Phx bday dinner for NY transplant and...

[KitchenMaid]

I'm missing really good, rustic Italian and after tons of research on the boards, I think I've found the solution to all of my woes--Marcellino's! But since I have quite a long list of places I'd like to eat at and only 2 more months here, I'm torn for my birthday dinner...

Marcellino's or Tarbell's?

Also but completely unrelated - does anyone have a clue where I can find quasi-fresh soft shell crabs in the Valley? I'm located in downtown Phx but will travel far for good quality.

Many thanks for much-needed advice during this past year--I've thoroughly enjoyed the fabulous culinary scene here!

[Bill Hunt]

KitchenMaid,

Sorry, I got side-tracked on soft-shelled crabs, and forgot to add my $0.02 to your request. Though I have had many great meals at Tarbell's, and enjoy Mark's food, I think that I'd do Marcellino's, if I had to choose.

If you enjoy wine (Tarbell's is really good in this area too), ask for Chef Marcellino's suggestions. He always has a stash of wines, not on the list, that are a bit more expensive, though fairly priced. It's gotten so that we don't even bother with the list anymore (and I love to pair from a good list), as Chef always comes up with some screamin' winners.

Hunt

[KitchenMaid]

Many thanks again to all! Marcellino's it is - I have a reservation and I cannot wait! I love wine as well so I'm excited to ask for the special recommendations. Also, I'm heading to the Super L Ranch Market as soon as I can for those crabs. Happy eating (and cooking)!!

[Bill Hunt]

I just hope that Chef Marcellino has some worthy "specials" in his cellar. Tell Sima, that I said "hello!"

Also, being from NYC, check out the homemade pasta. I tend to go with certain regualr dishes, but the pasta always looks so very good, that it is tempting to move from my status quo. I've sampled our guests' plates, and it has never failed to impress me - however, I am from Mississippi, so what do I know about pasta?

Enjoy, and please post your thoughts. Marcellino's often flies under the radar of many, and we love it. However, maybe we are easily impressed. Still, good friends, who travel to IT every year (that wife also writes cookbooks), seem to enjoy it, as well.

Note: Chef Marcellino had a place in NY (City, I think), so you might ask about that too.

Hunt

[Herbalicious]

Try 99 Ranch Market for soft shell crabs -- 44th St just South of the 202, in the Chinese Cultural Center.

[winedubar]

one more thoughts for soft shell crabs - they have them at voltaire in scottsdale

http://www.voltairerestaurant.com/

[sxfan]

I'd go to Marcellinos, and I'd be sure to bring some cash.

[Bill Hunt]

Mark Tarbell's is very good, and you MUST dine there, BUT, for a special meal, Marcellino's would be my first choice. Tell Sima, when you call, that it is your birthday. There is a little "room" to the right-rear of the restaurant (Gov. Napalitano's room), and, while you will share it with a few other diners, it's really intimate.

Let Sima know that you want do do a special wine from Chef Marcellino's "private cellar," and it will be ready for you, when you arrive. (Obviously, if you are not into wine, ignore this last suggestion.)

Though I love Chef Mark's fare, there is no question for me.

Hunt

[azhotdish]

Regarding the soft-shell crabs...an upcoming Monday night chef's table @ ZuZu.

Monday, June 9 (6:30pm):
Rosenblum Cellars

Crispy Soft Shell Crab
roasted garlic mashed potatoes
+ golden tomato coulis

Grilled Fennel Salad
parmigiano-reggiano, watercress
+ blood orange vinaigrette

Breast of Maple Leaf Duck
sugar snap peas, shiitake mushrooms, lemon
+ sage brown butter

Chocolate Pots de Crème
ras-cherry marcona almond cookie

Cost: $48/pp

[KitchenMaid]

Thanks so much to everyone for their recommendations! I have to admit, though I am embarassed, that I goofed. I meant to say that I'm looking for places that sell soft-shell crabs so that I can cook them up at home. The only place that I know of that sells fresh/almost fresh fish is Sprouts, although I haven't seen the crabs there. Sorry for the confusion--but thanks again for the recs; my to-eat-at list has grown significantly! Cheers :)

[DeliaN]

I hope I'm not too late - but you might want to try either Ranch 99 market at the Chinese Cultural Center or Lee Lee in Chandler (I think?). Ranch 99 has 5 or 6 huge seafood tanks in the back and they're always full of something interesting: eels, bullfrogs, and I've seen soft shell crabs there. Most everything is live and they'll kill it for you if you're squeamish. If nothing else, you have to go just for the amazing experience. Who knew there was such a demand for pork uterus?

[azhotdish]

BTW, Ranch 99 has been Super L Ranch Market for a year or more.

-----
Super L Ranch Market
668 N 44th St, Phoenix, AZ 85008

[Firenza00]

Never been to Marcellino's, but I have been to Tarbell's. I'd point you towards Marcellino's. I've heard good things about it. It's really close to Super Dragon, our favorite place for Chinese.

-----
Marcellino Ristorante
7114 E. Stetson Dr. 85251, Old Town Scottsdale, AZ 85251

[ziggylu]

I've had really nice soft shell crab in season at Kai. That's a bit of a trek though from downtown(located at Sheraton Wild Horse Pass just south of Chandler). They weren't on the menu when we were there in Feb but of course that's out of season.

Even if they don't have the crab, if you haven't been there you should put it on your "before I leave Phoenix" list.

We had a great meal at Tarbell's...but not sure I'd consider it rustic Italian(my husband did love the meatball however)?

-----
Kai
5594 W. Wildhorse Pass Blvd, Chandler, AZ 85226

[ipsedixit]

My vote goes to Marcellino's.

As to soft shell crabs, try either T Cook's or Pappadeaux

http://www.royalpalmshotel.com/phoenix-arizona-dining.php

http://www.pappadeaux.com/.

Oh, and Happy Birthday!

[Bill Hunt]

Yes, for soft-shelled crabs, NOW is the season. Get 'em, while they are available.

In PHX, I have not had any, but usually am in New Orleans, during the "season" and get my fill. I would probably not have thought of Pappadeaux, but that is a good call.

Hunt