Since the short-lived Cask 63 closed this May (co-owner and chef Brian Feirstein is now heading up the coming-soon new Salty Señorita in Old Town), the Shops at Gainey Village has been short a restaurant for its North Scottsdale diners.
But in a few weeks, the space at 8877 North Scottsdale Road will open its doors again. This time, as Naya Mediterranean Cuisine.
Naya will offer a menu of mostly Mediterranean cuisine (there are a few Italian dishes as well) with a stated goal of "educating young people in the joys of real food."
Diners can expect mezze offerings such as moussaka (baked eggplant), Lebanese and Armenian sausage, and fried kebbeh (spiced beef, onions, and pine nuts wrapped in cracked wheat). On Friday and Saturday, kebbe nayeh, a kind of Mediterranean steak tartare, will be served. Entrees will include lamp chops with Israeli-style couscous, kebabs, and shish taouk.
Naya's 6,500-square-foot space includes an elegant dining room, stately bar, patio, and private dining area. It is currently hiring staff and hopes to be open by the third week of November.
Naya's neighbors at the Shops at Gainey Village include Pomo Pizzeria, Cuttlefish Ocean Kitchen (opening later this month), and Notorious Burgers (opening in December).
Naya Mediterranean Cuisine 877 North Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale 480-355-6600 www.nayaaz.com
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