A dream come true. I would love to have a place like this in San Francisco.
We were eating dinner downstairs in the Public House, and our server Gary mentioned that the awesome cocktail recipes come from the 'lab' upstairs at R&D. When you think about it, a scientific approach to mixology makes even more sense than molecular gastronomy.
We were there pretty early on a quiet Thursday night, so we got great personal attention from Richie and Tara. I love the intimate, relaxed feel. We started with the delicious infused-at-your-table gin and tonic and a drink whose name I forget but it involved concentrated "popcorn tincture." We finished up with a very refreshing paint-can shaken lambic sorbet. In addition to the fun and whimsy of the drinks, the taste and textures are a different level of cocktail experience.
My wife and I are both scientists, so we chatted a little with Richie about science equipment and where to buy a used centrifuge. This guy is awesome, and I can't say enough good things about the place. If i lived in Scottsdale I would be here every week.