See also: Ex-Lon's Chef Michael Rusconi to Open His Own Restaurant
Fans of chef Michael Rusconi, whose former gigs include Lon's at the Hermosa Inn and the Royal Palms Resort, won't have to wait much longer for a taste of the award-winning chef's food.
On Thursday, September 6, Rusconi will launch his own restaurant, aptly named Rusconi's American Kitchen, at the northeast corner of Tatum Road and Shea Boulevard in North Phoenix (in the former location of the Japanese eatery, Shiro.)
Here's what diners can expect.
Rusconi's menu of regional American cuisine will feature many dishes prepared on a wood-burning grill. In addition to daily specials, diners can expect starters such as Blue Hill Bay mussels and an American goat cheese and artichoke fondue pot as well as entrees like pork osso bucco and boneless short ribs in ancho chile chocolate sauce.
Cocktails and a wine list of over 50 vintages will also be available.
The restaurant itself, which Rusconi helped to design and build, will feature a wood-wrapped entrance, a skylight/art installation at its center, and a special cantilevered high-top butcher block counter extending from the kitchen offering food lovers a "tasting-style experience."
"For three years, I've researched new ingredient sources, gathered ideas, recipes, and architectural designs for the restaurant," says Rusconi. "This Fall, we'll deliver amazing regional American dishes infused with some very special aromatic wood elements."
Stay tuned for details.