Shift Kitchen and Bar: Redefining dining norms

Shift Kitchen and Bar, owned by pastry chef Dara Wong, is redefining the modern dining experience with a unique approach to shared plates and a focus on community. Located in the historic Babbitt Building in Downtown Flagstaff, this female-run establishment is making waves with its commitment to shifting the mentality of “normal” dining.

At the helm of the kitchen is Christian Lowe, a 2023 James Beard Award semi-finalist in the Emerging Chef category. Known for infusing a southern touch into her ever-changing dishes, the star of the menu is the iconic pickled French fries, a dish that has captured the taste buds and admiration of patrons. According to “Check, Please! Arizona” guest Randy McGrane, the pickled fries are “cooked perfectly, crisp on the outside and creamy on the inside.”

Laura Swarts, another guest, indulged in the lamb tartar appetizer and described it as “meat butter in your mouth.” McGrane’s pro tip for patrons is to trust the kitchen and explore dishes outside their comfort zone, promising a delightful surprise.

Shift focuses on building a sense of community, and according to Wong, it’s this emphasis that contributes to their success. With an approachable fine dining ambiance, Shift invites patrons to SHIFT their mentality about the “normal” dining experience, savoring food family-style, and creating unforgettable culinary memories.