Phantom Phoodie: L'Academie

Let's take a break from our consistency of introducing you to the long-time, much-experienced chefs from the leading restaurants of the Valley. This time I want to introduce you to the next generation of chefs who will be responsible for fine dining in America for years to come. But right now, they all cook every night, and cook splendidly, I might add, in a dining establishment you may never have heard of.

Are you familiar with the bistro called L'Academie? It's certainly not hidden. It's right on Scottsdale Road in the middle of all the commerce and shopping and dining that is a part of that area. How could anyone with cuisine curiosity miss it? Because you have to look up - up the escalator to the 2nd floor of The Galleria and then - go to school. That's the home of The Scottsdale Culinary Institute, but I promise you lunch and dinner at L'Academie is not like getting your hair cut at a beauty school.

The menu is advanced and so is the preparation by these young people wearing the toques of tomorrow. Yes, this is a cooking school, but when you call 480-425-3111 to make a Monday through Friday reservation, at no time will you feel as if you're assisting in some academic career experiment.

You may decide to begin with a Roasted Corn and Crab Chowder for $5.00 or Crab Cakes for $8.00. You'll have two salads and two sizes to choose from - classic Caesar and a remarkably complete Cobb. A variety of inventive Pizzas, Sandwiches and Paninis are always offered, all under $10.00, but it's the entrees that will make you feel as if these students have already graduated with honors.

Where else, within view of Camelback Mountain, will you find Pan-Seared Georges Bank Scallops on a bed of Fettuccini, Pork Chop Paillard with Tandoori Spice, Chile-Braised Short Ribs, a Grilled N.Y. Steak and a Cornish Game Hen, all for less than $17.00? And if the sign just said Cordon Blue and not also Scottsdale Culinary Institute, no one would ever know this is a kitchen and a classroom - a classroom with a selection of wines and a full bar.

Look for the escalator and dine up to higher education at 4301 N. Scottsdale Road. Credit cards are OK.

http://www.chefs.edu/scottsdale/restaurant.asp