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One Block
FIND THE BEST IN
DOWNTOWN PHOENIX
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EAT
The original locale of the nationally known and lauded Pizzeria Bianco is found on Adams Street. Meanwhile, popular restaurant The Farish House is set in a charming turn-of-the-century home. For dinner with a view, head to the revolving rooftop restaurant Compass Arizona Grill.
Pizzeria Bianco 623 E. Adams St. www.pizzeriabianco.com
The Farish House 816 N. 3rd St. www.farishhouse.com
Compass Arizona Grill 122 N. 2nd St. www.compassarizona.com
CLOCKWISE FROM TOP:
Dine at The Farish House, bet at Caesars Sportsbook, shop at Bunky Boutique, and drink at Bitter & Twisted Cocktail Parlour.
SHOP DRINK
Bunky Boutique offers a selection of clothes, gifts, home goods, and jewelry, while Urban Outfitters has clothes for men and women, home décor, and lifestyle accessories. Every Saturday from 7:30-11:30 a.m., stop by the Downtown Farmers Market for local produce and wares.
Bunky Boutique 1001 N. Central Ave. www.bunkyboutique.com
Urban Outfitters 11 W. Washington St. www.urbanoutfitters.com
Downtown Farmers Market 720 N. 5th St. www.downtownphoenix farmersmarket.org Stop by Bitter & Twisted Cocktail Parlour—which counts being named to the 2022 Top 10 U.S. Bars by the Tales of the Cocktail Spirited Awards among its many accolades—for its world-class, award-winning, and globally recognized cocktail program. Pigtails Downtown offers a speakeasy experience—to find it, follow the “cocktails” sign above the kitchen door at The Whining Pig.
Bitter & Twisted Cocktail Parlour 1 W. Jefferson St. www.bitterandtwistedaz.com
At Arizona Science Center, explore more than 200,000 square feet of exhibits. Take time to wander Heritage Square, which celebrates Phoenix’s Victorian past, and includes the restored Rosson House Museum. The largest freestanding sportsbook in Arizona, Caesars Sportsbook, is located near Chase Field and also includes Guy Fieri’s new restaurant.
Arizona Science Center 600 E. Washington St. www.azscience.org
Caesars Sportsbook at Chase Field 201 E. Jefferson St. www.caesars.com
PLAY
7254 E. MAIN ST., SCOTTSDALE, AZ 85251 480.994.0170 • 480.425.9944 SUNRISEJEWELRYUSA.COM
SIP & SAVOR
Must-Try Tasting Menus
BY ALISON BAILIN BATZ
There are times when we as diners have a taste for something specific, be it a home-cooked dish or go-to item from a favorite restaurant. And then, there are the times when we want chefs to let their culinary imaginations run free, titillating our taste buds with something new. Eager to entertain those up for epicurean exploration, these venues offer tasting menu options well worth the splurge.
