With locations across 10 states, Cooper’s Hawk was welcomed with open arms when it launched outposts in Scottsdale last year and Chandler this fall. The restaurant specializes in modern casual dining with an emphasis on handcrafted wine, which is best enjoyed in Cooper Hawk’s very own on-site tasting room.
One could call Cooper’s Hawk a triple threat. Not only does it have a great dining room and patio for enjoying casual modern American eats, it also has an expansive and sleek bar and, possibly the coolest component, an on-site tasting room and market. There, visitors can shop Cooper’s Hawk’s very own whites, reds, rosés and bubbles, plus a wide variety of wine accessories. Fans can even join the restaurant’s wine club, with options to receive one, two or three bottles a month via pickup or delivery and a slew of special perks.
Another way in which Cooper’s Hawk is committed to wine is via its pairing recommendations on the dining menu. Beside the name of each dish on the menu, there is a number that corresponds to the wine list and a pick that best suits it for a pairing–genius, if you ask us. If you prefer a cocktail with your meal, Cooper’s Hawk has you covered, too.
The menu is lengthy and chock-full of tempting dishes, whether you’re craving something comforting and hearty or light and veggie-forward. The signature Drunken Shrimp appetizer spotlights a delicious quintet of bacon-wrapped shrimp sitting on top of dollops of fresh guacamole and tequila-lime butter sauce. And we dare you not to lick the plate to enjoy every last bit of the crispy Brussels sprouts. The generously portioned dish features perfectly charred Brussels sprouts topped with cashews, mint, sweet Thai chilies and sesame-sriracha aioli. The appetizer bring a little heat, a little sweetness and a welcome dose of crunch.
While there are many divine beef, pork and chicken options to choose from, we stuck with a few seafood standouts. The shrimp and scallop risotto is a bowl of warming comfort, with bright bursts of sweet corn, asparagus and peas. The dish is smooth as velvet with parmesan and white truffle oil. Offering a beautiful balance of sweet and savory is the pan-roasted barramundi, full of Thai-inspired flavor and ingredients. The crispy fish filet is paired with garlic green beans, grape tomatoes, lemongrass sauce and the most perfect ginger rice.
For dessert, the s’more budino is a delicious spin on a classic treat, with caramel custard, Valrhona Chocolate mousse, crushed brown butter toasted graham cracker and scorched marshmallow cream on top. But you’re not done yet: A meal isn’t quite complete at Cooper’s Hawk until you peruse the tasting room and market for some take-home goodies.
For more information on Cooper’s Hawk, visit chwinery.com.
Photo credit: Jose Pacheco