Con Amore, Per Favore.

A few weeks ago, the North Phoenix Moms Blog team was fortunate enough to have the opportunity to dine at the Wink 24, a new restaurant located in the Biltmore Fashion Park, and it is safe to say it was an evening we certainly won’t forget!  We couldn’t be more gracious for the invitation.

From the incredibly vibrant colors, to the intricate design details, Wink 24 is a place that catches your attention the moment you see it.  And, once you see the endearing logo with the little hummingbird, and look towards the beautiful glass entry door subtly adorned with some children’s art work (look to the left), you’ll know you’re being welcomed inside.

If you’re fortunate, you’ll have the chance to meet Fernanda, the owner, while you’re there.  If and when you do, these details that I mentioned about the ambiance and the design choices, coupled with the incredible drink list (with something for everyone), and the extraordinary food which can be enjoyed after a cocktail and over bottles of delicious wine, will start to make perfect sense.  Fernanda is the embodiment of love, warmth, and passion.  She has an amazing ability to be present, and to live in the moment, and each of these characteristics is woven into Wink 24 in both overt and in subtle ways.

I consider myself to be a lover of food, and drinks, and it is safe to say that this passion for trying new restaurants and experiencing new flavors is part of what brought my husband and I together; we still always make it a point to try new places, both locally and when we travel.  That being said, I can undoubtedly say that you won’t be disappointed with the food and drinks at Wink 24.

The Drinks

I had the Cucumber Basil Martini, and others in the group ordered the Jarritos, the Mexican Sazerac, the Phoenix Mule, and the Wink Bellini, as well as a few glasses of wine; the commentary was all unanimously positive!  (Need I include a disclaimer that there were more than 10 of us there?!)

The Appetizers

We sampled the Polpette (Italian style meatballs served with a spicy tomato sauce), the Barbabietola (fire-roasted beets served over a bed of arugula & spicy yogurt sauce), and the Zucchine Fritte (paper thin slices of flash fried zucchini served with Labneh yogurt dipping sauce.)  These were all amazing; I personally don’t love beets, but the roasted beets with the spicy yogurt sauce were so delicious, and I wasn’t the only one in the group who thought so!

The Staples

We also sampled a selection of the Paninis and the Wood-Fired Pizzas, all of which were full of incredible flavor, as well as beautifully presented.  The stand-out favorites from the group were the Messicano and the Croque Paninis and the Prosciutto and the Veggie Pizzas.

The Desserts

To top it off, (as if we had any room), we were also fortunate enough to taste the Tiramisu and the Tartufo Affogato al Ciocolato (a delicious chocolate ice cream drenched in espresso – YUM!).

Hurry over to the Biltmore Fashion Park and check out Wink 24 for yourselves; escape the heat and treat yourself to a culinary experience you’re sure to enjoy.  Their patio (equipped with misters) is also sure to be a hit when we (finally!) reach cooler temperatures in the fall.  Be sure to check them out on Facebook and Instagram as well.  Needless to say, this will be a frequented North Phoenix Moms Blog spot!