by Josh Kenzer on July 3, 2009 in Attractions and Adventures, Resorts & Hotels

Scottsdale is synonymous with luxury. And while times have changed and discretionary income is tighter, people are still traveling, and the Scottsdale Convention & Visitors Bureau wants to make sure that the well-heeled visitor chooses Scottsdale for their next one-of-a-kind getaway. This world-class travel destination evokes images of high-end resorts, rejuvenating spas and championship golf courses with the majestic Sonoran Desert as the backdrop. Whether the sophisticated traveler wants to learn to be a cowboy, be pampered in a desert-inspired spa, experience an adrenaline rush by soaring over the Grand Canyon or get away from it all in a mountainous hideaway, Scottsdale possesses what they desire.

The Scottsdale CVB is satisfying these travelers with the unique experiences they seek with the recent debut of Scottsdale Classics, seven extraordinary vacation packages ranging from $4,600-25,000 and selected to introduce travelers to the treasures of Scottsdale and Arizona in the style and luxury they deserve. Some of the unique travel experiences include:

• exclusive vault tour at Molina Fine Jewelers
• luxury accommodations at world-class resorts like Four Seasons Resort Scottsdale at Troon North, Sanctuary on Camelback Mountain Resort and Spa and The Boulders Resort & Golden Door Spa
• private jet to the Grand Canyon including a helicopter tour below the rim and champagne reception along the Colorado River
• and an interactive culinary demonstration and dinner with nationally known chefs

July 3, 2009 | Tags: Four Seasons Resort Scottsdale, Four Seasons Resort Scottsdale at Troon North, Molina Fine Jewelers, Sanctuary on Camelback Mountain Resort & Spa, Scottsdale Classics, The Boulders Resort & Golden Door Spa | Category: Attractions and Adventures, Resorts & Hotels | Leave a comment

by Josh Kenzer on July 2, 2009 in Dining and Nightlife

The pop-culture fueled Geisha A Go Go in downtown Scottsdale added an eight-seat sushi bar, dishing out specialty Americanized “rock and roll” style sushi creations. There’s the Gaijin, a sinfully good combination of spicy tuna and crab mix, avocado, and cream cheese, wrapped in seaweed, rice and a spring-roll, which is then – wait for it – deep fried. The Pokemon melds Fritos, breaded salmon, spicy crab mix and avocado.

Talavera at the Four Seasons Resort Scottsdale at Troon North recently debuted a new menu focusing on fresh, seasonal dishes including starters like the Caramelized Onion Tart with prosciutto and melon and Goat Cheese Salad with baby beats, Asian pear and arugula. For those who can’t decide on just one item, Talavera now offers the Chef’s Two-Course Tasting menu where guests pay $34 (or $45 with wine pairings) to sample a selection of chef-recommended dishes like the Chicken Fried Quail with heirloom tomatoes and haricot vart. The menu rotates every week.

            Sushi Roku at the W Scottsdale Hotel & Residences is offering a new program, Wine o’ Sake. Every Sunday thru Thursday, guests pay $12 for their choice of a flight of wine or sake and a special dish including some of the restaurant’s most infamous like the Hanabi Tuna, Miso Popcorn Shrimp or Filet Wrapped Asparagus. Sushi Roku also is adding a dose of goodwill to the food experience with the Dining Out with Benefits program. Running now thru the end of August, the restaurant will take 20 percent off your total bill and donate the proceeds to a select charity each month.

July 2, 2009 | Tags: Four Seasons Resort Scottsdale at Troon North, Gesiha A Go Go, Sushi Roku, Talavera, W Scottsdale Hotel & Residences | Category: Dining and Nightlife | Leave a comment

by Josh Kenzer on July 2, 2009 in Attractions and Adventures, Things To Do

The Desert Botanical Garden gives visitors new ways to enjoy Mother Nature with its fall calendar of events. The Garden’s schedule includes old favorites such as the Fall Music in the Garden Series that brings live jazz, blues and Latin music under the desert stars, as well as new offerings like the Biergarten, a one-time event set for Sept. 25 where guests savor more than 40 craft and domestic brews in an outdoor setting. Also returning to the Garden is Spiked! Thursdays, melding themed cocktails and desert scenery, and The Great Pumpkin Festival, where families can take a hayride out to the Garden’s patch to choose their very own pumpkin. Spiked! will take place every Thursday from Oct. 1 thru Nov. 5, and the Pumpkin Festival will run Oct. 22-29.

