So Scottsdale December 2020

LOCAL FRENCH EATERIES CELEBRITY WINES THAT WOW

OUR TOP

28

CULINARY PICKS

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A TOAST TO GOING FORWARD INTO THE NEW YEAR! We’ve helped companies get through 2020 and will now continue to guide entrepreneurs in all fields to take their businesses to the next level.

The King Approach, has been singlehandedly instrumental in steering clients through successful mergers & acquisitions, start-ups of new business lines, philanthropic endeavors, and national growth.

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Karen King-Brooks, Owner and CEO, The King Approach

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JUST IN TIME FOR THE HOLIDAY SEASON! ANNOUNCING A NEW SHOPPING EXPERIENCE

By

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Happy Holidays!

Lisa Garber Owner/Designer 8-TIME WINNER Female Jewelry Designer of the year

From the Galicia Family to yours, we would like to thank you for all your support in 2020 and wish you the happiest of holidays and a very Happy New Year! We welcome you to come in and choose a memorable gift for your loved one from our wide variety of gorgeous jewelry

Located at Scottsdale Quarter 15147 N. Scottsdale Road Call or text 480.421-9688 or www.galiciajewelers.com @galicia.jewelers @luxuryconceptsbygalicia

Spread holiday cheer and save more than ever.

Give $50 or More to Charity and Save Hundreds on Stressless Recliners! *See store for details.

TH E INNOVATORS OF COMFO RT™

Celebrate the season of giving, by helping the ones who need it most, and then helping yourself to great deals on Stressless recliners. With your donation, save $ 400 on Stressless Mayfair recliners and ottomans in all Paloma leather colors, including Stressless Mayfair recliners with Classic Power TM and Stressless Mayfair office chairs. Plus, save up to $ 300 on most other Stressless recliners and $ 200 on our new, innovative recliners, Stressless Mike and Max. Stressless is proudly endorsed by the American Chiropractic Association.

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E N J OY T H E DIFFERENCE

ENJOY THE H A P PY H O LI DAYS • D R I N K R E S P O N S I B LY • R O X X V O D K A . C O M

Contents Escape the real-world hustle by booking an appointment with your favorite Scottsdale color expert and master stylist, Rodney Gentry.

Kick back and relax in Rodney’s private salon suite while he works magic on your hair, taking the utmost care with your beauty and your health. Look gorgeous and feel fabulous this summer!

For an appointment, please call 480.639.2000, or visit www.rodneygentry.com for more information.

ON THE COVER: The Brulee Burger from Paradise Valley Burger Company. Styled by Anna Shchekin. Photo by Debby Wolvos.

Features 60 CREAM OF THE CROP Our top 28 culinary picks

The Hair Color Expert, Rodney Gentry Specializing in hair coloring, corrective color, dimensional hair color, highlights, lowlights, and smoothing hair treatment services.

Rodney Gentry’s meticulous method of hair coloring combined with state of art products produces healthy, shiny, naturally beautiful hair every time. Rodney creates a natural look that highlights the assets of one’s face and complexion.

By constantly seeking out the newest styles and most advanced techniques Rodney achieves the look that is perfect for you. Rodney excels in creating a classic look with a modern edge and an emphasis on healthy hair as he focuses on your preferences and concerns. After consultation, Rodney’s attention to detail provides a style that is easily cared for and easily managed on one’s own. Your hair will not only look better, but also feel better.

Most clients become life-long customers. The loyalty of Rodney’s clientele is attributed to his keen eye, attention to detail, down-to-earth personality and for the wonderful experience he provides during the process. With Rodney Gentry in control of your hair you will look forward to the appointments, enjoy the experience and leave excited to show off your gorgeous hair.

Book to experience his services to understand why he is considered one of the top hair coloring experts in Scottsdale Arizona!

Hair color specialist Rodney Gentry is located in a private studio at Sachi Studios, 10201 N. Scottsdale Rd., Suite 10, Scottsdale, AZ 85258. For an appointment, please call 480.639.2000, or visit www.rodneygentry.com for more information.

Contents Now 45 HOT TICKET Las Noches de las Luminarias

46 LOWDOWN News to know

50 OUT Bon Appetite!

52 OUT Grub on the greens

54 OUT Foodie fun

56 CULTURE Joye DeGoede

58 NEW IN TOWN

Pulse 33 UP CLOSE Matt Farrow and Kaylee Nedley make home bartending approachable with Iconic Cocktail Co. mixers

36 BEAT Dena Roché demystifies wine one glass at a time

38 BEAT Chocolatier Alex Olmos Axelson’s Bacelona influence

40 HIS STYLE Meet Brian Raab

42 HER STYLE Meet Lauren Robson

20

So Scottsdale! December ‘20

Adero Scottsdale

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Contents Style 71 MUST-HAVE A glitzy gift

72 ALLURE Shades of winter polish

74 DWELL Ode to old-school

76 SHOP Leather weather

78 SHOP Red haute

80 FASHION Sparkle & shine

Luxe 89 INDULGE Luxury subscription boxes

90 WANT Reserve Old Town

92 HAUTE Homey hacienda

94 PLACES Northern California

22

So Scottsdale! December ‘20

Christopher Designs Crisscut

Contents The Rest 26 TELL Editor’s note

Taste 96 DRINK Celebrity wines

97 DISH The Sicilian Butcher’s tomato and burrata tart

98 CHEERS Copper Creek at The Creek Patio Grill

99 CUISINE In the kitchen with Anthony Barr of Gabriella’s

100 FOOD FILES Michelin-starred darlings

102 DINING GUIDE Restaurants to know

24

So Scottsdale! December ‘20

Sally Cashman 602.339.2680

Kathleen Prokopow 623.363.6342

Tonja Howard 480.371.0607

As we reach the end of 2020, we are grateful for you.

Thank you to our Clients, Colleagues, Friends & Family.

Let us help you make your next move in 2021!

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Contents Saying 2020 hasn’t been easy for businesses around the world is the understatement of the year. The food and beverage industry is one that definitely got hit hard, and Scottsdale is no exception. Thankfully, many local institutions made it through, with new venues opening along the way. It certainly is fitting that the last month of the year is our third annual food and beverage issue, honoring those in the restaurant industry, from chefs and mixologists to the front of house and those behind the scenes, that have put all they have into their career to survive this year.

With that, we are applauding local innovators this month, including a couple making at-home cocktail making approachable (page 33), a luxury travel writer-turned-wine specialist (page 36), and a Barcelona native who is infusing the flavors of his hometown into chocolate creations (page 38).

For the lowdown on our 28 picks in the local culinary world – including in categories like romantic date night spots, the best burgers, and sweet treats – take a bite out of our feature story on page 60. And if that doesn’t fill you up, flip around to find French eateries; great restaurants overlooking golf courses; and some foodie fun including events, openings and classes (pages 50, 52 and 54, respectively).

For those looking to set out on an exciting eating adventure, page 100 highlights Michelin-starred restaurants and page 94 takes you on a culinary tour of the Bay Area.

Additional highlights include wines owned by celebrities (page 96); a luxury subscription box offeing everything “vice” (page 89); a look at the new Gabriella’s (page 99), Adero Scottsdale (page 58) and Reserve Old Town (page 90).

As we say goodbye to this year and welcome anew, all of us at So Scottsdale want to thank you for continuing to support local businesses (including our publication) and encourage you to indulge a little – you got through 2020, you deserve it!

All my best, Gabby Leighton Editor-in-Chief gabby@richmanmediagroup.com Connect with us!

Facebook: @soscottsdalemagazine Instagram: @so_scottsdale_magazine

26

So Scottsdale! December ‘20

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Editorial Staff Adrienne Kalehuawehe

Contributing Writers Alison Bailin Batz, Lynette Carrington, Mandy Holmes, Kaylor Jones, Elizabeth Liberatore, Neyda Melina, Jim Prueter

Photographers Claudia Johnstone, Beverly Shumway, Debby Wolvos

Advertising Art Director Lalo Reyes

Advertising Coordinator Stacey Richman stacey@richmanmediagroup.com

Contact Us Editorial gabby@richmanmediagroup.com

Advertising bill@richmanmediagroup.com 480.229.3122

Online www.soscottsdale.com

602.373.8145 10900 N Scottsdale Rd Suite 105 Scottsdale, AZ 85254 jen@laseroptionsbyjen.com ipl-laserhairremoval.com

P: 480.229.3122 10632 N. Scottsdale Road Suite B-215 Scottsdale, AZ 85254 Š 2020, RICHMAN MEDIA GROUP, LLC. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

28

So Scottsdale! December ‘20

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Pulse

U P C L O S E / B E AT / H I S S T Y L E / H E R S T Y L E / N O T I C E D

BY KAYLOR JONES / PHOTOS BY CLAUDIA JOHNSTONE

MASTERS OF MIXOLOGY

Kaylee Nedley and Matt Farrow of Iconic Cocktail Co. make home bartending approachable

Thanks to Kaylee Nedley and Matt Farrow, crafting elevated cocktails, mocktails, and sodas at home has never been easier.

As co-owners of Iconic Cocktail Co., a company that makes flavor-focused concentrates perfect for mixing with your favorite spirits, the powerhouse couple avoids artificial colors and flavors,

allowing fresh, local ingredients to shine through. Unlike most off-the-shelf margarita mixers and simple syrups, Iconic (www. iconiccocktail.com) cuts back on the sugar in favor of bright and balanced natural flavors, evidence that each mixer was developed by someone with 20 years of experience behind the bar.

So Scottsdale! December ‘20

33

Pulse UP CLOSE Farrow first discovered his passion for bartending when he stepped onto the restaurant scene in 2000. After leaving his home state of Missouri in search of a fulfilling opportunity, Farrow began working at a Fox Restaurant Concepts location in Denver, where he fell in love with food and beverage.

“I moved from busser to general manager in a few years, then moved on to a local restaurant group where I got to focus on spirits and cocktails, the history behind them, and how to combine ingredients to create the flavor profiles I was looking for,” Farrow says.

He made his way to the Valley in 2012, finding work at Upward Projects’ popular neighborhood bar, Windsor. There, he helped develop the highly regarded cocktail program, eventually advancing to general manager.

While studying filmmaking at Arizona State University, Phoenix native Nedley had discovered talents of her own – from conceptualizing an idea from start to finish to bringing others together in pursuit of a common goal.

“I fell into the restaurant industry to pay the bills, but I will forever remember the moment I realized that I could do all the things I loved about producing in the restaurant setting,” Nedley says. “So, I stayed – and then I met Matt.”

Farrow hired Nedley to work at Churn, the ice cream parlor adjacent to Windsor, and for two years, he taught her how to write schedules and manage employees, slowly changing the way she viewed her career.

“Once Matt transferred to another Upward Projects restaurant and wasn’t technically my boss anymore, I invited him to hang out with friends and our love story started to unfold,” Nedley says. “I fell in love with him at the pool table in our favorite dive bar, and I fell in love with bartending while watching him be the master.”

In 2016, Farrow devoted himself to Iconic full time, with Nedley at his side overseeing content creation and cocktail recipe development. The couple, now engaged, continually encourage each other to work as hard as they can as they pursue their dream together.

“Not to sound too cheesy, but Kaylee is my biggest inspiration both professionally and personally,” Farrow says. “She is the most amazing person I’ve ever met. She challenges herself to be the best version of her that she can be, which makes me try harder at everything I do.”

Fresh Flavors A large portion of the pair’s pride in their products stems from the fact that they’re able to showcase other local businesses through their company. In addition to year-round signature flavors like Spiced Honey, which features natural honey from Crockett Honey Co., and Prickly Pear Sour, made with prickly pear nectar from Arizona Cactus Ranch, Iconic boasts four fan-favorite seasonal mixers.

The Meyer Lemon Balm mixer, the brand’s winter staple, is made with organic, locally grown Meyer lemons from family-run McClendon’s Select Organic Farm.

34

So Scottsdale! December ‘20

“It’s uniquely sweet with a wonderful herbal note on the back end thanks to minty lemon balm,” Nedley says. “We don’t water it down, so every ounce is packed with citrusy flavor. Try it in a mimosa or with sparkling water for a lemon soda!”

But it’s not just the ingredients that set Iconic apart. “We teach people the ‘why’ behind crafting a cocktail,” Nedley says.

“Instead of just giving someone a bottle of syrup and saying it’s for a margarita, we provide them with our ratio – 2 ounces of spirit, 1 ounce of mixer, and 1/2 ounce of something tart – and emphasize how to get a well-balanced cocktail while encouraging creativity.”

Also available on Iconic’s website is a library of tried and true recipes to help customers craft the perfect drink using their favorite spirit or mixer. For Farrow, passing along the tricks of the trade to make bartending more accessible is one of the most rewarding parts of the job.

“I’ve worked with some of the most talented industry professionals out there, and they took me under their collective wings to teach me everything I know,” Farrow says. “I’ve never forgotten that, and it’s one of the reasons I love to share every bit of knowledge I can. It feels like my responsibility to pay it forward.”

None of this would be possible without the amazing team of employees at Iconic, who inspire Farrow and Nedley to get out of bed each morning and create something that leaves a legacy.

“We have the best people working with us, and I want to make sure we do everything we can to give them jobs they can be excited about and proud of,” Farrow says. “I hope to look back one day and see that we’ve created an Arizona institution – something bigger than a cocktail mixer company.”

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Pulse BEAT

NOTES OF SUCCESS

Luxury travel journalist Dena Roché’s newest pursuit, Vin Roché, demystifies wine one glass at a time

BY ELIZABETH LIBERATORE / PHOTO BY CLAUDIA JOHNSTONE

The vast majority might describe this year as a total wash, but for some, 2020 has brought a lot of good. Take Milwaukee native Dena Roché. This year, she began pursuing her passion for wine full time by launching Vin Roché (www.vinroche.com).

“Vin Roché’s mission is to demystify wine and make it fun. Discovering new wines and learning what you like should be playful, not pompous, as wine is stereotypically viewed,” Roché says.

Her relationship with wine began during her career as a travel journalist. Having penned numerous articles for prominent publications including BBC, Forbes, American Way and Modern Luxury, Roché, a journalism graduate of the University of WisconsinMilwaukee, was regularly wined and dined like royalty while on assignment. The more places she explored and wrote about, the more her appreciation and love of wine grew. To date, she has visited 32 wine regions in 11 countries on four continents.

“I found it fascinating how the same varietal can taste so different depending on where it’s from, the winemaker who made it, and the interplay of the wine and food.” Roché says, “It’s the story that’s in a glass that appeals to the writer in me I guess.”

