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| - HOLY MOLY! I almost don't want to review this place just because I want it to be a secret. I rarely fight through the food coma to write reviews of experiences the day of- but Zen Culinary was so exceptional I just have to. I went tonight with a friend who shall be referred to here on out as BFF.
First impression: This place looks so awesome! The decor is sophisticated, fun, and cool. The cute patio seating is in the front of the restaurant with a nice fire pit. I definitely want to hang out there next time I'm in. There is a long bar down the right side of the restaurant that opens up into a larger dining area.
The drinks: Their happy hour menu is killer. Apparently I wanted to go hard on a Monday night happy hour because I ordered a Sazerac {Rye Whiskey |
Cognac | Peychaud's bitters | Absinthe rinse}. My friend ordered a French 75 {Gin | lemon | cane sugar | orange bitters | brut} both for $9. My drink had a great smoky flavor that caught me by surprise at first- but I would definitely order again (definitely to see the fire!). The French 75 was light and refreshing. We also got a complimentary cocktail bowl thing (Red Scorpion, I think) that was delicious and beautiful! 151 set aflame with nutmeg!
The food: I hadn't eaten all day and thus was starving TO DEATH. So we just went straight for the entrees. I ordered the duck breast and BFF ordered the spicy basil noodle. Friends, this was the BEST duck I have ever had! It was beautifully presented alongside cauliflower risotto, ginger carrot puree, spinach, and snap peas. The apple cider gastrique added the most amazing flavor. The duck was cooked perfectly- deliciously crisp and fatty, just how it should be. I was literally scraping my plate to get everything. The spicy basil noodle was TDF as well.
The service: Awesome, fun, attentive, and friendly. All things you want in a dining experience. Everyone said hello to us when we walked by and checked in on our food and drinks to make sure we were happy.
This was one of the best dining experiences I have had in AZ in a while. I will be telling everyone to GO HERE!
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