This Truffle Cheeseburger is One of The Best in the Valley

And it may be the best burger I’ve ever had in my life.

I know we’re a few months removed from the annual PHOENIX magazine Best of the Valley selections, but this burger deserves some belated recognition because it may be the best burger I’ve ever had in my life.

Riot Hospitality Group’s new culinary director Dustin Cooke recently invited me to sample the new menu items at Hand Cut Chophouse in Scottsdale and this burger was by far my favorite thing on the table.

Topped with soft brie, candied tomato and black truffle mayo, the burger is bite after bite of heaven. Combined with the five-cheese cream blend mac and cheese appetizer, I was in decadence overload and prepared for a satisfying nap when I got home.

MORE NEW MENU ITEMS

The chef also brought out full plates of the garlic and herb crab fettucine, a harvest kale salad, the Tuscan chopped meatball appetizer, a Hawaiian pork chop and butter cake for dessert. I enjoyed one or two bites of each – OK it was more like 10 bites of dessert – and everything was delicious.

The chef told me the crab fettucine was his favorite new menu item. An herb cream and spiced breadcrumbs cover small pieces of crab, so you get a sample of the sea but it’s not too overly fishy.

The harvest kale salad combines strawberries, avocado and cool crisp kale. The toppings of goat cheese and grapes do a happy dance in my mouth.

The Tuscan chopped meatball is an awesome blend of pork and beef made in house and it comes to your table bathing in a red pepper tomato sauce with goat cheese. Mix the sauce and cheese to spread over the grilled ciabatta that accompanies the dish for a taste and texture boost.  

Can I identify as a mac-and-cheese expert? It’s my favorite thing to order at brewpubs if available and this plate is one I’d order as a starter or for a meal. The five-cheese cream blend and breadcrumbs cover cavatappi noodles for a gooey and tasty treat.

The Hawaiian pork chop is a tropical delight when dipped into the accompanying jam or mustard. I could eat the whole thing and still have room for dessert.

Speaking of dessert, the butter cake is served up with vanilla ice cream and warm roasted peaches. That fantastic combo is enhanced with a drizzle of caramel sauce. Good to share with a hot date, pig out on your own or get a second to split with the whole family.

PLAN YOUR VISIT

Hand Cut Chophouse features an inviting entrance and host area with fun décor on the walls and a lively bar area in the center of the dining room. Enjoy a spot at the bar or slide into a comfortable booth for lunch or dinner. There are plenty of TVs for sports and a solid bar menu for cocktails, wine, draft beer and bottled beer.

The restaurant is just south of Scottsdale Fashion Square Mall near Culinary Dropout and Mountainside Fitness. Find parking in the large Nordstrom parking garage off Marshall Way south of Camelback Road.

handcutchophouse.com

7135 E. Camelback Road #154, Scottsdale