She now shares those stories with others through Vin Roché. From in-person and virtual tastings to private dinners where she and Scottsdale chef William Turner masterfully pair food and wine offerings, Vin Roché creates fun and educational experiences for wine newbies, oenophiles, and everyone in between.

Vin Roché also sells the Boisset Collection, a portfolio of wine from some of the top producers in California and France.

“When the world is more normal, I plan to bring my travel writing, which I still do part time, and wine together by leading very small groups on trips to wine regions [all over the world],” she says.

So, what’s this globetrotting wine connoisseur’s go-to bottle? There isn’t just one, as Roché says, “I love trying new wines and unusual varietals. In general, I gravitate toward red more than white, but a lot depends on the time of year, the food, and my mood.”

36

So Scottsdale! December ‘20

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Pulse BEAT

LA DOLÇA VIDA

Barcelona native Alex Olmos Axelson infuses the flavors of home into his chocolate creations

BY ELIZABETH LIBERATORE / PHOTO BY CLAUDIA JOHNSTONE

Pane Bianco, Provision Coffee, and other Phoenix locales carry what is arguably the best chocolate in the local market: Noi Cacao. Established nearly two years ago by 33-year-old Alex Olmos Axelson, a native of Sabadell, Spain, Noi Cacao celebrates Axelson’s Catalan culture, from its flavors to its sleek packaging.

“My wife Brittany and I worked together to create the packaging. The design, start to finish, is all done in-house,” Axelson says.

After high school, Axelson, a natural-born creative who loves working with his hands, studied at a pastry school in Barcelona for three years. He went on to work in the chocolate department of acclaimed pastry chef Oriol Balaguer for six years, during which his passion for chocolate work emerged.

“I discovered that you can literally do anything with chocolate, and that excited me,” he says.

In 2017, Axelson and his wife moved to Phoenix.

After a few pastry chef stints at different Valley haunts, Axelson ventured out on his own. He established Noi Cacao (www.noicacao.square.site) with the following mission in mind: “to bring influences from my culture and blend them with familiar and local ingredients to make exceptional and unique products.”

Axelson sources his chocolate from Belgium and purchases other ingredients, like coffee, nuts, and fruits, from local purveyors as much as possible. Each Noi Cacao product has its unique process, but it typically takes Axelson, who does everything by hand, two hours to make a single batch of his artisanal chocolate treats.

He makes a variety of dark chocolate bars, each complemented by flavors that remind Axelson of his upbringing in Barcelona. There are dark chocolate bars with red berries and oranges, coffee and sea salt, and – a customer favorite – salted toffee and roasted pistachios. Dark chocolate and raspberry almonds and dark chocolate salted corn nuts, perfect snacks for the on-the-go sweet tooth, are also offered.

Working with chocolate is Axelson’s nirvana.

Eating it, however, not so much.

“I always try for testing, and people don’t believe me when I tell them, but I am not a big chocolate fan!

My wife and family sure enjoy it though,” he says.

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So Scottsdale! December ‘20

NOW ACC EP T I NG RESERVAT ION S N OW ACC EP T I N G RES ERVAT I O NS

Steakhouse at The Phoenicianisisnow now open open for OnOn behalf of of J&GJ&G Steakhouse at The Phoenician forrefined refineddining. dining. behalf Executive Chef Jacques Qualin,who’s who’sbeen been directing directing J&G’s since thethe restaurant Executive Chef Jacques Qualin, J&G’skitchen kitchen since restaurant first opened in December 2008, we’d like to invite you to join us for dinner – either first opened in December 2008, we’d like to invite you to join us for dinner – either inside our spacious, socially distanced dining room, or on our full-service outdoor terrace, inside our spacious, socially distanced dining room, or on our full-service outdoor terrace, to enjoy the fabulous weather and scenic city vistas. to enjoy the fabulous weather and scenic city vistas.

New Hours: Thursday & Sunday 5pm-9pm; Friday & Saturday 5pm-10pm NewSpecial Hours:Holiday Thursday & Sunday 5pm-9pm; Friday & Saturday 5pm-10pm Hours: Wednesday 12/23 and Wednesday 12/30 5pm-9pm

Special Holiday Hours: Wednesday 12/23 and Wednesday 12/30 5pm-9pm @JGST EAKHO USESCOT TSDALE

For additional Commitment to Clean, @JG S T E A K information H O U S E S Con O The T T SPhoenician’s DALE please visit www.thephoenician.com/commitment-to-clean/

For additional information on The Phoenician’s Commitment to Clean, please visit www.thephoenician.com/commitment-to-clean/

Pulse HIS STYLE

DEBONAIR DINNER WEAR Restaurateur Brian Raab always suits up in style

BY MANDY HOLMES / PHOTO BY BEVERLY SHUMWAY

While running the front of house at The Mission (Old Town and Kierland) and Fat Ox, co-owner Brian Raab can often be found sporting bright, patterned sports coats – especially if they can hide the guacamole and tomato sauce splatter he’s surrounded by on a daily basis.

From plaids and stripes to polka dots, Raab, who is also a consultant of Tequila Corrido, switches up his outfit two to three times a day, each look tied together with a funky, unique pocket square.

“I might be moving heaters or cases of liquor for one of my restaurants but when the curtain goes up and it’s showtime on the restaurant floor, I’m known for the matching pocket square and freshly drycleaned sports coats,” he says.

While Raab favors luxury brands like Gucci, Burberry, and Ted Baker, his career in the restaurant industry lends itself to more casual looks. As such, he incorporates vintage pieces from thrift stores like Last Chance and Well Suited into his ensembles. In the evening he turns to Imago Style, a bespoke clothing line that keeps his sports coat game strong.

What is your No. 1 style tip? To the fellas trying to navigate the summers in Arizona: If you want to wear a sports coat, don’t wear the long-sleeve shirt with the heavy collar. Wear a light shirt, even a T-shirt, stay away from the heavy jeans and rock some tennis shoes.

What is the most prized possession in your closet? I’ve splurged on some overpriced Italian brands, but it’s the stuff I fought 10 people for that gives me the most satisfaction. Knowing I paid $40 for a navy blue Ralph Lauren Purple Label jacket with the pants to match makes me happy.

What would someone say if they looked at your closet? “Dude, do you really need all those shoes?” or “I know what to get you for Christmas – you need another suit jacket!”

40

So Scottsdale! December ‘20

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We stress the importance of nutrition in reaching the ultimate level of fitness, strength, and health and therefore provide our clients with personalized nutritional advice along with exercise and fitness counseling. Our goal is to help you stay in the best shape of your life and to achieve optimum health.

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Pulse HER STYLE

A NATURAL BEAUTY

Lauren Robson keeps things simple for both her wardrobe and her new sparkling water brand

BY MANDY HOLMES / PHOTO BY BEVERLY SHUMWAY

Lauren Robson, founder and CEO of Lauro Sparkling Cactus Water and a busy mom of three, manages to maintain a chic and classic style while juggling her business and motherhood.

“My closet is very monochromatic, almost everything I own is white, black or gray so I can throw things together quickly since most of the time I am rushing to get myself ready,” she says.

Robson’s all-natural, healthy hydration brand and her personal style are both reflections of who she is: laid-back without a lot of fuss, yet beautiful.

Vince and Joie are Robson’s go-to for cozy sweaters, and she turns to Frame and AG Jeans for all denim necessities. She shops at Abercrombie & Fitch for basic T-shirts and fun pieces (like her favorite vegan leather paper bag shorts) while drawing inspiration from luxury designers Balmain and Chanel.

With a great pair of jeans, blouse or sweater, a piece of jewelry and some killer heels, Robson is ready to take on whatever comes her way for the day.

“I love shoes!” she says. “Shoes have this ability to give you confidence and change the entire look of an outfit!”

What’s your go-to item right now? My Cartier watch: My husband had bought it as a Christmas gift one year and I cried when I opened it. It takes a lot to surprise me and so I will never forget that moment.

What are your favorite colors, patterns, styles or trends? I love texture, like leather, velvet, suede, and tweed. My outfits also feature a splash of pink and dark green here and there.

What is your No. 1 style tip? Wear what makes you feel beautiful. I have never been one to jump on trends. I find things that I like and that make me feel good when I wear them.

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So Scottsdale! December ‘20

In the Heart of Phoenix is Your One Stop Shop for: TAILORING • CUSTOM DESIGNING • ALTERATIONS • FABRIC • BRA NEEDS JUST ABOUT ANYTHING THAT REQUIRES SEWING FOR MEN & WOMEN! “The Fairy Godmother of Fashion” You deserve to look great! Our extensive collection of beautiful fabrics and trims are perfect for dressing you in suits, tuxedos, formals, MoB, MoG, Bridal, Bridesmaids gowns and casual wear made specifically for you and your style.

–Owner and Designer Scylvia-Elvira Danese

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If you are tired of having your boobs everywhere except where they should be on your body, call the ‘The Boob Whisperer’.

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Now

L O W D O W N / D O / C A L E N D A R / O U T / C U LT U R E / N E W I N T O W N

BY GABBY LEIGHTON

The perfect combination of season’s greetings and Southwest flair, Las Noches de las Luminarias will light up the Desert Botanical Garden select dates this month (Dec. 11-13, 17-23 and 26-31). A beloved local holiday traditional, the annual event will wow with 8,000 flickering luminaria bags and thousands of twinkle lights throughout the property. While almost all nights feature festive music, new this year is the first silent night at Luminaria, held on Dec. 21, where guests are invited to wander the lit trails of the garden for a quiet evening of self-reflection. Additional highlights include holiday drinks for purchase, a touchless virtual photo booth to capture the moment, and new lighting displays to highlight the garden’s plant collection. Masks are required as is advanced registration as capacity is limited due to COVID-19. 5:30-10:30 p.m. Starting at $29.50 for nonmembers. www.dbg.org.

So Scottsdale! December ‘20

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Now LOWDOWN

HOLIDAY HAPPENINGS

BY GABBY LEIGHTON

OLD TOWN FESTIVITIES

FAMILY FUN

The Fairmont Scottsdale Princess has transformed into a winter wonderland this month for its 11th annual Christmas at the Princess festivities. Featuring seasonal decorations, including over 5 million sparkling lights, the re-imagined outdoor event includes entertaining activities for the whole family. Highlights include an ice skating rink, colorful light shows, s’mores, pictures with holiday characters, train rides, lantern decorating, and seasonal treats. Events take place nightly and special overnight packages are available. General admission starting at $15 per person. www.scottsdaleprincess.com.

The annual holiday spectacular, Scottsdazzle, is joyously taking over Old Town Scottsdale for a fifth year. In addition to dazzling lights and festive decor, the monthlong extravaganza features deals on dining and shopping at local businesses. Event highlights include The Dazzle of Historic Old Town (Dec. 12-13), a new hourlong storytelling session; a Santa Wine Around (Dec. 12, 6-9 p.m.) with specials at local wineries and tasting rooms; the Merry Make & Take (Dec. 12, 11 a.m.-noon and Dec. 13, 10 a.m.-noon) crafting sessions at The Merchantile of Scottsdale; and Sun Salutations Yoga (Dec. 21, 11 a.m.-noon), hosted by The Foundry to celebrate a decade of the Soleri Bridge. To ensure distancing and safety, many activities have limited availability and require advanced registration. www.scottsdazzle.com.

A NEW TRADITION

Embrace the magic of the holidays with Ballet Arizona’s first digital Nutcracker Suite. The abridged version of the show, airing Dec. 12 and 19, will feature favorite highlights from the classic ballet in addition to bonus content such as interviews and behindthe-scenes segments, with all content available in both English and Spanish. In addition to regular digital show access ($20), enhanced packages ($70-$95) with show-themed goodies are available for curbside pickup from Nutcracker characters. www.balletaz.org.

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So Scottsdale! December ‘20

JOY TO JAVA

Whether shopping for a loved one or for yourself, Press Coffee’s new gift boxes are a great treat for the season. In addition to themed sample boxes ($25-$45), each featuring a variety of different coffees, Press is introducing Brew Boxes ($75-$500) with everything needed to professionally brew at home. Options range from a chemex to an moccamaster, and everything in between.

For novices, there’s also brand boxes ($40$60), providing an introduction to Press Coffee’s offerings. www.presscoffee.com.

Primp and Blow is partnering with Bellami Hair Extensions Primp and Blow is a national blow dry bar that specializes in professional blowouts, makeup and offers the famous Club Primp and Blow memberships. They are known in the Valley for staying up to date with the ever-evolving global beauty industry, and now they have partnered with Bellami Hair Extensions the world’s largest hair extension brand. With the new partnership, they will be able to offer the luxurious beaded weft technique with same-day hair extensions to their clients.

With their ongoing mission to offer the best in the industry for their clients, Primp and Blow is excited to bring the state of the art sew-in weft hair extension technology to all of their salons along with Bellami clip-ins and offers all the Bellami extensions techniques available. The team searched the beauty industry’s hair extension offerings to ensure the highest quality sew-in weft technique, as well as the best quality hair available. Bellami Extension’s beaded wefts are non-damaging and the hair is the only 100% full-cuticle Remi hair on the market, making them the highest quality hair extensions available anywhere. Whether you want length or volume Primp and Blow has the perfect option for you to feel and look your best giving you the hair of your dreams.

The best part of their new partnership? Clients get same-day hair extensions! Also, Club Primp and Blow Members receive big discounts! Unlike any other salon, Club Primp and Blow Members receive 20% off of every service offered, including the NEW incredible same-day hair extensions. Setting themselves apart from the pack, only Primp and Blow provides a range of primping services to enhance their customer’s self-confidence while celebrating their individuality. After all, nothing makes a customer more beautiful than them believing they’re beautiful.

The latest partnership with the salon brings the high-end, cost-friendly service clients have come to expect from Primp and Blow. The salon’s services such as blowouts, makeup, lashes, Oribe products, airbrush makeup, lashes, intricate braids, and up-dos as well as a variety of hair extension techniques for full transformative styles.

Additionally, the salons have increased their COVID-19 safety measures to offer each client the safest in-person services.

The salon has implemented mask policies for guest and employees, offer hand sanitizer throughout each salon, and have included partition dividers placed between each styling station and shampoo bowls to assure social distancing.

After all, nothing makes a customer more beautiful than them believing they’re beautiful – the Primp and Blow way.

For more information, or to book your next appointment, visit www.primpandblow.com.

Now LOWDOWN

WEARABLE ART

SELFCARE SCOOP

This month, The Now Massage brand will open its first Arizona location at The Shops at Zocallo in Scottsdale.

Headquartered in Los Angeles with four locations in California and another 50-plus planned across the US, The Now acts as a luxurious yet approachable boutique neighborhood spa, offering three signature massages with custom enhancements available. The spa also sells its own brand of products and jewelry.

