Frida American Brasserie plans late Oct. opening at La Encantada

Frida American Brasserie now has a clearer opening timeline. Owners Charles Hunt and Frida Hunt originally planned an August debut at La Encantada. Now, the team is aiming for late October instead.

A more specific opening window

Frida Hunt said the team hopes to open on October 22. However, she noted that end of October is the safer estimate until the date is confirmed. Frida American Brasserie will occupy 2905 E. Skyline Drive, in the former Living Room space.

A first look at the dinner menu

Frida American Brasserie also shared an early look at its dinner menu, wine list, and cocktail program. The team cautioned that the menu remains a work in progress and is subject to change before opening.

Even so, several sections give a strong sense of direction. The Garden & Pot section includes a Crab Louie Salad with blue crab, avocado, and shaved egg, alongside a French Onion Soup finished with melted Gruyère. Small plates range from Crab Cakes with Old Bay remoulade to Mini Lobster Rolls served on toasted brioche.

The Fire & Sea section leans into steakhouse territory, with a 32-ounce tomahawk, a 12-ounce rib-eye, and a Chardonnay-poached lobster tail. Mains and pastas include a Brasserie Burger made with wagyu, a Heritage Roasted Half Chicken, and a Gnocchi Pomodoro finished with fresh basil.

A sushi section will also appear on the menu, though the roll names are expected to change before opening. The restaurant plans to feature about five rolls, drawing on ingredients like spicy tuna, yellowtail, and mango.

Lunch adds panini and brasserie classics

Beyond dinner, Frida American Brasserie also plans a lunch menu. Frida Hunt said lunch will feature panini sandwiches alongside brasserie staples like burgers, steak frites, and a French dip.

Champagne remains the centerpiece

The restaurant's wine list highlights its Champagne-forward identity. Bottles range from Veuve Clicquot at $120 to Champagne Krug Grande Cuvée at $500. The list also includes several rosé Champagnes, along with still white and red wines from France, Italy, Spain, and the United States.

By-the-glass options include a Louis Jadot Pouilly-Fuissé, a Giovanni Rosso Langhe Nebbiolo, and a Torres Celeste Tempranillo. Guests can also order Veuve Clicquot by the glass.

The cocktail list, however, is still expected to change before opening. A preview version includes drinks built around Veuve Clicquot, such as the Veuve French 75 and Veuve Cucumber Spritz, alongside whiskey and rum-based options like the Whistle Pig Old Fashioned and Mango Mojito.

What comes next

Frida American Brasserie will continue to refine its menu ahead of its late October opening. The restaurant previously announced plans for a two-story Champagne display, a private wine cellar-style second floor, and a climate-controlled patio.

For more information, visit fridatucsonaz.com.