Cafe Monarch in Scottsdale, Arizona

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Fine dining in Scottsdale, Cafe Monarch has a changing menu adding a new dish every 2-3 weeks. They offer several menus including an eight course chef tasting menu as well as a vegetarian along with meat eating four course with two different wine recommendation lists. Every member of their serving staff is trained and certified via the Court of Master Sommelier (required to be at least level 2) or Wine & Spirit Education Trust (required to be at least level 3). 

Outside Cafe Monarch
Entryway to Cafe Monarch

Interior

Classy, elegant, romantic. The best way to describe it.

Interior bar room
Table placing

Pre-meal cocktails - The Sebastian

I have developed a taste for Old Fashioned drinks, but the sebastian is worth getting alone for the presentation, especially if you'd like a passion fruit martini.

Amuse Bouche

Amuse Bouche

Among one of my favorite amuse bouche offering due to the variety of each offering. The lobster filled ravioli was particularly my favorite and not something I've had before as the pastry was light without any hint of greasiness. The oysters were good and refreshing. The salmon served on a phyllo dough really popped with the fresh dill. 

Big Eye Tuna

Big Eye Tuna

The first course, big eye tuna over a bed of hoison-glazed black rice.

Argentinian Shrimp

I loved the presentation of this dish. The only purpose of the hippo (behind the dish) is only to glow blue but also to help generate a dry ice fog that mists over the table. Quite an impressive thing for only the second course.

Argentinian Shrimp
Closer view

Maine Diver Scallop

Main Diver Scallop

A new dish, replacing the previous sea bass dish. The scallop was prepared perfectly and the corn it was atop was a good complement to the scallop flavor and texture.

Intermezzo - Gin Juice

Cold Gin Juice

A cold, palate cleanser.

Gnocchi with white truffle

Gnocchi with white truffle

Not part of the chef's tasting menu, but a decadent addition. It was delicious due to the savory richness of the dish with the earthy flavors of the white truffle. The gnocchi was well made and had the nice soft until firm bite you expect.

Berkshire Pork Belly

Prepared two ways, I am always a sucker for a good pork belly and I could not resist this dish.

Pork Belly
Another view in different lighting

Venison

Venison

The demiglace was very strong. The New Zealand venison was good and I appreciated the chimichurri sauce.

Japanese A5 Wagyu Striploin

Japanese A5 Wagyu

My favorite dish of the meal.  Each morsel and each bite of the wagyu melted in your mouth and was to be treasured and savored.

New Zealand Rack of Lamb

A good dish. Lamb served over a medley of macadamia nuts, merguez, white beans, garlic, swiss chard and a hint of roasted garlic. No part of the dish overpowered any other.

Rack of lamb
Closer view

Cioccolata

I appreciate tuille stencils in my dishes. 
Cioccolata
A side view

Petit Fours

Petit Fours

An excellent presentation of three pastries.

Menu

Food menus as of 11/3/2023

4 course menu
8 course menu
Drink Menu

Conclusion

A nice restaurant in the heart of Old Town Scottsdale. I went on a Thursday night and it had a lively, fun, social atmosphere. Many were there to celebrate anniversaries or birthdays. It is an ideal place to celebrate, really, anything. If you are looking to save a little cash, then hold off on any of the add-ons such as the gnocci with white truffle or the wine pairings. The restaurant is continually ranked as top most romantic place in Phoenix and it is with good reason as it is dimly lit and impeccably decorated. I was asked if I prefer white cloth of black cloth for my dining experience.
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Sunday, 22 December 2024