Membership prices vary. www.thenowmassage.com.

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So Scottsdale! December ‘20

This month, Phoenix Art Museum will premiere its next fashion exhibition, Collective Inspiration.

Seeking to answer the question, “Is fashion art?” the exhibition pairs garments and accessories from the museum’s fashion collection with

paintings, sculptures and prints from other collection areas, showcasing how traditional elements of art and design apply to fashion objects. The collection – curated by Helen Jean, the museum’s Jacquie Dorrance

FARM TO FRIDGE

curator of fashion design – will feature interpretive text written

by Jean and other curators for each pairing. On view from Dec. 12 through May 2, 2021 in the Kelly Ellman Fashion Design Gallery. www.phxart.org.

Phoenix-based Bird Dog Produce recently expanded to Scottsdale. The food delivery service offers customizable boxes of fresh fruits and veggies, including organic options, that have been hand selected from farms across Arizona and beyond. There are over 80 produce options to choose from, and items are delivered from the field directly to your doorstep in an insulated box within 24 to 72 hours of being harvested. Boxes vary in size and can be ordered online. $32.50-$55. www.birddogproduce.com.

It’s time to regain control!

Are constant trips to the restroom or leaking accidents affecting your quality of life?

You no longer need to suffer in silence.

Scottsdale Urologic Surgeons offers a long-lasting solution that may help you regain control of your bladder.

Axonics® Therapy is clinically proven to provide long-lasting symptom relief if you are suffering with overactive bladder, bowel incontinence or urinary retention.

Stop coping with your symptoms and take back control of your life.

Call 480.949.1212 Today to Learn More Mitchell C. Kaye, MD Dr. Kaye is the Valley’s top board-certified urologist and expert in regenerative medicine. After earning his medical degree at Georgetown University School of Medicine, he completed his residency in urologic surgery at the world-renowned, top-rated Cleveland Clinic Foundation. Dr. Kaye then served in the U.S. Air Force at Andrews AFB and at the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences before heading west to Scottsdale.

Dr. Kaye has a state of the art technological practice and has been the first to bring several procedures to the State of Arizona.

Scottsdale Urologic Surgeons 10210 N. 92nd Street, Suite 107 Scottsdale, AZ 85258 www.scottsdaleurology.com Important Safety Information: Implantation and use of the Axonics System incurs risk beyond those normally associated with surgery, some of which may necessitate surgical intervention. Results and experiences may vary and are unique to each patient.

No promise or guarantee is made about specific results or experiences. For more information about safety and potential risks, go to: www.axonics.com/isi. Caution: Federal law (USA) restricts this device to sale and use by, or on the order of, a physician.

Benson K, McCrery R, Taylor C, et al. One-year outcomes of the ARTISAN-SNM study with the Axonics System for the treatment of urinary urgency incontinence. Neurourology and Urodynamics. 2020;1-7. https://doi.org/10.1002/nau.24376 © 2020 Axonics Modulation Technologies, Inc. All rights reserved.

Stay Connected. #Axonics

Now OUT

BON APPETITE!

Zinqué After making its debut in the new luxury wing at Scottsdale Fashion Square late last year, this Parisian-inspired bistro, cafe and wine bar was designed in homage to European escapes often found in the south of France.

The indoor-outdoor property imports its bread from Poilane Bakery in Paris, craft coffee from world-renowned La Colombe, and Epoisses cheese from Burgundy. The menu boasts a fusion of traditional and modern French cuisine with everything from flaky croissants, charcuterie and tartines to flavor-packed steak frites, ratatouille and quiche. www.lezinque.com.

French-inspired eateries abound in Scottsdale

In the 1960s – thanks to Julia Child’s seminal smash hit Mastering the Art of French Cooking book and The French Chef television show – French food became a mainstream cuisine across the United States and hasn’t slowed down since. Here are some local eateries with a proud French connection.

Francine Francine, which is tucked into the same luxury wing at Scottsdale Fashion Square as Zinqué, is a newly opened fine dining experience from French native and acclaimed restaurateur Laurent Halasz. The venue itself is named for Halasz’s own mother and is inspired by dinner parties she threw in the south of France when he was growing up. Open both for lunch and dinner as well as brunch on the weekend, the dishes served at Francine are rich in flavor but still light thanks to Halasz’s preference for olive oil over butter and his Mediterranean diet approach to cooking and seasoning food. www. francinerestaurant.com.

BY ALISON BAILIN BATZ

Merci French Cafe & Patisserie Named as a thank you (which merci translates to in English) to its supporters, this quaint, charming mom and pop BYOB cafe has become a fixture in South Scottsdale over the past 10-plus years. Owned by a couple from France, the food is sure to be authentic and homemade. Beyond the the pastry case filled with tarts, meringue and more mouthwatering indulgences, the breakast, lunch and dinner menus boast French classics. Be sure to try one of the eatery’s famous croissants and don’t forget to save room for dessert, whether you’re eyeing the creme brulee or Nutella-filled crepes. www.mercifrenchcafeandpatisserie.com.

PHOTO BY DAVID BLAKEMAN

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So Scottsdale! December ‘20

The Mick This modern French brasserie is all about small plates and takes its inspiration from regions once under French rule. This means that in addition to more standard items, guests are in for a treat with flavor infusions from Africa, Southeast Asia and even New Orleans.

Given that executive chef and co-owner Brent Menke is an Arizona native, expect a little Southwestern spice kicking up the heat in some dishes as well. www.themickaz.com.

Voilà French Bistro A native of the Vosges region of France, JeanChristophe Gros and his wife Ségolène own and operate Voilà, where the focus is 100% traditional French cuisine. With that being said, expect anything but basic offerings as chef Gros’ aim is to show Valley residents that French food is more than onion soup and escargot. Open for lunch and dinner, both menus are in French (with translations) and give a true feeling of dining in Paris from the heart of Scottsdale. www.voilafrenchbistro.com.

THE TRUTH ABOUT SKIN CANCER Dr. Anne Walter, founder of Dermatology & Skin Surgery Specialists Dr. Anne Walter is a board-certified dermatologist and fellowship trained Mohs surgeon practicing in Scottsdale, Arizona.

She founded Dermatology & Skin Surgery Specialists over five years ago. She has a special interest in procedural dermatology, including the treatment of skin cancers and cosmetic procedures.

Q. How often should I get checked?

Dr. Anne Walter: Most adults should get a skin check to establish a baseline exam in their early 20’s. From there, your dermatologist will likely recommend annual skin checks. More frequent exams may be recommended for those with a family history of skin cancer or personal history of skin cancer, precancers, or other risk factors.

Q. What does a “skin check” entail?

Dr. Walter: A skin check is an appointment where your dermatologist reviews your skin in order to identify precancerous lesions and skin cancers, as well as educate you about benign lesions and what to look for that should raise concern in the future. Your dermatologist should thoroughly examine your skin, hair, and nails during the skin check.

Q. How common is skin cancer?

Dr. Walter: One in five Americans develop skin cancer during their life.

Approximately two people die from skin cancer every hour. The most common

types of skin cancers are basal cell carcinomas and squamous cell carcinomas.

Melanoma occurs in approximately two percent of the population. When detected early, melanoma has a 99% five-year survival rate!

swimming or sweating) to maintain your protection.

Q. What other types of problems do dermatologists treat?

Dr. Walter: Dermatologists are able to treat any problems with your skin, hair, and nails. These include skin cancer, Q. I use sunscreen, am I okay?

Dr. Walter: Sunscreen provides a screen, acne, rosacea, psoriasis, eczema, rashes, and more. Your dermatologist can also but it is by no means a protective cloak help you fight signs of aging using topiagainst damage from the sun. Sun protective factor (SPF) 30 means that you can cals, chemical peels, lasers, microneestay in the sun 30 times as long as without dling, and cosmetic injections. sunscreen before getting a sunburn.

Q. What else can I do to fight sun damHowever, that does not mean that that age besides using sunscreen? you can stay in the sun 30 times as long Dr. Walter: I always encourage patients to before getting a skin cancer. Sunscreen make good decisions. Wear sun protective selection is very important. I encouraged clothing and stay covered up when you patients to use sunscreen with an SPF between 30-50. The sunscreen should say are able to. Choose to stay in the shade.

Avoid peak sunshine, which in Arizona “broad spectrum” and “water resistant.” feels like 7am-7pm. Lastly, make sure you Apply your sunscreen generously. One get your annual skin check. Early diagnosis ounce, the size of a shot glass, should provide a single application of sunscreen is the key to effective treatment! to someone in a bathing suit. Make sure For more information call 480-405-1035 to reapply your sunscreen every two or visit skinspecialistsofaz.com hours (and more frequently if you are

Now OUT

GRUB ON THE GREENS Hole-in-one dining at local golf courses

There’s nothing wrong with a quick hot dog in between holes, but there’s something special about enjoying a relaxing, sit-down meal after a round.

Whether a golfer or just looking for a great bite, these local courses are teeing up delicious cuisine in gorgeous surroundings, no membership required.

BY MANDY HOLMES

Rancho Mañana Golf Club The lush setting of Tonto Bar & Grill at Rancho Mañana is framed by the Sonoran Desert, which rises to the Tonto National Forest. A fusion of Southwestern and Native American cuisine with dishes that aim to preserve Arizona’s heritage, the eclectic menu features salads, sandwiches, pasta, seafood, mesquite-grilled steaks and chops, and housemade breads and desserts. Tonto Bar & Grill offers all-natural meats; organic, grass-fed Arizona beef; and desert-harvested ingredients, not to mention one of the most beautiful patios in Cave Creek. www.tontobarandgrill.com Grayhawk Golf Club Overlooking the McDowell Mountains and Grayhawk’s Talon Course, Isabella’s Kitchen is designed after a hip country roadhouse, serving a selection of handcrafted favorites. Pizza, bruschetta, salads, sandwiches, fish, steaks and fresh pastas crafted daily top the list. The casual charm and outdoor seating that wraps around the building encourages guests to relax and enjoy time with family and friends. Take in an Arizona sunset thanks to the large garagestyle doors that roll up to bring the outdoors in – a signature feature of the bar area which has become one of the hottest happy hour spots in North Scottsdale. www.grayhawkgolf.com.

TPC Scottsdale You will feel the upbeat energy as soon as you walk into Toro Latin Restaurant & Rum Bar thanks to the savory aroma of pollo a la brasa on the grill and the constant shakers of Tiki rum cocktails. Enjoy a culinary adventure through the restaurant’s shareable Pan-Latin cuisine, known for its unique South American and Chinese flavor profiles. You’ll also find 151 rum varieties, the largest selection in the state. Grab a seat on the patio, showcasing striking views of the 18th hole of TPC Scottsdale’s Stadium Course as well as the McDowell Mountains. www.scottsdaleprincess.com.

The Westin Kierland Golf Club Named after a Sonoran desert plant, Brittlebush Bar & Grill features innovative, contemporary cuisine, perfect for a casual lunch or early dinner. Using locally sourced ingredients, the menu offers light appetizers and salads as well as more substantial fare. A full bar offers a wide selection of cocktails that complement the relaxing lodge-like atmosphere. Take in the sweeping mountain and golf views while enjoying the copper and wood-beamed accents and expansive rock fireplace that surround you with the essence of Arizona. www.kierlandgolf.com.

McDowell Mountain Golf Club The American cuisine, indoor-outdoor bar and entertainment offerings at The Mesquite Grille provide a great variety of food and casual environment. The restaurant brings a signature Southwestern flair to its breakfast, lunch and dinner menus. Grab a seat near the exquisite stone fireplace, which serves as the centerpiece of the space, or enjoy the spectacular Valley views of the surrounding mountains from the dining room and the outdoor terrace. www. mcdowellmountaingc.com.

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So Scottsdale! December ‘20

G G

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CoolTone ™ is FDA-cleared to strengthen, tone, and firm the abdomen, buttocks, and thighs. Common side effects include muscle, joint, or tendon pain, muscle spasm, and skin redness.

Now OUT

FOODIE FUN

Eat and drink your way through openings, events and more this month

From cooking lessons and recently opened restaurants to cocktail pairings and new menus, there’s a ton of things to do, see, eat and drink this month.

Here are a few of our picks.

BY GABBY LEIGHTON

Brunch at Merkin Vineyards Old Town Scottsdale’s Merkin Vineyards will begin offering brunch the first Sunday of each month starting at 10 a.m. (beginning Dec. 6).

The wine bar’s rendition of the popular weekend meal will include the farm-to-table aspect its become known for. Menu items include a waffle with prickly pear coulis, eggs Benedict with duck hollandaise and garden tomatoes, an Alien Donut egg sandwich, thyme-flecked biscuits and gravy, and a smothered hash. Wash it all down with Merkin Vineyards and Caduceus wines or a mimosa ($9) made with Chapacabra bubbles. www.merkinoldtownscottsdale.com.

Lunch & Learn Marcellino Ristorante is bringing the tradition of an Italian holiday feast to the states with a Christmas Eve in Italy cooking class on Dec. 19 from 1 to 3 p.m. Part of the restaurant’s Learn & Lunch series, chef-owner Marcellino Verzino will lead the festive class, showing participants how to cook scialatielli alle vongole, a popular Italian Christmas Eve pasta dish featuring clams, olive oil, garlic, white wine and red pepper flakes. A fresh organic salad and homemade biscotti will accompany the pasta. Starting at $50 per person, plus tax and gratuity. Seating is limited and reservations are required. www.marcellinoristorante.com.

Beer vs. Bubbles This boozy battle is round four of Hotel Valley Ho’s Versus Series, where various spirits go head-to-head in the ultimate foodie debate.

Taking place Dec. 10 at 6 p.m., the Beer vs.

Bubbles showdown, featuring Chimay and Veuve Clicquot, will truly prove which drink reigns supreme. The evening will begin with a reception followed by a three-course meal – crafted by both in-house chef Russell LaCasce and guest chef Dom Ruggiero from Hush Public House – complete with perfect pairings of both the foamy and fizzy drinks. Diners will vote to decide which drink will come out on top. Advance reservations required. Starting at $129 per person. www.hotelvalleyho.com

Gourmet Takeout From the owner of lauded Central Phoenix pizzeria Forno 301 comes Scottsdale’s newest takeout obsession: Slice Eat. The new fast-casual eatery, which opened last month, offers on-the-go gourmet Italian fare served via a walk-up counter or through a drive-thru window. Guests can expect a menu influenced by owner Luca Gagliano’s native of Sanremo, Italy, including wood-fired pizza, pasta, gelato and more. www.facebook.com/sliceeatscottsdale.

