PHOENIX — Just in time for game five of the NBA playoffs between the Phoenix Suns and the Los Angeles Lakers, fans will be able to get a local taste of Phoenix's food scene.
Chef Stephen Jones' southern restaurant, The Larder + The Delta, is set to open Tuesday, June 1, between sections 110 and 130, at Phoenix Suns Arena in downtown Phoenix, marking his second location in the Valley.
He launched his restaurant years ago at DeSoto Central Market, a restaurant hub that closed in 2018, and then opened a full-service restaurant at Portland on the Park, a condo complex, near Portland Street and Central Avenue.
Jones was one of 10 Arizona chefs named a semi-finalist for a James Beard Award for the "Best Chef: Southwest" category in 2020.
Here is what's on the game day menu:
- Nashville-style hot chicken: three hot chicken tenders and fries
- Cauliflower: smoked blue cheese, celery, Cutino's hot sauce
- Po'Boy: Crispy chicken skin, jalapeno-apple slaw, hot sauce aioli, served on a Hawaiian roll
- Low-country hurricane popcorn: Old Bay seasoning, cayenne, benne seed, popped sorghum berries, nori
- Our KFC sandwich: Crispy chicken thigh, Granny Smith apple slaw, crystal hot sauce aioli, served on a Buttermilk bun
Jones is one of three local chefs/restaurateurs opening locations at the arena, which recently underwent a $230 million renovation.
Chef Richard Hinojosa, the owner of CRUjiente Tacos in Arcadia, is bringing his gourmet tacos to the Phoenix Suns Arena. However, due to staffing issues, he hasn't been able to open that location yet.
Hula's Modern Tiki is also opening a location at the arena, according to Mychael Ramirez, brand communications for the Phoenix Suns and Phoenix Mercury. However, it's unclear when and where it will open.
As part of the renovations, more than 15,000 seats in the arena were replaced, new LED screens were added inside the arena, the entrance lobby was renovated and a 60-foot bar was added, and the opening of the Annexus Social Club, a private club where the team's training facility used to be.
The Fry's Eatery, a trendy indoor food court, also recently opened at the arena. It is home to Hornito’s Taco Bar, Streets of New York Pizza, All The Luv Wings, and Gorilla Grill.
Ahead of Tuesday night's game, the Suns-Lakers series is tied 2-2.
