Something different for anniversary dinner? (Phoenix)

[1wino]

Hi hounds,

My anniversary is next week and I am in the mood for something different. Doesn't have to be new; just great.

Sorry if I sound jaded, because I'm not -- I ADORE eating out -- but I've done Kai, Binkley's, Quiessence, Coup des Tartes, Digestif, Mosaic, Sea Saw, Lon's at the Hermosa, most of the Fox restaurants, some of the steakhouses and any number of mom-and-pop ethnic joints in town, so please don't recommend those. I've enjoyed all of the ones listed above, but I want to go to one really cool restaurant with good service and great food where I haven't been.

Some of the old standbys on here and in the media that I haven't visited include Christopher's Fermier, Vincent on Camelback and Elements. Yes.no on any of those? A friend says T. Cook's is good, but not worth the price. Also says Sassi is not all that. True? Any other suggestions? Geography is not an issue. Thanks folks!

[kittyfood]

We were very disappointed in Vincent's when we tried it about a year and a half ago, and are not likely to ever return. Our assessment was that this restaurant is resting on its past glory. However, other posters seem to have had positive experiences there, so it's hard to say -- maybe they were just having an off night (I refer to the food, not the service). Personally, I wouldn't recommend it for a special occasion.

You say you have tried most of the Fox restaurants -- have you been to Bar North yet? We had a really good lunch there, tapas-style. However, it is quite casual and not necessarily a destination for an anniversary celebration. We also had a good experience at Sassi over a year ago, and although it is expensive, we didn't think it was over the top. If you can get a table on the terrace at sunset, the view is gorgeous.

[duck833]

You did not list Fine's Cellar. For those who love food and wine, Michael Fine is doing mighty fine!! Great place for wino's. I am going to do the spanish tasting menu next time, pared with some great spanish wines.

[Beach Chick]

Hey duck833..
I am taking your advice on Fine's Cellar when I am there for the 4th of July..can't wait.
Thanks!

[Beach Chick]

Nothing says romance than T.Cooks at the Royal Palms..always had great meals there.
Also, a weekend at the gorgeous Enchantment Resort in Sedona and have dinner at Yavapai and another night, dinner at Elote Cafe always works for me!
Best to you.

[barry]

Vincent's, elements or T. Cooks are all very good, and perfect for an anniversary dinner. (we were married at the Royal Palms, too, love that place). One place not yet mentioned (and I haven't been yet so I can't comment) is Estate House. The director of romance from Royal Palms works there now, and I've heard some good things. That would certainly be different. Good luck.

Barry

[1wino]

OK everyone, I finally made a decision and booked at elements. Thanks again for all the feedback! I will definitely put all the other suggestions on the "must-do" list.

[sxfan]

I've been to Estate House a couple of times now and had some pretty awesome results. Most recently I had the tasting menu which had both the best sweetbreads and lamb dishes I've had in recent memory. You gotta try it.

[modthyrth]

Eddie Matney's new restaurant is opening next week, on May 21st. I'm not sure how booked they are at this point, but I'm thinking of putting off my birthday dinner to check it out.

[Bill Hunt]

Thanks for the H/U. I did not realize that he was doing something outside of the Desert Mountain Golf pavillions. Must have been gone, when mention was made in the Wednesday Republic. It will be intersting to see how it goes.

Hunt

[Sherri]

I loved La Hacienda at the Princess Resort last Saturday night. I just tried to link my recent post ("La Hacienda is alive and better-than-well!") but failed. Normally, I'm not a fan of hotel dining but this was a very different story. Lots of thumbs up!

I disagree with your friend's assesment of T. Cooks. Also, you'll need to wait a bit for Christopher's new venue which won't help with this anniversary celebration.

[1wino]

All good info -- thanks, folks. I do remember hearing about Christopher's, but spaced it. I'm bummed I never ate at the old one, but will check out the new incarnation at a later date. elements sounds like it's taking the lead right now, esp. because I love Jade Bar, but I'm still waffling. Again, many thanks.

[Bill Hunt]

I'd opt for Vincent's OR elements. Matter-of-fact, last three b'days (for wife and me) we've done one, or the other. They both seem to show up on our anniversary list, if we are not out of the country. With either, let the know the occasion, when booking.

As an aside, we've encountered great friends on two visits to elements, who were also celebrating a spouse's b'day. OK, it's popular for that, but THAT is not a bad thing.

Happy Birthday,

Hunt

[silverbear]

Fermier has closed. Christopher Gross' new restaurant, next to Macy's at Biltmore Fashion Park, is scheduled to open this Friday.

I've always found T. Cook's worth the money, but I may be biased because we were married at the Royal Palms.

[Bill Hunt]

Have not seen the press about Chef Gross' new spot. Been gone far too much lately, so I guess that I just missed it. "The Financial Times of London," needs to do a better job of covering the restaurant-scene in PHX!!!

Thanks for the H/U on this. Though we had a really awkard experience at Fermiere once, we love Chef Gross' food.

T. Cook's has also come through for us on many visits.

Really, I could not fault any of the recs. so far.

Hunt

[silverbear]

Here's the media coverage regarding Gross' change. The restaurant row at the east end of Biltmore Fashion Park is being phased out in favor of distributed restaurants throughout, so that eventually the east end can be rebuilt with mid-rise towers.

Fermier has always been good to me, but I'm glad that Gross has a chance to freshen and update his concept. I also commend him for staying at Biltmore rather than fleeing to the hinterlands of north Scottsdale.

http://www.azcentral.com/ent/dining/articles/2008/05/07/20080507christophergross.html

http://blogs.phoenixnewtimes.com/bell...

[yamalam]

I wonder if he's going to keep the late night special. Looking forward to the reviews and posts...