Tratto…the conundrum of simple ingredients, prepared to perfection.

o (1) o (3) o (4)

4743 N 20th St
Phoenix, AZ 85016
 

Having spent 20 years in the wine and restaurant business, I appreciate someone else making complicated dishes with separate elements that take time to prepare. I appreciate that work, knowing that I could do it, if I invested all that time. I come to Tratto because they achieve a consistency that I never can because I get side-tracked in prep while entertaining, or I can’t or don’t devote all the time and attention needed to get it just right.

What frustrates me and draws me to Tratto at the same time, is their simplicity of creating exquisite flavor. Using high quality ingredients, selected to play off each other, they craft simple, yet phenomenal dishes, perfectly timed and executed…in a production environment.

Their gem salad is a great example. The perfect amount of vinegar and oil to set off lettuce and cheese. Simple, yet insanely gratifying.

Their pasta dishes follow the same pattern: not over-complicated, they manage to show off the flavor and texture of the pasta, as well as the individual elements of the sauce, and become much more than the sum of the integrated parts.

Pork chops, meats and seafood…are all perfectly cooked, & beautifully caramelized when appropriate.

And what a great cocktail and wine list. Well chosen wines to complement food, with a few choices for those who want the wine front and center. Fair markups, and a few esoteric gems. I love their natural and “orange wine” choices, their generous pours, and the quality of their less expensive offerings.

If you can’t find wine here you like at a reasonable price…ask!!!! It’s there, you just don’t know all these wines…how could you. The lower priced wines may not be “supermarket wines”, and the distribution of similar wines in Arizona is pitifully bad…its a circular problem…people don’t know better so they seek out high volume wines, so many restaurants don’t take the chance and stock these lesser known gems. These guys do…so ask for guidance. I’ve carried most of the wines on the list in my store in California (where there are a lot more distributors and small production imports available), but the wines vary yearly and they always have something new from Arizona or elsewhere, so I ask for help every time.

And the cocktails. Here the ingredients tantalize, but the delivery is slightly gentle, to complement the meal.

People always say, save room for dessert…don’t…don’t miss any of the main courses that appeal to you. Just figure it out when dessert time comes.. you WILL find room. Linger over an after dinner drink and share desserts, and now…contemplate what you just experienced. Yummmm

Want a solid Burger? Try Matty G’s

6107 N Scottsdale Rd
Scottsdale, AZ 85250
A solid cheeseburger!

1/26/2020

I’m going to keep this one short and sweet. If you like a good burger, this place is serving up some of the best in town, at a very reasonable price for the area.
If you’re a meat lover, try a classic cheeseburger, and appreciate the wonderful flavors of the burger. Char, caramelization and juicey-ness.
Then go ahead and pile on the accoutrements your next time.
I hope this gem can overcome the jinx of this location!

3846 E Devonshire, ARCADIA – MODERN FARMHOUSE

Coming 4/3/2020

3846 E Devonshire Ave, Phoenix, AZ 85018 

Offered at $999,900

Gorgeous Modern Arcadia “Farm House” on a street that has transformed in the past 3 years. This airy home’s beautiful interior boasts great flow, and gorgeous hardwood floors, custom cabinetry, fun tile, high ceilings, loads of storage, and a rare 3 ½ car

garage.    Huge great room with an elegant kitchen & window-filled dining area, perfect for entertaining. Kitchen features large granite island, Kitchen Aid appliances, farmhouse sink, & long walk-in pantry. Split floor plan w/ luxurious private master suite featuring wood paneled walls, marble counter tops w. drop-down makeup/vanity counter, separate shower & tub, & large wrap-around closet that conveniently opens to the laundry room! North/south exposure, large grassy backyard. Located within walking distance of  the new Arcadia hot spots!

Move-in ready. Offered at $999,900

Visit the Website for 3846 E Devonshire Ave, Phoenix AZ, 85018

View the Virtual Tour for this beautiful Modern Arcadia Farmhouse

  • 2800 sf w great flow
  • Bedrooms– 4
  • Baths– 3.5
  • Hardwood Floors
  • Great Room
  • Soaring Ceilings
  • Fireplace
  • 3 1/2 Car Garage

 

27143 N. 81ST AVE PEORIA, AZ 85383 Resort Style Living at The Reserve at Rock Springs

Coming 3/4/2020

Backing to hillside open space, in the gated Reserve at Rock Springs, this very highly upgraded and updated home has everything you need for resort-style family living. The fabulous flow and layout are enhanced by new hardwood floors throughout the entire home. A 5 bedroom home also needs gathering spaces, and this house has an open feel and sight lines, yet offers a Living and Dining room separate but visible from the great room. The eat-in kitchen with massive island and stainless premium appliances features extensive upgraded cabinetry. It is supported by both a walk-in pantry and a butler’s pantry.

A handy powder room just off the family room, and an en-suite bedroom w. walk-in closet downstairs, give you flexibility. The window wall collapses to open up the great room to the beautiful backyard, with self-cleaning Shasta pool and spa with motorized cover, and shaded play and lounging space. Awnings extend half-way across the pool and the misters create your own oasis. An extended 2 car garage, separate single garage, and large parking pad handle vehicles and storage.

Up the wide staircase, you will find a split plan with the Master and den/playroom/office on one side of the landing, and 3 bedrooms plus Laundry on the other. The Master suite looks east for afternoon shade, and views of the open space and mountains. The broad hallway features built-in cabinetry running its entire length, plus linen storage. A large secondary bedroom is en-suite, while the other 2 share a full bath with dual sinks, and separate bath. All boast walk-in closets. The handy Upstairs laundry has cabinets & shelves galore.

This stunning large home is updated and move-in ready. Offered at $649,990

Visit the Website for 27143N 81st Ave, Peoria AZ

  • 4120 s.f. w great flow
  • Bedrooms – 5
  • Baths – 4.5
  • New Wood Floors
  • LR, DR, Great Room, Den
  • Gourmet, Eat-in Kitchen
  • High Ceilings
  • Resort Back Yard w large patio, pool, spa and motorized pool cover
  • 3 Car Garage

_DSC8627-Edit _DSC8630-Edit Untitled-8 _DSC8528-Edit _DSC8579-Edit _DSC8560-Edit _DSC8471-Edit _DSC8371-Edit