Elite Event – Screw Your Resolution at Searsucker

I know it’s long overdue, but this was such a great Elite event! What a fun restaurant! Everyone looked great in their seer sucker attire. My favorites were the prime rib, shrimp and Peter Rabbit drink. I missed out on the fabric contest, but luckily I technically won anyway. (Ok maybe not but another Kelly R did! Go Kelly!)
It was nice to see old and new faces, and meet some of the Unilocalers I wouldn’t have a happy tummy without!
I couldn’t find my car afterwards but I could hear it and eventually we were reunited, so I think I liked the parking garage.
Thank you Lindsey, Searsucker, and all you spiffy dressed people for making this such a memorable event!

This was my first Elite Event and was I super excited. So excited I couldn’t find the place! For some reason, I thought it was inside the Fashion Square, not directly outside it. I had to call and speak with the hostess to get directions. Luckily, my husband and I parked close and were capable of finding it within walking distance. From the outside, Searsucker doesn’t look like much — it’s tucked in-​between a bank and Neiman Marcus. However, once you enter those glass double doors, the wooden door entrance is a sight to see. The line to get in was long, but it was fun to see other Unilocalers in seersucker clothing.
Upon check-​in, we weren’t sure what to do first, so we wandered around greeting other Unilocalers. A few waitresses were walking around with trays of food, so we picked up a shrimp appetizer. Another waiter kindly guided us to the delicious pork station. An entire pig being served up with delicious brussel sprouts! (I loved the grilled/​baked brussel sprouts — they were really good and crunchy!) Then we found the lamb station — oh my. The meat was melt in your mouth and the horseradish potatoes were super creamy. The men behind the station were really into serving up the dishes — placing ingredients like a pro.
Loaded up on food, we had to sit down and enjoy. Halfway through eating, a waiter stopped by our table and asked if he could get us anything. He promptly brought us water and a Peter Rabbit cocktail. Now, let me tell you about this cocktail… it had Pimms, basil, lemon and a pickle carrot. I’ve never had Pimms before, but I’ve always wanted to try it and so glad I did! The cocktail was sweet, but earthy as well. I really liked it because it didn’t taste harsh and went down smooth.
Some of the other food we were able to try: fried calamari (yuuum!!), many treats off the smörgåsbord/​art, and red velvet cupcakes! These were delicious and huge! Totally could have shared one with my husband, but totally didn’t.
Overall, the night was a blast. I am so glad I was able to go and a big «thank you» to Searsucker, Brian, Lindsey, and of course, Unilocal and other Unilocalers! Everyone made this night superb! Can’t wait to go back to Searsucker and try some of their other dishes!

AWW-​MAZINLY GREAT!!!
I loved this event, what a wonderful night it was!!!
We had a great time, my guest and I enjoyed our time mostly at the bar. We tried their ever so delightful Peter Pan, Lt. Dan and the Latin Cinema cocktails!
The food was also great, we tried the exquisite Tomahawk rib eye steak with mashed potatoes and a delicious green sauce, Pig stuffed along with brussel sprouts and cauliflower, and the ever so amazing table full of tasty goods, like blue cheese, gouda cheese, hams, toast, cooked cold cuts.
Then to top it all off an ever so good red velvet cupcake, so fluffy, moist and perfectly sweetly topped with chocolate drops.
Everyone at the event was great and oh so friendly!!!

OH MY GOSH! What an event!
Right from the start I knew we were in for a treat! Thanks to Lindsey, Gabi, Unilocal staff & Brian Malarkey (omg what a cutie right??), Searsucker & their fabulous staff!
Did yall see the disco ball? Made me want to have one hang in my dining room, why not right?
This event was amazing, from the roasted pig & prime rib, the squid & shrimp cocktails & bbq pork sandwiches, on the best bread ever! And let’s not forget my favorite the spicy chicken meatball, this feast was made for royalty! Loved it!
Oh and the drinks! I walked away with a new favorite drink, love the Peter Rabbit! I had a few and a buttered popcorn margarita too :)
Also did anyone else have a café of water? OMG that water was just amazing, it’s like they pulled it straight from a hidden spring somewhere, it was clean, crisp and cold! Amazing!
It was also great seeing fellow Unilocalers and enjoying this fabulous event with them!
Thank you again to Brain Malarkey, Searsucker & their wonderful staff, Lindsey, Gabi, Unilocal & Staff!
If this is how we are kicking off the start of the year, I’m thinking we are in store for treat!

