New Italian eatery ‘La Zozzona’ opening in Scottsdale this week

PHOENIX — A new Italian eatery from award-winning Chef Richard Blais is arriving in Scottsdale this week.

La Zozzona, which is Italian for “messy, rich or substantial,” is Blais’ first Arizona-based restaurant and is opening on Wednesday at The Grand Hyatt Scottsdale Resort.

Blais, a James Beard Award-nominated cookbook author, is known for finishing as the runner-up on the fourth season of Top Chef before subsequently winning Top Chef: All-Stars.

Menu items will be inspired by Blais’ travels through Italy, including house-made pastas with Rome influences and wood-fired steaks that are inspired by Florence and Tuscany.

Pastas will be made both in-house as well as imported from Italy.

Main offerings include Chef Blais’ signature Rigatoni “Alla Zozzona” featuring guanciale, sausage, tomato, chili and pecorino romano; Lobster Raviolo with cherry tomato, ricotta, lemon and basil; and Cavatelli with cavolo nero, chestnut cream and black truffle.

Additional offerings include Cicchetti (meaning “little” or “nothing.”) These small side dishes include house-made mozzarella, stuffed clams with pancetta and artichoke, as well as a Burrata section with more options including basil pesto or “Millionaire Style” with lobster and caviar.

Not only will the restaurant offer a cocktail program, but a selection of Italian wines and several Italian and locally brewed beers will also be on the menu.

What can diners expect at new Italian eatery La Zozzona?

The 183-seat restaurant features a minimalist and modern design while showcasing an open kitchen with a direct view of the chef.

Service plans include several table-side experiences, including a Cicchetti cart and the Tableside Tiramisu and Hazelnut Chocolate Cake.

In addition, a private dining room offers space for 12 guests, a Chef’s Table that looks into the kitchen can seat 10 and a lounge-style bar provides couch seating.

The restaurant will be open daily from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. Reservations can be made on OpenTable.

Related

Retired Gilbert fire captain honored after dying from job-related cancerStorms make way into Valley with strong winds, scattered showers causing power outages4-year-old boy dies a month after being pulled from Phoenix apartment poolTucson Police identify, charge mass shooting suspect who left 9 injuredNBA star James Harden among investors bringing Smiling Moose Sandwich Grill to ScottsdaleMan accused of fatally shooting girlfriend in Peoria mobile home park