Where Now

From Japan to Scottsdale

In 1999 in Osaka, Japan, a small bakery opened its doors. Fast-forward more than 20 years, and its now-worldfamous, fresh and natural cream puffs are sold at more than 400 locations in 15 countries.

Now, Scottsdale is on that list. Beard Papa’s Japanese dessert chain recently opened at Scottsdale Quarter. There, guests are able to create their own flakey puff confections by choosing between eight cream puff shells ranging from original to chocolate eclair to OREO® cookie crumble eclair, and then from airy cream custard filling flavors that range from traditional staples to seasonal favorites.

In addition to cream puffs, the menu includes cheesecakes, chocolate fondant, and blended drinks.

Ready for dessert? 15147 N. Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale; www.beardpapas.com

CHEF CHRISTOPHER GROSS

DINING DESTINATION

Lauded Chef Christopher Gross just debuted his anticipated new restaurant, Christopher’s at Wrigley Mansion. Set in the historic Wrigley Mansion—the home perched atop a hill and built in 1932 by chewing gum personality William Wrigley, Jr.—the intimate destination seats just 26-32 guests and showcases not only Chef Christopher’s creations, but stunning views of the Valley, as well.

The space features floor-to-ceiling windows, and a glass roof that opens to reveal the twinkling stars above.

Here, diners will find three concepts in one. The first is currently open and offers an eightcourse dinner tasting menu five nights a week. The destination will later offer a limited menu of Christopher’s Classics the other two nights for dinner, as well as be open for a bistro experience for lunch.

The James Beard Award-winning, Americanborn, and Parisian-trained Chef Christopher is known for his French-influenced dishes—as well as his iconic Chocolate Tower dessert. https://wrigleymansion.com/christophers/

LeRoy Neiman: 100 Years

Calling all art collectors. The largest retrospective of LeRoy Neiman’s work will be showcased—with everything available for sale—in Scottsdale at American Fine Art Inc. The special exhibit features more than 300 works by the legendary American artist, and offers collectors an opportunity to acquire some of the most important works of art and iconic imagery that Neiman would ever create. Neiman’s works showcased a variety of subjects, though he is well known for his portraiture that ranged from world leaders to celebrities and musicians, as well as his African Safari collection and Femlin works.

Celebrating the 100th anniversary of his birth, which will be this June, this is the most complete retrospective ever of LeRoy Neiman. The allencompassing exhibit features original works in a variety of media, sizes, and price ranges. 3908 N. Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale; 480.990.1200; www.americanfineartgallery.com

WHERE NOW

The historic and scenic train ride from Williams, Arizona on the Grand Canyon Railway—which has been running since 1901—is always a unique experience. There are daily departures and a scenic 65 mile ride highlighting everything from high desert to prairie to pine (as well as some entertaining musicians and the antics of cowboy characters).

Beginning this month, passengers have the option to ride the more modern diesel engine trains, or, every first Saturday through October, choose a ride pulled by one of the Railway’s majestic two steam engines. The steam engine will pull the 9:30 a.m. passenger train to the Historic Village inside Grand Canyon National Park.

Steam engine #4960 is a massive engineering marvel and runs on recycled vegetable oil and snow melt (water). Built in 1923 and weighing in at 310 tons, the famous “green steam machine” and the Railway carries hundreds of thousands of people a year and keeps about 70,000 automobiles off the roads leading into the national park. 233 N. Grand Canyon Blvd., Williams; 928.635.4010; www.thetrain.com/events/steam-saturdays