Scottsdale Blog - Things to do in Scottsdale, Arizona » Four Seasons Resort Scottsdale

New Menus Add Spice to Sizzling Dining Scene

Josh Kenzer — Wed, 22 Jul 2009 21:15:42 +0000

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.

Michael Mina’s BOURBON STEAK at the Fairmont Scottsdale created a new Bar Burgers menu offered exclusively at the restaurant’s bar and lounge. The interactive menu is easy on the wallet and allows you to create burgers just the way they like them by choosing the burger type, up to six toppings, and accompaniments like the famous duck-fat fries and onion rings. The five signature burgers range from $14 to $18 and are the all-beef, heritage turkey, falafel, lamburger, and salmon steak burger. And what is a burger without a frosty shake to comfort the soul? Try a signature adult milkshake like Bourbon Praline, the Grasshopper and Rum Raisin.

Scottsdale’s Golf Celebrity Connections

Josh Kenzer — Tue, 21 Jul 2009 22:50:43 +0000

With nearly 200 area golf courses, 330 days of sunshine per year and an extensive list of award-winning clubs, Scottsdale draws golf lovers from around the world looking to play on the greens where their favorite pros have left their mark. Hit the links on courses designed by some of the biggest names in golf like We-Ko-Pa Golf Club’s Saguaro Course, created by golf legend Ben Crenshaw and architect Bill Coore and winner of numerous awards like Golfweek magazine’s “Top Public-Access Course in Arizona.” There’s also Troon North which was designed by Tom Weiskopf and helped the Four Seasons Resort Scottsdale garner the title of one of the “Top 10 Best Golf Resorts in the World” by Travel + Leisure Golf.

And the big names aren’t just building courses – they’re playing them, too. Celebrities of the Hollywood kind have graced the greens of several Scottsdale courses. Each year, you can find the likes of Justin Timberlake, Kevin Costner and Bill Murray working on their swings at TPC Scottsdale for the annual FBR Open Silver Pro-Am. Other stars that have taken their rounds on area courses include Michael Jordan, Charles Barkley and Wayne Gretzky. And then there are those who love Scottsdale so much that they decided to call the world’s finest golf destination home. PGA TOUR professional Gary McCord lives in the Valley and can be seen putting at Grayhawk Golf Club, where he and Peter Kostis teach golf skills at the learning center. Other golf pros that can be spotted around town include Andrew Magee, Gary McCord and Kirk Triplett.

Quintessential, Tailored Vacation Experiences for Luxury Travelers

Josh Kenzer — Fri, 03 Jul 2009 17:48:52 +0000

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

Win a once-in-a-lifetime four night vacation experience for two in Scottsdale!

Josh Kenzer — Wed, 11 Feb 2009 19:01:04 +0000

We’re having a hard time trying to come up with a name for our Scottsdale Cowgirl. So we’re holding a contest. Submit your recommended name to our website and you could be eligible to win a four night vacation for two in Scottsdale, Arizona.
Prize Vacation Package Includes:

Roundtrip airfare for two to/from Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport
Two and a half days at Arizona Cowboy College: This is your chance to learn chance to learn authentic cowboy skills at a working cattle ranch where you will develop skills such as riding, roping, and shoeing. You will then spend time on a round-up, working side-by-side with real working cowboys…doing a job that is over 150 years old. This is a “no frills” camp. You work, eat and sleep under the stars.
Rejuvenate at The Four Seasons Resort Scottsdale after roughing it at the college! Enjoy a two-night stay at Four Seasons Resort Scottsdale at Troon North, where your package includes a stay in a one-bedroom suite, a spa treatment per person and dinner in Talavera, the resorts luxurious restaurant with stunning views of Pinnacle Peak mountain.

Enter Now!

SCOTTSDALE COMPANIES RECEIVE AWARDS

Melissa Matthews — Fri, 30 Jan 2009 18:02:37 +0000

Congratulations to our members who recently received awards.

Hotel Valley Ho’s Executive Chef Charles Wiley was named “Outstanding Manager of the Year for 2008” by the Arizona Hotel & Lodging Association.

GolfWorld Magazine recognized several Scottsdale golf courses on its lists of “Top 50 Public Courses” and “Top 50 Resort Courses” in the country:

Public Courses: Grayhawk Golf Club (No. 21), SunRidge Canyon Golf Course (No. 26) and Eagle Mountain Golf Club (No. 43)
Resort Courses: We-Ko-Pa Golf Club (No. 31), Boulders Golf Club (No. 40) and Ocotillo Golf Resort (No. 49)

Golfweek magazine honored local golf courses on its best resort and casino courses list:

Resort Courses: We-Ko-Pa Golf Club’s Saguaro Course (No. 16) and Cholla (No. 38), Boulders Golf Club’s North Course (No. 54) and South Course (No. 80) and Longbow Golf Club (No. 89)
Casino Course: We-Ko-Pa Golf Club’s Saguaro (No. 3) and Cholla (No. 8)

The 2009 Mobil Five-Star Awards were recently announced and several Scottsdale businesses were recognized:

The Phoenician and Four Seasons Resort Scottsdale at Troon North both received four-star ratings for the resorts category.
Talavera at the Four Seasons was honored with the four-star designation in the restaurants category.
In the spas category, Fairmont Scottsdale, Four Seasons, The Phoenician, Royal Palms Resort and Spa, and Sanctuary on Camelback Mountain all were honored with four-star ratings.

