Elite Event: Screw Your Resolutions at Salty Sow

I’m SO sorry it’s taken me so long to write this review, especially because it was FANTASTICALLY executed and I have nothing but wonderful things to say about it! I like the smaller crowd and LOVED the way Lindsey challenged us to find the name tags with our resolution. It was a great ice breaker and promoted getting to meet new Unilocalers. For me, that’s an important part of these OYEs. It’s the friendships that can be formed the conversations that get started, that make Unilocal so much more than just an online outlet for expressing opinions and offers proof that Elite are after much more than a free meal!
My compliments to the Salty Sow. Staff was ON POINT and did a great job of introducing me to items I would crave and come back for! While the cocktails are great, I was shown the way to Liar’s Dice Zinfandel. The pulled pork and the truffled deviled eggs were highlights.
And, the Butterscotch Budino?! I didn’t expect to like it as much as I did! In fact, I’ve been wanting MORE!
Our hosts were so generous with gift certificates to encourage our return — let’s just say, it was not long before I cashed mine in for a delicious best in the Valley caliber meal!
Great job and a GIGANTIC THANK YOU to everyone who made the evening possible! You outdid yourselves!

This may have been one of the best elite events I have been too just based on execution and service alone. The staff at Salty Sow somehow managed to overshadow the amazing food with how great they were. They were friendly, helpful, eager to help/​recommend, and had fun personalities too. They were jsut amazing and not just because I never went more than 30 seconds without a drink in my hand.
Speaking of which I loved the Manhattan here it was really well done. Some people may remember I got to judge a professional Manhattan contest last year so I know a good one when I taste one.
The food spread was nothing short of epic. I have not seen so many different things on a table that made me go OMG This Is AMAZING in a long long time. The pork ragout was my favorite and I think I went back for 3rds and 4ths on that (they had plenty of it which was great) and the deviled eggs getting passed around were great too. I really thought the salad with the 110 minute egg was something really different and it was a very rich but still light dish. I was impressed.
By the time dessert started hitting the table I was half tempted to start proposing marriage to the chefs. Bananas Fosters Beignets do I really need to say anymore? Those were just the perfect cap to the night.
But for me the eating wasn’t over as they had provided so much good food that even though we Unilocalers ate to capcaity there was still enough left for us to take some home. The ragout was even better the second day. I also go to take home the chocolate truffle cake that was the gift for the gold elite members. That was also fantastic.
This event was all around a success and thank you to the staff at Salty Sow for making it so special and thank you to Lindsey for setting this great event up.

Salty Sow is one of my favorite restaurants, so I was extra excited to attend this event. As part of our RSVP we had to write a resolution, mine was «To eat healthier (after this event).» When we arrived, we were told to find our resolutions which were written out on name tags and placed on different tables, this was a great conversation starter.
We mingled and ordered drinks, I tried the Miss Piggy which was very girly and very good! We indulged on passed appetizers, their deviled eggs are fantastic! After that we were served a buffet of a large amount of the menu. The managers and wait staff were amazing, and were very passionate and knowledgeable about their restaurant and food. I have tried a large amount of their menu, so most of the items served were familiar, but I also got to try some new things as well. The stand out was their pork ragu which was melt-​in-​your-​mouth good, and I went back for seconds of their brussel sprout caesar, when I come back I will definitely order those. What was even more amazing was their desserts! I never had dessert at Salty Sow before, but now I will be ordering it every time I come. The bananas fosters beignets, was like a beignet sandwich with flambeed bananas and creamy ice cream (this is worth coming here alone) and the butterscotch budino was absolutely amazing with rich butterscotch and light whipped cream.
Another great thing about this event, was that I got to meet some new people as this was a more intimate setting. We received a gift card to come back, and another one to their sister restaurant, all wrapped up around a delicious piece of chocolate covered bacon. Thank you Lindsey and Unilocal,it never fails to be a great time!

