Ooh, my teeth are turning purple just thinking about Old Town Scottsdale's newest eatery, a wine-centric boutiquey bistro called Fine's Cellar that debuted last Wednesday.
It looks promising -- not only because of the menu, but also because of its pedrigree.
Proprietor Michael Fine is the founder and former owner of Sportsman's Fine Wines & Spirits, while executive chef Cullen Campbell's resume includes several acclaimed local restaurants, such as Camus, House of Tricks, and Atlas Bistro. And GM Larry Canepa is a Valley hospitality veteran, having worked at resorts such as The Boulders and The Arizona Biltmore.
After eyeing up the dinner menu, I'm already getting hungry for housemade duck confit bratwurst with truffled sauerkraut, roasted butternut squash gnocchi with brown butter and fried sage leaves, and braised beef short rib with polenta fries, bacon vinaigrette, and nebbiolo reduction. Fine's Cellar also serves breakfast, lunch, and wine bar "diversions," including several different cheese plates.
The wine list will make it damn near impossible not to have a sip. Offerings by the bottle range from cheap to spendy, but most are quite reasonable. And along with wines by the glass, you can also order a "taste" of something for even less moolah. I suspect I'll have too much fun sampling the vino here . . .
Business hours are 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Mondays (no dinner that day, but the bar food menu will be available from lunch until 6:30 p.m.); 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday, 8 a.m. to midnight Fridays and Saturdays, and 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sundays. According to Mr. Fine himself, hours may be extended if evening business develops. Fine's Cellar is located at 7051 E. 5th Ave. in Scottsdale. Call 480-994-FINE for info.
