Although I have never been (yet), I’m pretty sure I’d make a good Spaniard. Siestas during the work day sound pretty good to me. Leisurely, hours long meals spent grazing on delicacies and sipping sangria is my idea of heaven. I need to get myself to Spain, and in the meantime I need to spend more time at Prado at the Omni Montelucia.
Prado is an upscale restaurant with a warmth that invites you to relax and take in the sights, sips, sounds and scenery. I’d always considered Prado a special occasion dining destination but a recent (and my first) visit proved me wrong . I was beyond impressed by all I have been missing.
Prado is the perfect place for a girls night out – small bites and sangria at the Tapas Bar; friendly happy hour – charcuterie and cocktails at MBar; or a decadent date night – paella and wine in the dining room. All should be followed up with a nightcap in the lounge, listening to the sounds of a flamenco guitarist or on the patio taking in the breathtaking views that surround the property.
During my visit I had the pleasure of touring all that Prado has to offer starting with a family style meal in the dining room. Executive Chef Marcos Seville, Executive Sous Chef Smail Yaakoubi and the entire culinary team have put together a colorful and delicious menu showcasing their skill with authentic Spanish cuisine, like the Lobster Paella (pictured above), full of fresh seafood, chicken, Spanish chorizo, saffron rice and vegetables. The dish was a sight to behold and was just as delightful to eat as it was pretty to look at.
Another showstopper is the Crab Timbale, a beautifully presented dish with layers of creamy avocado, sweet, succulent crab meat, and fresh greens with a tangy gazpacho vinaigrette. The dish was a highlight of the evening. I was also impressed with the Casablanca Lamb Tagine served on a bed of saffron risotto with dried fruits and baby vegetables. It was a mouthwatering, hearty dish and perfect for family style dining.
Sitting at the Tapas Bar noshing on small flavorful bites was my favorite part of the evening. This option at Prado offers the most bang for your buck as all the menu items are reasonably priced and meant for sharing. The Filet Pinchos are small, tender chunks of beef expertly cooked over a wood-fired flame. They are accompanied by a romesco verde sauce and they are mouthwatering and addictive. I suggest ordering two! I also loved the Chorizo served with a harrissa sauce. The spicy sausage packs a punch of flavorful heat and is perfect accompaniment to the house baked, freshly made bread. And don’t miss the Lollipop Lamp Chops with mint pesto and the Berenja, an herbed eggplant tapenade.
Every great dining destination must have excellent wine and cocktails and MBar inside Prado is a destination unto itself. Sarah Joubert, Prado Sommelier, knows a lot about wine and a thing or two about cocktails and pretty much every liquor and spirit ever made. She is a wealth of knowledge and is happy to make recommendations on what you should order to drink and eat. Prado’s sangria is some of the best I’ve ever had but I was most impressed with their Gin & Tonic cocktails. They are making several kinds at Prado, each made using top quality ingredients. The Gin & Tonics were strong and refreshing, each distinct in flavor like grapefruit & cardamom, cilantro and orange, and raspberry and rosemary.
They all go great with a charcuterie board full of Spanish meats and cheeses like serrano and manchego, plus accompaniments like Marcona almonds, crostini and olives.
Prado offers something for everyone on pretty much any budget. So grab your date, dress up and have a romantic night; or put on your favorite heels, call your girlfriends and ask them to meet you there for some GNO fun. It’s a great place to impress company or a relaxing place to unwind with a cocktail after work. So consider taking a trip to Spain without even leaving the Valley. I’m willing to wager that the views will rival anything you see in Barcelona.
Prado is located at 4949 E Lincoln Dr, Scottsdale, AZ 85253. For reservations call (480) 627-3004
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Disclaimer: I was invited to Prado as part of a media dinner. All opinions within this post are entirely my own.
