Ocotillo Restaurant Phoenix

Second visit to this beautiful space, and it was a definite hit. Reserved for two and since we were a bit early had a drink at the bar. Wine list is very cool, with an unusual "symbolic" profile for each selection. Really pretty cool so you know exactly what you're getting when you order. Excellent BTG selection. Interesting list of house special cocktails. Highly recommend if you're in the mood for something different. After our libation we were seated at a very comfy booth near the bar, in sight of the kitchen - which was sparkling clean btw with the cooks laser focused on their stations. The menu had changed somewhat since our first visit so we were interested to try new things. First course, we split a salad. All are large enough to share. We chose the Watermelon, mango, avocado, arugula with toasted coconut. Superb. Very refreshing with an excellent range of textures and nice balance of the sweeter mango and melon with the peppery arugula. Perfectly dressed as well. Next was a halibut ceviche. Great portion as well. Halibut succulent, not chewy as some can be when the acid is applied too early. Ripe tomatoes added a nice color and offset the tomatillo purée nicely. The surprise addition of corn nuts really made the dish as it added a great bit of crunch and saltiness. Well done. Third came a pita and spicy Dahl dish with blistered shishito peppers, olives and a bit of salad. The Dahl was outstanding, not really hot spicy, but very flavorful with just enough kick. A good meatless choice and enough to share...most definitely. For entrees, the lady had the scallops from the small plates section. Perfectly seared with nice crust outside and buttery smooth inside. Sauce had just enough acid to make the buttery scallops pop! I chose the Crispy Duck Confit. Again, a great portion. Duck fall off the bone tender, yet crispy crunchy skin intact. Accompanied by some stone ground grits and a sweet cherry based relish that was a great counterpoint to the richness of the duck. By this time we were too full and dessert was not in the cards for us...next time. Can't wait until summer heat subsides and the patio opens up. Will be a great place to hit for lunch or dinner...or drinks! Oh, BTW...service was outstanding. When you go, consider yourself fortunate if Eli is your guy. He's great...so we're the bartenders! We'll be back soon with friends. Go...soon!