New Cocktail and Dining Lounge Bar Cena to Open in North Scottsdale

A new dining and cocktail lounge will open in North Scottsdale this fall.

Cast Iron Concepts—the restaurant group behind Hush Public House, TVG, and Fire at Will—will debut Bar Cena next door to Hush Public House at the northeast corner of Scottsdale and Thunderbird roads.

This latest venture will feature a chef-driven menu and a vibrant cocktail program.

Hush General Manager Regina Di Salvo and Executive Chef Alex Harrison are spearheading the development of Bar Cena, and Chef de Cuisine Zack Myers is heading up the food menu. The menu is set to feature approximately 10 dishes that will rotate with the seasons. Initial examples include Pâté en Croute, Crispy Potato Pave with Duck Fat and Rouille, Mussels Escabeche, and Muffuletta Croquettes with Cured Olives and Fennel.

In fact, “Cena” translates to “dinner” or “supper” in French, Spanish, and Italian languages, and is a nod to the influences that will be highlighted on the seasonally rotating menu.

“We’re looking forward to expanding our reach and presenting yet another opportunity for guests to experience elevated drinking and dining in a casual and welcoming atmosphere with a neighborhood feel,” says owner and chef Dom Ruggiero, “We are proud to have some of our existing staff taking the lead on this project and have complete confidence that their talents will shine at Bar Cena.”

Two Hands Consulting, LLC, which conceptualized the bar programs at both Hush and Fire at Will, is creating Bar Cena’s cocktail menu featuring seven specialty cocktails. Hush staff will also be contributing their own ideas to the bar program, such as espresso martinis on draft and tableside Absinthe service.

Owner and chef Dom Ruggerio. Courtesy Cast Iron Concepts