By Ashley Miller 
On the southeast corner of a phoenix neighborhood tucked away amongst the houses is the Tuck Shop. This quaint house has a secret. It is already a beloved neighborhood hotspot to sip on a Hendricks gin and house made tonic water while enjoying a warm and comforting plate of Times mac and cheese (which in my opinion is the best in town).
As I walked into the restaurant I was struck with the sudden sense that I was home. Beginning with a warm greeting from the General Manager John, I felt like he was welcoming my dinner companion Jesse and I into his home for a dinner party. The wide open space is comfortable and inviting set up in a style reminiscent of a cozy lived in house. Now the most important question of the night arose; where will we sit so that we get the most out of this experience!?!? We look to the north seating area which is arranged like a reading room, a large comfortable couch and cushy seats under a huge glass window allowing guests to dine under the stars while avoiding the “chill” of the Arizona winter. The dining room is a cluster of small tables around one large dining table which entices the guest to sit with strangers and become friends. Jesse and I have decided to sit at the bar because when you’re at a dinner party everyone always ends up in the kitchen with the host. What better way to get to know your host than to join them while they entertain. The open kitchen is just to the south of the bar so we can watch the action while we chit chat with the guests around us. The art on the walls is warm, unique and mute. They are esthetically pleasing while not being too loud or distracting from the relaxing comfortable feeling of the space.
The bartender drops off our glasses of cucumber water while we discuss the cannot miss items. The Roasted baby beets with spiced mustard cream or the Panini bites? I must start with the creamy roasted garlic with grilled baguette. I figured I should take advantage of tasty although “scary breath food” while on a platonic date. The garlic spreads on the crisp baguette which has a touch of smoke from the grill and pairs delightfully with the 07 Domaine Coteau Pinot Noir from Oregon which has blackberries, earth and mushroom on the palate. The Panko-walnut crusted fontina also catches my eye, Paprika dusted and served with a duo of dipping sauces. The smoked tomato sauce is smoky creamy and light, while the pear sauce is thick and spiced with cinnamon and spices that remind one of the holidays.
John swings by to see how everything is turning out and we launch into a conversation about food wine and the character of the Valley. He wants to make sure we are getting a diverse sampling of the menu. Everything on it looks as good as it tastes but the fear of having to be rolled out on a dolly puts me into conflict overdrive. John insists we have the Schreiners chorizo stuffed Medjool dates with melted gruyere. I absolutely love sweet and savory, but greasy chorizo I typically only want at 3 am after drinking wine with friends for 10 hours. However, John reassures me this locally smoked chorizo is to die for and indeed it is. The light spice and smoke from the chorizo taunts the sweet date in my mouth while the creamy gruyere holds them together. At this point I must have something crisp and acidic so I don’t feel so guilty about all the rich, creamy decadent pleasures I have enjoyed up to this point. The Mixed green salad with fried goat cheese, pickled shallots, grapes and salametti should do the trick. To end our dinner John brings out a full pear standing up right which has been baked in a pastry and then stuffed with hazelnut cheesecake. Yum!
The night was complete and I was all warm and stuffed inside my ever expanding belly. For many I will be praised for spreading the word about this amazing new hidden house of delectableness. Yet I must apologize to the friends and family of the Tuck Shop who have known about the secret from the beginning. I have no doubt, very soon, there will not be a seat available in the house.
Tuck Shop
2245 N 12th St
Phoenix, AZ 85006
(602) 354-2980
http://tuckinphx.com
