Durant's Steakhouse in Downtown Phoenix

Welcome back everyone! I've been out of commission a little but I recently had a bread eating experience that has changed my life. The bread is that of Durant's Steakhouse in Downtown Phoenix. First of all, I don't really do this, but I MUST say a couple quick words about Durant's. Durant's is located off Central and Virginia in a small building w/ parking and valet parking in the rear. However, unlike most places with entrances in the front, you get to be all gangster like Henry Hill from Goodfella's and enter through the back kitchen with all the chef's and waiters greeting you as you walk to the host. Once inside, you will notice old red booth style seating, dim lighting, and servers and bus boys in tuxedo's with bowties and napkins draped over there left arm. The entrance through the kitchen, the atmosphere of the restaurant, and the personality of the employees set up one of my most amazing experiences with bread, ever!

I was invited to tag along for a work meeting that was taking place at Durant's with management and a high priority customer of ours. We snuggled in to our retro booth and ordered food and drinks. After delivery of our drinks, my nose rose from the exotic smell of fresh bread and onion. Looking around the restaurant like a lost child looking for his mother, I gasped at the sight of a towering roll in a bowl topped with an intoxicating mixture of grilled onions and some sort of garlic cream sauce. I immediately lost all interest in the discussion occuring at the table as my eyes made sweet love with the beautiful bread resting on the table.

Quite frankly, I was stunned. I was forced to use every inch of will power inside to be polite and not dive into the bread. The bread reminded me of the rolls served at The Keg, cut precisely into squares. However, Durant's "secret" topping on the bread has raised the bar for all breads. The topping included grilled onions and some sort of garlic cream with what I think is a hint of pesto to give it a green color. After being served a slice, I was not sure how to approach the bread. I had to look around to notice everyone at the table using fork and knife! I was shocked! Never have I seen bread require the use of a fork and knife to be eaten! Thinking the people at my table were just weird, I looked around Durant's to notice this was the norm and EVERYONE was eating it the same way! Hesitantly, I reached for my fork and knife. My grip slowly tensed up as I inserted the fork into my slice of bread. My mouth began watering as I slowly began to take my knife and move it back and forth, gently slicing my piece into a perfectly sized bite of perfection. After three gentle strokes, my knife touched the plate. I knew it was time. Not knowing what to expect, I inserted the bread into my mouth. Upon the touch to my tastebuds, I instantly began singing the song "I Melt" by Rascal Flatts as I ate the bread in silent harmony.

My slice was gone in a matter of seconds. I quickly reached for another slice (unlike the Keg's bread featuring four slices, Durant's bread rolls were slightly larger and contained six slices). My second slice was gone instantly. At this time, I had completely distanced myself from the conversation as I waited impatiently for more bread. I guess it is informal to get more than one bread per table, but it's not my fault their bread is so delicious and I wanted more. Finally, another masterpiece was delivered and consumed. Little did the waiter know that this would only be the beginning. By the time we were finally served our lunches, our table of four went through four rolls of bread (I consumed the most as all of you should know). As usual, I filled up on way too much bread and could only eat half of my Patty Melt (which was amazing as well).

Now, on to the ratings. There is nothing I have ever eaten that compares to the style of bread that Durant's serves. The roll itself was typical, but the creamy mixture of grilled onions and sauce opened the doors to a whole new level of bread. Also, as I mentioned earlier, I have never eaten bread that required fork and knife. Being completely covered in the sauce, it was unthinkable to eat without utensils. Creating bread this original and delicious adds bonus points. However, when rating bread, you must think about the negatives as well. The one and only negative to the bread is the side effects and long lasting burps of onion. Now, most of you are thinking "Who cares if I burp up onion all day, the bread was delicious!" Well, that is exactly how I feel, but you have to think about others. Especially significant others you plan to kiss later in the day. My fiance´ was not a fan. Multiple pieces of gum could not cover up the stench that I consider "my breath". But.... being such great bread, I will not pass this up. Ever. Your significant other will just have to deal with it because the bread is just too damn good!

Overall Rating: 5 out of 5 Stars!