Cocktails Under the Cosmos Mountain Shadows’ popular celestial series, Cocktails Under the Cosmos, will make its return this month. On Dec. 13 from 8 to 10 p.m., an expert astronomer will help attendees see the Geminid meteor shower through a telescope from the resort’s scenic Camelback Overlook rooftop deck. Each ticket will also include guest’s choice of two Sagittariusthemed cocktails, beer or wine. Capacity is limited to 50. Tickets must be purchased in advance online. www.mountainshadows.com.

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Tonja Howard is Ready for 2021!

Having recently joined Cashman Partners, a Top 1% producing team with Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty, Tonja brings energy and enthusiasm, business ownership and real estate investment expertise along with a genuine personality to the industry.

“This business may be seen as buying and selling homes, but really it’s about people.

Personal life transitions and real estate transactions go hand in hand. My partners and I help our clients navigate this process.”

DC Ranch Country Club is home to Tonja and her family. She brings valuable connections as well as knowledge of the DC Ranch & Silverleaf markets to the team.

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Now CULTURE

JOYEFUL JUXTAPOSITION Reality meets fantasy in Joye DeGoede’s whimsical wildlife paintings

BY LYNETTE CARRINGTON

As a child growing up in Utah, Joye DeGoede would etch or color on various household items and enter coloring contests to satiate her artistic creativity. As an adult, she has grown into an educated and talented artist who never lost her childhood sense of whimsy.

“I always wanted to be an artist and there was never any doubt. I had fabulous parents that made sure I had private art lessons because the elementary schools in Utah didn’t have an art program,” says DeGoede, who studied with renowned artist Carol Harding for eight years before getting an associate’s degree in commercial and graphic art, and eventually earning a bachelor’s degree in fine art from Westminster College.

In 1983 after college, DeGoede moved to Arizona and became an art teacher, working at private and public schools in the Valley. In 2007, DeGoede lost her husband, prompting a transition in her career.

“I stayed put for five years and continued to teach until I had my feet on the ground,” she says. “I reached a point where I knew that if I was going to perfect my craft, I couldn’t be teaching because it wasn’t fair to my students and it wasn’t fair for me to be putting in the hours without getting the results I wanted.”

Today, DeGoede is a juried member of several professional organizations and a full-time artist, creating almost exclusively in paint. Her subjects are most frequently still life and possess a dreamy, ethereal quality. One particularly popular series is DeGoede’s trademarked JoyEful Party Animals collection, which features wildlife enjoying “wild” life. Paintings depict everything from a giraffe having an ice cream cone and monkeys celebrating an occasion with cupcakes, to a zebra with a stack of balanced apples and a spirited mountain lion trying to sell the viewer on a martini – definitely shaken, not stirred.

Since 2014, DeGoede has been an artist in residence in the Sonoran Arts League space at El Pedregal at Boulders Resort & Spa and her work has become a fixture at the Valley resort. The manager of Boulders would often pass by the gallery windows and see DeGoede’s painting of a rabbit with a scotch and animals with cocktails. The Spotted Donkey Cantina in El Pedregal soon commissioned the artist to paint a donkey with Herradura tequila for the restaurant, and her presence has only grown since. There is now a herd of “spirited” donkeys at The Spotted Donkey nicknamed DUIs - Donkeys Under the Influence.

Pieces from DeGoede’s JoyEful Party Animals collection are currently being auctioned on the artist’s website, with 25% of proceeds benefiting the Phoenix Zoo. DeGoede is also accepting special painting commissions for the holidays. For more information or to bid on a painting, visit www.joyesart.com.

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Now NEW IN TOWN

SONORAN DESERT SOJOURN The region’s first Dark Sky Zone resort opens in Scottsdale

BY ALISON BAILIN BATZ

ADERO Scottsdale, an Autograph Collection hotel named in homage to the nearby Adero Canyon and trail system, is now open in Scottsdale. Featuring breathtaking views of Arizona’s famed Four Peaks and McDowell Mountain Range as well as stylish rooms and a dynamic culinary program, ADERO mixes modern conveniences and sophisticated elegance with the timeless rugged beauty of the Sonoran Desert.

The six-story resort is spread across 17 acres and offers access to more than 55,000 total acres of desert terrain. There are 177 guest rooms, including 16 oversized suites, outfitted with the latest technology, custom furniture, a simple design palette that reflects the colors of sunrise, thoughtful trailhead-inspired dream catchers, and expansive balconies. Nearly every room on property is positioned to take in the panoramic mountain vistas while offering guests total privacy. Of particular note are the Signature Dark Sky Suites, which offer 800 square feet of space, wraparound balconies and are situated on the southernmost end of the resort to maximize star gazing; and the luxe Presidential Suite, located on the top floor of the resort. There

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is also an adult-only wing available as well as an adult-only pool in addition to the main resort pool pavilion.

ADERO serves as a basecamp for the adventure enthusiast compelled by Arizona’s spiritual oasis. As such, on property guests will find: adventure guides who can assist in arranging tours to explore the nearby trails from morning to night as well as set up golf, tennis and biking excursions; an adventure center, which offers a variety of off-site guided excursions including hiking, mountain biking and kayaking for guests of all skill levels; Rattlesnake Pavilion, a one-of-a-kind art installation for locals and guests equipped with bike racks, a water station and seating; and a 1-mile nature trail with indigenous flora.

Beyond that, QR codes are placed in room for guests to view a daily sky chart.

There is, of course, nightly stargazing as well, available in room or on the hotel’s Stargazing Lawn, with guided stargazing from the “Star Dudes,” ADERO’s experts.

The culinary and spa programs rival the view thanks to signature restaurant CIELO (translating to “sky” in Spanish) and the Spa at ADERO. CIELO is located at 2,200 square feet with expansive outdoor seating and panoramic windows throughout. The concept is farm-to-table-to-sky and the vision is to offer inventive, seasonal and sustainable fare infused with regionally sourced ingredients. The cocktail program features a curated selection of tequila and mezcal cocktails as well as beer, wine and other specialty items. The Spa boasts a menu of invigorating body and facial treatments offering the healing benefits of amethyst and desert minerals. There is also a 5,300-square-foot Wellness Center with cardio and strength training equipment, a spin studio and both personal and group fitness classes.

ADERO Scottsdale, 13225 N. Eagle Ridge Drive, Scottsdale; 480.333.1900; www.aderoscottsdale.com.

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Honoring excellence in all things epicurean

BY ALISON BAILIN BATZ / PHOTO BY DEBBY WOLVOS PHOTO STYLED BY ANNA SHCHEKIN

In one of the most challenging years for restaurants and bars on record, we’re proud to shine a light on the innovation and ingenuity that fuels the food and beverage industry across the Valley.

Here, dig into our third annual list of honorees, highlighted for the flair, finesse and mind-blowing flavor that make them the best for local wining and dining.

PARADISE VALLEY BURGER COMPANY An unassuming North Phoenix shopping center houses this must-try neighborhood spot for any true burger aficionado. Paradise Valley Burger Company was founded in 2011 by chef-owner Bret Shapiro, who crafts up unique burgers for his ever-changing menu made up of both Shaprio classic creations as well as seasonal specials, all exploding with flavor and served on a signature square bun. Some popular mainstay choices include the Brulee Burger (check out that sweet burnt sugar bun!) as well as the Booze Burger, featuring a craveworthy chili, bacon and vodka cream sauce. Each burger strikes the perfect balance between savory and rich yet light and refreshing.

Toppings such as pickled onions, slaw and pico de gallo result in a textural euphoria.

The menu also has potato-centric sides (both loaded and plain), other betweenbread options, tacos and milkshakes.

In addition to local acclaim, PVBC has garnered national attention thanks to its features on Food Network’s Diner’s Drive-ins and Dives and Travel Chanel’s Man V. Food. www.pvburgercompany.com.

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Best in Burgers

REHAB BURGER THERAPY We could all use a little therapy after this year, right? Rehab has just what the doctor ordered, dishing up its “burger therapy” by the mouthful. Named among the best burger spots in Arizona by USA Today, Rehab offers both 5- and 10-ounce burgers made from a custom blend of bone-out sirloin, brisket and USDA chuck grilled to order. There are always 20 or more options on the menu, each served on the diner’s choice of brioche, pretzel, wheat kaiser or gluten-free bun. Among our favorites: the Ghost Burger, which has two patties that have been blanketed with ghost pepper jack cheese then topped with crispy onions and fresh guacamole; and the Hawaiian Burger, a patty topped with black forest ham, Swiss cheese and grilled pineapple served with a side of pineapple teriyaki aioli. www.rehabburgertherapy.com.

AIOLI GOURMET BURGERS Aioli Gourmet Burgers began as a craft burger food truck run by three lifelong buddies. One truck turned to three in short order thanks to the eatery’s scratch kitchen and bevy of mouthwatering options. In more recent years, the team has opened two brick-and-mortar locations, including one in North Phoenix that boasts at least 10 custom burgers on the menu at any given time, notably the Italiano, which was honored as a top dish at the Devour Culinary Classic and features mozzarella, tomato, balsamic reduction, applewood smoked bacon and garlic basil aiolil; and Fresh Prince, which has shaved rib-eye in addition to the burger patty as well as pepperoncini, caramelized onions and chipotle aioli. All of the burgers pair perfectly with one of Aioli’s premium shakes or ice cream floats. www.aioliburger.com.

ZINC BISTRO If you know; then you know. Available daily from open to 5 p.m. and as a special from time to time at dinner, acclaimed chef Matt Carter’s indulgent burger at Zinc Bistro has earned a cult following over the past decade, landing on the “best dish” lists of media and foodies alike. It starts with the patty, which is made to order using USDA ground beef.

And then there is the bun, a near-perfect buttermilk recipe from locally owned Noble Bread that is so fresh, it still has flour on top. Between the bun and patty, expect massive locally sourced beefsteak tomatoes and arugula dressed with both garlic and lemon. For the cheese, diners have the choice of blue cheese infused with bacon or Gruyere infused with earthy, rich truffles. You can’t go wrong either way. www.zincbistro.com.

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Date Night Done Right PHOTO BY DEBBY WOLVOS

SEL This intimate dining experience offers progressive American cuisine by candlelight from acclaimed chef Branden Levine, the former executive chef of Café Monarch also known for his appearances on Food Network’s Chef Wanted with Anne Burrell and Beat Bobby Flay. Offering an a la carte menu as well as traditional and vegetarian fixed-price menus, expect dishes to change with the season but to always deliver big, bold flavors. Those seeking a more adventurous date night are in luck as the menu may include anything from Kaluga caviar and roasted bone marrow to seared Hudson Valley foie gras and Peruvian ceviche. If in the mood for something special – but a little tamer – there are also more approachable date night dishes on the menu, including Alaskan halibut and a wagyu burger. www.selrestaurant.com.

PHOTO BY DEBBY WOLVOS

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OCEAN 44 Alluring and sophisticated from the moment one walks in the door, Ocean 44 is among the top see-and-be-seen spots in Scottsdale, especially if you have someone special on your arm. Dress to impress at this Valley gem, which is a commanding 12,000 square feet and boasts an elaborate glass expo kitchen, an expansive bar and multiple vibrant dining rooms, which almost have a coastal feel thanks to light colors and accents throughout. Known for offering luxury at every turn, just like its sister venues Steak 44 and Dominick’s, the service is second to none, and the wait staff and culinary team are on hand at every moment to create a memorable experience your special someone is not likely to forget. www.ocean44.com.

PITCH While Pitch is best known for its pizza, the restaurant’s pasta, impressive wine and cocktail menus and its sizeable patio – glowing with strings of sparkling lights and an abundance of ambiance – makes it one of the sneaky best date spots in town. The wine menu goes far beyond a house red and white, offering wines from top producers in Spain, France, Italy, Australia, New Zealand and the United States as well as its own Pitch label of wine sourced from Napa. The cocktails are similarly stunning, especially the mule menu, as are the ample shareable small bites, divided into super-small mix-and-match mini options such as olives and Tuscan white beans; and larger plates, including crab cakes and charcuterie. www.pitchpizzeria.com.

Locally Grown Empires SQUARE ONE CONCEPTS It all started with a cold beer and a cheeseburger.

First opened in Scottsdale in 2011, Cold Beers & Cheeseburgers is a casual burger spot known for its laundry list of half-pound burgers – including one with sugar-cured bacon, peanut butter and jelly and another topped with mac and cheese – its selection of more than 130 beers and its 30-plus flat-screen TVs showcasing sports at any given time. Today, the brand has 12 locations across Arizona and two in California.

Square One has also branched out into other concepts, notably Arizona spots Wasted Grain, Bourbon & Bones Chophouse & Bar and Famous 48 in Scottsdale; Nook Kitchen in partnership with Blueprint Hospitality Group in Arcadia; and The Funky Monk in Tucson; www. squareoneconceptsinc.com.

PHOTO COURTESY OF UPWARD PROJECTS

UPWARD PROJECTS In 2001, a hip indoor-outdoor wine bar called Postino – named for the Italian word for “postman” as the venue is located in a vacant brick building that was a local post office once upon a time – opened in Arcadia. And while no longer a post office, the smallbut-mighty location delivered night after night, growing a faithful following across the Valley. Its success led to the creation of Upward Projects in 2008, with a vision to take vacant or historically relevant buildings in town and reinvent them into restaurants and bars. In the years since, Postino has grown to 15 locations across Arizona, Texas and Colorado. Today, Upward is also behind Windsor, Churn, Federal Pizza and Joyride Taco House in the Valley. www.upwardprojects.com.

FOX RESTAURANT CONCEPTS Since 1998, Tucson native Sam Fox and his Fox Restaurant Concepts have set the bar for culinary success in Arizona. And though the 11-time James Beard semifinalist sold the brand to Cheesecake Factory last year, Fox restaurants will always be Arizona born and raised. In total, though some changed hands prior to the Cheesecake Factory partnership, Fox concepts have included: Flower Child, Blanco Tacos & Tequila, Olive & Ivy, The Arrogant Butcher, North Italia, Culinary Dropout, Zinburger, The Henry, The Greene House, Sauce Pizza & Wine, Wildflower and Doughbird.

In 2008, Fox also famously partnered with renowned physician and doctor of integrative medicine Dr. Andrew Weil on True Food Kitchen, which now has 49 locations open or soon-to-open nationwide. www.foxrc.com.

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Kitchen Royalty

PHOTO BY ELIZABETH MARIE

BEAU MACMILLAN Beau MacMillan believes that food should not be overworked, but rather appreciated for its simplicity and natural perfection.