This event was a great way to start off the new year! We didn’t so much screw our resolutions as we aired them for all the restaurant to see, starting some good conversations. I loved meeting a few new Unilocalers and getting to know others a little better!
Salty Sow is comfort food meets sophisticated dining. Appetizers were truffle deviled eggs and a salmon/​cracker crudité that were a tasty tip of an awesome iceberg. Dinner was served on their family dining table, buffet style. Pork shoulder, pork ragout, Brussels sprout salad, beef tenderloin and assortments of veggies sprawled the table and required at least 3 plates for most of us. Everything was fabulous, and my fresh sangria complimented the spread perfectly.
The service was as good as the food. We met the GM and chef, partners in Salty-​crime. All of the servers were attentive, friendly and willing to share tips on the menu. It was a great night for sure.
Big shout out to Salty Sow for opening their doors to us for our first Elite event of the year! Thanks to Lindsey and Unilocal for the opportunity, and for the awesome new nail files!

Savory, salty, sweet, serene. I’m not just speaking of the tastes you’ll find here. The atmosphere of Salty Sow is comforting and welcoming from the moment you walk in. The brick walls bring solidity and the wooden walls and ceilings bring warmth inside this hidden gem of a restaurant in an area that is unexpected in Phoenix.
What a wonderful way to start the new year with other 2014 elites — in an atmosphere that feels familiar yet brings something new and refreshing to the table. We were «screwing our [worrisome] resolutions» in style dining on delectable bites that are Southern style inspired, «Atlantian,» to be exact.
Our foods were served on a looooong raised table — buffet style — and it seemed like Thanksgiving with our Unilocal family reunited and coming back for seconds, even thirds. Braised short ribs covered with perfectly cooked eggs, pork ragout, quinoa with lentils, Neiman ranch beef tenderloin delicately sliced, the list of food was endless. We all did our best to consume it all but there was still some left over, so I asked if I could take some home and Harold said he was going to suggest it before I even asked and brought me a box to fill and take all the «yummies» home!
Who’s Harold? Oh, he’s the chef and partner of Salty Sow with decades of his own elite chef training and experience with cooking on the other side of the country, but as I mentioned earlier — the Southern comfort style of cooking seemed to make the biggest impact on him with this restaurant and it shows! He and his entire staff work seamlessly together — they always seem to be on the same page as far as service goes. Our glasses were never empty either — perhaps that’s their outtake on life too — always half full — positively inspiring!
Many thanks to the Salty Sow «family,» Unilocalers united, and Lindsey of course for creating such a festive and entertaining evening! I can’t wait to see what this year brings and this was a splendiferous event to kick things off!

