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In this issue….

RESORT NEWS
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ARTS, CULTURE & ENTERTAINMENT
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SPORTS/GOLF
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SPA
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DINING
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What’s New in Greater Phoenix?
December 2012

HIGHLIGHTS FROM THIS MONTH’S EDITION:

RESORT NEWS
Sheraton Phoenix Downtown Hotel is pleased to announce that Michael O’Dowd has been appointed to executive chef of the hotel. O’Dowd brings a wealth of credible experience, culinary excellence and electrifying energy to his new role. As executive chef, O’Dowd will develop the culinary concepts for Sheraton Phoenix Downtown Hotel, District American Kitchen and Wine Bar, the Park Lounge lobby bar, the Breeze bar, and oversee all banquet culinary operations and in-room dining at the 1,000-room convention hotel. Additionally, he will oversee administration in all kitchen operations, staff recruitment and training.Plan a “Holiday Surf and Shop Getaway” at The Westin Kierland Resort & Spa with this exclusive package. Spend time and have FUN with family, friends and loved ones this holiday season in the warm Arizona sunshine, enjoying the beautiful winter temperatures, and taking advantage of the upscale shopping nearby at Kierland Commons orScottsdale Quarter retail districts. Experience all that the Resort has to offer with rates from $259 per night, this package includes all that is needed for a memorable holiday getaway. Take advantage of the $100 resort “shopping” credit to be used at the Resort towards dining, golf, spa, or Family FUN activities and to make up for the all the holiday shopping at the adjacent retail districts. The package also includes a complimentary “Shopping Shuttle” to bring you and all your special gifts to and from these retail districts, and exclusive “Key to Kierland” and “Key to the Quarter” shopping discounts and savings at select restaurants and retailers. Also, guests will enjoy Kierland FlowRider board sport simulator – heated during the cool winter weather; Holiday “PaintScaping” Show – a spectacular light show set to holiday music performed nightly through New Year’s Eve, and other Kierland Holiday Festivities, including visits from Santa, holiday decorations and more; Available for stays through December 31, 2012.The desert will be festive and filled with good cheer and the spirit of the season – when you celebrate the holidays at the historic Arizona Biltmore. Guests will enjoy many special holiday activities and events in a beautiful ambiance of seasonal décor, as well as special discounts on spa treatments and a special holiday package offering low rates and many extras. And your holiday getaway to the legendary resort will be free of snow and ice and cold – just warm, pleasant days and cool evenings. Holiday activities include: marshmallow roasting every Friday and Saturday at 7 p.m. on Squaw Peak Lawn; story time with Mrs. Claus on Saturdays (December 8, 15 and 22) and on Christmas Eve, from 5-6 p.m.; and five-course dinners on Christmas Eve and Day at Wright’s at The Biltmore.Join the Ritz-Carlton, Phoenix for their 24th Annual Teddy Bear Tea hosted by Afternoon Tea Maitre d’ Jeffrey Hattrick. Teddy Bear Tea continues to be a memorable experience for all generations; adults enjoy a traditional afternoon tea while the children nibble on kid-friendly sandwiches followed by teddy bear treats. Children should also look forward to a visit from Ted E. Bear and story time with Jeffrey as well as being able to select a teddy bear of their choice from The Ritz-Carlton Collection. Teddy Bear Tea runs through December 16 and is $38 per person. For an elegant holiday get-away for those looking for a truly traditional tea service, ladies and gentlemen alike will enjoy a peaceful afternoon in the beautifully holiday decorated Lobby Lounge. Enjoy Yuletide Tea every Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday through December 13, and every day from December 18-30 (except December 24 & 25). Seatings are at noon and 3 p.m.

