The owners of FnB—James Beard Award semifinalist chef Charleen Badman and front-of-house manager Pavle Milic—were early champions of Arizona wine and produce, curating a wine list that includes lots of Grand Canyon State vintages to accompany their locally sourced dishes. They still highlight the state’s great bounty, and Milic even produces his own wine label, Los Milics, which is available in small batches at the restaurant. Badman’s seasonal menu showcases Arizona’s flavor with an imaginative, very veggie-forward lineup. (Don’t worry, meat and seafood are on the menu, too.) The cozy eight-seat bar is the perfect spot to sample FnB’s wine offerings, showcasing a different region every four weeks.
FnB, located at 7125 East 5th Avenue, #31 Scottsdale, AZ 85251. Chef Charleen Badman’s sophisticated comfort food and Pavle Milic’s exclusive wine list. Where local, organic and sustainable is the operating philosophy. Located in the heart of Old Scottsdale.
Jill Richards
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Eating Well in Scottsdale
The original restaurant in an all-star group that now consists of Baratin wine bar, Bodega market, and AZ Wine Merchants, FnB is still the favorite choice for dinner. Try such seasonal dishes as sunchoke-stuffed trout and the famous braised-leek gratin. Pair with a chardonnay from the Pillsbury Wine Company, which has a tasting room two hours north of town. 7133 E. Stetson Dr., (480) 425-9463.
Small Seasonal Plates at FnB
If you want to get to the heart and soul of the farm-to-table movement in Scottsdale, you’ll find it at FnB. Dining here is best enjoyed family style, with an array of small plates to share and sample—and perhaps a glass of wine from the owner’s vineyard. The menu changes seasonally, with a focus on fresh produce and innovative flavor combinations. And though the main dishes often feature meat, it’s very easy to have a filling and delicious vegetarian meal here.
