Where Now

Shake it Out

Those craving dessert may want to take a drive to High Street’s Soda Jerk Co. Milkshake Bar, where the milkshakes are as tasty as they are social media-worthy.

The location, which opened towards the end of 2020, has quickly garnered a cult following. Soda Jerk Co. Milkshake Bar is a modern soda fountain with a touch of retro-inspired design that serves up impressive craft milkshakes and floats such as the Cereal Killer (strawberry milkshake, vanilla frosting, Fruity Pebbles rim, Fruity Pebbles-flavored whipped cream, a Rice Kristpies treat, a strawberry, and a Pop Tart), the Sweet Tooth (cotton candy milkshake, vanilla frosting, sprinkles rim, candy, whipped cream, and cotton candy), and the Happy Camper (root beer and vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, caramel, a chocolatedipped graham cracker, and toasted marshmallows).

And, there’s a twist—not only is the locale a must-try dessert bar on its own, but it serves as the secret entrance to The Nemesis Club, an elevated experience of an escape room. 5350 E. High Street, Phoenix; www.sodajerkco.com

CAMPO ITALIAN BISTRO AND BAR

ITALIAN, PLEASE

James Beard Award-winning chef Alessandro “Alex” Stratta is at it again, opening a new concept in Scottsdale that offers authentic, handcrafted Italian favorites.

Campo Italian Bistro and Bar takes over the space formerly occupied by his Stratta Kitchen, which offered Mediterranean fare.

“As much as we loved bringing farm-fresh Mediterranean fare to Scottsdale with Stratta’s Kitchen, I realized that my heart was calling to the incredible variety and bold flavors of the rustic Italian countryside, including personal family recipes such as Aunt Seba’s meatballs, but also lesser-known dishes, such as Mediterranean Sea Bass with Sicilian-style Caponata or Eggplant Salad, brunch dishes such as Italian Ranchero Eggs, and even decadent Italian Zepoli (or donuts),” Chef Stratta explains.

Enjoy dinner and weekend brunch in this soaring, plant-filled space bedecked with warm wood furnishings and sage green accents. 8260 N. Hayden Road, Scottsdale; www.campoitalian.com

Must-Try Menus

Arizona is a culinary destination, with James Beard Award-winning chefs and celebrity chefs helming restaurants, a plethora of locally-owned delights, and a variety of cuisine options. For 10 days only, from Fri., May 21 through Sun., May 30, take advantage of the culinary landscape during Arizona Restaurant Week (ARW).

Throughout ARW, numerous destinations—from the finest five-star restaurants to locally-owned and chef-driven “hidden gems”—offer specially dedicated menus designed to showcase their culinary creations.

There are three-course, prix fixe menus for just $33 or $44 per person, and some locales offer wine pairings for an additional cost. These special menus are available in addition to a restaurant’s regular menu, and are available for dine-in or to-go.

For participating restaurants, visit www.arizona restaurantweek.com.

Shop ’Til You Drop

The largest mall in the Southwest, Scottsdale Fashion Square, is located in Scottsdale. And, if you’re ready to shop, the destination recently added new locations. Over the past year, it welcomed Versace, Rolex, Golden Goose, Jacadi Paris, Hyde Park Jewelers, Warby Parker, Fabletics, Casper, Levi’s Store, Amazon 4-star, Shade Store, and a Lucid Studio from Lucid Motors. Eateries Francine, Nobu, Pinkberry, and Capital One Café are also now open.

And, Cartier, Bulgari, Salvatore Ferragamo, Carolina Herrera, Indochino, Brighton Collectibles, One 51, Nick’s Menswear, and Xpress Tailoring all expanded, remodeled, or moved locations.

Up next? A two-level, 11,000-square-foot flagship Dior store in the luxury wing. 7014 E. Camelback Road, Scottsdale; www.fashionsquare.com