Depending on who you ask, the newest Ciao Grazie, now open at DC Ranch's Canyon Village, is either the third location of the casual pizzeria and wine bar, or the second.
According to the Republic, Maurizio and Sandra Cristiani used to own all three of the restaurants: the first Grazie in Scottsdale (opened in 2001), a second in Buckeye (opened in 2007), and a third at DC Ranch (opened in 2008 and closed in 2010). Then, in 2009, restaurateur Franco Dalu purchased the Buckeye location and currently owns the newest (and re-opened) Ciao Grazie at DC Ranch.
The Republic goes on to say although the Grazie name is common to all the locations, the downtown Scottsdale and Buckeye/DC Ranch operations are owned and operated differently.
Which brings us to the most important part of the newest Ciao Grazie (on Thompson Peak Parkway at Legacy Boulevard): the pizza.
Drawing on owner Franco Dalu's Italian heritage as well as gigs as a chef at the Ritz Carlton in Edinburgh, Scotland, and the Grand Hotel Eden in Lugano, Switzerland, Ciao Grazie at DC Ranch will focus on wood-fired, thin and crispy Italian pizza made with homemade tomato sauce and topped with locally sourced ingredients.
The restaurant's menu will also feature wood-fired salmon, chicken, beef kabobs, paninis, and homemade desserts along with more than 100 red and white boutique wines.
On Ciao Grazie's contemporary space, complete with a bar cut from native rock, Dalu says, "Our vision was to take a modern environment, and insure that it is comfortable and family-friendly. We are especially proud of our expansive outdoor patio and stunning views of the neighboring McDowell Sonoran Preserve."
Ciao Grazie 18835 North Thompson Peak Parkway, Scottsdale 480-685-3884 www.ciaograzie.us
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