Last week, I took my mother (who is picky, diabetic, vegetarian) for dinner at the fairly new McCormick & Schmick’s at Gainey Ranch in Scottsdale. She loved it. She raved about. She wants to go back. And so do I.
We sat in a cozy two-person booth in the warmly decorated dining room, which certainly follows the traditional fish house or steak house décor of woods, white napkins and ambient lighting. Not to pick on my mom too much, but she is also hard of hearing, and we both were very happy to find that the acoustics of the restaurant lended to easy conversation; there was no yelling over loud music.
We started the evening with a glass of wine. I went for the five-ounce glass, since I was driving, and my mom, who is on vacation, opted for the eight ouncer. We then shared the beet salad as a starter. I had expected them to just bring one plate for us to share off of, as we normally do, but they graciously split the salad and delivered it on two plates, which is a very appreciated detail. The salad was delicious and beautifully presented on square white plates with balsamic and oil drizzled around the heaping beets in the center. The crab cakes were also top-notch.
For our entrée, my mom ordered the mahi-mahi (fit perfectly with her peculiar diet) and I opted for the yellow tail, which came with scallop and shrimp ceviche. Both were great choices, and left us full, but not to the point of pain. The servings really were perfectly portioned and priced fairly for such good quality fish.
We didn’t have room for dessert, but I can guarantee I will be back to try it. Actually, I am even more excited to go back to try the happy hour, which runs on weekdays from 3 to 6 p.m. I asked the server to see the happy hour menu (I am always looking for good deals around my neighborhood) and I was surprised and delighted to see I hit the deal jackpot. With a minimum drink purchase of $2.95 the happy hour deals include a bunch of $1.95 menu items such as buffalo wings, spider fries, McCormick’s classic cheeseburger and even a seafood poke martini. There are other menu items for $4.95 (the blackened fish tacos and ahi tuna tostadas look good) but I just couldn’t believe I could order something at the beautiful restaurant for under $2.
There’s a good chance you can find me in the bar this Friday around 5 p.m.…
480.998.2026, www.mccormickandschmicks.com. –Hayley Mitchell, editor-in-chief
McCormick and Schmick’s Restaurant
yummmmm, this place is so good. i love that its got the classy steak house vibe, but that you can feel totally normal going there is jeans and a sweater. casually comfy!
under $2? that’s incredible – – even for happy hour!
This happy hour is one of the best kept secrets on town – dont tell everybody!!!
I’m allergic to seafood.
I’m allergic to seafood. It gives me hives.
Being from Seattle, ordering fish in the desert always feels a bit weird to me. But after visiting this restaurant I was totally pleasantly surprised! Everything was really fresh and they have a great selection! I definitely recommend it as well.
I like when waiters do small things like splitting up one salad into two plates. My friends have told me about this place. I’m going to have to check it out sometime.
Oh my goodness I’m so excited! The first time I experienced this great restaurant was in Seattle. I was so excited to find that they were opening up so close to where I live in Arizona! I had no idea about these great prices for happy hour! It will be fantastic!!! You might also find me there this weekend at the bar with a special someone! See you all there.
Yummy. I am always glad to hear of new and appetizing restaurants. It gives me the excuse to go out. Even better is the happy hour. Maybe I’ll see you there.
I’d love a big ol’ crab cake.
Yeah! I just found out last summer after drinking large quantities of Clamato Juice that shellfish give me the hives too! It took a full day before my face returned to a shape that didn’t scare the dog. Luckily, I don’t like seafood so there’s no love lost.
This restaurant is the all time best place for seafood! Its super fresh! which is exactly what you want when it comes to seafood! Wow i didnt know that about happy hour, thats a great deal! I may have to slide on in after work one day!
I like their food but it smells too fish-y in there. get it to-go or you will smell like a fish boat all night.
Wow that patty looks delish and healthy!
so close to my office. I’m there.