Write On Rubee

An Arizona-based food, beverage and travel writer since 2008, I launched this website in 2015 to document my culinary adventures, beverage escapades, gardening endeavors, and travel in the Phoenix area and beyond. Also find a comprehensive calendar of Phoenix-area food and drink-related events on my Events page.

Filtering by Tag: Downtown Phoenix

RUBEE TUESDAY: Festivin at Wrigley Mansion, Uchi Scottsdale, Pyro, Pretty Penny, Anhelo

January 23, 2024  /  Christina Barrueta

I publish round-ups every Tuesday as a photo recap of my recent drinking and dining adventures. You can read past Rubee Tuesdays HERE.

Master sommelier Michael Jordan at Festivin at Wrigley Mansion in Phoenix

Thursday-Saturday, January 11-13: Festivin at Wrigley Mansion (Phoenix). One of my favorite Arizona events is Festivin, a four-day event at the historic Wrigley Mansion celebrating wine, food, and education with special dinners, seminars, chef demos, and tastings. I’ll be posting a comprehensive recap of the events I attended, but, in the meantime, click the photo below to see my video reel.

The first course of Chef vs Chef with Rochelle Danielle and David Brito at Festivin at Wrigley Mansion

Sunday, January 14: Uchi Scottsdale pop-up preview. Uchi Scottsdale opens next month and we were invited to a pop-up at the beautiful home of our host, Chef Christopher Gross, for a special media preview.

Hai Hospitality founder and executive chef Tyson Cole of Uchi

Austin-based Hai Hospitality opens its acclaimed flagship concept in Old Town on February 1, and we had a chance to drink, dine and mingle with James Beard award-winning executive chef and founder Tyson Cole, Scottsdale chef de cuisine Blake Luecke, and other members of the talented team.

I already have my reservations for opening week, and I’ll also be returning at the end of the month with Meridith May and Bill Brandel, owners and publishers of SOMM Journal and Tasting Panel magazines.

To see more, click the photo below of chef de cuisine Blake Luecke for my video reel.

Uchi Scottsdale chef de cuisine Blake Luecke

Wednesday, January 17: Pyro (Phoenix). We enjoy meeting up with Meridith and Bill at least once a month, and this time we decided on Pyro. It was my second visit, and I was as equally impressed as I was during our first visit.

We ordered past favorites (Ibérico pork skewers, Pyro Caesar, Dungeness crab noodles), and new must-orders (beef tartare with tamarind aioli, short rib and kimchi fried rice with nori kizami, and roasted chicken with carrot-ginger puree and Tokyo turnips). Special thanks to GM Nisa for taking such good care of us with her excellent sake and wine suggestions!

Thursday, January 18: Pretty Penny (downtown Phoenix). The newest concept from Pour Bastards Hospitality (Disco Dragon, Killer Whale Sex Club, FYPM), Pretty Penny is a fantastic addition to the downtown culinary scene. We loved everything about it, from the welcoming glasses of prosecco and cozy vibe to the fantastic menu and craft cocktails. And did I mention the super-talented team that includes Hospitality Director Ivan Herrera and Executive Chef Marcellino Ramos? Click their photo for my video reel.

Cocktails: Charred Bloody Mary, Hot Topic, and Un-Pho-Gettable.

And we’ll be returning to work our way through the entire delicious-sounding menu (including caviar priced at cost!), but note down these three winners for your visit: Plum-infused duck breast carpaccio with umeboshi preserve and pickled myoga ginger; bluefin duo with akami toro, caramelized shallots, and guanciale; and steak tartare with Calabrian chili, cured duck egg yolk, and sangak (Persian flatbread).

Anhelo (downtown Phoenix). As I’ve mentioned in past Rubee Tuesdays, Anhelo is one of our favorites and after chatting with chef-owner Ivan earlier in the week, I made plans to stop by. My reward was this brand-new stunner of a dish that Ivan is working on - I hope it makes it on the menu!

