Chestnut Fine Foods & Provisions — Restaurant in Phoenix

There are many positive aspects of this place to be sure. Warm, friendly service, good quality food and some refreshing novelties to choose from. I work very nearby so it’s a convenient stopping point for a bite, albeit a notably pricey one. The high prices can be an obstacle for someone like myself who would like to stop in frequently, but life goes on. That aside I’m a sucker for one of their novelty products I first encountered at a farmer’s market. They don’t make it themselves, but I was excited as hell to discover that this place actually sold Mama’s Cold Brew coffee so close to my work. At $5 for a medium size portion it better be something ridiculously awesome to justify the price, but ridiculously awesome it is. For a seasoned coffee drinker, this low-acidity strain of coffee is a welcomed change of pace for warm afternoons. It’s my usual order and until recently I have encountered no issues with my purchase satisfaction. This did change about a month ago though (and I have been there perhaps 2 times since). My lovely wife-to-be is likewise an avid lover of Mama’s Cold Brew, unfortunately, since I depart from my work at 4PM, I’m unable to pick up a cup of this deliciousness on my way home so I had the idea to simply stop in before the 3PM closing time and just put the drink in the fridge, a simple proposition in theory, however these hopes were dashed by a notably ill-informed (somewhat thick-headed) cashier who refused to sell me the coffee in the manner I requested. Did I ask for unicorn hairs or fairy dust? No, I asked for the coffee to be served without ice (so my beloved does not some water-drowned version of a true Cold Brew). What was the response? I was told that the drink cannot be served without ice, that is was a matter of proper measurement rations (coffee v. ice). Though other cashiers have never presented a problem with my previous requests for easy ice, I met a stone wall of coffee v. ice resistance. I attempted to appeal to his reason, to show that it is indeed possible to serve the drink without the inclusion of ice, but a compromise could not be achieved. My final proposition was to pay any extra amount that would satisfy the lack of ice (bearing in mind, after tax, this drink already costs more than $5), but again I met the argument of ratios and was stymied. Lacking any more energy to escalate the matter I departed the store and contemplated the ramifications such a scenario can impart on a sensible mind. There I was, money in hand (or in card, more accurately, but you get my point) and denied a drink because it just HAD to have ice in it… Certainly let down by this experience and an unfortunate blight on an otherwise well-manicured establishment.

A very thorough explanation, your response is...

A couple of my coworkers and I decided on going to Chestnut for lunch one Friday afternoon. We walked in and noticed there were a decent amount of people sitting at tables, but luckily, there wasn’t a line and we were able to take our time ordering without worries of holding up the line.

Right when you walk inside, there is a display set up with some really cute merch and other knick knacks. Overall, the vibe in the place is super cute and when you order waters, you get to fill your glass through a water dispenser like you’d see at parties or lemonade stands (no ice though).

One thing I thought was odd was the lack of specific prices on the menu. They have price ranges for each category of food, but no specific prices next to any dishes. As a proud frugal person, I did not enjoy this.

Anyway, I ordered the chicken salad sandwich with a side of sweet potato chips; I honestly didn’t know if there were any other options for a side because the cashier asked, “are sweet potato chips okay?”

The sandwich came out to $12.45. For an uppity place in the heart of Biltmore, I was pleasantly surprised I wasn’t spending more than $15. However, the prices for their salads are simply outrageous - just check their online ordering platform.

After ordering - my coworkers also got a chicken salad sandwich and a fancy-looking salad, we sat down at a table and the food came out pretty quickly. It should’ve for sandwiches and a salad. The serving was massive. The bread was toasted nicely and wasn’t hard so it didn’t destroy the roof of my mouth. The scoops of chicken salad on both halves of the sandwich were MASSIVE. The sweet potato chips on the side were plentiful and crunchy but not kettle chip-level crunch. They had a nice flavor and weren’t overly salted. The actual chicken salad was really delicious too and the tomato slices were ripe and red!

I couldn’t finish the chips or the sandwich and I was full for hours. Definitely worth the $12.45 in my opinion.

Friendly and fast service (answered all of our questions). And even though the prices are a little steep for a breakfast/lunch place, you do get good quality food in...

@chestnutaz Phoenix, recently re-launched at 2398 E Camelback Rd., has been a staple in Arcadia and Biltmore for a decade. Owner Kirsten Steele impresses with her skills, considering her culinary background is simply her love for cooking and community.

The menu is influenced by Chestnut Lane’s original concept, as well as innovative takes on local favorites. Additionally, Asian inspired options abound, influenced by Steele’s Chinese heritage, such as the Veggie Banh Mi. Shaved golden beets, butternut squash, and sweet potatoes on ciabatta with sriracha mayo and garlic fluff, are a sweet and savory vegetarian option.

The oatmeal with apple compote and milk is a comforting breakfast option, with its baked oats, creamy creme fraiche and candied walnuts.

The Phoenix Chopped Salad pays homage to the iconic Cowboy Ciao dish. Chestnut’s creamy pesto dressing, made in-house with roasted pine nuts, Parmesan, and extra virgin olive oil, is a beautiful complement.

The house-made pesto also shines in the “Green Eggs and Ham,” on a Buttermilk bun with prosciutto, arugula, and poached eggs.

Not to miss are the pastry offerings, like the homemade berry pop tart, stuffed with sweet berry compote inside a flaky crust.

Equally as impressive is the cocktail menu. The “Regina” is a smoky and refreshing Palo Santo infused mezcal cocktail. The “Clover Club” is a gin-based berry libation with hibiscus and egg white. The Mocktail menu has superfood options such as the “Nojito”, with blue spirulina, cucumber and lemon.

Chestnut Restaurant in Phoenix certainly impresses with its commitment to made-from scratch, locally sourced and flavorful dishes, and empowering female leadership in the culinary world, with almost every leadership position in the restaurant held by women.

The extensive menu combines classics along with new culinary spins. Best Breakfast in the Biltmore!

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