Editor’s Note: The Dish closes its doors. 5/21/15

The Dish Bistro & Wine Bar is a long-time local favorite. its in the same facility as The RumRunner Wines & Spirits, which has one of the finest selections in the Tucson. In fact, it’s hard to tell exactly where the wine shop ends and the restaurant begins. I dined there with several friends and we all enjoyed the food, wine and excellent service. I ordered the Moulard Duck with smoked basmati rice, pea shoots, fried tofu, and Star anise orange sauce [$28.00].

The bistro’s wine list is vast because, for a $12 corkage fee, you can order any bottle from The RumRunners’ huge selection of very fine wines.

However, there is one thing that really stands out. I have been searching for a steakhouse that serves a better ribeye than I can BBQ at home. I almost always purchase my ribeyes from Costco. They are ALWAYS better than any of the big-name grocery stores. If you know what you’re looking for, you can pick up a generous package of prime-cut ribeye’s for the cost of U.S.D.A. choice. If you’ve ever bought a prime-cut of beef at AJ’s Fine Foods at La Encantada, you know that they are about twice the price of the ordinary choice-cuts.

I have my own secret seasoning (McCormick’s Montreal Steak seasoning) and always serve steaks medium rare unless a guest prefers otherwise. And yes, I have tried all of the Tucson steakhouses except McMahon’s & Fleming’s, McMahon’s gets generally good reviews and we will be dining there soon. As to Fleming’s, some claim it’s the best and others suggest it’s over-rated and over-priced. I’ll find out and let you know. I’ve also been to many of the steakhouses in other parts of Southern Arizona and have generally been disappointed in that I can do better on my own barbie.

But in the meantime, I want to mention that the best steak I have ever had in Tucson wasn’t even my own. While I ordered the duck, my friend David ordered the Seared Ribeye Steak with salt & vinegar fingerling potato; cherry tomato confit; wax beans; & horseradish butter[$34.00]. Knowing of my search for the best steak, David offered my a bite. WOW!

What Chef Michael Muthart does with an extraordinary piece of beef, besides cooking it to perfection, is add a cabernet demi-glace. Tender & unbelievably delicious. Until I discover otherwise, The Dish is my choice for Best Steak in Southern Arizona.

Reservations definitely. (its a very small place.)
The Dish Bistro & Wine Bar

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