Write On Rubee

An Arizona-based food, beverage and travel writer since 2008, I launched this website in 2015 to document my culinary adventures, beverage escapades, gardening endeavors, and travel in the Phoenix area and beyond. Also find a comprehensive calendar of Phoenix-area food and drink-related events on my Events page.

Filtering by Tag: Arboleda

RUBEE TUESDAY: Cucina Tagliani, Arboleda, EVO North Scottsdale, Citizen Public House, Donabe in W Scottsdale Hotel

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.

Monday, January 8: Cucina Tagliani (Glendale). I spent the afternoon shopping with mom and we wrapped up our day at this family favorite (its scratch Italian menu has made Cucina Tagliani an Arizona institution for over 30 years). I usually get clams or spaghetti squash lasagna with Cucina Tagliani’s Dynamante pepperoncini sauce (photo on the left), but this time, I went for the baked spaghetti squash with Alfredo.

Tuesday, January 9: Arboleda (Scottsdale Quarter). I have three more spots to cross off for a cocktail assignment, and I always love a good excuse to visit Arboleda. Though I only had time for a cocktail this time, we have dinner reservations with friends in two weeks.

AZ Sour with local Del Bac whiskey at Arboleda in Scottsdale Quarter

EVO (North Scottsdale). We’ve been to the original EVO in Old Town many times, but this was our first visit to the second location which opened in November.

Chapeltini with Chelly limoncello liqueur, Ming River baiju, Lemon Juice, and simple syrup at EVO North Scottsdale

Our quick meal (chicken piccata for me, chicken parm and Alfredo gnocchi for Ernesto) was so good, we made plans to return for a more leisurely dinner.

Wednesday, January 10: Citizen Public House (Old Town Scottsdale). This beloved restaurant known for its craft cocktails and sophisticated gastropub menu has been welcoming guests for over a decade. Our brief visit was a great reminder that we need to return more often - starting with dinner reservations next month.

Negroni and Bee’s Knees at Citizen Public House

Donabe (W Scottsdale). We were invited to check out Donabe when it first opened last year, but it took me until now to carve out some time. It was worth the wait! Donabe is a sophisticated Japanese steakhouse concept from Alliance Hospitality Group, who also own FLINT By Baltaire. We loved the cozy, sophisticated vibe, its tucked away location on the second floor WET Deck, the fantastic menu, and friendly service.

The Bar at Donabe restaurant in W Scottsdale hotel

Once you find your way there, these are some of the dishes you should order: Kampachi sashimi with crispy potato threads, sliced jalapenos, and lemon-koji dressing…

Kampachi at Donabe at W Scottsdale

… and Vietnamese Ribs with pickled banh mi vegetables; Lobster Roll with tobiko, Meyer lemon, and nasturtium leaves; specials like Ōra King salmon with truffles, ricotta, and capers (listen to Chef Gilberto Torres’ full description here); his namesake Handlebar Roll with lobster tempura. asparagus, A5 Wagyu, wasabi aioli, and caviar; Wagyu Hot Stone with shiso chimichurri and daikon-onion relish; and one of the best burgers in town with ground Wagyu, black truffle mayo, and aged white cheddar cheese on a Japanese milk bun (and we learned a great tip from our fab server - swap out the haystack potatoes for the togarashi fries).

I was just as impressed with the beverage program, overseen by manager Randy Kuang: A Fuji Spritz for me (lychee, strawberry, Aperol yuzu, soda, and prosecco), a Japanese Old-Fashioned for Ernesto (Toki Japanese whiskey, orgeat, and toasted almond bitters), and the phenomenal off-menu nori cocktail below as a finale. Click the photo to watch my video, including Randy pouring us a beautiful Hakkaisan snow aged Junmai Daiginjo sake.

Check back on next week’s Rubee Tuesday for Festivin at Wrigley Mansion, a sneak peek at Uchi Scottsdale opening February 1, and visits to Pyro, Pretty Penny, and Anhelo.

Last week’s photo recap featured visits to The Vig Park West, Christopher's at Wrigley Mansion, Pho Tan Thanh, and Casa Filipina.

RUBEE TUESDAY: Spanish wine dinner at Arboleda, Hermosa Inn, Urban Agave, D&Y Chinese, Stetson Social

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.

Wednesday, November 15: Arboleda (Scottsdale Quarter). Arboleda is one of our favorites, so when we were invited to attend their first wine dinner, there was no hesitation. The evening featured Emilio Moro winery from Ribera Del Duero in Spain with special guest Mario Moro.

Our main course was WorldClass Argentine ribeye with Calabrian chile butter, duck fat roasted potatoes and charred scallion - click the photo below to watch my video reel for a recap of our wonderful night.

Thursday, November 16: Hermosa Inn (Paradise Valley). We were invited to a party commemorating the 100th Anniversary of Lon Megarees' "The Last Drop from His Stetson" painting. The celebration included branded Stetson leather luggage tags, unveiling of the Inn’s gorgeous @pendletonwm blankets, a 56-year-old Last Drop whisky, and delicious bites from the new executive chef, Brian Peterson, whom I first met at the Arizona Biltmore,

Hermosa Inn executive chef Brian Peterson

Hermosa Inn executive chef Brian Peterson

Afterwards, we joined our friends Sean and Nicole Minor of Sean Minor Wines, who just happened to be in town and staying at the Hermosa Inn, for dinner at Lon’s.

Click on the photo below to see a video reel of the night’s festivities.

Friday, November 17: Urban Agave (Glendale). Another new spot comes to our neighborhood! We swung by the launch party for Urban Agave, owned by Sky Restaurant Concepts, owners of Squid Ink Sushi in Peoria and Highball Cocktail Bar in downtown Phoenix. We’ll be back to check it out for lunch or Happy Hour.

Afterwards, we hit our favorite West Valley Chinese restaurant, D&Y Chinese in Glendale, where I ordered favorites like qing chao dou miao, or stir-fried pea tendrils with garlic, and salt and pepper pork chop (and my husband’s usual order of Westlake soup, pork fried rice, and shrimp in lobster sauce).

Sunday, November 19: The Stetson Social (Peoria). We’d been looking forward to the opening of this new spot by our friend, restaurateur Mario Rana of Osteria Mia, and then it took us four months to finally carve out time for a visit. We love having a neighborhood wine bar serving global small plates so close to our house, and already have plans to return with mom and dad.

Highlights included muhammara (roasted red pepper and walnut dip), Spanish croquettes with jamón Serrano, and the double cheese burger.

Check back on next week’s Rubee Tuesday for an anniversary staycation at Andaz and visits to CRUjiente Tacos, Grey Hen at Century Grand, Avanti, Sunny’s Lounge/Say Less, Restaurant Progress, and Turquoise Wine Bar.

Last week’s recap featured visits to The Mexicano, the Arizona Biltmore, 36 Below, and Vecina.

RUBEE TUESDAY: Arboleda, Cafe Monarch, Ember at We-Ko-Pa Casino Resort, The Mission Kierland, and La Famiglia

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.

Cappelletti pasta at La Famiglia in Scottsdale

Monday, August 21: Arboleda (Scottsdale Quarter). Back to one of our favorites! This time, we stopped by for sherry and an array of tapas, including gambas píl píl, and of course, WorldClass

Tapas and sherry at Arboleda in Scottsdale Quarter

Wednesday, August 23: Cafe Monarch (Old Town Scottsdale). I had made special arrangements with Ben Wald, Executive Chef of both Cafe Monarch and Reserve, for a Scottsdale City Lifestyle Magazine assignment. Keep an eye out for the Food issue to see what he created!

Cafe Monarch dining room

That night, we had reservations at Ember at We-Ko-Pa Casino Resort (Fountain Hills). I was already a fan of sommelier Dennis Payne, Chef Richard Pelz, and the team when we recorded this Taste of AZ podcast, but during our chat, I learned about their sold-out wine dinners. Since then, we’ve tried to attend every one.