The Phoenician captures the spirit of the holidays, presented in AAA Five Diamond fashion, for both visitors to the Grand Canyon State and area residents to enjoy. This December, family and friends can continue treasured —or start new—traditions while creating special memories provided by Arizona’s iconic resort destination. Activities include: the Guided Cactus Garden Holiday Lights Tour where registered guests and the general public can savor a delicious cup of homemade hot chocolate as they take a leisurely, guided stroll through this enchanting two-acre desert garden, glistening with holiday lights every Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday at 6 p.m.; Adult Cocktail Making Classes every Friday at 3 p.m., this is an interactive workshop where individuals create unique holiday-inspired beverages; Christmas Day Brunch, complete with carving stations, a pasta and risotto bar, breakfast favorites including eggs Benedict and French toast, and unlimited sparkling wine; and more.

One of the Valley’s top spots for family fun, Pointe Hilton Squaw Peak Resort, will host a howlin’ good time this New Year’s Eve with its “Yote the Coyote New Year’s Eve” package. The resort’s friendly, furry mascot, Yote will lead the year-end celebration, which will feature a progressive dinner, family games, arts and crafts, and a sparkling cider toast. The festivities begin with hors d’oeuvres on the front patio of the resort’s Western-style restaurant, Hole-in-the-Wall. The dinner then moves inside for a bountiful buffet featuring smoked chicken, BBQ ribs, kettle-smoked brisket, as well as indulgent after-dinner treats with a dessert bar serving caramel apples, ice cream fountains, pies and more. After dinner, families head to Coyote Camp to prepare for the grand finale, crafting holiday hats and noise makers and enjoying holiday games. Teenage guests will enjoy games and other activities hosted on Slim Picken’s patio. The New Year’s Eve fun leads to the 10 p.m. ball drop and celebratory sparkling cider toast at Coyote Camp.The Yote the Coyote New Year’s Eve package is available for $189 per room and includes spacious suite accommodations, dinner for a family of four and all party activities.

The Valley’s most delicious work of art – composed of 1,300 pounds of glistening gumdrops, chocolate and sugary icing – has returned to the JW Marriott Desert Ridge Resort & Spa when the “Wonderland of Oz” Gingerbread Village for the whole family this holiday season. The resort’s renowned gingerbread village is Arizona’s largest gingerbread display measuring 40 by 20 feet, and is a dazzling masterpiece of confectionary pleasure featuring 800 pounds of gingerbread dough, 250 pounds of chocolate and 250 pounds of hard candies, gumdrops, M&Ms and cookies. The JW Marriott Desert Ridge Resort’s pastry team spent more than 800 hours crafting the Wonderland of Oz themed-village, which is a take on the children’s movie classic The Wizard of Oz. The Wonderland of Oz Gingerbread Village showcases 20 handmade gingerbread houses and features scenes from the epic film including Dorothy’s encounters with the Scarecrow, the Tin Man and the Cowardly Lion along the Yellow Brick Road. Dorothy, the Tin Man and Scarecrow will make special live character appearances at the Wonderland of Oz Gingerbread Village display at JW Marriott Desert Ridge Resort while it is open to the public through January 6 in the grand lobby of the resort.

Royal Palms Resort and Spa, Phoenix’s historic luxury resort, is pleased to announce Todd Sicolo as Executive Chef. A veteran food and beverage executive with extensive luxury hotel experience, Chef Sicolo graduated from the Culinary Institute of America in Hype Park, New York, and boasts nearly 25 years of widespread culinary experience.In his role as Executive Chef, Sicolo will oversee all culinary operations at Royal Palms, including assuming responsibility of the resort’s highly acclaimed T. Cook’s restaurant and T. Cook’s Lounge, business and social catering, meeting and group functions, banquets and 24-hour room service of the 119-room resort.

Montelucia Resort & Spa, a top-rated luxury hotel was named a 2012 “Best In Stay” Award winner by popular travel website Orbitz.com. Montelucia was included among the 75 top destination hotels and was the only resort in Arizona to make the coveted list based on reviews from Orbitz customers. In celebration of this outstanding accolade, Montelucia is bringing back customers’ favorite “Montelucia Escape” package. Guests will receive $200 in additional credits when booking the “Montelucia Escape” this winter. Starting at $199 Sunday through Wednesday and $248 Thursday through Saturday, guests will receive the following when booking the “Montelucia Escape”: overnight accommodations; $100 in Joya Spa credits – one $50 token per person; $75 dining credit to Prado or Centro Lounge; and two refreshing welcome cocktails.

