As a Taurus, I’m all about the finer things in life, including food. For someone with food issues, it feels a bit weird to even talk about, but I do think eating should be exciting, delicious and pleasurable. So today we are embarking on a culinary adventure as we delve into the tantalizing world of restaurants I'm eager to experience. I like to consider myself a food enthusiast because I find joy in exploring diverse flavors and culinary creations that titillate the taste buds. From hidden gems to local favroties and renowned establishments, this journey will be a gastronomic exploration, capturing the essence of each dining venue. With a passion for uncovering unique dining concepts and savoring delectable dishes, I invite you dear readers to join me on this exciting quest for culinary excellence. Whether it's the innovative presentations, the ambiance, or the stories behind the chefs, each restaurant carries a promise of a distinct and memorable dining encounter. So let’s check out the list.

Fire At Will

North Phoenix

Crafted by Dom and Holly Ruggiero of Hush Public House, Fire At Will stands as a culinary haven in North Phoenix. With a focus on refined comfort cuisine drawing inspiration from Spain, Italy, and the Middle East, the restaurant boasts a diverse menu. From classic offerings like the Hush burger to more unconventional choices such as lamb tartare and soba noodles, Fire At Will caters to a wide range of tastes, making it a local favorite. There is a sexy concrete bar adorned with comfortable stools and, word has it, an enticing cocktail program, helping Fire At Will create a welcoming atmosphere. They have a high praise-worthy mac and cheese, and the crispy Brussels sprouts carve a niche for themselves. Departing from the usual bacon, balsamic, or mustard accompaniments, this dish features Asian pear, roasted peanuts, sesame seeds, and an abundance of umami.

The Neighborly Public House

The Seventh Street Dining Drag

Local restaurateur Chris Collins seamlessly blends comfort and sophistication at The Neighborly Public House. Boasting deep booths and a covered patio furnished with booths, this establishment offers an extensive menu featuring crowd-pleasing dishes such as rotisserie chicken and baby back ribs, creating the perfect setting for a casually elevated dining experience one has come to experience under the Common Ground Culinary empire. Of course, the classic Brussels sprouts are here for the party - charred and crunchy, neatly packed into a glass jar that spills onto a board, but there are plenty more comfort-inspired options to choose from. One is Collins's coconut cream pie, which is apparently award-winning and is constantly hailed as a must-taste. But really, I’m down for the rich butter cake, which bears a striking resemblance to the legendary Mastro’s version and is rumored to be just as delicious.

Arboleda

Scottsdale Quarter

Arboleda, a Modern Mediterranean restaurant in North Scottsdale, showcases Chef Evan Gotanda's culinary brilliance. Specializing in pork, the menu features enticing offerings like jamón plates, Iberian ham croquettes, and a succulent pork shoulder steak candied with orange and thyme. Infused with elements of molecular gastronomy, Arboleda distinguishes itself as one of the most innovative dining establishments in the Valley. Arboleda, made a grand entrance into Scottsdale Quarter last April and has captured the hearts of many. I saw it being constructed and just had to add it to my list. I mean the space, adorned with a barrel-vaulted ceiling and a live olive tree, exudes charm. The name itself, meaning "grove of trees" in Spanish, adds to the allure. They serve a version of the famous El Bulli olive sphere, a marvel of molecular gastronomy, and from what I hear, there is a crisp-edged Ibérico pork dish that features spicy-sweet pepper jam, nestled in fry bread and is adorned with pickled vegetables.

Chilte

Grand Ave

Nestled within the Egyptian Motor Hotel in Central Phoenix, Chilte is a charming Mexican restaurant that embraces a street-smart, spontaneous approach to cooking. Chef-owner Lawrence Smith brings creativity to the forefront, with inventive touches like tallow aioli gracing Wagyu smash burgers and brown butter hominy elevating pozole. Acknowledged by Bon Appétit among the "24 Best New Restaurants of 2023," Chilte stands as a testament to skillfully breaking culinary rules in the most gratifying manner. The restaurant's kitschy décor perfectly complements its focus on "culinary street food," representing a "new wave" in Mexican cuisine. Chilte's offerings are traditional yet elevated dishes that dance just slightly offbeat. A few dreamy highlights are the birria de cabeza (beef cheek) tacos, the brunch-only mashed potato tacos with, hello, a black garlic hot sauce, and the chorizo Bolognese on pineapple-flavored pappardelle. For a sweet finale, the pan de elote cheesecake is a mind-blowing indulgence. Don’t threaten me with a good time!

THE CAVE AT QUARTZ

Downtown Phoenix

Nestled on Van Buren Street, The Cave is a radiant bar-within-a-bar. It is themed around the world's great deserts and is the brainchild of mixology virtuoso Maxwell Berlin. Tucked away within Quartz, The Cave at Quartz is an otherworldly yet refined retreat at the rear of the cocktail lounge. Inside the crystal cave, mirrored rose-gold arches grace the walls and caverns lead to secluded booths. Each space boasts plush booth seating, a quartz table, chic light fixtures, and images of a variety of beautiful crystals. Every drink on the menu comes with a story, unique presentation, and world-class ingredients. Cocktails like the Penguin Suit, inspired by the black and white tuxedo penguins in the Antarctic Desert, and one I can’t wait to try, The Tomb of The Fizzy Kitty, an all-black tropical cocktail served in a cat lounging in the White Desert in Egypt. Along with cocktails inspired by all of the birthstones of the year, this place has a total vibe.

