Audio By Carbonatix
After not quite a year at Top Chef Brian Malarkey’s Searsucker in Scottsdale, Steven “Chops” Smith has left as its executive chef.
Smith — whose résumé also includes gigs at Kelly’s at SouthBridge (consulting), Different Pointe of View, Noca, St. Francis, Olive & Ivy, and the defunct Furio and Luc’s — opened the 9,500-square-foot Searsucker in October last year as well as assisted Malarkey and his team in New York City in May, when they made a meal for the James Beard Foundation Book, Broadcast & Journalism Awards Dinner.
So who’s replacing “Chops?”
We’re thankful for you. Are you thankful for us?
We feel thankful for our staff and for the privilege of fulfilling our mission to be an unparalleled source of information and insight in Phoenix. We’re aiming to raise $30,000 by December 31, so we can continue covering what matters most to this community.
Help us continue giving back to Phoenix.
Smith’s replacement is Aarti Sanghavi, executive sous chef at Searsucker in San Diego. A graduate of Temple University with a bachelor’s degree in Hospitality and Restaurant Management, Sanghavi attended the Johnson and Wales Culinary School in Miami and has worked at Latitude 41 in Columbus, Ohio, as well as the Arterra Restaurant at the San Diego Marriott Del Mar Hotel. As Chef de Cuisine of Searsucker Scottsdale, Sanghavi will continue to carry out Malarkey’s vision.
As to Smith’s next step, a source tells me he’s going to open his own restaurant. Stay tuned for details.