Executive Chef Richard Pelz and team at Ember at We-ko-pa

Ember recently received Wine Spectator Magazine’s Best of Award of Excellence for the third year in a row, so it’s no surprise that their wine dinners are outstanding. This time, they welcomed Frias Family Vineyard of Napa Valley and special guest Fernando Frias for an unforgettable evening celebrating these exceptional Napa wines.

You can also watch my video reel here.

Frias Family Vineyard wine dinner at Ember at We-ko-pa

Thursday, August 24: The Mission Kierland (North Scottsdale). Acclaimed mixologist Christian Röllich is another podcast guest we’ve had on A Taste of AZ, where he told us about his new position as Beverage Director for Matt Carter’s stable of restaurants.

Röllich’s first menu overhaul was for Fat Ox, and now he’s done the same at The Mission, where we had a chance to sample some of his stellar cocktails, including: A welcome mamajuana (rum infused with herbs, roots, and spices, red wine, and honey); Rio Naranja (tequila, coconut, ginger, lemongrass and yuzu), Diosa Verde (tequila, arugula and cucumber); Little Tree (vodka, passion fruit, sarsparilla and turmeric); Chicha Sour (Pisco and chicha morada, a Peruvian purple corn drink), Mission Martini (Panamanian rum, honey, cinnamon and espresso); and Archbishop (bourbon and mole orgeat).

Stay tuned for my Christiaan Röllich feature in the next issue of Tasting Panel magazine!

Christiaan Röllich’s cocktail book, Bar Chef

Since we were so close to Famiglia, we wrapped up our evening at this hidden secret. This Italian gem owned by the talented duo of Sommelier Broc Chavez and Executive Chef Richard Rangel is one of my top restaurant recommendations. While it might fly under the radar, Famiglia is the kind of place that deserves more buzz and popularity, thanks to its warm, comfortable vibe and sophisticated Italian menu.

Yet another fantastic meal - this time, beet salad with gorgonzola, candied pecans, apples, and citrus, Calabrian cappelletti with ricotta, eggplant, and brown butter, and garganelli with braised chicken, peas, mascarpone, and lemon sauce. In fact, we enjoyed it so much that we made reservations to return in two weeks for Arizona Restaurant Week.

Check back on next week’s Rubee Tuesday for visits to Merkin, Jade Palace for a Tequila Corrido dinner, Sweet Republic, Anhelo, The Rose Garden, Tia Carmen, Osteria Mia, and a rebrand launch party for Lauren Allen Culinary Events.

RUBEE TUESDAY: Rough Rider, The Mexicano, Arboleda, Fabio on Fire Panini and Gelato, Trevor's on Mayo, Buck & Rider

A weekly Tuesday feature, I publish Rubee Tuesday as a photo recap of my recent drinking and dining adventures. You can read past Rubee Tuesdays HERE.

WorldClass Devesa ribeye topped with chiltepin butter, al pastor marinated bone marrow with elote, queso fresco and salsa macha, and tortillas at The Mexicano in Scottsdale

Monday, June 12: Rough Rider (downtown Phoenix). I was invited to join Frey Ranch Farm and Distillery co-founders Colby and Ashley Frey for a special farm-to-table dinner to celebrate the distribution of their award-winning whiskeys in Arizona. We learned that Colby’s family has been farming in northern Nevada since 1854 and their 1,500-acre farm east of the Sierra Nevada represents this legacy, with the grains for all of their bourbon and rye whiskeys sustainably grown on site. You can also see a video recap by clicking here.

Ashley and Colby Frey, founders of Frey Ranch Farm and Distillery

In collaboration with the bar team at Rough Rider, Beverage Director Alex Montoya introduced expertly-crafted cocktails that were inspired by his childhood flavors and nostalgic flavors. They incorporated not only Frey Ranch spirits, but also their honey and grains, as well as Arizona-grown ingredients.

Welcome Cocktail: Frey Ranch bourbon and rye, tropical tea, wildflower honey, lemon, and pineapple.

Chefs Ian Herschberg and Michael Swift, who had been invited to stay at the ranch, shared their experience, with executive chef Ian telling the crowd: “We had an amazing time at the ranch. It’s one of the best experiences I’ve had as a chef, being able to go out to the farm itself. Every single course features something from the farm to emphasize the ingredients.”

