I’ve been cooking up a storm lately, capitalizing on the best of the season’s produce. I’ve also been thoroughly enjoying all of the new restaurants that have opened in the Valley this spring.
I’ll share my recent favorite foodie finds for your home and kitchen – but first, here are some of my favorite new restaurants and bars that you have to try this summer!
Etta
From the creators of Maple & Ash, this new spot in the Scottsdale Quarter is just as fun and filled with equally delicious dishes. With a menu focused around their wood-fired grill, a pup-friendly patio, and an expansive selection of wine, it’s a new favorite for brunch, lunch, and dinner.
Lom Wong / KHLA
KHLA dazzles with Asian-inspired craft cocktails, while the food at the neighboring Lom Wong showcases the best of authentic Thai cuisine from a variety of regions. The brand new concepts just opened in March in the heart of downtown Phoenix tucked behind the Cambria hotel, and have already become fast favorites in the Phoenix dining scene.
Disco Dragon / Halfway Crooks
Another duo, Disco Dragon and Halfway Crooks, are located directly across the street from one another on Roosevelt Row. The two concepts are from the same owners, but take on completely different styles of cocktails and cuisine. At the newly-opened Disco Dragon, expect to find Asian-inspired craft cocktails much like the aforementioned KHLA, and a large selection of Asian beers and sake, paired with fun Asian-fusion street food.
Halfway Crooks, on the other hand, plays with no particular region or spirit. The primary ingredient in each of their 26 cocktails corresponds to a letter of the alphabet – think za’atar for Z, and coconut for C. Their tartine-style small bites like confit tomato toast and beef tartare are the perfect late-night snacks.
Cala
Take a trip to the Med at Cala, set inside the Senna House – a Hilton Curio Collection hotel. They infuse a desert twist on coastal fare inspired by Spanish and Italian influences, and their patio inspires long and lingering al fresco dinners.
Tia Carmen
This new restaurant inside of the JW Marriott at Desert Ridge is up next on my list of must-visit spots. The interior looks entirely stunning – a little slice of Tulum in the middle of Scottsdale – and the contemporary Southwestern cuisine is crafted by Top Chef’s Angelo Sosa. If you’ve tried it, please let me know how it was!
Pizzeria Bianco – The Row LA
If you find yourself traveling to the city of angels this summer, you can now find a familiar Arizona favorite! Chris Bianco is opening an outpost of his beloved pizzeria at the Row in LA this month. Similar iconic menu, but a brand new setting.
Sauvage Natural Wine Bar
Okay, this one isn’t set to open until late summer/early fall, but I’m so excited for the brand new Sauvage! The ultra-petite bottle shop located inside The Churchill is moving to a new space a bit further north on Mcdowell and 3rd Ave, which will see it transformed into a full-fledged wine bar as well as a natural wine retail store. We’re eagerly awaiting its opening!
If you’re more into hanging at home lately, here are some of my favorite kitchen finds, as promised!
xo M
Want to take a look at more of my favorites? Check out the collection here!