ZUZU AT HOTEL VALLEY HO
ZuZu offers two tasting menus for guests. First, just in time for fall, Executive Chef Russell LaCasce and his culinary team launched the ZuZu, Take The Wheel tasting menu. This hand-selected dinner that changes regularly begins with a whimsical amuse bouche, followed by four courses based on the team’s personal inspirations, with a focus on finding new and unusual flavor combinations. This menu is available nightly for $125 per person, with wine, beer, or cocktail pairings available for each course for an added charge. The retrochic hotspot also has its Versus series, ranging in price from $129 to $200 per person. During this monthly tasting event, LaCasce invites two breweries, wineries, and/or distilleries to take each other on in a challenge of delicious proportions, each offering a pairing for all of the team’s four seasonally inspired courses. 6850 E. Main St., Scottsdale; www.hotelvalleyho.com
CHRISTOPHER’S AT WRIGLEY MANSION
As with ZuZu, Scottsdale Culinary Hall of Fame Lifetime Achievement Award-winning chef Christopher Gross offers multiple tasting menus at his Christopher’s at Wrigley Mansion. The most luxe tasting menu option is $275 per person and available only on weekends. The eight course (plus many surprises) tasting menu changes seasonally, and may include farm-fresh eggs with caviar, foie gras candy, Wagyu with béarnaise, fresh pasta, lobster, truffles, and copious sweets. Those missing Christopher’s all-time most popular dishes are also in luck, as there is a prix fixe menu available several days a week for $125 per person called Christopher’s Classics, which showcases the chef’s biggest culinary breakthroughs over the past 40 years, including dishes featured in Bon Appétit—and even one he made with Julia Child on her PBS series. Both tasting menus offer thoughtful wine pairings for an added charge. 2501 E. Telewa Trail, Phoenix; www.wrigleymansion.com
MAPLE & ASH
is cheeky, especially given that guests will care very much about every bite during this four-course dinner selected nightly by the chef. While it changes regularly, each course is either a best-loved menu item or a super-secret, off-the-menu specialty made just for IDGAF guests that evening. Items range from the signature Fire-Roasted Seafood Tower to fork-tender wood-fired steaks, and menus start at $200 per person. There is an option to add wine pairings for an additional charge. 7135 E. Camelback Road, Scottsdale; www.mapleandash.com
LON’S AT THE HERMOSA INN
J&G STEAKHOUSE AT THE PHOENICIAN
Offered nightly for $99 per person, J&G Steakhouse’s seasonal five-course tasting menu showcases Executive Chef Jacques Qualin's modern, Asian-accented versions of classic steakhouse fare, as well as fresh seafood flown in from across the globe. Though the new fall menu is just weeks away, expect a combination of playful vegetables, expertly prepared seafood, and decadent proteins and sauces. The in-house sommelier is also about to hand-select wine pairings for each course from his Wine Spectator award-winning wine list for a $59 supplement. 6000 E. Camelback Road, Scottsdale; www.jgsteakhousescottsdale.com
NOOK KITCHEN
Starting at $45 per person, this Arcadia jewel boasts one of the most budget-friendly tasting menus in the Valley. Available nightly, the standard tasting menu features a half-sized individual appetizer of the guest’s choosing—think Arancini, Wood-Fired Olives or a Caesar salad—followed by an entrée of pizza, pasta, or a house specialty such as the Espresso Rubbed Filet or the Grilled Branzino. Dessert service completes the meal, with a choice of dramatic Affogato, seasonal cheesecake, tiramisu, or gelato. Enhancements run the gamut, but one well-worth the added spend is the curated beverage pairing with each course. This $35 enhancement allows the culinary 19
team to play with beer, cocktails, and wine, making a pairing based on flavor profile and guest preference. 4231 E. Indian School Road, Phoenix; www.nookkitchen.com
SEL
Sel is an ultra-intimate restaurant offering progressive American cuisine from Executive Chef Branden Levine, known for his appearances on the Food Network’s Chef Wanted with Anne Burrell and Beat Bobby Flay. Candlelight flickers inside the restaurant, providing just enough light to allow your date to gaze into your eyes and at Levine’s intricately plated chef’s five-course tasting menu, which starts at $120 per guest. Each course is a work of culinary art. As with the others, beverage pairings are available for a supplement—as is foie gras and caviar service. There is also a vegetarian tasting menu available at the same cost. 7044 E. Main St., Scottsdale; www.selrestaurant.com
LON’S AT THE HERMOSA INN
Known nationally for being a leader in globally inspired Arizona cuisine that celebrates the region’s freshest ingredients and prepares them with age-old cooking traditions—roasting, smoking, wood-grilling—combined with cutting-edge trends, LON’s offers its Cool Dinin' tasting menu through the end of September, which is a six-course menu that changes based on the seasonality of ingredients. The culinary team is also preparing a fall tasting menu option, to launch in early October. The price will vary, but plans are to feature an amuse bouche, followed by a four-course menu that will change biweekly. The menu is meant to inspire guests to “choose their own foodie adventure,” and will likely feature a handful of the 2021 fall favorites, including Butternut Squash Soup, Rovey Dairy Lamb, and a Pecan-Apple Tart, coupled with imaginative new recipes and ingredients. 5532 N. Palo Cristi Road, Paradise Valley; www.hermosainn.com
CLOCKWISE FROM LEFT: The culinary offerings at Sel are works of art; dine on the stunning patio at Reserve; and at Roka Akor, the omakase can include items such as sashimi.
