Friday Bites with Chef Brian Archibald

Chef Brian Archibald, an 18 year culinary veteran and considered to be an “ingredients-driven chef”, has been expertly crafting some of the best dishes in the North Valley during his time at The Boulders Resort & Spa. He is now overseeing all 5 of their property restaurants along with their high-demand catering operations.

Chef Archibald is a native of Phoenix and has worked at some of the most highly acclaimed restaurants in the Valley before settling in at The Boulders. His distinctive style of cuisine is a blend of Mediterranean cuisine (with a focus on Spain and Italy) and Southwestern influences, find their way to delighted diners plates every night.

Chef Archibald recently competed on the Food Network’s Beat Bobby Flay which will air on February 25th, so make sure you set your DVR’s. The episode is titles The Boys are Back and airs at 10pm. The online episode descriptions reads: Its new school verse old school, South-Western style, when veteran Santa Fe chef Todd Hall and Phoenix chef Brian Archibald duke it out hoping to convince Iron Chef Michael Symon and Chef Michael Voltaggio that they have what it takes to beat Bobby Flay.

So where does Chef Archibald go when a craving strikes?

Late Night Eats: Welcome Diner
By far one of the best kept secrets in downtown. So unique with a hip, funky atmosphere. Any time I’m ever hanging out at the counter (when I can get in) I always meet the coolest people and share great stories. The staff is over-the-top helpful and they have a great menu; never disappointed.

Best Asian Food: Hong Kong Asian Diner
Definitely a flavor spot. Don’t be intimated by the “casual” look, this place is traditional Cantonese with a fusion of hard to find specialties from all over China. Worth the drive!

Best Burger: The “Peanut Butter Burger” at Welcome Diner
This is probably because I am a peanut butter-aholic but this burger, with salty bacon and peanut butter, is often floating through mind after a night downtown.

Fresh From the Market: Singh Farms
In season, my all-time favorite Saturday morning stop. We like to go early, pick up some of Ken’s beautiful harvest, fresh baked breads and with the multitude of culinary features we always find a tasty bite to enjoy. Then, sit back in the mesquite trees next to the freshly planted beets and enjoy our finds.

Authentic Arizona: LON’s at the Hermosa Inn
When I think of iconic Arizona, with the mountains and wild west history, LON’s always comes to mind. For years it has had a top Chef behind the stove cooking amazing and memorable meals. The unique dining room atmosphere is always warm and inviting and leaves you with an impression of Arizona’s history.

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