Society by Evo - The Art Behind the Food

The Art behind the food” is what motivates and inspires Chef Dylan Shortridge at Tempe’s Society by Evo - an equally artistic setting for his talents. Every dish on this menu is a part of this inspired chef who is a self-taught culinarian.

Once you step into this high energy bar/restaurant with Italian inspired cuisine, you are transported to another place. Sultry lighting, garlands of flowers, moss and mirrored walls, and floral murals all add to the allure of this dining destination. The adventure begins with colorfully crafted cocktails such as the ‘Quicker Picker Upper’, the ‘Wendy Thomas’, and ‘400 Bunnies’, pictured here.

Having designed the entire menu at Society, Chef Shortridge’s talents shine.

Hailing from Michigan, raised by parents who worked nights and ‘were not good cooks,’ Chef began visiting the grocery store, inspired by culinary shows, chefs and cook books. “Iron Chef blew my mind,” muses Shortridge.

Coming from the Midwest where he felt there was a lack of culture in cuisine, he set out to change that. For the past 15 years, he worked his way up the echelons of kitchen grind from dishwasher to chef de cuisine, and now executive chef at Society by EVO.

The beauty of it all is that co-owner Scappaticci also shares a similar background - starting as barback at EVO in Scottsdale, and now ‘runs the show’, from sharing love to creating the environment, according to co-owner Nick Neuman.

My favorite dish that evening was the Seared Salmon, with flavors of cream sauce made with garlic, shallots, and white wine, enhanced by dill on a buttery salmon filet, further enhanced by varying textures of roasted fingerlings, a wild mushroom and artichoke ragout on a bed of pea puree.

We couldn't resist the signature EVO meatballs served with pomodoro, pecorino, and ciabatta.

Equally as satisfying were the Bacon Wrapped Dates, with a balsamic reduction, balanced beautifully by the goat cheese. EVO Arancani with risotto, mozzarella, peas and pomodoro were also polished off with no delay. On special that evening was a grilled shrimp risotto, which was incredible!

Highly recommend this Tempe dining destination!