City: Scottsdale, AZ

Category: Restaurants

Telephone: (480) 970-7682

Address: 6934 E. 1st Ave.

Description: Cafe Monarch seems to get more popular by the day, and it can be difficult to get reservations. It’s tucked away in a strip mall near Old Town galleries and shops, so it’s not too far off the beaten path. Chef Chris Van Arsdale serves Asian-inspired dishes like cashew chicken with Japanese black rice, and his entire repertoire has endeared himself to critics and foodies. But keep in mind this is the type of place that’s unpretentious and serves almost comfort-like food, in spite of its accolades. Sit on the little patio outside and enjoy a tuna salad plate (with capers, artichoke, and zucchini), a bacon sandwich (with figs, roasted chiles, and green apple), or one of Chef Chris’ Smokehouse Sundays barbecue. Chris will also pick a dish for you based on your favorite ingredients, and he often strays from the written menu.