This Italian spot wows in every way. We picked this restaurant to kick off our vacation here in Scottsdale and to celebrate my birthday. The decor and airy digs really strike a nice chord-fantastic food and service with just the right amount of casual elegance.
We had a two man team of servers who were probably the best servers we have ever had anywhere. They were personable and so obliging... attentive, yet not overbearing. We started with a bottle of Barbaresco. Very good. Their mainly Italian sourced wine list is really nice and well priced. But if you need your fix of the big bold overpriced California cabs, they're there too!
I opted out of the appetizer course to save room for the entree and dessert. But our server must have overheard me remarking how delicious the fresh pastas sounded and he sent over a small portion of the green tortellini. Wow. Perfectly al dente pockets of yumminess. The flavors were so bright and this starter is incredibly delicate. My husband had the linguini which was also cooked to perfection with a creamy tomato sauce that was to die for.
And right before our entrees arrived, another surprise... the garganelli pasta with duck sausage that I had said I needed to try. I must tell you I never eat pasta in the United States-well almost never... all 3 fresh preparations could go head to head with any of Mario Batali's. Totally worth the splurge and extra hours in the gym.
The scallop entree was beautiful, and the flavors really sang but the mollusks themselves were a bit small and probably should have been cooked 20 seconds less. The Jidori Chicken was supple and juicy. It tasted good but was a bit uninspired. The salmon entree and cauliflower sides ordered by our friends looked good but didn't get rave reviews.
To top off our evening, the server sent out a medley of desserts (we could not decide) and he presented a tray with an olive oil cake, pistachio gelato, affogato and a crazy good sugar donut filled with the an airy hazelnut cream. What a finish to a spectacular meal.
Between the service, the wine list, the pasta and the dessert this modern Italian restaurant surely garners 4 stars. With a few adjustments I could easily award 5 and I will definitely come back to do just that. Thank you Fat Ox for a wonderful meal.