IF YOU REMODEL IT, THEY WILL COME
The Dish
Apparently, Jesus once said to St. Francis of Assisi, to “go out and build up my house, for it is nearly falling down.” We imagine the conversation between Aaron Chamberlin and his architect, Wendell Burnette, went a little like that. “Hey man, that second floor is gonna collapse, can you fix it?” The place we’re talking about, is of course the new St. Francis, located just east of Central on Camelback.
Wendell Burnette did more than fix the place for chef/owner Chamberlin, he designed a showstopper of a restaurant that so slick and so dialed in, it begs the question: will anybody care?
A lot of the necessities–furniture, flatware, art–comes from the legendary Rubicon in San Francisco (which ironically was one of Chamberlin’s first gigs). The actual tasting spoons (they were Chamberlin’s grandfather’s) that illustrate the menu are cast in concrete at the front door (a little Hans Solo-esque, but cool nonetheless). And so much of the menu is imported from discreet little Northern California farms that Chamberin’s built relationships with over the years. We jumped right in during the video above, asking if people in Phoenix know or care that his food is so high quality. Or that the herbs are so crazy, they’re dying to be smoked. Watch to find out his answer.
One thing’s for sure–this was one of the most highly anticipated restaurant openings in town. It’s Chamberlin’s first spot after his years building menus for La Grande Orange Hospitality. It’s one of Wendell Burnette’s most public projects (he’s known in the design community as one of Phoenix’s best designers but his work usually only graces rich people and libraries). And it’s location is prime–at the epicenter of roads that lead to places like Hula’s, Lux, and Lisa G to the south, Postino Central and Bomberos to the north, and Parlor and the Biltmore to the east.
People are apparently getting it, because St. Francis is enjoying healthy reservations, ample walk-ins, and much praise for the food. The biggest complaint amongst diners–prices. It’s not that the prices are high for what you’re getting, but they want less-expensive options so they can truly make this place what it calls itself–”a neighborhood restaurant.” Is Chamberlin listening to their request, or is he marching ahead with his twenty dollar menu? Watch the video to find out.
For the complete menu, hours, and other details, visit the site below.
111 E Camelback RdPhoenix, AZ 85012
(602) 200-8111
2 Responses to “IF YOU REMODEL IT, THEY WILL COME”
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St.Francis didn’t strike me as too expensive. The free pizza or pot roast for kids helps manage the cost of family dining. Still, I’m glad to hear that customer feedback is welcome and taken seriously.
If Arizonians want cheap food, go to Olive Garden. If you want superb ingredients, great atmosphere, and stellar food cooked by people who actually care about the art of cooking – for only a few bucks more – you can dine at St. Francis. AND kiddos eat free. What other restaurant in AZ at this level offers that?! Bravo Chef Aaron. The seafood stew was worth my trip all the way from Los Angeles. Thank you!