The Moenkopi Legacy Inn & Suites has received the prestigious designation of Fodor’s Choice for the second year in a row. Fodor’s Choice selections recognize the top sights, properties, and experiences that they’ve found while traveling the world. This distinction designates the Legacy Inn as a leader in its field for service, quality, and value. Every year, Fodor’s writers experience, examine and evaluate thousands of hotels, restaurants and attractions in their travels across the globe. While every business included in a Fodor’s guide is deemed worth a traveler’s time, only those offering a truly remarkable experience are given the Fodor’s Choice designation.

The Westin Kierland Resort & Spa will transform into a winter wonderland for holiday PaintScaping as the walls of The Westin Kierland come alive with holiday images, including elves decorating the balconies and snow falling in the desert – festively set to holiday music. Offered every evening from through New Year’s Eve in Dreamweaver’s Canyon, with two-to-three shows each night starting at 6:30 p.m., following the signature Bagpipes at Sunset Series, which is from 5–6 p.m. Everyone is invited to enjoy this special holiday tradition, including Resort guests and locals alike. The art of “PaintScaping,” derived from ‘painting the landscape,’ merges a virtual world with the existing world by projecting images onto buildings that act as the canvas for characters, colors, and objects as living and moving parts of the façade. Founded by an award-winning computer animator, PaintScaping will make The Westin Kierland Resort its newest canvas, integrating the features of the main building and adding emotion and context with computer generated holiday characters, snow and cheer.

Montelucia Resort & Spa invites guests to make the resort their home away from home this holiday season. From unbeatable packages to festive programming, Montelucia is spreading joyful cheer throughout the holidays. With Montelucia’s “Dessert ‘Em for the Holidays” package, guests can visit family and friends without crowding their home. Book a two-night stay and receive a pie to go, a hostess gift and an after-dinner cocktail at Mbar. Starting at $199 per night, Montelucia provides guests with a relaxing stay and the special touches that any perfect dinner guest should arrive with. Spend Christmas Day at Prado and relish in a merry menu suitably prepared by Chef Kristian Markland. From Kale Salad to Christmas Goose to Slow Roast Pork Loin, Chef’s tasting menu will satisfy the foodie and traditionalist this holiday for $80 per person and $30 for children 12 and under.

The Sheraton Wild Horse Pass Resort & Spa is pleased to announce that Conor Favre has been appointed Executive Chef of the resort. Favre is an expert culinary leader with more than 18 years of experience in the food and beverage industry. In his new role as Executive Chef, Favre will have the significant task of overseeing all culinary functions at Sheraton Wild Horse Pass Resort & Spa, including oversight of restaurant concepts and menus for Ko’Sin and the signature restaurant, Kai. Additionally he will oversee meeting and group banquets, event catering, guest room dining for the 500 room resort and all culinary staff recruitment and training. Favre will work closely with Kai’s Chef de Cuisine, Joshua Johnson, to maintain the signature restaurant’s sophisticated Native American inspired cuisine and the level of personalized and elegant service that guests have come to cherish in Arizona’s most celebrated restaurant.

The CopperWynd Resort is the perfect hideaway nestled in the Majestic McDowell Mountains just east. The resort offers 32 deluxe guest room accommodations at its intimate boutique-style inn, all facing east with the Four Peaks in the horizon. Spend quality “me” time away from the hustle and bustle of the holidays.” The Holiday Hideaway” package includes dinner at Alchemy Restaurant, deluxe guest room, two spa treatments, breakfast delivered to room, and a late check out.

There are many merry reasons to spend the holidays at Talking Stick Resort. In addition to providing Valley visitors the best holiday dining and entertainment options, now through January 13, hotel rates are starting as low as $149 per night. Guests who book a stay for two consecutive nights in any luxury room or suite also will receive a $50 resort credit. The credit can be used to indulge in luxurious spa treatments, delicious holiday dining, golfing, live entertainment and much more! In fact, Guests can use the credit toward all amenities throughout resort, excluding gaming.

