Original ChopShop Wholesome, flavorful, made-from-scratch food is at the core of this fast-casual restaurant, offering a menu packed with acai, pitaya and protein bowls; fresh-squeezed juices; protein shakes; salads and sandwiches. The Paradise Valley location opened in November, with North Scottsdale scheduled to open next month and Arcadia set for June. Pomegranate Cafe Owned and operated by a mother-daughter team, the Central Phoenix Pomegranate Cafe will be the second location (the first being in Ahwatukee) for the organic, vegan and vegetarian destination. Set to open late this month, the cafe will offer a made-from-scratch menu including its famous housemade POM Milk (made of nuts), organic vegan pastries and inventive entrees. MARKETS Arcadia Meat Market This modern take on the classic corner butcher shop offers natural, free-range, pasture-raised, hand-cut meats on-site. Opening this month in Arcadia, it will carry grass-fed beef and lamb; pasture-raised pork; and free-range organic chicken, eggs and more. The market will also sell grab-and-go meals, housemade bone broths, frozen goods, seasonings, wine, charcuterie, and locally grown micro-greens, with plans to offer cold-pressed juices in the future. Luci’s at the Grove Luci’s at the Grove in Scottsdale is set to open in October and is the newest addition to Luci’s Urban Concepts, whose other restaurants include Luci’s Healthy Marketplace, Luci’s at the Orchard, Splurge at the Orchard, and Pomelo at the Orchard. The new 4,100-square-foot project will be the brand’s first venture into Scottsdale and will serve a variety of food and drink options, including breakfast, lunch and dinner. Tempe Public Market Café Set to open early this year, Tempe Public Market Café will be a casual, urban hangout – from the same people behind Phoenix Public Market – serving fresh market cuisine crafted with local, seasonal ingredients for breakfast, lunch and dinner. ASIAN Ahipoki Bowl As of September, poke – one of the biggest culinary trends in the country – is now being served at the Camelback Colonnade. Ahipoki Bowl’s make-your-own concept allows customers to select from a variety of sushi-grade fish along with exotic toppings, veggies and sauce to accompany it over a bed of rice. Glai Baan Meaning “far from home,” Glai Baan – which opened last September – allows Phoenicians to explore the dynamic flavors of Thai comfort food. The Downtown Phoenix restaurant offers street vendor favorites native to Thailand as well as wine, beer and craft cocktails. Koi Poke Koi Poke is all about the love of poke; in fact, koi means love in Japanese. Founded by a group of entrepreneurs, Koi Poke is on the
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fast-track with 12 new places in the works. It’s already open at DC Ranch, with Arcadia, Gainey Village and the Scottsdale Waterfront up next. Awarded Phoenix Magazine’s 2017 Best of the Valley, the “boat to bowl” concept features fresh, high-quality fish; a variety of organic toppings; and eight chef-prepared sauces (seven of which are gluten-free). Sasaki Sushi & Bar Tucked near Scottsdale Civic Center Mall, Sasaki Sushi & Bar serves up artfully plated sushi – think rolls presented in large ice bowls or within a photo-worthy ice chamber and adorned with edible flowers. The eatery also offers poke bowls, traditional Japanese appetizers, chef’s specials, and creative desserts. ShinBay/Sizzle Korean Barbecue With a projected opening date of May, this joint venture will combine Sizzle Korean Barbecue (which has another location at Desert Ridge Marketplace) with ShinBay, a beloved Scottsdale staple that is reopening. Though located at the same venue, they will be two distinct restaurants. The new Sizzle will continue its tradition of a Korean barbecue experience with a grill at every table. The return of ShinBay will bring back acclaimed chef Shinji Kurita in a
15-seat counter eatery where Kurita will focus on his famed omakase (chef’s tasting menu). LATIN Cien Agaves Tacos & Tequila Get your taco and tequila fix at Cien Agaves’ second location in Desert Ridge, which opened in December next to Harkins Cine Capri. The Old Town Scottsdale staple is bringing its 10-year reign to a new 4,800-square-foot space, which has 27 high-definition TVs, patio seating with a fire pit, lounge seating, and bar windows that open to the outside. Be sure to check out the daily happy hour from 3 to 7 p.m. Gadzooks Enchiladas & Soups This established Phoenix foodie favorite (which recently started serving breakfast) opened a second location at 40th Street and Camelback Road at the end of last year, where guests can create their enchilada order from the restaurant’s infinitely customizable menu. Taco Chelo Valley restaurateur Aaron Chamberlin, local chef Suny Santana (St. Francis), and well-known Phoenix-based artist Gennaro Garcia will open their collaborative Mexican restaurant at The Blocks of Roosevelt Row in Downtown Phoenix
Barrio Queen Barrio Queen opened its third Valley location at the end of 2017 at Desert Ridge Marketplace. The indoor-outdoor space was specially designed by an artist, featuring an outdoor lounge, an open kitchen, a private tequila tasting room, and artwork from local and Mexican artists. There will even be a trompo (a rotating vertical spit) for al pastor, and diners can watch tortillas being made from scratch. PHOTO COURTESY OF J GROUP MEDIA