When Russell LaCasce took the reins as executive chef of Hotel Valley Ho in 2017, he knew he was stepping into something special. Following Chuck Wiley and the culinary team who had built the hotel’s reputation meant “big shoes to fill,” says LaCasce, “but I knew it would be a great place for me to make my mark and plant my flag—I was ready to keep growing and moving forward.”
That ambition has driven LaCasce since he landed in the Valley in 2006. After earning his degree from the Arizona Culinary Institute, he worked alongside some of Arizona’s top talents, including Beau MacMillan at Sanctuary Camelback Mountain Resort and Spa, where he rose to the role of executive sous chef. Now, as executive chef at Hotel Valley Ho, he oversees the historic property’s vast culinary operation, managing all dining outlets, banquets, catering, room service, and even the employee cafeteria. “I have my hands in a lot of things,” he admits, “including beverage—I consult on the cocktails and sit in on the wine tastings for the wine menus.” And that’s not all. He’s also the creative force behind the hotel’s signature events, from the summer market series featuring celebrity chef collaborations to wine dinners and regularly sold-out pairing showdowns.
At the heart of it all is ZuZu, the resort’s signature restaurant named for the beloved matriarch of the family that owns Hotel Valley Ho. Here, LaCasce draws the crowds with a menu that combines the restaurant’s retro American charm with his own globe-spanning philosophy. “I follow what inspires me at the moment,” he explains. “It might be Moroccan or Mediterranean food, or maybe French or Asian food. We also support local, like produce from Bob McClendon, goat cheese from Wendell Crow, and heritage meats from Terra Farm in Prescott. We always stick to sourcing the best ingredients and executing every menu at the highest level.”
Follow along as LaCasce shares three spots you might find him on a night off.
Where:
The Americano
What:
A sleek Italian-inspired chophouse led by Culinary Advisor Beau MacMillan and Executive Chef Peter McQuaid, known for hand-rolled pastas and wood-fired steaks, and Tell Your Friends, a speakeasy-inspired underground lounge.
Why:
It’s a fun night out. Having worked with Beau for a long time, I appreciate his style and what he does. They’re doing progressive things over there and cooking with love and passion. It’s a great date-night spot to have dinner, and then go downstairs to Tell Your Friends to listen to live music and enjoy some drinks.
Favorites:
Any of their steaks and pasta.
Location:
17797 N Scottsdale Rd, Scottsdale, AZ 85255
Where:
The Mission
What:
Chef Matt Carter’s modern Latin restaurant drawing influences from Spain, Mexico, Central America, and South America.
Why:
The Mission has been one of my favorite spots since it opened in Old Town. My wife, Simona, was actually part of the opening service team, and we spent at least once a week there for years when we lived nearby. I love Matt Carter’s approach—he set the bar for that style of food—and I think that he’s one of the Valley’s best.
Favorites:
Tableside guacamole, ham hock and chicken tostadas, cola-lime crispy pork lettuce wraps, duck carnitas empanadas, and Primarita margarita.
Locations:
7122 E Greenway Pkwy #140, Scottsdale, AZ 85254
3815 N Brown Ave, Scottsdale, AZ 85251
3150 E Ray Rd #180, Gilbert, AZ 85296
Where
Zipps Sports Grill
What:
A local family-owned chain of neighborhood sports bars known for its comfortable, casual atmosphere and scratch menu with 14 restaurants throughout Metro Phoenix.
Why:
It’s a family favorite. I’ll go with my kids or with coworkers for a quick bite off-site. Their wings are some of the best in town, and I like their slushy margaritas. And I’m a sucker for a classic bacon cheeseburger.
Favorites:
Golden Hot wings, double-stacked bacon cheeseburger with onion rings, and the Zipperita margarita.
Locations:
Scottsdale, Gilbert, Tempe, Phoenix, Glendale, Chandler (various locations)
written by: christina barrueta
photographed by: luke irvin