FROM TOP: PHOTO BY HARLEY BONHAM PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY ROKA AKOR
J&G STEAKHOUSE AT THE PHOENICIAN
Offered nightly, J&G's seasonal five-course tasting menu showcases Executive Chef Jacques Qualin's modern versions of classic steakhouse fare, as well as fresh seafood flown in from across the globe. Though the new fall menu is just weeks away, expect a combination of playful vegetables, expertly prepared seafood, and decadent proteins and sauces. Wine Spectator award-winning wine pairings are available for a $55 supplement. 6000 E. Camelback Road, Scottsdale; www.jgsteakhousescottsdale.com
ROKA AKOR
Omakase—loosely translated as “to entrust the chef”—is offered nightly at this Japanese robata steakhouse for $128 per person. This personalized tasting menu features exclusive in-house premium, chef-selected ingredients, and is meant to showcase the best of Roka Akor’s three kitchens. During the feast, enjoy hot and cold appetizers, premium sushi and sashimi, and items from both the robata grill and tempura kitchen. Entrées are accompanied with a wild mushroom rice hot pot, which is an earthy, risotto-like dish, and dinner is topped off with a decadent dessert platter. 7299 N. Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale; www.rokaakor.com
RESERVE
The $325 per person tasting menu at Reserve is inspired by Michelin-star restaurants across Spain and led by Benjamin Wald, a veteran of L'ecole in Paris. Each night, Wald delivers a 12-course tasting menu limited to just 25 guests per seating. The fall menu will launch this month. It begins with a reception inside the main building, which was designed to resemble the living room in a mansion. Then, guests are led to their tables outside for the tasting, with enhancement and wine pairings available for an added charge. 6934 E. 1st Ave., Scottsdale; www.reserveoldtown.com
It’sSHOWTIME!
A PRODUCTION OF ANNIE AT DESERT STAGES THEATRE
Check out these great locales to catch a show
BY MICHELLE GLICKSMAN
Now that performances are back to being live events, make sure to take the time to catch a show at one of the many performing arts venues around the Valley. Whether you’re up for a few hours of jokes from a comedian, watching a musical, singing along at a concert, enjoying a jousting competition, or catching the touring version of a Broadway show, there are plenty of places that will wow you.
Take in a Musical or Play
Metro Phoenix is a theater buff's dream. There are numerous venues around the Valley where visitors can watch both locally produced or touring shows.
ASU Gammage–which is located on the Arizona State University campus in Tempe (www.asugammage.com)—was designed by famous architect Frank Lloyd Wright, though completed after his death. Its 2022-2023 Broadway season kicks off in October with Six, but the locale hosts other events this month, such as The Duet Project (Sept. 10), Wicked Bodies (Sept. 24), and Bonnie Raitt (Sept. 30).
In the heart of Scottsdale is Desert Stages Theatre (www.desert stages.org). The entrance is in Scottsdale Fashion Square mall, and it’s located in a completely renovated space that was previously a movie theater. Here the shows range from adult plays to youth musicals, and this month’s lineup includes Guys and Dolls (through Sept. 4) and Matilda The Musical Jr. (Sept. 23-Oct. 9).
Just a few minutes drive south of Desert Stages Theatre is Greasepaint Theater (www.greasepaint.org). While there aren’t any shows playing in September, their season kicks off in October with The Addams Family Musical (Oct. 21-30).
Visitors in Downtown Phoenix can view a performance by Valley Youth Theatre (www.vyt.com), which not only offers a variety of shows performed by young Valley actors, but holds its performances at both the Valley Youth Theatre, as well as the Herberger Theater Center, depending on the show. While there are no shows currently available this month (Seussical closed on Aug. 28), Spookley the Square Pumpkin The Musical debuts Oct. 7.
