Get your rebate check yet? Here are 6 places to splurge

May 7th, 2008, 3:09 pm · Post a Comment · posted by Jess Harter

Is your tax rebate check burning a whole in your pocket? Sure, a lot of the so-called experts recommend you do something sensible with it, like paying off your credit card biil. But where’s the fun in that?

Instead, why not take that money, or at least part of it, and enjoy a three-hour “vacation” at one of the East Valley’s finest restaurants? Here are six recommendations for tantalizing your tastebuds:

Binkley’s
Chef Kevin Binkley’s menu of classically influenced contemporary American cuisine changes daily. A la carte ordering is available, but the best way to experience what’s arguably the best food in Arizona (pictured at right) are the four-course ($65), five-course ($72-$82) and six-course ($89) prix-fixe dinners. 6920 E. Cave Creek Road, Cave Creek, (480) 437-1072.

Sea Saw
Nobu Fukuda, who won a 2006 James Beard Award for Best Chef Southwest, helms this intimate Japanese “tapas” eatery. Foodies fly in from all over the country just to indulge in Fukuda’s omakase tasting menu ($95 per person, $125 with wine pairings), highlighted by his miso-marinated foie gras sushi. 7133 E. Stetson Drive, Scottsdale, (480) 481-9463.

Bourbon Steak
The $190 Japanese “A5” Kobe 6-ounce filet mignon tops the pricey menu at celebrity chef Michael Mina’s sleek, new restaurant at the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess resort, but some of the “second-tier” steaks, such as the American Kobe 8-ounce ribeye cap ($64), are nearly as mouth-watering. 7575 E. Princess Drive, Scottsdale, (480) 585-4848.

Kai
The Sheraton Wild Horse Pass resort’s fine-dining room is the first American Indian restaurant to win AAA’s Five Diamond award. Chef Jack Strong’s tribal-supplied staples include buffalo tenderloin ($46) and black cod ($40). To really splurge, try the tasting menu ($175 per person, $240 with wine pairings). 5594 W. Wild Horse Pass Blvd., Chandler, (602) 225-0100.

Estate House
This mansion-styled dinnerhouse has a nautical-themed dining room, a swanky lounge upstairs and what chef Ron Dimas calls “French-inspired wine country cuisine.” If they’re in season, order an appetizer of Nantucket Bay scallops ($14) before moving on to the amazing veal chop and veal breast duo ($39). 7134 E. Stetson Drive, Scottsdale, 480- 970-4099.

Talavera
The Four Season Resort’s former Acacia steakhouse was extensively remodeled to showcase fabulous views of the Valley, but chef Mel Mecinas still heads the kitchen. Start with a lobster parfait with sweet corn panna cotta and caviar ($17), followed by the Australian wagyu New York steak ($85). 10600 E. Crescent Moon Drive, Scottsdale, (480) 515-5700.

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