Check back on next week’s Rubee Tuesday for visits to Bourbon and Bones Peoria, Otro, Rancho de los Caballeros in Wickenburg, and a Las Vegas assignment for Tasting Panel magazine.

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tags / Wrigley Mansion, Festivin, Uchi, Pyro, Pretty Penny, Uchi Scottsdale, Downtown Phoenix, Anhelo

RUBEE TUESDAY: Heritage at Sportsman's Park, Bourbon & Bones Chophouse, JW Marriott Camelback Inn, Sandfish Sushi & Whiskey, Gallo Blanco Cafe

October 17, 2023  /  Christina Barrueta

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.

Heritage at Sportsman’s Park

Thursday, October 5: Heritage at Sportsman’s Park (Glendale). We were invited to the Heritage Showcase as an introduction to this three-floor event venue next to State Farm Stadium. The first floor offers a beer garden, patio and adjacent Great Lawn, while the third floor is perfect for rooftop events.

The second floor at Heritage at Sportsman’s Park event venue in Glendale, Arizona

Our gathering on the second floor treated us to an al fresco affair featuring cocktails and bites by local producers and chefs, curated by Insignia Event Services.

The Great Lawn is also home to Heritage Night Market, which takes place on the first and third Thursdays of the month. I checked it out on my way out and fell in love with Hoyo’s East African Cuisine, with a fantastic beef sambosa, chicken curry and rice, and Somalian hot sauce.

Friday, October 6: Bourbon & Bones Chophouse (Peoria). We were thrilled when this location of Bourbon & Bones opened in July less than 10 minutes from our house.

Bone-in ribeye Oscar-style with WorldClass king crab at Bourbon & Bones Chophouse in Peoria, Arizona

Our first experience was just as stellar as our visits to the original in Scottsdale, and before we left, we had made another reservation for next month.

Sunday, October 8: JW Marriott Camelback Inn (Paradise Valley). We were invited to the inaugural Cocktail Confidential class at Lincoln Steakhouse - what a fun way to spend a Sunday afternoon! Click on the photo below for my video Reel of mixologist Ricky and his cocktails, and check out my Event Calendar for November and December dates.

Monday, October 9: Sandfish Sushi & Whiskey (Melrose District). For my latest A Taste of AZ podcast as guest host with co-host Luke Irvin, we joined executive chef Chris Wolfe and beverage manager Joshua Martinez of Sandfish Sushi & Whiskey.

Stay tuned for for its airing, along with my A Taste of AZ magazine interview with chef-owner Engin Onural.

Executive chef Chris Wolfe of Sandfish Sushi & Whiskey in Phoenix

Afterwards. we headed to Gallo Blanco Cafe in downtown Phoenix for two dishes that we order every time - Envuelto (al pastor folded inside of melted asadero with fresh pineapple) for me and Huevos Rancheros for my husband Ernesto.

Check back on next week’s Rubee Tuesday for visits to The Mick Brasserie, Poppy’s Office, Feeney’s, JT Prime, CALA Alliance dinner, and The Mexicano.

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categories / Rubee Tuesday
tags / A Taste of AZ, A Taste of AZ podcast, Gallo Blanco, Downtown Phoenix, Bourbon and Bones, Camelback Inn, Glendale

RUBEE TUESDAY: Canal Club, Sedona, The Market by Jennifer, Virtu, Persian Room, Rose Garden, Franco’s Italian Caffe, Over Easy, Christopher’s at the Wrigley

October 03, 2023  /  Christina Barrueta

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.

WorldClass Iberico ribs with chipotle-mango glaze, shaved Brussels sprouts salad, and elote puree at The Canal Club at The Scott Resort

Tuesday, September 12: The Canal Club (The Scott Resort). Our second dinner for Arizona Restaurant Week was the Cuban-inspired restaurant at The Scott. Three highlights from our delicious visit - ropa vieja tostones, chipotle-mango WorldClass Ibérico pork ribs with shaved Brussels sprouts and elote puree, and black bean dip with tostones (off the regular menu - you can find the recipe in my Phoenix Cooks book).