Since 1998, he has been delighting diners from around the world with his simple food made with finesse in the kitchen as executive chef at Sanctuary at Camelback Mountain Resort & Spa. Among the first Arizona chefs to be tapped on a regular basis by the national media, MacMillan leapt onto one of the world’s largest culinary stages in 2006 when he beat the iconic Bobby Flay on Food Network’s Iron Chef America. Since then, he’s not only showcased his simple-yet-sensational food in competition but as a charismatic guest, judge and mentor on such programs like The Best Thing I Ever Made, The Best Thing I Ever Ate and Guy’s Grocery Games. www.sanctuaryoncamelback.com.

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SCOTT CONANT In October, James Beard Award-winning chef Scott Conant – whose philosophy is to savor the pure pleasure of food, down to its last taste – expanded his Arizona restaurant portfolio by becoming an owner of The Americano. A Scottsdale resident, Conant previously made local headlines in the Valley with the opening of Mora Italian, a progressive Italian restaurant, in 2017.

Though newer to the local culinary scene, his name is a familiar one to foodies.

For years, he has been a fixture of Food Network, notably as a long-time judge of Chopped and host of spinoff Chopped Sweets. He has also published three cookbooks – New Italian Cooking, Bold Italian, and The Scarpetta Cookbook – and is known for guest-starring in the kitchens of The Today Show, Rachael Ray and Good Morning America. www.scottconant.com.

CHRYSA ROBERTSON In 1993, when the Valley was still primarily a sea of national restaurant chains, Chrysa Robertson changed the Arizona culinary community forever with the opening of Rancho Pinot. Trained by Carol Steele, widely known as the godmother of the local culinary scene, as well as James Beard Award winners Nancy Silverton and Hiro Sone, Robertson not only takes pride but has an unbridled passion for showcasing the melting pot that is Arizona through food. Rancho Pinot is the Southwest – and its neighbor Mexico – on a plate. Robertson is also the original founder of the Phoenix chapter of Slow Food, a global food movement now 1,600 chapters strong around the world that supports good, clean and fair food for all by educating, advocating and connecting across the globe. www.ranchopinot.com.

PHOTO BY GRACE STUFKOSKY

Spirited Spots

BITTERS BAR & FOOD When Erika Rode, a 15-year veteran of the hospitality industry, opened Bitters Bar & Food at SkySong in 2018, her mission was to shine a light on unique handcrafted cocktails, each with its own twist using almost exclusively small production spirits and often with garnishes from her on-site garden. Given the name, of course there is a full menu of cocktails with bitters in them. However, Rode also sought to create cocktail experiences for guests, leading to the development of what she calls her elevated experience cocktails. For example, she uses butterfly pea powder in one cocktail to alter its color upon serving.

She pours another through an infusion tower. Rode also substitutes traditional glassware when she can, opting for vessels ranging from coconuts to bong flutes for extra visual pizazz. www.bittersbar.com.

CENTURY GRAND In August, Century Grand became the first Arizona bar to earn a top four finish at the Spirited Awards, held by the Tales of the Cocktail Foundation, which is the preeminent cocktail organization in the world akin to the James Beard Foundation for restaurants. The immersive experience at Century Grand includes Platform 18, a replica of a 1926 train car located inside the building complete with 16 “windows” that take guests on a journey through snowy Colorado terrain; Grey Hen Rx, which resembles a turn-of-the-century apothecary and features hand selected cocktails and spirits; and UnderTow, a Tiki bar designed to look like the inside of a ship’s hull that recently moved inside Century Grand after years hidden under Sip Coffee next door. www.centurygrandphx.com.

THE SCOTCH LIBRARY While many of Scottsdale’s resorts wow when it comes to their cocktail programs, the Scotch Library at the Westin Kierland Resort & Spa is something special and wholly unique. Located just off the main lobby, this actual library replica swaps books in its cases for more than 300 scotches and whiskies, including a number of rare imports. The space is not just a celebration of scotch and whiskey itself, but of early Scottish immigrants’ place in Arizona’s history helping to build local railroads and dams as well as work its mines. Trained scotch ambassadors in the library offer 2-ounce pours, ranging from $12 to $475 depending on the brand, and the bagpipes are played every evening just outside the library on the lawn to enhance the experience. www.kierlandresort.com.

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Wowing Winemakers ROBERT CARLSON III While in college, Robert Carlson III developed a taste for wine. However, winemaker was not his first career.

Carlson first worked in politics and stockbroking. In 2009 at 28, Carlson quit his job and, with his family, bought land to grow grapes in Willcox, naming the eventual brand Carlson Creek. Studying under mentors and often working with his business partner and brother, John, Carlson has been producing award-winning Arizona wine for over 10 years, including chardonnay, sauvignon blanc, riesling, syrah, sangiovese, cabernet sauvignon, grenache, malbec, rosé and mourvedre varieties. Currently the third-largest wine label in Arizona, Carlson has tasting rooms in Scottsdale, Cottonwood and Willcox and distribution at both grocery stores and restaurants statewide. www.carlsoncreek.com.

CURT LAWRENCE DUNHAM Curt Lawrence Dunham’s road to winemaking is a love story. Actually, it is two love stories. Dunham’s love of wine began thanks to a bottle of 1974 Beulieu Vineyards George Latour Private Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon his parents gifted him after a trip to Napa several decades ago. The romance continued, though not professionally just yet as Dunham already had a job in urban planning.

It wasn’t until he began his love story with now-wife Peggy Fiandanca and the two began collecting wine that the idea to learn how to make it themselves was born. In 2008, Dunham partnered with Fiandanca to buy 40 acres at the foothills of the Chiricahua Mountains, and started LDV Winery. Today, Dunham makes boutique estate wines available across Arizona as well as at their Scottsdale tasting room. www.ldvwinery.com.

LISA STRID In 2019, Aridus Wine Company, which is headquartered in a refurbished apple warehouse in Willcox and has a tasting room in Scottsdale, was named among the top hot brands in wine by Wine Business Monthly, which recognizes vintners, growers, wineries and wines that are making a statement in the industry while also exceeding all expectations with regard to quality. Central to the brand’s success is Lisa Strid, who joined Aridus as winemaker in 2016 after several positions with E&J Gallo. Strid uses grapes grown throughout Aridus’ vineyards but also sources from across Arizona, New Mexico and California, resulting in sensational takes on cabernet franc, chardonnay, malvasia bianca, fumé blanc, montepulciano, merlot, granahe, zinfandel and more. www.ariduswineco.com.

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Modern Steakhouses

THE AMERICANO Chic and striking both in appearance and culinary offerings, The Americano is a true Italian steakhouse, blending the European style of highly personalized, tableside service with contemporary Italian-inspired dining and American imagination when it comes to mixology. Though open less than a year, it has already earned a place in the hearts and minds of local diners. And now that Scott Conant is at the helm – acquiring the brand in October – The Americano is poised to make an even bigger mark, especially on the heels of Conant recently releasing his first menu, which is full of recognizable dishes that have helped define his career in addition to prime and American wagyu steaks, housemade pasta, organic salads, Italian antipasti and Mediterranean-inspired seafood. www. theamericanorestaurant.com.

MAPLE & ASH The aim at swanky Chicago-born Maple & Ash is to modernize guests’ idea of what is means to be an American steakhouse in the 21st century. Visually, expect timeless-meets-contemporary with rich jewel-toned leathers, candelabras, natural woods, velvet curtains and an opulent jewelry-inspired chandelier.

Maple and ash are literally wafting through the air, thanks to the open-air kitchen and its 14-foot wood-burning hearth. The menu, created by two Michelin-starred chef Danny Grant, is a dizzying array of extravagance, featuring dry-aged bone-in rib-eye, Eisenhower and Tomahawk steaks; Siberian and Ossetra caviars; fine seafood; and shellfish towers spilling over with hearth-roasted Maine lobster, scallops, prawns, Alaskan king crab and more.

Not sure what you’re in the mood for? Let the chef choose when ordering the cheekily named, fixed-price tasting menu. www.mapleandash.com.

ROKA AKOR The flavors of east and west come together in perfect harmony at Roka Akor, which features premium sushi and sashimi as well as sumptuous dishes from a tempura kitchen and a signature robata, a Japanese grill that uses hot charcoal on a wide, flat open fireplace to release additional flavor. It also happens to be one of only 30 venues in the United States with a license to source Kobe beef from the Hyogo prefecture in Japan. This highly sought-after cut is treated with the utmost respect at Roka, grilled with very little preparation in order to let the meat’s natural buttery flavor shine.

The space matches the culinary style approach with minimalist design and natural elements throughout, creating a Zen-like atmosphere that enhances the experience. www.rokaakor.com.

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Perfect Pizzas

PHOTO BY DEBBY WOLVOS

CRAFT 64 Sometimes you just want a pizza and a beer. At Craft 64, which has locations in both Old Town Scottsdale and Chandler, you can have both with a side of social consciousness as the restaurant is committed to supporting local by sourcing farm fresh and organic ingredients, primarily from McClendon’s Select Farm in Peoria. It is the combination of the fresh local ingredients and Craft 64’s Mugnaini wood-fired ovens – imported from Italy – that give each pizza its robust flavor. The beer menu is even more proudly local, offering a rotating selection of several dozen beers strictly made in Arizona as well as the restaurant’s own lineup of five to 10 standard and seasonal brews in partnership with SunUp Brewing in Phoenix. www.craft64.com.

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IL BOSCO PIZZA Though a bit hard to find – barely visible in a super-small space next door to Handlebar J’s near Scottsdale Road and Shea Boulevard – you would be smart to seek Il Bosco out when looking for exceptional wood-fired pizza. Il Bosco uses a 900-degree, hand-tiled Valoriani woodfired pizza oven, which perfectly crisps the outside of the crust without losing that delightful chewy texture inside. The dough, in addition to every sauce, is made fresh in-house, and the cheese is imported from around the world to ensure quality and authenticity in every bite. Most of the pizzas are in homage to popular Italian women’s names, including Adrianna, Gabriella, Rosa, Gina, Carmela, Lucia and Valentina, and both the wine and beer menus have a significant number of Italian labels. www. ilboscopizza.com.

LAMP North Scottsdale’s LAMP (an acronym for owners Lindsay and Matt Pilato) specializes in artisanal pies baked in a wood-fired oven. Tucked into the La Mirada Shopping Center, all of LAMP’s 19 red pizzas feature a base of fresh mozzarella, pecorino and Parmigiano-Reggiano cheeses as well as tomato sauce and basil. Among the more unique specialty pies: the Terroso, which has roasted crimini mushrooms, roasted artichoke hearts and roasted red peppers; and the Kavorka, which features house Sicilian sausage, piquante peppers and wood-roasted onions. There is also a substantial white pizza menu with nine options, all featuring a base of mozzarella, pecorino and Parmigiano-Reggiano cheeses; EVOO; cracked pepper; and sea salt. A fan favorite: Stacy’s Mom, which also has garlic and ricotta. www.lamppizza.com.

Sweet Treats SUPER CHUNK SWEETS & TREATS Helmed by Courtney Velador, a 2020 James Beard Award semifinalist for outstanding pastry chef, and her husband Sergio, Super Chunk’s decadent delicacies have been featured by HGTV, Cooking Channel, Washington Post, USA Today and even National Geographic in recent years. The husband-and-wife team specialize in cakes, ice cream, cookies – notably the mesquite chocolate chip variety using mesquite flour for a Southwest flair. There’s also more out-of-the-box desserts, like the signature John & Yoko, which is a honey cake tres leches with mascarpone whipped cream and honeycomb candy; and the Saguaro, a raspberry aloe vera mousse with prickly pear gelee, pistachio sponge, pistachio crumble and pistachio glaze all atop a mesquite sable cookie. www.superchunk.me.

JENNA LEURQUIN PATISSERIE The brainchild of Belgium-born and French-trained pastry chef Jenna Leurquin, JL (her initials) is a Frenchinspired bakery specializing in high-end pies, cookies, cakes, breads, croissants, danishes, macarons, madeleines and jams. Leurquin develops recipes based on the seasonality of ingredients and then showcases many of them as a collection, as one might do with a fashion or jewelry line. She also has a line of items available either every day or with advance notice, including French silk pie; chocolate pistachio macaron cake; opera cake; coconut gianduja financiers; and double eagle cookies, which are made with French-imported butter, 64% Manjari dark chocolate bits, butterscotch, toasted walnuts, toasted pecans, shredded coconut, raisins, and a pinch of Maldon sea salt. www.jlpatisserie.com.

PHOTO BY DEBBY WOLVOS

SUGAR JAM BAKESHOP & BISTRO Formally opened in Scottsdale in 2014, Sugar Jam is the creation of Dana Dumas, whose homemade sugar cookies – filled with various jams – were the talk of a friend’s bridal shower back in 2011. Supported by her family, Dumas started selling the cookies at farmers markets, culinary events and Phoenix Public Market soon after, adding on other baked goods as word spread and her reputation grew. Now a full-fledged bakery and bistro (serving Southern classics for brunch and lunch), Sugar Jam still sells the cookies that put its name on the map, but also offers delicious scones, pastries and full-sized pies as well as mini individual pies in flavors such as apple, cherry, bourbon pecan, sweet potato, peach cobbler, apple-cherry crumb. www.sugarjamcookies.com.

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Style

D W E L L / A L L U R E / S H O P / FA S H I O N

BY GABBY LEIGHTON

Give the gift of glitz and glamour this holiday season with the Out of Africa Stiletto Earrings by Vanleles, the world’s first femalefounded, African high jewelry house. Owner Vania Leles aims to show the rich stories of her African homeland through her wearable art, made entirely of ethically sourced gemstones. Crafted in 18-karat rose gold, these one-of-a-kind elegant showpieces are adorned with close to 35 carats of rubies, rubelites and diamonds, all responsibly sourced from Mozambique, a destination which attracts gem and jewelry dealers from around the world. Price upon request at Vanleles, www.vanleles.com.

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Style DWELL

BY NEYDA MELINA

ODE TO OLD-SCHOOL Timeless is the new trendy in the grandmillenial movement

Table lamp, Regina Andrew, $912.50 at Nordstrom, www. nordstrom.com.

Floral plate, MacKenzie-Childs, $48 at Saks Fifth Avenue, www. saksfifthavenue.com.

Herringbone monogram napkins, $69 at Mark & Graham, www. markandgraham.com.

Embroidered ottoman with branch-style base, John-Richard Collection, $1,569 at Neiman Marcus, www. neimanmarcus.com.

Floral patchwork sham, $59.50 at Pottery Barn, www. potterybarn.com.

Raffia tray, $125 at Aerin, www.aerin.com.

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Style ALLURE

BY NEYDA MELINA

SHADES OF WINTER On-trend polishes for the season

Magnifique glitter, $20 at Mischo Beauty, www.mischobeauty. com.

