Matt Carter is undoubtedly one of the Valley’s top culinary pros, dishing up his amazing French-inspired fare at Scottsdale’s Zinc Bistro and lip-smacking modern Latin cuisine at The Mission in Old Town Scottsdale. This month, Chef Carter added a third restaurant to this impressive list of local dining destinations–Bonfire Grill and Bar–where he is a consulting chef.
Bonfire Grill and Bar opened in Furio’s former space in Old Town Scottsdale (near The Mission) on March 1 and dishes up wood-fired specialties and celebrates Arizona’s roots. “We will be drawing American cuisine from across the country to give the menu a range of tastes all prepared over our signature wood fire grill,” Carter says in a press release. Daytime at Bonfire Grill and Bar means a casual, laid back atmosphere that has slide shows of Arizona nostalgia played on seven screens throughout the restaurant. At night, the eating spot transforms into a hot spot with live music and DJs.
Must-try appetizers include made-to-order house cheddar biscuits brushed with smoked sea salt butter; skewered campari tomato salad served with warm artichokes, blue cheese and zesty lemon vinaigrette; beer-battered house pickle fries with Tabasco ketchup; charred tomato bisque; husk-on grilled corn on the cob with Four Peaks pale ale beer butter; and fresh salads. Signature items on Bonfire’s menu include skewers prepared over a pecan wood-fire grill; Scottish salmon served on alderwood skewers with fresh lemon, garlic and veggies; the Surf and Turf filet and shrimp skewer served with tasty Worcestershire sauce for dipping; skewered barbecue short ribs with beer-braised onions; rosemary-smoked pork loin; and grilled kosher hot dog on a pretzel bun with smoked cheddar and charred tomato pickle relish. Guests also can customize their own skewer by picking the protein (everything from bratwurst to lamb loin is available) as well as adding some vegetables and sauces (including pineapple-mint glaze, honey truffle mustard and hot pepper jam, to name a few). Bonfire side dishes include deviled egg potato salad, Tennessee grits with Vermont white cheddar, honey mustard coleslaw, cast-iron corn bread and many more. The cast-iron toasted marshmallow s’mores is Bonfire’s signature dessert and puts a spin on a classic camping treat. This dish is prepared with thin shaved chocolate, graham cracker cookies and ice cream.
The new Scottsdale restaurant also hosts a happy hour from 4 to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday and a reverse happy hour Monday through Thursday from 11 p.m. to close. 7210 East Second St., Scottsdale. 480.945.6600, http://thebonfireaz.com/.
New Restaurant in Scottsdale
