The road is not just all coffee and cigarettes and maybe the occasional hotdog. Bikers of every ilk love to eat, and eat well. While burgers and barbecue may be a staple, tastes can run from hunkering down to a fine filet mignon or a delicate plate of micro-greens with prosciutto and truffle ravioli drizzled with Trappist monk Chimay cheese.

During this year’s Arizona Bike Week we sampled some of area’s tastier eateries and what we found may surprise you.

SAPPORO
Bikers love Sushi! Eight minutes from Cyclefest, Sapporo is biker friendly and simply superb. The Japanese restaurant’s lovely manager, Mary Anna Ford, sparkled as she spoke of Bike Week enthusiasts, having enjoyed time in the wind herself.

From the first sip of sake to the exotic cheesecake finish, each delectable offering was exquisite. This is honestly the very best Pacific Rim meal we’ve ever had. From a broad sampling, we found the freshest ingredients, amazing complementary sauces, and extraordinary flavor in every bite.

The staff is knowledgeable and quite helpful in navigating the extensive list of sushi rolls. The tantalizing menu included sushi rolls from $4-$20, Nigiri/Sashimi from $3-$21; Small Plates (sliders, pad Thai tacos, satay, etc.) $3-$12; Rice and Noodle Bowls $8-$12; and Dim Sum combinations 3 for $12. In these economically challenging times, they have specialty menus, too, giving a nod to value.

Check out the Teppanyaki Stations, lengthy Sushi Bar flanked by striking sake barrels, full elliptical bar (I hear they have a rousing Happy Hour), and inviting indoor and al fresco dining rooms. Kampai!

www.sapporoscottsdale.com
14344 N. Scottsdale Rd.
Scottsdale, AZ 85254
480/607.1114 (reservations accepted)

COWBOY CIAO
Rootin’ tootin,’ mildly highfalutin. Tucked in Downtown Scottsdale’s stylish “SouthBridge” District is a restaurant where whimsy comes to play. The eatery is veritable think tank of creativity, both in food and atmospheric design (rustic, yet opulent).

This is the place to come when ordinary will not do. With eclectic ingredients, such as sriracha, rapini, cranberry beans, sambal, and choyote punctuating the menu, an advanced foodie’s appetite is piqued. Others will be happy just to have their hankerin’ for Mac N’ Cheese ($7) satisfied.

Park your bike for the night (allow extra time to find a spot on weekends) and enjoy a refreshing cocktail, like a “Death’s Revolving Door” ($10) or “Holly Gave Ginger the Finger” ($8). The oenophiles among you will rejoice in the 3,200 wine selections.

There are the usual suspects—chops, ribs, fish, but their culinary treatments set them apart. A Grazing Menu offers culinary oddities, such as Buffalo Carpaccio ($12) and Wild Boar Meatballs ($14).

www.cowboyciao.com
7133 E. Stetson Dr.
Scottsdale, AZ 85251
480/WINE-111 (Reservations Accepted)

CAVE CREEK SMOKEHOUSE & POUR HOUSE PATIO
Some lucky bikers have already found this place. A befuddling amount of signage on their length of road may cause it to be a bit of a scavenger hunt to locate, but it’s worth the effort.

The barbeque is incomparable, not to mention the burgers, sandwiches, salads, chili, pasta, chicken, fish, and steak. Dining rooms are airy and comfortable, but this experience begins when the servers describe the specials as if heaven sent, extolling the virtues of their lick-your-fingers-clean barbeque. This is hearty food for bikers by bikers.

We tried the Smokehouse Platter ($25), brimming with smoked brisket, pulled pork, beef ribs, pork ribs, and two slider rolls. It was an oh-my-lord moment, pure goodness on a plate. We look forward to going back to try the Smoked Brisket Lasagna ($12), touted as their signature dish.

We also felt duty bound to try the filet mignon. It was eight ounces of tender tastiness sure to make any carnivore smile! ($20 with two sides.)

The owners and staff truly make this venue a charmer, and go out of their way to be hospitable. Moto-riders are treated to Bike Week specials. During our visit, a burger and beer were featured for five bucks.

Take a stroll in the little village “Frontier Town” surrounding the Cave Creek Smokehouse. Peruse the leather shop and other boutiques before checking out the alternative biker gatherings in the township.

Motorcyclists and co-owners, Kirsten and Kyle, will treat you like family invited to Sunday supper.

www.cavecreeksmokehouse.net
6245 E. Cave Creek Rd.
Cave Creek, AZ 85331
480/488.3317

TAGGIA ITALIAN CUISINE AT FIRESKY RESORT
One of the many perks of visiting the FireSky Resort is dining at Taggia. Whether seated in the Zen-like interior dining room, or outside near the pool, you are sure to enjoy a vibrant, memorable meal.

The seafood was the height of freshness. The calamari ($13) was accompanied by a spicy, crushed tomato sauce, roasted garlic thyme aioli, and charred lemons. Unlike many restaurants that turn out a greasy, overly breaded product, Taggia’s was light and pleasing.

