One of the greatest things about living in the Arcadia neighborhood is the proximity to fabulous shopping, nightlife and dining. Today we’ll review several nearby restaurants that have opened in the last few months, celebrated anniversaries, or bring a new flare to the Arcadia area. We’re hearing such great things about them you will want to venture out as soon as you can to experience these delectable delights.
Buck & Rider
A Seafood Eatery and Oyster Bar
4225 E. Camelback Road
Phoenix, AZ 85018
602-346-0110
Inside Buck & Rider
Buck & Rider celebrated their first anniversary on October 20. It’s no wonder that Buck & Rider is enjoying amazing success. Guests get to experience wonderful views of Camelback Mountain from the patio while getting the tastes of some of the freshest seafood that Phoenix has to offer. Chefs say they tailor and curate their menu selections according to the seasons in order to capitalize on the best the market has to offer, allowing them to pass the quality on to the consumer.
You can also enjoy a great happy hour cocktail and their prices won’t break the bank.
Wally’s American Gastropub
7704 E. Doubletree Ranch Road
Scottsdale, AZ 85258
480-596-7978
http://www.wallysgastropub.com/
This family-owned restaurant named after Chef Christopher Collins’ father, Wally, has gone all out on the recent changes made to the establishment. Changing the name from Wally’s American Pub ‘n Grille to Wally’s American Gastropub is just one of the more minor changes.
The restaurant introduced a new menu, too but not to worry, the longtime favorites like the S’Macs (skillet mac and cheese), Classic Meatloaf, and the Root’s Baby Back Ribs will be sticking around. Some of the new additions include homemade pasta noodles, homemade pickles, homemade buffalo sauce, shareable starters, and evening entrées, which will be available after 5 p.m.
The restaurant will also offer an expand selection of craft beer, wine, and cocktails.
Homemade pasta now available
And with the holidays just around the corner, Wally’s American Gastropub is offering their Coconut Cream Pies for order. By the way, their Coconut Cream was voted Phoenix New Times people’s choice winner in 2014; rich custard, graham cracker crust, whipped cream – what’s not to love?
Call or come into your favorite Common Ground restaurant and place your holiday pie order!
Wally’s American Gastropub: Coconut Cream
Grassroots: Key Lime – Pumpkin – Apple
Twisted Grove: Butterscotch Pecan
$20 PER PIE
ORDER DATES: NOVEMBER 1ST – 21ST
PICK UP DATES: NOVEMBER 22ND – 23RD
The Hash Kitchen
14832 North Frank Lloyd Wright Boulevard
Scottsdale, AZ 85260
480-947-3214
After success with its first location, co-owner and Executive Chef Joey Maggiore and wife Cristina Maggiore opened their second location of The Hash Kitchen, Creative Breakfast & Bar. The two wanted to create a concept where customers could dine and experience re-imagined breakfast dishes in a casual yet lively atmosphere.
To say the concept is a success is an understatement. They have created a unique space where diners are enjoying the space, the food, and the drinks.
The space is 4,800 sq ft with a seating capacity of 140 guests, including a spacious lounge and an indoor-and-outdoor bar area with an open-air dining option. The design is contemporary, perfect for the surrounding area, with white marble and polished wood – a DJ even spins in the corner on the weekends!
Yes, really. Cereal popsicles.
The food speaks for itself. I’ll say one thing; breakfast lasagna made with layered pasta, Italian sausage ragu, bacon, potatoes, ricotta, mozzarella, fried eggs, and béchamel. Okay, two things: Peanut Butter Captain Crunch Breakfast Popsicles, just enough to make your mouth water.
As for the drinks, the centerpiece of the restaurant is the dark-wood bar made of a re-purposed old Cuttlefish oyster bar that has been morphed into a build-your-own Bloody Mary bar. Not just an ordinary tomato juice and vodka Bloody Mary, but an offering of over 50 unique and over-the-top garnishes that diners can choose from, including mozzarella sticks, corn dogs, pickled hard boiled eggs, and pepperoni sticks along with five different infused vodkas: bacon, cucumber, cilantro-lime, jalapeño, and smoked salmon for an interactive morning cocktail experience.
Arcadia residents, hold onto your hats because Maggiore Culinary Concepts has plans to continue the expansion of The Hash Kitchen in the Arcadia neighborhood in January.
