Experience Scottsdale - (Page 15) THE LIST Sea Saw Spectacular There are sushi bars and there are tapas bars, and then there’s Sea Saw, a surprising (and delicious) combination of the two. Chef Nobu Fukuda, James Beard Best Chef in the Southwest 2007 and Food & Wine Best New Chef 2003, has coined the term “tapanese” to describe his delicate dishes designed for leisurely paced, shared-dining experiences. His creations combine fragrant aromas, thought-provoking flavors and dramatic presentations for a truly original take on Japanese cuisine. An interesting fact – Fukuda even wraps chopsticks the same way dynamite is wrapped when it’s used to trigger an avalanche. 26 A Global Tapestry of Tastes at Mosaic Set amidst a stunning Sonoran Desert landscape in North Scottsdale, Mosaic’s exterior is elegant and unassuming, with an air of simplicity. But behind kitchen doors, chef/owner Deborah Knight takes global cuisine to new heights with bold, creative dishes that are anything but simple. Since 2001, Knight has garnered well-deserved accolades for her unique culinary flair, including being named one of Food & Wine magazine’s Best New Chefs in 2002. In turn, the restaurant boasts prestigious honors such as the AAA Four-Diamond Award 2005-2007, Award of Excellence 2002-2007 from Wine Spectator magazine, and the Award of Unique Distinction 2005-2006 from Wine Enthusiast magazine. So jot Mosaic down on your list of “must-do” Scottsdale experiences. You’ll be glad that you did. 25 The menu changes daily and Fukuda uses only the freshest, most pristine ingredients, including seafood from all oceans and organic produce from local farms, so you are sure to find something new each time you visit. Ask anyone “in the know” and they will recommend the omakase (chef ’s choice) pairing menu, an eight-course meal featuring wine, sake and champagne pairings that complement the chef ’s selections perfectly. Überfoodies may opt for the ultra omakase where, after learning your likes and dislikes, Fukuda constructs a personalized feast for the senses featuring rare delicacies and fine wines. It is certainly not for the faint of heart or those with a weak appetite! Ask for his seasonal omakase when making your reservation. And for all the Fukuda fans out there, Sea Saw will soon welcome a new, more casual sister, Shell Shock, debuting at Scottsdale’s SouthBridge in early 2008. With a modern izikaya (Japanese tavern) feel, and décor described as “Jetsons-mod-underwater-desert design,” Fukuda is sure to impress once again! scottsdale after dark Worldwide Wines at Kazimierz In Scottsdale, there’s no place where wine is taken more seriously than at Kazimierz world wine bar in downtown. Known locally as Kazbar, this sophisticated Scottsdale mainstay welcomes oenophiles and novices alike to smell, sip and savor any of their more than 3,000 wines by the glass, by wine flight, or by the bottle. Now, you’re not the first to wonder how one could possibly choose from such an impressive (if not daunting) list. But have no fear, the clever folks at Kazbar have some tips to make your selection as easy as one-two-three (and four and five). 27 One: check out the list on the Web site before visiting, www.kazbar.net. Two: ask for the “Nifty Fifty,” a one-page list of guest favorites. Three: tell your server the brands and styles you like, along with your price range; he or she will be able to recommend something you’ll enjoy. Four: let your server choose wines by the glass for each course for a mini-wine dinner. And if all else fails, Five: just throw the list at your server and order scotch, as one lady recently did! OK, so we don’t actually recommend throwing the list at your server, but if you do plan on experiencing Kazbar for yourself, look for the entrance to the wine bar in the back – like all good speakeasies! For more information on dining and nightlife in Scottsdale, visit DineInScottsdale.com 15 http://www.kazbar.net http://www.DineInScottsdale.com
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