It isn’t always the new kid on the block that delivers the best in dining entertainment. For a restaurant to remain top of the list year over year, it has to deliver both good food and good service with consistency. The Roaring Fork in Scottsdale, Arizona is one of those places for me. They boast a well rounded menu with something for every palate that highlights wood fired options with a Southwestern flair. I visited their restaurant over a decade ago and coming back now, it’s just as good or even better than I recall.
One of their side dishes that I couldn’t resist then was their Green Chili Mac & Cheese. I actually attended a cooking class with one of their chefs and learned how to make it at home, which I have done many times since with rave reviews every time. I could honestly go there and eat it as my sole order and leave completely satisfied, it’s that good! However, don’t limit yourself to one item, because there are many great things to explore on their menu.
At this dinner, we were a party of 7 and each dish was fantastic so they don’t rest on the laurels of making one or two great items. The restaurant is casual and family friendly. The service is better than your average establishment of this type and they don’t treat it with bored familiarity. I was very pleased with the whole experience. Being with mostly a table of 20 something males, it was a delight to see that there is a new trend. They each either pocketed or put their phones in the middle of the table at the beginning of the meal and left them there until the bill came. It was an impressive courtesy from this younger generation and a delight to enjoy the evening without the usual electronic distraction!
The meal I enjoyed was their Sugar-Cured Duck Breast with onion jam, sour cherry mustard and little cabbages. And of course a side of their decadent and absolutely delish Green Chili Mac & Cheese. The duck was lean and cooked perfectly. For dessert, my favorite was their Pecan Pie served with a scoop of amazing ice cream and fresh whipped cream. If I was a local, it would be one of my regular stops. It is definitely worth being on your restaurant rotation if you’re in the area!