When it opened back in 2008, Cork Restaurant was a breath of fresh air in the Southeast Valley, a sophisticated fine dining destination that would've fit right in among Scottsdale's top eateries but was designed to be enjoyed by folks right in its own South Chandler neighborhood.
Sure enough, those of us from other parts of town showed up anyway, and were green with envy.
Now chef Brian Peterson and partners Robert and Danielle Morris are hard at work on a second eatery in the area, this time a more casual place for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, whose name gives away as much. It's called BLD, and it's set to open in mid-March.
BLD will have a contemporary vibe like Cork, with wood and metal accents, a partially exposed kitchen, a glass-enclosed room with a hanging display of housemade salumi that's curing, roll-up windows, and a spacious patio. The restaurant's openly aiming to please the ladies-who-lunch crowd with its relaxed atmosphere, as well as time-crunched locals who can take advantage of drive-thru, barista-made coffee and smoothie service.
Breakfast dishes are classic with a twist, from bacon-infused waffles to short rib eggs Benedict. For lunch and dinner, look for gourmet sandwiches (such as house-brined turkey, prosciutto, apple, triple-creme Brie, Dijonnaise, and arugula), salads, wraps, and house-ground burgers. There will be an evolving selection of dinner specials in the evening as well, and late-night snacks such as hot pockets and street hot dogs.
BLD will be open from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. at 1920 W. Germann Rd. in Chandler.
