Wednesday, January 22: Chauncey Social - We visited Chauncey Social for the first time before seeing The Gentlemen at the nearby Harkins Theatre Scottsdale 101. You can read an in-depth recap here at Dinner and a Show: Chauncey Social and The Gentlemen

Thursday, January 23: Josephine Media Launch Party - Josephine is a wonderful addition to the Roosevelt Row district. Set in a 1919 historic bungalow, it’s warm and welcoming with exposed brick walls inside and an inviting front patio where jazz band Zazu was playing.

We were greeted with wine and impressive craft cocktails, my two favorites being Noir with Rittenhouse Rye, Punt e Mes, blackberry, Ramazotti and creme de mure, and the Toulouse-Lautrec with Sipsmith gin, Alessio Bianco vermouth, Lxardo Bitter Bianco, Midori, and Green Chartreuese.

Creative passed bites weaving together global flavors featured chicken satay with Balinese marinade, lamb samosas, vegan dumplings with kecap manis glaze, rice paper rolls, and beignets with ube anglaise. I had a chance to chat with chef Ryan Pitt, whose enthusiasm and culinary passion was contagious. I can’t wait to return to explore more of his menu!

We were led on a tour of the space, including Coup de Grace, Josephine’s speakeasy-inspired lounge out back.

We mingled with fellow media and industry friends, and celebrated Josephine’s opening with a champagne saber and toast. Welcome to downtown Phoenix Josephine!

Afterwards, we stopped in at a favorite downtown Italian spot - Pomo Pizzeria Napoletana, where we ordered a bottle of our friend Lorenzo Mattoni’s latest vintage of Montefalco Sagrantino, and dined on lasagna and Rimini-style pizza with hot sopressata and Taggiasca olives. We ran into one of my favorite AZ chefs, Joe Rodger, who we last saw in Sedona. I’m excited to hear he’s now local, and we’re hoping to visit him at his new gig at the Dressing Room. And, as always, a bonus to see Francesco and Paola at Pomo!

Friday, January 24: Toca Madera - We had plans for the media party for the new Nobu opening so we decided to stop in for cocktails at Toca Madera next door for pre-event imbibing.

Always nice to see Chef Joseph Castillo! We need to return to have dinner to check out his latest menu.

Toca Madera Executive Chef Joseph Castillo

Afterwards, we walked over to the media party for Nobu Scottsdale, one of the most highly-anticipated openings of the year. Nobu is a renowned upscale Japanese eatery (and now hotels) with locations around the world, though this location in the luxury wing of Scottsdale Fashion Square is its first foray into Arizona. Look for upcoming details on the grand opening celebration and Sake Ceremony this spring - I’ve been told that owners celebrity chef Nobu Matsuhisa and actor Robert Dinero will be in attendance.

Head Sushi Chef Rex Kim, GM James Frazey, and Executive Chef Carl Murray

Stay tuned for the next installment featuring Vecina, Plate & Pour, Welcome Diner, Pitch with Few Spirits, UnderTow and Frasher’s Tavern.

My last Rubee Tuesday with visits to Gertrude's, Cafe Monarch, Taylor's Chowder House, Southern Rail, and Angry Crab Shack can be found here.

RUBEE TUESDAY: Chauncey Social, Josephine, Pomo, Toca Madera, Nobu Opening