Let’s get the fact that The White Chocolate Grill is a chain restaurant out of the way first. It’s true it’s a chain, but it started here in Scottsdale before spreading to other cities. Let’s also acknowledge the corporate feel, where no detail is left undone and staff scripts have been well rehearsed.
Let’s get past all that because this is a stunningly beautiful interior that overwhelms everything else. It reminded me instantly of the old Houston’s, formerly located at the Esplanade, with its rich woodwork, open kitchen and striking lighting concepts. This restaurant has a must-see bar area with an entire wall of dramatically lit colored bottles and tiered table seating hidden in a way that creates a restaurant within a restaurant. Add the covered patio area and you realize that there are a lot of people here – and that every table is taken.
The White Chocolate Grill has a large Jewish following. The chances you know someone who raves about this place are pretty good. The name really sets you up for what is about to happen. You are going to go on a journey of American food before arriving at your ultimate destination – dessert! Some of us, and you know who you are, have been known to start with dessert first; you can do that here with a dessert-inspired cocktail. You must save room for the final stop. Let’s get this journey started.
Over the course of a couple of visits I tried the following:
Key Lime Pie Martini, $9
Vanilla vodka, bourbon cream, Midori, rimmed in a sweet graham cracker crust
I’m not a key lime pie kind of guy, but the description just grabbed me and I had to try it. Sure enough the glass was rimmed with sweet graham cracker crust, and the creamy drink looked so inviting. To say it went down like dessert is an understatement, and I found myself drinking from all sides to get the crust. As I was offered another one, I had to remind myself that eating here is a journey and that I wouldn’t save room if I dawdled at dessert-like cocktails, so I bravely pressed onward.
Trio of Dips and Chips, $8.99
Corn chips with servings of jalapeño cheese dip, salsa and guacamole
This appetizer was a special that didn’t appear on the menu. It did not disappoint. The chips were warm and freshly made, light, not oily, and three dips sat on the same plate, each waiting to be tried. Surprisingly, the jalapeño cheese dip was served cold, on purpose, and it was wonderful. I guess I was expecting the traditional heated nacho-style sauce, but this scoop of chilled creaminess had just the right texture and spice to be the dip that was finished first. The salsa was a smoky red, my favorite (I would have purchased some if it came in bottles). The guacamole was very fresh and delicious.
Fire Roasted Portabella Sandwich, $10.99
Grilled portabella with roasted peppers, sweet vinaigrette, on toasted sour dough served with Grilled Summer Corn Salad
The waiter described another special, not on the menu, and being the sucker I am for roasted vegetables, I had to have this. The sandwich was nicely proportioned, juicy, smoky and savory. Roasted-vegetable fans will love it, but I am really going to rave about the side dish. Made with grilled corn and zucchini, a zesty vinaigrette, cherry tomatoes, radish, queso fresco and red onion, each forkful make my eyes roll back and think about becoming a vegetarian for life (briefly). If it’s offered, you must have it.
Spit Roasted Turkey Dip, $13.99
Rotisserie turkey shaved to order, jack cheese (hold the cheese), and mayo on toasted French roll with wild mushroom gravy for dipping, served with French fries
I love rotisserie, and since you don’t see turkey prepared that way often, this was the sandwich for me. The breads here are wonderful and the sandwich was very good, but the gravy took it over the top. I dipped each bite. The French fries were slender and crisp with the skin on, and though they were served with ketchup, it soon dawned on me that the gravy would go well on the fries. Comfort food for sure.
Balsamic Rib Eye, 12 oz., $26.89
Aged rib eye cut in house, served with a balsamic reduction, mashed potatoes and vegetables.
For this dish I am with a friend, who loves balsamic and would chew balsamic-flavored gum if there were such a thing. The steak is beautifully served, infused with sauce, with the tiniest portion of exquisite mashed potatoes. The flavor was wonderful, but the meat was a bit tough. With so many other wonderful dishes to choose from, I’ll probably steer clear of this one on future visits.
At last, the end of the journey is upon us and choosing one of their “Desserts for Two” is now the task at hand.
White Chocolate Bread Pudding, $7.59
Fresh croissants baked with Godiva White Chocolate Liqueur and golden raisins topped with whipped cream, caramel, and white chocolate sauces
A generous and beautifully constructed portion arrived, and it was just as rich and delicious as it looked. The croissants were an interesting twist on an old standard. The sauces were fun and tasty to spoon up, and the white chocolate shavings were heavenly.
White Chocolate Banana Cream Pie, $7.59
A graham cracker and chocolate chunk crust, fresh bananas and vanilla pastry cream with caramel, whipped cream and shaved white chocolate
Let me describe the prettiest dessert I’ve ever seen: a stunningly beautiful dessert that was out of this world. Childhood and decadence shared the same space as the creamy banana-rich texture is offset by the crunch of the sweet shell. Comfort and richness, sauces and shaved white chocolate all combine, and before you know it, this dessert is gone. Journey over.
The White Chocolate Grill is a great place for a business lunch that is sure to please clients and is not a budget buster. At night it turns into a wonderful place to bring family and friends. Remember it’s a journey and to always save room for dessert.
The White Chocolate Grill • 7000 E Mayo Blvd. Phoenix, AZ 85054 • 480-563-3377
Contact A. Noshman at a.noshman@azjewishlife.com
