Independent steakhouses are becoming a rarity in the East Valley. There’s JC’s Steakhouse in Gilbert, DC Steakhouse in downtown Chandler, Chop in south Chandler … and pretty much everyplace else is a chain.
So I was excited to hear about The Peppermill, which is coming to the southwest corner of McClintock and Elliot in south Tempe this fall.
‘‘The Peppermill is a modern-day steakhouse with French and Asian influences,’’ owner-chef Chad Thomas Bolar (pictured) says. ‘‘It will have classic steakhouse dishes and not-so-classic.’’
Bolar’s culinary resume includes Christopher’s Crush, Wrigley Mansion, Meridiem, and Pesto’s.
The Peppermill will be an intimate 1,600 square feet with 60 seats and an open kitchen with a wood-burning stove.
Besides steaks, Bolar plans an oyster bar and two or three fresh-catch seafood options. Bread will be baked daily in-house, and pastries also will be made in-house.
A full bar will serve classic cocktails and wines from Arizona and small wineries around the world.
Bolar is hoping to open in October.
