Romance is in the Air

Romance

is in the Air

BY MICHELLE GLICKSMAN

If you’ve chosen the Valley of the Sun for a romantic getaway this month, you’re in good hands. Climb a mountain for a stunning view of the Valley, indulge at a world-class spa, and toast to breathtaking sunrises and sunsets. Looking for a romantic restaurant? What about some unique date ideas? We’ve got you covered. Get ready to celebrate Valentine’s Day.

ROMANTIC RESTAURANTS

There are several restaurants that offer both exquisite cuisine and exquisite views. Perched high above the Valley and adjacent to the historic Wrigley Mansion is Christopher’s at Wrigley Mansion (2501 E. Telawa Trail, Phoenix; www.wrigleymansion. com). Here, at this intimate location, James Beard Award-winning chef Christopher serves a stunning tasting menu on Fridays and Saturdays, and a menu of Christopher’s Classics on Tuesdays through Thursdays. The mountaintop restaurant Different Pointe of View (11111 N. 7th St., Phoenix; www.tapatiocliffshilton.com) at Pointe Hilton Tapatio Cliffs Resort offers an innovative, bold menu that is both sophisticated and approachable. Meanwhile, elements at Sanctuary at Camelback Mountain (5700 E. McDonald Drive, Paradise Valley; www.sanctuaryoncamelback.com) allows guests to look out over Paradise Valley while enjoying farm-fresh American cuisine with Asian accents. In Downtown Phoenix, Compass Arizona Grill (122 N. 2nd St., Phoenix; www.compassarizona.com) is the Valley’s only revolving restaurant. Located on the 24th floor of the Hyatt Regency Phoenix, it offers 360-degree views of the Valley, as well as a menu that showcases seasonal American cuisine that's complemented with Southwest flavorings.

Those who prefer to go underground rather than be atop a mountain can head to The Salt Cellar Restaurant (550 N. Hayden Road, Scottsdale; www.saltcellarrestaurant.com). A Valley landmark since 1971, guests travel down three flights of an antique wooden stairway to arrive in a snug hideaway. The menu here features fresh fish and seafood selections. At LON’s at The Hermosa Inn (5532 N. Palo Cristi Road, Paradise Valley; www.hermosainn.com), the main restaurant is at ground level (and the patio is stunning); however, there’s also a Wine Cellar that can accommodate 2-12 guests for a private, candlelit dinner. Menu features include selections that are an authentic take on local cuisine.

Other romantic spots include Old Town Tortilla Factory (6910 E. Main St., Scottsdale; www.oldtowntortillafactory.com), which offers Southwestern cuisine with a Mexican twist, and which is set in a historic 75-year-old adobe home. It also features a 1,400-square-foot patio complete with green vegetation, sparkling lights, and 100-year-old pecan trees.

Sel (7044 E. Main St., Scottsdale; www.selrestaurant.com) is a cozy restaurant run by husband-and-wife team Branden Levine (known for his appearances on the Food Network’s Chef Wanted with Anne Burrell and Beat Bobby Flay) and his wife, May, which offers progressive, beautifully plated American cuisine, served in a candlelit atmosphere.

Over at Modern Oysterbar Chophouse (10050 N. Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale; www.modernoysterbarchophouse.com), enjoy prime steaks, fresh oysters and seafood, and seasonal specialties served in a modern setting that showcases rich colors and an upscale atmosphere. On Fridays and Saturdays, live music fills the air.

Named one of the top three fine dining restaurants in the nation is Café Monarch (6939 E. 1st Ave., Scottsdale; www.cafemonarch. com), a family-owned locale that offers an ever-evolving, prix fixe menu of innovative culinary creations.

In Chandler find Kai at Wild Horse Pass (5594 W. Wild Horse Pass Blvd., Chandler; www.wildhorsepass.com), the only AAA Five Diamond and Forbes Five Star restaurant in Arizona. The unique menu highlights the creativity and history of Native American culture, and incorporates ingredients farmed by the Gila River Indian Community.

Meanwhile, at Scottsdale’s Marcellino Ristorante (7114 E. Stetson Drive, Scottsdale; www.marcellinoristorante.com), you’ll feel like you’ve been transported to Italy, from the authentic Italian cuisine—Chef Marcellino is from Italy—to the ambiance. Chef’s wife, Sima Verzino, is a professional singer who performs on Thursdays.

At Persian Room Fine Dining (17040 N. Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale; www.persianroom.com)—a Valley staple for over 30 years—find ornate chandeliers, finely carved pillars, water fountains, and an extensive menu of traditional Persian cuisine.

Unique Date Ideas

Be a Team: An escape room meets a scavenger hunt on an outdoor, timed adventure with Puzzle Rides. Hop on a golf cart (driven by a PuzzleMaster) and solve clues around Scottsdale’s Downtown—all before the time runs out. www.puzzlerides.com

See Stunning Outdoor Art: Chihuly in the Desert is

a unique special exhibition of artist Dale Chihuly’s works. It spans two iconic locales—Frank Lloyd Wright’s Taliesin West and the Desert Botanical Garden. Visit either spot and take a romantic stroll while exploring both the grounds and the stunning artwork. www.franklloydwright.org; www.dbg.org Make Their Heart Soar: Both Rainbow Ryders and Hot Air Expeditions offer a bird’s-eye view of the Valley with hot air balloon rides. Watch as the sun rises or sets during the journey, taking in the landscapes and beautiful skies. Some flights include toasts with champagne or a mimosa, as well as food. www.rainbowryders.com; www.hotairexpeditions.com

Turn Up the Heat: At either of Sur La Table’s Scottsdale locations, book a cooking class and get ready to learn—and eat. www.surlatable.com

Raise a Glass: Visit the Scottsdale Wine Trail, featuring tasting rooms from six Arizona wineries, and toast to each other with some of the best sips from Arizona. Make sure to get a Wine Trail Passport for a special discount. www.scottsdalewinetrail.com