Hot Topics >>> A Moveable Feast
January 2009
By Stephanie Maher Palenque |
As I ate the oysters with their strong taste of the sea and their faint metallic taste that the cold white wine washed away, leaving only the sea taste and the succulent texture, and as I drank their cold liquid from each shell and washed it down with the crisp taste of wine, I lost the empty feeling and began to be happy and to make plans.
Ernest Hemingway – A Moveable Feast
No one is ever going to convince me that window shopping is just as good as making purchases. Neither are they going to tell me that reading about food, or watching a television cooking show is equal to making a dish or eating a meal.
Life is all about the experience, and a few restaurants have capitalized lately on the “experience” aspect of dining, rather than simply the meal itself. These restaurants go beyond focusing on ambiance. They offer something different for the diner – something that enhances the meal itself.
Canal
Canal proves once and for all that food and high fashion can peacefully co-exist. However, whether or not diners will feel like eating a hearty meal after seeing runway models walk the catwalk is anyone’s guess! |
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Canal is an experience in sophistication and couture style. Every detail of the restaurant is well-considered, right down to the sexy, sinewy “S” shaped runway that extends across the restaurant. Diners are treated to a live runway show during special weekend events, in addition to projection screens that broadcast everything from the latest Milan couture show to inspiring artistic imagery.
On Tuesday nights, Canal hosts a Tuesday Night TV Dinner Experience that will take diners back to the 1950s – only tastier! Diners are invited to watch old black and white movies on the projection screen and choose form three to five TV dinner choices (50’s classics with a gourmet twist served on ceramic TV dinner-shaped platters. |
It’s not all about the show, however. Fresh, global cuisine rules the menu including dishes such as Ahi Three Ways, Confit Duck Tacos, and “The $30 Sandwich,” a fantasy sandwich of lobster tail, boursin cheese, and chanterelle mushrooms. For traditional landlovers, heartier meals such as Aged Prime New York Steak and Braised and Grilled Beef Short Ribs don’t disappoint.
Info> www.canalaz.com; 480.949.9000; 7144 E. Stetson Dr., Scottsdale
Tiburón |
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This unique dining spot proves that, contrary to what the shark “Bruce” says in “Finding Nemo,” fish can be our friends AND our food!
For a dining experience truly like no other, try the recently-opened Tiburón (Spanish for “shark”) restaurant adjacent to The World Wildlife Zoo in Litchfield Park. Diners are seated alongside a 60,000 gallon shark tank that they can visually drink in while they dine on stand-out dishes such as Lobster Bisque, Oysters on the Half Shell, Arizona Pecan-Crusted Trout, Filet Mignon, and Pork Tenderloin with Red Chile Yams & Peppered Bacon Green Beans and Fried Shallots. It is no wonder that the dishes at Tiburón are so amazing …Chef Patrick Boll, who worked under Robert McGrath’s tutelage at Windows on the Green at The Phoenician consulted on the menu during its creation. The kitchen at Tiburón is headed by Joseph Aguayo.
“Our mission is to offer sustainable seafood on our menu whenever available and to help support local wildlife agencies and other like-minded organizations that are focused on saving and protecting our planet’s wildlife,” says Alex Corona, owner/partner of the new eatery. |
Nothing better than having a fabulous meal while being entertained and helping to save the environment! Make it a day out with your family, and visit the zoo as well.
Info> www.tiburonrestaurant.net; 623.935.5685; 16501 West Northern Ave., Litchfield Park.
Fogo E Brasa
The concept of the “Churrascaria” is relatively new in this area, however the traditional churrascaria, or Brazilian “steakhouse” has been around since the early 1900s. The concept was first developed when German and Italian immigrants settled in Southern Brazil in the area known as “Pampas” or “High Plains.” This particular area of Brazil is known for its bountiful vegetation and ideal area for raising livestock.
Much like the pilgrims and Native Americans in early America, the new settlers and natives communed in order to give thanks to each other, and to God. In addition to the ripe, juicy fruit that was abundant in the area, the ranchers, known as “gauchos”, cooked skewers of beef, pork, and chicken over open fire pits. The diners took freely from the skewers throughout the meal.
As the population in that area grew, so did the popularity of that dining style. The settlers incorporated a European style of service, and the “Churrascaria” or “barbeque” soon became a permanent fixture in Brazil – suitable for any occasion. |
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Today, churrascarias have popped up around the United States, gaining popularity for the unique experience offered to the diner. The way it works is different from anything you’ve probably ever experienced. The first thought of the hungry diner who enters a churrascaria is “Great! There is an all-you-can-eat buffet with lots of great Brazilian dishes and appetizers!” However, resist the temptation. There is so much more to come for those who show restraint. There will soon be a never-ending line of skewer-totoing waiters who will visit the table with the fruits of the kitchen. These skewers include everything from barbecued chicken to garlic steak, grilled chicken breasts, pork sausage, grilled pineapple, and beef tenderloin. The server provides the table with a chunk of wood that resembles a salt shaker. Depending on which way the diners turn this wood, they will signal the circling waiters to continue their “Brazilian ballet” with meat skewers in hand, or stop the dance altogether. However, a word of caution, again, to those overly-anxious diners. If value is what you are after, you may want to forego or at least limit how much sausage and chicken you eat early in the meal …the beef tenderloin skewers tend to be brought out only after diners have gorged themselves full of lower-priced fare! |
A few of these churrascarias are right here in the Valley. Fogo E Brasa (4909 East Chandler Blvd., Phoenix; www.fogoebrasa.com; 480.783.6060) is a great one to visit, and worth the trip south, if you have a group of hungry diners who are up for a fun, relaxed dining experience.
Be the first to introduce your family and friends to the wonders of the churrascaria! This is a great choice for large groups who like to have fun.
When you are looking to combine fun and food, get out and try these establishments that offer a new twist on the traditional restaurant. Whether the age-old concept of the churrascaria, or a restaurant the offers its diners a “theme” to whet their appetite, take advantage of the option to try something innovative and different. Most importantly, sink your teeth into life and savor the experience!
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