The Genuine, the flagship restaurant of Genuine Concepts, has unveiled a fresh new menu inspired by the vibrant flavors and spices of the Mediterranean. Led by Executive Chef Keon Salehizadeh, the menu is designed to evoke the warmth and beauty of sun-soaked Mediterranean vacations while highlighting the fresh ingredients and aromatic herbs and spices that define the cuisine.
The new menu offers a diverse selection of shareable plates, hearty entrees, and indulgent desserts, including a wood oven roasted halloumi with tomato chutney and grilled country bread, whipped black pepper feta served with house-made pita, spiced carrots, and an herb salad, and the meze salad, featuring crispy chickpeas, cucumber, tomato, red onion, lemon-yogurt dressing, and pomegranate vinaigrette.
“I am excited to take the position at The Genuine and be allowed the freedom to put dishes on the menu with flavors of my childhood and my passion for bright, fresh food with Mediterranean and Middle Eastern flavors and inspiration,” Salehizadeh said.
For pasta lovers, there’s spaghetti alla chitarra, made with confit tomato, garlic, parmesan, basil, and parsley. The menu also offers a tandoori half chicken with spiced carrots, roasted fingerlings, herb salad, charred lemon butter, and a decadent spiced chocolate pudding with vanilla whipped cream and churro.
Chef Salehizadeh, who brings over 23 years of culinary experience, previously served as Executive Chef for Fox Restaurant Concepts, Dakota, and Sushi Roku. He earned his certification from Le Cordon Bleu, the prestigious network known for providing top-tier culinary education. His expertise ensures that the new menu at The Genuine is innovative and a true reflection of Mediterranean culinary traditions.
Genuine Concepts and I are thrilled to have Keon join our team and take the helm of The Genuine. Keon has stepped right in and grasped the idea behind our goals and was eager to get his touches to the menu,” Culinary Director Jeremy Pacheco said. “We feel we have hit the mark where everyone can find something they like, as well as with our original idea of a restaurant where people can come together to share some great food and have a great time.”
The Genuine is located in a striking mid-century modern building in Uptown Phoenix and offers an inviting, elevated dining experience. With its expansive atrium and artful design, the restaurant is perfect for a meal with friends or family, offering a warm atmosphere paired with wood-fired dishes and an exceptional selection of local craft beers, wines, and cocktails.
Genuine Concepts, co-founded by Tucker Woodbury and Jim Riley, is known for creating unique, neighborhood-centric dining spots. From its humble beginnings with The VIG Arcadia, the company has expanded into a collection of beloved local restaurants and bars, including The VIG, The Little Woody, The Womack, The McMillan, Campo Italian Bistro & Bar, and, of course, The Genuine. For more details, visit genuineconcepts.us.