Thursday, September 14: Che Ah Chi at Enchantment Resort (Sedona). We were invited for a overnight stay and a special ZD wine dinner at Enchantment, a gorgeous resort with stunning red rock views. Stay tuned for my recap in the Travel section.

ZD wine dinner at Enchantment Resort in Sedona

Saturday, September 16: The Market Restaurant + Bar (Phoenix). We closed out Arizona Restaurant Week out with a long overdue visit to this Phoenix gem. Not only does Jennifer Russo’s restaurant consistently offer one of the BEST Restaurant Week menus in town, but we were also spoiled with a tasting of the entire menu!

Monday, September 18: Virtù Honest Craft (Old Town Scottsdale). It was a perfect way to kick off the week when the Italian Association of Arizona gathered us together for a beautiful night of wine and food. Click the photo below to watch my video reel.

Tuesday, September 19: Persian Room (North Scottsdale). When I was assigned a “Travel the World” feature for Experience Scottsdale, I knew right away that one of the restaurants I would feature is Persian Room. Click the link to read about my favorite dishes like lamb koobideh and kash o'bademjan.

Lamb koobideh, adas polo, and Shirazi Salad at the Persian Room in Scottsdale

Wednesday, September 20: Rose Garden (downtown Phoenix). Back for another fun cocktail class led by Trey, this time paired with Chef Kam’s delicious bites of Khmer beef jerky, papaya salad, and shrimp rolls.

You can watch my video of the inaugural class HERE.

I had promised my husband that I would squeeze in a visit to Franco’s Italian Caffe this week, so after our class, it was off to one of our favorite Italian restaurants!

Vitello al Tartufo special (veal with truffle cream sauce) at Franco’s Italian Caffe in Old Town Scottsdale

Thursday, September 21: Over Easy (Glendale). The Glendale location at 67th Avenue and Deer Valley celebrated their Grand Opening, and we have a new favorite neighborhood breakfast spot! You can read all the details of their 12th location HERE.

Banana Nut French Toast at Over Easy in Glendale

Three of our favorites on our first visit: Mimosa flight, Banana Nut French Toast, and Chicken Fried Steak with Potatoes O’Brien.

That night, we were invited by Rancho de los Caballeros resort in Wickenburg for a special night at Christopher’s at Wrigley Mansion with guest Chef Jacob Ellis to kick off of their Celebrity Chef Ranch Weekends dinner series. The series kicks off on Nov 11 with Chef Beau MacMillan. Get all the details, including dates for Chefs James Porter, Lisa Dahl, and Christopher Gross HERE.

Jacob Ellis, executive chef of Rancho de los Caballeros in Wickenburg

Check back on the next Rubee Tuesday for visits to Nogales and Tucson, Mora, Federal Grill, JT Prime, Cottonwood, Herb Box, an Omni Tempe staycation, and a CALA Alliance Peruvian dinner.

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tags / Canal Club, Sedona, The Market by Jennifer, Virtu, Persian Room, The Rose Garden, Christopher's at Wrigley Mansion, Franco's, Franco's Italian Caffe, Old Town Scottsdale, Downtown Phoenix

RUBEE TUESDAY: Renata’s Hearth at Arizona Biltmore resort, Tia Carmen at JW Marriott Desert Ridge, Bitter & Twisted, The Italian Daughter, CRUjiente Tacos

August 15, 2023  /  Christina Barrueta

A weekly Tuesday feature, I publish Rubee Tuesday as a photo recap of my recent drinking and dining adventures. You can read past Rubee Tuesdays HERE.

Bloomingdale cocktail at Bitter & Twisted Cocktail Parlour in downtown Phoenix

Friday, July 28: Renata’s Hearth at the Arizona Biltmore (Phoenix). Back to one of my favorites, this time with Meridith May and Bill Brandel, owners of SOMM Journal and Tasting Panel magazines. Stay tuned for my upcoming SOMM Journal feature with Director of Restaurants Timothy Ahrens.

Saturday, July 29: Tia Carmen at JW Marriott Desert Ridge (Phoenix). This was the launch of the new 'Tia and Chef' guest chef series with chef-owner Chef Angelo Sosa and I was thrilled that his inaugural guest was Chef Maria Mazon, executive chef and owner of BOCA Tacos y Tequila in Tucson, whom I first met in 2016.

Both of these talented chefs are also well-known TV personalities - Chef Maria competed on Bravo’s Top Chef and Food Network’s Chopped, and Chef Angelo was on Bravo’s Top Chef for three seasons and HBO Max’s Selena + Chef.

Chef Maria Mazon, writer Christina Barrueta, and Chef Angelo Sosa at Tia Carmen

While the main event was Chef Maria’s special seven-course taco menu, our media group was invited to a pre-dinner cooking demo.

I don’t know who had more fun - our group, or the chefs! Click the photo below to watch the video reel.

Chefs Maria Mazon and Angelo Sosa

And check out our fantasic feast: Thank you to chef Maria who introduced each of her delicious tacos, and GM Maritza for the great education on all our pairings:

Tuesday, August 1: Bitter & Twisted Cocktail Parlour (downtown Phoenix). Every year B&T releases a new book of cocktails, and this year’s was another winner. It’s no surprise that their book has landed on Tales of the Cocktail Foundation’s Top 10 "World’s Best Cocktail Menu" multiple times.

Hasta La Vista, Berry! at Bitter & Twisted Cocktail Parlour

Here are some of my favorites (including the jerk chicken on the food menu, a partnership with Jamaican restaurant, The Breadfruit & Rum Bar):
Hasta La Vista, Berry!: “A lively fusion of Mezcal and Martini & Rossi's Riserva Speciale Bitter dances with Aperitivo Rosato, harmonized by a tangy triple berry shrub. Topped with sparkling prosecco and a splash of club soda."
You Shell Nut Pass: ”An elegant blend of VSOP cognac, house-blended sweet vermouth, and amontillado sherry, harmonized with zesty lemon and a delightful touch of pistachio adds an alluring twist.”
Bloomingdale: “A delicate fusion of Roku gin and elderflower liqueur harmoniously intertwine with crisp Rosé wine and a house dry vermouth blend. A dash of Peychaud bitters completes this elegant, floral masterpiece. Served chilled and up.”
Nibs & Bitters Negroni: “Sous vide cocoa nib mezcal pairs perfectly with the bitter warmth of Campari and a touch of sweet vermouth blend. It's like a fireside chat with an old friend.”
Split Decision: “A silken blend of Tullamore D.E.W. and Monkey Shoulder whiskies, enhanced by rich banana Madeira and aromatic cardamom bitters. Smooth vanilla buttermilk syrup brings it all together, creating a luxurious, spirited sipper.”
M.V.P. “A refined twist on a cult classic Miami Vice, this tempting fusion features a house rum blend, exotic spices, and strawberry tea. Pineapple, coconut milk, and lime intermingle for a refreshing, tropical experience, all clarified for a smooth finish.”

Wednesday, August 2: The Italian Daughter (North Scottsdale). We were invited to check out the new menu and it was a delicious reminder to return here more often. Thank you to Chef Vittorio Colafranceschi, who made one of the best Italian seafood dishes I have ever had - an off-menu special of Dungeness crab guazzetto.

Crab guazzetto at Italian Daughter

Thursday, August 3: CRUjiente Tacos (Phoenix). As always, another great visit to this award-winning gem. Look for my Sonoran Scoop column in the next issue of SOMM Journal!

Check back on next week’s Rubee Tuesday for visits to Bobby-Q BBQ, PHOENIX Magazine Best Fest, Anhelo, Wren & Wolf, and Chilte.

