Local Bistro Experience

He Said

Who doesn’t want to enjoy a great brunch experience? My first exposure to this north Scottsdale restaurant was for a brunch that I was invited to join with a group of NoSco located friends. It has become their go to lunch location and for good reason. Endless mimosas and bloody mary’s helped to convince me to make the trek up. The menu and quality would cause me to recommend it as a subsequent visit for lunch and drinks after the Phoenix Open.
The brunch menu is varied so you are sure to find something you are craving. I decided to go full speed and order the Croque Madame. First of all it comes in a skillet, not your IHOP kind of skillet but in fact a amazing mess of gooey goodness. It’s not a sandwich like you would expect in traditional shops but a knife and fork situation. Hang over or not this is a selection that you will secretly think about every morning, even as you try to be good. I didn’t try it but a companion ordered the monkey bread toast and it looks super sweet and perfect for the sweet tooth in us all. Toast with bacon, syrup, fruit, and mascarpone? I also use the word toast because they call it that but it’s not the toast and butter you are picturing.
The space itself is so nice and open with mostly windows and nice outdoor area you really get a relaxed feeling about it. The staff is friendly and given most of the clientele are locals it feels like everyone knows you. There is no rush here, they let you enjoy the experience. I have been to many places where I feel a rush, like they look at you as just a turnable table. Not the case here, in fact my party had arrived early from the bigger group and we enjoyed coffee and talked shop for a while and they were more than accommodating.
Just about the time I had my brunch experience, the owners were working on a new location called Central Bistro. Lucky for me that was about 5 minutes away. I’ll save that experience for another write up. But it was nice to know the comfort food I experienced was only going to be minutes away.
I feel like I have explored it all here, brunch, lunch, dinner, and drinks and apps at the bar. Always consistently good, always friendly, and always an enjoyable experience.

She Said

Located in Grayhawk in the shopping center anchored by Fry’s Marketplace, Local Bistro is truly a neighborhood gem. The huge windows during the day let in tons of light which give it an open inviting atmosphere. At night the dimly lit restaurant becomes cozier with a lively buzz. You can always count on neighborhood regulars sitting at the bar and a friendly welcoming staff. The menu has great variety focusing on Italian, French and Spanish inspired foods.

Some of my favorite dishes include the Kanger Platter. What a great appetizer! It has a little something for everyone. Very lightly fried calamari is the main star of this dish accompanied by cured meats, cheeses and Trio of dips. The trio includes tapenade, pesto and a sundried tomato spread that are perfect to dip the accompanying flatbread and pita into. A fantastic starter before dinner or a dish to share over drinks!

A lighter choice is The Arugula Salad. Arugula, roasted beets, goat cheese, marcona almonds, fennel and a light lemon dressing make this salad a fresh favorite. For some extra protein I add salmon. Yum!

The wood fired pizzas are tasty! My favorite is mushroom with truffle oil (for a guiltier pleasure I always add prosciutto.) What a nice blend of salty and savory flavors topped off with fresh arugula to give it an earthy taste. The crisp thin crust completes this flavorful pie.

Any of the risottos are mouthwatering. Always cooked perfectly and oozing with flavor, this hearty dish is sure to fill you up!

They also have a chalk board with Daily Specials which reflect the seasons. Lighter fares in the hot summer and heavier comfort dishes in the winter. I’ve never been disappointed when ordering off this board!

I have to mention the Sunday Brunches. From 9 am until 2 pm Local Bistro offers $13 unlimited Mimosas or Bloody Mary’s. Pair with the Eggs benedicts, French Toast or Omelets and you’re sure to start your Sunday off right!