Scottsdale Quarter, the new upscale shopping complex across the street from Kierland Commons, continues its dining expansion with the opening of new Narcisse Champagne & Tea Lounge, from Tom Zummo and Todd Rosenbaum, the creators of Barrio Cantina & Grill.
More than 200 kinds of bubbles -- including 75 available by the glass -- are the focus of the 6,000-square-foot, upscale hangout, as well as an afternoon tea service and tapas-style eats by chef Nate Woods (formerly of Fox Restaurant Concepts).
Along with raw bar selections to go with your champagne, look for half a dozen different kinds of caviar, served with traditional accompaniments, "salties" like a popcorn of the day and wasabi-salted pistachios, salads, and cheese, meat, and vegetable platters. Savory dishes include scallops with red curry, cauliflower and poached raisins; organic chicken with crispy pumpkin, abalone mushroom, and green beans; and crispy duck with Mission figs, roasted chestnuts, and frisee.
Narcisse promises to be a day-to-night kind of hangout. Starting at 2 p.m., you'll be able to choose from a dozen different teas, paired with three courses of "tea bites" like chicken salad and smoked salmon. The tapas-style menu will be available as well. Then, in the evening, settle in with some bubbly or a cocktail, and take in some live music.
Given the state-of-the-art soundsystem, VIP areas, and big-ticket bottle service packages, it's clear that Narcisse aims to be a major player in the nightlife scene as well -- and Zummo and Rosenbaum bring a decade of experience working Evening Entertainment Group (Axis-Radius, Myst, Suede). There's also a membership program that gives you points for every dollar spent; redeemable rewards could be anything from a free bottle of bubbly to private VIP events.
Narcisse opens daily at 2 p.m., with tea time until 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, and dinner and bar until "late," and Friday and Saturday hours until 2 a.m. Call 480-588-2244 for reservations.
