We debated about trying something tried and true, but after reviewing some menus online, we discussed the possibility of trying the newest steakhouse in town: Modern Steak. This was an unexpected opportunity because Modern Steak had been all over the news due to one item on the menu: a $76.00 steak. Unfortunately, that was the focus of most discussion surrounding Modern Steak and we finally looked at the menu online to see the fuss.
After paying the bill and heading to the car, J. and I were discussing how pleasantly surprised we were with Modern Steak. The menu was approachable, the food was, by and large, top notch and the service was great. Despite the concerns we had heard about the $76.00 steak, that was one item on a menu with a price point that is very fair for an upscale steakhouse in Scottsdale.
I second Seth's opinion, although I have not dined at Modern Steak yet. Take a look at Binkley's as a point of comparison. Kevin Binkley serves up some of the more sophisticated food in the Southwest, but his restaurant is set in a tiny Cave Creek strip mall one door down from a food bank. You forget about the location once you're served your first bite of food.
I think the difference for me is the focus at Noca and Binkley's is internal while the open front of Modern Steak looks out on the mall corridor. I guess it's not so much the location but the view. If Noca had floor to ceiling glass windows looking out on the Safeway parking lot as a feature that would be comparable. Having said this, I've only looked at Modern and not eaten there.