Mistletoe, $18 at Dazzle Dry, www. dazzledry.com.

Pourpre Edgy, Givenchy, $24 at Neiman Marcus, www. neimanmarcus.com.

True to Form, Londontown, $16 at Neiman Marcus.

Myra Crimson, Gucci, $28 at Saks Fifth Avenue, www. saksfifthavenue.com.

Rolling in the Deep, Deborah Lippmann, $18, at Nordstrom, www.nordstrom.

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Permanent Make-up

& BEYOND Microblading

BEYOND MICROBLADING As a permanent make up technician and trainer for nearly 30 years I’ve seen many trends come and go. These days one of the first things I hear from people inquiring about services is “I don’t want tattooed eyebrows. I want the soft powdery look that you did for my friend.”

This is when I educate the public on the truth about permanent make up and the truth is it’s all tattoo. Years ago when permanent make up was just a fledgling industry in this country many of us worked in the offices of plastic surgeons.

We called the procedure micro pigment implantation. Then different techniques were marketed using trade words like soft tap, and recently microblading has been all the rage.

Known as the “queen of conservative” My specialty is custom blending colors for each person. Shape, color, technique and science are what create the artistry for beautifully natural eyebrows.

Eyelash enhancements. Due to the lockdown most people have lost their eyelash extensions. This is the perfect time to touch up permanent eyeliner before reapplying lashes. I love to create a rich smokey looking lash line rather than a harsh eyeliner look.

Safety first. Due to the intimate nature of these procedures safety has always been at the very top of the list. Hospital grade disinfectants are used on surfaces between clients and most importantly all instruments are new, sterile and disposable. Yea! With your safety in mind I will be wearing a mask through your procedure and if you like I will happily provide you with one as well. Because my studio is completely private you need not worry about ever encountering a crowded salon environment.

Contact Rachell Hall at 480.368.9239 8075 E. Morgan Trail, Suite 2 Scottsdale, AZ 85260 (Off Hayden, between Mountain View and Shea)

Visit her websites: RachellHall.com BeautyBeyondBreastCancer.com

Style SHOP

BY NEYDA MELINA

LEATHER WEATHER Add an edgy element to any outfit with winter’s must-wear textile

Brown blazer, Blank NYC, $99 at Nordstrom, www. nordstrom.com.

Black smocked top, $29.99 at H&M, www. hm.com.

Metallic bronze high-rise pants, Alice + Olivia, $1,095 at Saks Fifth Avenue, www. saksfifthavenue.com.

Maroon top-handle bag, Wandler, $920 at Neiman Marcus, www.neimanmarcus. com.

Tan over the knee boots, Saint Laurent, $1,895 at Neiman Marcus.

Teal pleated skirt, $120 at J.Crew, www. jcrew.com.

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Style SHOP

BY NEYDA MELINA

MERRY & BRIGHT Make a festive statement in the classic holiday hue

Pullover sweater, $95 at J.crew, www. jcrew.com.

Twist cocktail dress, Harlyn, $119 at Nordstrom, www. nordstrom.com.

Tuxedo stripe trousers, Burberry, $990 at Nordstrom.

Takeout crystal clutch, Judith Leiber Couture, $5,295 at Neiman Marcus, www. neimanmarcus.com.

Embellished patent leather mules, Jimmy Choo, $950 at Saks Fifth Avenue, www. saksfifthavenue.com.

Wrap blazer, 3.1 Phillip Lim, $850 at Saks Fifth Avenue.

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Signature

EXPERIENCES

· Desert Ice Skating Rink with V.I.P Fire-side Experience · Four-Story Musical Tree & Animated Light Show · Photos with Santa · 4.5 Million Lagoon Lights · Magical Holiday Characters · Two Princess Express Trains · S’moresland—Frosty’s Ferris Wheel, Polar Glide Ice Slide, and more · Winterland—seasonal cocktails and conversation, surrounded by winter’s beauty

NEW FOR 2020! · Lanterns of Hope—share their messages of love and peace · Twinkle Town—a magical land filled with twinkling lights, delectable bites and beverages

C E L E B R A T E

NOV 20

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DEC 31

Gather family and friends to join us as the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess transforms into a spectacular holiday wonderland for the eleventh annual celebration of Christmas at the Princess!

for admission & festival information visit:

reimagined for safety

SCOTTSDALEPRINCESS.COM | 480. 585. 4848

Guest safety and wellness is top of mind and an integral part of Fairmont Scottsdale’s ALLSafe initiative—the Princess is requiring masks be worn by guests and employees throughout the event including outdoor venues. The resort has limited attendance to 40% event capacity, and is following all state, county and city guidelines as well as recommendations by the CDC.

Santa’s

INSIDER TIPS

· Visit earlier in the season or weekdays to avoid longer wait times · Make dining reservations early—Toro, Bourbon Steak & La Hacienda will be taking reservations · It’s a rain or shine event—plan accordingly · Fire pits do sell out quickly—make your reservations early

b e s t va l u e t i p s :

· Guests staying overnight enjoy VIP access to festival attractions · Spend $75 or more at any of the resort’s dining outlets and receive complimentary general admission, 50% off valet parking, and ride & attraction wristbands (up to six people) · TWO BEST VALUE PACKAGES: Arizona Residents Rate and Stay Close BOGO Offer

a b i g t h a n k yo u to o u r g e n e r o u s s p o n s o r s w h o h e l p m a k e t h e m ag i c o f c h r i s t m a s at t h e p r i n c e s s p o s s i b l e f o r o u r c o m m u n i t y

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BRACELETS: 18-karat yellow gold with pearshaped diamonds, Alma Collection, $29,500; 14-karat white gold with baguette and pave round brilliant diamonds, $36,000.

EARRINGS: 18-karat white and rose gold with diamonds and black opal center, Yael Designs, $22,663.

All from London Gold, www.londongold.com.

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BRACELETS: 18-karat yellow gold wrap-style with diamonds, $4,995; 18-karat white gold wrapstyle with diamonds, $5,300. RINGS: 18-karat white gold wrap-style with diamonds, $1,750 and $1,800. All from The Diamond Guys, www.thediamondguys.net.

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RING: 18-karat white gold with amethyst center, $6,800. From Cornelis Hollander Jewelry Designs, www.cornelishollander.com.

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RING: 18-karat yellow gold with emerald-cut lagoon tourmaline center and diamond accents, price upon request.

From Galicia Fine Jewelers, www.galiciajewelers.com.

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RING: 18-karat white gold with halo and signature L’Amour Crisscut diamond center (available in varying sizes), Christopher Designs, price upon request. From Isaac Jewelers, www. isaacjewelers.com.

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RING: 14-karat white gold with halo and oval diamond center (available in varying sizes), price upon request. From Isaac Jewelers, www.isaacjewelers. com.

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Cool Deck Restorations

BY FUTURA Since 1988

Cool Deck just completed, Paradise Valley

Ugly old Cool Deck?

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We take your existing Cool Deck surface that may have unsightly stains, cracks, or missing areas due to a variety of circumstances and perform our exclusive restoration service which will transform your pool/patio decking to new like condition and protect it from future damage.

Futura’s high performance restoration coating system provides a clean protective color shield, for a long lasting, time tested restoration service that restores, enhances and maintains cool decking areas like new.

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Luxe WA N T / H AU T E P R O P E R T Y / P L A C E S

BY ALISON BAILIN BATZ

‘Tis the season for sugar, spice and everything vice. With that, Robb Vices luxury subscription boxes offer top-of-the-line products ranging from fine foods and beverages to tech gadgets and dishware for even the most discerning of buyers, whether purchasing as a gift or treating oneself. All products in each box have been hand-curated and fit an overall theme for the month. The box comes with a companion magazine that describes each product, its origin, fun facts and retail costs. Subscribers can expect items such as Champagne sabering kits, retro Bluetooth turntables and cashmere gloves, with each box valued at more than $250. Specialty Vices, including cigar boxes and rare spirit boxes, are also available. $99.95 per month for a year subscription or $159.95 per month for an individual box at Vices, www.vices.com.

So Scottsdale! December ‘20

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Luxe WANT

TASTE THE WORLD

The owners of Café Monarch open Reserve Old Town, a globally inspired fine dining experience

BY ALISON BAILIN BATZ / PHOTO BY HARLEY BONHAM PHOTOGRAPHY

In 2017, the award-winning Café Monarch restaurant moved from its longtime home in South Scottsdale to a larger space across the street to accommodate its growth. Those who loved its intimate 1,200-square-foot former home, however, are in luck as the space has been re-imagined into Reserve Old Town.

Reserve Old Town (www.reserveoldtown.com) was inspired by executive chef and owner Gustavo Lewkowicz’s travels through Spain in 2019 with some of Monarch’s key team members. During their travels, the group visited several Michelin-starred restaurants, leaving the country refreshed and inspired to create a new ultra-fine dining concept in the Valley. The plan gained steam when earlier this year, Lewkowicz hired Benjamin Wald as Monarch’s chef de cuisine. The seasoned chef brought experience from years working at L’ecole in Paris under culinary icon Alain Ducasse, who has 21 Michelin stars under his belt, as well as at The Inn at Little Washington, one of a handful of three-Michelin-starred restaurants in the United States.

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The restaurant also brought on sous chef David Brito from Kai Restaurant and pastry chef Sarah Knoll, who previously worked for decorated chef Thomas Keller.

Reserve Old Town, which opened its doors in late October of this year, offers a 12-course chef’s tasting menu to just 25 guests a night from Wednesday to Saturday, with plans to open additional days as needed in 2021. The experience starts inside the main building at the venue’s cocktail area, which has been transformed into a bar and space that resembles a living room in a luxe mansion with candelabras, paintings, antique couches and chandeliers throughout. Diners can order a cocktail from the bar and enjoy an amusebouche before being ushered outside to tables under the stars, with fountains and ample greenery ensuring privacy for all parties.

What comes next is an adventure that awakens all of the senses courtesy of the culinary team, the Court of Master Sommeliers-trained wait staff and three advanced sommeliers, one of whom is on property at all times.

Though the menu will change regularly, typical dishes feature everything from Royal Osetra caviar, black truffles and foie gras to king crab, lobster and Miyazaki Japanese Mishima wagyu steak. Each course is presented tableside like a work of art, with every ingredient on the dish mindfully and skillfully placed to elicit a visual and aromatic response long before anything touches the guests’ lips.

Dinner starts at $285 per person and reservations must be made well in advance.

For an additional $285 per person, guests will receive curated fine wine pairings with each course. There is also an expansive menu of wines by the glass and bottle as well as an a la carte selection of cocktails crafted with barrel-aged, limited-edition and unique spirits.

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Luxe HAUTE PROPERTY

SPOTLIGHT: HOMEY HACIENDA

BY ELIZABETH LIBERATORE

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Though constructed in 1987 by Phoenix builder Von Dix, this Santa Barbara-style home has since been re-imagined, gaining an additional 700 square feet. Now at 4,488 square feet, the space features four bedrooms, 3 1/2 bathrooms, three fireplaces, and a sprawling outdoor area with a pool.

The house’s exterior white stucco walls contrast beautifully against its burnt orange roof shingles and outdoor accents.

Quintessential desert landscaping, including saguaros and palo verde and mesquite trees, dot this hacienda, which sits on over an acre of land. A circular drive complete with a front entrance at the road leads to a welcoming courtyard with Saltillo tiles and an artful fountain.

Impressive front doors open to the grand entry, where a brass chandelier hangs from a 17-foot ceiling. The great room follows suit with high ceilings, a granite fireplace, and windows on nearly every wall, which continues throughout the rest of the home. Natural light abounds in the family room, which features a full wall of floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the backyard.

The kitchen features a Wolf natural gas eight-burner countertop range and Zephyr hood, a Bosch dishwasher, a built-in refrigerator and freezer, and a drop-in sink.

Geode amethyst granite countertops compliment the light wood cabinetry, and the island allows for ample prep, entertaining and dining thanks to its oversized nature.

An accent wall of white subway tile adds a sleek yet inviting vibe.

The master bath is the showpiece of the room, showcasing vaulted ceilings; two separate vanities; a freestanding tub with views of a private backyard garden; and a custom shower with three granite walls, pebbled floors, and a rain showerhead. The granite fireplace, high ceilings, and private patio off the custom dressing room are all worth noting in the master bedroom.

With a white stucco fireplace, seating areas, and a pool surrounded by palm trees, the backyard is a true West Coast paradise.

8041 E. Juan Tabo Road, Scottsdale, Arizona 85255. Listed for 1,388,000 with Jeffrey Serpa of Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty. 480.689.8901; jeffrey. serpa@russlyon.com.

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The Village offers the best variety of activities, sports and training options anywhere in the Valley. In addition to our core staples of cardio, weight-training and group fitness classes, our memberships include aquatics, racquetball, tennis, basketball and squash. All available to you in our clean and safe state-of-the-art facility.

Get your complimentary VIP trial membership at villageclubs.com

Luxe PLACES

GOOD AS GOLD

Set out on an extravagant culinary adventure through Northern California

BY ALISON BAILIN BATZ / PHOTO COURTESY OF HAMEL ESTATE

Early settlers made their way to Northern California in search of gold. Today, however, the area is a mecca for another “G” word: gastronomy. California – particularly the Bay Area, which consists of nine counties including San Francisco, Napa and Sonoma – offers some of the most storied dining experiences in the world.

Here we highlight restaurants worth the trip.

San Francisco

PHOTO COURTESY OF HAMEL ESTATE

Certainly, one’s epicurean exploration of the area must start in San Francisco. This year alone, 34 San Francisco eateries earned one, two or three Michelin stars and 14 earned Forbes Travel Guide Awards. And don’t even get us started on winners of James Beard Foundation Awards. To give an idea, 16 of the city’s restaurants and chefs were named finalists in 2020 as compared to four in the entire state of Arizona.

Foodies focused on all things fine dining should start with Atelier Crenn in San Francisco’s Cow Hollow District. Helmed

by Dominique Crenn, the only female in the United States to earn three Michelin stars and the 2018 James Beard Award winner for Best Chef in the West, the modern French restaurant offers an explanation of each night’s dishes through a poem instead of a traditional menu.

Just 2 miles away in the Jackson Square neighborhood is Quince. Like Crenn, the restaurant has earned three Michelin stars and executive chef Michael Tusk is a James Beard Award winner. It also has a nightly tasting menu, but while Crenn is a masterful fusion of California’s native ingredients with French delicacies, Quince is a marriage of California and Italy, with dizzyingly delicious results.

Beyond Crenn and Quince, Californios in the Mission District is can’t-miss for its Mexican tasting menus. Similarly, any good culinary bucket list would not be complete without Saison.

