Formerly Grape Wine Bistro, the new-and-improved Grape has re-opened in a new location in North Scottsdale, offerings its guests contemporary dishes and an approachable, extensive wine list (there are 38 wines by the glass and more than 200 bottles rated 90 points or higher, in fact) in a comfortable, unpretentious setting.
In addition to a stellar menu, Grape isn’t short on good looks; think concrete floors, exposed white-washed brick, beautiful wine displays, vintage tin tile accents, oversized mirrors and an expansive bar, complete with flat-screen TV’s. There’s also a dog-friendly patio, to boot.
During our lunchtime visit, we grabbed a cozy spot in one of Grape’s large booths that offered both privacy and comfort. To start, the crab cake was a true crowd-pleaser. Large, fresh pieces of lump crap meat was on display in each crab cake–not the filler. The hearty meatballs are another can’t-miss, served with a baguette and marinara, for a warming, comfort-food appetizer. And we couldn’t get enough of the burrata. Instead of a traditional caprese-type presentation, the utterly creamy burrata was paired with rosemary olive oil, sliced almonds, balsamic reduction, baguette and, our favorite, roasted grapes, offering a pop of sweetness with each bite.
For a lighter start to your repast, the strawberry spinach salad spotlighted strawberries, almonds, goat cheese and strawberry balsamic vinaigrette–light, refreshing and the perfect summer dish.
Grape offers a great sandwich selection for lunchtime visitors, and the prosciutto brie is a favorite. The medley of prosciutto, melted brie, grape chutney and arugula is both crispy and creamy, sweet and peppery. And the super-soft ciabatta it is served on would be delicious even by itself.
Both the dinner and lunch menus have a plethora of incredible pasta dishes (be sure to ask for the special too, which during our visit was a decadent seafood pasta) to enjoy. A standout is the rich, must-try lobster ravioli. Though it might seem a little decadent for a lunchtime dish, it is worth the indulgence. The large, lobster-filled raviolis are tossed in a Champagne parmesan cream sauce (Grape should bottle this tasty stuff) and topped with crispy julienne vegetables.
Now, a hearty sandwich or a heap of pasta is sure to make a happy lunch hour. However, for the real fairy-tale ending, order the cappuccino pie. The house-made coffee ice cream is paired with a cinnamon-y crust for a creamy, bold treat, and a dollop of whipped cream and whole coffee beans crown the pie. (The thoughtful presentation is tops, as well.)
A Taste of the New Grape in North Scottsdale