Hyatt Regency Scottsdale Resort and Spa at Gainey Ranch was honored by Smart Meetings magazine with the “2008 Platinum Choice Award”, and with MeetingNews’ “2008 Planners’ Choice Award.” The resort also was named one of the best resorts for family trips in the Southwest region by Travel + Leisure Golf.

Hotel Valley Ho was honored with Spa Week’s Luxe Award for “Best $50 Treatment” for its hot shells massage treatment.

Scottsdale Resorts Ranked Among the Best in the World by Travel + Leisure

Josh Kenzer — Thu, 22 Jan 2009 16:03:37 +0000

Travel + Leisure ranked eight Scottsdale resorts among the finest in the world in their “2009 World’s Best 500 Hotels” survey. Winners included:

The ranking of number one resort in Arizona went to the Royal Palms Resort & Spa.

Complimentary Tequila Tasting Seminars at Four Seasons Resort Scottsdale

Josh Kenzer — Thu, 18 Dec 2008 18:16:46 +0000

Crescent Moon Patio

Learn the nuances of the Southwest’s favorite spirit – tequila – with weekly, complimentary educational seminars at Crescent Moon restaurant at Four Seasons Resort Scottsdale at Troon North.

The complimentary seminars start at 6 p.m. every Wednesday, and last for approximately 45 minutes. A knowledgeable on-site expert will guide patrons through the differences between añejo, reposado and blanco tequila, while offering complimentary sips of several tequila selections as well as a variety of appetizers. The seminars launch the first week of December 2008 and will run through May 2009; seminars are open to both locals and Resort guests.

Chase the tequila lesson with a taste of the new modern Mexican menu in Crescent Moon while sipping a signature $10 margarita. Crescent Moon specializes in cuisine influenced by the culinary heritage of Executive Chef Mel Mecinas and his upbringing in Oaxaca, Mexico. Guests can choose from such selections as Jicama Sweet Crab “Tacos,” Adobo Short Ribs and Prawns, Slow Roasted Pork Shoulder and homemade Mexican “pizzas” from the wood-fired Kiva oven. The menu is designed to offer value, coupled with authenticity; starters and soups range from $8 to $12, and the average entrée price is $20.

Taking center stage at the restaurant is a wood-burning Kiva oven, a large wraparound buffet and an open kitchen providing a bird’s-eye view of the chefs at work. In a climate-controlled setting, up to 70 guests may enjoy outdoor seating around a roaring fire on winter days, while cooling misters keep them refreshed in the summer. Year-round, the restaurant seats up to 80 indoors for breakfast, lunch and dinner, and offers breathtaking views of Pinnacle Peak and the Valley of the Sun.

Crescent Moon is open daily 7 a.m.– 3 p.m., and Wednesday to Sunday from 6:00 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.

AAA Recognized Scottsdale Resorts and Restaurants with Diamond Ratings

Josh Kenzer — Thu, 30 Oct 2008 20:17:00 +0000

AAA recognized several Scottsdale resorts and restaurants with its diamond ratings. The AAA five-diamond rated hotels are:

Camelback Inn, A JW Marriott Resort & Spa
Four Seasons Resort Scottsdale at Troon North
The Canyon Suites at the Phoenician
Fairmont Scottsdale
The Phoenician

Hotels awarded four-diamonds include:

The Boulders Resort & Golden Door Spa
CopperWynd Resort and Club
Doubletree Paradise Valley Resort Scottsdale
FireSky Resort & Spa
Hilton Scottsdale Resort & Villas
Hotel Valley Ho
Hyatt Regency Scottsdale Resort and Spa at Gainey Ranch
Radisson Fort McDowell Resort & Casino
Royal Palms Resort and Spa
Sanctuary on Camelback Mountain Resort and Spa
Scottsdale Marriott at McDowell Mountains
Scottsdale Resort & Conference Center
The Westin Kierland Resort & Spa

The four-diamond restaurants include:

Alchemy at CopperWynd
Asia de Cuba at Mondrian Scottsdale
Bourbon Steak at Fairmont Scottsdale
Deseo at The Westin Kierland Resort & Spa
Elements at Sanctuary on Camelback Mountain Resort and Spa
La Hacienda at Fairmont Scottsdale
Latilla Dining Room at The Boulders Resort & Golden Door Spa
Lon’s at Hermosa Inn
Mosaic
Palm Court, at the Scottsdale Resort & Conference Center
Talavera at Four Seasons Resort Scottsdale at Troon North
T Cook’s at The Royal Palms Resort and Spa
Il Terrazzo at The Phoenician
Windows on the Green at The Phoenician

Our Member Receive Awards

Josh Kenzer — Tue, 28 Oct 2008 14:49:40 +0000

Congratulations to our members who recently received awards.

