Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
426
(smothered in a spicy red sauce). I have to agree. If at all possible, eat on the back patio;
it feels so much like a restaurant patio in Mexico that you'll be shocked to find you're still
in Scottsdale at the end of your meal.
4121 N. Marshall Way.
&
480/990-9844.
www.frankandlupes.com. Reservations not accepted. Main
courses $7-$19. AE, DISC, MC, V. Daily 11am-10pm.
Grazie Pizzeria Winebar
Finds
PIZZA This little neighborhood pizzeria is in
downtown Scottsdale at the west end of Main Street near the Valley Ho resort and is a
little gem of a place. It's also very popular on weekends, and the noise level can be deaf-
ening. Come on a weeknight or for lunch if you want to carry on a conversation without
shouting. The weekend buzz aside, this is a great place to sip Italian wines and share a
couple of designer pizzas from the wood-fired oven. Start your meal with the carpaccio
bresaola, which is served with arugula, parmigiano-reggiano cheese, and a lemon vinai-
grette; or a salad made with arugula, baby greens, parmigiano-reggiano, red onions, red
bell peppers, and pine nuts. The pizzas here have paper-thin crusts, so don't worry about
filling up before it's time to order the signature ice-cream calzone.
6952 E. Main St.
&
480/663-9797.
www.grazie.us. Reservations recommended Fri-Sat nights. Main
courses $9-$15. AE, MC, V. Daily 11am-10pm.
NORTH SCOTTSDALE, CAREFREE & CAVE CREEK
Very Expensive
Binkley's
Moments
NEW AMERICAN Foodies up on the latest trends in
molecular gastronomy (the science of cooking) will want to make sure they have at least
one meal at this astonishing little restaurant in Cave Creek. Utterly unpretentious yet
sophisticated enough to hold its own with the finest restaurants in the world, Binkley's
is the sort of place people dream of finding while on vacation. Every dish here is a work
of art, and unexpected flavor combinations and presentations are the rule. Chef Kevin
Binkley likes to leave his customers marveling at the meal they've just had. For the most
enjoyable experience, opt for a four-, five-, or six-course tasting menu, which might
include marlin with mango, avocado, and lotus root; a sweetbread sandwich; quail with
truffles from Oregon, or escolar fish with kumquats and saffron-scented hearts of palm.
6920 E. Cave Creek Rd., Cave Creek.
&
480/437-1072.
www.binkleysrestaurant.com. Reservations
highly recommended. Main courses $38-$44; tasting menus $65-$89 ($100-$134 with wine). AE, MC, V.
Tues-Sat 5-9:30pm (plus Sun seasonally).
Bourbon Steak
STEAK This posh steakhouse from Chef Michael Mina,
who in 2005 was named chef of the year by
Bon Appétit
magazine, is one of the Valley's
best and most expensive restaurants. If you have an appreciation for lobster, caviar, and
foie gras, then you'll be glad this restaurant is here. If you've never had beef tartare, this
is the place to try it; and for a delicious twist on an old favorite, try the lobster potpie.
Obviously, however, steaks are the thing here. If you're feeling flush, you could spring for
the Japanese Kobe beef filet mignon for $150, but there are plenty of other less-expensive
options. Steaks are served a la carte, and there are lots of tempting side dishes and accom-
paniments. How about some truffled macaroni and cheese, spinach soufflé, or roasted
marrow bones to accompany your main dish?
At the Fairmont Scottsdale, 7575 E. Princess Dr. (about 12 miles north of downtown Scottsdale).
&
480/
513-6002.
www.michaelmina.net. Reservations highly recommended. Main courses $22-$42; steaks
$29-$150. AE, MC, V. Sun-Thurs 5:30-10pm; Fri-Sat 5:30-10:30pm.
13
