The soft launch of Zen Culinary, a new Asian-inspired restaurant in North Scottsdale, took place in late November and the doors are officially open for business! Be prepared for spices and ingredients from the orient that will tease your taste buds and entice you to come back for more.
The restaurant’s founder, Rachel McAuley, born and raised in Thailand is introducing Asian-infused dishes like smoked-tea bass, pineapple fried rice, and of course, her own rendition of fresh sushi. Surprisingly the menu is not dominated with Asian dishes and there are plenty of American dishes with light Asian touches to choose from. By day there are affordable lunches and by night a truly elegant high-end dining experience.
Another new Asian-themed restaurant, Hot Noodles Cold Sake, opened their doors just in time for Holiday shoppers to delight in some authentic Japanese noodles. If you’ve never been to a ramen shop you are in store for a real treat!
You’ll recognize the owner, Chef Joshua from Posh Restaurant in Scottsdale, where his extemporaneous style in the kitchen offered up these ramen bowls only on Tuesday nights. With the opening of his new restaurant he’s now able to share his culinary education acquired while living and working in Japan.
Ramen is what’s on the menu and he is even offering a vegan option! Whether you order the house special Goma, Shoyu, Miso, Shrimp or Vegan, you’ll be happy to know the bowls come standard with leeks, bean sprouts, nori, bonito, and yummy scallions! The only extras on this menu are pork crackings, onsen egg, cured egg, Shishito peppers or for extra Char sui or double noodles. How’s that for a bargain? You’ll find the ramen shop in North Scottsdale at 15689 N. Hayden Road.