Deseo: a True Foodie’s Dream in a Place of Luxury

Yelp.com

By: Jessica Danielle Ramirez

Located inside of one of the most luxurious hotels in the Valley resides an upscale Latino restaurant serving dishes from all over Latin America. While most restaurants focus on a particular country’s cuisine, this restaurant in the Westin Kierland offers a variety of one-of-a-kind dishes influenced and prepared by Chef Madrid.

Simple in name only, dining at Deseo is like taking trip to some of the most fascinating Latino countries and trying their most exquisite dishes all in one location. It’s no surprise that resorts like Westin have the ability to give you a taste of what fine dining is truly all about.

Chef Roberto Madrid is no newbie at cultural cuisine and brings to flavors of his favorite trips around the world to the table. For over 30 years, Chef Madrid has been honing his skills by training with professional European chefs and adding his own twist and flavors to the dishes.

“The concept of Deseo is more of a fusion of Latin American cuisine,” said Madrid. “A lot of people think we are Cuban, Puerto Rican, Mexican or Peruvian. They are not necessarily wrong; we are, but we are also more than that.”

The menu is foreign, inviting, and possibly even familiar to some who love exotic cuisine; or even brings back memories of their country’s signature foods. Take, for instance, the Colombian pan de bono served daily, fresh –  and yes, as delicious and savoring as abuelitas.

Madrid has prepared a variety Latino dishes from all over Latin America, which blend together to create a concept that demonstrates what upscale fine dining is all about.

Seafood is popular in Peru, especially ceviche.

“There are some basic rules for ceviche. You have to use fresh fish and not all fish is good enough,” he explained.

Proper technique and the wellness of the poultry is just one part of culinary excellence. What a restaurant has to offer besides its delicious food is another unique opportunity for a select few. Every Thursday at 5:30 pm,  foodies have the opportunity to dine at the counter and see how their food is being prepared in an open kitchen, while learning about the meal.

“We demonstrate different techniques so people can interact with us and ask questions,” he said.

And while it’s the unique dishes that attract the customers, the desserts are literally the cherry on top of a perfect meal. For those who love sweets, the chocolate cigar is a must-try. It’s a cigar made out of chocolate, and on the side is a chocolate mousse layered cake. Talk about sugar heaven!

It’s truly a deseo to dine here. No matter where you come from, there is something on the menu that is sure to pique your interest and is sure to have you grinning all evening long.

Deseo Restaurant

6902 E. Greenway Pkwy, Scottsdale, AZ 85254

(480) 624-1202

Hours of Operation:

6 p.m. – 10 p.m. Every Day