Just in case us plebeians forget what a truly valuable experience the elite status brings… an event such as this one emerges.
I felt I could not do the staff, the chef, and the menu enough justice so i literally took notes on everything!!!
The Buffet spread before me harkened back to a time of royal banquets and ribaldry, with plates laden with rotisserie pork, chicken thighs, and savory pork ragout.
The smörgåsbord went from lighter fare to don’t make any plans.
Below the lineup:
Brussel Sprout Caesar
–unique take on the Caesar. Candied pecans, dried cranberries, parmigian reggiano as well as the trad. dressing with anchovie paste, olive oil, pepper… so dressing was uniquely different and on the lighter side, but with a kick.
Quinoa and Lentils
–fabulous vegetarian side dish, straightforward and simple lentils add a nice flavor
Farm salad with white balsamic dressing, baby spinach, pork belly, roasted beets, mushrooms, avocado, radish, goat cheese croûton
Slow cooked beef shoulder (over easy egg on top, Yukon potatoes,)
–incredibly Tender beef and so flavorful.
Crisp chicken thigh
–all natural chicken with fried smashed potato And a savory neck bone gravy
Truffled Deviled eggs (made with white truffle oil, creole mustard, sour cream, house made bacon and chives)
–truffle oil I tasted right away but creole mustard overpowers. Love these deviled eggs but I Think they would be perfect without the mustard as the truffle oil is so decadent and delicate
Rotisserie roasted pork shoulder
–was wonderful!
Roasted veggies
Wild flower bakery ciabatta
Chefs charcuterie
–Country pâté with cranberries and olive
–fresh salmon rillettes with caviar and crime fraiche
–delectable cheeses and gurken
Niman ranch ribeye
Pork ragout (garlic, onions, slow cooked pork, tomatoes, red wine, tomato paste, fennel, crushed red pepper flakes, sweet basil Parmesan, cooked in oven at 200 degrees until the pork falls off the bone, then served over an asiago polenta.
–Wow. This is the must have dish here! Chef Harold’s favorite — like an east coast spaghetti meets southern polenta and pork. Very unique and bold dish with simple ingredients that make this a unique flavor adventure.
Grand finale were the two desserts of Butterscotch Budino with a salted caramel sauce, made with sweet crème fraîche and the Bananas Foster Begneits. These beignets had bananas inside and doused with honey and served with vanilla ice cream. I believe the Budino was the clear winner, like a cross between flan and crème brûlée. Fantastic!
Harold Marmulstein, chef extraordinaire, whose gastropub courses are influenced by two decades in Georgia and sample from a variety of international influences such as creole and Italian, was there to survey the dishes and provide input and commentary. Thank you so much for all your hard work and making our bellies proud!
Beth Cochran, General Manager, was also there to speak to our individual tables. She recommended that anyone coming here for the first time should try the Charcuterie board, the crispy Brussels sprout leaves (fantastic! Crispy, salty, made with Pecorino and raisins and delectable!) and the
beef shoulder. She had an order of the Brussels brought out so I could try, thank you!
Furthermore, she added, all fish is flown in fresh daily, so it is worth trying the fantastic fish specials.
J. Folkes, director of operations, was also on hand to visit the elites and supervise the dishes. He had an order of the bone marrow brought out because i am a bone marrow fanatic. I so appreciated the extra mile, down to the servers who were so incredibly sweet and attentive with making sure our thirsts were quenched and tables were cleared.
The generosity of Salty Sow did not end there. Our parting gifts were choc covered bacon with a gift cert to salty and their new burger joint hop daddy. The burger bar, according to Dana, is the best!
And thank you, Lindsey, for the gift certificates and delicious choc truffle desserts for the gold badge honorees this year. This was such a treat and a fanatic event to kick start the year.

Fan-​freakin-​tastic!!!
Salty Sow, you are pretty far from my house, but definitely worth the drive! I cant wait to come back with some of my friends and family! The whole evening was awesome. The staff was incredibly nice, each person helped out the other to make sure everyone was taken care of (I love team work) they all were so courteous, upbeat and fun! Hats off to the general manager Beth, she did a fantastic job of giving us all kinds of great info about the restaurant, the food and helped make the evening such a fun event. It was nice to see the chef and thank him for all his creations! A lot of people don’t remember the person behind the scenes going to all the work to make these delicious masterpieces of food! Great job! The Beef Shoulders was to die for, so moist and flavorful and mmmmm the roasted veggies… I never eat enough veggies, I definitely would if I could cook them like they did! All the food was fantastic, the restaurant is beautiful, spacious and gives a nice relaxing vibe. It was great!
I was nice to meet some new friends and had a great time catching up with some old ones! Thank you Lindsey for such a great event (as usual) and thank you Salty Sow for such a great evening!!!

This was definitely as good as it gets! Lindsay, you sure know how to pick a great event!
After checking in, I chatted with Beth, The General Manager for a while about everything I ever needed to know about Salty Sow and then some. She was such a sweet lady! Right about then, I realized I needed a drink in my hand and wouldn’t ya know, a server walked up with a tray full of margaritas, it’s like he could read my mind!
The food was out of this world. My favorite thing was actually the mushrooms on the vegetable board, I could eat those all day long. I loved the quinoa and lentils, the chicken, the salads, well pretty much everything I tried was spectacular.
While I was filling up my to-​go box with goodies to take home for my boyfriend to try, they dropped off a really neat «party favor». It was a bandanna with a gift card to come back for dinner, another gift card for Hopdaddys, a sticker of a pig and some chocolate dipped bacon.
I can NOT wait to come back for dinner sometime real soon and to check out their other restaurants.

