Celebrated local chef Michael O’Dowd, known for achieving a five-diamond/five-star rating for his work at Kai, opened Renegade for dinner earlier this year in North Scottsdale. The restaurant’s unique menu and ambience can now also be enjoyed for lunch.
The man with culinary attitude has designed a lunch that those who love food and adventure and don’t mind reinvented classic dishes will be starving for. A master at taking familiar food and turning it into something memorable, O’Dowd debuted with a few dishes that will forever go down as “his” classics although, now that he has left the restaurant after opening it, some of the menu names may lose the “MOD” appelation. The Shake & Bake is a salad made with boneless chicken nuggets, Romaine lettuce, bacon, tomato, avocado, red onion and blue cheese crumbles all tossed in his Spicy MOD Wing Dressing. The MODed Grilled Cheese includes three melted cheeses, cured ham and sliced turkey on truffle-toasted brioche bread. This is a dish that should be presented when guests sit and shared with the entire party — it’s that good. Other dishes include O’Dowd’s version of some favorites he has renamed to reflect his twist. They include the Naughty Nachos, the Defiant Wings (complete with celery sticks and blue cheese ranch dressing) and the Renegade MAC Attack Gone Wild.
Located on Shea Boulevard just east of 92nd Street, this far-out place is a drive, but worth it. The look is “rebellious high-end sports bar” meets edgy “Scottsdale art gallery” and the service is exciting and fast. Diners can enjoy the patio, which feels a bit resort-like and relaxing for lunch, so plan to be there a while this time of year. There is an under-five-dollar menu with some truly delicious dishes that include the MOD Sloppy Joes. Drinks are a specialty (alcoholic or otherwise) as Renegade has a full bar. O’Dowd’s creative side shows at the bar as well
This eclectic hot spot will certainly do for lunch and add a little something to life.
Renegade
9343 E. Shea Blvd., Scottsdale
(480) 614-9400
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