Nook Kitchen re-opens in new Arcadia location

Nook Kitchen’s iconic blue door welcomes you into the newly renovated space that has been dramatically transformed into an intimate dining experience. The interior is refined and sophisticated with a mix of dark and monochromatic patterns accented with pops of red and brass. The bold Instagram mural located on the front face of the building is sure to grab one’s eye and direct them into the chic and stylish new build.”

Frank Vairo, co-owner of Nook Kitchen

Nook Kitchen in Arcadia has re-opened in a larger location at 4231 E. Indian School Road, a half mile down the road from its original intimate spot.

Nook’s first restaurant opened in fall 2013 on the southeast corner of 36th Street and Indian School. The restaurant was a small, cozy space in Arcadia and evolved into Nook Kitchen to distinguish it as a restaurant instead of what some thought was a bookstore, according to a press release.

Nook Kitchen has proven to be a popular concept, offering a deliciously consistent dining experience from original recipes and a welcoming atmosphere.

The new location is larger with 3,400 square feet compared to the original at 2,000 square feet.

“Our food is Modern American with Italian roots,” said Frank Vairo in a prepared statement, owner of Nook Kitchen along with Chef Nick LaRosa and S. Barrett Rinzler of Square One Concepts.

“The new interiors tell a similar story with the help of our in-house designers, CK Studio. Nook Kitchen’s iconic blue door welcomes you into the newly renovated space that has been dramatically transformed into an intimate dining experience. The interior is refined and sophisticated with a mix of dark and monochromatic patterns accented with pops of red and brass. The bold Instagram mural located on the front face of the building is sure to grab one’s eye and direct them into the chic and stylish new build.”

The new location has a larger black marble bar, and a larger dining area overall featuring large booths to accommodate big parties, and a floor-to-ceiling upholstered wall of banquettes that delivers inviting spaces for guests to enjoy leisurely, cozy dining.

A pizza counter invites diners to watch pizza-making action up close with the golden Acunto M. Napoli pizza oven imported from Naples, Italy, said to be the birthplace of pizza. Designed and built by hand by the Acunto family over four generations for more than 125 years, the authentic pizza oven is said to be “foundational” to the development of pizza itself.

“The food is fantastic at Nook. The neighborhood is incredible and we’re delighted to join Frank and Nick on this newest version of Nook Kitchen,” said Mr. Rinzler, president and CEO of Square One Concepts and partner in this venue. “We know everyone in the area has been waiting for us to open and we’re pleased that Nick is at it again, delivering an excellent menu.”

Nook Kitchen in Arcadia presents a new menu, too, of Modern American selections by Chef Nick LaRosa, ranging from handcrafted pastas including spaghetti and meatballs, a lighter ricotta gnocchi and Joe’s lasagna, in addition to entrees such as espresso rubbed prime filet, “Everything Salmon,” a combo of short rib and sirloin in a handcrafted burger.

Chef La Rosa is known for his victorious stint on the Food Network’s ever-popular Chopped. Mr. LaRosa says his inspiration comes from his heritage and growing up in a large Sicilian family. He loves taking classic Italian dishes and putting his own twist on them.

One of his personal favorites on this new menu is a grilled pork loin with house seasonings, served with gorgonzola risotto, roasted Cipollini onions, Brussels Chips and a poached winter pear in a cabernet reduction.

Nook Kitchen retains its celebrated location in Downtown Phoenix inside the Hilton Garden Inn.