It’s time to shake (not stir) it up—this New Year’s Eve is going to go down smooth at the Hotel Valley Ho. Have a high-class, four-course dinner paired with Champagne and Belvedere Vodka on December 31, 2012. Choose the time that’ll put you in the mood (but make your reservations early): 6:30 p.m. for $100 per person or 9:30 p.m. for $135 per person. The after-dinner entertainment sets the stage for the New Year. Enjoy live entertainment from 7 p.m.–2 a.m. and a champagne toast at midnight on top of the seven story tower. Keep the fun going on the first day of 2013 breakfast is served 6–9 a.m. Need a little recovery time? Brunch at the infamous Bloody Mary Bar will be 9 a.m.–2:30 p.m. Ready for another round? Dinner on New Year’s Day goes from 5:30–10 p.m.

The Wigwam is providing several options to ring in the 2013 in style. Dinner at Red’s Bar & Grill features a four-course dinner, diners will also be able to watch the ball drop live in New York. Cost is $46 per person. Celebrate New Year’s Eve with dinner at Litchfield’s by savoring seasonal culinary creations that will tickle your palate. This four-course dinner runs $65 per person. The New Year’s Eve Gala is a great way to kick off the evening with a cocktail reception at 6:30 p.m. at the Wigwam Ballroom, and then enjoy the culinary creations of Executive Chef Lenard Rubin with a four-course dinner. Cost is $150 per couple. Cap the evening at the New Year’s Eve Celebration, and dance the night away to your favorite hits spanning from the ‘60s to today with live entertainment by the Thaddeus Rose Band at the Wigwam Ballroom from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. Party-goers will ring in the New Year with a champagne toast, balloon drop, and festive party favors. Tickets are $25 per person, or $15 for those dining at Red’s Bar & Grill or Litchfield’s that evening.

Celebrating the splendor of the season, it’s the most wonderful time of the year at the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess during the annual “Christmas at the Princess” festival, through January 6, 2013. Magical and enchanting, this AAA Five Diamond resort transforms into a winter wonderland in the desert with the all-new Desert Ice Holiday Rink, Lagoon Lights and Princess Express Train, hot cocoa, carolers, a gingerbread village, visits from Santa and a four-story musical Christmas tree shimmering with snowflakes. Specially-designed for the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess, the tree has 65,000 LED lights which “twinkle and dance” to 10 holiday songs. This synchronized lighting and music show runs 6–10 p.m. nightly throughout the season. The 5,400-square-foot ice rink, made with real ice, is open daily to the public (hours vary). The price per session is $15 for adults, $10 for children 12 and younger and $5 for skate rental. A portion of the skating proceeds will benefit the Phoenix Children’s Hospital.

Continuing its 2012-2013 event season, while also ringing in the holiday season, The Hermosa Inn & LON’s will be featuring a lineup of everything from carolers and classes on making gingerbread houses to holiday cooking demos and an ornament and holiday card benefit throughout the month of December. The Ornament & Holiday Card Benefit runs through December 25 and gives guests at LON’s the option to purchase hand-painted ornaments and holiday cards created by the students from Scottsdale Artists’ School. Proceeds go towards scholarships allowing children who are less fortunate to attend the school’s Youth Academy winter and summer camps. On December 15, LON’s pastry chef will guide participants in the art of creating and decorating their own holiday gingerbread house. Once the walls are built, guests’ creations come to life with the endless, and edible, materials. Additionally, The Hermosa Inn will begin holding Art Walks every Wednesday and Friday at 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. and on Sundays at 10 a.m. Guests and Valley residents alike are invited to embark on a 45-minute tour led by the Inn’s “Artful Ambassador” that will explore its rich history, horticulture and artwork.

