Amy’s Top Picks for Restaurant Week

One of the happiest times of the year for food-lovers all around is Restaurant Week and it’s right around the corner! From September 17th-25th, you’ll have a chance to try the most-popular local restaurants (or visit your favorites) for a three-course meal at a set price. Options are available for $30 and $40 meals – all a steal.

This year’s list of participating restaurants includes some of my favorite spots and some of the Valley’s newest, most-talked-about restaurants.

Where would I go for restaurant week? My picks are slightly more “meaty” than my counterpart, Taryn Jeffries. I’m a carniv-whore, and have never been known to turn down a good hunk of red meat. Taryn, on the other hand, loves the green stuff and has recently adapted a healthy-living philosophy, inspired by the film Forks Over Knives. While her choices may be somewhat ‘smarter’, I’m willing to go down for my meat addiction (and I know she’ll be there to tell me ‘I told you so’ in a few years, give or take). If you haven’t read Taryn’s more health-conscious picks for Restaurant Week, view them here.

Without further adieu, here are my meatier, Top 5 picks for Restaurant Week

* Be sure to check out each of the noted restaurants’ special menus, as the items listed below are only the items that I would choose.

• BLT Steak Scottsdale | $40

Located at the JW Marriot Camelback Inn, Chef Laurent Tourondel’s BLT Steak is his adaptation of the modern American steakhouse. Best-known for their meaty selections and sunset views.

I would order — First Course: Hamachi (Avocado-Mint Puree | Wasabi Caviar), Second Course: Brandt Farms Beef Filet (Red Wine Sauce | Confit Garli), Third Course: Peanut Butter-Chocolate Mousse ( with Banana Ice Cream). Additional Offering: Jalapeno Mashed Potato Side and a Signature Cowboy Killer Manhattan for $8.

• Different Pointe of View | $40

Offering a gorgeous panoramic view of the city, Different Pointe of View is one of my favorite local resort restaurants, especially for celebrated occasions.

I would order — First Course: Pan Seared Pork Bellies, Second Course: Cedar River Filet Mignon, Third Course: Any dessert on the menu (if they are offering the Cuba Libre, go for that!)

• Lon’s at The Hermosa | $40

One of the most beautifully landscaped properties in the Valley, Lon’s at The Hermosa is also full of history. The patio is gorgeous – you’ll feel as if you aren’t even in Phoenix anymore. The menu is product of Chef Jeremy Pacheco, a culinary genius in my book.

I would order — First Course: Hermosa Salad (Baby Greens, candied pecans, smoky blue cheese, berry vinaigrette), Second Course: Brandt Farm Natural Hanger Steak (truffle parmesan frites, grilled asparagus, sauce foyot), Third Course: Schnepf’s Farm peach cobbler (with crème fraiche ice cream).

• Prado | $40

Hands down my most favorite Valley restaurant (it’s no secret), if you can only choose one restaurant to visit for Restaurant Week, Prado should be it! Chef Peter DeRuvo’s creativity and versatility inspires his guests to become more adventuresome eaters. Come early for tapas before dinner and try the Beef Heart and Sweetbreads (and while you’re at it, order the Balsamic Rosemary Baby Back Ribs too – my favorite!).

I would order — First Course: Savory Puff Pastry Tart (pears, bacon, cheddar, petite greens, cider dressing), Second Course: Wood Grilled & Brined Pork Chop (celery root puree, cabbage, caraway, braised apples), Third Course: I’m torn between both selections… the Gingerbread Baby Cake ( espresso mascarpone, pink peppercorn, crème anglaise) and the Basil Gelato (candied heirloom tomatoes, olive oil, pecorino biscotti) – you pick!

• The House at Secret Garden | $40

The House at Secret Garden, located in South Phoenix, is absolutely adorable. Whether you’re sitting indoors or outdoors on the patio, the property is so quaint and charming, you’re sure to feel special. Try one of their specialty cocktails too!

I would order — First Course: Roasted Beet and Smoked Trout Salad (Mixed Greens Farmer’s Cheese, Shaved Radishes, Pomegranate Seeds and Mustard Vinaigrette), Second Course: Branzino (Sea bass with Saffron Broth Cherry Tomatoes, Summer Squash, Clams, and Micro Greens), Third Course: Spiced Whipped Cream Fleur de Sel Caramel and Vanilla Ice Cream), Additional Offering: A glass of their Seasonally Inspired Sangria comes with each Restaurant Week meal.

Visit arizonarestaurantweek.com for a full list of participating restaurants and their menus.