Another succulent winner in the starter category was the Grilled Caledonian Shrimp ($11), with just a touch of lemon and extra virgin olive oil. Taggia offers five Wood Oven Pizzas ($11-$14), too. A fellow diner commented most favorably on the crust and fixings, and it did, indeed, look like a gourmet treat. Choices of salads, sandwiches, burgers, and pastas are also available.

We had the “Fresh and Light”—a half sandwich (Sicilian tuna, roasted turkey, or prosciutto, with a cup of fresh soup, romaine, beet salad, or caprese, $9), and Grilled Chicken Sandwich (served with choice of fries or salad, $11). Both hit the spot.

Our server suggested the Zabaglione. It was the perfect happy ending, a mix of fresh berries and frothy custard. Add an orange ricotta and pistachio cannoli, a little espresso and you’re grinning and ready to ride.

www.taggiascottsdale.com
FireSky Resort and Spa
4925 N. Scottsdale Rd. (SE corner of Chaparral)
Scottsdale, AZ 85251
480/424-6095

MALEE’S THAI BISTRO
Snuggle into a cozy booth or at a table in one of the beautifully appointed dining rooms. The menu speaks of the unique house specialties, as well as the expected staples of a Thai restaurant—all created with a distinct Malee’s flair.

Bikers love custom, so the vegetarians among us will be pleased to know many of the dishes may be specially prepared to accommodate them. That customization extends to spiciness/heat levels, too.

We indulged the “Evil Jungle Princess,” a wicked mix of chicken and straw mushrooms in a rich, creamy coconut sauce. It was a tasty and substantial portion, elegantly presented.

The Calamari Stir Fry was a luscious mélange of vegetables in a delicious smoky garlic sauce. Having had wonderful appetizers too, Chicken Satay and Soft Shell Crab, we had enough left to enjoy the next day.

Appetizers range from $8-$14, Wraps and Rolls $9-$14, Salads $11-$12, Entrees $14-$21. For a more romantic evening, seating is available in their outdoor alcove.

www.maleesthaibistro.com
7131 E. Main St.
Scottsdale, AZ 85251
480/947.6042

RED ONION LOUNGE
This mom and pop shop intrigued us since it appears on several “Best Biker Bar” lists and the media touts it as having award-winning hamburgers.

We met with owner, John Pavkovich II, an avid rider. He nudged us to try the Bacon Green Chili Cheeseburger ($8). We did, and couldn’t have been more wowed.

The meat was thick and juicy—sirloin at its best. The fluffy bun and fresh fixings were a nice complement to this flavorful burger, probably the best we’ve had. Also noteworthy are the fried zucchini, onion rings, mushrooms, mozzarella sticks, and poppers. They are a good side to the myriad of burgers, chicken wings, sandwiches and salads.

The bar’s atmosphere is fun and lively. It’s everything one would expect from a popular lounge—three pool tables (for frequent tournaments), darts and other games, vibrant sound system, scrumptious tavern fare, a multitude of TVs, convivial spirit, and the coldest beer on tap.

Come see for yourself why this haunt has been a Phoenix mainstay since 1986. The Red Onion is a biker’s home away from home.

www.redonionlounge.com
15002 N. Cave Creek Rd.
Phoenix, AZ
602/867.9989

SHADE LOUNGE AT THE “W” SCOTTSDALE
Shade is an oasis of respite. After an adventurous day of Bike Week festivities, roll to the chic W Hotel. Retire your Harley for the night, and refresh with a cool beverage and hearty snack.

The pretty servers will apprise you of their latest concoctions—feats of alcohol-infused alchemy with nectars, herbs, and even fresh produce.

Shade has recently unveiled scintillating new cocktails, such as “So Dang Good” ($14), a mix of Ketel One vodka, cucumber, lemon, mint, simple syrup, Sprite, and club soda. Equally refreshing is the “So-Ginger Sting Martini” ($16) a careful blend of Skyy Ginger vodka, strawberries, jalapeno, lemon, agave nectar, and lemonade. Try the “Ultimat (vodka) Fix” martini ($16) if you like blue cheese-stuffed olives.

Get your nosh on with the Chicken Sandwich, a delightful blend of chipotle aioli, pico de gallo, jalapeno jack cheese, and toasted pasilla bread ($13) or the Philly Cheese Steak Sandwich with provolone and au jus ($12). I graze on the latter every time I visit the W. The Artisan Cheese Plate with Seasonal Fruit, and Apricot Jam ($16) is lovely to share.

Shade is located on the 2nd Floor Wet Deck with adjoining Sunset Beach Bar. Sushi Roku is peeking along side. Feeling reclusive? Tuck yourself away in a cabana. Otherwise, mingle among the beautiful people and Mediterranean poolside setting.

www.starwoodhotels.com
www.facebook.com/shadelounge
7277 E. Camelback Rd.
Scottsdale, AZ 85251
480/970.2119