Childsplay (www.childsplayaz.org) also performs at the
ARIZONA BROADWAY THEATRE
Herberger Theatre Center, and in October offers Selena Maria Sings (Oct. 22-Nov. 5).
For those who prefer dinner and a show, head to Peoria and enjoy a Broadway-style musical accompanied by dinner at the cozy Arizona Broadway Theatre (www.azbroadway.org). Happy Days: A New Musical opened Aug. 26 and runs through Sept. 18, and a ticket includes a soup or salad, an entrée, the show, fees, and tax.
Concerts, Magic, and Other Shows
In the East Valley, two major venues offer a variety of shows. Mesa Arts Center (www.mesaartscenter.com) in Mesa is a destination itself, with five art galleries, studios for creation, a gift store, and four performance venues. This month’s performance selections range from the improv comedy show Whose Live Anyway? (Sept. 8) to the Latin Grammy-nominated musicians of Mariachi Herencia de Mexico, with special guest Lupita Infante: Herederos (Sept. 17) to The Music of Cream (Sept. 24).
In nearby Chandler, Chandler Center for the Arts (www.chandlercenter.org) also offers a wide range of entertainment options. This month's offerings include a concert by Martina McBride (Sept. 10), a performance the next night by “Weird Al” Yankovic (Sept. 11), and JKJ Comedy Presents Jenna Kim Jones: She’s So Brave (Sept. 17). There’s also The Magic of Bill Blagg Live! (Sept. 23), the Get the LedOut concert (Sept. 24) and Peary Entertainment Presents Jeffrey Osborne (Sept. 30).
Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts (www.scottsdale performingarts.org), which is attached to Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art, also offers a variety of shows, including this month’s nod to Broadway, Hitting New Heights: Mandy Gonzalez and Javier Muñoz (Sept. 24).
A unique Valley location is the Musical Instrument Museum (www.mim.org). Located in North Phoenix, this museum showcases an extensive collection of instruments from around the world. The destination also has a performance venue, with multiple shows offers each week. This month’s artists include the Robbie Fulks Bluegrass Trio (Sept. 7), Hiromi (Sept. 14, 16), Yamma Ensemble (Sept. 25), and Cimafunk (Sept. 27), amongst its many options.
Visitors can make an evening of it with a visit to Talking Stick Resort (www.talkingstickresort.com), which includes numerous dining venues, a casino, and hosts name entertainment often. September’s options include magician Michael Carbonaro (Sept. 2), Little River Band (Sept. 10), Amy Bruni (Sept. 16), Christopher Cross (Sept. 23), and Joe Satriani (Sept. 24).
Get Ready to Laugh
Ready for a night of comedy? Metro Phoenix offers plenty of comedy venues, and all offer dinner and drinks, as well. At North Phoenix’s High Street destination, nestled amongst restaurants and shops, there’s Rick Bronson’s - House of Comedy (www. az.houseofcomedy.net). The venue is owned by comedian Rick Bronson, and this month he brings Drew Dunn (Sept. 1-4), Lil Sasquatch (Sept. 8-10), and Dan Mintz (Sept. 29-30).
In Tempe, near Arizona State University, the Tempe Improv (www.tempeimprov.com) is a draw. The two-level comedy club showcases Adam Ray (Sept. 1-4), Michael Blaustein (Sept. 8-10), Mary Elizabeth Kelly (Sept. 11), Chris Estrada (Sept. 15-27), Mary Lynn Rajskub (Sept. 18), Annie Lederman (Sept. 22-24), and Ali Siddiq (Sept. 30-Oct. 2) this month.
In Downtown Phoenix, venue Stand Up Live (www.phoenix. standuplive.com) is popular, with performers including Stavros Halkias (Sept. 8-10), Marc Maron (Sept. 17), Becky Robinson (Sept. 23-24), and more stopping by.
