Shhh…He’s Still A Believer!

The Dish: Grilled Protein Bowl
The Place: The Original ChopShop – Scottsdale
The Location: 7158 E. 5th Ave. Scottsdale, AZ 85251 (480)794-1536

By: Erik Merkow

Today I ventured into Old Town Scottsdale, which has become a little culinary mecca within the ever-expanding Phoenix metro culinary mecca (that seems like a bit of a tongue twister). I had to visit one of my sons’ favorite culinary delights…. The Original Chopshop.

The last time I was there it was Christmas time and I was picking up a gift card for Coopers stocking stuffer (if you know Cooper, please don’t tell him, he’s still a believer ;-). I bring this up because today I expected a great restaurant still in a bit of a dive spot …that was not the case at all. Chopshop rightfully so is doing incredibly well and they’ve expanded and remolded and transformed into a very hip/trendy hot spot with inside and outside seating right on Scottsdale road.

I ordered (at the recommendation of Coop) the Grilled Protein Bowl which comes with roasted broccoli (not for me), cauliflower, carrots (my mom would be proud of me, I ate my carrots), onions and mushrooms (again, not for me), green onions and cilantro with “forbidden rice” (which is a really good black rice). My protein was tri-tip and shrimp…all I can say is….oh my gosh Beckeeeey!! This bowl had SOOOOOO much flavor I didn’t need to put anything on it, and if you know me, that says a lot! The diced tri-tip was immaculate, not one single chewy piece, the shrimp and vegies were cooked to perfection and the forbidden rice should never be forbidden by anyone!

If you’re looking for a quick, fresh, healthy, flavorful lunch, dinner or quick juice and you’re in Old Town, Tempe (by ASU on University) or Chandler, stop in for a meal that will knock your socks off …if you’re wearing any.