Meetings & Conventions awarded the 2008 Gold Key Award to three Scottsdale resorts:

The Scottsdale Plaza Resort
Hyatt Regency Scottsdale Resort and Spa at Gainey Ranch
Scottsdale Resort & Conference Center

The Scottsdale Plaza Resort was awarded the 2008 Corporate Meetings & Incentives’ Paragon Award and the Gold Tee Award from Meetings & Conventions.

Elite Traveler recognized two Scottsdale resorts in its July/August issue featuring the “101 Top Hotel and Resort Suites of the Year.”

The Pinnacle Suite at Four Seasons Resort Scottsdale at Troon North
The Alvadora Villa at the Royal Palms Resort and Spa

Elite Meetings International named the Hyatt Regency Scottsdale Resort and Spa at Gainey Ranch one of the top five resort makeovers.

Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar was recognized by Wine Spectator magazine’s “Awards of Excellence.”

Successful Meetings’ 2008 Pinnacle Award was given to several Scottsdale resorts:

The Scottsdale Plaza Resort
Camelback Inn, A JW Marriott Resort & Spa
Four Seasons Resort Scottsdale at Troon North
Hyatt Regency Scottsdale Resort and Spa at Gainey Ranch
Royal Palms Resort and Spa
Scottsdale Resort & Conference Center
The Boulders Resort & Golden Door Spa
The Fairmont Scottsdale Princess

The 15th Annual World Travel Awards honored two Scottsdale resorts:

The Boulders Resort & Golden Door Spa was recognized as “North America’s Leading Spa Resort” and “Arizona’s Leading Spa Resort.”
The Phoenician was named “Arizona’s Leading Hotel” and “Arizona’s Leading Resort.”

The Starfire Golf Club was selected for the 2008 “Best of Scottsdale Award” in the Golf Courses category by the United States Local Business Association.

Meetings & Conventions awarded the Gold Key Award to several Scottsdale resorts:

Hyatt Regency Scottsdale Resort and Spa at Gainey Ranch
Scottsdale Resort & Conference Center
The Scottsdale Plaza Resort

Bourbon Steak was awarded the 2008 ”AAA Four Diamond Award.”

The International Special Events Society recognized Merestone with its Special Events Awards on the “Best Achievement in Logistics” and “Best Event Produced for A Corporation” lists.

The Scottsdale Resort & Conference Center was bestowed Corporate & Incentive Travel magazine’s “Greens of Distinction” award.

Insurance & Financial Meetings Management honored the Scottsdale Resort & Conference Center with the World Class Award.

Travel + Leisure Golf recognized several Scottsdale golf resorts in its September/October issue:

Four Seasons Resort Scottsdale at Troon North ranked number 6 on the “U.S. Top 10 Golf Resorts” list, number 1 on the southwest region’s “Best For Buddy Trips” list, number 1 on the “Best Resort Course in the Southwest” list and number 1 on “Best Golf Resort in the Southwest.”
The Boulders Resort & Golden Door Spa ranked number 7 on the “U.S. Top 10 Golf Resorts” list.
The Phoenician scored number 3 on the southwest region’s “Best For Family Trips” list.

Carolyn Robbins of the Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art was honored by the American Institute of Architects for the “Non-architect Award of Distinction.”

Where Phoenix + Scottsdale honored local tourism employees for excellence in customer service:

Jim Hollister of FireSky Resort & Spa was named “General Manager of the Year.”
Hotel Valley Ho’s Rob Sembrat was honored as the “Up-and-Coming Concierge of the Year.”
Jessica Hemauer of the Four Seasons Resort Scottsdale at Troon North was designated “Concierge of the Year.”

Incentive magazine gave the Hyatt Regency Scottsdale Resort and Spa at Gainey Ranch the 2008 Platinum Partner Award.

Fine Dining and Beer

Josh Kenzer — Thu, 16 Oct 2008 14:48:00 +0000

The Four Seasons Resort Scottsdale at Troon North adds a unique twist on the typical wine dinner with its Better with Beer program. A four-course meal is strategically paired with internationally acclaimed hopped-up libations courtesy of local brewery, Four Peaks. A special Brew Master informs and guides attendees through each pairing and meals including delish dishes like ahi tuna and buffalo short ribs. For more information, visit www.fourseasons.com/scottsdale or call (480) 515-5700.