The boys and I headed out for another rowdy night on the town. It was suggested that this night of adventure needed to kick off right. Thus, the lavish, brand spankin’ new St. Francis was selected for its holy name, apparently. I heard there was a limited menu during this soft-opening week, meaning I would only have four entrée choices, so I was a wee bit skeptical. Plus, I don’t normally take kindly to some dude offering “complimentary” valet service. I’m perfectly capable of parking my own car. Been doing it for years.
Once inside the completely transparent door, I felt like I had walked into the one of the poshest mid-century structures ever. I mean, they have one the craziest sink contraptions I have ever witnessed. But I digress. I selected the pepper-crusted flat iron steak. It came with all kinds of crazy green, white and brown stuff (translation: charred broccoli and crispy potatoes cooked to wood-fired perfection in a red wine reduction) that accented this medium-rare delight, and had me swabbing my plate repeatedly. The pepper was strong, but not dominant enough to detract at all from this savory, sliced beef. The entire plate was too good to pass up — any part of it. I cleaned that sucker up just like my mama taught me.
I have to say, if this is how St. Francis dishes it out in a limited opening, my Southern bum will be squeaking through the door a lot more often.
St. Francis is located at 111 E. Camelback Road (one block east of Central/Camelback light rail station) and will be debuting its full menu shortly. 602.200.8111.
This place looks fantastic from the outside, and from what you say the inside sounds awesome, and there’s no question in my mind that the food is tasty too… can’t wait to check it out!
I’ve never read anything that can make me hungry when I’ve just finished eating… ’til now. Yum!
I’m glad to hear you’ve found a place with good steak not far from downtown–for a couple of years, now, I have been searching for a restaurant that meets the kind of steak standards one would expect with the prices most places charge. Although I am not the kind of guy who orders a steak at every joint that offers them, I think it’s important to know where to go for a satisfying, old-fashioned ribeye. I look forward to giving St. Francis a shot. Thanks for the recommendation!