EVO Experience

He Said

It might be a little hard to get into the parking lot but it is worth your effort. This American-Italian restaurant has an inviting warm space with an open concept. We were quickly greeted upon our arrival and it was clear the staff wanted us to be as comfortable as possible by seating us in the back where it was slightly cooler. It is lightly lit with a dark palette throughout the interior but with the big windows in the front the sun was a bit too bright and warm to seat people close to the windows until the sun went down. It has a very large and lively bar. So, it fits into the Scottsdale swank but without the attitude you sometimes find. We both commented that we would need to come back and enjoy the bar at our next visit. Service was friendly although our waitress was a bit unknowledgeable. I stacked that up to it being just recently opened and will improve with time as other waiters seemed to be very quick and knowledgeable. However, it is important to point out that while she didn’t have any answers for us, she went back to the chef and got them for us, A for effort.

My eating companions and I shared a salad which was perfectly sized for the both of us to start. I followed it up with the Bistecca steak perfectly cooked to a medium-rare. It was topped with a port wine sauce with black truffle, and gorgonzola. It came complete with rosemary home fries and Brussels sprouts. I am not a fan of Brussels sprouts but I always try everything, cause you never know when it will cooked or seasoned in a way that makes something enjoyable for our ever changing task buds. They were the best Brussels sprouts I’ve ever tasted. If they always tasted like this I would incorporate them into my list of edible vegetables.

We finished with the chocolate torte, inserted and surrounding it were what I will call merengue chips. They were a perfect fit for the chocolate and this dish. Add the marshmallow creme it sat on top of and you have a great desert. It reminded us of a s’more but much much better. EVO has a bright future ahead of it and I look forward to enjoy the bar next time.

She Said

I almost drove right passed EVO but I spotted the sign and quickly pulled into the parking lot. Nestled between two buildings in the heart of Old Town Scottsdale, EVO is an unassuming brick building with black awnings and nice patio. Its entrance faces north and technically sits in an alley between 3^rd and 5^th.

An oversized and lively bar fills one side of the restaurant, but since we were there to dine the hostess showed us to a nice booth in the back that overlooked the whole restaurant (Perfect spot for “He” and I to take it all in.) The small touches of flickering candles hanging in glass blubs, chandeliers and dark wood tables give it a swanky vibe as the weathered-wood wall and exposed brick give it a rustic flare. It’s a combo of fine dining in a relaxed environment, what a comfortable feeling.

I needed to quench my thirst on this hot June evening so I started with an “Elder Fizz” St. Germain Elderflower liqueur, Prosecco and sparkling water. Delish, without any overwhelming floral accents. I also tried the “Monore Mule” (a nightly drink special) which was a raspberry twist on a Moscule Mule. Ahhhh refreshing!

We started with the House Chop salad, which we shared. It was a nice blend of mixed greens, cured meats, and roasted red peppers with a lovely gorgonzola vinaigrette. The rich tastes of blue cheese without the heaviness of a cream dressing.

For an entrée I ordered the Capesante di Mare. Diver Sea scallops, pan seared perfectly. I am picky about scallops and can instantly identify rubbery/chewy ones. These were the furthest from that. Nice, meaty and tender. They were presented around creamy polenta with sausage, basil, baby zucchini and tomatoes. The Polenta was thick and warm with surprising bits of sausage. Now, I usually don’t think sausage and scallops…but this was fantastic. It was rich with flavors from the sea but then hints of an Italian kitchen. I didn’t want to share with “He” ha!

For dessert we ordered the Chocolate Torte. With hints of pistachio, marshmallow cream and Nutella this was a rich delight. Bits of meringue sporadically placed in the torte gave a nice crunch to this smooth decadent dessert. Nice finish to the meal.