Chefs Ian Herschberg and Michael Swift of Rough Rider in downtown Phoenix

The menu:

Smoked trout rillettes with pickled celery on top of housemade rye cracker using Frey Ranch rye flour.
Cocktail: Oasis of Nevada with Frey Ranch bourbon, Frey Ranch honey, cinnamon, soda, and lemon.

Alfalfa sprout salad with greens, fennel, and blueberries tossed in a dressing made with Frey Ranch honey produced by bees which feed off of alfalfa flowers.
Cocktail: Dust Maker, my favorite cocktail of the night. It combined Frey Ranch Rye whiskey, Frey Ranch malted barley-infused Maraschino liqueur, lemon, orange bitters, and Alex’s fantastic amaro made with Arizona citrus, honey, and chamomile flowers (which some of us asked to try on its own - wow!).

Shrimp and grits (with Frey Ranch cornmeal) with chipotle cream sauce.
Cocktail: For The Land, made with Frey Ranch bourbon, herbal amaro, sweet vermouth, bitters, Frey Ranch toasted oat-piloncillo foam.

Risotto made with Frey Ranch wheat berries, bone marrow, and saffron topped with braised and pressed short rib drizzled with Bordelaise sauce.
Cocktail: Slow Grown, a clarified oat milk cocktail with Frey Ranch bourbon, vanilla, Frey Ranch cornmeal tejuino with piloncillo, blueberry oleo, and Nixta corn liqueur.

Chocolate cake with layers including malted barley cake and cream cheese-chocolate frosting,
Pairing: A pour of the exquisite Frey Ranch Cask Strength Single Barrel #1404, with notes of butterscotch, creme brulee, and caramel.

Tuesday, June 13: The Mexicano (North Scottsdale). I’m working on an assignment for The Tasting Panel magazine about a not-yet-released Spanish beverage called Spicy Wings. You can read all about it in the September issue, but until then, here are some behind-the-scenes shots of our fun afternoon. You can also watch the video reel by clicking here.

Chef Fidencio Alatriste of the Mexicano in Scottsdale

Chef Fidencio Alatriste of The Mexicano with a platter of WorldClass Devesa ribeye

Stop two for my Tasting Panel assignment was Arboleda.

Richie Moe at Arboleda in Scottsdale Quarter

That night, we stopped by for a sneak peek preview of Fabio on Fire Panini & Gelateria which officially opened the next day in Sunrise Promenade near Lake Pleasant Parkway and Happy Valley Rd in Peoria. I’ve been in love with Fabio Ceschetti’s Fabio on Fire Italian restaurant since it opened, and I’m just as excited about his second spot offering a deli for imported Italian ingredients, panini on wood-fired puccia, and the BEST gelato. You can see more on my video reel by clicking here.

Toscano panini: Wood-fired porchetta with Parmigiano cheese spread, provolone, and fried zucchini.

Chef Fabio Ceschetti of Fabio on Fire Panini and Gelato

Wednesday, June 14: Trevor’s on Mayo (North Scottsdale). This was a quick stop to visit Beverage Director Jordan Chandler for the final part of my Tasting Panel magazine feature. Thank you Jordan!

Afterwards, we had lunch across the street at Buck & Rider (North Scottsdale): The burger for my husband, and fish and chips for me.

Check back on my next Rubee Tuesday for visits to Cafe Monarch and a Hotel Valley Ho staycation with the 2023 kick-off Sip and Shop market and a celebrity chef dinner with Chef Lindsay Autry.

RUBEE TUESDAY: Tia Carmen, Arizona Restaurant Week Preview, The Americano, D & Y Chinese, Arboleda, Pomo Pizzeria Biltmore, Giuseppe's On 28th

A weekly Tuesday feature, I publish Rubee Tuesday as a photo recap of my recent drinking and dining adventures. You can read past Rubee Tuesdays HERE.