July 2, 2009 | Tags: Desert Botanical Garden | Category: Attractions and Adventures, Things To Do | Leave a comment

by Josh Kenzer on July 2, 2009 in Arts and Culture

After being closed for more than a year, the Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts will open its newly renovated Virginia G. Piper Theater on Oct. 24. Kicking off the reopening will be ARTrageous, a special benefit performance featuring Broadway star Kristin Chenoweth. The event will start the Center’s 2009-10 season, which also includes performances by world-renowned cellist Yo-Yo Ma, the Martha Graham Dance Company, jazz musicians Herb Alpert and Arturo Sandoval, and actors Jason Alexander, John Cleese and Martin Short. Improvements to the facility include a new floor and mezzanine, box office, café, public art project, enhanced theater acoustics, lighting, seating and accessibility.

July 2, 2009 | Tags: Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts | Category: Arts and Culture | Leave a comment

by Melissa Matthews on July 1, 2009 in Green by Design

The Scottsdale Convention & Visitors Bureau is encouraging Arizona companies to show off their green efforts and enter the 2nd Annual Scottsdale Green by Design Awards program to be recognized for their sustainability initiatives.

As part of the Scottsdale bureau’s green programming, the Green by Design Awards recognize companies that exhibit outstanding green practices. Companies can nominate their business or another local company for the efforts they have made to become more environmentally friendly.

Awards will be presented in three categories:

1. Green: For the creation of green projects, programs or campaigns
2. Greener: For the improvement of pre-existing green projects, programs or campaigns
3. Greenest: For businesses that have both green business practices and offer green products or services

In all categories, entrants must demonstrate their effort to help preserve the environment or reduce their carbon footprint. This may include, but is not limited to: waste reduction, energy efficiency, water conservation, green meetings, or a green product or service for consumers.

“The Scottsdale Convention & Visitors Bureau is challenging local companies to do their part and utilize sustainable practices,” said Rachel Sacco, president and CEO at the Scottsdale Convention & Visitors Bureau. “We want to recognize those who are dedicated to maintaining the vibrancy of our destination, which is critical to our future.”

Visit www.ScottsdaleGreenbyDesign.com to download a nomination form (on the Green Community Resources page). Applications are due Sept. 1 and awards will be presented during a Scottsdale bureau event in the fall.

Winners of the Scottsdale Green by Design Awards will receive special public recognition by the Scottsdale bureau commemorating their efforts, as well as recognition on the Scottsdale Green by Design Web site, in a Scottsdale bureau quarterly e-mail blast to 100,000 leisure visitors, and in the bureau’s monthly “Spotlight on Scottsdale” tourism section in The Arizona Republic.

Last year’s awards were given to Hotel Valley Ho in the Green category, Fairmont Scottsdale in the Greener category and Edwards Design Group in the Greenest category.

Along with its Green by Design Awards, the Scottsdale bureau’s green efforts include working to promote the city’s sustainable offerings at the Green Build International Conference and Expo in November. To correlate with the conference, the bureau, along with the City of Scottsdale and the Scottsdale Downtown Group, is working on a special Green Street Scottsdale event to showcase sustainable ventures and provide conference attendees an opportunity to experience downtown Scottsdale. The event will include the weekly Scottsdale ArtWalk, live music, artist demonstrations and exhibitions.

