12/07/08

Tapino's Kitchen and Wine Bar is OUTRAGEOUS!!!

by CarolynHughey

This place is awesome! Two years ago, we were visiting Scottsdale on vacation. As lovers of good food and wine, we noticed Tapino and walked to the door to peek inside. The media manager, Wendy, opened the door and invited us inside, even though she knew we'd already eaten elsewhere.

It was her kindness that brought us back to Tapino. Now that we live in the area, we've been back many times with friends and visitors who never stop talking about the wonderful dining experience.

The food is creative, and delicious with unbelievable pairings of the best wine list in the valley. The creativity of owner and Executive Chef James and his staff, who glide around the kitchen creating the eloquent offerings of flavors that burst in your mouth with every bite, is unsurpassed in quality and taste.

We've never been disappointed. The well informed staff who know every detail about the menu items, and which wine to select with the offering . . . right down to the young man who refills the water glass . . . are helpful, warm, and friendly. It's just like being with family. The ambiance is delightful, and the food is downright delectable!

If you haven't been to this restaurant, you owe it to yourself to make a reservation. We love it, and can't wait to go back again! Carolyn Hughey

• Pros: It's a win-win with this restaurant
• Cons: I honestly cannot tell you any cons. We've been here several times and have never been disappointed.

07/27/08

Not your typical fine dining

by LoveFineWine

My wife and I were turned on to trying out Topino by a colleague?s recommendation. She was absolutely correct in that the food in extraordinary. The menu does not consist of traditional main courses, but rather many different appetizer type courses. It is definitely high-end gourmet prepared to perfection. The atmosphere is nice, service is good, our waiter knowledgeable, especially in wines, which I would expect from a fine dining establishment. The wine list is extensive, and includes unusual hard to get wines. Our waiter had recommended a 2004 Musar Cuvee Rough from the Bekaa Valley, Lebanon. This exceptional wine can easily be mistaken for a fine French Bordeaux. The courses range roughly from $6 to $15 each. You will probably want to order three selections per person since they are ?gourmet? portions. The only clincher I have with Topino is the wine prices, which are on the high side. A $50 bottle of wine in the restaurant may well be $15 at an online wine store. Wish they were more reasonable in that department.

• Pros: Fine dining with extraordinary food in a nice atmosphere
• Cons: Wine prices a bit too high

07/01/08

You're Going to Want to Keep Coming Back

by OpenTableFan

This is the kind of place you're going to keep coming back to. The atmosphere is relaxed, the food is amazing, the service is just right. Tapino one of those places where making reservations at OpenTable online is a huge benefit. Tapino can record what food you had and which tapas or dishes you want to have again the next time you visit. Not only that, my favorite bottle of wine is ready for me when I come in, and I earn points when I reserve online so that I can eat there again for free. Doesn't get any better than that!

• Pros: Great food, great atmosphere
• Cons: It can get busy