JANUARY 2018 22 | The Sicilian Butcher is the latest concept developed by the operators of Tomaso’s Italian Restaurant, Tomaso’s When in Rome and Hash Kitchen and is the first restaurant of its kind in Phoenix. Described as a “modern-casual meatball and butchery-inspired concept,” the brand-new spot is offering up everything from panelle fries to charcuterie and bruschetta boards to their signature craft meatballs in a beautiful yet laid-back environment, complete with a welcoming patio that’s perfect for casual group meals. Their unique cocktails can’t be missed either — such as my favorite, the Milan Margarita, which features tequila, pineapple, rosemary agave, lime juice and campari. — Jamie Killin SICILIAN BUTCHER Scottsdale The folks at Mastro’s don’t do things small, and perhaps one of the best examples of this is Mastro’s Ocean Club. The spacious Kierland establishment goes big in almost every way. Big room. Big bar. Big cocktails. Big portions. Not that any of this, of course, is a bad thing. The weekends often find Ocean Club overrun with the who’s who, but The Missus and I and another couple snuck in on a more subdued Sunday night, which perhaps better allowed us to focus on the food. The steaks are top-notch, and the sea bass Andrea ordered as the evening special didn’t disappoint. Ocean Club is great if you want to see and be seen, but also if you want some great steak and seafood. — Tom Evans MASTRO’S OCEAN CLUB Scottsdale Eating healthy is hard enough (hello New Year’s resolutions!) without the added inconvenience of not being able to find a healthy restaurant to enjoy on the go, but fortunately D’Lite has brought its good-for-you menu and drive through option to Arcadia to keep us all on track in 2018. And, the best part is that their options are delicious as well. Our favorites are the Breakfast Buzz for busy mornings, the Southwest Rice Bowl or the Humanitarian Wrap for quick lunches, and the Almond Butter & Jelly sandwich for kids. They also offer great drink options — from kombucha teas and iced coffee to juices. — Jamie Killin D’LITE Arcadia Photo: Mastro's Ocean Club Photo: Sicilian Butcher Photo: D'Lite {where we ate this month} KITCHEN DOORS

KITCHEN DOORS CONTINUED South Scottsdale Pitch South Scottsdale has seen the development of a new office complex called The Quad, home of Pitch Pizzeria. The Omaha-based restaurant is serving up handmade pastas, house-cured meats, and the star of the show, coal-fired pizzas. But it would be a mistake to think this is just another pizza joint. Pitch caters to the work force and the weekend warriors alike with a coffee bar, breakfast and lunch on the weekdays, brunch on weekends, dinner served every night of the week and their killer happy hour. If you are looking for something that is as pretty as it delicious, make sure to try my favorite the Arugula — a fresh pile of arugula architecturally wrapped up in house-cured prosciutto. Other menu highlights include everything from the classics like Margherita Pizza and Pitch Wings to the ever indulgent VIP Lobster Mac and Cheese and Coal Fired Duck. Their dining room features high ceilings, a large wrap around bar, and a great view of the coal-fired oven. When the weather is nice, it opens up to spacious patio — the perfect place to enjoy one of their signature cocktails or house-brewed beers – and yes, it’s dog friendly! With a lively atmosphere and delicious bites made from scratch, Pitch has quickly become one of my go-to neighborhood hangouts. — Catie Richman Photo: Pitch