EATERAZ CONSTRUCTION TOUR: CHoP
Unless you live in south Chandler, you probably haven't been clamoring for a fine steakhouse in the neighborhood. But what if that steakhouse is so good that all of us non-south-Chandler-ians find ourselves clamoring to make the drive and hit up the new spot.
That scenario is entirely possible, and the place that will have us on the highway quick is called CHoP - a new restaurant by the guys who own The Living Room wine bar and Sushi Room sushi joint, both right across the street. They also, along with some other folks, are responsible for all the Humble Pies you keep seeing pop up around the Valley. At CHoP, the small group has added a few more partners, but when you're looking to basically create something like the Houston's of Chandler, you're gonna need it to be a group effort.
Why do we say Houston's? Watch our video interview with one of the founding partners, Tom Kaufman, above. In it, he explains that their chef, Charles O'Steen, was a real "get" for the group. O'Steen spent time (approx. 15+ years) manning the stoves at Houston's, so he knows a thing or two about creating a menu of mesquite-grilled steaks, fish, pork chops, lamb chops, and other succulent fare.
CHoP is located in a development called Downtown Ocotillo, and we'll admit: we couldn't believe how close it was to downtown Scottsdale. It's literally a hop-skip across the 101. So when the place opens in a few weeks, maybe we won't need to clamor to make the drive - we'll just do it and be rewarded with great food and wine.