A Fresh Take on Traditional Italian EVO
Italian food often conjures up the image of heaping plates of pasta smothered in a rich sauce, or a cheese-laden pizza covered in sausage. But one visit to EVO and you’ll never define Italian cuisine in quite the same fashion.
Relying upon the finest ingredients and farm-fresh local produce, Executive Chef ‘Chops’ Smith creates brilliantly authentic Italian flavors in recipes that are lighter than their European counterparts, and they are all dished up in a vibrant, modern atmosphere punctuated by excellent service. Chef Smith, who was recently named one of the Valley’s Top Five Up and Coming Chefs, demonstrates his skill in both the sumptuous preparation and the stunning presentation of each dish, providing an “Instagram” moment you’ll want to share.
The menu is both simple and elegant; a testament to doing fewer things exceptionally well. In addition to an offering of small plates and salads, you have a selection of traditional pizzas including a daily Chef’s Creation. The hand-made pasta includes a nice variety of sauces such as the traditional Bolognese to Aragosta – pappardelle pasta with lobster, corn, mushrooms and pancetta in a creamy basil pesto. The Entrees are equally as balanced, from a Vegetable Risotto to Roasted Chicken, Short Ribs, Pork Chops or Diver Sea Scallops. They also encourage customers to ask if they want something special and they will do their best to accommodate requests. EVO boasts a number of creative specialty cocktails, along with an impressive, carefully chosen wine list that displays their consideration for the individual customer’s budget.
Owner Nick Neuman opened EVO in May 2013. Nick tells HA, “We want to focus on what matters; our community and the people we call customers. We aim to become a hallmark in our community by giving customers a warm, inviting atmosphere where they know they can relax, unwind and enjoy a healthy, nutritious meal with friends and family. Over the past year we’ve learned that first-time customers become repeat customers and our greatest advocates. I like to think when a customer leaves, he leaves knowing he will be back.” Nick adds, “it’s also important that we give back to this community, and try to host charity events and special occasions for a variety of area organizations.”
EVO is fast becoming known as the sleekest, sexiest, coziest, most relaxing Italian restaurant in Scottsdale. Open seven days a week, EVO offers something hard to find in local eateries: late-night-dining until 1:30AM every night. Happy Hour is from 4-7PM daily and Sundays they feature live acoustic from 8PM until midnight with half-off bottles of wine all night. They also offer catering, private parties, special events in addition to vegetarian and gluten-free dishes.
You’ll find EVO at 4175 N. Goldwater Blvd., Scottsdale, AZ. You can visit their website to view the full menu and find a list of any upcoming events at www.evoscottsdale.com. For reservations, call (480) 265-9814.