Recently, Sapporo acquired a new look, a new chef and a refreshed menu. Some of the new offerings include affordable lunch specials, seasonally-inspired cocktails and a complimentary neighborhood shuttle service.
The restaurant is now open for lunch, Monday-Friday from 11am-3pm. Executive Chef Stephen Stromberg has implemented a new midday menu that includes a value-driven driven assortment of Pan-Asian small plates, bowls, and the new Three Sum special, in addition to its signature menu. With the Three Sum, diners can select three options from three different categories, which include choices such as Thai Mussels, Calamari French Fries (these are fantastic), Sesame Chili Egg Noodles, Egg Fried Rice, and Spicy Long Beans ($12). Other new items include Pad Thai Tacos, a Chili Beef Bowl, and Grilled Teriyaki Salmon Salad.
The new “Liquid Market” Cocktail Program provides refreshing new drinks that highlight seasonal ingredients and house-infused spirits, crafted especially for the scorching summer months ahead. These selections include a Cucumber Sage Martini, Gingered Bourbon Lemonade, Fiji Apple Sangria and The Sapporo Torch. The Sapporo Torch is a shareable cocktail made especially for two (or more) with Myers’ Rum, Bacardi Rum, Cointreau, Velvet Falernum, Fresh Grapefruit Juice, and Fresh Lime Juice ($19) and is served with a flaming lime half floating at its brim. Let us tell you that it is worth every penny.
To start or finish a meal at Sapporo in style, diners from all ends of Scottsdale can enjoy the convenience and luxury of a new complimentary neighborhood shuttle, serving customers before and after meals, from 4 p.m. to close daily. Available for both pick-up and drop-off at countless spots within a 10-mile radius of the restaurant, including Old Town Scottsdale for a night on the town, Salt River Fields for a Major League Baseball spring training session, or The Westin Kierland Resort & Spa for a relaxing evening excursion, Sapporo’s 14-person shuttle can be reserved in advance by calling the restaurant or inquiring at the front entrance.
Recently, I was invited to dinner to experience some of the new, and some of the tried-and-true offerings.
Some standouts were:
Poki (Ahi Tuna, Sesame Chili, Crisp Wontons – $12), a refreshing combination of flavors.
Ahi Poki
Calamari French Fries (Calamari Steak, Panko Bread Crumbs, Orange Zest Chili Glaze – $12)
As someone who has never enjoyed calamari, I was skeptical to try these fries. That being said, you can imagine how surprised I was when I discovered what is possibly my new favorite finger food. These are absolutely incredible… I couldn’t get enough. It’s only fair to note that they are incredibly spicy – the batter and the chili dipping sauce, but so so deliciously good. I’d make a special trip to Sapporo just for these guys.
Chicken and Beef Satay Duo
I wasn’t crazy about the beef as it was difficult to chew, but the chicken wowed me – a highly recommended happy hour snack to share.
MT Roll (Snow Crab, Crab Mix, Avocado, Cucumber, Jalapeño, wrapped in Soy Paper topped with Salmon – $20)
MT Roll surrounded by fresh sashimi & sushi
It’s pricey, but oh so worth it. Everyone at my table who tried this roll raved about it. The jalapeño lends a nice heat that is rounded out by the cool cucumber and silky avocado.
After the cocktail reception had passed, we were seated for a full teppanyaki dinner. What I love about teppanyaki is that it is an experience… perfect for special occasions. Our chef was a delight and had a few tricks up his sleeve – if you’ve never had a teppan experience, you must.
The dinner includes a Shrimp Starter, Teppan Mushroom Soup (always a favorite of mine), Baby Greens and Roasted Beet Salad with Candied Pecans and a Blood Orange Vinaigrette (a recent makeover of their previous green salad with ginger dressing), Fried Rice, your selection of Teppan Dinner items, Fresh Seasonal Vegetables, and Housemade Sorbet.
Every time I visit Sapporo, I always recommend the Filet and Shrimp combo. This night, the chef certainly did not disappoint with my filet – mouthwatering and so tender that each bite much be savored… slowly. The Filet & Shrimp Teppan Combo is priced at $31, but a smaller happy hour portion is available as well.
If you haven’t visited Sapporo since the re-vamp, or if you have never dined here, I completely stand behind my recommendation – I may even join you!
For more information or to view any of the menus, visit sapporoscottsdale.com.
Sapporo | 14344 North Scottsdale Road | Scottsdale, AZ | 480-607-1114
*This meal was provided to us complimentary as a part of a media invitation. However, this has no effect on our opinions and comments regarding our experience.