The holiday spirit arrived with full force at Talking Stick Resort with the completion of a giant, gingerbread town on display in the resort’s lobby. The 11-foot, Old West-themed cookie and candy town was unveiled on November 15 to the delight of hotel guests and visitors. Construction on the gingerbread town began in August and took a total of six employees to finish. Four gallons of corn syrup, 30 cups of brown sugar, 24 pounds of butter and 70 pounds of flour were used for the dough that make up the buildings, which include a doctor’s office, barber shop, as well as a replica of Talking Stick Resort and Casino Arizona. The Old West gingerbread town will be on display throughout the holiday season and is located in the hotel tower near Talking Stick Resort’s Cultural Center.

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ARTS, CULTURE & ENTERTAINMENT
The largest outdoor ice rink in the Valley can be found at CityScape Phoenix, where the rink has become a prominent fixture in Downtown Phoenix, dramatically placed in the center of Central Avenue. The admission for skating is $12 and includes skate rental. The rink will be open daily until January 6, though hours will vary during that time. Proceeds from skate rentals will be donated to six Valley charitable and non-profit organizations for the ice rink’s 6-week run including Phoenix Suns Charities, United Methodist Outreach Ministries Phoenix (UMOM), The Breast Cancer Society, Xavier and Brophy College Preparatory, Arizona Science Center and Arizona Animal Welfare League. All season long, Chloe’s Corner is offering a free hot chocolate with every skate rental. Visitors 21 and older can purchase beer and wine from Chloe’s Corner and enjoy their beverages outdoors in Patriots Square while watching ice skaters and other performances.Each year, Sheraton Phoenix Downtown Hotel holds a gingerbread house competition set to various Christmas story themes where elaborately decorated edible creations are displayed in the hotel’s Park Lounge throughout the holiday season. This year’s gingerbread house theme is Dr. Seuss’ 1966 rendition of “How the Grinch Stole Christmas.” Sheraton Phoenix Downtown Hotel has partnered this year with Le Cordon Bleu College of CulinaryArts to give students a chance to creatively showcase their talents and win a monetary scholarship donation to their Le Cordon Bleu College of Culinary Arts tuition and/or supplies. All entries were judged in five categories: overall appearance; originality and creativity; difficulty; precision; and consistency of theme. Locals and travelers alike have the opportunity to view the final selections at Sheraton Phoenix Downtown Hotel in the hotel’s Park Lounge until the end of the year.From December 6 to January 6, the Musical Instrument Museum (MIM) will present “Holiday World Tour,” a celebration of the winter holiday season highlighting a broad sampling of the world’s music and cultures. The program, sponsored in part by PetSmart, is a celebration of the season for the entire family. This cultural offering presents live entertainment by local professional musicians and talented students, mini tours and presentations exploring holiday traditions from around the world, holiday-themed menus in the Café at MIM, and spectacular seasonal decorations adorning the museum’s interior. In addition, multiple world-renowned musicians will perform holiday concerts in the acoustically superb MIM Music Theater. During “Holiday World Tour,” guests will experience the sights and sounds of annual winter traditions celebrated around the world, including Diwali (India), St. Nicholas Day (Netherlands), Junkanoo (Bahamas), and more! Numerous decorated trees honor the festivities of different countries, and video monitors in the museum galleries will showcase regional traditions.Tanger Outlets Westgate recently celebrated its Grand Opening, and shoppers in the Greater Phoenix area now have a new destination to shop for fashion and savings − just in time for the Holidays. The upscale outlet center has approximately 330,000 square feet of retail shops with the potential of an 80,000 square foot expansion from the first phase of the project. Eighty brand name and designer outlet stores will be featured, including American Eagle, Calvin Klein, Coach Factory Store, Fossil, Gap Outlet, GUESS, H&M, J.Crew, Michael Kors, Nike Factory Store, Nine West, Skechers, Tommy Hilfiger, Under Armour, White House Black Market and many other popular designer outlet brands.

The Phoenix Public Market is alive, thriving, growing and looking forward to 2013. With the closure of the Urban Grocery and Wine Bar (A new Aaron Chamberlain culinary concept is in the works), many may not have realized that the Phoenix Public Market is still open for business at its same location at the corner of Pierce and Central in Downtown Phoenix, where you can find open air markets every Wednesday (4-8 p.m.) and Saturday (8 a.m.-1 p.m.). Food Truck Fridays are also still taking place each week from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. What also hasn’t changed is the Market’s mission as a non-profit organization: To be the spot where community revitalization, economic development and a showcase for local small-scale agriculture and local artists and crafters intersect in the Heart of the City.

