By Jodi Thornton
Design custom platters of fine imported cheeses at one of Phoenix's French bistros.
The desert environment of the
Phoenix area is rich in Southwestern culture and activities. Botanical gardens, museums displaying Native American heritage and sprawling desert preserves provide numerous venues to soak up the local flavor. For a change of pace, take a European side trip and enjoy one of Phoenix's fine French restaurants or bistros.
Christopher's Crush
Voted "Best French Restaurant" by the Phoenix New Times, Christopher's Crush is a great place for lunch or a relaxing dinner. For a casual get-together over drinks or appetizers, relax in the Kitchen Bar overlooking the exhibition kitchen, while watching your food prepared. The upscale dining room has a contemporary, airy feel with orange and black accents, soaring glass panels and banquettes. A secluded enclave is available for private parties, as well as a 10-person "Chef's Table" with a view of the open kitchen. Mouth-watering daily specialties and tempting entrees such as Cote de Boeuf or Duck Confit pair well with wine from sommelier Paola Embry's award-winning selection to round out the perfect meal. For a more casual dining experience, try one of Christopher's delectable appetizers, a charcuterie or cheese platter, or a wood-fired pizza topped with duck confit, goat cheese and fig.
Christopher's Crush
2502 E Camelback Rd.
Phoenix, AZ 85018
Phone : (602) 522-2344
www. christophersaz.com
Vincent Market Bistro
Enjoy casual French bistro atmosphere for breakfast, lunch or dinner at this extension of the popular Vincent restaurant. Vincent's classic French recipes blended with fresh Southwestern ingredients transform old favorites into delightful culinary adventures, such as the popular Herb Crêpe Filled with Shrimp served with Avocado Corn Salsa. You can start the day with an omelet built to your liking, poached eggs in a hole or patisseries. Vincent's renowned Coq au Vin is available on both the lunch and dinner menus, in addition to a variety of pastas, salads and entrees. On Saturday mornings, October through May, an open-air market with European flair offers visitors the opportunity to browse booths filled with fresh local produce, crusty fresh-baked breads, fine cheese, wine and oils. Bottles of Vincent's special sauces are also available, in addition to gift items imported from France. Saturday evenings feature an exclusive menu of wood-fired thin crust pizzas with a variety of fresh salads.
Vincent Market Bistro
3930 E. Camelback Rd.
Phoenix, AZ 85018
602-224-3727
www.vincentsoncamelback.com
Coup Des Tartes
Candlelit rooms with coved ceilings and hardwood floors exude romance and charm in this former 1930s farmhouse. French and Mediterranean culinary influences flavor the lunch and dinner menu items, which are prepared from the freshest local produce, organic meats and wild-caught fish. This is Arizona's longest-running BYOB restaurant; guests can bring their own champagne, wine or beer. Corkscrews, buckets and glasses are provided, and a corking fee applies. For groups of up to 38 people, a separate on-site facility known as The Rendezvous provides a private, intimate setting for any event. Coup Des Tartes is renowned for its Brie Brulee, crowned with caramelized apples and served with toast points and the season's freshest fruit.
Coup Des Tartes
4626 N 16th St.
Phoenix, AZ 85016
602-212-1082
www.nicetartes.com
Resources
About the Author:
Jodi Thornton has been writing for more than 25 years and has been published in "Out N About Magazine," "Adam's Rib" and "Country Woman," among others. Traveling the 48 states, this avid outdoors woman finds wilderness adventure and local cuisine to be constant inspiration for her writing and photography.
Photo Credits:
FRENCH CHEESE image by Pierre HELGER from
Fotolia.com
