Gilbert Restaurants
No Pots, No Pans, No Food and No Wine Glasses! Part 4
Background
As some of you know we recently moved from California to Arizona to be closer to some of our family members. As a result of the move, we had a week eating out and experiencing new restaurants in the area. Staying at a hotel near our new home, while waiting for the moving truck to arrive, we embraced the opportunity to explore the culinary scene around Mesa and Gilbert. Tonight as a bonus we treated Meghan & Russ, daughter and son-in-law, to thank them for assisting making the transition from California to Arizona. Additionally, it was Russ’s birthday. So off we went to one of Russ’s favorite restaurants Shimogamo Sushi and Grill.
Shimogamo Sushi and Grill
This is a restaurant that we experienced on many visits. The food being spectacularly fresh and appealing, and flown in almost daily. It is known for their sushi, yakitori and robata. We made reservations in advance and were promptly seated.
The Wine – “Wine is bottled poetry” – Robert Louis Stevenson
Since we were ordering various sashimi pieces ordered a Stolpman Uni, a blend of Roussanne and Chardonnay. This wine is becoming one my favorites, the wine coming from Ballard Canyon in Los Olivos, California. Here the delicate richness and mouth filling Roussanne combined with crisp and bright Chardonnay with apple and pear tastes, provided a great accompaniment to the fresh sashimi.
Just some of the sushi ordered included a few special daily items: Madai (sea Bream), Umi Masu (ocean trout), Smoked Yellowtail, Chu Toro, Maguro (tuna), Hamachi (yellowtail), Sake (salmon) and Toro (tuna belly) to start! Also placed an order of Crab n’ Scallop roll, chopped salad, Yakatori thighs and Edamame. Many of the sashimi items were re-ordered.
Just of few of the items presented this evening:
Photo ©Michael Kelly
Photo ©Michael Kelly
Photo ©Michael Kelly
Photo ©Michael Kelly
The service was spectacular from Kyle Blessinger who also happens to be a WSET 2 and working on his WSET 3. Enjoyed talking a little wine with him between bites of sashimi!
We are already planning a return for the great food and will request Kyle as the server!
We then proceeded back to d-Vine Wine Bar & Bistro in Mesa since neither Russ nor Meghan had been there. We listened to some music on the patio and enjoyed two more lovely wines, a 2019 Stonestreet Cabernet Sauvignon and 2020 Beronia Graciano Riojo. We ordered a couple of quick appetizers to cap off the evening.
Photo ©Michael Kelly
Photo ©Michael Kelly
Happy Birthday Russ!
Sláinte,
Michael Kelly
https://californiawinesandwineries.com
https://www.stolpmanvineyards.com
Why Did the Crowds Show Up to Buck & Rider August 2nd, 2025?
The first reason is that they were named recipient of the Yelps top 20 oyster restaurants in America and Canada. What makes Buck & Rider unique is they fly in daily fresh seafood. While Phoenix area being in a non-coastal area is not a state that comes to mind for fresh seafood, they were one of three “land locked” states to win this recognition. They came in at number 16. Originally from Arcadia, California they expanded into Gilbert and Scottsdale in 2015.
I had visited Buck & Rider once before in July of 2024 and was so impressed with the quality of seafood I wrote up a quick review of the restaurant. I sought out to understand a little of the how and why their seafood was so fresh and delicious. I met the General Manager Jessica Rotner who informed me of the daily seafood being flown in. She and her staff were so friendly, I told her I would seek out the Gilbert location when I returned.
Fast forward to August 2025, while visiting family in the Mesa/Gilbert area my daughter forwarded me a write up on Buck & Rider being one of the 20 restaurants. In addition, the day after we arrived, all of their locations were holding their 9th annual Oyster Day on Saturday, August 2nd, featuring $2 oysters all day at all locations. The event also included live music and happy hour cocktails specifically at the Gilbert location at 3150 E. Ray Road.
Photo ©Michael Kelly
With this event, gather up those enjoying oysters to join in the Oyster Day celebration! So my sister, my grandson and I headed over to get a table at 11 am when they opened. Upon arriving 10 minutes before opening, we were standing in a line extending to the parking lot! Any future trips I will definitely make reservations. You know it is good when this many folks line up in triple digit temperatures!
Photo ©Michael Kelly
Their oyster selection today featured six selected specimens:
Rochambeau from Virginia, Sweet and Brine
Breakwater from Rhode Island, Weet and medium Brine
Standish Shore from Massachusetts, Crisp and Briny
Olde Salt from Virginia, Crisp and Briny
Summerstone from Washington, Sweet and Briny
Beach Plum from Massachusetts, Sweet and Briny
Here in the picture, starting at the two lemon slices and going clockwise, are the oysters order above. Also condiments of red tarter sauce, horseradish, mignonette and one other were provided.
Photo ©Michael Kelly
FYI, the pictures all have a “yellow tint” from the very welcome sunshades helping to cool down the temperature along with an assortment of fans and large misters!
After all were consumed, we each ordered some additional offerings. Normally with fresh seafood, especially oysters, I would order a glass of Albariño, Assyrtiko, Sauvignon Blanc or other white wine varietals. Since it was still early, my sister and I ordered what I can describe as a Bloody Mary on steroids! So many exotic spices were added it was almost chewable. FYI, my Grandson had a diet coke.
Photo ©Michael Kelly
My grandson opted for the Nigiri of all Big Eye Tuna:
Photo ©Michael Kelly
My sister enjoyed the lightly breaded Calamari:
Photo ©Michael Kelly
Next year will actually “purpose” to be here for this event and be prepared to eat inside. The inside folks waiting at the bar and foyer had to number close to one hundred. The entire facility was jam packed.
I ordered sashimi featuring two pieces of salmon, two pieces of Big Eye Tuna and two pieces of Hamachi. Unfortunately, it was eaten so quickly, I didn’t capture a picture of this excellent presentation.
Here is a quick video of the patio with the tables being packed!
Video ©Michael Kelly
A wonderful event, delicious foods and great service everything needed to make this a memorable experience.
Sláinte,
Michael Kelly