The Phoenix Public Transit Department is partnering with Ballet Arizona to bring a beloved holiday tradition back to city streets – The Nutcracker Holiday Bus. The festive vehicle is decked out in ballet-inspired décor, including a 40-foot bus wrap of the valiant Nutcracker and delicate dancing snowflakes; dancers’ sparkling toe shoes, and hand-painted decorations created by youth performers in this year’s production. The Nutcracker Holiday Bus will run on local routes throughout Phoenix through December 26. As part of the collaboration, all public transit riders will receive 20 percent off tickets to Ballet Arizona’s performances of The Nutcracker on December 8 and 9.

Spend this December at the Westgate Entertainment District, now transformed into a winter wonderland with the holiday ice rink, 33-foot holiday tree with over 3,000 sparkling lights, photos with Santa, and nightly snowfall. Every night through December 24, visitors at Fountain Park can see it magically snow at 7 and 8 p.m. Santa will also be available through Christmas Eve to hear gift lists, and photos with jolly Old Nick are $16.99. Santa’s hours will vary, but he will still be available daily.

Wildlife World Zoo & Aquarium is pleased to announce the grand opening of its 4th aquarium exhibit building. The new building has approximately 7000 square feet of additional public display area featuring the main exhibit, a 44 x 10 foot, 33,000-gallon Amazon River Monsters display containing large arowana, arapaima and other South American fresh water giants. These species are so large, they are well known for their ability to jump several feet out of the water to catch prey animals such as birds and primates perched over the water. Other notable new exhibits include marine turtles and a permanent indoor-outdoor small-clawed otter habitat. Together these new habitats add 60,000 gallons of aquatic displays bringing the aquarium’s total to about one quarter of a million gallons.

Giving a preview of his Bonita Tequila, XZibit, the American rapper and actor will be showcasing his ultra-premium blanco tequila at Phoenix Tequila Fest at US Airways Center December 15 and 16. Distilled an unprecedented 5 times to achieve maximum smoothness, Bonita Tequila is distilled from agave grown in the central lowlands of Jalisco, Mexico. Made from 100% USDA Certified Organic Blue Agave, Bonita’s agave piña is roasted in traditional stone ovens for 96 hours and filtered three times using a proprietary cold filtration process. Xzibit will be at the Bonita Tequila booth at the Phoenix Tequila Fest both days of the festival, providing tastings of his ultra-premium Bonita Platinum. He will also be available for photos and autographs.

It’s once again time for Santa to step off his sleigh to host Kimpton’s annual “Santa Paws Event” which will be held for the first time at the new Hotel Palomar Phoenix at CityScape. This event, which takes place December 8 and 9 from 2-4 p.m., gives pet owners a special way to seize the season by taking snapshots of their fuzzy buddies posing with Santa and Mrs. Claus. Santa Paws is free and open to resort guests as well as Valley residents. Pet owners should bring their own cameras to capture photos of their pets (perfect for holiday cards and keepsakes). In the spirit of the season, attendees are encouraged to join Hotel Palomar in giving back to the Arizona Humane Society, which will be accepting pet supply donations. Throughout the event, folks are invited to warm up with a cup of hot cocoa and nosh on seasonal eats from Blue Hound Kitchen & Cocktails while special treats will be available for the four-legged guests, too.

