The most common question I get is: Where have you eaten lately? Dining out is one of my greatest pleasures, but between visiting kids in college and checking on family and property in Texas, home-cooked meals have become the norm when I’m back in Arizona. Plus, is it just me, or has the cost of eating out skyrocketed? That said, I was fortunate to be hosted at several meals recently—experiences that left some tasty impressions. While I was hosted, it does not influence my perspective; if I didn’t genuinely enjoy a restaurant, I honestly wouldn’t write about it.
One of Scottsdale’s most anticipated openings, Élephante, brings its coastal Italian flair from Santa Monica to Fashion Square Mall. From the moment you step inside, the space transports you with earthy textures, warm lighting, and an outdoor patio that feels worlds away. The menu leans Mediterranean, with signature dishes like silky Whipped Eggplant, house-made squid ink Gemelli Scampi, and wood-fired pizzas like the Bianco with creamy taleggio cheese, parmigiano reggiano, lemon, and hot honey. We also had a delicious Branzino with salsa verde brown butter. Cocktails are just as enticing—like the Élephante Spritz, a mix of gin, passion fruit, lemon, orgeat, Montenegro, and Calabrian chili. Their Pistachio Sundae is all-world. Some have had mixed experiences, but I think Élephante is the kind of place where you find your favorites and stick to them—similar to Nobu.
Another recent stop was Coffee Builders, which I visited while covering a story for atasteofaz, a local magazine (see some of my articles here and here). Coffee Builders, tucked in Phoenix’s industrial district, was founded by Thomas Porter, co-founder of Porter Barn Wood, who expanded into hospitality to share his love of coffee and design. Inspired by visits to over 200 coffee shops, Porter created a menu featuring drinks like bourbon barrel-aged cold brew and smoked cinnamon lattes, alongside elevated dishes like Champagne Deviled Eggs and Scotch Figs. The café, located in front of his woodworking showroom, allows him to experience the industry from both sides—designer and operator—while continuing to refine his approach.
Dallas-based Velvet Taco has expanded to Old Town Scottsdale. With a globally inspired menu, Velvet Taco serves up over 20 creative tacos, plus a rotating Weekly Taco Feature (WTF). As a family, we went all in on several tacos, and here are our top picks: the spicy Chicken Tikka, a juicy Quesa Birria, a flavorful Kobe Smash Burger, and a yummy Korean Fried Rice. To wash it down, we sipped on cold beers (Lone Star and Shiner for the Texas fans!) and the refreshing Sangrita—a frozen margarita with a sangria swirl. Pro tip: Don’t skip the Red Curry Coconut Queso. It’s one of my all-time favorites. And, of course, save some room for the signature red velvet cake for dessert!
Finally, I had the opportunity to attend a dinner at Weft & Warp Art Bar + Kitchen, located in the Andaz Scottsdale Resort, as part of their ongoing Culinary Series. Brooklyn-born Chef Sammy DeMarco, known as “Chef Sammy D,” brings a world of experience to Andaz Scottsdale, with stints at The River Café, The Peninsula, and top Las Vegas hotels. The Andaz Culinary Dinner I attended was an immersive journey through the flavors of Mexico, thanks to a collaboration between Andaz Mayakoba and Andaz Scottsdale. It was a 6-course Private Chef’s Table featuring dishes like a Beef Tongue Taco and Musilage Aguachile Kampachi—a crisp tostada topped with kampachi, green sauce, lime, coriander, cocoa beans, and matcha. A warm and comforting Mushroom and Pumpkin Blossom Soup with epazote and chochoyotes led into one of my all-time favorite Yucatán dishes—Cochinita Pibil, a beautifully marinated pork dish served with banana purée, ixnipec onion, and fresh tortillas. To finish, a decadent Mezcal Pastry Cream Fritter with cocoa ice cream brought the meal to a perfect close. The flavors were vibrant, the presentation was stunning, and the collaboration between chefs made for a truly special evening. I have loved Weft & Warp since it opened and highly recommend popping in for dinner or drinks. Check the Andaz website (or my newsletter) for any upcoming specials.
Each of these restaurants offers something distinctive, whether it’s the upscale coastal vibes of Élephante, the meticulous craftsmanship at Coffee Builders, the playful and eclectic nature of Velvet Taco, or the refined, inviting experience at Weft & Warp. I enjoyed sharing these dining experiences so much that I’m considering making this a monthly series. Stay tuned for next month when I’ll fill you in on my visit to the Wrigley Mansion for Festivin, a whole roast pig dinner extravaganza at Virtù, a kickboxing class at KickHouse (gotta work off those calories), and more! xoM
