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One Block
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Century Grand is not like other locales in the Valley (or elsewhere!). This unique concept is a Prohibition-era and locomotive-inspired concept. It houses three distinct turn-of-thecentury-inspired cocktail bars—Platform 18, Grey Hen Rx, and UnderTow. Here, find an immersive, cocktail-centric experience inspired by the transcontinental railroad, U.S. history, and the 18th Amendment prohibiting the production and sale of alcohol.
Experience a fictional historical narrative through cocktail menus and the immersive environment, which includes a 90-minute “ride” through the Rocky Mountains on a luxury turn-of-the-century replica Pullman train car.
This cool spot was recently named one of the regional top 10 honorees for the 16th Annual Spirited Awards® for “Best U.S. Cocktail Bar in the U.S. West” by The Tales of the Cocktail Foundation. 3626 E. Indian School Road, Phoenix; www.centurygrandphx.com
ONE BLOCK
THINGS TO DO IN
DOWNTOWN SCOTTSDALE
EAT
Start your day off right with breakfast or lunch at the Breakfast Club. For Southwestern cuisine with a Mexican twist, head to Old Town Tortilla Factory, set in a historic adobe home with an expansive patio. Or for seafood, popular underground seafood restaurant The Salt Cellar Restaurant delivers.
Old Town Tortilla Factory 6910 E. Main St. www.oldtowntortillafactory.com
The Salt Cellar Restaurant 550 N. Hayden Road www.saltcellarrestaurant.com
CLOCKWISE FROM TOP:
Shop at Scottsdale Fashion Square, attend ArtWalk, dine at The Salt Cellar Restaurant, enjoy drinks at HULA's Modern Tiki.
SHOP DRINK
For art, head to fine art gallery American Fine Art. Those searching for collectibles should stop at Over the Top Consignment Shoppe. And at Scottsdale Fashion Square, find more than 240 stores and restaurants.
American Fine Art 3908 N. Scottsdale Road www.warhol.me
Over the Top Consignment Shoppe 7072 E. 5th Ave. www.overthetopconsignment shoppe.com
Scottsdale Fashion Square 7401 E. Camelback Road www.fashionsquare.com Award-winning cocktails and top-notch martinis are on the menu at AZ/88, while HULA’s Modern Tiki offers a modern, urban twist on a classic tiki bar and restaurant. For an iconic experience, head to Rusty Spur Saloon, Scottsdale’s oldest bar, where there's live music daily.
AZ/88 7353 Scottsdale Mall www.az88.com
HULA’s Modern Tiki 7213 E. 1st Ave. www.hulasmoderntiki.com
Rusty Spur Saloon 7245 E. Main St. www.rustyspursaloon.com
PLAY
On Thursday evenings from 6:30-9 p.m., head to the free Scottsdale ArtWalk in the Arts District. Explore Arizona wines by following the Scottsdale Wine Trail (find the map on the website). Or, relax and take in a show at Scottsdale Center For The Performing Arts.
Scottsdale ArtWalk www.scottsdalegalleries.com
Scottsdale Wine Trail www.scottsdalewinetrail.com
Scottsdale Center For The Performing Arts 7380 E. Second St. www.scottsdaleperformingarts.org
From brew-your-own-beer to splatter painting, here’s where to let your creative side run wild
BY MICHELLE GLICKSMAN
JADE & CLOVER FOUNDER GISELLE RUGGEBERG SHOWS OFF A TERRARIUM
Feeling inspired? Feeling crafty? There are plenty of locales around the Valley that encourage creativity and DIY. Here, some of our favorite places where you can let inspiration strike.
A DIY PLANT BAR
Take home a unique souvenir from Jade & Clover (www.jadeandclover.com), which is located in Phoenix. Head to The Plant Bar, where you can design and create your own terrarium (small or large). From the bar—and with the help of a Jade & Clover team member—you can pick a vessel of your choice, cacti, succulents, colored sand, rocks/gems, and more. It’s like a buffet for plants!
CHANNEL YOUR INNER ARTIST
You don’t need to be an actual artist to create some amazing items. At Pinspiration (www.pinspiration.com)—which has locations in both Phoenix and Peoria—find a variety of Pinterest-inspired projects to choose from. You can make a soy candle, a dreamcatcher, or you can paint—and more. Choose what you’d like and work in the studio. If you’re ready for something really unique book the Splatter Room, where you’ll don protective gear and then fling paint at a canvas, taking home your messy masterpiece at the end.
Meanwhile, try your hand at everything from macrame to making
CRAFT NIGHTS
bracelets at Phoenix’s Sunshine Craft Co. (www.sunshine craftco.com). There are classes, kits, and supplies available.
Ever try needlepointing? No matter your skill level, there’s fun to be had at Quail Run Needlework (www.quailrunneedlework.com) in Scottsdale, which holds classes often, as well as sells any supplies you may need for at-home projects.
Create a painting masterpiece with Paint The Town (www. paintthetown.com), which brings painting experiences to you. The company doesn’t have a studio, but rather brings the supplies and instructor to lead you through a painting session at almost any location you’d like—so book your hotel’s conference room or meet at a park.