Sonata’s Restaurant
Modern European Cuisine
10050 N. Scottsdale Road, Suite 127
Scottsdale, Arizona 85253
480-477-1390
Stylish European dining
This newly opened restaurant in Scottsdale will treat your taste buds to authentic inspired dishes from Lithuania, Germany, Poland, Hungary, Ukraine, Russia, Spain, France, Ireland, and many other European countries.
Many of the dishes are from the owners, Sonata Molocajeviene Tuft’s own recipes. Along with the original recipes and husband-and-wife restaurateurs, the two brought in Executive Chef Josh Bracher to lead the kitchen staff. Bracher, whose name you may remember from when he opened Second Story Liquor Bar in Old Town Scottsdale as executive chef, has also spent time at Posh restaurant and Tanzy.
In addition to lunch and dinner, Sonata’s will serve weekend brunch, which will include a European Bloody Mary and mimosa bar and specials like Hangover Soup. The restaurant will also offer the Restart Juice bar, where on-the-go diners can order freshly squeezed organic juices, smoothies, and Italian coffee, plus healthy “grab and go” items including salads, sandwiches, and a variety of European pastries, muffins, and cookies.
Hand Cut
7135 E. Camelback Road, Suite 154
Scottsdale, AZ 85251
480-494-2008
Hand Cut Burgers & Chophouse is located at the Scottsdale Waterfront near Camelback and Scottsdale roads, across from Scottsdale Fashion Square. It is the latest restaurant concept from Riot Hospital Group, the great minds behind Farm & Craft, El Hefe, and Dierks Bentley’s Whiskey Row.
The restaurant serves burgers in a fast-casual atmosphere during the day and becomes a full chophouse at night serving steaks, pork chops, and other meats.
A true chop-house atmosphere
All of its meat comes from an Arizona farm and is “raised responsibly,” “non-processed, non-hormone, clean red meat that tastes amazing,” said Ryan Hibbert, CEO of Riot Hospitality Group.
Diners have the opportunity to view the butcher and chefs prepare the food, making for an amazing interactive dining experience.
Hand Cut continues in the Riot Hospitality tradition offering a craft beer program, mixology cocktails, and a prominent selection of fine wines.
Sel
7044 E. Main Street
Scottsdale, AZ 85251
480-949-6296
Elegant atmosphere at Sel
Sel – a French term that translates to salt, symbolizes this restaurant’s philosophy. Located in Old Town Scottsdale, Sel has brought fine dining back to the Phoenix area. With its white tablecloths, sizable wine list, and attentive service, Sel brings the salt of the Earth in French cuisine to the Valley.
Sel is proof that fine dining doesn’t have to be stuffy, and has the feel of a neighborhood bistro with an intimate dining room that seats around 50. It’s a friendly spot where you can still spend $125 on one ounce of exquisite Israeli Osetra Caviar.
Something that I recognize and immensely appreciate is that owner and chef Branden Levine (previously the executive chef at Scottsdale’s Café Monarch) will probably come around to your table at some point in the evening to thank you for stopping by. A classy move by a classy chef and restaurant.
Stunning and delicious works of art
We recommend ordering the prix fixe four course dinner (Prix Fixe 4 Course Dinner $70 per person, Prix Fixe Vegetarian Dinner $60 per person, Wine Pairing $50). Diners agree that there is no better way to get a taste of the restaurant, than by having a bite of almost everything. Please do keep in mind that the menu does change on a regular basis – much like Thomas Keller’s famous French Laundry, but right here in Scottsdale instead of the heart of Napa Valley.
Char Kitchen + Bar
6107 N. Scottsdale Road
Scottsdale, AZ 85250
480-664-9238
Father and son duo, Peter and Pal Micakaj’s have taken over the space that formerly housed Bink’s Scottsdale. They will not be making many cosmetic changes, but rather focusing their changes on the menu.
The Micakaj’s have an Albanian heritage and the menu will pay homage to their Eastern Europe and the Mediterranean roots.
This duo are no strangers to the restaurant industry. Peter Micakaj has owned restaurants in Michigan for decades, daughter Pauline Martinez co-owns Perk Eatery in Scottsdale with her husband, Carmen, and Pal Micakaj has worked in restaurants, alongside his father for many years.
Why not try one of these local hot spots tonight? See for yourself just how lucky we are to live in a scenic neighborhood full of culinary delights!