Salut Kitchen Bar Experience

He Said

The Gammage broadway series in Tempe is a great excuse to find new restaurants. A preshow dinner with the guys is a great start to the cultural evening. This trip led us to Salut Kitchen Bar and I was nervous given that they had opened not that long ago. After being warmly greeted we were led to a table by the window and warmed that it was a little warm for a bit more until the sun went down behind the building across the parking lot. In fact, it was a bit warm and they could have used some shades on the big open windows to help with that issue. That’s easily corrected and otherwise the space is inviting and relaxing. In good weather you can sit outside on the good size patio. There is a garage door that opens up to the outside and on nice days would be a very inviting space. Inside they have reused and recycled almost everything. From the tables which use reclaimed wood to the light fixtures which are old fan cages, they have created a chic and relaxed environment that reminded me a bit like a pottery barn catalog but without the chain feel. Salut is unique and a nice change of pace for the often too college driven restaurants in Tempe.

The service was very friendly and we were checked on pretty continuously without being overbearing. We did have to rush things due to our meals coming out a bit slow and paying took longer than I expected. I chalked it up to being new and still working out a few kinks. My fellow theater goers and I started out with the Chef’s Board which had the usual meats and cheeses, olives, nuts, and bread. But it also allowed us to try their peppadew, which are small peppers (sweet not hot) filled with a goat cheese. They were wonderful, crisp and juicy peppers with a smooth and creamy goat cheese. I could do the full order of this next time. I partook in the brie-hive Panini with brie, prosciutto, apples, honey butter and arugula and opted for the Greek fries. The sandwich was not too large and with our appetizer was perfect size. The fries are worth every bit of the up charge. Covered in feta and with a Greek vinaigrette dressing they are what truffle fries did for the fry movement a few years ago. Yes I made that up but I do feel like truffle fries were hard to find now are everywhere. These will be coming soon to a restaurant near you soon as well. My counterparts had the Rustic Cobb Salad and the Honey-Bourbon Glazed Pork Loin. Both were appetizing and were enjoyed by the rest of my party. They both were very good size meals and the pork in particular was the size of two chops put together. There is a very good menu with lots of options for just about everyone. The best part I saved till last. Their happy hour is from 3-7 and includes wine, beer, wells, those Greek fries, and other apps just to get started.

She Said

Coming Soon!