See and be seen at Va Bene bar

By KELLY WILSON
Get Out

The spot: Va Bene, 4647 E. Chandler Blvd., Ahwatukee Foothills

Happy hour: 4 to 7 p.m. daily

The vibe: It's difficult to carry on a conversation at this upscale Italian restaurant and wine bar — which moved into bigger Ahwatukee Foothills digs two months ago — when we stop by on an early Friday evening. Va Bene's bar area is slammed and is extremely noisy. But it's worth the shouting to be a part of the see-and-be-seen atmosphere. The bar is filled with beautiful people in their 20s to 40s. The food deals: Half-off appetizers.

The drink deals: $2 domestic bottles, $2.50 import bottles, $3 well drinks, $3.50 martinis and $1 off house wines.

The review: Although the food is served in small portions, the delicious taste makes up for it. The scallops ($4.50), which are pan-seared in a pesto sauce, come in an order of three delectable bites and are served with a piece of crunchy bread. The Salmon Della Casa ($4.50) — Alaskan salmon served with pickled cabbage and drizzled with a caper mayonnaise sauce — is equally delicious, as is the savory calamari ($4), which is served in the largest order of the three appetizers we try. We're shocked that the Cosmopolitan ($3.50) is so strong since most bars tend to be stingy on liquor when cocktails are on special.

The inside scoop: The tiramisu ($6) is not on the happy hour menu, but it's worth sampling. The heavenly light and creamy dish is served in a small order and is sprinkled with powdered sugar.

Info: and www.vabene az.com