Even though Digestif Urban Enoteca, restauranteur Peter Kasperski's new "Cal-Ital 'soul food'" spot at Fred Unger's indie-glam SouthBridge development, isn't supposed to open until this October, antsy foodies eager to sample chef Payton Curry's creations can get in on two four-course tasting menus that will be served at Kazimierz World Wine Bar.
(I heard Curry himself is just as antsy, and looking forward to the 16-hour work days that await him once Digestif is up and running. Curry's last gig was with chef Michael Tusk at Quince in San Francisco. He worked there without pay for a month, until a line cook position opened, and ended up thriving in the high-pressure environment. How stressful, you ask? Hell, there weren't even any prep cooks!)
Tomorrow night, June 20, the theme of the night is "vegetarian (not that you’ll notice)," featuring this menu:
-- hand-pulled mozzarella, heirloom tomato -- sautéed wild mushrooms, sun choke purée, fava beans, saba -- pappardelle, pine nuts, wilted basil, ricotta, toasted garlic -- dessert (that you will notice)
It all sounds painfully good, and no, I couldn't care less that there's no meat on there. The mystery dessert has me intrigued, so if you go, I'd love it if you'd fill me in on what they serve!
Next Wednesday, June 27, the night's theme is "digestif, not just a pretty drink," with some fun, liqueur-inspired eats:
-- Limoncello-cured salmon, beets, frisée -- foie gras torchon, brioche, Chartreuse, clove, smoked sea salt -- Fernet Branca-braised short rib raviolis -- Aperol-inspired finish
Seating is limited, so definitely call ahead to get in on these. Ask for general manager Pavle Milic at 480-254-6800. Dinner starts at 7:30 pm both nights, and it's $45 per person. Kazimierz is located at 7137 E. Stetson Drive in Scottsdale.