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categories / Rubee Tuesday
tags / Renata's Hearth, Arizona Biltmore, Tia Carmen, JW Marriott Desert Ridge, Italian Daughter, Scottsdale, Downtown Phoenix, CRUjiente Tacos, Bitter and Twisted

RUBEE TUESDAY: Hermosa Inn Staycation, Cool Dining in the Wine Cellar, Little Rituals

July 04, 2023  /  Christina Barrueta

A weekly Tuesday feature, I publish Rubee Tuesday as a photo recap of my recent drinking and dining adventures. You can read past Rubee Tuesdays HERE.

Spanish Dagger and Watermelon Sundae cocktails at Little Rituals in downtown Phoenix

Saturday, June 24: Hermosa Inn (Paradise Valley). One of our favorite summer traditions is a staycation at this historic boutique resort which was originally the private hacienda of renowned artist Lon Megargee. You can see a full video reel of our hosted stay here.

Hermosa Inn Lobby

After visiting the charming Hermosa Inn lobby where we helped ourselves to freshly-baked chocolate chip cookies and picked up our keys (and saw my Phoenix Cooks book in the gift shop!), we checked in to our luxurious Deluxe Casita. Each beautifully appointed casita features a king-size bed, marble bathroom with walk-in shower and clawfoot tub, fireplace, and a private patio.

We also loved the warm welcome - thank you to executive chef Alejandro Martinez for spoiling us with some amazing treats!

After snacks and cocktails, we headed to the pool and our reserved cabana.

Tip: Each cabana rental at Hermosa Inn comes with either a bucket of Arizona beers or a carafe of sangria served with a cheese and fruit platter or guacamole, chips and salsa.

You can read about all the summer specials, including cabanas and room discounts for Arizona residents, here.

One of the Hermosa Inn’s most romantic secrets is the Wine Cellar. Beneath the hacienda lies a subterranean sanctuary which once hosted clandestine poker games and illegal gatherings during Prohibition.

Usually reserved for private events, the wine cellar at Hermosa Inn is kept at a cool 57 degrees and in the summer is open to the public. From June to September, on Thursday through Sunday nights, guests can reserve a table to experience a spectacular five-course tasting menu that changes weekly. As the intimate space only seats 12 people, be sure to make reservations.

We were joined by our friends John Bergman, co-founder of WorldClass, and Zane Smith. A round of pre-dinner Negroni Sbagliatos and a Vieux Carré were ordered before we dived into this incredible wine-paired feast:

And if that wasn’t enough, Chef Alejandro spoiled us with a bonus course of WorldClass Spanish Carabineros prawns and New Zealand scampi which Bergman has recently introduced to the Arizona market. Wow! The flavor and sweetness of these world-renowned delicacies is incredible and I’m excited that they will be appearing on local menus.

WorldClass Red Carabineros Prawns from Spain

WorldClass Argentine ribeye with duck fat potato puree, spinach, grilled onions and Malbec reduction at Lon’s at Hermosa Inn

The next day, we had planned brunch at Lon’s at the Hermosa for one last meal before check-out.

LON’s dining room at the Hermosa Inn in Paradise Valley

Brunch is served daily from 7:00 am to 1:30 pm, and I highly recommend a new addition to the menu - Lon's Quiche with citrus-radish salad, Baja crab, and WorldClass Patagonian shrimp.

My husband was just as happy with his Bloody Mary and huevos rancheros with local Schreiner’s chorizo, Anasazi beans, and tomatillo salsa.

Tuesday, June 27: Little Rituals (downtown Phoenix). This Phoenix gem is a personal favorite of mine, but I’m not the only fan. This cocktail lounge and restaurant has garnered various local “Best of” honors, has been nominated for a James Beard award, and, most recently, was named a Top Four Finalist for Best U.S. Hotel Bar by the prestigious Tales of the Cocktail Spirited Awards.

We were invited to sample some of Little Ritual’s newest cocktails and Mr. Hollywood was one of my favorites of the night. An elegant combination of Remy Martin, Pineau de Charentes, sweet onion cordial, and Taittinger champagne, it was crowned with a house potato chip topped with caviar and creme fraiche.