Located in the South of Market district, Saison sources much of its menu from its own farm just outside of the city and excels at dishes made over wood-fired flames. And finally, consider buying a ticket to Lazy Bear. Yes, the restaurant sells tickets rather than providing reservations to best prepare diners for an attraction versus a meal. The lively dinners are ever-changing, but often have nods to nostalgic American classics.

Napa Just north of San Francisco lies Napa County and its 500-plus wineries. Given the region’s claim to fame comes in a bottle; many don’t realize the area is among the top dining destinations in the world. First on most everyone’s list is The French Laundry in Napa’s Yountville region. Once an actual French steam laundry center, the restaurant is led by Thomas Keller, a past James Beard

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PHOTO COURTESY OF LOUIS M. MARTINI WINERY

Best Chef in America honoree and icon, and widely considered the standard by which fine dining restaurants are measured.

Given the region is best known for cabernet sauvignon, which pairs well with red meat, Press in St. Helena is a top choice. Dimly lit and cozy, the chophouse-meets-farmhouse offers fork-tender dry-aged USDA prime steaks.

For those looking to fuse the cuisine and wine of the region, many vineyards in the area have in-house acclaimed chefs who have crafted small bites and multi-course menus to accompany wine tastings. Of particular note is Louis M. Martini Winery in St. Helena, which offers a Heritage Lounge Tasting where chef Jeffery Russell pairs the vineyard’s most exclusive and sought-after smalllot varietals with decadent dishes such as foie gras mousse with local jam and beet macarons. Another highlight is Robert Mondavi Winery in Oakville, which has a Garden to Table dinner featuring a winery and garden tour followed by a three-course dinner alfresco.

PHOTO COURTESY OF KENWOOD INN

Sonoma Located just west of Napa, Sonoma County may be larger in technical size and known for being a bit more laid-back, but it also has many lauded vineyards offering elevated culinary experiences. In Sonoma Proper, Hamel Family Wines’ Reserve Tasting Experience includes a truly gourmet – and wildly imaginative – four-course seasonal menu paired with cabernet blends as well as million-dollar views from the elevated property. In Chalk Hill, the chef at Chalk Hill Estate Vineyards boldly pairs the wines with caviar, housemade rosemary chips and mouthwatering gluten-free fried chicken. In Dry Creek, Capo Creek hosts intimate five-course luncheons with rustic, indulgent, fresh American, Polish and Italian dishes with its winemaker and chef personally introducing each dish and wine.

Certainly, Sonoma has its share of five-star sit-down experiences outside of the vineyards as well. With three Michelin stars and a James Beard Award, Single Thread – a restaurant and inn with its own working farm nearby – is located in downtown Healdsburg and is turning the culinary world on its head with its ultra-modern, 11-course Japanese tasting menu using ingredients solely from the farm’s vegetables and flowers, olive trees, fruit orchards, beehives, chickens, and cattle. Similarly, The Bubble Room, which is located just off the tasting room area at J Vineyards in the more rural section of Healdsburg, offers a fivecourse (plus surprises) seasonal tasting menu that was named a top food and wine experience in the country by CellarPass.

Amid COVID-19 and recent fires throughout the region, most venues are in the process of reopening, offering outdoor versions of the above, or plan to reopen in early 2021. Call or check online prior to going.

PHOTO COURTESY OF SINGLE THREAD FARM

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Taste DRINK

SIP LIKE A STAR Celebrity wines that shine

BY ALISON BAILIN BATZ

In ancient Greece, it was commonplace for famous playwrights, politicians and philosophers to make wine for their personal use.

Today’s brightest stars – including athletes, musicians and actors – are continuing in the tradition of making their own wines as well, but for public consumption. Here are some standouts worth the hype.

2018 Greg Norman Estates Limestone Coast Shiraz This full-bodied red with aromas of holiday spice on the nose and a jammy mouthfeel comes from sports icon Greg Norman. Though he has vineyard operations around the world, this particular varietal is special as it comes from the golfer’s native Australia. $18.99.

Maison No. 9 Grammy winner Post Malone worked closely with award-winning winemaker Alexis Cornu, a star in his own right with seven 90-plus point rosés under his belt, for much of 2019 to develop Maison No. 9, which debuted this year. A blend of grenache, cinsault, syrah and merlot, it is clean, dry and crisp with notes of ripe pineapple, pear and strawberry. $21.99.

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Avaline Earlier this year, actress, mom and author Cameron Diaz launched both a white wine, which is made in Spain using macabeo, malvasia and xarel grapes; and a rosé, made in France using cinsault, grenache, cabernet sauvignon, syrah and caladoc grapes. Both are under the Avaline label and are vegan, organic and free of additives. $24.

Hampton Water Singer-songwriter Jon Bon Jovi and his son own this rosé, which is made in the south of France using grenache, cinsault and mourvedre grapes and has melon, white cherry and mineral notes. Though only launched in 2017, the brand has already been ranked by Wine Spectator among the top rosès in the world. $25.

Harmony By Boyz II Men Bordeaux Rouge 2016 Named in homage to Boyz II Men’s smooth harmonies as well as the harmony of flavor created by their intricate blend of grapes (that apparently have music played for them twice a day during growing season) in each varietal under their label, this red blend explodes with flavors of blackberry, blueberry, dark plum, black cherry, licorice, and cedar with a beautifully persistent finish. $24.99.

Ferguson Crest 2014 Fergalicious Founded in Solvang, California, by singer-songwriter Fergie and her father in 2006, each of the family’s wines is meant to capture the essence of Santa Barbara winemaking at its best. This blend of syrah, cabernet sauvignon, petit verdot and grenache earned 90 points from Wine Spectator and delights with smoky plum, anise and cracked pepper on the palate. $25.

2017 MacMurray Estate Russian River Valley Pinot Noir When Hollywood great Fred MacMurray bought a sprawling Sonoma ranch in the 1970s, he had no idea he was putting wheels in motion to what would become one of California’s most successful wine growers. This pinot is a perfect expression of the estate with notes of cola, vanilla and cherry. $24.99.

The Calling 2016 Our Tribute Cabernet Sauvignon Sportscaster Jim Nantz partnered with friend Peter Deutsch of Deutsch Family Wine & Spirits to create The Calling portfolio, all classic Sonoma wines. Named to honor their fathers, this finessed cabernet has robust fruit flavors and velvety tannins thanks to the rugged Moon Mountain in Sonoma where the grapes are grown. $62.

Taste

DRINK / CHEERS / CUISINE / FOOD FILES / DINING GUIDE

BY ALISON BAILIN BATZ / PHOTO BY DEBBY WOLVOS

Though The Sicilian Butcher initially made a name for itself through craft meatballs, bruschetta and charcuterie, the modern-chic concept has gained acclaim as of late for its sumptuous and ever-changing seasonal offerings. This winter, the Tomato and Burrata Tart ($14) is among executive chef and owner Joey Maggiore’s standout dishes. The base is a savory, parmesan baked pastry shell made daily that has been filled with herb-infused whipped ricotta and a flavorful mix of juicy yellow and red heirloom tomatoes. It’s topped with a dollop of burrata imported from Naples then dressed with olive oil, salt, pepper, edible flowers and balsamic pearls. The finished dish is salty, tart, creamy and crunchy. The Sicilian Butcher, 15530 N. Tatum Blvd., Phoenix; 602.775.5140; www.thesicilianbutcher.com.

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Taste CHEERS

GINGERLY MAGNIFICENT The Creek Patio Grill’s Copper Creek sparkles in the light and on the palate

Since opening in 2016, The Creek Patio Grill has become a go-to spot for Cave Creek residents who love modern takes on classic food and drinks.

“Our atmosphere is absolutely casual as is the general vibe in the city itself, but our guests love that we offer upscale cocktails beyond just beer, wine and the more traditional options,” says Austin Keane, general manger.

Within The Creek’s beverage program, guests appreciate both the organic cocktail menu and the drinks made using infused spirits.

“Both of these sections of our menu allow us to truly craft something special for people by hand and with premium ingredients,” Keane says.

Among the most popular drinks made with an infused spirit is the Copper Creek ($12).

“It starts with Absolut Elyx, which is made from winter wheat grown in southern Sweden, which is known for producing high-end vodka with a rich and smooth mouth feel,” Keane says. “Some even call it liquid silk.”

The Elyx is combined with handchopped pineapple and is left to infuse for at least 48 hours until the aromatics and flavor characteristics seep in. The vodka is then strained; muddled with basil, lime juice and housemade simple syrup; and then shaken with ice.

“We then strain it into a custom-made copper coupe with ice and top it with ginger beer, making it very much a tropical take on a mule,” Keane says.

After a garnishment of fresh basil, the glowing coupe is presented tableside.

Light and refreshing with a hint of sweetness and a bold pop of fizzy effervescence, Copper Creek tickles the taste buds while making a stunning visual statement.

The Creek Patio Grill, 28244 N. Tatum Blvd., Cave Creek; 480.538.7910; www. thecreekpatiogrill.com.

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BY ALISON BAILIN BATZ / PHOTO BY DEBBY WOLVOS

Taste

CUISINE

CHEF CONVERSATIONS In the kitchen with Anthony Barr of Gabriella’s

BY ALISON BAILIN BATZ / PHOTO BY DEBBY WOLVOS

Anthony Barr is the executive chef and co-owner of Gabriella’s Contemporary American Cuisine, which is named for his daughter. The menu features elevated riffs on traditional American cuisine as well as thoughtfully prepared selections for vegetarians, vegans and those with dietary restrictions.

What menu items describe the concept of Gabriella’s?

One great example is our tater tots. Rather than frying and serving with ketchup, we stuff them with cheese and bacon, making them a cross between a tot, baked potato and elegant croquette. Another example: Impossible Sloppy Joe sliders. Here, we swap ground beef for ground Impossible burger and top with the guest’s choice of traditional or plant-based cheese while retaining the comfort food classic’s flavor.

Tell us about your move to Scottsdale.

Until this past spring, my family and I lived in San Francisco, where my wife Anna and I owned two large catering/event companies.

When COVID-19 hit, the event industry was decimated. We visited Scottsdale for the first time in May and fell in love. So, we up and moved here in June, with eyes to a fresh start.

Why Gabriella’s?

Though we’re entrepreneurs, I’ve worked in professional kitchens for over 30 years, cooking everywhere from Denny’s to fine dining. We wanted to continue working for ourselves, so a restaurant was the perfect marriage between business ownership and my culinary passion.

And the San Francisco businesses?

We are really proud that we pivoted our catering operation to help give back in the area. At present, we’ve partnered with several organizations there to convert that side of the business to helping feed those in need and hospital workers working on the front lines.

What inspired you to cook?

Before moving to San Francisco at 11, I lived in Georgia where I spent my days with grandpa in the garden, grandma in the barn and all working together in the kitchen. I joke we were farm-totable far ahead of the curve.

Gabriella’s Contemporary American Cuisine, 10155 E. Via Linda, Scottsdale; 480.534.7625; www.gabriellasscottsdale.com.

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Taste FOOD FILES

DELICIOUS DESTINATIONS Michelin-starred darlings for your culinary bucket list

BY ALISON BAILIN BATZ

Manresa

Among the pioneers of the farm-to-table concept – and one of the reasons for its success across North America – is executive chef David Kinch, who has been wholly focused on showcasing the best of Northern California’s bounty since day one at Manresa, located in Los Gatos just outside of San Francisco. Awarded three Michelin stars, all the kitchen’s produce comes from nearby farms and gardens, and there are copious fresh seafood options on the menu given the proximity to the Pacific Ocean. www. manresarestaurant.com

Le Bernardin

For many, neither this contemporary Manhattan culinary destination (which has received three Michelin stars several years running) nor its iconic chef needs an introduction. Helmed

by Eric Ripert, multiyear James Beard Award winner, popular Top Chef guest judge and frequent guest star on Anthony Bourdain’s Parts Unknown and No Reservations, the seeand-be-seen hot spot specializes in seafood with an Asian flair that has been prepared using modern French techniques and utilizing globally inspired ingredients. www.le-bernardin.com.

Alinea

Described by even the most discerning of critics as mind-bending molecular gastronomy, this semi-hidden restaurant (which holds three Michelin stars and a Forbes Five-Star rating) in Chicago is headed by chef Grant Achatz, who honed his skill at Thomas Keller’s legendary French Laundry and similarly lauded Charlie Trotter’s before launching Alinea in 2005.

Nothing is as it seems here; so much so that using the term “avant-garde” to describe the dishes doesn’t even begin to do them justice. www.alinearestaurant.com.

Vespertine First developed in 1900, the original Michelin Guide was produced to help drivers find trusted, high-caliber amenities – like restaurants – along various routes in each state. By 1926, the guide progressed to rating restaurants of exceptional quality with stars. Today, earning one, two or three Michelin stars is among the highest honors an eatery can attain. Here is a look at some of the top Michelin-rated venues to add to your epicurean bucket list.

Located in Culver City and honored with two Michelin stars, Vespertine is a trip – well, trippy!

Chef Jordan Kahn – who, like Achatz worked at French Laundry and even did a stint under him at Alinea – describes the concept as a futuristic menagerie of food, art, architecture, music, and sculpture, all coming at the guest at the same time to create a purposeful sensory overload. The dishes are ever-changing and aim to disrupt one’s notion of a dining experience. www.vespertine.la.

Smyth

Awarded with two Michelin stars, Smyth is a progressive American eatery in the heart of Chicago under the leadership of chef John B. Shields, who also worked under Achatz at

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proportions (formerly in Brooklyn and now in Manhattan) is a marriage of the best French and Japanese techniques and ingredients.

The tasting menu generally includes 15 to 16 dishes and changes seasonally. There is a heavy focus on fresh seafood and shellfish, but it just makes the wait for the meat and dessert courses – if that is more your culinary preference – all the more exciting. Wine and sake pairings are available for an added charge. www.brooklynfare.com.

Baumé

Located between San Francisco and San Jose in Northern California’s Palo Alto, Baumé is a small but mighty modern eatery that uses precise French techniques. Holding two Michelin stars, the 1,500-square-foot space features only five tables and two staff: chef Bruno Chemel and his wife Christine, a sommelier. Chemel offers an eight- to nine-course menu inspired by his own culinary memories from working at acclaimed eateries as well as both attending and teaching at culinary schools across New York, Paris, Tokyo and San Francisco. Additional inspiration comes from colors, seasonal ingredients and the latest in culinary design. www.maisonbaume.com.

Blue Hill at Stone Barns

Alinea. The tasting menus are unique in that they don’t change weekly, monthly or even seasonally, but daily – and sometimes from table to table. Shields plays with inventive techniques as well as creates elevated takes on more classic dishes. www.smythandtheloyalist.com.

