Set to open on Market Street in DC Ranch on Jan. 3, the modern upscale eatery is a collaboration between Elvira’s owner Ruben Monroy and sommelier-turned-restaurateur Tom Kaufman.
“I like the partnership with Tom who has experience with building a successful brand and creating new concepts. Sometimes we get stuck with our ideas so it’s nice to have someone to collaborate with on this venture,” Monroy says.
Over the past 32 years, Kaufman has created over 20 thriving restaurants and wine bars in the Southwest, including The Living Room now celebrating 10 years on Market Street. Kaufman knew the perfect spot for a collaboration was in his neighborhood.
Elvira’s rich history started in 1927 when Monroy’s grandmother opened the restaurant in Nogales, Mexico. There, it remained a renowned tourist spot for 82 years.
After graduating from college in Guadalajara, majoring in graphic arts and interior design, Monroy opened and ran a nightclub for several years before attending culinary school in Mexico City. He moved Elvira’s to Tubac in 2010.
The Tubac eatery is known for its gorgeous eclectic interior, decorated with glass, Mexican tin lanterns and unique home decor pieces, some of which are for sale in the attached boutique.
In Scottsdale, the vision is to step into the heart of a fine-dining Mexican kitchen, where tradition meets innovation. The two-story 3,600-square-foot space will be candlelit and full of intrigue, with private velvet seating areas, limewashed walls, antique mirrors and a walk-in wine cellar. Soulful music will accompany the intimate atmosphere, where every detail is meticulously curated.
“The clientele in Scottsdale is well-traveled, so we wanted to create a more elegant environment than the Tubac location,” Monroy says. “Here, we have a huge patio and a bigger kitchen which will give us a chance to play more with the menu which we’re excited about.”
The restaurant's new location is a colaboration between Elvira’s owner Ruben Monroy (right) and sommelier-turned-restaurateur Tom Kaufman.
Elvira's
A few dishes to try include the Cuitlacoche and Chicken Tacos made with shredded chicken, the unique corn truffle and a blend of earthy mushrooms served with roasted salsa and traditional accouterments.
The Hazelnut Mole is a showstopper blending rich nuts with dark chocolate, cinnamon, pumpkin seeds and authentic regional chiles.
"Mole is the epitome of Mexican culture, identity and cuisine,” Monroy says.
For a lighter bite, the blistered shishito peppers are packed with the umami flavors of a soy, garlic and mirin sauce infused with a kick of sriracha, and topped with furikake.
The cocktail selection features fine tequilas and mezcals paired with fresh ingredients and crafted into creative takes on margaritas, mojitos and martinis.
“I feel privileged to be a part of Ruben’s family legacy. He’s the artist and I’m the operator,” Kaufman says. “We are all familiar with the neighborhood Mexican restaurant, but this is the antithesis and everyone is excited for the Mexico City experience.”
Elvira's DC Ranch
Opening Jan. 3, 202520825 N. Pima Road, Scottsdale
