On this
trip, more than ever before, I have agreed to (and wanted to) try some of the
new modern eating houses that have popped up on every cross street over the
past twenty five years. On previous trips back I have sounded out my favourite eating
haunts, to bring back and share in the wonderful memories I have of my life in
the desert. But this trip I felt let’s move forward, let’s try new places, let’s
not hold onto those memories quite so strongly. So sure enough daughter and
friends seeked out their favourite haunts, getting great pleasure from
introducing me to the modern Phoenix, the up and coming Phoenix, the new eating
scene. Some were good, some just ok and some absolutely dire.
You see
back in the day, back in my day twenty five years ago we trialled the classics.
South western food was one of favourites and boy was it cooked and presently
well back in the day. Flavours were local and taken from the natural flora of
the Phoenician desert. Presentation was important; beautiful and important. Surroundings
were tasteful, south western and reflected the local environment. And local chefs
were famous for their cooking and well known for quality and presentation. It
was important to support local in all ways and at every level.
So let me
remind you of those eating houses I found so perfect back in the day…
The Arizona Biltmore – The Sonoran Café – NOW called Frank
& Albert’s sample an innovative menu at where good food, architecture
and art are celebrated in a contemporary setting.2400 East Missouri Avenue, Phoenix – 602 955 6600
The Phoenician – Windows on the Green – NOW called
Il Terrazzo – The authentic Italian cuisine served at
Il Terrazzo captures the rich flavors and spices indigenous to this Southern
European region. The progressive menu is highlighted by hand-crafted artisan
breads and fresh pastas, created on the resort property. The restaurant is open
daily for breakfast, lunch and dinner, and also features a contemporary Sunday
brunch. The Phoenician also serves traditional English afternoon tea and it was
the best back in the day! 6000 E Camelback Rd, Scottsdale – 480 941 8200
The Ritz Carlton – traditional English afternoon tea - Enjoy the cozy surroundings of our Lobby
Lounge as you indulge in classical English high tea offerings. Our tea
sommelier, Jeffrey Hattrick, specializes in creating customized tea experiences
for each individual guest. This lavish setting is the perfect place to create
lasting memories. 2401 E Camelback Rd, Phoenix - 602 468 0700
The Hermosa Inn – Lon’s - at the Hermosa Inn in Paradise Valley, LON's has a one-acre organic garden
located just outside the kitchen that provides fresh food and a natural
training ground for the culinary team. It is here that the white coats of sous
chefs, line cooks and pantry staff can be seen early each morning, watering
produce beds and harvesting what bounty is at the peak of perfection that day. 5532 North Palo Cristi Road, Paradise Valley,
Arizona - 844 267 8738
El Chorro – 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. 5550 E Lincoln Drive, Paradise Valley, Phoenix – 480 948 5170
The Wrigley Mansion – is a landmark building constructed between 1929 and
1931 by chewing-gum magnate William Wrigley, Jr. It is also known as William
Wrigley, Jr., Winter Cottage and as La Colina Solana. Visit Geordie’s Steak restaurant and
Geordie’s Lounge for 360-degree city views, prime cuts of beef, and Chef Robert
Nixon’s seasonal, Italian-accented menus for lunch, dinner, happy hour or
Sunday brunch. 2501 E
Telawa Trail, Phoenix – 602 955 4079 – Private membership - $5 for one month
trial / $15 for one year social membership
Tomaso’s - embraces
the lifestyle of Italian cuisine. Voted best Italian Restaurant in the valley
since 1977, Tomaso’s celebrates
simplicity & quality of authentic Italian food & wine with humor &
hospitality. Tomaso's is proud to be celebrating over 35 years on the
Camelback. 3225 E Camelback Road, Phoenix – 602 956 0836
Christopher’s - French-inspired
bistro fare is served at this upscale mall spot with modern decor & an open
kitchen. Biltmore Fashion Park, 2502 East
Camelback Road #102, Phoenix – 602 522 2344
Vincent’s - who focuses his cooking to absorb the flavors of
the Southwest into a refined, sublimated cuisine that no one else in America
had attempted before. Vincent’s also now encompasses the Vincent Market Bistro
and Farmers Market. 3930 East Camelback Road, Phoenix
Houston’s – NOW Hillstone’s – founded and owned by CEO George Biel and a family run business Houston’s (Hillstone) offer a south western merged with European and American flavour of dishes. They were always well renowned for their excellent and the best ribs in Phoenix. 2650 E Camelback Rd, Phoenix – 602 957 9700
The Spaghetti House and Vigara Bistro - these I believe have disappeared or morphed into something different, but
back in the day offered excellent south western freshly produced cuisine reflecting
the local flora and fauna.
Some have disappeared, many still with us, some have expanded and some have morphed but they were all
classic, served great food and were affordable back in the day. The food in
each was unique but awesome; the ones that have made it through to today, if
you are ever in Phoenix, you should try them, you won’t be disappointed. Most
still have delightful dining areas reflecting the colours, tones and atmosphere of
the Sonora desert; fabulous patios with awe inspiring views and scrumptious mouth-watering
south western dishes oozing with fresh fruits, vegetables together with an
interesting array of fish and meats permeating fabulous aromas, textures and
flavours of the wonderful unapologetic Phoenician desert. I ask you to try these classics; get yourselves dressed up and spend those special occasions experimenting and eating in some true Sonoran eating houses that have been here almost as long as some of the grand towering saguaros.
Elaine Hook
Travel, Food & Content Writerelainehook@hotmail.com
01.04.15