July 1, 2009 | Tags: Edwards Design Group, Fairmont Scottsdale, Green by Design Awards, Hotel Valley Ho, Rachel Sacco | Category: Green by Design | Leave a comment

by Josh Kenzer on June 30, 2009 in Attractions and Adventures, Resorts & Hotels, Things To Do, What's Happening, What's Noteworthy

Hogan is third in a series of eight National Geographic Explorers who will be visiting the Valley of the Sun this summer at the new National Geographic Explorers Camp at the Fairmont Scottsdale.

What: National Geographic Explorers Camp is an adventure-based resort kids camp, where children ages 5-12 navigate a GPS to discover desert creatures, go on a photo safari, play on gigantic continent maps and meet real-life explorers. The camp runs Tuesdays-Sundays for overnight guests through Labor Day. The world-renowned speakers are an added feature, approximately ever other Saturday.

More on Hogan: Big fish? Make that megafish. Dr. Zeb Hogan is an aquatic ecologist who travels the world searching for giant, fresh water fish weighing over 200 pounds. As the Director of National Geographic Megafishes Project based in Reno, Nev., Hogan is leading a team of investigators to study freshwater ecosystems on six continents. Hogan’s project is racing against the extinction of bear-size catfish, half-ton stingrays, giant trout and other monster fish. He believes these fish provide insight into the health of ecosystems and that it is just as important to save Mekong catfish and river dolphins, as it is to save tigers and whales. To do this, he involves local anglers in his research, hoping to engender pride in the bounty of their lakes and rivers and encourage sustainable fishing practices.

A native of Tempe, Ariz. and U of A graduate, Hogan is returning to the state to interact and educate youngsters during two Saturday National Geographic Explorers Camp sessions at the Fairmont Scottsdale. Hogan will then keynote a special family dinner event, sharing his expertise, conservation efforts and adventures to save these freshwater giants. The kids’ camp and family dinner event are available for overnight resort guests for a nominal fee.

Where: At the Fairmont Scottsdale, located at 7575 E. Princess Drive in Scottsdale.

Interviews: Available for in-studio interviews, Friday morning, June 26

Photo Ops: On Saturday, June 27, Hogan will “edu-tain” young explorers during morning and afternoon camp sessions. During an informal dinner event for the whole family, Hogan will give a lecture presentation, sharing his adventures:

Best on-site photo opportunity: First Camp Session: 9 am – 10 am *
* Hogan will be fishing with the campers at the resort’s lagoon

Price: Daytime sessions for kid campers start at $59 for a half-day and $89 for a full-day with lunch on a speaker Saturday. Other days, the camp starts at $49 per session. The dinner event is $30 for adults, $15 for children ages 6-12 and kids 5 and under dine free. The camp and dinner are exclusively for overnight guests of the resort.

Summer room rate specials feature the “Summer Splash Package” at $199 per room, per night, which includes a $100 daily food and beverage credit. The camp is a la carte. Room only rates start at $145 per night.

June 30, 2009 | Tags: Fairmont Scottsdale, Kids, National Geographic | Category: Attractions and Adventures, Resorts & Hotels, Things To Do, What's Happening, What's Noteworthy | Leave a comment

by Josh Kenzer on June 29, 2009 in Dining and Nightlife

Summer is here, and what better way to kick off summer than with the new three-course prix fixe menu!

Using popular items from their dinner menu, Chef Travis has once again put together a simple yet diverse menu full of all of your contemporary coastal favorites that Avalon is known for – an array of rich and flavorful combinations bound to excite your taste buds.

With an affordable price of $29 per person*, you can treat the whole family to an amazing dinner celebrating these fresh tastes of the season.

Available Monday through Sunday, 5:00PM – 10:00PM, each guest dining in house will be given the choice of one option from each category – starter, entrée, and dessert from the menu listed below.

