Sake it to Me

Starfish makes tastebuds dance with its Butterfly Samba

By Alison Bailin Batz / Photo by Debby Wolvos

Starfish, now open at The Mercado at Scottsdale Ranch, is a culinary love letter to the dishes that dot the Asian coast, with a special nod to Thailand, Korea, Vietnam, China, and Japan.

“Our food is a blend of wok-fired fare, curries and a slew of ‘sea-to-table’ delights ranging from fresh seafood to sushi, all kissed with tropical fruits, aromatic herbs, and ingredients native to Asia,” says Gretchen McConnel, co-owner of Starfish Hospitality Group, which has sister locations in Newport Beach and Laguna Beach in Southern California.

Starfish’s bar program echoes the flavors of the food. Among the most popular of its Asian-inspired cocktails is the Butterfly Samba ($16).

“Think of it as a tropical twist on a sake martini, which usually has a rice spirit and cucumber, offering earthy and cooling flavor notes,” McConnell says.

Starfish uses Tenjaku Japanese Vodka, made from Yamada Nishiki rice and Mt. Fuji Spring Water and filtered with both bamboo and birch charcoal. “Before introducing the vodka to the other ingredients, we dry muddle cucumber and mint – both native to Asia – with jalapenos to create this spicy, refreshing aromatic base,” McConnell says.

The dry ingredients are then paired with pineapple juice and touch of lemon before the vodka is introduced.

“Before shaking with ice, we finish the build with blue matcha powder – also known as butterfly pea powder – for its slight umami richness and vivid purple color,” McConnell says.

Once chilled, the mixture is strained into a martini glass and garnished with Thai basil for added aromatics. “The ultimate sip for summer, it opens earthy but then offers a subtle sweetness, spice, and finally a refreshing, cooling finish,” McConnell says.

Starfish, 8390 E. Vía de Ventura, Scottsdale; www.starfishhospitalitygroup.com; 480.305.0441.