Food & Wine WEB EXCLUSIVES [CITYSunTimes February 2011]

Vincent’s Unveils Casual Menu, Intimate Wine Bar

Vincent on Camelback

When award-winning chef Vincent Guerithault saw foodies veering toward reasonably priced, casual comfort food, he knew he could meet that need on a unique level. While not abandoning his classics, he expanded his restaurant in a new direction including a new, more casual menu and a bundle of interior modifications including his latest concept, The Blue Room, his take on an intimate French wine bar.
Guerithault added less expensive, more familiar French comfort food to the menu ranging in price from $28 to $36, while still featuring customer favorites such as his lobster chimichangas, smoked salmon quesadillas and duck tamales. New menu items include starters like Seafood Quenelles with Lobster Sauce $14, Foie Gras with Roasted Pears and a Balsamic Reduction $18, Gratin of Mussels, $12; new entrée selections will include Blanquette de Veau with Herb Rice and Spring Vegetables $29, Roasted Gigot d”Agneau with White Beans $28, Lemon Sole “Paella Style” $28 and new desserts include Apple Tart Tatin with Vanilla Ice Cream, Baba au Rhum, Vacherin with Lavender Ice Cream and Cream of Mango Floating Island for $9 each.

Vincent on Camelback

But the most impressive change may be Chef Guerithault’s new Blue Room that invites a deep breath and a sip of wine. It’s located just inside the restaurant and is similar to a French wine bar offering a variety of wines and cocktails, fruit and cheese plates, light hors d'oeuvres and small meals. It also features flat screen televisions that air classic black and white movies as well as food presentations, cooking techniques, and on special occasions, sporting events. Most menu items will be between $3 and $8.50 and will be open weekdays beginning at 3pm and Saturdays at 5pm.
Vincent on Camelback is located at 3930 East Camelback Road and is open for dinner Monday through Saturday. For more information, call 602.224.0225 or visit the website.

Quick Bites

Spotted Donkey Cantina II

Delicious fare found at Spotted Donkey Cantina II

East Scottsdale has a new neighborhood restaurant, gathering spot and watering hole with the opening of the Spotted Donkey Cantina II. Cliff Skoglund and Robert Hall (concept) and partner Michele Rudolph have expanded the modern take on the Southwestern/Mexican cantina with a new location at The Village at Hayden.
Spotted Donkey is a place you would feel comfortable coming for a quick drink, a light snack, to watch a game, meet friends, enjoy a special date night or, just to eat nachos with the kids. It’s a contemporary spin on the décor and reinterpretation of Mexican cuisine with a little more sophistication.
Spotted Donkey Cantina II is located at 8220 North Hayden Road in Scottsdale. For more information, call 480.922.1400 or visit the website.

Upper Crust Pizza Inspired by the comfort and cuisine of a Brooklyn-style pizza parlor, Upper Crust Pizza & Patio Wine Bar has opened at 20235 North Cave Creek Road in Phoenix. The neighborhood restaurant features a tantalizing variety of homemade, made-to-order pizzas, calzones, pastas, antipasto and salads made of authentic, seasonal ingredients created with fresh produce. For more information, call 602.923.2389.

St. Francis is now open for Brunch every Saturday and Sunday beginning at 10am. Try one of their hand-crafted Ketel Citron Bloody Mary's made with organic vegetable juice and spices. And ask about their newest vodka infusion – Kiwi. It's refreshing, delicious and even better in their St. Francis Lemonade. St. Francis will also serve up a special Valentine’s Weekend menu February 11-144. Visit www.stfrancisaz.com for details.

Devoured Culinary Classic Save the date:

The second annual Devoured Phoenix Culinary Classic, presented by Local First Arizona and the Phoenix Art Museum. The event, held March 12-13 at the Museum, serves to promote Arizona producers and purveyors of fine food and drink, as well as further establish Metro Phoenix as a dining destination. Enjoy lively food experiences and present innovative culinary demonstrations along with showcasing local artisans, farms, food producers and vintners. For details, visit www.phxart.org/devoured.

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Community News for Scottsdale, Paradise Valley, Northeast Phoenix, Carefree, Cave Creek and surrounding areas.

CITYSunTimes Web Exclusives February 2011 | Read the full SECTION

FOOD & WINE

Wine or Dine The Valley is Devine for Valentine's Looking for a perfect place to wine and dine your sweetie this Valentine’s Day? Here is the scoop on specials events and some of our favorite Valley restaurants.

