26 March 9th–March 15th, 2023 phoenixnewtimes.com phoenix new Times | music | cafe | film | culTuRe | NighT+Day | feaTuRe | NeWs | OPiNiON | feeDBacK | cONTeNTs | cocktail and a plate of salty, savory steak tartare or fresh hamachi crudo with pine nuts, before diving into an herb-crusted rack of lamb or crispy skin-on branzino served over a bright, chunky tomato sauce. If a full dinner isn’t in your plans, grab a stool at the bar and watch as bartenders craft cocktails in gold shakers while you sip on a glass of wine or shot of espresso and people watch. This spot is both elegant and full of energy, making for an entertaining and delicious experience. Hush Public House 14202 North Scottsdale Road This small-but-mighty restaurant just south of Kierland Commons features one of the more freewheeling menus in town. Hush Public House is a minimally-deco- rated strip mall restaurant where the focus is on one thing, and one thing only: food brimming with flavor. Start your meal with chef Dom Ruggiero’s most famous appetizer, an entire head of fried cauliflower. Next, move on to the shrimp and grits, a dish of plump, spice-rubbed shrimp sitting on top of a bed of creamy grits made with white cheddar. The Duck Fried Rice, served with a runny egg on top, includes a generous portion of duck confit strewn throughout tender rice and veggies. Finish your meal with the Date Cake, a sticky toffee pudding by another name, for a decadent, bourbon-tinged treat. Before or after your meal, stop by The Vanilla Gorilla, a bar-and-bottle-shop the Hush team opened next door. The Mission 3815 North Brown Avenue 7122 East Greenway Parkway, #140 The Old Town location of The Mission isn’t flashy or new, but that’s part of what makes it great. This Scottsdale institution sits in one of the most historic corners of town right next to the original adobe mission church that inspired its name. Beat the heat by entering this dark restaurant, or when the weather’s nice, enjoy the large front and back patios. Those visiting Arizona are often looking for a taste of Mexican food, but it can be easier to find a bite of sushi or a plate of pasta in this part of the Valley. But the Mission serves modern Latin food with flair. Make sure to start with the anti- cuchos, skewered cubes of beef doused in a savory and sweet Oaxacan pasilla glaze with a soy-based twist. The guacamole, made tableside with a choice of ingre- dients and spice level, is a must before tucking into a plate of street tacos. If you’re looking for a little Scottsdale glitz and glam and are in the mood to go all out, split the 18-ounce ribeye that will set you back almost $100. Pizzeria Virtù 6952 East Main Street The name Virtù is becoming increasingly prevalent in Scottsdale, as owner and chef Gio Osso recently expanded his family of restaurants to include Piccolo Virtù. But of the three concepts — Virtù Honest Craft, Piccolo Virtù, and Pizzeria Virtù — we are partial to the pies. The most casual of the three concepts, this small restaurant resides inside a cozy bungalow with a patio in the yard. Start your meal with an exceptional burrata plate, before diving into the pizza. What sets these pies apart, other than outstanding toppings, is the crust. Thin and crispy in the center, with huge, fluffy walls that rise up to surround the sauce. Kisses of char from the wood-fired oven decorate the edges and beg you to dig in as soon as the plate hits the table. Bright salads compliment the cheese-heavy entrees and an extensive all-Italian wine list washes it all down. Make sure to ask your server about the specials, a rotating list of excellent additional options made with seasonal ingredients. Scottsdale from p 25 The bar area at Francine. Jackie Mercandetti
