By: Kristi Trimmer, Guest Blogger, Foodies Like Us

My love for Avalon started back in January 2009 when my friends and I were celebrating the holidays ~ after the holidays of course. We had heard of a new restaurant in South Scottsdale that had just opened. When the three of us walked in we were immediately warmly greeted by Dominic, the Bar Manager who is now the General Manager ~ way to go Dom!. When Dominic shared with us that we were the very first customers to ever walk through their doors, we felt strangely special and had an instant connection with this new upcoming restaurant with Chef Travis Watson at the helm. First round of drinks were on the house! That is my kind of house!

As I took in the modern, gorgeous bar area with large panels of fabric in earthy wood tones, with numerous chandeliers that portrayed posh style and elegance to the bar area that has a backlight that changes colors every few seconds, I honestly felt like I was on a Hollywood set. Their ambiance had won me over and I hadn’t even left the bar area yet!

Sexy and Swanky Bar

Dominic made great wine suggestions for us since the three of us each have very different vino tastes. He recommended the Sokol Blosser Evolution for me, the EOS Petite Syrah for Lisa, and a smooth Columbia Cellars Riesling for Tim. Needless to say, that the Evolution & EOS have become two of my all-time favorite wines.

Pre-Dinner Adult Beverages

I still remember my meal from that night so long ago – the Osso Buco. It was the most amazing thing I had ever eaten in my life. Hands down, the winner. For months afterwards I referred all my friends to Avalon for their great customer service and happy hour specials, but honestly, for a taste of heaven in that Osso Buco.

I have personally been back numerous times and have enjoyed some tasty treats including some of the best organic salads which change with the seasons, an awesome Portobello mushroom sandwich, and their Crisp Ricotta Gnocchi which is my new best friend. I try to order each and every time I go in there. Seriously good.

I went twice recently to review both their dinner and lunch menus. I have to say that I was so disappointed that the Osso Buco was not on the dinner menu that I almost cried, but I did find out it will be back in the fall. Thank goodness!

I started out the evening with a bowl of their evening’s special Lobster Bisque ~ OMG the buttery goodness was utterly delightful. I honestly didn’t want to share with my friends but they HAD to taste this amazing creation. Chef you did good ~ this is definitely a keeper!

Super Delicious Lobster Bisque

Jay had the Grilled Shrimp Bruschetta which had an amazing presentation, but honestly, not my fave. I think it was a little too Southwestern for my taste buds that evening.

For dinner I chose well with the Duck Duck ’Goose’ with a Gooseberry glaze, cranberry bean cassoulet which had moist chucks of duck laced throughout, and the most delicious tender baby artichokes. One word – yummee. Jay enjoyed the Butter Poached Main Lobster with a saffron lobster demi served with tomato confit and ricotta gnocchi. We actually ended up ordering an extra side of the gnocchi because it is that good (remember ~ it’s my favorite!) Lisa had the Provimi Farms Lamb which was a roasted lamb rack and a seared lamb T-bone with a green peppercorn demi served along side a goat cheese tart. Goat cheese with lamb = happy girls. A good night for food!!

When I brought Susie & Jay back for lunch, we once again had the Evolution, which if you want something light, fruit forward with hints of citrus, it is the absolute best.

My lunch definitely stole the show. I had the sheer delight to have the Shrimp Fettuccini Carbonara with preserved lemon crema, bits of crispy pancetta, and loads of peas. I shared with the others, but I was secretly trying to think how I could sneak a second helping out of the kitchen.

A Close Rival to Osso Buco: The Shrimp Carbonara

Susie enjoyed the Free Range Turkey Melt with Havarti & Jack cheeses and Jay had the Crispy Northwest Salmon Filet with toasted orzo. Theirs were good, but not compared to the Shrimp Carbonara ~ I think only the Osso Buco has a chance of winning back my heart after that scrumptious meal.

To top it off, we were treated to some chocolatey-goodness that had  a yummy raspberry filling. I thought I was full until I tasted this. I somehow managed a few bites!

Chocolate Raspberry Dessert--and Free to boot!

I can’t wait to come back again, and again, and again.