Eddie's House

Valentine’s Day weekend is here and Eddie’s House is turning up the heat. This Friday, Saturday, Sunday and Monday they have put together a special $39, three-course menu to make Valentine’s Day one to remember. If you can’t make it out on Valentine’s Day, they have you covered all weekend long. Eddie’s House is located at 7042 East Indian School Road in Scottsdale. For reservations, call 480.946.1622 or visit www.opentable.com/eddies-house. For more information, visit www.eddieshouseaz.com.

Starters
Sherrie Lobster Bisque
Or
Baby Romaine Spears with a Vanilla Bean Caesar
Or
Warm Goat Cheese, Spinach and Red Walnuts with Strawberry Vinaigrette
Main Entrée
Steamed Maine Lobster, Rosy Red Mashed Potatoes, Butter Poached Asparagus
Or
Twin “Heart” Filet of Beef, Truffled Parmesan Finger fries, Broccolini
Or
Roasted Cornish Hen Stuffed with Artichokes and Spinach on a Potato Nest
Dessert
Chocolate Dipped Strawberries
Or
Oreo Chocolate “LOVERS” Cake
Or
Fruit Ménage a Trois

Compass Arizona Grille Celebrate love all weekend long at Compass Arizona Grill atop the Hyatt Regency Phoenix downtown. Compass is offering a special four-course menu Saturday, February 12 through February 14. Chef Dominic Vaccaro and his culinary staff created a divine four-course menu sure to tantalize your palate.
Treat your loved one to Charred Shrimp Ceviche and Pepper Tuna Ceviche or Maytag Blue Crisp Brie before choosing from the Apples and Endive or Roasted Corn Bisque with crab croquettes. Select from one of the four flavorful main dishes: Beef Medallions and Blue Crab Oscar or Grilled Organic Farm Vegetable Lasagna or Malt Marinated Roasted Chicken. Top off the evening with a Chocolate Pot of Crème and Crunch Bars with Hazelnut and a nightcap.
This four-course dinner can be reserved from 5-10pm starting at $79 for adults and $40 for children five to 12. Call 602.252.1234, Extension 4510, to make reservations. For more information, visit www.phoenix.hyatt.com.

Executive Chef Nate Woods of Narcisse Champagne & Tea Lounge at the Scottsdale Quarter has created a fantastic, four-course menu for Valentine's weekend, February 11-14. The cost is $120 per couple and includes a premium bottle of Champagne. To make reservations, call 480.588.2244. Narcisse Champagne & Tea Lounge is located at 15257 North Scottsdale Road, Suite 200. For more information, visit www.narcisselounge.com.

Bottle of Bubbly
Piper-Heidsieck Brut
Starters
Seafood Platter
Oysters & Shrimp

Little Greens
Compressed Pears, Marcona Almonds, Traviso
Course – Choose 2
Beef Tenderloin
Truffle Fries, Beech Mushroom

Salmon
Yuzu Glaze, Blackberries

Lobster Frittata
Zucchini, Mint, Ricotta

Organic Chicken
Sweet Potato, Abalone Mushroom, Green Beans
Dessert Duo
Strawberries & Cream
Berries, Devonshire Cream
OR
Chocolate Brownie
Peanut Butter Broth, Vanilla Gelato

wine and chocolate

Join Pillsbury Wine Company for a pairing of chocolate, wine, music and more on February 14 at their Tasting Room in Historic Old Town Cottonwood. For more information, call 928.639.0646 or visit www.pillsburywine.com.

sushi Start your week the RA way with Sake Maki Mondays at RA Sushi. Enjoy a sushi roll and sake special all day, every Monday; pair two rolls and two sakes for $20 from a special menu of popular selections. The Sake Maki Mondays special is available for dine in orders only, and it is offered at all five Valley RA Sushi locations. Scottsdale locations include Kierland Commons (7012 East Greenway Parkway; 480.951.5888) and Old Town Scottsdale (3815 North Scottsdale Road; 480.990.9256). For more information, visit www.rasushi.com.

Venues Carefree If you haven’t been to Venues in a while, February is the month to show the love. Between the Valentine's Day special menu ($55 per person) and Happy Hour just for the ladies (Monday through Thursday from 4-11pm), you cannot go wrong. Venues restaurant is located at 34 Easy Street in the heart of Carefree. For reservations, call 480.595.9909. For more information, visit www.venuescafe.com.

Reception
Champagne toast & Amuse Buche
First Course
Salad of Fig and Arugula with Toasted Almonds, Goat Cheese & Strawberry Honey Vinaigrette
Second Course
Carrot Beet Soup with Ginger Crème Fraiche
Or Oysters Rockefeller
Third Course
Veal Osso Bucco over Creamy Polenta & Gremolata
Or
Shrimp & Scallop Risotto with Lemon Truffle Essence
Endings
Omelette a la Norvegienne

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