Ok, here is the deal......The actual restaurant is a great setting (the old Sophie's Bistro) and a wonderful patio. However they have only been open a short time and the service showed. It is for that reason and that reason alone that I did not give the fifth star. Our server was a nice young lady that didn't have much of guiding hand and didn't quite grasp the service thing. However by the end of the evening she had warmed up to us and began to be less mousy. Yes a full 20% commission was still left for her efforts (and they say I don't have a heart..).
Now for the good stuff, the food was remarkable and a real Phoenix standout! To be completely honest when I looked at the menu online and even when we arrived I was not expecting the delight that was to be in store for us. We had several starters and each was better than the next..... the fries with truffle Ketchup really blew us away (yes french fries blew my mind). For my main dish I ordered the Bolognese on garlic bread pudding. Now I am a rough critic when it comes to this particular dish, personally make a pretty mean version. However it was amazing and the twist of serving over a bread pudding was very smart.
I have a feeling that with some time the service will become as good as the food but don't let that stop you from going sooner than later.
Brook