Have you ever tried letterpress? At the letterpress studio of Hazel & Violet (www.hazelandviolet.com) in Phoenix, you can take a workshop and make your own posters, cards, coaster, or other project.
Over at Board & Brush Creative Studio (www.boardandbrush. com), which has multiple locations around the Valley, combine woodworking techniques with the latest trends and custom graphics for craft projects such as signs, trays, doormats, backyard games, and more.
In Chandler, find Burst of Butterflies (www.burstofbutterflies. com), a creative studio where walk-in activities include canvas painting, ceramic works (you paint and they’ll kiln fire it for you), and mosaics. Or, take a class such as clay wheel throwing or the Wine and Wheel Clay Class.
Craft Nights (www.craftnights.com) is a woman-owned, BYOB, DIY arts and crafts studio located in Phoenix. Here, explore your creative side through string art, canvas painting, wood sign making, macramé, and more.
BREW YOUR OWN BEER
There are local places such as What Ales Ya (www.whatalesya. com) that offer brew-at-home beer kits, but at O.H.S.O. Brewery + Distillery (www.ohsobrewery.com), you can sign up for a brew session that will teach you not only the basics of brewing, but walk you through creating your own brew during the experience. One month later your beer will be available on tap at the brewery. They don’t bottle or keg it for you (though you can get to-go growlers), so you'll just have to visit again!
GRAPE EXPECTATIONS
Did you know that “su vino” in both Italian and Spanish means “your wine”? So, it’s only fitting that at Su Vino Winery (www. suvinowinery.com) in Scottsdale, you can make your own. Wine consultants will guide you through the process, and you can choose the varietal, level of oak and aging, and other influences. After the wine ages (typically two to five months), you can come back and bottle your creation. The finishing touch? You can choose to add a custom label.
Cool Cuisine
Take a bite out of the Northern Arizona food scene this summer
BY ALISON BAILIN BATZ
Temperatures across Northern Arizona are well below the sweltering heat in Phoenix. However, the food scene is just as hot. There is no better time than the summer to beat the local heat and plan a road trip up north for a nosh.
COTTONWOOD AND JEROME
Though less than 90 minutes from Phoenix, Cottonwood rarely has summer highs that exceed 95 degrees—and in the evening, it cools down to the 60s. Similarly, Cottonwood’s neighboring city of Jerome—which is at a higher altitude thanks to being atop a hill— has highs in the 80s, with those same comfortable lows in the 60s.
For those who enjoy soaking up the sun on days like this, do not miss Crema Craft Kitchen (https://cremacottonwood.com). The mostly outdoor restaurant is covered in colorful umbrellas and features a menu of well-seasoned, Southwest-inspired morning dishes like Chilequiles and biscuits with chorizo gravy, alongside elevated comfort food favorites including a breakfast pot pie and a morning Monte Cristo.
Perfectly designed to take advantage of the temperate weather is Pizzeria Bocce Patio Bar (https://boccecottonwood. com). Thanks to garage doors that sub in for many of the windows and a combination indoor-outdoor bar with seating on both sides, even the interior feels airy. And then there is the patio, complete with a fire pit at least a dozen people can comfortably sit around. Given pizza is in its name, do not even think about skipping a pie—made with hand-stretched mozzarella—when visiting. Similarly impressive are the Bocce Balls, made from chicken and sausage, as well as lighter items such as the Mediterranean Ceviche, and a Wood Fired Artichoke, which is served with a lemon aioli.
Located conveniently next door to Bocce is Strada at Bocce (https://stradabocce.com). The industrial-chic, open-air eatery is made from shipping containers and steel beams, evoking an upscale party vibe. The entire menu is inspired by authentic Italian street food, so while the same type of cuisine as Bocce, the dishes are a 180-degree different point of view.
For those looking for a spot to impress that special someone, Cottonwood can help there as well, especially at Nic’s Italian Steak & Crab House (https://nicsaz.com). The fine dining concept plays homage to classic combination steak and seafood concepts one might find on the East Coast. Crab, lobster, and fine cuts of meat rule here, as do martinis. At any given time, there are a dozen variations of a classic cocktail on the menu from which to choose.
Up the hill, Jerome seeks to feed your spirit—sometimes in the presence of other spirits. Notably, Haunted Hamburger (https:// thehauntedhamburger.com), which yes, is reputed to be haunted, is an Arizona institution. The burgers will blow your mind, but do not sleep on the hand-spun milkshakes, boozy shakes, and insane dessert menu—hello, decadent chocolate cake!—when visiting.
Walking distance from Haunted Hamburger is the Clinkscale Restaurant (https://theclinkscale.com), which offers Americanfusion cuisine with a touch of French flare, as well as daily brunch and regular wine pairing dinners; Grapes Restaurant & Bar (https://grapesjerome.com), which should be re-opening soon after an extensive renovation; and the fine dining locale Asylum Restaurant (www.asyluminjerome.com), which is located in the Jerome Grand Hotel, and is also known for its ghostly encounters.
