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.