RUBEE TUESDAY: Elliott Steakhouse, Anhelo, Fat Ox, La Famiglia, Pa’La, Atlas Wines, Cala, Sel
A weekly feature, I publish Rubee Tuesday as a photo recap of my recent drinking and dining adventures. You can read past Rubee Tuesdays HERE.
Foie gras torchon topped with papaya and pomegranate arils at Anhelo in downtown Phoenix
Michael Regan, Director of Operations of Elliott’s Steakhouse, The Hidden House, and Brickyard Downtown in Chandler
Thursday, August 31: Elliott’s Steakhouse (downtown Chandler). This swanky steakhouse set in a 1912 theater is the newest addition to the team who introduced The Brickyard Downtown and The Hidden House to Chandler. It’s all the buzz and I can see why - we had a fabulous first-time experience with Meridith May and her husband Bill Brandel, owners and publishers of SOMM Journal and Tasting Panel magazines. Look for my interview with Director of Operations Michael Regan in the February issue of SOMM Journal.
Friday, September 1: Anhelo (downtown Phoenix). As you can see from past recaps, Anhelo is a personal favorite. This time we joined WorldClass owner John Bergman and his team for another fantastic evening.
Lobster and tomato risotto at Anhelo in downtown Phoenix
Wednesday, September 6: Fat Ox (Scottsdale). We were overdue for a visit to this modern Italian steakhouse, and an interview with Beverage Director Christiaan Röllich was a perfect excuse. Look for my feature in the January issue of Tasting Panel magazine.
Friday, September 8: Famiglia (Scottsdale). When I saw Famiglia’s Arizona Restaurant Week menu on our last visit, I had to book a reservation.
My delicious feast included the Vesper Martini and wine pairings with Bangs Island mussels, slow-roasted porchetta, and pumpkin cannolo, while my husband opted for the prosciutto and melon appetizer with cacio pepe off the regular menu.
Saturday, September 9: Pa’La Downtown (downtown Phoenix). Our second stop for Arizona Restaurant Week was another favorite.
My husband ordered off the regular menu (hummus and WorldClass presa, a special cut of Iberico pork), while I chose the warm cabbage Caesar salad and the WorldClass Iberico ribs above with Japanese sweet potatoes (along with GM Gilles’ wine pairings). We were also spoiled with a dessert sampler. Thank you Pa’La!
Wood-grilled Worldclass Iberico presa with I'itoi onion salsa verde at Pa’La Downtown Phoenix
Tuesday, September 12: Atlas Wines (Scottsdale). We spent the afternoon hitting a few spots in Old Town Scottsdale. First up: A wine tasting featuring The Hilt Estate, Jonata, and The Paring.
Rounding out the day, assignments for Experience Scottsdale brought me next to Cala at The Senna House hotel and Sel.
Roasted Cauliflower with za’atar, romesco, lemon aioli, and feta at Cala in The Senna House Hotel in Scottsdale
Beet gazpacho with peach sorbet, tomato salad, Crow’s Dairy goat cheese and Kalamata olives at Sel in Old Town Scottsdale
Check back on next week’s Rubee Tuesday for visits to Canal Club, Sedona, Virtu, The Market by Jennifer’s, Persian Room, Rose Garden, Franco’s Italian Caffe, Over Easy, and Christopher’s at the Wrigley.