Some say tomato. Others, tomahto. But when it comes to to enjoying the flavor of this perfect summertime fruit, you'll want to say "reservations, please" when venerable East Phoenix restaurants Crudo and Noca join forces to praise it proper.
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At 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, June 19, Crudo and Noca -- along with their respective mixologists, Micah Olson and Jason Asher -- will team up to host an all-things-tomato cocktail dinner. And thanks to what's being called a "cocktail cruiser," a.k.a. a bus, guests can experience dishes at both restaurants.
Here's the menu and additional details.
The menu will include:
First Course
Ahi - Tomato Powder, Salsa Verde, Popcorn Hendrick's Gin, Lillet Rose, Watermelon, Lime & Mint Syrup, Carbonated
Tai Snapper Crudo - Gazpacho Garnish Bison Grass Vodka, Celery Shrub, Orgeat, Lime
Second Course
Heirloom Tomato Schiacciate - Burrata St. George Terroir Gin, Arugula, Lemon, Watermelon Campari Foam
Grilled Pork Cotenne - Heirloom Tomato, Lemon Milagro Tequila, Fresno Chile, Cilantro, Lime & Orange Zest
Third Course
Tomato Bread - Ricotta Grappa, Strawberry Balsamic Shrub, Basil, Lemon, Club Soda, Cracked Black Pepper
Tomato Risotto - Day Boat Scallop, Squid Ink Madison Rouge VS Cognac, Pierre Ferrand Dry Curacao, Aperol, Orange Marmalade, Lemon
Fourth Course
Wild Black Bass Involtino - Heirloom Tomato, Taggiasche Olives, Eggplant, Smoked Mozzarella, Polenta Black Grouse Scotch, Cardamaro, Balsamic Reduction, Strawberry, Lemon, Grapefruit Peel
Beef Brisket - Pork Tomato Ragu, Polenta Karlsson's Vodka, Beef Broth, Tomato Juice, Spices, Orange
Dessert
Doughnuts & Spiked Malted Milk Shake
The night begins at Crudo at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, June 19. Half of the dining group will split off and travel via a complimentary ride on the Cocktail Cruiser to Noca. Both groups will then enjoy courses one and two and then switch locations for the remaining three courses.
The cost of the Crudo/Noca cocktail dinner is $100 per person plus tax and gratuities. Reservations are required. To make them, call Crudo at 602-358-8666 or Noca at 602-956-6622.