As we get closer and closer to the opening of Clever Koi in Downtown Gilbert, we wanted to check in with Nick Campisano for our Friday Bites feature. Nick is one-third of the creative and eclectic team behind the popular central Phoenix restaurant, which, if you’ve been you know, is much more than a restaurant.
Nick Campisano has helped to create an interactive and immersive experience, as the General Manager and Co-Owner. You’ll be delighted by the aromas from the wood-fired ovens and woks, the sounds from the bustling open kitchen and the intense flavors of the dishes served here. Nick’s role is integral in creating a wonderful customer experience for every individual that walks in the door. It doesn’t matter if you’re visiting for the first or 40th time. He wants to create an experience that is always exciting and goes beyond all of your expectations.
Make sure to give him and the Clever Koi a visit. Now, let’s check out some of Nick’s favorite spots, shall we?
First date spot | Tuck Shop
Tucked in the corner of a dimly lit dining room, sharing the citrusy fried chicken and cheddar waffles while sipping on some bubbles is a must. The ambiance alone makes this place a memorable first date spot, and it’s affordable so you won’t need to split the tab, or split up at the end of the evening *wink wink* So don’t mess it up!
Dining Solo | Hillstone
From the comfy-backed barstools and the crisp white napkin spread out in front of you after you choose that Hawaiian Ribeye to the refreshing and unpretentious hospitality, Hillstone has been my go-to solo spot for years. Seamless is the best word to describe this place where the core culture of hospitality inspires me greatly.
Coffee and a lite bite | Lux
My partner Jared Porter turned me on to this place years ago… Pull on that interesting handle coming out of those double doors at Lux and that toasty bean smell and fresh pastry dough hit you like a ton of bricks. I feel like if my first sip of coffee to start my day isn’t from LUX then my headache is that much worse. I’ll take that vegan cinnamon dusted donut, ummm the lemon poppyseed muffin, that crumb cake over there, the delicious oatmeal, mac cheese with jalapeño and bacon for an after pastry treat and 10 iced coffees please, the Koi boys need a pick me up too.
Late night eats | AZ88
The ever-changing art piece that fascinatingly graces the dining room or chosen wall always keeps me captivated for what’s going to be up there next, all while sitting on those comfy ass banquets. Next up after a few cocktails comes those Hells Fire chips and of course dessert with that constantly delicious buttery chicken sandwich and waffle fries, oh did I say dessert was a chicken Sammy? Well, it is when its midnight. This place always reminds me of my Clever Koi partner, the talented Josh James, who made quite a statement when running AZ-88’s bar program.
Dinner with parents | Tratto
You always want to impress your parents when they come to see you, whether it’s from a few miles away or a few hundred miles away. The class and devotion to detail, as well as the brilliance that exudes from the kitchen and bar at Tratto, is more than enough to impress the folks. My mother loves to wine and dine and my pops kills every pasta dish rotating on the “what will he do next” ever-changing menu. I get food goosebumps just thinking about this restaurant.
Make sure to stop by Clever Koi and say hello to Nick Campisano when you get a chance. He’s a true talent and a delightful human!
Have someone that you would love to see profiled on Friday Bites? Let me know and I will do my best to get them profiled. Do you want to be profiled? Reach out to me and let’s chat!
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