Hearsay and Perk Café open at renovated Esplanade in Phoenix

🥗 Hearsay Social Kitchen and Perks Café, two new concepts from Chicago-based Episcope Hospitality, have opened at the Esplanade on the southeast corner of 24th Street and Camelback in Phoenix.

Episcope is helmed by David Morton, whose father Arnie Morton founded Morton’s Steakhouse in Chicago and helped Hugh Hefner launch the Playboy Club. David’s half-brother, Peter Morton, founded the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino.

For now, Hearsay features a streamlined menu of three salads ($12-$15), three sandwiches ($14-$16), and three entrees ($19-$22). along with cocktails, wine, and beers. (Pictured above: Poke Bowl and Little Gem Salad.)

The restaurant, which eventually will add breakfast, boasts a fully electric kitchen and a listening room with acoustically tuned walls and high-fidelity sound system.

Hours are 11 a.m.-8 p.m. weekdays.

Perks Café offers coffee ranging from local roasters to nationally recognized brands, gourmet iced teas, and pastries. Hours are 7 a.m.-5 p.m. weekdays.