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SPORTS/GOLF
Start preparing for the Buffalo Wild Wings Bowl (formerly the Insight Bowl), which comes this month to Sun Devil Stadium in Tempe. The 24th Buffalo Wild Wings Bowl will kick off at 8:15 p.m. on Saturday, December 29. It will pair the Big Ten and Big 12 for the seventh year in a game that has become a must-see for fans and a favorite destination for teams. Not long after comes the 42nd annual Tostitos Fiesta Bowl at the University Of Phoenix Stadium on January 3, 2013. This year, the BCS No. 1 at-large pick will take the field against the Big 12 champion. Some early predictions for matchups have included: West Virginia vs. Notre Dame and Kansas State vs. Notre Dame. Mark your calendars for these upcoming games.Casual and couples golfers are sure to enjoy the new packages available at the Boulders Resort. For golfers that don’t have time for a full round, “Fore at Four” is a quick and inexpensive way to play four holes on the Boulders Golf Course any time after 4 p.m., all for the price of a cart fee. For some action-packed instruction, try the “Couples Golf Refresher,” a package that includes playing the new Pebble Tees with hole lengths between 60 and 200 yards. The program ends with a margarita in The Boulders Club sports bar, Bogeys. Couples new to the game should try the “Introduction to Golf,” a four-hour program that includes an introduction to the game, how to get started in golf, swing fundamentals, on course etiquette and ‘golf language.’ It includes putting on bent grass greens, chip and pitch around the green, full swing instruction on the range, and on the golf course coaching. Rental clubs are included.

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SPA
Enjoy three mini treatments, Champagne, cocktails, chocolates, and receive a goodie bag at the VH Spa at Hotel Valley Ho Holiday Party on December 12. The lovely Icelandic Moonflower and Hammam lines from red flower will be featured in several spa services. PerioSciences will show you how to improve your overall well being by taking care of your gums. Amy from Two’s Company will demonstrate “25 Ways to Wear a Scarf”, and Cry Baby will astound you with the simplicity and beauty of their new eye-shadow swipes! Indulge a little with Tea-Forte-infused cocktails, Champagne, and confections from Bissinger’s Chocolates. You’ll also get a voucher for $20 off any retail purchases that evening, plus a goodie bag with some of VH Spa’s favorite products! Valet parking is complimentary for spa guests.Planning for the fast approaching holidays can become quite stressful. This season, sneak away from it all and take a holiday getaway to The Spa at Talking Stick Resort. Enjoy tempting specials that are sure to relax, rejuvenate and bring out your holiday cheer, like the Spa’s Candlelight Massage Duo that begins with candlelit soak, followed by a 60 minute Simply Swedish massage, after your soak you are massaged with the warm oil of the candle. The Warm Stone Renew & Repair Facial is the perfect facial that is all about putting your best “face first.” This facial focuses on anti-aging and replenishing the complexion and will capture the essence of youth. Celebrate “open toe holiday heels” by treating your tired feet to a Candle Light pedicure. Treat tired feet to a to a warm candle lit soak, moisturizing sugar scrub and a massage from knee to toe with the warm oil of the candle. This holiday pedicure ends with the perfect polish.

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DINING

Just in time for the holiday season, CityScape Phoenix will welcome three new tenants including Potbelly Sandwich ShopBrooklynn’s and BC Café by The Breakfast Club. Potbelly Sandwich Shop, the popular Chicago-based chain, just opened its doors on November 13. The restaurant company has built a passionate, loyal following of fans that spread the word about the fun, energetic atmosphere and great food. The unique Potbelly experience is defined by its combination of toasty warm sandwiches, hand-dipped shakes and friendly, lively people. Brooklynn’s opened on Black Friday, November 23, and is a fashion forward men’s and women’s shoe boutique that offers the latest national and international shoe brands ranging in price from $50 to $250. Opening in early December is BC Café, an outdoor café by The Breakfast Club, located directly in front of the popular breakfast and lunch hotspot. The Café will be an expansion of the restaurant offering their full menu and an additional 60-seat patio as well as providing a to-go counter for those looking for a grab-and-go dining option. BC Café will remain open through Happy Hour and into the evening offering an expanded cocktail and light bite menu.

Celebrate New Year’s in downtown Phoenix with an exciting Latin-inspired culinary adventure at Provincerestaurant, along with an overnight escape at The Westin Phoenix Downtown. After a delicious four-course New Year’s Eve dinner and a cheerful toast, rejuvenate during an escape in luxuriously appointed, oversized guestrooms that offer floor-to-ceiling windows and stunning views of downtown Phoenix – you might just see fireworks from around the Valley! Stay the night downtown in a hotel that offers style, sophistication and an overall sense of renewal.