Mark Stone and Chef Angelo Sosa of Tia Carmen

Restaurateur Mark Stone and Executive Chef Angelo Sosa, co-owners of Tia Carmen at the JW Marriott Desert Ridge

Saturday, April 29: Tia Carmen, Scottsdale. We were invited to join the one-year celebration of Tia Carmen at JW Marriott Desert Ridge. As I’ve gotten to know co-owners Mark Stone and Chef Angelo Sosa in my interviews (for So Scottsdale magazine, SOMM Journal, and A Taste of AZ), I loved having the opportunity to celebrate their success with them!

I started with a Yuzu and Bergamot Paloma, before commemorating the occasion with a fantastic wine-paired tasting menu of Tia Carmen’s signature dishes (above), all of which have become personal favorites over the past year.

And thank you to Mark for introducing us to - and joining us in - a Don Abraham Extra Anejo Tequila nightcap. It was the perfect ending to a special night at Tia Carmen. For a video Reel of the Grand Opening in 2022, click HERE.

Monday, May 1: Arizona Restaurant Week Dine-Around Preview. The Spring Arizona Restaurant Week takes place May 19-28 this year and I joined a lively media group as we toured three of the 160 restaurants offering special menus: Arboleda for appetizers, Thompson 101 for entrees, and cocktails and dessert at Chauncey Social. Reel:

And since we ended at Chauncey Social which was next door to The Americano, I had to stop by to check out the new cocktails. In addition to an excellent Espresso Martini, I loved the new Live and Let Thai with tea-infused vodka, Velvet Falernum, Chocolate Spice bitters, pandan, blood orange and Prosecco, and the Fiore di Vitae with Salvadoreno coffee rum, Bacardi, pomegranate, lavender, Primitivo and Flores Bitters.

Tuesday, May 2: D & Y Chinese, Glendale. Back to our favorite Chinese restaurant! My mom actually discovered this gem when she was looking for a spot in the NW Valley that had roast duck, but now we’ve been here more often than they have. Not only do they have roast duck (which we usually get to-go), but they also have tanks with fresh lobster, crab, and fish. We try something different every time (the menu is much larger than that on the website), but my current favorite dishes are Westlake soup, salt and pepper pork chop, green beans with XO sauce, sugar pea shoots with garlic, salted fish and eggplant pot, salt and pepper lobster, and roast duck. TIP: Call ahead to reserve your duck order as they sometimes run out.

Some past feasts:

Wednesday, May 3: Arboleda, Scottsdale Quarter. If you’ve read my past Rubee Tuesdays, you already know that this is a favorite of mine. This time, we introduced Meridith May and her husband Bill Brandel, owners of The SOMM Journal and Tasting Panel magazines, to this fantastic spot.

Worldclass Cinco Jotas jamón Ibérico de bellota with sourdough tomato toast

I’ve already mentioned previous favorite dishes like hummus and WorldClass Cinco Jotas jamón Ibérico de bellota with pan con tomate (above), but now I’m adding El Bulli olive spheres, foie gras cones, coffee and date-glazed duck breast, and Ibérico pluma to the list! Look for my Arboleda article in the next issue of A Taste of AZ magazine.

Baked Arizona with prickly pear sorbet and Chocolate Marshmallow Sundae paired with a Bonal divestivo at Arboleda

Thursday, May 4: Pomo Pizzeria, Biltmore. There’s a new location for your Neapolitan pizza fix! I’ve been a long time fan of Pomo and their fantastic pizza (and pasta) and featured them in my Phoenix Cooks cookbook. So of course we had to stop by for their Biltmore Grand Opening celebration and enjoy Aperol Spritzes, charcuterie, and a mini Neapolitan pizza.

We continued our ItalIan night with a first visit to Giuseppe's On 28th, a 20+ year Valley fixture. Cute, cozy neighborhood spot and friendly service, with my favorite dish being the lobster ravioli with sage butter special.

Check back next week for visits to Renata’s Hearth, The Phoenician Kentucky Derby Party, a Taste of AZ podcast at Wrigley Mansion, Prime at Gila River Resort & Casino at Wild Horse Pass

And you can follow along on my Instagram as I visit Course (new restaurant alert!), STK Steakhouse, Arboleda, Pa’La Downtown, and The Cave at Quartz Cocktail Bar.

