Spotted Donkey Expands Menu
New “Canteena & Cowboy” combines Mexican-modern Cuisine with a
“Southwestern American Kick” by Executive Chef Robert McGrath
Scottsdale, Ariz. (December 6, 2011) The Spotted Donkey Cantina-Hayden Village, on the “Via de Ventura Corridor” in Scottsdale, has been recognized in the valley for its Mexican and Southwest cuisine. Now, with Chef Robert McGrath at the helm of the kitchen, new dishes have been crafted that are above and below the border, bringing traditional Mexican cuisine from the interior states of Mexico such as Oaxaca, Michoacan and Jalisco. The new “Canteena & the Cowboy” menu features cuisines of Mexico on one side and the other side of the card features Southwestern cuisine.
Some of the dishes on the Canteena side of the menu include Seviche Yucateco Blanco (white seviche); Sopa de Pozole (a broth-based soup featuring hominy, pork, cabbage and chiles); Mole Poblano con Pollo (roast chicken with a classic mole sauce and rice); and Queso Fundido de Res (Monterey Jack cheese, short rib beef, garlicky roasted peppers and Mexican oregano)—a dish that is so incredibly delicious that guests plan their meals around it, regularly! These new additions comfortably complement some of the dishes that have been very popular in the past.
The Cowboy side of the menu features American Southwest cuisine that Chef McGrath is renowned for—in both Arizona and the U.S. As one of the original pioneers of American Southwestern Cuisine (in both Texas and Arizona) Chef McGrath brings his familiar mainstays to the new menu with dishes such as Green Chile Pork Stew; Tortilla Soup; The Original Burger; Green Chile Macaroni and Dr. Pepper Short Ribs. His other new additions include the otherworldly Lobster and Corn Gravy with Pecan-Smoked Bacon and Baby Biscuit; Chicken Drop with Chile Cheese Grits; Grilled Salmon on Butternut Squash Risotto, Grilled Apple and several other dishes that reflect Chef McGrath’s desire to keep the food simple, delicious and attractive. “Chef McGrath continues to entertain the palette with his experience in foods of the America’s,” says owner Cliff Skoglund.
About Chef Robert McGrath
Chef McGrath has accumulated much recognition over the years including 7 nominations for the Best Chef in America by The James Beard Foundation and induction as The James Beard Foundation Award: Chef of the Year. He was named one of the Ten Best Chef's in America by Food & Wine Magazine; and he was inducted into the Arizona Culinary Hall of Fame. Chef McGrath has also authored a successful cookbook entitled, "American Western Cooking", and is currently working on another book. McGrath was recently honored with an Emmy Award for his PBS series, "Check Please, Arizona". He has also appeared on the NBC Today Show; CBS Good Morning; Good Morning America; Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous; Live with Regis and Kathi Lee; and made numerous appearances on the local television channels.
About Spotted Donkey Cantina-Hayden Village
Owned and operated by Cliff Skoglund, Robert Hall and Michelle Rudolph. Spotted Donkey Cantina is located at 8220 North Hayden Road in Scottsdale, AZ 85258. The restaurant is a restored 1970's building that was transformed into a rustic, yet, contemporary space with a mix of modern and traditional rustic décor. Distinctive dining area choices include an expansive bar atmosphere, punctuated by sleek wood walls backlit in vibrant orange hues allowing the lighting to peek out in seductive drama and nine flat screen televisions. The restaurant also boasts two dining areas, two outdoor patios, and a large selection of private dining areas. Spotted Donkey is open daily for lunch from 11:00 am – 4:00 pm and dinner from 4:00 to 10:00pm. Happy Hour is from 3:00-6:00pm Monday-Friday. Brunch is served 10:00 am-3:00 pm Saturday and Sundays. “Donkey to Go” orders are also available. For more information call 480-922-1400 or visit the website at www.spotteddonkeycantina.com.
