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The Vig
4140 N. 40th St.
602-553-7227
Hours: 11 a.m. until 1 a.m. on weekdays and
2 a.m. on weekends.

I can’t remember who came up with the idea, but a plan was floated a year or two back amongst my friends which involved closing off Indian School Road between 24th Street and 44th for a Chiropractor’s parade.
Local celebrities would emcee a three hour event of floats, old convertibles and dirigible cartoon characters sponsored by HMOs and all the Chiropractors whose practices line the road.           Miss Arizona would lead the event from the back of a pickup truck sprawled out on one of those tables that has the motorized rollers. The bars would fence off their parking lots and people would wander the event with screwdrivers in plastic glasses.
A VIP tent sponsored by Excedrin would offer lumbar adjustments on the fly and just like at the Parada Del Sol, my friends and I would choose a favorite bar to serve as our command post throughout the event. The Vig, with its stately modernist design, outdoor fireplace and menu of munchies would be just the place.
The Vig is owned by local restaurateurs Jim Riley and Tucker Woodberry. You might remember Jim as the man behind The Blue Moose in the Scottsdale Civic Center.
The first challenge I set for The Vig was aimed at the bar. Could they make a Bloody Mary my way rather than their way? The answer was yes.
It’s not an easy challenge, by the way. Nine times out of 10, a Bloody Mary comes one way: the bar’s mix (which they usually claim is awesome, but it blows). My way is very simple: 2 oz. tomato juice, 1 oz. fresh-squeezed lemon juice, 1 oz. vodka, and an olive.   The cocktail came out perfect as well as the two which followed. I must say I was impressed. For most bars, asking them to follow your program is a battle. The Vig didn’t mind a bit.
The Starters on the menu looked like the most ambitious entries. Our favorite of them was the Halibut Civiche ($7.95). If I ever follow through on my plan to open a Ceviche bar, I’ll start by blatantly copying this dish.
The Pasole ($7.95) was also very good and is certainly hearty enough to act as a main course. The slivers of homemade tortilla served alongside were perfectly crispy and oiled just right – they must have a little old Mexican National Lady working in the back, we thought.
The Vig’s list of entrees includes four sandwiches and four bistro style dishes. The Vig Azz Burger ($8.95) won me over with the smoked Gouda and Pepper Bacon.
I also liked the combo of flavors coming from the Hot Chix sandwich with its Avocado Cream sauce and provolone ($8.95).
The Marinated Bistro Tenderloin with Red Jacket Garlic Mashed Potatoes and Sautéed Julienne Vegetables ($11.95) is a good no-nonsense four square plate and I suspect it will be a favorite at its more than reasonable price.