Reading back on all the reviews I have of Unilocal events, it is starting to sound like I’m a broken record. It must be said, though, that this was my favorite Elite event yet!
First off, I am generally not a competitive person. I really thought, though, that I would have a chance in the seersucker-​finding-​competition. Boy, was I wrong! I only managed to find something like 16 squares of seersucker. The winner found 99! It was pretty fun searching for the squares all over the restaurant. I couldn’t reach the ones in the trees, even with my heels. Tasia T sniped one right above my head! I did find one in Brian Malarkey’s pocket, though. :snicker:
Brian and his team were so generous in their offerings. Even though I only snuck a couple shrimp and avoided everything else, I was impressed by the tables upon tables of FREE food.
I did have TWO Peter Rabbit bevvies and the buttered popcorn tequila drink. The drinks were not too strong, but they were VERY tasty!
Like the others, I was impressed by the impeccable level of service offered by the waitstaff. I only thought to tip the bartenders, but I feel I can make up for their gratuities on my next visit to Searsucker. I am hoping to get there for brunch by the end of the month, when the 20% off coupon I snagged expires!
My plus one, Brian B, was «confused» by the décor of the restaurant. He didn’t get the ropes and disco ball. I, however, liked the atmosphere. I love dimly lit, sexy spaces like Searsucker. I don’t care if the décor seemed confusing. I know I won’t be confused by the fabulous menu!
Once again, it was a great party thrown by Lindsey F! I was so happy to see the lovely, radiant, mom-​to-​be (for a second time) Gabi M.
Thank you so much to Brian Malarkey, the staff at Searsucker and the Unilocal Team for a lovely night out. I will be returning to Searsucker for sure!

There could not have been a better event to start the Elite year! My husband came home from San Diego a few months ago singing the praises of Searsucker, and this time, this one single time, he was right.
I could go on and on about all the fabulous food and drink, but if you were there, you know it. If you weren’t, well you would just leave this review feeling suicidal that you weren’t. I will say my favorite appetizer was the chicken lollipop… slightly crunchy spicy caramelized sauce outside, yet still moist and flavorful on the inside. I could eat a plate of these. Oh wait, I really can, because all the food served is actually on the menu! My favorite drink was the Peter Rabbit. Just the right amount of sweet. I guess I like Pimms now! And that charcuterie table was a work of art. I have never seen anything like it. And apparently neither had the mob of Unilocalers around it.
A big thank you to Lindsey and her Unilocal crew for organizing such a special event. And an even bigger thank you to Chef Malarkey for opening his doors and introducing us to this great new addition to the Valley. His staff was excellent and I actually learned a ton about the menu from one server in particular. I didn’t catch her name, but she was wearing the fabulous one-​of-​a-​kind necklace. So thanks to her as well! I’m so happy Searsucker is in my neighborhood!

5 BIG stars. This event was awesome.
This restaurant is gorgeous, warm, and inviting. And our host, Brian Malarkey was a doll. He was cheesing it up everytime someone asked for a pic. His food is stellar too, but we’ll get to that in a minute.
We were lucky enough to try 3 of Searsuckers cocktails: The Lt. Dan (Sweet Tea Vodka & lemonade), the Latin Cinema (your basic margarita w/​buttered popcorn tequila), and their signature drink, the Peter Rabbit (glass of deliciousness w/​a bruised basil and pickled carrot garnish). All of them were delicious, but the Peter Rabbit takes the carrot cake. So good.
And the food. A foodies dream. So much so that I and some of my fellow Elites dreamed of some of the things we tried. The passed apps were awesome. There was a pulled pork slider w/​slaw (the slaw was soooo good), a cajun seasoned shrimp w/​cheese and bacon grits (my 1^st grits!), crispy squid, and my personal fave, the spicy chicken meatball. So so good. There was also the amazing table sized charcuterie plate. Some really delicious stuff on that as well. Then there was the pig stuffed pig w/​brussels and cauliflower. I have to hand it to Mr. Malarkey there, he made me like cauliflower. Then there was the awesomeness that is the Tomahawk: Prime rib w/​chimichurri sauce. I would order that again and again and again.
Loved that a lot of people were able to find some piece of seersucker to wear. Still sad my «Miami Seer» outfit, Robert’s «Seer Gentleman», and Natalie’s «Cute Seer» didnt place though.
Thanks to Searsucker, Mr. Malarkey, and his incredibly patient staff, and of course Ms. Lindsey for an amazing night! A bigger thanks to Christine P. for bringing me as her +1!!!