A new car, hoping for a new job, making more new friends, and making to Unilocal’s 2014 Elite gold status. I thought my resolutions were half done until last night. One more I didn’t add onto my list until I saw a little badge stated «To find time & $$ to go to Ireland». It’s never too late to add another resolution. I better start saving $$ now.
The staff were extremely friendly, knowledgeable, and enthusiastic of their food and drinks. We got to order their signature drinks from the menu. The waitress convinced that I must try their Sparkling Sangria. It was an unique, brightly flavored with elderflower liquor, bubbles, lemon, lime, orange, grapes, and opal basil. So refreshing and addicting! I’m kind of obsessed with elderflower liqueur right now. Another delicious concoction signature drink I tried was the Blanche (house blood orange frozen margarita). This margarita will sure make you smiling and laughing all night.
Presentation of all the food was brilliant and everything was done to perfection.
For passed hors d’oeuvres, the truffled deviled eggs were gloriously creamy and full of flavor. The Salty Sow Salty Sow Charcuterie & Cheese Board was a culinary delight. A few of my other favorite items were the grilled veggies platter, roast organic beets, PV salad, slow-​cooked beef shoulder bbq, rotisserie roasted pork shoulder with buttered tortillas, and the desserts were just to die for.
I went on a little tour of the restaurant. Great atmosphere, spacious patio, and
very lively! They have live bands playing in the patio area. I look forward bring my friends here.
Loved that Phoenix was the first to receive the cute Unilocal reusable water bottle. Thanks again to Lindsey for putting together another sensational event to kick off Unilocal Elite 2014 class. Also thanks to Salty Sow for their wonderful hospitality and the lovely gift. Elite status rocks!

I am SO glad I didn’t write «eat healthy» «lose weight» or anything close as my ‘resolution’ for the event. How embarrassing would that be? ;)
I am so very excited to have been to this event because as a southern transplant it is fantastic to have found a restaurant with LEGIT southern food. Once I saw deviled eggs and collards, not gonna lie, I got a little snooty and mentally cringed a little. I am happy to note how wrong I was. The chef is an Atlanta transplant, so he knows. Oh, he knows.
Those deviled eggs are delicious and FANCY. Truffled deviled eggs? Yes please. It added a hint of richness to make them much more special. The collards? Delicious. I’m someone who likes mine with more vinegar and these really did it well and the smokey use of the meat
was well done. Many places don’t use enough ham or pork as they simmer and the flavor is missing. Not here!
The buffett created for us really gave a great hint of the amazing offerings on the menu. The Pork Ragout and Polenta was my favorite main dish offered. The tenderness of the pork and the creamy polenta was perfection. As a fan of brussels sprouts I also loved the salad and the crispy brussels that were shared by a Unilocaler who was offered by the manager. So.Good.
I had no idea that desert was also coming out later and I overindulged on the pork, the ribeye, roasted veggies, quinoa and such on the buffett, but that did not deter me from gorging on the Bananas Foster beignets and the Butterscotch custard/​biscotti that came out.
Every dish was absolutely delicious and the drinks? So good! I was thrilled to learn abuot their Happy hours EVERY DAY that offer $ 5 drinks and small plates. SCORE.
The inside is trendy but not pretentious, offers a great patio and live music outside that is streamed into the restaurant as well.
Many thanks to the unbelievably attentive and super nice staff. (I have a slight crush on our server, btw, who WAS that guy?!) The chef, manager and others repeatedly came over to speak to us, ask how we were, offered to go boxes, you name it. I am loving the gift cards to here and to the sister burger joing Hopdaddy. No doubt it is delicious as this place.
Lindsey this was another fantastic event and as I get ready to hike off my gluttonous evening I am happy to be taking my new Unilocal water bottle with me. T
P. S. We chics love the new Unilocal nail files! whoop whoop!
I ‘m not kidding when I say I already texted friends and we are headed here for a HH next week. I feel like a junkie. ;)
Thanks again to LIndsey for a GREAT find and event!