BALLET ARIZONA DANCERS IN POLYPHONIA
Ballet, Opera, and Symphony
More traditional performing arts are also a big draw in Phoenix, and are all nationally known.
Ballet Arizona (www.balletaz.org), which counts the famous Ib Andersen as its artistic director, kicks off its 37th anniversary season with an evening of diverse short ballets in Contemporary Moves (Sept. 22-25) at the stunning and historic Orpheum Theatre in Downtown Phoenix.
Both the Phoenix Symphony (www.phoenixsymphony.org) and the Arizona Opera (www.azopera.org) kick off their seasons next month, and both offer world-class performances in stunning venues.
You Joust?
While not your typical stage show, those looking for a different type of performance can take in dinner and a show at the unique Medieval Times Dinner & Tournament (www.medievaltimes.com) in Scottsdale. Eat your meal with your hands (there were no utensils back in medieval days!) and watch as knights joust on real horses and compete in hand-to-hand combat during this staged tournament.
It’s called Babad Do’ag in O’odham native language and often referred to as part of the Sky Islands, but whatever the name, Mount Lemmon and its surroundings are a paradise of outdoor adventures. In summer, winter, spring, and fall, the mountain hosts hikers, backpackers, skiers, cyclists, and nature enthusiasts looking for mountain air and gorgeous vistas.
The 27-mile Catalina highway/sky island scenic byway is the only paved road to the town of Summerhaven and the top of Mount Lemmon, climbing more than 6,000 feet in elevation along the way.
Towering over the northeast edge of Tucson, Mount Lemmon rises to 9,157 feet—6,500 feet above the city of Tucson. And along an easy hour-long drive up the Catalina Highway/Sky Island Scenic Byway, vegetation transforms from saguaro, palo verde, and cholla, to a forest of oak and juniper trees, piñon and ponderosa pines, and then again to fir and aspen.
Near the very top is Mt. Lemmon Ski Valley, the southernmost ski area in the United States. Skiers and snowboarders flock to the slopes when there’s snow, but the chairlift is a popular attraction no matter the season, says Graham Davies, Ski Valley’s general manager.
For hikers, the mountains offer more than 150 miles of hiking trails of nearly unmatched variety, from Catalina State Park and the Pusch Ridge Wilderness on the western and southern edges to the peaks of Mount Lemmon and Mount Bigelow.
Tucson resident Kris LaFleur started hiking on Mount Lemmon as a kid and has been going up on his own for more than 20 years, enjoying quicker day hikes and longer camping and backpacking trips. He lists the Box Spring and Aspen trails among his favorites. And for a longer, more rugged journey, LaFleur prefers the Wilderness of Rock Trail with its picturesque rock formations.
“The short hikes and longer trails make it a great, diverse place to get away,” LaFleur says. “For me, it’s a great recharge. In the middle of June when it’s 105 [degrees], I can get in my car and from my front door be at 8,000 feet within an hour, next to a stream in the mixed pine and oak forest. It’s such a unique thing to have a mountain range like this so close to a desert city.”
Two-wheeled adventurers also have an array of options on Mount Lemmon. World-class cyclists use the elevation increase of Catalina Highway for training, and mountain bike enthusiasts enjoy the rugged trails.
Local Stephen Jordan has done it all, from driving his bike up to ride a quick trail or embarking on the 10-hour, 130-mile roundtrip ride from his house through Redington Pass and up the rough, steep Oracle Control Road on the backside of the mountain.
THE GUIDE
OUR
FAVORITES IMMERSIVE MONET & THE IMPRESSIONISTS
Stunning, towering projections—from Monet’s celebrated water lilies to Degas’s graceful dancers and so much more—are projected onto giant spaces at the largest immersive art experience in the country. This digital experience features the works of Impressionist painters, including Monet, Renoir, Degas, and more. Held at Lighthouse ArtSpace Phoenix through Sept. 18. Tickets available on the website. 4301 N. Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale; www.immersivemonet.com
