What’s up with all the steakhouses!
Don’t let the photo fool you. Although Pinnacle Peak Patio (pictured) serves a fine steak dinner–and a lot of fun, too–these ain’t your typical steakhouses that I’m talking about here. T
he new steakhouse restaurants opening up at Valley resorts this year are anything but typical. They’re elegant. They’re expensive. And you probably won’t find the red and white checkered tablecloth anywhere in sight. But if you’re in the mood for a very fine steak, with all the flair that an award-winning chef can bring to the table, plan on making a reservation at any of the restaurants listed below.
The trend began with the opening of BOURBON STEAK at the Fairmont Scottsdale (formerly the Scottsdale Princess Resort). This steakhouse, which opened early this year, is a contemporary American steakhouse brought to Arizona by nationally renowned chef Michael Mina. The James Beard award-winner’s restaurant menu features the finest cuts of beef, poultry, and fish–all slow-poached in butter, grilled and finished over seasoned, wood-fueled flames.
Mina’s steakhouse also serves classic American side dishes such as Blue-Cheese Scalloped Potatoes, Duck Fat Fries and Spinach Soufflé. For those who avoid red meat, the menu includes Mina’s special Whole-Fried Organic Chicken with Truffled Mac & Cheese and seafood dishes. Personally, I’d like to get my taste buds on the Lobster Pot Pie.
Two more steakhouses open soon.
Camelback Inn, a JW Marriott Resort & Spa, is nearing completion of a $45 million renovation. Included in the renovation of this historic property is a new lobby flanked by organic herb gardens that will provide ingredients to Camelback’s new restaurants, BLT STEAK included. Celebrity Chef Laurent Tourondel takes the helm, introducing Arizona to the modern American steakhouse.
Tourondel, named “Best New Chef” by Food & Wine Magazine and honored with several other accolades, is a French-trained chef. BLT Scottsdale is one of several such restaurants opened by the award-winning chef. His first, BLT New York opened in 2004. He’s since opened restaurants in Washington D.C., Puerto Rico, Miami, and several more in New York.
The Phoenician is also putting a contemporary spin on the luxury resort experience with its $70 million renovation. In October, J&G STEAKHOUSE, a high-end restaurant from Jean-Georges, debuts in the restaurant space formerly known as Mary Elaine’s. It will feature premium meats and fish as well as incorporate an individually designed dinner menu. Though many locals and regular visitors were sad to see the 20-year-old Mary Elaine’s close, I am told that hotel staff cannot wait to see this new restaurant open.
(The above photo of Pinnacle Peak Patio in Scottsdale was taken by Jeff Noble. It is used with permission by the Scottsdale Convention & Visitors Bureau.)
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