Have you ever seen a charcuterie table? Tasted buttered popcorn infused vodka? Until last night, I could not have imagined such works of beautiful, consumable art existed. So yes, the first Elite event of 2013 was insanely amazing!
Searsucker managed to achieve that elusive blend of large space that is somehow intimate and inviting at the same time. Wood floors, classic rugs and a disco ball all worked together to highlight the impressive (and enormous!) assortment of food. I enjoyed everything I tasted, from first bite (shrimp with bacon grits) to last (mmm… red velvet cupcake) and everything in between!
While the food and drinks were wonderful, the Searsucker crew was truly outstanding. The chefs, bartenders, waiters and waitresses really made the event special — handling the large group with smiles and enthusiasm. A special thank you to Cindy, who not only let me know that Searsucker serves a fantastic brunch on Sundays (woo — bottomless Mimosas!) but went that extra step to bring me a menu! There is no question that I will be heading back for brunch (and lunch and dinner too) ASAP!
Thank you Lindsey and Searsucker for putting together such an enjoyable experience — I loved every minute!

What a great event, I must say the Unilocal staff and Searsucker staff pulled off a great evening. The event did put a damper on my goal for a six pack by April, but the food and drinks here are worth it. I can add Searsucker to my cheat day for my diet.
The prime rib was my hit of the night, with the mash potatoes and sauce it was the best food item I had. The roasted pig came in second, and the red velvet cake was a delicious end to the evening.
I must say that I really enjoyed the cocktails at Searsucker. I tried them all and I can say I would have all of them again. The drinks are just very good, to the point that I would go to Searsucker just for drinks. Peter Rabbit, Latin Cinema, and Lt. Dan are all good drinks.
Hope to see you at Searsucker enjoying a cocktail, I will be there. :)

Once again, Unilocal Phoenix and Lindsey did an amazing job organizing the first Elite event of the year! Many, many thanks to Chef Brian Malarkey and his terrific staff and «co-​conspirators» –Cindy, Chops, and Owen to name a few!
I walked in during lunch, not to eat, but to get a feel of the place, and I have to say that the differences in the environment and energy of the times I were there were, well, just «like night and day.» How original, I know. I was there just before 2p, so lunch was wrapping up, and the space was almost empty. I liked the open lines, low tables, wood everywhere, and the open kitchen; However, outside the restaurant, I felt like I had just stepped into an office building, or a hotel lobby– something felt amiss. Yet Searsucker last night was sexy, energetic, enveloping (but not in a claustrophobic way), and fun! I don’t know if the revolving disco ball is a permanent fixture, but it worked for me! It was dark, but not too dark I couldn’t see the glorious food presented to us: Prime rib with horseradish cream sauce over mashed potatoes, Pork with toasted Brussel sprouts and cauliflower (WOW, and I’m talking about the veggies, here!), and Braised short ribs sliders [exquisite aioli and sauce combo over soft and slightly sweet brioche (?) buns], and Spicy chicken pops with blue cheese dip were what I could try, and tried I did. :) People raved over the shrimp cocktails… Chef Malarkey and his staff did excellent work crafting not one, but TWO cheese and charcuterie tables. Yes, tables, not boards! For dessert, red velvet muffins with dollops of cream cheese frosting and chocolate beads– perfectly sweetened (and I didn’t even try the frosting) and very moist, with a texture I very much enjoyed (nice crisp at the bite, slightly chewy, and then melt-​in-​your-​mouth tender finish). I tend to prefer the edges of cakes and brownies– you know what I mean, crisped with caramelization, yet fudgy denser centers, and this muffin had all of these textures. I’d definitely order one for dessert again. Was a bit disappointed not to find red velvet anything on the brunch menu, which is only offered on Sundays, FYI, but all of us were already planning what we were going to try on future visits. Knowing that the menus change on a daily basis, and that ALL of the seafood, but the salmon (and even this fish is raised in open cold ocean waters), is wild-​caught and NOT fed cornmeal feed, are reasons enough for me to return. I dont’ get to enjoy much seafood anymore due to the popularity of farm-​raised and corn-​fed fish, so I’m in!
Many thanks again to Unilocal,Lindsey, Chef Malarkey, and «co-​conspirators» for throwing such a lovely party for us! I’ll be back with family and friends!
p. s. The bartenders did a terrific job handling our beverage needs– thank you! While I couldn’t try any of the three specialty cocktails on hand, I did enjoy the glass and a half of the Bordeaux blend I imbibed. Did someone say happy hour UYE?

