Arcadia's Gaslight Square is already home to Crudo, chef Cullen Campbell's place of modern Italian cuisine. And Beckett's Table, where chef Justin Beckett serves seasonal American eating, is just a parking lot away. But come September, the bustling strip mall, at the corner of Indian School Road and 36th Street in East Phoenix, will feature an additional name on its dining choice door: Nook.
Courtesy of restaurateurs Frank Vairo and Tagan Dering, owners of Amaro Pizzeria & Vino Lounge in North Scottsdale, the decidedly casual Nook will focus on light Italian fare and an extensive list of wines.
Here's what diners can expect.
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Nick LaRosa (formerly chef de cuisine at HMSHost, the airport food-service company where he helped open many of the new restaurants at Sky Harbor's Terminal Four) will oversee Nook's mostly Italian-minded menu, which will feature dishes such as Chilean mussels, bruschetta, and wood-fired pizzas, as well as entrees like veal picatta over house-made capellini.
The restaurant's bar responsibilities, which include a 50-bottle boutique wine list, fall to sommelier Matthew Wohleb (Amaro Pizzeria, Kazmierez World Wine Bar).
Tucked into a corner of Gaslight Square, the corridor-style Nook will seat 50 guests in a space described as "softly appointed with comfy booths, tables, and a lengthy bar."
Stay tuned for details.
Nook 3623 East Indian School Road www.nookkitchen.com
Hours: 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sunday through Thursday 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday