The Herb Box at The Colony
In early April, the third location of The Herb Box opened at The Colony, a new mixed-used development at Seventh Street and Missouri Avenue in midtown Phoenix. I first frequented The Herb Box at DC Ranch in Scottsdale and, after it opened in 2011, the The Herb Box at Southbridge in Old Town. In fact, I listed their smoked salmon hash as part of my Perfect Food Day in the Phoenix New Times that same year. Through its expansion, The Herb Box has always drawn crowds with its hallmark of fresh, seasonal dishes and inviting, airy spaces, and the newest location is in keeping with this philosophy. Outside, a pretty patio is lined with blooming planters and trellises intertwined with fragrant jasmine. Inside, it is light and bright with floor-to-ceiling windows and soaring ceilings warmed by reclaimed wood and accented with pops of orange and cobalt blue. I had recently enjoyed lunch (favorites included the Korean fried cauliflower, crab dip with plantain chips, and signature butternut squash and corn enchiladas), but this would be our first visit for dinner.
We began with pre-dinner cocktails: "The Martinez" (Bombay Sapphire Gin, sweet vermouth, Luxardo cherry liqueur and angostura bitters) and a "Twisted Manhattan" (Woodford Reserve, Disaronno and luxardo cherry juice).
Our dining choices were guided by the welcoming and knowledgeable Katia Breunig (Private Dining Coordinator at The Herb Box), and her recommendation for the brussels sprouts chips was a winner. I can see why these are a best-seller. Light and crunchy, they were fried to salted crisps, spiked with a hint of chile heat, and plated with a creamy vegan aioli studded with roasted yellow pepper. This self-professed chips and dip addict has a new favorite, healthier option.
My "I'm not big on vegetables" husband was likewise converted, commenting more than once how much he liked his edamame hummus. Flecked with jalapeño and cilantro, at The Herb Box, an ordinarily humble hummus was further elevated by the textural contrasts of candied pumpkin seeds, edamame beans, sliced radishes, and pea sprouts.
He was just as happy with his main course - a juicy filet embellished with ancho-bourbon demi-glace, gorgonzola cream, and a salad of warm green beans and smashed fingerling potatoes with fennel, blistered tomatoes, and Rogue Creamery’s Smokey Blue cheese..
More often than not, I order seafood and am always happy to see trout on a menu. Here it was deliciously butterflied and char-grilled with watercress butter, topped with a colorful array of pickled baby lima beans and beets, and served with a skillet corn and leek gratin.
We were told the desserts would be changing, so if this is gone, you'll have missed out on the Espresso Bomb with layers of rich brownie and decadent coffee mousse.
With a menu of fresh veggie-focused dishes, vegan options, gluten-free choices, heartier fare, and sweet treats, The Herb Box offers something for everyone.
The Herb Box at the Colony is located at 5538 N 7th St #100, Phoenix, AZ 85014, Phone:(602) 635-4965.
This was a complimentary media invitation.