Those who have dined at Scottsdale’s Roka Akor restaurant have delighted in the multitude of offerings off the famous Robata grill, savored the sumptuous sushi (we’re big fans of the crispy prawn rolls with avocado, sweet soy and wasabi mayonnaise) and pointed their chopsticks at the butterfish tataki that tangos with yuzu. Following a meal ordered off chef Bjoern Weissgerber’s menu, little room is left to toy with too much else. However, a visit to Roka Akor would not be complete without a taste of the eatery’s delectable dessert collection which we were able to experience during a fun-filled media tasting.
First, there are the homemade sorbets that accompany the various mouthwatering desserts. Seemingly silent standbys waiting in the wings for their turn on stage, the sorbets themselves (a bevy of assorted flavors made fresh daily) are enough of a temptation to hold off on the check for a glance at the dessert list. Plus, these sorbets are just what we needed as the Arizona weather starts to warm up a bit. But the frozen delicacies are just the beginning.
We were lucky enough to catch a glimpse of chef Weissgerber in action as he prepared a warm toffee cake coupled with peanut butter ice cream and caramelized peanuts. The dessert was part of Roka Akor’s DELUXE dessert platter, which showcased the Roka Pop Rock Cake, dark chocolate and matcha pudding and their standout sorbets. While the dessert platter isn’t for the faint of diet, it provides a stunning visual and ideal conclusion to the Roka fare. (The DELUXE dessert platter is offered for $50 and is designed to serve four to six diners with a serious sweet tooth. There is a smaller platter meant for two or three people, as well.) The desserts are the exclamation point at the end of the exquisite culinary experience at Roka Akor.
If you desire the experience last a bit longer, make your way to Roka’s bar for some shochu, which is a Japanese vodka-esque spirit that has known healing powers. Roka Akor can even mix up your own custom blend using fresh fruits, veggies and herbs. Each bottle is labeled with your, or the recipient’s, name (it would make a great gift) and is conveniently kept in Roka’s private reserve for future visits.
Also, Roka Akor is currently offering a buy one, get one free deal for lunch. The offer is valid from now until Saturday, March 7 and the promo code is: AZF2009. 480.306.8800, 7299 N. Scottsdale Rd., Scottsdale, www.rokaakor.com. –Nichole Brophy, golf editor
