There's a new culinary destination in Scottsdale that might ring a bell with California foodies. Paul Martin's American Grill, a popular California-based restaurant chain, has just opened its first Arizona location in central Scottsdale. This is the seventh location for the concept, and the first outside of California.
Paul Martin's is known for its fresh seafood plates, grilled meats and artisanal drinks. The lunch and dinner menus offer a fresh California take on classic American dishes, like its Prime New York Steak with Point Reyes blue cheese butter and sauteed seasonal vegetables.
But for starters, try the Castroville Artichoke, a northern California specialty that's grilled and drizzled with a handmade pesto aioli. Another popular starter is the Seafood Platter, which comes with a selection of fresh oysters, wild white prawns, Maine lobster and the house-smoked salmon spread. It comes served on ice, and it's large enough to share with a fellow seafood lover.
The Cold Water Lobster Tail is a house specialty at Paul Martin's American Grill, a California-based chain that just opened a location in Scottsdale. — Photo courtesy of Paul Martin's American Grill
The restaurant's primary signature is grilling. The kitchen uses flat-top grills to give meats a perfect sear, as in the crispy-skinned Cedar Plank Salmon. It comes with shallots and bacon, organic Bloomsdale spinach and a crimini mushroom jus.
Paul Martin's is also known for its use of mesquite wood, a favorite choice with cooks because it produces a very hot flame, resulting in succulent, wood-infused meats. One highlight from the mesquite grill menu is the fish tacos, which are served with handmade flour tortillas, a spicy chili aioli, juicy blistered tomatoes and arugula.
The restaurant sources its seafood from sustainable fisheries, and uses free-range, natural meats and fresh cheeses from local Arizona farms and artisanal cheese makers.
Along with farm-fresh ingredients, Paul Martin's is known for its selection of hand-crafted cocktails, craft beers and more than 100 wines, most of which are offered by the glass. One of the most popular signature cocktails is the raspberry martini, made with a house-infused raspberry vodka, sweet vermouth and a splash of lemon juice.
The Scottsdale location offers weekly chef's specials, including a Sunday prime rib dinner, featuring three courses and house-made ice cream for dessert. On Mondays, stop by for the wine dinner for two, which includes an organic green salad, entree and your choice of one bottle from a selection of 25 wines.
There are also plenty of happy hour specials, available daily from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. Happy hour highlights include the $5 maple cider-grilled chicken skewers and $5 glasses of wine. Or, if you're really hungry, grab one of the $13 burger, craft beer and fries combo specials.