Arizona Restaurant Week Preview: Crudo

Arizona Restaurant Week Fall 2012 is just around the corner. From September 15-23 you’ll be able to experience some of the Valley’s best restaurants and their most-requested dishes at a steal. Participating restaurants will offer three-course dinners at $30/$40 per person and many have vegetarian and gluten-free options.

I had the opportunity to preview the Restaurant Week menu at Crudo as a part of an ARW preview led by GirlMeetsFork. Check out my thoughts below!
ARW Special:

$30 per person, additional courses $10 each.

First Course (choice of one):

• Albacore- Green Apple, Black Garlic, Truffle
• Butterfish- Roasted Tomato, Lardo, Arugula
• Ricotta- (House made) Eggplant Caponata, Basil
• Fresh Mozza- Caramelized Onion, Bacon Relish

Second Course (choice of one):

• Mushroom Gratin- Mozzarella, Truffle, Egg
• Risotto- Squid Ink, Chilies, Tomato, Tuna
• Porkbelly- Tomato Agrodolce, Creamy Polenta
• Short Rib- Horseradish, Olive Oil Mashed

Third Course:

• Dessert by Tracey Dempsey

Highlights of the Meal:

Tucked away in the back of a busy Arcadia shopping center, sits a lovely jewel known as Crudo. Its simple décor and avocado-hued walls are illuminated by twinkling candlelight – perfect for a date with someone you really, really like. It might be hard NOT to fall in love here.

Their three course Restaurant Week menu gives patrons a good sampling of the existing menu. Of the first course offerings, I tasted the raw Albacore, light and fresh with juicy green apples, black garlic and a drizzle of truffle oil. I loved the delicateness of its flavors.

Albacore – Green Apple, Black Garlic, Truffle

The Fresh Mozzarella starter with caramelized onions and bacon relish was to die for. A bite of creamy mozz, sweet onions and scoop of smoky, balsamic bacon relish spread on the accompanying crispy bread was a little piece of heaven.

Fresh Mozzarella starter

I sampled the Squid Ink Risotto, Crudo’s signature dish, for the second course. With added chilies for a subtle heat, tuna for saltiness and tomato confit for a hint of sweet, the savory dish highlighted the meal and not a bite was left on my plate.

Squid Ink Risotto

Tracey Dempsey’s desserts have never disappointed. On my visit, I chose the blackberry-peach tart – all my favorite comforting flavors rolled into one pastry.

Blackberry Peach Tart

Best Part of the Value:

All of the course options offer up a great value as any of them added together could push your regular bill over $30. However, I wholeheartedly recommend that the Fresh Mozzarella and Squid Ink Risotto make an appearance during your meal!

Service/Ambiance:

Acoustic music plays throughout the open space, which pairs well with the ‘rawness’ of the building’s industrial elements and large wood tables. That rustic charm is softened by the thoughtfulness and simplicity of the décor. The relaxing, intimate atmosphere made me never want to leave.

Service was impeccable and incredibly attentive on my visit. I appreciated that we saw many faces at our table throughout the evening.

Crudo | 3603 East Indian School Road | Phoenix, AZ | 85018 | (602) 358-8666

crudoaz.com | @crudoaz

*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. View our Disclosure Policy for further explanation.