If you want to be trendy, try Avalon

The Lady of the Lake cocktail at Avalon Scottsdale (Credit: Courtesy Avalon Scottsdale)

By Megan Finnerty
Metromix

Many of us like to be the friend with the new spot, the funky-meets-elegant-meets-fantastically tasty new place everyone will be talking about at some point in the next 15 minutes. 

So don't wait one more hot second before going to Avalon.

This is your chance to be the cool friend with the inside scoop on the fantastic new place that seemingly no one is quite up to speed on just yet. 

Yes, it's in south Scottsdale. In a dumpy strip-mall-dominated area, right next to the 3 Palms Oasis Resort. Yes, you might drive past it because although the name is on the outside, it still looks like a bank. Yes, it opened in January and still hasn't generated the buzz it deserves. Ignore all that. 

Because if you're willing to be a tastemaker, this fine dining destination will impress your coterie with its chic interior design (including some exquisite tile work), innovative food and truly remarkable cocktails. 

Avalon is an occasion restaurant as run by chef Travis Watson, who focuses on “contemporary American coastal cuisine." He's a Scottsdale Culinary Institute grad who most recently worked as corporate pastry chef for Fox Restaurant Concepts.

But I spent most my time with bar manager Domenic Lombardo trying several of the more than 25 signature cocktails, $9 each, and martinis, $10 each, he's developed. This space at the front of the restaurant feels special and pretty, like a date spot for actual adults.

But Lombardo is not precious about his drinks and they're not overpriced, considering the heavy pours. The cocktails are complex, mixes of unexpected or unusual ingredients served in new ways. This makes ordering tricky. But Lombardo's charming willingness to explain them and to work with guests so they get drinks perfectly suited to their palates means that ordering isn't risky. 

Lombardo is particularly proud of his Jollito Mojito, a tequila-based riff on the mojito, involving crème de cassis, lime, mint and Sprite. The tequila gives this drink a strong bite that's mitigated by the Sprite and it makes you question why you only use tequila in margaritas. 

The Lady of the Lake (a series of literary allusions runs through the menu) also inspired a question: “Who doesn't like an Astropop?” Lombardo asked it in response to the observation that the blue and red and clear layered tall drink looks like the retro popsicle. It's a mix of Absolut Citron, blue Curaçao, Chambord, sweet and sour, cranberry juice and Sprite that's not as sweet as you'd think and tastier than you'd expect. I am almost morally opposed to the use of blue Curaçao in drinks, but I loved this one. 

The Espresso martini could give the one at AZ88 a run for it's money. Which, since that one is more than $14, is saying a lot. 

“If you don't see them brew the espresso, refuse it,” said Lombardo. After watching the brewing, I can say the martini has a deep, complex coffee taste that's not as sweet as most espresso martinis.

Lombardo's Key Lime martini is a dairy-free bit of amazingness. It's a mix of Stolichnaya Vanil, lime and pineapple juices that has none of the candy sweetness of so many other similar cocktails. It's refreshing, sophisticated and not at all like a creepy dessert drink best served in Florida. 

Now, feel free to dish about it to your 100 closest friends.