It’s time for another list of new restaurant openings around the Valley. Some you may have heard of and some may have been off your radar. Either way, give these a visit when you can for dine in or takeout. We know we will be hitting up quite a few!
Cooper’s Hawk Winery and Restaurant has locations throughout the U.S. but just opened up one in Scottsdale, with another location in Chandler coming soon. The concept is four parts — an upscale casual dining restaurant, full-service bar, private dining room and Napa-style tasting room and retail store. That tells you that It’s just as much about the wine as it is the food, and there’s even a Wine Club you can join for access to member-only events, discounts and more. If you just go to dine, there are even suggested wine pairings with each dish. The menu is extensive, from soup and salad to burgers, surf and turf and more. Signature plates include the Mexican Drunken Shrimp appetizer, Blacked Bleu Skirt Steak salad and Shrimp and Scallop Risotto. There’s also the Life Balance section with dishes that have 600 or less calories. Cooper’s Hawk Winery and Restaurant is located at 7361 E. Frank Lloyd Wright Boulevard, Scottsdale; 623.473.9463; www.chwinery.com
Ghost kitchens are all the rage right now. It’s basically a shared space where restaurants can rent out space to cook their food sans the typical storefront. That’s the setup at the Tempe Food Court, and now Moonbowls has set up shop for delivery and pickup. Moonbowls takes a new approach to Korean cuisine with a California twist. Everything is gluten free, and there are also many plant based options. Make your own bowl with the base of your choice or order one of the signatures. Avocado Bulgogi, Don’t Cauliflower It A Comeback with barbecue cauliflower and ranch, Korean Hot Chicken and Sesame Surprise with tofu especially stand out on the menu. Don’t forget a side dish — Potstickers made with Impossible Beef or sweet potato, Roasted Broccoli with Ginger Garlic Sauce and more. Moonbowls is located at 1900 E. 5th Street, Tempe; 480.780.2070; www.moonbowls.com
From the team behind TacoGuild comes Ofrenda, now open in Cave Creek. The Latin-inspired restaurant combines traditional cooking methods with authentic ingredients and elegant presentation to create an unforgettable experience. Ofrenda is the word for offering in Spanish, and the restaurant does offer more than food like live music and cooking class. On the menu are shareables such as the Glazed Short Ribs and Seasonal Ceviche; fun tacos in the form of Duck Carnitas and poached Lobster; and plates like Ribeye Tomahawk and Pasta en Nogado. Don’t forget happy hour every day from 3 p.m. to close in the bar. Ofrenda is located at 7100 E. Cave Creek Road, #151, Cave Creek; 480.488.2187; www.theofrenda.com
The first rooftop bar and restaurant in Gilbert is now open in the Heritage District. It’s called Sotol Modern Cocktail Kitchen, and it’s serving up some unique Arizona-inspired eats. There’s Desert Bruschetta and Nopales Fritas to start then Apache Soup with warm acorn squash, toasted pepitas and cilantro crema. For a main meal, try the Arizona Stew or the freshly made Fry Bread. It comes with a choice of green chili chicken or cactus. Definitely make sure to leave room for dessert like the Forbidden Rice Pudding and Meyer Lemon Tart. The cocktails are a must too and have quirky names like Don’t Push the Button and Forbidden Dance With Mango. Sotol Modern Cocktail Kitchen is located at 313 N. Gilbert Road, #301, Gilbert; 480.550.6300; www.sotolmck.com
Another restaurant has come to the Melrose District in Phoenix right in front of furniture dealer Modern Manor — Valentine. Right now it’s open Thursday to Sunday and is serving up breakfast and lunch plus coffee and cocktails. Valentine also does popup nights and culinary collaborations like the one this week with Miles Palmer of falaf.a.lot. From the regular menu, we’d like to highlight the Breakfast Sandwich and Tacos, the Veg Burger made with a bean and amaranth tempeh patty and Hiramasa Crudo. Sip on a Squash Latte too or a Hatch Chili Margarita and you’re golden. Valentine is located at 4130 N. Seventh Avenue, Phoenix; 602.612.2961; www.valentinephx.com
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