Tuesday, May 25, 2010

FnB Restaurant

7133 E. Stetson Drive Scottsdale, Az 85251 (480) 425-9463

FnB… OmG. While down in Scottsdale this past weekend we finally found a good night to go check out this new restaurant near the SouthBridge Waterfront. This is a small restaurant with a warm inviting atmosphere and an open kitchen surrounded by a large wood rimmed counter for spectacular viewing of all the action. With textured white walls, crisp linens, dim lights and a “show-stopper” colorful mosaic floor, the space exudes a casual elegance. FnB (for “Food n Beverage”) is a co-venture between Chef Charleen Badman and Pavle and Emily Milic. Chef Badman has composed a seasonal menu of fresh ingredients, using organic and local, whenever possible. The front of the house is run by husband and wife Milic and they are extremely successful at providing great service and hospitality. With the exception of one sparkling wine from New Mexico, Pavle has crafted a wine menu of 100% Arizona State wines. We have tasted some excellent Arizona wines in the past and enjoy pairing local wines with local cuisine. The menu is small and precise with great choices for any food lover. Here is a listing of the wonderful food we shared:

  1. Fried Green Tomatoes with Green Goddess Dressing and Feta…. Great!
  2. Grilled Asparagus, Cauliflower Purée, and Crispy Beet Chips…. Great!
  3. Pan Roasted Jidori Chicken with Spaetzle and Beets…. Great! (we are still talking about it)
  4. Grilled Lamb Tenderloin, Snap Peas, Fingerling Potatoes, Olives and Mint…. Great!
  5. Warm Steamed Chocolate Cake, Rhubarb, Vanilla Ice Cream…. Great!


All of our food was expertly prepared with the finest ingredients and skillful hands. We loved our entire meals and are still talking about how delicious everything was.


We ordered two red wines from the small, hand picked wine list:

Arizona Stronghold Nachise Syrah Blend, 2008 This is a Rhone style blend of 52% Syrah, 27% Granache, 15% Petit Verdot and 6 % Mouvedre. This wine is very smooth, medium bodied with aromas of blackberry, earth and baking spice. Rich black fruit, cherry and cranberry flavors are enhanced by silky tannins, fresh herbs and black pepper on the finish. This wine paired well with both the Chicken and Lamb entrees.
Keeling-Schaefer Syrah, 2007 This is a big wine with a nose of blackberry jam and vanilla wafer. In the mouth there is ripe blackberry, blueberry, plum, cinnamon, vanilla and toasty oak. This Syrah is full bodied with gripping tannins, a touch of earth and a long, smooth finish. I did enjoy this wine, however I would love to try it again after a few years in the cellar. This wine will pair well with lamb, beef or a stinky cheese.

Our entire evening at FnB was exceptional. The service and food were flawless and the cozy dining room was both classy and relaxing. We truly enjoyed getting to meet Chef Badman and Host Emily Milic ( Pavle was off with visiting family). Next month we will return to FnB to celebrate some birthdays! (yeah)

No comments: