The original Searsucker in San Diego is a great bar and trendy restaurant founded by celebrity chef, Brian Malarkey of “Top Chef 3 Miami” fame – but this new Scottsdale, Arizona branch is a truly sensational one.
That said, it's still clearly out for the hipster crowd, and the early indication is that it's getting it in droves - when we visited there were more Botox, beards and friendliness than a Golden Globes after party. Sage to the requirements of its hangover-prone clientele, the lighting is low and the decor austere.
For those of us not on the A-list, Searsucker is still welcoming and sums up what Valley dining should be all about. It’s permanently buzzing, the design’s cutting edge and the clubby bar downstairs is exceptional and worth a visit on its own merit. Brian Malarkey’s hand is clear in the boisterously rich menu, which pairs prime ingredients with confidence.
The trend for tarted-up comfort food is acknowledged with an offering of mouthwatering egg and bacon pork bellies. San Diego swordfish came topped with a delightfully delicious drunken cherries and smokey almonds and the accompanying fried brussel sprouts and walnuts held the perfect amount of bite. The salmon Skuna Bay with bacon, peas, simmered in beurre blanc was a winner in terms of both flavor and texture, and the hanger butcher’s steak with watercress, bbq and blue fondue was ridiculously tender juicy. For something truly different for your palate, order the tongue and cheek, done up with agave, fresco and cactus. It’s out of this world!
Between the varied menu and fantastic cooking, Searsucker makes a great place for a dinner date, with warm, unimpeachable service filling in the conversational gaps as you coo over the creations of one of Scottsdale's best new restaurants.
Address: 6900 East Camelback Road, Scottsdale, AZ 85251
Phone:(480) 664-3777
Comments