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DINE AROUND TOWN How to eat your way through Arizona Restaurant Week like a pro BY ALISON BAILIN BATZ
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he most edible time of the year, Arizona Restaurant Week, is making its return Friday, May 20 through Monday, May 29, sending diners on a 10-day tasting tour of the state. But with more than 100 participating restaurants including The Keg, Flemings, Fogo de Chao, Firebirds and more each offering taste bud tickling prix fix menus daily, how does one even begin to fork – er, forge – ahead? Allow us to help!
Pick a Prix Fix that Fits
Each restaurant offers a prix fix menu – usually three-to-four courses with multiple traditional, vegetarian and even gluten-free options – but there are two price points: $33 or $44
If looking for a great $33 option, try Bink’s Midtown. Since James Beard darling Kevin Binkley will be closing the venue in this incarnation over the summer as he re-imagines the space for re-launch in the fall, this will be Bink’s Midtown’s – as we know it today – last Restaurant Week menu. And they are going out with a bang, offering fried about a dozen courses and amuses you will never forget. If looking at a $44 option, consider venturing up to Binkley’s, for the same reason. In June, Binkley’s will also close its doors, so this is one of your last chances to try the iconic hot spot. Just some of the creative cuisine Binkley has up his sleeve (no doubt, with other surprises planned): fried okra with ranch foam, teriyaki eggplant with pickled Fresno chili, apricot bomb with anise oil and slow- cooked whey fed pork. Now, if wanting to stay closer to central Phoenix or downtown area, Stockyards also has a $44 offering that includes tenderloin chili, seafood gratin, amazing cuts of beef and a life-changing pecan pie.
The Dish on Drinks
Planning on beer, wine or even a cocktail with dinner? Several restaurant partners actually offer a glass of wine, beer or cocktail UPTOWN |
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pairing with their menus as part of the $33 or $44 price point. Simply look for a drink icon next to each posted online menu to see who is offering what.
Take Note of Newbies After more a decade, every restaurant that is going to be a part of the event already signed on years ago, right? Wrong! Each year, at least a dozen venues sign on for their inaugural chance at wowing the Valley. This year, there are several newbies of note to consider, including La Bocca Urban Kitchen & Wine Bar in Phoenix. The cozy wine bar that brings together everyone’s all-time favorite Mediterranean and Italian ingredients will be offering everything from freshly made pastas and creamy hummus to savory seasonal bruschetta and made-fromscratch pizzas. Restaurants fill up quickly, so reservations are recommended. For all the dining details, visit www.arizonarestaurantweek.com.