RUBEE TUESDAY: Phoenix Dish Fest, Arboleda, Paso Robles Cab Camp, Arizona Cocktail Week

A weekly feature, I publish Rubee Tuesday on Tuesdays as a photo recap of my recent drinking and dining adventures. You can see past Rubee Tuesdays HERE.

The team at Weft & Warp is always a Dish Fest favorite (L-R: Beverage manager Sergio Campos, executive pastry chef Morgan Malzahn, and executive chef Dushyant Singh)

March 5: Another great year at PHOENIX magazine’s Phoenix Dish Fest, one of the city’s most popular food festivals. In fact, it has been so successful that Dish Fest will be expanding to two days in 2024. Click here for a video Reel.

March 6-9: The next day, I was off to Paso Robles, California to cover Paso Cab Camp for The SOMM Journal.

I’ll be sharing more photos under my Travel section and video Reels on Instagram (Here’s one of our beautiful hotel, the Allegretto Vineyard Resort).

EDITED 6/1/2023: Here’s the link to my seven-page spread in the June/July issue of SOMM Journal.

DAOU Family Estates in Paso Robles

March 9: Arboleda (Scottsdale Quarter). Upon landing in Phoenix at dinner time, my husband picked me up and we decided to check out a new restaurant I’ve been hearing so much about. Arboleda, which means grove in Spanish, celebrates Mediterranean dishes spanning the cuisines of Spain, France, Italy, Greece, and Morocco. We not only loved the delicious hummus and lobster spaghetti, but check out the pan con tomate with WorldClass Cinco Jotas jamón Ibérico de bellota (the world-famous melt-in-your-mouth ham made from Iberian pigs fed on acorns and cured in centuries-old cellars in Jabugo, Spain). We already have plans to return before the end of the month to explore more of the menu.

March 12: The 11th annual Arizona Cocktail Weekend took place March 10-13, and I’ve attended the festivities since its debut. This year, I made Sunday my main day with two events. First, we kicked off our evening at Pa’La with a Roxx Vodka event featuring live music and a delicious signature cocktail called the Esmeralda, created by GM Gilles Kolakowski.

We were also treated to delicious bites such as hamachi topped with WorldClass caviar, shrimp with ginger-chile koshu and togarashi, and wood-grilled WorldClass octopus with saffron, Chimayo chile, artichokes, Controne beans and Steadfast Farm daikon radish salad. You can see more on my video Reel here.

Top Bars at The Croft: Once again, award-winning bars from around the country were gathered downtown, such as New York’s Clover Club and Double Chicken Please, NOLA’s Jewel of the South,Chicago’s Three Dots and a Dash and Portland’s Palomar, to name a few. International pop-ups included Amaro Bar and Coupette from London, Analogue from Singapore, Penicillin from Hong Kong, Handshake Bar from Mexico City, and more.

Executive chef Rochelle Daniel of Atria, Christina Barrueta, and Atria chef Maribel Silva

You can see more of Top Bars (my favorite AZ Cocktail Weekend event!) on my video Reel.

March 13: Tarbell’s (Central Phoenix). A friend was visiting from Massachusetts, so we had to bring him to one of our favorites! Pictures below: Mylk Punch (clarified punch with pineapple, aloe, black English tea, citrus and spice) and my decadent cacio e pepe with Perigord black truffles.

Check back next week as I share photo recaps of a Spanish wine dinner at Prime at Gila River Casino Resort, Dirty Dough cookie shop, Little Pickle, Second Story Liquor Bar, a First Date with Fairmont Phoenix Hotel and Residences, STK’s new rooftop deck, and a ZD wine tasting at Trevor’s Liquors.

And follow along on my Instagram for this week’s visits to: Vecina, ZuZu at Hotel Valley Ho, Pa’la Downtown, Eden Bar and Blue Hound Kitchen at Hotel Palomar, and Anhelo for a special scholarship wine dinner.