Valentine in Phoenix focuses on local southwest ingredients and has received recognitiom from both Esquire Magazine and The New York Times for doing so.



"Dishes include the lauded elote pasta with Hassayampa asiago cheese. For brunch, try the steak & eggs, made with Rovey Farms grass-fed beef and Two Wash Ranch eggs. At the adjacent speakeasy Bar 1912, sip on cocktails that pay homage to the 48th state. Bone marrow and mesquite smoke distinguish the Cattle drink, while the Cotton boasts pistachio extract, pistachio oil, pistachio milk, and pistachio “cotton candy.” House-made pine liqueur crafted from foraged Arizona pine cones and tips is the base for the Forest. Save room for bar snack, including nuts, foie gras stuffed olives, and quail ramen eggs pickled with tamari, mirin, piloncillo, and sherry vinegar," according to Phoenix New Times.



This is one of the cooler restaurant spaces I've seen. There are a ton of large windows and it kind of reminds me of a drive-in restaurant (because of the awning) mashed with a super modern, trendy cafe. It was light and airy with greenery all around.



We ordered at the front counter, where they had a ton of delicious looking pastries and snacks. I ordered a scone with Sonoran white wheat, chorizo and cheddar. It was definitely on the dry side, but that's often to be expected with scones. Paired with a coffee drink, it was tasty.



Next up: hushpuppies with red fife wheat and cornmeal, Arizona Gouda, and jalapeño honey cabbage. these were just OK. There was more oil flavor than the strong cheese or pepper or anything else here.



I finished up with a little gem salad – need to get the veggies in. Sunflower vinaigrette, crispy sunchokes, and goatija (goat cheese + cotija cheese).



It was a fine salad, but the description hyped me up a bit more than the dish delivered. Overall, I think everything here was OK. But, there are so many other things I would love to try – including the Elote pasta they're known for. I do love how they incorporate local ingredients into their menu. So I think this will need to have another visit.



Grade: B