Just in time for the upcoming holiday season, when dining out with friends and family seems like a nightly occurrence, ZuZu has swung open its doors to a shiny new look.
The New Look
Hotel Valley Ho’s signature dining outlet ZuZu has just debuted a total overhaul, and the biggest since the space opened in 2005. ZuZu’s new look was designed by Scottsdale-based Mendil + Meyer Design Studio and still maintains its retro vibe but with a fresh look and exciting features. Guests will be greeted with a new neon ZuZu sign and rearranged layout of chic contemporary furniture incorporating its iconic circle design. Think curved seating, rounded tables and circular wall murals. Drawing on the hotel’s original turquoise and orange hues, a new palette of warm pinks and dusty blues brings to mind the desert’s sunsets.
The New Features
Among the many new features, the stunning private dining room is a total standout. Tucked in the back of the restaurant, the chic space is decked out with warm hues of oranges and pinks with enough room to easily move around and a long table to seat the whole gang. The space is named The Rosie Room after Rosalyn “Rosie” Bennett Lyon, the matriarch of the family that owns Hotel Valley Ho. Nicknamed ZuZu by her grandchildren, Rosie’s cooking and warm hospitality, inspired the original restaurant. Today, the new room honors Rosie with its chic, upscale touches and warm colors and is worthy of hosting any occasion.
Other highlights include The Vine Vault, a glass-walled wine room; and The Kitchen Bar where guests can post up nightly to enjoy live demos from chefs. On the weekends, the space will transform into a seafood display to complement the popular weekend Bloody Mary + Mimosa Bar.
Oxtail Pappardelle, Photo: Hotel Valley Ho Mango Tango, Photo: Hotel Valley Ho
The Food + Drinks
As for the menu the lineup features some returning guest-faves plus many new options for diners. Designed to be small, shareable plates, dishes incorporate ingredient’s from the property’s new 240-sq.-ft. herb and vegetable garden for the freshest eats around.
Dig into new dishes like Oxtail Pappardelle with foie gras and parmesan and Crispy Pork Shank with sour apple molasses glaze, cucumber tarragon yogurt, and pita. The Beef Tartare + Bone Marrow is impressive on its presentation alone (and just as delicious!) while the Ahi Tuna + Avocado is a fresh and great way to kick off the night. No matter what is ordered, the Crispy Brussels Sprouts are a must-have. A sweet, yet spicy glaze give this side dish a center stage-rating.
Sweet tooths need not worry as the restaurant’s iconic “Show Stopper” Shake is going nowhere. Guests can still order the over-the-top treat which changes monthly, but can now spike the dessert if they so choose, with a variety of spirits. Other sweet treats include the ZuZu Chocolate Bar, for any and all choco-lovers; a Buttermilk Pie; Butterscotch Pudding Cake Mason Jar; and more.
The Fun Stuff
Other dining highlights include two monthly revolving dishes, Cut of the Moment, a savory dish with a unique plating design; and Farmer’s Plate, a vegetarian-friendly option featuring the best of the season. For indecisive, hungry diners, ZuZu, Take the Wheel lets chefs hand-select options for the table. Guests can also enjoy a new cocktail menu plus brunch is now an everyday affair!
For more information, visit hotelvalleyho.com/zuzu or click here to make a reservation now.
