Scottsdale has often been called “The West’s Most Western Town.” It’s no surprise on a daily basis to see real live cowboys traversing the streets, or a horse walking down a path paralleling the roadway. Most food in the old west was cooked using an open fire, so what better way to serve up robust American cuisine than the way it was intended? At Roaring Fork, all their dishes are prepared either by wood fire rotisserie, open flame grill or wood oven roasting. The taste that is seared into the dishes by real fire makes all the difference in this fine restaurant.
The idea for the Roaring Fork in Scottsdale was cooked up by Larry Foles and Guy Villavaso who have launched other award-winning restaurants as well all over the southwest. When you step into Roaring Fork, you’re likely to feel like you’ve stepped into an elegant cowtown, but don’t expect rhinestone cowboy here. Every detail has been delightfully placed to make the dining room feel like the old west without sacrificing style, comfort, or suaveness. Above the bar, a longhorn cow skull is regally placed. Stone fireplaces dot the dining room, and the rotisserie oven has a glass side facing the dining room so you can see the meat slowly turning and roasting. The electric chandeliers are made of deer antlers, and lampshades, but below, the tables are tastefully decorated with white tablecloths and elegant stemware. The service at Roaring Fork is always impeccable. The staff is attentive, but not overbearing. If you ask on your birthday, you’re likely to be offered a free dessert!
Once you taste their food, it’s easy to see why the Fork earns customers for life. Chef Michael Bouwens, Executive Chef at the Scottsdale location is in charge of the entire kitchen. With fourteen years of experience behind him, he really knows how to make it run like a well oiled machine. Roaring Fork is open for dinner only with happy hour starting at 4 p.m. each afternoon. Happy Hour offers small plates and creative drinks such as the huckleberry frozen margarita, and “the adult arnold palmer.” Dinner is the real star here with selections to fit every taste from the “Big Ass” burger, to Cedar Planked Salmon or Sugar-Cured Duck Breast. Dishes with a southwestern flair like Green Chile Mac and Cheese or Slow Roasted Pork Carnitas are available, or go for comfort food like Boneless Buttermilk Fried Chicken or Braised Beef Short Ribs. Either way, you can be sure you won’t go wrong. Reservations are available to be booked online.
If you’re looking for a setting even more intimate than what is already available in the dining room, just ask. There are both patio and indoor areas away from the main dining room seating anywhere from 30 to 110 guests depending on the size of your party. While you’re there, you can feel good about dining at an establishment that believes in community involvement. Roaring Fork donates and gives back to the community in several ways, and allows requests on their website for charities or organizations that are in need.
So when you’re in the mood for a cozy, intimate environment with some southwestern comfort food expertly prepared, reserve a table at the Roaring Fork. Whether on a romantic date, out with family, or trying to impress a business client, you’re sure to return again and again.