A place to learn about local restaurants, reviews, recipes, and news about the food industry. My mission is to inform, inspire, educate, and entertain.

Thursday, September 18, 2014

1528 ... The Bistro at Encanterra

If you're feeling like going to an upscale Mediterranean - style restaurant, offering a casual yet sophisticated feel with emphasis on delicious continental cuisine, superior service and genuinely friendly team members, you'll find it right here in San Tan Valley. 1528 The Bistro at the Encanterra Country Club  where the atmosphere is also a bit hip and blends well with the Mediterranean architectural theme of the entire community.  The layout and design segue to the outdoors, offering Members and guests the opportunity for casually intimate evenings. With multiple dining experiences available including multiple indoor and outdoor private dining spaces, a Chef’s Table in the kitchen and little alcoves with views of the open kitchen, Bistro 1528 is the perfect place to dine and relax.

No it is not exclusive to Encanterra residents. Yes it is available to the community. Chef Brandon Smith and his culinary team have put together quite the dining experience you'd expect at a first-class resort. So, I set-up an appointment to meet with Chef Brandon to discuss The Taste of San Tan Valley coming up in November. It will be a week-long event featuring local restaurants and food shops in our area. Before our meeting I decided to engage in some lunch and with the help of server Tyler picked two courses that he had recommended.

I we started with the Tuscan Crab Cake Trio. Not one but three not-so-petite jumbo lump crab cakes with creole remoulade, chilled corn salad, and pineapple salsa.  As I received my order Chef Brandon sat down to talk but I was too consumed to respond. The crab cakes were outstanding so I excused myself and said you do the talking. I'll do the eating. 

The Taste of San Tan Valley is an event sponsored by the San Tan Valley Chamber of Commerce and will offer the community a chance to visit participating restaurants and food shops and dine at a significant discount. What a great way to try something you've never had. Look for details coming out soon on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/tasteofsantanvalley

For my lunch course I chose the "Just a French Dip" which was a French Dip on steriods. Yummy. Shaved prime rib with a horseradish aioli, swiss cheese and yes 12 hour onions served on a toasted french roll and not just au jus but french onion soup for dipping. It also came with the most pleasant and unusual Bistro fries with garlic and parmesan butter and parsley. Couldn't stop eating them.

Kudo's to Chef Joseph for serving such a great meal. Lunch, Dinner, and Sunday Brunch available.

Bistro 1528
Encanterra Country Club
Address: 36460 N Encanterra Dr, San Tan Valley, AZ 85140
Phone:(480) 677-8000