I also had a chance to sit down with co-owner Aaron Defeo and will be sharing the details behind our cocktails in a separate feature - stay tuned!

More of the excellent cocktails that have won Little Rituals so many accolades:

Watermelon Sundae (Hendrick’s Gin, Bonal and fortified watermelon with a cucumber and watermelon granita garnish).
In Love with Cocoa (Abasolo Ancestral Corn Whisky, sonicated wild cacao, Damiana, vanilla, chocolate bitters, coconut, sea salt).
Swipe Right (Tullamore D.E.W. Irish Whiskey infused with green tea and cherry blossom, Stone Fruit Eau de Vie, raspberry honey, verjus).
Ballpark Highball (Suntory Toki whisky, Monkey Shoulder blended Malt, barley tea sherry, house club soda, and a side of Japanese-Style Peanuts).
Chaotic Good (Amrut Old Port Rum of India, Smith & Cross Jamaican Rum, Heirloom Pineapple Amaro, chai, sotol, Golden Milk Syrup, sour orange, guava).

And plan on dinner at Little Rituals too. Must-orders by talented Chef Nathaniel Cayer-Myette include his warm Parker House-style rolls with pandan-vanilla butter, Pho French dip with brisket, sambal aioli and house hoisin sauce, lamb chops with fingerling potatoes, cardamom yogurt and cumin chimichurri, grilled broccolini, and crispy Brussels sprouts with bacon jam.

Check back on my next Rubee Tuesday for visits to Prime at Gila River Resort and Casino at Wild Horse Pass, Tia Carmen, Tarbell’s and Vecina.

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tags / Hermosa Inn, Paradise Valley, Little Rituals, Downtown Phoenix

RUBEE TUESDAY: Course, Arboleda, STK, Pa'La Downtown, The Cave at Quartz, Gus's World Famous Fried Chicken

May 23, 2023  /  Christina Barrueta

A weekly Tuesday feature, I publish Rubee Tuesday as a photo recap of my recent drinking and dining adventures. You can read past Rubee Tuesdays HERE.

Chef Cory Oppold of Course in Scottsdal, Arizona and food writer Christina Barrueta of Write On Rubee

Congratulations to Chef Cory!

Wednesday, May 10: Course (Scottsdale). We were invited to make reservations for the Soft Opening and I couldn’t have been more excited! I’ve known chef-owner Cory Oppold for almost a decade, first meeting him when he was executive chef at Atlas Bistro. I knew his dream of having his own restaurant was a long time coming, and, wow, it was absolutely worth the wait.

Menu at Course in Scottsdale

Cory’s signature creative art-on-a-plate dishes are offered as a 10-course tasting menu Thursday through Saturday, and a 5-course tasting menu on Tuesdays and Wednesdays What an incredible evening! You’ll want to make reservations right now for this special spot that I predict will be one of the region’s defining restaurants in the culinary landscape for years to come; I forgot to take photos of dessert and wine labels, but you can see more on my video Reel HERE.

And did I mention the outstanding team he has assembled, like GM Nick Padua, who leads the beverage program?

GM and Wine Director of Course, Nick Padua

Nicholas Padua of Course.

And it was so nice to see so many more familiar faces like Carlos, Joe, and Sheila. Course officially opened on May 11, and its “immature sibling” Morning Would started serving Sunday brunch on May 28. Look for my Course feature in the August issue of SOMM Journal!

Thursday, May 11: Arboleda (Scottsdale Quarter). To celebrate National Tourism Week, Visit Phoenix, the tourism board for Greater Phoenix, invited our group of writers and media pros for Happy Hour at Arboleda. You can see my video Reel below of a fun time at one of my favorite spots, with some of my favorite people!

And since master cocktail craftsman Richie Moe has joined the Arboleda team, we had to retire to the bar afterwards for some more libations.

That night, we headed to STK in Old Town Scottsdale, where we had been invited to a media preview of the Afternoon Tea they were offering for Mother’s Day the following Sunday. What a great idea! I loved the selection of tea sandwiches, scones and desserts, and champagne and cocktail options.

