#United States #Scottsdale #Richard Blais #La Zozzona

Richard Blais Opens La Zozzona in Scottsdale

Richard Blais, the celebrated chef and restaurateur, has officially launched his much-anticipated restaurant, La Zozzona, in Scottsdale, Arizona. Located at the Grand Hyatt Scottsdale Resort, this establishment represents Blais's first culinary venture in Arizona and pays homage to his love for Italian cuisine. The name 'La Zozzona' translates to 'messy delicious' in Italian, exemplifying the playful spirit behind Blais's culinary philosophy.

Blais, who has been a fixture in the culinary scene for years, is known for his innovative cooking techniques and creative approaches to traditional recipes. Having trained under culinary luminaries like Thomas Keller at The French Laundry and Ferran Adrià at El Bulli, he has garnered acclaim for his work on Bravo's Top Chef, where he became the champion of the inaugural Top Chef All-Stars.

At La Zozzona, diners can expect a menu that reflects Blais’s extensive travels across Italy, showcasing a wide variety of house-made pastas, wood-fired steaks, and tantalizing Italian fare. The restaurant aims to blend traditional cooking methods with modern culinary techniques, ensuring a unique dining experience.

Menu Highlights

Among the standout offerings on the menu are various cicchetti, small plates inspired by Italian tapas, including Stuffed Clams with pancetta and artichoke, as well as an enticing Burrata section featuring unique preparations like Basil Pesto and Millionaire Style with lobster and caviar.

For pasta lovers, the in-house made creations are complemented by select imported dried pastas. Notable dishes include Rigatoni 'Alla Zozzona', which features guanciale, sausage, tomato, chili, and pecorino romano, and Lobster Raviolo, delicately made with cherry tomato, ricotta, lemon, and basil.

Beyond pasta, the Cuts and Catches menu celebrates the rich culinary heritage of Italy’s coastal regions and the steakhouses of Tuscany. Guests can indulge in the Pancetta Wrapped Filet of Beef, paired with a flavorful Barolo demi-glace and gorgonzola fonduta, or share the Bistecca Fiorentina, a prime beef porterhouse perfect for 3-5 people.

Cocktail and Wine Offerings

La Zozzona's cocktail list enhances the Italian dining experience, showcasing innovative drinks that incorporate traditional flavors. Highlights include the Basilic Grand, a refreshing mix of vodka, Lillet Blanc, basil, lime, and almond bitters. The Amalfi Margarita is crafted using exclusive spirits created for the Grand Hyatt, featuring a private barrel reposado.

The restaurant's wine list is extensive, featuring selections from Italy's most celebrated wine regions as well as unique Coravin Rare Wines served by the glass. Guests can enjoy a variety of wines, including renowned labels like Dom Pérignon and Opus One. For beer enthusiasts, La Zozzona also offers local Arizona brews alongside Italian favorites.

Dining Experience

Designed by Wimberly Interiors, La Zozzona boasts an inviting atmosphere with modern decor inspired by the Italian countryside. The interior features warm desert earth tones, plush seating, and an open kitchen that allows guests to witness the artistry of pasta-making. Unique elements such as an authentic Cicchetti cart for serving small plates add to the restaurant's charm.

With a private dining room for 12 and a Chef's Table for 10 overlooking the kitchen, La Zozzona is ideal for special occasions. Open daily from 5 pm to 10 pm, reservations can be made via OpenTable.

In a landscape flooded with dining options, Richard Blais's La Zozzona stands out as a must-visit restaurant where food lovers can savor Italy's rich flavors, all while experiencing the creativity of one of America’s most beloved chefs. For additional information and to keep up with the latest updates, visit La Zozzona's website or follow their journey on Instagram @lazozzona.