*Cannot be combined with any other offers

STARTERS – CHOICE OF ONE
French Onion Soup · Crispy Calamari ‘Frittes’
Organic Baby Field Greens

ENTRÉE COURSE – CHOICE OF ONE
Shrimp Carbonara · Flat Iron Steak Salad
Crispy Pacific Northwest Salmon
Stuffed Free Range Chicken Breast

DESSERT COURSE – CHOICE OF ONE
Chocolate Decadence · Frozen Tiramisu
Roasted Banana Bread Pudding · Crème Brulée

For more on Avalon, check out their site.  Also, check out other dining and nightlife options in Scottsdale

June 29, 2009 | Tags: Avalon Scottsdale | Category: Dining and Nightlife | Comments (2)

by Mitchell Tay on June 26, 2009 in Things To Do

Looking for something fun to do with the kids?

Here are some fun activities to consider!

Desert Botanical Garden (480) 941-1225
Flashlight tours are a sensory adventure where you will see, hear and feel the desert night with its nighthawks, snakes, insects and night-blooming flowers.

Dig It! Explore Archaeology Exhibit (602) 495-0901
This exhibit is hands-on that will delight visitors of all ages. Featured is a life-size replica of an excavated trench wall where hands-on elements demonstrate the science of archaeology, a photo-mural, pottery designs, video and so much more!

McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park (480) 312-2312
The most unique park of it’s kind in the country. Take a ride on the Paradise and Pacific Railroad and antique carousel. Free Admission.

National Geographic Explorers Camp (800) 908-9370
Your child can lead the life of a National Geographic Explorer this summer with half and full–day camp sessions which include GPS treasure hunting, photo safaris, animal interactions and meeting real-life
National Geographic explorers.

Unexpected Wegmen Exhibition (480) 994-ARTS
Begins July 18, 2009. The majority of the show is comprised of facile prints Wegman made with the Segura Publishing Company beginning in 1985 and continuing through their most recent collaboration in 2002.

The Wiggles Go Bananas (602) 514-2919
July 27, 2009. The Wiggles will be making their appearance at Dodge Theatre.  Be ready for some singing and dancing!

There are also plenty of family packages being offered. Check out the following link to find a package for your family to enjoy!

http://www.scottsdalecvb.com/scottsdale/family-friendly/vacation-packages/

June 26, 2009 | Category: Things To Do | Comments (1)

by Mitchell Tay on June 24, 2009 in Dining and Nightlife, Things To Do

Does a slow baked salmon, green chile pork stew, or even Pancetta wrapped filet mignon make your mouth water? If so, many restaurants are offering great summer dining specials for a very reasonable price too hard to pass up! Check out the following restaurants and what they’re offering:

Asia de Cuba Three course dinner for $39.00/person

For the month of June discount cards 35% off = $25.35.

3 Courses-shared style- full portions.

For more information call 480-308-1131 or visit www.mondrianscottsdale.com

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Avalon Restaurant Three course prix-fixe dinner for $29/person*

Available Monday through Sunday, 5:00PM – 10:00PM, each guest dining in house will be given the choice of one option from each category – starter, entrée, and dessert from our menu listed below.

• Starters (choice of one)
  French Onion Soup · Crispy Calamari ‘Frittes’
  Organic Baby Field Greens
• Entree (choice of one)
  Shrimp Carbonara · Flat Iron Steak Salad
  Crispy Pacific Northwest Salmon
  Stuffed Free Range Chicken Breast
• Dessert (choice of one)
  Chocolate Decadence · Frozen Tiramisu
  Roasted Banana Bread Pudding · Crème Brulée

For more information call 480-656-0010 or visit www.avalon-scottsdale.com.

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Canal $25 summer prix-fixe.

• Salad (choice of one)
  Blueberry & summer peach salad, wild rocket, candied pine nuts, champagne mint vinaigrette
  “The BLT wedge” salad, bacon, iceburg lettuce, tomato, blue cheese dressing
  Heirloom tomato & fresh mozzarella salad, super sweet corn, fresh basil, cracked pepper sherry vinaigrette

• Entree (choice of one)
  Pancetta wrapped filet mignon, twice baked yukon gold potato, french beans, herb red wine reduction
  Pan seared rainbow trout, sugar snap peas, french radishes, citrus salad
  Maine Lobster stuffed with crab, fingerling potatoes, asparagus, saffron leek crème
  Roasted chicken & exotic mushroom gnocchi, artichoke hearts, pecorino cheese
  The CANAL veggie tower, marinated & grilled vegetables, balsamic tomato sauce
• Dessert (choice of one)
  Chocolate chiffon cheesecake, crème fraiche, raspberries
  Bananas foster bread pudding, salted caramel ice cream

For more information visit www.canalaz.com or call 480.949.9000.

