Valentine: Eclectic Southwestern fare

This modern Central Phoenix restaurant offers an eclectic twist on Southwestern fare and is renowned for its high-quality, unique dishes.

Valentine’s menu is one that features dishes for every meal, from breakfast to dinner, giving you the chance to visit at any time of day.

“The vibe is a casual, fun, neighborhood restaurant,” Chef Donald Hawk said. “Somewhere you can pop in and grab a coffee in the morning, come back and maybe have a bite to eat.”

“Check, Please! Arizona” guests highly praised the different dishes they sampled, noting the unique spins on popular meals.

Guest Andrew Kolikoff acclaimed the hiramasa crudo, a fresh dish composed of hiramasa served in a citrusy mixture he said was so delicious he “wanted to dive in.”

Multiple guests sampled the brunch menu, from the tamale bowl filled with fresh produce to the gluten-free churro waffle guests couldn’t even tell was gluten-free.

“It’s an exciting menu,” Guest Natalie Gentry said. “I feel like this is truly Arizona to me. The food blew us away.”

One of the things Valentine offers is food that stretches you out of your comfort zone and is presented beautifully.

“They have a very artistic way of presenting an idea,” Kolikoff said.

Kolikoff’s pro tip: Engage with the waitstaff who are more than willing to give you their recommendations and explanations about the more unique menu items.