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| - If there was a half star, Centurion would get 4.5 stars.
I was slightly skeptical at first when there was just the chef and waitress in the restaurant. Considering this was a Saturday night, I thought I didn't get the memo that this was a lunch-oriented place and not the place to be for dinner. I was so glad to be wrong, for once and only for once.
They warmly greeted us as we entered. We were so hungry that we started out with their cheese plate. It was a nice assortment of manchego, double-creamed brie, and since i mentioned I loved blue, the chef gave us their blue that was not even on the menu. You get to choose 3 cheeses out of 6-9 choices. The cheese plate was nicely arranged with fruits (grapes, strawberries) and nuts. In addition, he added fig jam and Dijon mustard that gave it a nice kick. Compared to other restaurants in the valley, it was one of the nicer cheese plates and selections.
Next, on to 3 different kinds of risotto (coconut and shrimp, chorizo and manchego, white truffle), which were very rich. The food just kept coming with our filet mignon, lamb, and halibut (entree for 2). I know it was a lot of food for the 2 of us but I just had to try it all. The filet mignon was good but although ordered rare, it was more on the medium rare side for me. The sauce that was made for the lamb was fantastic; however, I've had a better cut of lamb.
It had a nice ambiance; however, the benches were very high and we had to move to another table. Thankfully, the chef was aware of the issue and they are anticipating taking care of it. The patio was really cute and inviting and will be a perfect place to grab a drink (once they get liquor license) after the weather becomes cool.
The chef was very personable and we will be back to try his recommendation of the Espana pizza. I hope others will try this place to keep it going because it's a wonderful independent restaurant that Phoenix needs!
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