Rare Earth Pizza and Wine

Rare Earth is a rare find. It’s where the pizza dough is aged with as much care as the wines served, and the patio affords beautiful McDowell Mountain views, rather than the all too familiar Scottsdale parking lot perspective. Located between Troon Mountain and Pinnacle Peak, Rare Earth has quietly established itself as a source of exceptional if casual dining, in a friendly, comfortable environment. 

“We try to create a moment for people that is exactly what they need,” says co-owner Elizabeth. “If guests want to visit and chat, we love to do that. If you want to have your own time together, we’re happy to oblige.”

The menu’s main attraction is the gourmet pizzas. Diners can choose from a wide variety of pizza creations, including the expected as well as the unexpected. You can’t go wrong with the authentic Margherita Pizza, the classic with fresh mozzarella, red sauce and fresh basil. Up for something slightly more exotic, you might consider the Prosciutto and Fig, which is topped with thin prosciutto paired with sweet fig, fresh mozzarella and parmesan.

The Taste of Chicago is a carnivore’s favorite, with sausage, pepperoni, mushrooms, white onions, black olives, red sauce, mozzarella and parmesan arranged in the traditional Chicago style. And for a high end taste, it’s recommend you try the Steak & Blue Cheese pizza, consisting of thinly sliced sirloin, red onion, mushrooms and blue cheese on a zesty horseradish sauce garnished with mixed greens.

Which ever pizza you choose, rest assured the dough is handmade daily, but not rushed into service. That’s because dough has a life cycle and its peak flavor and texture is usually reached after 36 hours. Every pizza is hand rolled, then cooked at extreme heat for a short amount of time, creating a thin, delicious crust.

Nor is pizza the only menu item worthy of attention. Among the tasty sandwiches, the

Turkey and Brie, especially stands out, with thinly sliced smoked turkey and creamy brie with red onion, baby greens and herbed mayonnaise on French style bread. And the Pear, Walnut and Blue Cheese Salad is a star in its own right. All the salads are made with particularly healthy ingredients and homemade dressings.

The other side of the dining equation is the extensive wine list Rare Earth offers. With over 40 wines served by the glass, and the friendly guidance of staff, you’re sure to find a match. Just a few favorites include the Diseno, Malbec, Grand Cru Mendoza from Argentina, the Montes Pinot Noir from Chile, the Velvet Devil Merlot from Washington State and the Tiera Sauvignon Blanc from California.

“People sometimes think wine is complicated,” says Caruana, “but pair it properly with the simplicity of pizza and you can relax.”

If everything about Rare Earth sounds very thoughtfully put together, that’s because it was. The idea was born 15 years ago 2500 miles away in Brooklyn, New York. Elizabeth and her husband at the time, Gary Caruana, were both working high stress jobs in the theater world, and dreaming of getting out of the rat race.

Gary became the chef and the dough guru, while Elizabeth took responsibility for the front of the house. Though since divorced, they have remained dedicated partners in the restaurant, each sharing a deep passion for their work. From the beginning, the quality and care they took won critical acclaim, earning them a four star review from the Arizona Republic. Since then, they’ve never looked back, and with such a rare view, why would they?

Rare Earth Pizza and Wine
28190 N Alma School Pkwy, Scottsdale, AZ 85262
Phone: 480-513-6252
Web: www.rareearthwine.com