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Eddie V’s Restaurants Half price culinary favorites.

Kettle of green chile pork stew served with warm butter flour tortillas
Maryland style all lump crab cakes
Crispy cashew calamari

In addition, guests can enjoy happy hour beverages priced at $5.00 for mojitos, margaritas, signature martinis and wines by the glass and well drinks and specialty cocktails $1.00 off.

For more information visit the website at www.eddiev.com.

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Estate House $20 Summer Menu.

• Starter Choice:
  Tender greens salad, candied pecans, caramelized orange
  Panzanella salad, campari tomato, mozzarella and olives
• Entree Choice:
  Grilled chicken paillard, crisp fingerling, roasted salsa verde
  Handmade fettuccine, wild mushroom crema
• Dessert Choice:
  Bourbon pecan bread pudding, malted rum gelato
  Caramelized peach pavlova

For more information visit the website at www.estatehouseaz.com or call (480) 970-4099.

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J&G Steakhouse Three course prix-fixe menu for $35/person that features the gourmet creations of Chef de Cuisine Jacques Qualin, a culinary superstar who was personally tutored by J&G Executive Jean-George Vongerichten. And it’s available in the dining room seven evenings a week, from 5 to 7 p.m.

• Appetizers: (choice of one)
  Heart of Romaine Caesar Salad
  Steamed Shrimp Salad with Champagne Vinaigrette dressing
  Sweet Pea Soup
• Entrees: (choice of one)
  Slow Baked Salmon with Rhubarb Compote
  Lemon-Pepper Chicken Steak
  Grilled Black Angus Flat Iron Steak Frites
• Desserts: (choice of one)
  Cheese Cake with Strawberry Jam and Rhubarb Ice Cream
  Warm Chocolate Cake with Caramel Ice Cream or any one of a number of other varieties of ice cream

For more information on J&G Steakhouse or to make reservations, call (480) 214-8000 or go to www.jgsteakhousescottsdale.com.

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Roaring Fork Three course menu for $25 per person. Thru September 30, 2009.

Visit their website at www.eddiev.com or call (480) 947-0795 for more information.

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Sassi Three course prix-fixe for $29/person.

Add 2 courses of wine for $19.

Visit their website at www.sassi.biz for more information.

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Sauce $20 Summer Sample which includes:

• One pizza
• One salad
• Two glasses of wine

For more information call 480.321.8844 or visit www.foxrc.com/sauce. (restrictions apply).

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Sushi Roku “Wine o’ Sake.” For $12 you will receive a flight of wine or sake, your choice, and a special dish including some of Sushi Roku’s most popular menu items including Hanabi Tuna, Miso Popcorn Shrimp and Filet Wrapped Asparagus. From Sunday-Thursday.

For more information visit www.sushiroku.com or call 480-970-2121.

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T. Cook’s Three course custom menu for $40/person.

One of the Valley’s most romantic restaurants, has created a special tasting menu, allowing each guest to customize their own menu by selecting any appetizer, entree and dessert from the full dinner menu. Available dinner only, Sunday-Thursday.

Reservations:  602-808-0766 or visit www.royalpalmsresortandspa.com. 

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Wildfish Seafood Grille Three course menu for $29.95 per person. Thru September 30, 2009.

Visit their website at www.eddiev.com or call (480) 994-4040 for more information.

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June 24, 2009 | Tags: Scottsdale, Scottsdale Dinners, Summer Dining Specials, Summer Dinner Specials | Category: Dining and Nightlife, Things To Do | Comments (5)