Where Now

The Spiritual Advisor

Frank Soldano may have begun referring to himself as The Spiritual Advisor, but the name fits, and the guests at Scottsdale’s FRANCINE restaurant definitely agree.

Soldano joined the team at the French-inspired Mediterranean restaurant about a year ago, and, along with the input of some of the other staff and even some of the regular bar guests, quickly took on the task of redesigning the cocktail menu.

Soldano teamed up with FRANCINE’s Executive Chef Brian Archibald for motivation, inspired by his constant quest for new and fresh dishes.

Although pulling cocktail ingredients from a cookbook is not your typical bartender’s method, “Luckily, there’s no shortage of French cookbooks,” Soldano says, laughing. One of his fall drink inspirations? Baking spices. Other ingredients that inspired the fall cocktail menu include fresh pumpkin and orchard fruits. Scottsdale Fashion Square, 4710 N. Goldwater Blvd., Scottsdale; www.francinerestaurant.com

CHEF NIK

COOKING UP FUN

The Valley’s Chef Nik—better known as “Nik the Chic Chef”—has cooked for celebrities including Vivica A. Fox, Snoop Dogg, Sharon Stone, Tony Goldwyn, Famke Janssen, Shar Jackson, and more. Now, she not only has the Chic Chef Marketplace and the Chic Chef Cafe in Phoenix, but she shares her cooking tips during a hands-on, three-course gourmet cooking class. To register, visit www.chicchefco.com.

FROM TOP: PHOTO COURTESY NIK FIELDS; PHOTO COURTESY MAPLE & ASH; OPPOSITE: PHOTO BY STEPHANIE KELLY

Say Cheers

When cocktails are on your agenda, head to Scottsdale’s Maple & Ash for its new large-format cocktails. Each one serves 2 to 4-plus people, so there’s plenty to share. The choices include the B.A.E. (Big Agave Energy, made with Dahlia Cristalino Tequila, Brut, charred grapefruit, and citrus), the Boujee & Boozy (Cruzan, Grey Goose Essence, spiced strawberry, pineapple, coconut water, and citrus), and Spill the Tea (Tito’s, Maple & Ash house made tea blend, lychee, and citrus).

This upscale locale—business casual or better dress is required—is also known for its weekday happy hour, Fire Roasted Seafood Tower, and steaks. Weekends offer fun brunch options, including the popular I Don’t Give a F*@k selection, which is a “let us take care of you” for a set-price option. 7135 E. Camelback Road, Scottsdale; www.mapleandash.com

WHERE NOW

Sips of the State

Sip a taste of Arizona at The Sicilian Butcher. A nationallyrecognized craft meatball and charcuterie bar (spring for the signature 5-foot-long Sicilian in Strada charcuterie board!) specializing in fresh Italian cuisine is now offering the Sicilian Gimlet, a craft cocktail mixed with The Sicilian Butcher’s newly created Blood Orange Gin—bottled in collaboration with the local Blue Clover Distillery—italicus bergamot, lime, and citrus bitters. Cheers! 15330 N. Tatum Blvd., Phoenix; 3151 W. Frye Road, Chandler; 9780 W. Northern Ave #1100, Peoria; www.thesicilianbutcher.com