Another wonderful Unilocal affair. We were so lucky to be able to attend this lovely night out. Located in Scottsdale in an Office building you might not know it is here.
But, right in front of Nieman Markus and across the street from City Hall.
Free parking under the building which was very nice well lit also.
We were greeted at the door by 3 lovely young ladies for our evening to begin.
Let me start by saying the Staff was so incredible! I mean really they worked so hard for us and were happy and helpful and just wonderful.
Timothy and Conrad were craving the Ribeye Tomahawk, served with Cognac and Horseradish, on top of Mashed potatoes.
We were seated near that table and those 2 worked non stop for hours, making each plate a work of art.
There were many servers, all who were fantastic! There were 3 Heathers. One being English (her name) the others were just as nice.
The bartenders were just as wonderful to everyone. They made some wonderful drinks for everyone. I only had wine, which was very good. But, they were making Popcorn infused Margaritas. and a LT Dan, plus one called a Peter Rabbit, which everyone at my table had tired all of these and said they were incredible.
The food was so abundant we just could eat no more.
There were pulled pork sliders, beautifully made. Shrimp that was full and plumb, Meatballs that were big and spicy. Plus the Calamari which I think is my favorite.
Quite a few people had Seersucker outfits on, or at least one piece, they looked great! Mark had a full suit on with a hat and two tone shoes. He was awesome!
We are so lucky to have attended such an event.
Thank you Lindsey, and helpers and thank you so much Searsuckers and all your staff. You are lucky to have such an awesome staff as well because, that makes all the difference.

Bravo to Brian and the entire staff at Searsucker, can’t forget our girl Lindsey for putting a fabulous evening together. The whole evening was so much fun. The atmospere here was amazing.
We enjoyed the fabulous cocktails, beer & wine. Great selection on tab!!! From Kilt Lifter to Great White and Stone Porter… beer Gods are shining down on Searsucker.
The food presentation was great. We loved the prime rib, shrimp cocktails, sliders and of course the red velvet cup cakes. I can’t wait to bring friends here!
I really enjoyed looking at the pictures all you Unilocalers shared.
Cheers!

Hunting through multiple thrift stores for the proper seersucker was a pain in the A$$, but it ended up being worth it. This was an outstanding Unilocal event and people looked pretty cool all seersuckered up!
My favorite dish, I tried, was the pork, or should I say the cauliflower and brussel sprouts that came with the pork?! If cauliflower and brussel sprouts tasted like that all the time, I would eat them every day! The Ribeye Tomahawk was pretty delicious too. The extra garnishes on their food really made their dishes yummy and unique. My favorite appetizer was the spicy chicken meatball; I think I ate 3 of them. The Charcuterie looked impressive, but I am not a fan when it comes to people breathing all over a table of food, especially during sick season, so I passed.
My favorite thing of the night was actually the drinks. I love Pimm’s #1 and their signature drink, the Peter Rabbit, was fabulous! I also ordered the Snake in the Grass, so I could tip them (I forgot cash). It was good but I think I may just have to stick with the Peter Rabbit when I drink at Searsucker. Another great thing about the Peter Rabbit, it is on the happy hour menu! Since I live only about 2 miles from here, I will definitely be partaking in their awesome looking happy hour.
The service was impeccable! They handled the swoon of Unilocalers in stride and with charm. My bartender, Monica, was a cool chic and a skilled, informative bartender. I will be back to visit her for sure! I also got a photo-​op with Chef Brian Malarkey, which unfortunately turned out blurry. He seemed like a nice guy who was very excited about his restaurants and his further endeavors.
I have no doubt, I will be back at Searsucker in the near future!

What Unilocal doesn’t know is that I never resolved to eat «better» in 2013 so unlike the rest of you, I didn’t have to screw my resolution. Suckers!
What a way to spend the evening. It was no holds barred at the event tonight. With Roasted Pig and Prime Rib as a knockout punch. Shrimp Cocktails, Spicy Chicken Meatballs, crispy squid, Charcuterie table of Meat and Cheese, pulled pork sliders, Red Velvet Cupcakes, Premium Cocktails, Pig stuffed Pig with Brussel Sprouts and Cauliflower, and Prime Rib over potatoes with Hollandaise sauce!
My hat is tipped to all the staff at Searsucker who worked to make such a great event. With food and drink that never seemed to run low, they cooked a delicious meal and served everyone with the greatest of ease all under the direction of acclaimed chef Brian Malarkey. Thanks Lindsey and the Phoenix Unilocal team for another event well planned and executed.
I loved all the Seersucker outfits and the competitive fabric swatch collecting, while my friends all claim I likely had more than 99 pieces. I’ve got to take my shoes off just to get above ten and I didn’t really want to try and count that high. Congrats to the winners of best dressed competition, that thing was for Suckers anyway — seersuckers ;-).
I know we all love the Unilocal swag, the food, and the drinks, IMO the greatest benefit of Unilocal Elitedom is gathering with awesome people, making friends, saying hi and having great laughs with new people.
Have fun Unilocaling Phoenix, I hope to see you at the next one! Don’t forget to swing by and say «Hi» if you see me there.