Rough Rider

Roosevelt Row

There is no better location for a Roosevelt-themed bar/restaurant than Roosevelt Row. Nestled in the heart of the Roosevelt Row arts district, in the basement of the Ten-O-One building, Rough Rider serves as a speakeasy, transporting patrons to a bygone era. The ambiance is set with a moody bar, rich wood furnishings, and libations inspired by the Victorian era, creating a distinctive fusion of the past and the current. Rough Rider pays a lively homage to the finer things of the late 19th century including baroque furnishings and Victorian-era cocktails. The food is described as Southern comfort food with a contemporary twist. The theme of the Rough Rider stands out and with its authentic drinks and a nod to the past, it’s a place I am pretty intrigued by.

Cala Scottsdale

Old Town Scottsdale

Located within the boutique Senna House Hotel in Old Town Scottsdale, Cala is a hot spot featuring a lively atmosphere. What I love is the design-centric space that seamlessly blends cool coastal and desert styles. Cala was crafted by local celebrity chef Beau MacMillan, the menu is a dynamic fusion between Italian-influenced Mediterranean and Middle Eastern delights. I can’t wait to visit Cala's outdoor patio bar and dive into the creative cocktail list. Cala is a place people want to be with its stylish crowd, exceptional cocktails, and fresh, distinctive menu there is so much that makes Cala a standout dining destination. And I’m honestly down with any place where the menu features an array of dips and spreads.

Farther Away

Gucci Osteria da Massimo Bottura

Beverly Hills, California

Housed within the Gucci boutique on Rodeo Drive, Massimo Bottura’s culinary brilliance takes center stage. Everything about the experience is as opulent as Rodeo Drive itself and the cuisine strikes a balance between whimsy and grounded. There is everything from a perfectly warm seafood salad to a risotto cleverly masquerading as pizza. I for one am enticed by the idea of thumb-sized tortellini, filled with the classic mortadella and a Parmigiano Reggiano-enriched sauce not to mention the decadent smoked chocolate ganache.

Pineapple & Pearls

Washington D.C.

Pineapple & Pearls is a Washington, DC hot spot. This Michelin-starred fine-dining restaurant was founded by chef Aaron Silverman. It offers a distinctive concept, combining a coffee shop with a fine dining experience. This means guests can enjoy both high-quality coffee and a multi-course tasting menu. Their menu features inventive and seasonally sourced dishes helping it gain acclaim for its commitment to excellence in both food and service. Pineapple & Pearls boasts a Hollywood-meets-St. Barts Beach Club ambiance. Sign me up.

Yoshitomo

Omaha, Nebraska

Yoshitomo is a sushi destination driven by a passion for quality ingredients, offering a blend of traditional sushi, and modern reinterpretations in an intimate setting reminiscent of the "heart of Tokyo." Something that feels a bit odd for a restaurant located in Nebraska. Within Yoshitomo, there is Ota, a private counter exclusively offering omakase-style sushi. This meticulously curated multi-course experience is traditionally found in renowned sushi cities and is something to experience. Yoshitomo is committed to excellence and procures its ingredients directly from Japan. Yoshitomo, was crowned "best restaurant in America" by The Washington Post making it help Omaha put itself on the map as a culinary hot spot.

Nancy’s Hustle

Houston, Texas

Nancy's Hustle is a well-regarded restaurant located in Houston, Texas. It has been celebrated for its inventive approach to American and European cuisine and has a focus on seasonal and locally sourced ingredients. They offer a diverse menu, featuring an in-house bakery producing fresh bread, pastries, and desserts with a reputation of its own. It may be known for its casual yet sophisticated ambiance, but Nancy's Hustle is a popular spot for a variety of occasions, including brunch. Nancy’s Hustle has a vibrant atmosphere, community engagement, and popular cocktails, helping contribute to its status as a notable player in Houston's dynamic culinary scene.

Jeune et Jolie

Carlsbad, California

Jeune et Jolie, located in Carlsbad, California, is a contemporary French restaurant celebrated for its sophisticated and modern approach to French cuisine. The restaurant, whose name translates to "young and pretty" in French, offers a refined yet approachable dining experience. Jeune et Jolie is known for its stylish interior design and provides an elegant and inviting atmosphere for patrons. The menu showcases French culinary traditions with a contemporary twist. It features high-quality seasonal ingredients in appetizers, entrees, and desserts. Complementing the culinary experience, the restaurant typically boasts a curated cocktail list.

Le Comptoir

Los Angeles, California

Le Comptoir, located in Los Angeles, California, is a celebrated restaurant known for its modern French cuisine and commitment to using locally sourced, seasonal ingredients. Chef Gary Menes takes center stage at Le Comptoir’s intimate 10-seat counter, a cozy setting for a one-on-one experience with the chef. This absence of formalities and white tablecloths makes it an approachable yet gourmet destination. With a focus on sustainability, Le Comptoir emphasizes direct collaboration with local farmers. The tasting menus, featuring a variety of creatively crafted dishes, showcase the chef's expertise and change regularly based on seasonal availability. Due to its popularity, securing reservations in advance is recommended for those seeking the unique and personalized chef's counter experience at Le Comptoir.

Pasjoli

Santa Monica, California

Pasjoli, located in Santa Monica, California, is a renowned French restaurant led by Chef Dave Beran, known for his culinary expertise. With a contemporary approach to French cuisine, Pasjoli offers a menu that skillfully blends traditional techniques with innovative twists, showcasing a commitment to high-quality ingredients. The restaurant provides an elegant yet inviting ambiance for patrons seeking a refined dining experience. Known for its diverse menu featuring French-inspired dishes, Pasjoli's offerings may evolve with the seasons, emphasizing locally sourced ingredients. The restaurant, celebrated for its sophisticated atmosphere and extensive wine selection, continues to be a notable destination for those seeking a modern and memorable take on classic French gastronomy.

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