Scottsdale Binge

This past weekend, we quite literally ate our way through Scottsdale and the food was so damn good it warranted a blog post.

The tour began with a trip to Pizzeria Bianco. This is widely considered some of the best pizza in the U.S. and now I know why. We had never been before because it is legendary for its three hour waits and we are usually in Phoenix with my parents. To say that my dad is not a patient man is putting it mildly. But this time, we had the benefit of my sister in law, who as publicist for Lettuce Entertain You, has the ultimate restaurant world hookup. So we got a reservation, a personal greeting from Chris Bianco and access to some damn good pizza. It was nothing fancy (no crazy toppings like pistachios and tuna fish) but instead just delicious wood fired crust that was somehow crispy and chewy at the same time, topped with the best of the best cheese, mouthwatering sauce and top notch meats. The salami was like the filet mignon of pepperoni. The fennel in the sausage was so fragrant, I can still smell it on my shirt.

The next night we ventured to Binkleys after a quick jaunt to the Four Seasons for a few drinks on the deck overlooking where Brent and I got married. Best of all, we ran into our fabu wedding planner Blair, and she bought all of our drinks! Such a nice treat. Ok, now back to the food, Binkleys is located in Cave Creek and it was a very random find. It is fine dining in a very casual atmosphere. The restaurant itself is nothing amazing to look at, but the food is quite literally the most inventive we have ever had. We had about 16 courses, which I will try and recount as best as my wine addled brain can recall.

Black Pepper Breadsticks with Serrano Ham Cream

Homemade Pepperoni

Beads of Frozen Watermelon

Cream of Cauliflower Soup

Shaved Shortrib with Garlic Toast Curls

Roasted Pork Belly with Homemade Skillet Cornbread (Pork belly is a fancy word for bacon, and I consider it proof of God)

Puree of Mortadella and Cheese

Mango Sorbet

Foie Gras Beignets (Yes, you read that right, doughnuts stuffed with Foie)

Plum cavier in a fruit consommé

French Fries in 12 dipping sauces, including truffle ketchup

Deconstructed Cassoulet (it had lamb brain, which was about the only thing I didn’t eat)

Mini Chocolate Souffle

Homemade lime lollipops

Cherry Soda with Vanilla Dippin Dots

Trio of Croquettes (again, friend dough) filled with chocolate, rice pudding and ricotta cheese

Some dried flower that had been powdered – It turned our mouths numb. It was like a narcotic.

All of those course were part of the tasting menu. If you are in North Scottsdale, you simply have to go to this restaurant. It will be one of the most unique dining experiences you ever have.

Gallo Blanco – This was our best lunch. We took Robby and Marissa to the airport and stopped at this little local cantina that is located in a revitalized hotel called that Hotel Clarendon. Brent had a carne asada torta topped with avocado, salsa and two over easy eggs. I had the same without the eggs. We also enjoyed a cheese chicharon, which I could basically describe as a giant parmesan crisp. The guac had oranges in it. The place was outrageously good.

On Saturday night we went to Rokerij – This sharp little watering hole was a meat-centric heaven. We had salt crusted prime rib sliders, roast pork loin tacos and a roasted garlic plate that ranks up there with one of the best things I have ever eaten. It was three cloves of elephant garlic roasted for hour and placed on a sizzling platter of cheese, peppers, onions and an array of sauces along with chewy, buttery toast points. My breath still stinks, but it was worth it.

The piece de resistance was Roka Akor on Sunday night – This Japanese restaurant knocks Nobu off its block. Inventive sushi, serves along a robato grill with a sochu bar (like Japanese fruit infused vodka). Between the Serrano hamachi roll to the soy butter grilled sweet corn, it was definitely a meal to remember. Brent even ate a steak tartar sushi roll. It is also must if you are visiting Scottsdale.

As you can see, we ate a LOT on our trip. Scottsdale really is a first class dining city. The fact that my jeans are so tight proves it.