The conversion of St. Francis into Oak on Camelback, located in the center of Phoenix, where culinary traditions and innovation collide, is evidence of the city’s changing dining scene. Under the direction of Chef Robert Bogart, this transformation combines modern culinary artistry with the rich history of a cherished establishment.
Restaurant Information:
| Name | Oak on Camelback |
|---|---|
| Address | 111 East Camelback Road, Phoenix, AZ 85012 |
| Phone | (602) 200-8111 |
| Website | oakoncamelback.com |
| Cuisine | American, with global influences |
| Features | Wood-fired oven, seasonal menu, brunch offerings |
| Hours | Tuesday-Thursday: 3 PM – 9 PM; Friday: 3 PM – 10 PM; Saturday: 10 AM – 10 PM; Sunday: 10 AM – 3 PM |
The St. Francis Legacy
Chef Aaron Chamberlin opened St. Francis in 2009, and it soon gained popularity in the neighborhood thanks to its wood-fired dishes and dedication to using only the freshest ingredients. The restaurant’s location in a historic building on Camelback Road and its name, which was taken from a 1936 land deed, gave it additional charm and authenticity.
Introducing Chef Robert Bogart
The return of chef Robert Bogart to Phoenix represents a homecoming on both a personal and professional level. Bogart, a Scottsdale Culinary Institute graduate, developed his craft at Denver’s Elway’s Steakhouse before opening multiple eateries in California. Cooking over wood fires during his early camping trips in Texas sparked his passion for cooking and served as the basis for his subsequent pursuits.
What’s New and What’s Old at Oak on Camelback
Under Bogart’s direction, Oak on Camelback has updated its menu to highlight sustainable, in-season ingredients while maintaining the spirit of St. Francis. His dedication to accessible fine dining is demonstrated by his signature dishes, which include pork belly banh mi pho dip and scallops with wild mushroom risotto.
Both returning customers and newcomers find the restaurant’s atmosphere, which is distinguished by its rustic charm and modern sensibility, to be a warm and inviting place. While the inventive menu reflects Phoenix’s vibrant culinary scene, the custom wood-burning oven is preserved as a nod to its illustrious past.
Chef Robert Bogart – Professional Profile
| Name | Robert Bogart |
|---|---|
| Current Role | Chef/Owner, Oak on Camelback |
| Culinary Education | Scottsdale Culinary Institute, Class of 2001 |
| Previous Experience | Executive Chef at Elway’s Steakhouse, Ritz Carlton Denver |
| Notable Achievements | Cooked at James Beard House, New York; Opened multiple restaurants in Temecula, California |
| Culinary Philosophy | Emphasis on seasonal, sustainable ingredients; traditional techniques with innovative twists |
| Personal Inspiration | Early experiences of wood-fired cooking with grandfather in Texas |
| Website | Oak on Camelback |
By transforming St. Francis into Oak on Camelback, Chef Bogart has not only preserved the history of a beloved restaurant but also given it new vitality, guaranteeing its continued relevance and allure.
For more information, visit Oak on Camelback’s official website.
