jus* gf
TERRAZAS “RESERVA” MALBEC $12
SEA SCALLOPS creamed corn, asparagus, bacon gastrique* gf
DAVID GIRARD VIOGNIER/ROUSANNE $10
SWEET POTATO CANNELLONI roasted mushrooms & toasted almonds veg
BODEGAS MAURODOS “PRIMA” TINTA DE TORO $13
Third Course
CHOOSE ONE
CHOCOLATE MOUSSE chocolate graham cake & chocolate crumb
GRAHAM’S 20 TAWNY PORT $14
PEANUT BUTTER PUDDING chocolate ganache & peanut butter cookie sticks
LAKE GUENOC CABERNET SAUVIGNON $8
WARM APPLE CRISP milk caramel & brown butter streusel
SAUVION CHENIN BLANC $7
The Clever Koi:
Just this past weekend I had my first visit to The Clever Koi for Summer Cocktail Camp! While I didn’t have of their food, I can say that drinks are
“The Bees Knees!”
Price: $33 Per Person
The sleek new midtown restaurant from former Parlor Pizzeria chefs Jared Porter and Joseph Absolor along with co-owners Joshua James and Nicholas Campisano (who also did time at the pizzeria), the Clever Koi is more or less a Chinese-American comfort food head trip. Porter and Absolor’s tight selection of reinvented street snacks, rice and noodle dishes, and steamed buns and dumplings are deliciously inauthentic, the two chefs both paying tribute to — and taking wild liberties with — each Asian dish.
First Course
Tuna Chips- Ahi Crudo / Wasabi Guacamole / Rice Paper / Aioli (GF optional)
Chinese Celery– Shropshire / Tempura 6 minute Egg / Salmon Roe (V optional)
Scallop Dumpling– Saffron / Preserved Leeks / Daikon Sprouts
Second Course
Korean N.Y. Strip- Gojuchang Marinade / Fingerling Potato Salad / Pickled Grapes / Roasted Corn / Sudachi Vinaigrette
Lemon Pepper Chicken Ramen– Crispy Thigh / Daikon / Szechuan Peppercorn / Pickled Leeks / Lemon Jam
Pad Thai– Rice Noodle / Shiitake / Bok Choy / Bamboo Shoots / Carrots / Cashews/ Tofu XO (V, GF)
Third Course
Noble Ice Cream (ask server for flavors)(GF)
Strawberry Shortcake– Cardamom Marinated Strawberry / Thai Basil / Vanilla Ice Cream / Black Sesame Biscuit
Banana Fritters– Five Spice Sugar / Miso Caramel
Additional Offering
3 courses + a Draft Beer or Glass of Wine – $33
El Chorro:
El Chorro made my list in the spring and I finally went! Again, they have a gorgeous patio and use a variety of local products in their menu! Plus, their homemade sticky buns are “the bomb.com”
Price: $44 Per Person
Conveniently nestled between Scottsdale and Phoenix, Paradise Valley’s historic El Chorro offers an authentic Arizona dining experience with stunning views of the Valley’s most prominent landmark, Camelback Mountain. Generations of Valley residents and visitors alike frequent El Chorro to savor seasonal cuisine featuring the highest quality in sustainable, locally grown, all natural ingredients, including herbs and produce from the El Chorro garden. Behind the bar, El Chorro’s gifted team of mixologists complement the restaurant’s menu with seasonally inspired, handcrafted cocktails and an expansive wine selection.
First Course
Soup of the Day
Wine Pairing Changes Daily*
OR
Organic Caesar – organic romaine, parmesan & crispy polenta croutons
Whispering Angel, Rosé *
OR
Tuscan Kale & Arugula Salad – shaved San Joaquin Gold cheese & lemon vinaigrette dressing
Bolla, Soave*
Second Course
Center Cut Filet 6oz. – parmesan scalloped potatoes & sautéed spinach
Slingshot, Cabernet Sauvignon*
OR
Line Caught Catch of the Day – fall corn succotash with Christmas lima beans, micro celery salad & Queen Creek extra virgin olive oil
Chateau De Sancerre, Sancerre*
OR
Rosemary & Sea Salt Crusted Niman Ranch Pork Ribeye – oven roasted root vegetables, fennel slaw & pomegranate glaze
Truchard, Pinot Noir*
Third Course
Fruit Pie of the Day – a la mode
Wine Pairing Changes Daily*
OR
Banana Crème Pie – caramel sauce
Liquor Cuarenta Y Tres*
OR
Chocolate Crème Pie – milk chocolate ganache
Grahams 6 Grapes*
Additional Offering
*Optional wine pairings available for an additional $30 per person, or $10 per glass.
SumoMaya:
Fun, funky and modern the food at SumoMaya is a culinary adventure! In addition to their choices below be sure to check out the Korean Beef Tacos! One of my favorite “new” restaurants in the Valley!
Price: $33 Per Person
At SumoMaya Mexican-Asian Kitchen, craveable Tapas-style small plates meet the big, bold flavors of both Mexico and the Far East to create Scottsdale’s most exciting dining destination. Helmed by beverage guru Bill DeGroot, SumoMaya’s freestanding bar boasts an innovative cocktails menu, a tequila sommelier, as well as wine and beer on tap. SumoMaya’s minimalistic, super-modern space is enhanced with decorative touches that reflect the duality of both Mexican and Asian cultures.
First Course
Sumo “Chopped” Salad (gf)
OR
Ceviche Del Dia (gf)
OR
Scallop Tiradito (gf)
OR
Bacon Wrapped Dates
OR
Tuna Poke
Second Course
Tamarind Glazed Salmon (gf)
OR
Chimichurri Rubbed Hangar Steak
OR
Crispy Chicken Mole
OR
Sushi Combo
OR
4 pc Suzuki roll with 2 pc tuna 1 pc Thai snapper and 1 pc sake. (Gf)
Third Course
Tres leches cake
OR
Tamarind chocolate date cake
OR
Chocolate peanut butter crunch (gf)
There are over 100 AMAZING local restaurants to choose from! If you visit any of my top picks please let me know what you think!
Find a full list here!
Cheers!
The post Top 7 picks for Fall Arizona Restaurant Week:: September 18-27th appeared first on East Valley Moms Blog.