Chef Christopher Collins, known for restaurants like Collins Brothers Public House, Sweet Provisions, The Macintosh and The Neighborly, will soon open his latest concept at Park Central in Phoenix.
The new restaurant, Cowboy Seafood, has been in the works for almost exactly two years. Collins described the concept as "competition-worthy barbecue and an elevated seafood program."
To Collins, Cowboy Seafood is the "pinnacle" of everything he's worked on so far with his restaurant group Common Ground Culinary.
"I just hope it resonates with the community," Collins said.
What's the vibe at Cowboy Seafood?
One of the first things guests will see when they walk in, Collins said, is two entire walls of pecan wood. He calls it "working art... beautiful, but also there for a purpose", since
it is the same wood that is used for smoking the barbecue. There is also a vaguely nautical theme throughout the restaurant, with navy blue and white subway tiles.
He chose the Park Central location because he was excited by the liveliness of the area from nearby offices, medical facilities, apartments and hotels. He hopes that Cowboy Seafood can become a hotspot for business lunches, neighborhood happy hour and foodie-focused dinners.
His children go to school nearby. "It feels great taking the boys, dropping them off and cruising down Central to my new midtown restaurant," he said. "It puts a smile on my face. I just like being around all these big, tall buildings and the action."
What's on the menu at Cowboy Seafood?
Cowboy Seafood primarily marries two of Collins' favorite cuisines: barbecue and seafood. The stars of the menu are the barbecue staples like brisket, baby back ribs and whole hog smokes. Seafood options will include a raw bar; seafood towers; several options for crab, shrimp and oysters; and Collins' first-ever sushi menu.
He said he is particularly excited about the burnt ends mac and cheese, which he called "outrageous".
In addition to the meats, Cowboy Seafood will offer some of the most popular salads and sandwiches from Collins' other restaurants, such as the hickory burger, California burger, French dip sandwich and sunbelt salad.
"Everything will be someone's favorite thing on the menu," Collins said.
How to visit Cowboy Seafood in Phoenix
Cowboy Seafood opens Friday, Oct. 9 at Park Central in midtown Phoenix.
Cowboy Seafood is open for lunch daily from 11 a.m. – 3 p.m., dinner Sunday to Thursday from 3 p.m. – 9 p.m. and Friday and Saturday from 3 p.m. – 10 p.m.
Happy Hour is 3 p.m. – 6 p.m. daily.
Details: 3112 N. Central Ave., Phoenix. cowboyseafoodaz.com.
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This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Top Phoenix chef opening 'outrageous' new BBQ and seafood restaurant