The Inn at Little Washington

Located in Hudson Valley, which is set along the eastern edge of New York State, Blue Stone is part of a working nonprofit farm and educational center dedicated to sustainable food production. The dining room is a former dairy barn that has been re-imagined into a modern dining experience without losing its rustic feel. Five- and eight-course tasting menus are available and are wholly focused on the bounty of the surrounding farm. Be ready for rich and indulgent dishes using hyper-local ingredients course after mouthwatering course. www.bluehillfarm.com.

Nestled into the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia – in a small town named Washington – there is nothing small about the talent of James Beard Foundation Lifetime Achievement Award winner Patrick O’Connell, proprietor and executive chef at The Inn at Little Washington, which has been awarded with three Michelin stars. Offering tasting menus featuring six-plus courses, expect dishes that celebrate the marriage of French and American cuisines with precision and elegance. www. theinnatlittlewashington.com.

Sushi Ginza Onodera

While West Hollywood is best known for its high-energy nightlife, Sushi Ginza is out to up its culinary cred. Holding two Michelin stars, the restaurant offers Edomae sushi, which dates back to the period before refrigeration was available in Japan to preserve ingredients.

The fish is preserved using a variety of aging processes – marinating in soy sauce, curing in sea kelp and simmering in broth – to keep fresh and develop umami. www.sushiginzaonoderala. com.

Chef ’s Table at Brooklyn Fare

Holding three Michelin stars for quite some time, this New York stunner of gastronomical

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Taste DINING GUIDE

BEVERLY ON MAIN

The Beverly on Main is an intimate and upscale cocktail lounge in the heart of Old Town Scottsdale. Let its bartenders craft you a stiff classic martini or try one of the seasonal cocktails. The kitchen offers gastropub fare like deviled eggs, French dip sliders, burgers, flatbreads and more. Vegan, gluten-free and keto options available. Happy hour every day from 4 to 8 p.m. as well as Friday and Saturday from midnight to 2 a.m. 7018 E. Main St., Scottsdale; 480.889.5580; www.beverlyonmain.com; $$

Asian

BEI Bei is an affordable, neighborhood sushi spot with lunch and happy hour specials. In addition to its sushi offerings, Bei serves a variety of Asian cuisine like Japanese entrees, Korean barbecue, ramen and rice bowls. It also has a full bar featuring sake bombers and soju cocktails.

Vegetarian friendly. Happy hour every day from 4:30 to 7 p.m. and again from 9 to 11 p.m. 2200 N. Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale; 480.471.6609; www.beisushi.com; $$ HIRO SUSHI Chef Hiro trained in Japan for over 25 years and brings traditional Japanese cuisine to Scottsdale. Cozy up at the sushi bar where the chef greets guests with a warm towel and dine on delicate pieces of sashimi or any of the restaurant’s savory grilled entrees like the Saba Shioyaki (grilled mackerel). If unsure what to order, check out the daily specials board behind the sushi bar. The restaurant is small, so reservations are recommended for parties of five or more. 9393 N. 90th St., Scottsdale; 480.314.4215; www. hirosushiphx.com; $$

COMPILED BY ADRIENNE KALEHUAWEHE / PHOTO BY ANDREW DI CARLO

SAKANA SUSHI & GRILL Sakana has multiple locations throughout the Valley and is known for fresh sushi at very reasonable prices. Sakana “Happy Roll” hours, when some of its most popular rolls are specially priced starting under $4, are all day Sunday through Thursday.

6989 N. Hayden Road, Scottsdale; 480.609.3850; www.sakanasushiandgrill.com; $$ As of press time, all restaurants included are open for dine-in service, unless otherwise specified. Due to COVID-19, many restaurants have modified hours and specials – call or go online to verify before dining in.

American

CAFÉ FORTE Having been open in Scottsdale for over 20 years, loyal guests of Cafe Forte consider it a hidden gem. Chef Grace Rubel brings her sophisticated take on American fare with a healthy twist. Notable menu items include sweet potato enchiladas and pecancrusted chicken breast with maple bourbon sauce. Vegan and gluten-free items available. Lunch only Tuesday and Wednesday. Closed Sunday and Monday. 7032 E. Main St., Scottsdale; 480.994.1331; www.cafeforte.com; $$ DORIAN Inspired by the Oscar Wilde novel, The Picture of Dorian Gray, Dorian is comfort and elegance among Victorian decor and antique chandeliers. The

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eclectic dinner menu includes a variety of appetizers, bruschetta and sliders as well as pasta larger entrees. Closed Sunday and Monday.

7419 E. Indian Plaza, Scottsdale; 480.907.5635; www.dorianscottsdale. com; $$ WHITE CHOCOLATE GRILL The White Chocolate Grill is a contemporary American restaurant with a comfortable, upscale ambience.

Diners can find comfort in classics like steakhouse-quality cuts of meat, cheeseburgers, rotisserie chicken, and Maryland-style crab cakes. But what it is really known for is its white chocolate desserts, most notably the French white chocolate bread pudding that is made from fresh croissants baked with Godiva White Chocolate Liqueur

and golden raisins then topped with whipped cream, caramel and white chocolate sauce. Children’s menu and gluten-free options available. 7000 E. Mayo Blvd., Phoenix; 480.563.3377; www.whitechocolategrill.com; $$ YARD HOUSE A nationwide chain with four Arizona locations, Yard House offers an impressive selection of draft beers, from wheat and IPAs to ciders and seasonal selections from Arizona, across the country and around the world. It is a great atmosphere to socialize, watch sports, and enjoy an extensive food menu with vegetarian and gluten-sensitive items. Two locations: Desert Ridge and Scottsdale Fashion Square; www.yardhouse. com; $$

SIZZLE KOREAN BARBECUE Enjoy a classic Korean dining experience and cook deliciously marinated meats and vegetables right at the table. Traditional Korean side dishes like kimchi, steamed egg and picked roots are served as accompaniments.

There is a wide selection of short ribs, beef and pork cuts as well as hotpot seafood and tofu dishes. Two locations: Desert Ridge Marketplace and Old Town Scottsdale; www.sizzlekoreanbbq.com; $$

Breakfast

EGG N’ JOE Come on in for a cup of joe! Egg N’ Joe is a breakfast and lunch spot dedicated to helping people start their day deliciously full. Try the signature favorites like the classic German pancake, the Yukon French toast with triple berry sauce, or the Valley of the Sun omelet filled with chipotle bacon, Jack and cheddar cheeses, green onions, salsa, fresh avocado and sour cream. At Silverstone

Marketplace, 23271 N. Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale; 480.265.9968; www.eggnjoe.com; $$ FLAPJACKS If you are craving not-so-traditional pancakes, head on over to Flapjacks.

Try the special oven-baked pancakes, which are offered in several flavors, including a banana nut creation that fans rave about. There’s something for every taste, from classic pancakes and omelets to a sandwich melt for lunch. Closed Monday. 16605 E. Palisades Blvd., Fountain Hills; 480.837.2910; $$ THE PLACE For those with a large appetite for breakfast and lunch, Mike & Rhonda’s is The Place to cure your hunger. It serves generous portions of breakfast classics like pancakes, biscuits and gravy-style eggs Benedict, and steak and eggs. Traditional burgers, sandwiches, melts and salads make up the hearty lunch menu. 20775 N. Pima Road, Scottsdale; 480.284.4150; www.theplacearizona.com; $$

Brewery

BLUE CLOVER DISTILLERY This micro-distillery in the heart of Old Town Scottsdale creates handcrafted, small-batch liquors influenced by the owners’ Danish heritage. The restaurant offers craft cocktails that pair with a globally inspired gastropub menu. Notable dishes include chorizo poutine, the green chile cheeseburger, pork shank “wings” and Yucatan jerk chicken. If looking for a cocktail, try the Scottsdale Sunset featuring Blue Clover Grapefruit Vodka. 7042 E. Indian School Road, Scottsdale; 480.946.1062; www.bluecloverdistillery.com; $$ GOLDWATER BREWING CO. Goldwater Brewing Co. is a familyowned and -operated craft beer brewery in Old Town Scottsdale. The tap room boasts more than 20 of its own craft beers and some specialty brews served directly from its tanks.

The brewery specializes strictly in brewing, serving and distributing its beers to local businesses. Guests can stop in for tastings, but no food menu is offered at this time, however check out the brewery’s website before going as there is often a food truck scheduled to park nearby for a bite to eat with your brew. Don’t forget to take a growler home or pick up a keg for the next viewing party you are hosting! 3608 N. Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale; 480.350.7305; www.goldwaterbrewing.com; $-$$

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STATE 48 LAGER HOUSE State 48 started in Surprise and has

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since expanded to four Valley locations, including Scottsdale, where it brews its lagers on-site. The two-story restaurant has a spacious patio with beautiful views and a menu with shareables as well as best-selling mains like beer-battered fish and chips; and the State 48 burger topped with aged cheddar, beer-battered pickles and IPA-sriracha glazed bacon.

15600 N. Hayden Road, Scottsdale; 480.659.0048; www.state48brewery. com; $-$$

Coffee Shop

PRESS COFFEE ROASTERS With the addition of an impressive two-story roastery in Phoenix in 2019 and several Valley locations, Press has been attracting even more fans with its delicious brews and skilled baristas. Press sources its coffee from farmers around the world, then roasts locally in small batches to ensure the highest quality and consistency.

In addition to freshly brewed coffee, Press has baked goods, breakfast items and sandwiches. Two Scottsdale locations: Scottsdale Waterfront and Scottsdale Quarter; www.presscoffee. com; $-$$ SIP COFFEE & BEER This neighborhood shop offers specialty coffee drinks and a large selection of rotating craft beers on tap and bottled beers. Menu items include a breakfast burrito, avocado toast, pretzels and beer cheese, paninis and protein shakes. 3617 N. Goldwater Blvd., Scottsdale; 480.625.3878; www.sipcoffeeandbeerhouse.com; $-$$ THE STIR COFFEE BAR Opened in early 2020 on High Street at City North, the Stir specializes in coffee, cocktails and conversation.

The menu includes alcoholic and nonalcoholic coffee drinks, breakfast items, sandwiches, shareable plates and desserts including an adult sundae and boozy shakes. At High Street: 5415 E. High St., Phoenix; 480.420.3223; www.thestircoffeebar. com; $$

Indian

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KHAZANA INDIAN BISTRO Khazana is an Indian term for “treasure” and what a gem this bistro is!

Guests are enveloped with beautiful aromas of fresh Indian cuisine as they step inside Khazana Indian Bistro. If unsure what to order, check out the daily lunch buffet where you can sample everything the restaurant has to offer, or bring the family in for a casual dinner. Vegetarian friendly.

8140 N. Hayden Road, Scottsdale; 480.590.0029; www.khazanaindianbistro.business.site; $$

MARIGOLD MAISON One of the Valley’s most popular Indian restaurants, Marigold Masion uses the traditional tandoori oven in preparing many of the menu’s dishes, including several varieties of naan.

Menu favorites include classics like chicken tikka masala, lamb vindaloo, samosas and pakora. 4720 E. Cactus Road, Phoenix; 602.795.0020; www. marigoldmaison.com; $$ TAJ MAHAL Taj Mahal is an adventure in fine Indian dining. House specials include tandoori mix grill, pasta masala, goat curry, a wide variety of vegetarian dishes and traditional Indian desserts.

4225 N. Craftsman Court, Scottsdale; 480.257.1791; www.aztajmahal.com; $$ TIKKA SHACK Tikka Shack offers fast-casual Indian cuisine, from street food starters to bold curries, and a variety of Indian staples and side dishes. House favorites include chicken tikka masala; the original house curry with chicken; and the chicken tikka wrap, served in handmade naan. Guests can also

craft their own curry. Vegetarian and gluten-free friendly. At Desert Ridge Marketplace: 21001 N. Tatum Blvd., Phoenix; 602.354.8800; www.tikkashack.com; $$

Italian

ALBERTO In this little corner of Cave Creek, you can find owner Alberto in his cozy namesake restaurant serving his guests and sharing his passion for Italian cooking. From veal chops to linguine with clams to chicken parmigiana, Alberto Ristorante is a classic Italian bistro. The pizzas and calzones are also cooked in a wood-fired oven.

Don’t skip out on a slice of tiramisu for dessert. Closed Monday. 7171 E. Cave Creek Road, Cave Creek; 480.488.5800; www.albertocarefreeaz.com; $$ MAUI PASTA COMPANY Maui Pasta is a pasta factory cafe, takeout restaurant and market that serves fresh pasta, sauces, paninis and hoagies, and baked goods and desserts. Its dedication to fresh, local ingredients can be seen from the homemade focaccia for the sand-

wiches and the handmade pastas to the crispy cannoli shells and ricotta filling all made in-house. There’s also an online and in-person marketplace if looking to prepare dinner at home with the company’s homemade goods.

At Shops at Gainey Ranch, 7704 E. Doubletree Ranch Road, Scottsdale; 480.750.2400; www.mauipasta.com; $$

bottled beer. There is also a selection of sandwiches, cheese plates and desserts. But for a more substantial meal, diners can order off the full menu of its neighbor Arrivederci Cucina Italiana to enjoy at the wine bar. Stop by the retail shop to take a bottle home. 12645 N. Saguaro Blvd., Fountain Hills; 480.816.5959; www. grapeableswinebar.com; $$

RISTORANTE GIUSEPPE Ristorante Giuseppe is all about food, family and friends. This casual family-owned eatery has been serving hearty portions of Italian and American staples in North Scottsdale since 1989. The veal pasta is considered by many as one of the stars on the menu. Guests can bring their own beer and wine when dining in.

Cash only. 13610 N. Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale; 480.991.4792; www. giuseppescottsdale.com; $$

SCAPEGOAT BEER AND WINE When your group has beer and wine drinkers, Old Town Scottsdale located Scapegoat Beer and Wine can play the mediator. Scapegoat, a small space with cozy ambiance, rotates its taps and seasonal wine list to ensure there is always something new for guests to try. But don’t overlook the gourmet tapas menu items such as The G.O.A.T., which is Parisian ham with three cheeses baked between local bread; the gruyere cheese puffs; and the whipped goat cheese and pesto bruschetta. Bottles and growlers available to go. No reservations accepted. Closed Sunday and Monday. 7150 E. 5th Ave., Scottsdale; 480.292.7605; www.scapegoatbar. com; $$

Wine Bars-Lounges

GRAPEABLES WINE BAR Upscale yet comfortable, this Fountain Hills wine bar offers a changing list of wines available by the glass or bottle as well as select draft and

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