A Magical Night At Searsucker

A Magical Night At Searsucker originally published on Food and Fond Memories on November 11, 2013 by sandyaxelrod 2 Comments (Edit)

A Magical Night At Searsucker

Steve and I have had several very memorable meals in our almost 45 years of marriage. But our dining experience at Searsucker in Scottsdale, Arizona is one we will certainly never forget. Have you ever wondered how it would feel to be treated like a celebrity? I know I have fantasized that I was a famous chef and when I went to a restaurant the entire staff would dote on me and the rest of my table. Here’s the thing–that’s exactly what we experience with our magical dinner at Searsucker!

We were seated at a wonderful table just next to the open kitchen. Our server introduced himself (Luciano was dressed as an animal trainer with a chimp on his shoulder for Halloween) and poured water. A moment later the Chef de Cuisine Aarti Sanhavi appeared table side and asked “Are you Sandra?”. Of course I responded with a yes never expecting what would ensue. She continued with “I understand you’re a good friend of Brian’s and he asked me to take very special care of you.”
Now you know if I had ever actually met Brian Malarkey I would have told you all about it. But if you remember I recently reviewed of copy of his fabulous new cookbook Come Early Stay Late. When I posted the review I did what every good blogger does and went on his Facebook page, gave him the link and also mentioned that we would be dining at his restaurant in Scottsdale on Saturday, October 26 hoping he might be there. Brian was quick to thank me for the review and that was that. Until we were actually there!
Chef asked if we would allow her the liberty to make menu choices for us. I have always wanted to put my meal’s fate in the hands of the chef so the fantasy had begun. We ordered martinis and had no idea what we would be eating. Our server brought our drinks and these amazing Cheddar Puffers which were Pate au Chou with cheddar and cayenne. Light as air they melted in your mouth like cheese would and left a lingering hint of heat from the cayenne.
After a few sips of our cocktails Chef Aarti appeared with our first of three appetizers, a riff on bacon and eggs. In actuality it was rich, crisp on the outside and creamy on the inside pork belly topped with Hollandaise and a poached egg. If I remember correctly it was all sitting atop a polenta cake. All I can tell  you is that it was a work of art. And when my fork pierced the egg the yolk ran out and created the most flavorful sauce. The dish actually made a poached egg convert out of Steve.

We were caught practically licking the plate when Chef Aarti brought out our second appetizer Chicken + Waffles + Frank’s. Like most of Brian’s recipes this one was very playful. The waffle was delicious with Bourbon Maple syrup on top sat a cube of fried chicken alternating with layers of ham which you didn’t see until you cut into it. The sweetness of the waffle and syrup was perfectly off set by the Frank’s hot butter sauce giving your taste buds the sensation of sweet, salty, savory and spicy all at once.

At that point Chef Aarti came to our table to say good night and introduce us to her Sous Chef, Timothy “TJ” Thompson who would be continuing our service for the evening. Chef TJ brought our third and final appetizer that was truly the piece de resistance. I had always wanted to order Marrow Bone on those rare occasions that I saw it on a menu but Steve would immediately nix the idea. However when a huge platter of Marrow Bone with Bourbon, Orange and Egg was placed before us he was brave and tasted it. And then we inhaled it! It was the most decadent tasting dish ever. The rich buttery flavor of the marrow along with the garlic crostini, shaved shallots, smoky bourbon, crisp  Brussels sprout leaves and fried egg along with some salty and sweet crunchies were a total fiesta in our mouths.

Of course by now we were stuffed but somehow we found room for our entree that Chef TJ proudly presented us with. It was a special item that was not on the menu. Chef Aarti had described it to us before she left as similar to a Bouillabaisse with chunks of lobster and fresh gnocchi. My description would be heaven on a plate. The lobster and gnocchi were napped with a silky tomato sauce enhanced with herbs.

By this time were really were filled to the brim so we ordered dessert to go. An hour or so later in our jammies and ready for bed we had just enough room for the tantalizing cinnamon sugar donuts that we dipped in the malted dark chocolate cream that came along for the ride.

Searsucker
6900 East Camelback Road Suite #110
Scottsdale, Arizona 85251
480-664-3777