Afterwards, we were also treated to some more delicious bites from the Happy Hour menu, including tuna tartare tacos, falafel and tahini, calamari, short rib quesadillas, tater tots, calamari, and sliders.

Friday, May 12: Arboleda (Scottsdale Quarter). Back to Arboleda, this time with John Bergman, co-founder of WorldClass, who was visiting from Houston, and his team. I didn’t take many pictures as you can see photos from previous visits (including WorldClass jamón Ibérico, octopus, and Argentine ribeye) in past Rubee Tuesdays, but needless to say, it was another fantastic dinner.

Saturday, May 13: Pa’La Downtown (Phoenix). Since John was in town for the weeked, we happily took him up on another dinner invitation - Pa’La Downtown, one of my personal favorites (check out my column featuring Pa’La in the current ssue of SOMM Journal).

We were joined by chef Chris Brugman of Season Your Soul Hosptality (formerly of Mountain Shadows and Castle Hot Springs) and his wife Jill.

John had arranged a special omakase with chef-owner Jason Alford, including the pièce de résistance - whole suckling pig. The entire feast was spectacular! And special thanks to GM and beverage director Gilles Kolakowski for the excellent wine pairings.

Tagliatelle pasta with jamón dashi (made with WorldClass Cinco Jotas jamón Ibérico leg, kombu, and bonito flakes) with spicy capicola, mushrooms, and Parmesan-Reggiano:

Tagliatelle pasta with WorldClass jamón Iberico dashi.

  • Oysters with tomato ponzu and smoked trout roe

  • Smoked mussel and cured mackerel hand rolls

  • Salmon crudo with sea scallop leche de tigre

  • Roasted carrots with Japanese curry, eggplant miso, and saffron honey

  • Arcadia Meat Market beef tartare with Japanese milk bread

  • Seared foie gras with black currant gastrique and duck fat financier

  • Wood-fire roasted suckling pig

Executive Chef Jason Alford, owner of Pa’La Downtow, and John Bergma, co-founder of WorldClass

Monday, May 15: The Cave at Quartz (Downtown Phoenix). A brand-new craft cocktail addition to downtown helmed by mixologist Maxwell Berlin (formerly of Glai Baan), Quartz offers two different cocktail experiences. The menu at Quartz, a more traditional bar, has specialty drinks based on birthstones, while the reservation-only Cave hidden behind it offers an exclusive menu of cocktails inspired by the deserts of the world.

Quartz in downtown Phoebix

Once you check into the host stand at the entrance to The Cave, you’ll be led down a beautiful rose gold mirrored hallway to your private booth and greeted with complimentary welcome cocktails, such as locally-owned Gran Ponche Mexicano passionfruit and sparkling blanc de blanc:

Complimentary welcome cocktails at The Cave in downtown Phoenix

Be sure to read the inspiration stories on each creative cocktail! Favorites included Dreamtime, The Dancing Herd, Tomb of the Fizzy Kitty, and Souk Sazerac.


Check out my video Reel HERE for more.

Souk Sazerac with overproof rye whiskey, Branca Menta, Moroccan green tea, camel fat, and lemon arrak sand

Conveniently right next door for post-cocktail eats is Gus's World Famous Fried Chicken, which had been on my list for a while. You’ll want to add it to yours too. The crispy, juicy fried chicken lived up to the hype and I loved the fried green tomatoes and my sides of collard greens and fried okra too. Plus a shout-out for great service from Mary.

Check back on my next Rubee Tuesday for visits to Epicenter at Agritopia, Tomaso’s, Festivin wine festival at The Wrigley Mansion, and a staycation at Mountain Shadows resort.

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categories / Rubee Tuesday
tags / Course, Course Scottsdale, Cory Oppold, Pa'La, Downtown Phoenix, The Cave, Quartz, Phoenix cocktails, Gus's Fried Chickeb