Salty Sow! OMG Why oh why have I waited so long to come and try your amazing food. I walked out of there feeling like a busted can of biscuits!!! Everything was so flipping good. From my all time favorite, the Brussel Sprout Caesar Salad, down to the Butterscotch Budino for dessert. Sweet baby Jesus everything was flipping delicious! I am currently noshing on leftovers, (yep they let us take home leftovers) and I swear if I lived closer, I would be in there almost daily just for the Brussel Sprout Caesar Salad. (see how much I loved that salad) The wait staff was AWESOME! Always making sure we had enough to eat and drink. Oh my word! Shout out to Beth, the fantabulous General Manager for making us feel so at home and welcome and hats off to the amazing chef. Your creations are so good that I will be back sooner rather than later to try everything on the menu!
Lindsey girl, you continue to amaze me with all our fabulous Elite events. Talk about starting 2014 off with a bang (and another shiny gold badge lol)

Wowzerz, this was a great event. What a way to kick off 2014!
Where was this place back when I lived down the street? But, I digress. Salty Sow definitely adds some zest to an already nice block of restaurants. Driving up, the building pops out from the street. Once inside, we were greeted with aluminum water bottles and a challenge to find our New Year’s resolution amongst the awaiting tables. I wish I’d known, because my resolution makes me sound illiterate. Again, I digress.
The food was simply outstanding. And, the service: above superior. I opted to try the sangria, made with frozen grapes, elderflower liquor and champagne. So refreshing and not too sweet. Our spread of delectables was hosted by none other than the general manager, Beth, and the chef, Harold Marmulstein. My favorites were the pork ragout, pork shoulder, and Brussels sprout leaves. The flavors and consistency of everything tasted fresh and dynamic. It’s one of those menus that can do no wrong. Desert was the icing on the proverbial cake. Bananas Foster beignets and a butterscotch custard that had everyone swooning.
Thank you to Salty Sow and our gracious hosts for an amazing dinner with some great people. And, thanks to Lindsey and Unilocal for letting us enjoy such excellent flavors and ambiance.
Congrats to all those Gold Elites out there — I hope to one day join your ranks. See everyone on Unilocal… and the next event!

NO FAIR! NO FAIR! NO FAIR! I used to live a couple blocks from here 20 years ago on my last foray into the Valley of the Sun. How come there wasn’t a Salty Sow here then? I guess I should be thankful. .. . I would weigh 300 lbs, if I’d been eating here for the last 20 years!
Tonight I think we tasted a little of everything on their menu.. .. .and it was all scrumptous. I especially loved, loved, loved the Slow-​cooked Beef Shoulder — it was melt in your mouth perfect! Perfection, absolute perfection.
«Modern Farmhouse Cuisine». .. and even though their website has a definition, I’m still not sure what that truly encompasses. .. except to say that it is damn good food. No matter how picky Tom, Dick and Harry are, I bet they can find half a dozen things on this menu that will please them every time.
One final word — well, actually two — Butterscotch Budino. I ate two after I was already so full I thought I was going to need someone to carry me home.
Tomorrow I go shopping for larger clothes. I am going to need them.
Thanks Lindsey and Salty Sow Staff for a delightful evening. I will be back for the $ 5 HH and to make sure I didn’t miss anything on your menu.

