Pretty Penny
Day 2: 5-Course Palate-Bending Pleasures Tasting Series
This seafood-forward eatery on Roosevelt Row was promptly named by Phoenix New Times as the “Best New Restaurant of 2024” after opening last year. Founded by Sam Olguin and Brenon Stuart, the cocktail visionaries behind Killer Whale Sex Club and Disco Dragon, in partnership with Virtù alumni chef Marcelino “Mars” Ramos, the team has transformed an old cocktail lounge into a polished, warmly-lit neighborhood hub. Chef Ramos, alongside hosting Exec Chef Manuel Ponce, brings a richly layered culinary background steeped in global inspiration to standout dishes like the deconstructed octopus tostada with black sesame salsa and the moulard duck carpaccio infused with plum and ginger, as well as decadent desserts like the banana cheesecake. It’s all pulled off in an luxurious open kitchen that allows diners to feel part of the magic. “You see the term ‘breaking all the rules’ lazily and wishfully slapped on all kinds of things,” says Phoenix Magazine, “but here’s a restaurant-cocktail-lounge combo that’s genuinely doing some rule-breaking, to delicious and endearing effect.” Sounds to our ears like a great place to spend an evening, so we look forward to seeing you there!
About the Host:
Manuel Ponce
Executive Chef
Chef Manuel "Manny" Ponce began cooking at an early age, in order to help take care of his six siblings. He has since honed his craft everywhere from corporate chains to small boutique restaurants, including serving as head chef at Disco Dragon. He most recently took the reigns at Pretty Penny in March 2025.
The Lineup
All courses will be individually plated. For the list of restrictions Chef is accommodating, scroll to the bottom of this page.
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Thai Prawn Ceviche
citrus cured prawn, mango, bell pepper, red onion, green curry coconut cream
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Braised Eggplant
seared panela cheese, african chermoula, toasted sunflower seed, shallot
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Curried Lamb Lasagna
yellow curry heartquist hollow farms lamb, chanterelle, bechamel, perilla leaf
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Scottish Salmon
dashi, mushroom and leek risotto, ginger scallion sauce
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Matcha Tiramisù
mascarpone cream, lady fingers, japanese matcha, cocoa, citrus zest
Pretty Penny
509 E Roosevelt St
Phoenix, AZ 85004
Event FAQs
- Do guests need to be of a certain age to attend this event?
- Yes. All attendees must be 21+ to gain entry.
- Will this event be handicap acccessible?
- According to the restaurant, this event is handicap accessible. If applicable however, please email support@tastingcollective.com with your needs to ensure proper accommodations.
- What is the event ticket cancellation/refund policy?
- Restaurants purchase the food for our events 14 days before the event date, at which point we are on the hook for the cost of your ticket. As such, we are not able to offer refunds (or credits towards future events) for any cancellation requests submitted within 14 days of the event date. We will, however, issue full refunds for all cancellation requests submitted at least 14 days before the event date. All cancellation requests must be submitted via email to support@tastingcollective.com.
- What dietary restrictions/food allergies can be accommodated at this event?
- Due to the large-format nature of our events, restaurants are not able to accommodate all dietary restrictions/food allergies or make any menu adjustments based on food preferences (e.g distaste for specific ingredients/flavor profiles). This restaurant will be offering substitutions exclusively for the following restrictions/allergies: Vegetarian, Pescatarian, Panela, Parmesan, Fish, Shellfish, Nut. They are NOT accommodating restrictions related to the following ingredients: Alliums, Milk/Cream, Butter, Gluten, Mushrooms. If you have any of these restrictions/allergies, please make sure to note this in your profile (in the “Event Preferences” section) either before or right after purchasing your tickets so Chef can prepare accordingly.
- Does this restaurant allow BYOB?
- No. This restaurant is a non-BYO establishment. Outside alcohol will not be permitted at this event.
