Scottsdale’s Market Street Kitchen has long been tops on my list when friends ask me for dining recommendations. The cozy space offers it all – top-notch service, excellent food and unique, tasty cocktails.
The restaurant recently named Kyla Dahl as the new beverage manager and she’s keeping the expectations of creative, spirit-forward beverages high.
I recently had the pleasure of trying out some of Kyla’s latest boozy creations and I’m impressed. Everything we tried that evening was strong, smooth, tasty and guaranteed to knock you on your ass if you’re not careful (drink responsibly)!
Check it out.
We started the evening with the MSK Welcome Punch and what a welcome it was. Strong with bourbon and kissed with sweetness from cherry bomb tea, and lemon vanilla cardamom syrup; blackstrap bitters rounded it all out. This libation was bold and warming, a perfect welcome to Kyla’s creations.
We moved on to Alice’s Tea Time Tipple, a beautiful concoction of uberberry tea infused gin, appertivo mix, simple syrup, lemon and green strawberry bitters. The vibrant crimson hue is inviting and a little deceptive if you are expecting something frou-frou. This cocktail did have a hint of fruity sweetness but the herby bite of the gin powered through. It’s a pretty and tasty tipple!
Sidenote: a tipple is an old-school name for a cocktail! Thanks, Kyla, for sharing that tidbit!
The Polynesian Queen is a bold twist on a tiki drink, made with gin, Bravo Jammy, Nola Coffee Liqueur, lime, lemon, pineapple, and figgy pudding bitters.
Rembrandt’s Apple is a true masterpiece and my favorite drink of the night. This cocktail is made with Genever, homemade apple pie liqueur and rhubarb bitters, garnished artfully with an apple rosette. It was aromatic and delightful, smooth with an appropriate amount of sweetness.
And finally we had the Bad n’ Boozie. A stiff concoction with a spicy kick from the addition of Ancho Reyes Verde Liqueur. Overproof rum and banana liqueur lend a little sweetness and mole bitters add an extra something for a balanced and uniquely tastily cocktail. I will admit I wasn’t sure if I would like this more savory, spicy cocktail but I actually loved it. It is definitely a walk on the wild side when it comes to cocktails.
Of course an establishment serving up such fabulous cocktails has to match them with equally unique and delicious food. And in that area, as you would expect, Market Street Kitchen exceeds all expectations.
This take on Shrimp and Grits was pretty remarkable with the bold taste of curry, giving this familiar comfort dish an exotic flare.
You can’t go wrong with meat and potatoes. MSK’s Steak Frites is a cooked to order cut of tender steak served with a demi-glace and herb parmesan fries. This is rib-sticking grub perfect to stand up to the strong drinks.
The Scottish Salmon served with red beet risotto, cucumber pico, and fried brussels sprouts was the hit of the night. The salmon expertly seasoned and cooked, brightened up with the crispy cucumber pico but that beet risotto is truly something to live for. OMG – it was so good. I would never think to add beets to risotto but I am so glad the chef at MSK did! I would order this dish again and again, just for that risotto.
Market Street Kitchen is located at 20825 N Pima Rd, Scottsdale, AZ 85255
…………………………………………………………………….