The evening began with the work of a food artist.
It was called Charcuterie. Amazing! As you can see from the photos, he took various food items, sauces and cheeses to create a edible piece of art. Nice! It looked like a Jackson Pollard painting.
It was also nice to see Gabi was +One to this event. LOL. She’s expecting and due in a few months.
The food was delicious. I was amazed by all the interesting interpretations for our gastronomic palate. The beef on top of a bed of mashed potatoes. The shrimp tucked on top of some grits. Not to mention our mixologists at the bar concocting who knows what. Everything was great!
A shout out to all of Unilocal Phoenix for organizing such a wonderful evening, and to our great CM Lindsey! I’m still pulling pieces of Searsucker cloth out of my pockets! I guess I didn’t win the scavenger hunt. LOL

Ok, I now know. .. I am a Peter Rabbit kind of gal! Without ice. .. please!
I absolutely loved Searsucker! The atmosphere, the food, the drinks, and especially the service. I would not hesitate to recommend Searsucker to all my friends. .. and I will take everyone visiting from out of town here.
Thank you Searsucker! Thank you Brian Malarkey! Thank you Lindsey!
.. .. And a special Thank You to Owen who took care of me with Peter Rabbits (no ice!) and treated me like a queen all evening long.
P. S. Get your reservations in early. .. this place is going to get super busy!

I’ll run out of superlatives trying to describe this event. Starting with the libations and the edible artwork that was the chacuterie table, to the seemingly endless servings of small bites such as the shrimp with cheese grits, to the pig stuffed pig with seared brussel sprouts, to the beef roast — all seasoned to a delicious finish — this event was a splendid treat for all the senses! And having Top Chef Brian Malarkey himself mingling with the crowd made for a really outstanding evening. Kudos to Lindsey and the Unilocal staff for putting together this extraordinary event and introducing us to this superb dining destination.

Can I give this 6 stars!!! My first impression was that for what a big star Brian Marlarkey is becoming with his new show starting next week, it is impressive to see him still working hard in his restaurant! We were greeted with a choice of three drinks and a food all night! My favorite was the chicken meatballs which had a nice spicy kick to them. All the meats were great and the artistic food board was really unique and fun. The cheese grits with shrimp were also a favorite.
I met a ton of great Unilocalers and had a really great time. Thank you Lindsey and Searsucker for an amazing first elite event of 2013. Perfect way to «screw» my resolution. Can’t wait to go back and try some lunch or brunch with my 20% off card. I am thinking the lobster roll or the cubano or… Ok, I have like 20 things I want to try!

Heck yeah! New Years Resolution be damned!
This was an excellent event. There were a lot of people in attendance and it was crowded, but the restaurant did an amazing job of always having lots of food and drink to go around! They never ran out of anything. That is a serious feat.
It’s obvious that Chef/​Owner/​tv personality/​stud muffin Brian Malarkey takes incredible pride in his cuisine, bar, atmosphere and service. It’s also noticeable that everyone who was working was smiling and having a good time. I can’t tell you how impressive that is. Not a single person looked stressed or angry or overwhelmed at the huge crowd of hungry Unilocalers.
The food was delicious and clever and fun. The cheese and charcuterie table was a piece of working art — watching the chef create it was awesome! I wanted to play with all the jams and sauces too!
The passed appetizers were great too– the spicy meatball was my favorite, but the crispy squid was an extremely close second.
The two food stations were equally impressive, you had suckling pig on one table and two huge racks of prime ribeye on the other table. Both carved to order. Both ridiculously tasty and rich.
Thank you so much to Unilocal,Lindsey, her team and of course Brian Malarkey and all the staff of Searsucker. I definitely can’t wait to come back for dinner!

You can’t ask for a better Elite party than this! How often does a Top Chef drop by his own restaurant and party with your fellow Elites!
Brian Malarkey worked his magic throughout the night, being the Chef he is. Just freaking awesome! The vibe and energy throughout the night was extroadinary. Complimentary drinks could be had all night long. Speaking of which, freaking delicious!
The food, holy moly! Everything but the slider blew my socks off! From the lamb to the succulent pig and chicken meatballs! Deelish! The staff was top notch and carried a smily attitude!
The venue itself was a splash of funky and chill like the chef! My birthday is coming up so I will definitely have it here!
As always, thank you Lindsey for continuing to be the best CM ever! You always deliver the best event than the last. :-D