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Frank & Albert's: Good on so many levels
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Food memories are powerful. Sometimes a dish resides long-term in memory and anything similar will be compared to that memory. Frank & Albert’s, the new restaurant just opening at the Arizona Biltmore this month has foods rich in tradition and flavor that not only will evoke memories of the past, but create new memories by which certain foods are judged from now on.
The Arizona Biltmore is all about history. Built in the 1920s by legendary architect Frank Lloyd Wright and Arizona Mogul Albert Chase McArthur, the resort holds a special place in the development of Phoenix as a vacation destination. Every president since Herbert Hoover has stayed at the Biltmore and they posted the photos on the walls to prove it. Other famous guests include Oprah, Yo-yo Ma, Cindy Crawford, Frank Sinatra, Marilyn Monroe, George Clooney, Tom Brokaw, Jay Leno, Bruce Springsteen, and Elton John.
During the past year, Executive Chefs Todd Sicolo and Chef de Cuisine Conor Favre worked together to create a menu that is diverse and honors both the history and the land. They developed an atmosphere where resort guests would feel comfortable and where the local Phoenicians would consider a great meeting place for friends, family, and business. The atmosphere fits in perfectly with the architectural design of the resort. The inside dining area eases into the outdoor dining spaces. The space is designed with large doors that will close in inclement weather. The firepits and waterfalls provide a relaxing level of comfort.
Starting in the bar, the “Bites” are a treat. With choices like “The Loaded Potato Skin” with bacon, sour cream and cheddar, “Deviled Egg” with chipotle and fresh chives, and “The Grilled Cheese Sandwich”, the “Bites” are a real deal for both the palate and the pocketbook, with four plates for $8. The real winner is the “Not Mom’s Meatloaf Slider” with a sherry glaze and caramelized onions.
The bar drinks menu offers some great choices of some favorite bottles of beer, along with some local and craft bottles, all from west of the Mississippi. Of course, the Biltmore Original Tequila Sunrise is offered, since it was historically invented by the bartender right here at the Biltmore. In addition, several favorites and specialty drinks are offered, with an emphasis on organic and local liquors. The wine list is not long, but is quite sufficient, offering 24 wines, nearly all of which can be classified as coming from vineyards that encourage sustainable farming, organic or biodynamic practices.
“We try to use organic and local as much as we possibly can,” said Chef Favre, naming a handful of local farms they like to work with. Many of these same farmers sell produce to the public at the local farmer’s markets throughout the valley, including Maya’s Farm, Schnepf Farms, Queen Creek Olive Mill, and One Windmill Farm.
The dinner menu offers variety, nostalgia, and taste. The Queen Creek Olive Oil Poached Rocky Point Grouper will be remembered for years to come with the phrase, “Remember that outstanding fish we had at the Biltmore?” Just thinking about The Cheese, Mac and the Chicken is mouth-watering. The kitchen has a large rotisserie wood-fired oven where the culinary staff turns out rotisserie prime rib of beef, wood stone baked filet of salmon and spit fire lemon chicken. All entrees were available for under $30.
Sweet treats for dessert include brownie bites, cheesecake lollipops, and a variety of creative sundaes including Cherries Jubilee and Bananas Foster, which make Frank & Albert’s a great place to stop by for dessert.
Whether the visit to Frank & Albert’s is for bar food, dessert, or a complete meal, it seems unlikely that anyone will go away disappointed.
Frank & Albert’s is located at:
The Arizona Biltmore
2400 E. Missouri Avenue
Phoenix, AZ 85016.
For reservations and information, call 602-381-7632 or visit www.frankandalberts.com.
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