Even Stevens soft opening was a blast. Just a quick background Even Stevens started out in Utah with several locations and even Boise, ID....Now have hit the ground running here in Gilbert! Love the aesthetic on the their interior design. Huge space that's like quirky vintage chic with a modern hipster flair. Now onto the food........
I went with the pot roast dip. The really nice employee recommended it saying if you closed your eyes and ate it you might not even know it was turkey. That got my attention so I jumped on it! Great recommendation! Jalapeño Jam gave it just enough sweetness to balance the well seasoned roasted turkey and the jus for dipping was supreme as well. I would've subbed out the raw onions for pickled onions which I didn't realize are available until looking over the entire menu after I had ordered. A 4 star sandwich cause that dark turkey meat could've given any pot roast from a traditional French Dip a run for its money!
For any peeps on a celiac diet....Chef Brandon who previously had worked in fine dining in UT had mentioned that it's not officially on their menu yet but they they are now offering GF bread from local AZ bakery Gluten Free Creations. So it is available to sub out for the breads on all their sandwiches!
The highlight for me during this event was meeting wo passionate ladies who were on hand promoting their products. The small batch jams from Cotton Country Farms which can be found in three of Even Stevens' sandwiches like my pot roast dip. Amanda was quick to educate me on the differences between jam and jelly. All their products are jams. On their menu at Even Stevens they were listed as a "jalapeño jelly" or even a "onion marmalade" which should be corrected on their menu since they are jams!!! dare I say Jam Oh Jam!!!. I'm copping some of that onion jam for sure at a future farmers market or the Phx Public Market!
Julia from Peixoto Coffee was on hand with complimentary bags of their freshest single origin roasted on 10/3 in Chandler. I can't wait to brew this with my aeropress and chemex to compare the body of the chocolatey notes. Always inspiring to meet someone that left Corporate America to continue the family legacy. Definitely would've considered featuring them in my past life in the Coffee Sub Box Space. Can't wait to visit their coffee bar now that I know about they are a player amongst other third wave roasters.
Overall, a very well thought out and organized "sneak peek" by Michael and the rest of the Even Stevens management team. A++++