Housed inside an about-to-renovate hotel in Downtown Phoenix, this new restaurant is the tastiest-sounding marketing gimmick we’ve heard of in a long time. Named Cycle, it’s a ‘pop-up’ restaurant that opens on April 1 and already has an expiration date set for this Fall (when the Lexington Phoenix Hotel will undergo a wall-to-wall renovation). And forget about an ever-changing menu, Cycle will feature ever-changing chefs, most operating out of Food Trucks, as well as menus designed by local food bloggers and celebs.

The latter part sounds especially fun/horrifying. Does this mean we can expect menus by Malcolm in the Middle or Eric Eats Out? Or maybe this is where former New Times critic, Michele Laudig is landing?

Meanwhile, the name is a play on Downtown’s burgeoning bicycle culture; Cycle features one of the state’s largest bike racks (whatever that’s worth) and even boasts a Bike Valet for certain event nights.

Most important, there will be a bar featuring silly-yet-potent sippers such as the ‘cocktail-inspired sno-cone’s’ that Cycle rolled out at last weekend’s Devoured Culinary Classic. And keeping with the off-the-cuff appeal, all food and drink menus will be only be announced the week of via Twitter and Facebook.

Of course, we’ve previously seen the “pop up” or temporary boutique in the shopping/retail world, such as at HUB Clothing inside Scottsdale Fashion Square. But this is the first local restaurant we can think of that’s incorporating the same effect. Should be interesting if nothing else.

Read the full press release below.

Don’t blink!
Cycle opens this April,
then fades by Fall.

New Phoenix Pop-Up Restaurant Rotates Chefs, Menus for Limited Time

PHOENIX, Ariz — It’s the start of a new cycle. Cycle. A restaurant with a built-in expiration date. Opening to the public April 1 after a four-day flash remodel. Closing when the weather cools off. Sounds mysterious? It is. Don’t blink, or you might miss the pop-up that will put Phoenix pop-ups on the map.

Cycle is the first phase in the larger, year-long renovation of the Lexington Hotel in Downtown Phoenix. The concept fills the property’s existing restaurant while offering interesting, mobile chefs a bar and a dining room of adventurous guests.

Here’s more details:

The name. Triple meaning: First, the rotation (cycle) of chefs, menu and talent. Second, the temporary restaurant is step one of the lifecycle of the entire property’s renovation schedule. Third, Cycle speaks directly to the bike-friendly downtown communities. One of the state’s largest bike racks instantly welcome the pedal people, while a Bike Valet service gives funky VIP treatment on event nights. Even the bar within the restaurant will be named the Biker Bar.

The look.  Wrapped with chalkboard walls, Cycle is a make-your-own-space hangout where bins of chalk on the table let you leave your mark. (We’re partial to haikus, but you’re welcome to get creative. Perhaps a goodbye note? Maybe a memory? Your call, our chalk.) Cycle’s local artist-in-residence, Kyle Jordre slings his signature paint stick, transforming the entrance into an eclectic work of walk-thru art. Curb appeal meets functionality as one of the large picture windows will be knocked out, making room for a garage-door-like dock for mobile food trucks on select nights or days.

The food. Nothing permanent at Cycle, including the chef. From the kitchens (both on wheels and on slab), expect rotating menus from top local chefs, food bloggers, local celebs and more. With the dining room’s nifty sliding door, diners walk up and order straight from the truck. No fancy china or expensive silverware here. Cycle is about feeding people amazing eats in a relaxed hangout.

The drinks. Cocktail culture lives here. The city’s top mixologists will cycle through the tavern-esque bar. We showed our cards a bit with cocktail-inspired sno-cones at Devoured. You’ll be inspired to imbibe.

The events. Cycle’s grand opening will be held on First Friday, April 1, 2010. As usual, the chef, menu and drinks will be announced the week of via Twitter and Facebook. No peeking. We will surprise you.

The closing. Don’t blink. Cycle shutters by Fall, making way for the hotel’s dramatic renovation.

The culture. Expect artists-in-residence, parking lot parties, outdoor movie nights (BYOLC — bring your own lawn chair), bike rallies.

1100 N. Central Avenue, Phoenix, AZ 85004 (in the Lexington Hotel) | 602-252-2100
Hours depend on chef lineup, announced regularly on website.
www.CyclePhoenix.com | Twitter: @CyclePhoenix | Find us on Facebook.

Tweet