First of all, this is the new flagship restaurant for Chef Binkley. Tasting menu only, reservations required.
Let me state that I have eaten in fine dining restaurants all over the world, and have owned and operated a fine dining restaurant. Chef Binkley has scored a home-run with this restaurant - without question. It is one of the most creative, flavorful meals that I have had in a long time. My hearty congratulations to the chef for having developed and executed a fantastic experience...and it's an experience, not just a meal.
Our evening was 24 courses. We moved about the restaurant to three separate dining environments - patio, bar, and open kitchen dining area. Service was flawless and each course a build to a very interesting conclusion. It was a long evening, perhaps approaching 5 hours, but the time passed quickly and there was never a wait for the next course. Wine pairings were great (three levels offered). Can't miss with whatever level you choose, although I would suggest the middle (sommelier level), or the top end (chef level). Outstanding selections.
This is not an inexpensive evening. Reservations are $160 each with wine pairings of $85, $130 and $190, but IMHO well worth the experience.
My hope is that Phoenix can support this level of creativity and excellence in dining. It is definitely worth it.
I'll attach a copy of the menu - small print so hard to read but you can zoom in hopefully to see the detail of each course.
Congrats to Chef Binkley and his wife Amy for an outstanding addition to the Phoenix restaurant scene.
I was going to wait to write a review because I was sure that the reaction I had to an amazing evening could not be as wonderful as I was feeling. Celebrating a birthday close to Christmas has always been a challenge especially living in Indiana where snow storms can disrupt plans. Binkleys made this birthday an amazing evening with 20 plates served with individual attention to each table celebrating a special event or maybe celebrating being together. Especially appreciated being able to not only watch the kitchen finishing and plating but having the opportunity to go into the kitchen and speak to Chef River who was preparing the White Truffle Butterkin Risotto. Seeing Chef Kevin Binkley walk our serving of amazing certified Wagyu beef to our table in addition to a serving of Leg of Lamb that he had shared previously whole to each table telling why that lamb was being served was totally unexpected and felt very personal feeling his excitement and passion as he spoke of his presented dish. I could go on and on the whole evening was perfect beyond expectation I appreciate that my husband found the perfect place to celebrate this birthday. At some point in the evening we agreed this would be our celebration site.
Final surprise was a Binkley bag with mementos of the night including a personalized menu and the wine list and the actual 3 page certification of the Japanese Black Ox ID 1347265848 that contributed to a memory that will be revisited many times. Oh yes, thank you Chef River for a gift of Risotto !!!
We love the new concept! Not only was the food amazing (as expected) but being able to interact with Chef and staff was fun and insightful. And with the dinner party atmosphere, we made new friends. Let's hope this lovely style of evening continues. By and far the best meal we've ever had!
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