By Susie Timm, Head Cheese
It’s been a very, very long time since a meal has left me all but speechless. Especially at a restaurant I’ve eaten at many times in the past.
Last week, the new Eddie V’s at the Scottsdale Quarter left me awestruck and pretty much speechless.
I’ve been a devoted fan of Eddie V’s since 2003. I’ve raved almost nonsensically about the lump crab cakes, dirty martinis and what used to be my most favorite fish dish in the Valley–lemon & caper sole topped with lump crab. I loved that sole dish so much that when they took it off the menu, real live tears slid down my face.
I’ve done some events with Eddie V’s corporate and always been very impressed with their responsiveness, food quality and service. When they invited me and a guest to sample the new menu, I quickly RSVP’d “YES!” as I had missed my Eddie V’s fix during the months they were closed at DC Ranch and prior to opening at Scottsdale Quarter. The “new” Eddie V’s opened on Valentine’s Day and it seems the train has barely stopped since last Monday.
I arrived at 6 PM on Friday night at the place was packed. Actually it was beyond packed. Dare I say it was “bumpin’?”
My dinner guest, Julie Zagars joined me and we were seated in the expansive and very impeccably decorated main dining room.
I had no idea what sort of eating adventure we were about to embark on, but I knew I was excited.
Our server Darren arrived and asked if he could take charge of ordering various tastes for us to sample. We agreed and the food extravaganza began.
Rather than discuss each dish in great detail I will list the 12 courses we tasted and then hit the high points:
Salt Pond Oysters on the half shell
Nouragi Yellowtail Crudo- finger limes, Meyer lemon vinaigrette and micro shiso
Peruvian Bay Scallops-ceviche style with tequila honey lime
Maryland style jumbo lump crab cake
16 Vegetable Salad (Yes, there were really 16 veg in this salad!)
Line caught Steelhead Trout with coriander tomato broth and honey mussels
16 Oz. NY Strip
Maine Lobster
Monterey Style Corn
Truffled Mac & Cheese
Godiva Cake
Bananas Foster
It was a meal of epic proportions. I am still fairly speechless about the whole thing as it far surpassed any expectations and any meal I’ve ever had at Eddie V’ in the past.
My favorite part of the meal was the Nouragi Yellowtail Crudo with it’s fresh citrus flavors and light texture. It was a dish I might not have ordinarily ordered at Eddie V’s but with it they proved they understand raw fish. Very well.
I’ve always been a strong advocate of the Maryland Lump Crab cake as it’s about 99% crab and 1% breadcrumbs and I feel that’s the appropriate ratio to truly call it a “crab” cake vs. a “breading” cake.
The steak was delicious and I actually used the leftovers for dinner on Saturday night–steak and onion stuffed potatoes!
Table side flaming bananas foster is always a fun way to end a meal and this version did not disappoint.
This is a world class restaurant with A+ food. I am so excited they are back and better than ever. I’ve even managed to forgive the loss of my lemon sole with lump crab.
I have a feeling my future will be filled with dirty martinis and crab cakes, and of course, really incredible people watching.
Eddie V’s
Scottsdale Quarter
15323 N. Scottsdale Rd.
480-730-4800
