New Restaurant Alert: Carcara at the Sheraton Phoenix Downtown

Last night, we were invited to check out Carcara, which opened in March at the Sheraton Phoenix Downtown. Drawing its beautiful design inspiration from the lush vibrancy of citrus (one of Arizona’s five “C’s”), it encompasses 7,000 square feet of dining space including a 2,000-square-foot outdoor patio.  

… a central focal point of the space is a 14-foot tall Chestnut Oak tree growing through the wood trellis in the center of the dining room. This custom tree has a 21-foot diameter canopy and collection of glass and metal lanterns hanging within the branches to add a soft glow. Outside, the perimeter of the patio is lined with Cara Cara orange trees, the inspiration and namesake for the restaurant.  - PRESS RELEASE

Look for a Sonoran desert-inflected menu at Carcara led by Executive Chef Chaz Frankenfield and Chef de Cuisine Angy Dykstra (which feaures Arizona purveyors such as Ramona Farms, Yuma Farms, Crow’s Dairy, and Schreiner’s sausage) and great cocktails too!

Here’s my photo recap (BONUS - check out my Instagram video Reel here):

Soldier Pass (Aperol, Fernet, and mint syrup) at Carcara at the Sheraton Phoenix Downtown

Loaded Guacamole (cotija cheese, roasted pepitas, pickled onions and jicama) with charred tomato salsa; prickly pear-glazed ribs with jalapeño slaw (gluten-free); guajillo chile tortilla soup; and the Carcara Burger on a brioche bun with pepper jack cheese, tomato, pickled red onions, avocado, arugula, smoked garlic aioli, and herb and parmesan potatoes:

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Striped bass with spring pea puree, riesling-leek pilaf and herb salad

For a sweet ending, we ordered the strawberry-rhubarb crumble with ginger gelato (which I paired with the North Rim Old Fashioned with Azunia Reposado tequila, ginger syrup, demerara and chocolate bitters). and complimentary cotton candy.

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Carcara is currently open 3-11 pm Tuesday through Saturday (dinner served until 9:30), with future plans for lunch. Happy Hour is 3 pm to 6 pm with $4 draft beers and $6 house wines. Tip: It’s a convenient pre- and post-event spot in walking distance to venues such as the Phoenix Convention Center and Phoenix Suns Arena. Located on the southeast corner of the Sheraton Phoenix Downtown, it can be accessed through the ground floor lobby as well as the 3rd Street entrance.Phone: (602) 817-5400 Reservations: opentable.com