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| - Totally impressed by this new hotspot from start to finish. I've been there on two occasions so far and definitely plan to make it part of the regular rotation. Walking into the restaurant, the colors and decor immediately pop with originality and stand distinguished amongst the crowd of other strong Phoenix culinary destinations. A number of high definition screens are spaced evenly over the bar area but are also big enough for the surrounding tables to appreciate. Bathrooms get a thumbs up for cleanliness. On to the food - it's a fantastic mix that appropriately falls under the "New American" designation and truly includes something for everyone. What is so fantastic about Covenant though are their unique riffs on familiar foods. For example, rather than a standard burger they do a chorizo blend burger that is spiced to perfection and primed to trigger some binge eating. Additionally, while a lot of other restaurants seem to veer away from doing a hummus appetizer these days (unfortunate), Covenant not only does it but adds their own mix of unique grilled vegetables and some drizzled honey. I have yet to try their brunch menu but again, their blend and array of dishes is more than a little eye catching. On the cocktail front, their signature cocktails are memorable and balanced to perfection. For tequila lovers, the Handshake Deal is a must-have. Although I wasn't able to pry myself away from the cocktails there yet, wine lovers will be pleased to know that their selection is a tour de force. Considering that many restaurants don't have any Zinfandels on their menu, the fact that Covenant offers four different Zins should put things in perspective. In other words, if you love wine and have a pulse, you're in good hands. Finally, the service here deserves a special mention. All staff were above-average pleasant and friendly to interact with, including the second time when a trainee was involved. During my second visit we experienced two notable mistakes (plus the kitchen ran out of a dish), however, what really won me over was how the staff handled these incidents. In each case, staff members not only immediately acknowledged and owned the mistake but they also really went out of their way to make sure things were fixed and our party was happy. Their efforts meant a lot to us and we really left there feeling blown away by how professional the whole operation is run in all aspects. While I would not hesitate to call attention to any restaurant's deficits, I have yet to find a negative things I would say about The Covenant. Highly recommended.
Ambiance: 4.5/5
Food: 5/5
Service: 5/5
Value: 4.5
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