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| - Walking up the gently lit side corridor was an inviting prelude to the entry with a side peak of the open air indoor/oudoor bar that has a gorgeous illuminated onyx bar top. The layout is quite nice, and certainly is a place Phoenicians can be proud of.
Beautiful surface materials abound, which are a perfect example of how restraining architectural details allow the visitor to really appreciate the space and the dining experience.
I respect that Aaron Chamberlin candidly admits that the menu is still growing, wine list being tweaked, and more dessert items shall be added. I adore restaurants that have an evolving menu that incorporate seasonal ingredients and the chef's favorite food ensembles of the moment.
We shared a refreshing salad with chilled corn, radish, mini heirlooms with a decadent homemade butter cream ranch dressing. Plenty for 2, and very reasonably priced at $8. Oh yeah, and there is a bread service!
The corn chowder was not to our tastes, but the Halibut with eggplant and green and yellow string beans was divine, and perfectly prepared. I can't provide a technical description of the dessert, expect for it was like a toffee bread pudding with a scoop of vanilla gelato on top. YUM! They serve Cartel Coffee (Tempe), which is quite delicious, is and another locally owned spot, that I encourage everyone to try.
The service was absolutely stellar! Our waiter was well-informed, attentive, and really let us take our time and enjoy ourselves.
St. Francis is a welcome, and much needed newcomer to the ever expanding Central Phoenix dining experience.
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