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| - Cowboy Ciao was like a roller coaster for my senses. Visually, the scene is stimulating: bold splotches of color on the walls, romantic gold leaf, dramatic lighting, rustic Old West, funky art and decor, and asymmetrical table placement creates a sense of artistic chaos and charm. The aromas in Cowboy Ciao sent my olfactory bulb into overdrive, vamping up my anticipation (and appetite) for a most sensuous and savory meal. Acoustically, the restaurant was distracting. Muffled speech and loud laughter droned throughout the meal. I could hardly hear my new friends (including new Yelper Stan W.!) across the table. My tactile senses noticed the comfortable leather chairs, and most importantly, the weight of the wine glasses - useful to notice when my glass was only half full! Finally, the food and the wine surpassed my gustatory expectations. I expected everything to be well-executed, but I was very impressed with the inventiveness of the dishes and the medley of flavors. The menu itself is a masterpiece, with quirky names for dishes, funky descriptions, and hilarious quotes - it is just fun to read through. My favorite dish, in addition to the perfection of the Stetson salad, was the seared scallops and beet risotto with goat cheese and dill. The combination of flavors was unexpected and to die for. I cannot deny my love for beets, but that risotto brought my appreciation to a new level. The exotic mushroom pan fry and the blue cheese cheesecake were also entirely unique, flavorful, and delicious. Stan W. was less impressed by his meal, but did swoon over the cheescake. And yes, it is swoon-worthy. As for the wine, the list is just extravagant (oenophilia-tastic)! With over 3,200 labels organized in a rather confusing manner, it is quite a daunting task to make the right choice; but with a little guidance from our gracious server, we were quite happy with our selections.
Overall, I was very impressed with my first visit to Cowboy Ciao. The atmosphere, the food, the wine, and the service make Cowboy Ciao a little gem in Scottsdale that easily suits every occasion. It is a wonderful place for a birthday dinner, a romantic evening out, or a fun night with friends. For out of town guests, this is a perfect stop for a unique and entertaining AZ experience. Ciao, a presto!
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