Wow.
Some events are great. Elite events are even better. And THIS event? Spectacular! (The word «amazing» was recommended for retirement this year, didn’t y’hear??)
Upon entry, there was a cute check-​in bonus of a nice aluminum water bottle. Then we were immediately directed to a mingling area where apps were being passed around (truffled deviled egg? UM… YES PLEASE!) and our drink orders were taken. I got to try maybe 6 drinks in total thanks to some sweet fellow Unilocalers who were happy to share the goodness. My fave was the Salty Sow’r — love me some tamarind!
Now, for the food. Wow. Check out the pics to see the spread. Jared and I were first up (oh the food is ready? Don’t mind if I do!) and the meat AND vegetable offerings were ample. How sweet of them to think of us bad vegetarians who only eat some meat and spoil us with a huge roasted veggie assortment, salads, and lentils/quinoa…in addition to the chicken, beef, and pork goods.
Desserts? Well, we got two of those — an Italian pudding with salted caramel and a housemade biscotti and vanilla ice cream with banana beignets. Not to mention our take-​home of CHOCOLATE-​COVERED BACON! (and some super generous GC’s)!
All that needs to be said is… I’ll be back. AND I wish desperately that they were open for Sunday or Saturday brunch!
Oh, and you know… this was also a fun way to celebrate our self important-​ness! Gold Badge’r representin’! :)
Many MANY thanks to all involved — from our event planner Lindsey to the countless staff that ensured the drinks, service and amazing food were absolutely spectacular!

(Lyrics — Journey — Don’t Stop Believing)
Just an Elite Event!
Unilocaling in the Phoenix Valley
It took a New Years start
to the Salty Sow…
Just a Salty Sow
Born and raised in Austin, Texas
It took a New Years start
with a Unilocal event…
Lindsey speakin’ in a Unilocaly room
A smell of pork and cooked beef shoulders
For a Star they shared the night
It goes on and on and on and on
On and on and on, indeed, a New Years start to an Elite event! Nice job welcoming the new Gold Elites! Yours truly definitely felt the love and I hope you enjoy your cookie cutter Lindsey!
Where can we start?! Hmmm or should I say Mmmm… The food was definitely magnificent and to be competing for the James Beard menu wow! It was a lovely intimate night with fellow Unilocalers and the food was yummy! Slow-​cooked Beef Shoulders, oh behave! Along with a Brussel Sprout Caesar Salad, now you’re teasing me and I’m most definitely will not go easy on you! Pulled Pork and Crispy Chicken Thighs in the mix with a French Deviled Egg to kill for! I’m sure the Devil will let you pass this time around — Wink!
Drinks on the house and the service was over the top! What can a Unilocaler say, but thank you Lindsey for a great 2013 and we’re all looking forward for 2014; a year already a great start and one to make immortal! Thank You Beth, Ms. General Manager; for the lovely evening and we hope to see you as the months come along. I’m sure many of us plan to come back soon; this Unilocaler indeed will ;). — Enjoy!

Wowza! The name and exterior of the building is deceptive. Salty Sow implies perhaps comfort food and the exterior of the building while modern and attractive looking doesn’t really speak about what kind of food it serves.
As it turns out, the food is sophisticated in palate, delicious and just what the area needs. A true gem in the midst of bland and mediocre chain restaurants.
I was curious about the name Salty Sow and as it turns out the chef and one of the owner used to hail from the South. Hence the name reference. And although a lot of the food can be comfort food, it is cooked with care and flavor.
We tried so much dishes tonight that I can almost say ALL of them are my favorites. .. but as everyone knows there can only be one favorite so it has to be the brussel sprout Caesar salad. The brussel sprout is first charred before tossed in and I’m actually not sure if there was salad dressing on the salad as these two ingredients combined with almonds, cranberries and whatnots were so full of yum yum that I’m not sure a dressing is needed.
Well, I have to make my own rules and say that the prime rib, pulled pork in tomato sauce over polenta, crispy chicken thighs, slow roasted beef shoulder with egg on top were all so memorable that I can easily recall them as I write this review.
I think I’ve listed ten favorites already. Lol.
The vibe of the place is trendy yet comfortable. Easy to bring friends here and relax. Almost feel like a restaurant from the Arcadia neighborhood transplanted.
With so many families living around the area, this is a great place for families and adults only night outs– simply divine.
Three thumbs up! And a toe!
That makes four flashes of Unilocal awesomeness for Lindsey, Unilocal,and Salty Sow!