How to Tell the Difference Between Two Similarly-Named New Restaurants

Craig OuthierNovember 1, 2023
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Course vs. Source

Whether it’s saturation or simple chance, almost-identically-named Valley restaurants are a thing these days. How to tell the difference between these Best New Restaurants honorees led by celebrity chefs.

Photo by Rob Ballard

Course

  • Post-nouvelle fine dining in Scottsdale.
  • Led by chef-owner Cory Oppold, who got famous turning mystery ingredients into cuisine on TV’s Chopped.
  • Name refers to tasting-menu format: You select five or 10 courses.
  • Signature dish: Deconstructed Cubano with Swiss fondue.
  • Fun time: Oppold calls his weekends-only brunch “Morning Would.”
  • Bring some bread: The 10-course menu runs $190.

Source

  • Mediterranean fast-casual in Gilbert.
  • Led by chef-owner Claudio Urciuoli, who got famous by working in more Valley kitchens than Sub-Zero.
  • Name refers to the chef’s yen for purity: It’s all about sourcing.
  • Signature dish: Farro bowl with grilled Sea of Cortez shrimp.
  • Fun time: Urciuoli smiled briefly in 2013. (We kid!)
  • Take some bread: They bake it and sell it. 
Photo by Adam Kindred