NIC'S ITALIAN STEAK & CRAB HOUSE
SEDONA
Located about 20 minutes northeast of Cottonwood—about two hours from the Valley—Sedona is known worldwide for its red rocks and vortexes. Thanks to its culinary community, the region has also gained similar acclaim for its epicurean ventures.
Much of the acclaim has come thanks to Jeff Smedstad and Lisa Dahl. James Beard-nominated Smedstad leads Elote Café (www.elotecafe.com), a Southwestern bistro that takes great pride in sourcing local, organic ingredients. Best Chefs of America Hall of Fame award-winner Lisa Dahl helms five restaurants in the area, including Cucina Rustica (www.cucinarustica.com), Dahl & DiLuca (www.dahlanddiluca.com), and Pisa Lisa (www.pisalisa. com)—all Italian in theme—as well as the South Americaninspired Mariposa (www.mariposasedona.com) and couture burger spot Butterfly Burger (www.butterflyburger.com).
The region’s epic resorts also pack a lot of culinary punch as well, notably Cress on Oak Creek (www.lauberge.com), the
CLOCKWISE FROM TOP:
Cocktails at Shift FLG, Grilled Oysters at Atria, an appetizer at Tinderbox Kitchen
prix-fixe restaurant located at L'Auberge de Sedona; Che Ah Chi (www.enchantmentresort.com), a modern American concept at Enchantment Resort; ShadowRock Tap + Table (www.hiltonsedonaresort.com), Hilton Sedona Resort at Bell Rock’s gastropub and cocktail bar, with an ever-changing menu of seasonal favorites; and Rascal (https://rascalrestaurantsedona. com), the upscale diner concept in the newer-to-the-market The Wilde Resort and Spa.
FLAGSTAFF
Finally, do not miss the chance to wine and dine in the pines of Flagstaff. Home to the largest stand of Ponderosa Pine trees in the world and just over two hours from the Valley, Flagstaff’s summer weather is dependably in the 80s during the day and 50s to 60s in the evening.
And then there is the food. Oh, the food!
Among the most delicious destinations in the Southwest, Flagstaff is a melting pot of diverse flavors and ingredients, as well as home to some of the biggest culinary talents in the state.
In 2021, lauded Phoenix chef Rochelle Daniel debuted Atria (www.atriarestaurant.com) in Flagstaff. Though open less than a year, Daniel earned a 2022 James Beard nomination for the mouth-watering pastas, fresh fish, premium steaks, and more playful, whimsical daily features she is whipping up at the modern restaurant. For those of you who have already been, Daniel recently launched an entirely new menu, with a focus on local ingredients and seasonality in every dish, so it is time for a repeat visit. And for those who have not yet ventured up to see what’s cooking … what are you waiting for?
On the heels of Atria, another high-end concept—Teatro Italian Food & Wine (www.teatroboston.com)—is coming to Flagstaff in August. Located on San Francisco Street in the heart of downtown, Teatro is the latest restaurant from THAT Place Projects, best-known for Flagstaff’s utterly artful modern dining
experience Tinderbox Kitchen (www.tinderboxkitchen.com), as well as Tourist Home (www.touristhomecafe.com), Annex Cocktail Lounge (www.annexcocktaillounge.com), and Corn & Flour (www.cornandflour.com). The restaurant seeks to transport guests to Italy without having to leave the beauty of the lush northern Arizona landscape.
Teatro will not only join Atria, but dozens of other gourmand greats in the area. Among them: Shift FLG (www.shiftflg.com). Recently named among the “Top 10 Romantic Food Destinations” in the country by “Eat This, Not That!” and a past winner of “Best Dish” at Devour food festival, Shift—helmed by the award-winning chef/owner Dara Wong—will literally shift your mindset when it comes to fine dining. Housed in a casual building and without an ounce of ego, Wong’s thoughtful dishes and avant garde plating rival anything in Los Angeles or New York.
Speaking of New York, looking for pizza that rivals slices found in the Big Apple? Flagstaff has you covered there as well, thanks to Pizzicletta (www.pizzicletta.com). Boasting a custom-made woodfire stove imported from Italy, the eatery is run by Caleb Schiff, who was running a lab at Northern Arizona University to study climate change and then changed the direction of his entire life after eating his way through Milan.
Believe it or not, these restaurants only scratch the surface of what is waiting for you in Flagstaff. When visiting, also plan to order: the corned beef egg rolls and Vietnamese burger with char siu pork and pickled daikon from Lumberyard Brewing Company (https://lumberyardbrewingcompany.com); the spicy green chile pork posole topped with two eggs at MartAnne's Breakfast Palace (https://martannes.com); the Cajun Chicken Pasta and Nashville Hot at Oakmont (www.oakmontflagstaff.com); the Slow-Roasted Prime Rib of Beef and the bread pudding at Little America’s Silver Pine Restaurant (https://flagstaff.littleamerica. com); and literally any sandwich on the menu at the recently expanded Proper Meats + Provisions (www.propermeats.com). 23
