FEATURE FRIDAY: Take a Culinary Journey with Iconic Chef Cory Oppold of COURSE Restaurant

Cory Oppold, chef/partner at COURSE restaurant, is making his mark on the Valley. Oppold and his team received top honors at the 2024 Foodist Awards, winning both Top Chef and Emerging Restaurant of the Year . The restaurant, an intimate space that seats 27 indoors and 38 to 42 on the patio, features set prix-fixe menus only, offering a differing take on dining than a typical restaurant.

Here, Oppold shares his thoughts on his restaurant and its menu, the foods he can’t get enough of, and the motto he lives by.

Your restaurant hasn’t been open that long and is already an iconic destination. Can you describe the locale?

Located at Scottsdale and Shea, COURSE was created to bring the people a place to enjoy fine-dining made approachable.

Why a concept like this rather than the more traditional concept where there are menus of items to choose from?

We feel a multi-course menu gives the guest more than just a meal—it’s an experience. It allows the culinary team and me to tell our story about the season or through a theme. The diner doesn’t have to think about what to order or what sides to pick. We curate a meal perfectly tailored to take their pallet on a culinary journey.

What inspires the menu and how often does it change?

Our main menus change with each season, approximately every three months, with a focus on seasonal vegetables and ingredients.

On Sundays, we offer an inspired monthly menu that is tied to a theme like “Fine Diner” or “12 Days of Christmas,” or explores parts of the world, such as “Mexico,” “Italy,” and “The Alps.”

New happenings at COURSE?

Our newest addition to COURSE is our Sunday special menus. These menus will happen every Sunday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. They change monthly. Current menus and reservations are available on our website.

Favorite ingredient to cook with?

Seasonal vegetables, which is why our menu at COURSE is tailored around the vegetables.

One dish you can never get enough of?

Popcorn and nachos.

The one thing that has surprised you most about having a restaurant?

When the guest walks away knowing they had a great experience and enjoyed every aspect of it from the food to the hospitality. There’s just nothing like that feeling. That is why we do what we do.

When you’re not working, we’d find you …

At home enjoying movies or quick day trips to get out in nature.

Motto you live by?

Under promise, over deliver.

COURSE restaurant. Courtesy COURSE