As the Arizona heat arrives, St. Francis, known for wood-fired cuisine with an emphasis on seasonal ingredients, is taking a refreshing twist on its new menus. Local summer vegetables take center stage to create dishes that are light, yet rich with mesquite and almond wood flavors from roasting in the oven.

Restaurateur and St. Francis founder Aaron Chamberlin’s favorite dishes from the new summer lunch menu include: Carrot Ginger Soup; Fire Roasted Eggplant Dip; Wood Roasted Summer Squash; and Heirloom Tomato Crostini.

Nearly every dish at St. Francis has a component that comes out of the oven, whether it’s roasted meats that are highlights of the entrees or roasted vegetables that are pureed to make sauce.

As the first restaurant concept developed by Chamberlin, St. Francis was created inside a 1950s building located at 111 E. Camelback Road that blends historic and modern architecture, a charming vine-covered patio with a roaring fireplace, daily happy hour and just for families, a toy box, and free meals for children under 12 years old (when an adult meal is purchased).

For more information, visit http://stfrancisaz.com or call 602-200-8111.