Rusconi’s American Kitchen is now open for weekday lunch and Sunday brunch in addition to happy hour and dinner, offering an abundance of delectable (yet affordable) food and beverage options ranging from a Roasted Chicken and Goat Cheese Omelet ($10) to a Smoked Bloody Mary made with Absolut Peppar, liquid smoke and a mildly spicy mix ($8). Lunch patrons can enjoy lighter fare carefully crafted with the same TLC as Rusconi’s revered dinner menu, like White Truffle-Scented Mac-n-Cheese ($6), Arugula Salad with Prosciutto and Mango ($9) and Boneless Beef Rib Sliders with horseradish cream and smoked Gouda ($9). Those who’ve put in a full work day are encouraged to kick back with a Kitchen Lunchbox ($6), made with Pilsner beer, Amaretto and fresh OJ, or a Fresh Sage Greyhound made with Absolut Vodka, sage, fresh-squeezed grapefruit juice and a splash of soda.

Partake in a variety of holiday meal options at the Ritz-Carlton, Phoenix. Join the fun for Breakfast with Santa December 20-21 and enjoy live music and carols, story time with Mrs. Claus, holiday puppet show, and playtime in the Holiday Village. Santa will say hello to each family and there will be a chance for photos with him. Bring the family together to enjoy delicious American Regional cuisine and featured holiday offerings by Executive Chef Stephen Toevs before Santa arrives with Christmas Eve Dinner at The Club Bar. Rejoice in grand spirit with Christmas Day Brunch at bistro 24 with a glorious holiday buffet of house-made breads, must-have seafood, specialty meats and carving stations, yummy treats and more. Enjoy New Year’s Eve Dinner and count down the last night of the year at bistro 24 with a four course menu including amuse bouche and delicious dessert offerings. Enjoy live entertainment and receive access to New Year’s Eve Party in the Lobby Lounge with champagne toast.

Rico’s American Grill at Pointe Hilton Squaw Peak Resort will serve a delicious holiday breakfast buffet during its annual Breakfast with Santa event while families take photos with Santa Claus. Mrs. Claus will join in the holly, jolly fun and treat children to gingerbread activity books, story time and gingerbread cookie decorating. There are three seating times for Breakfast with Santa at 8 a.m., 10 a.m. and noon on December 16, 22, 23 and 24. Reservations are required for the event. The breakfast buffet costs $29.95 for adults and $18 for children ages 10 and under, and includes a complimentary photo with good ol’ St. Nick.

Different Pointe of View at Pointe Hilton Tapatio Cliffs Resort will be hosting an elegant Christmas Day feast, featuring five stations of dishes prepared with holiday cheer in mind. From noon to 7 p.m., guests will be able to choose from the carving and grill station that will include chicken herb sausage, young tom turkey and grilled oysters. There were will also be seafood display, soup and salad station and dessert. Different Pointe of View’s Christmas dinner is available for $59.95 per adult and $29.95 per child. Pointe in Tyme’s kitchen will also be filled with holiday cheer as they prepare a traditional Christmas dinner that will be available from noon to 6 p.m. The dinner will feature succulent herb crusted prime rib, crisp watercress salads and grilled New Zealand lamp chops. The dinner is available for $47.95 per adult, $38.95 for seniors, and $19.95 per child.

The first TQLA restaurant to open outside of Houston has arrived in Mesa, bringing “hyper-chilled” tequila taps and Southwestern, Mexican and Tex-Mex plates to the Dana Park shopping center. House specialties include barbecued duck tamales, fried oysters with chorizo cream sauce, and crawfish-spinach enchiladas. Great during the wait: the Tres Amigos sampler of queso, habanero salsa and guacamole.

The Wigwam is offering two delicious options for Christmas dinner: Christmas Day Dinner at Litchfield’s and Christmas Day Ballroom Buffet Dinner. Dine on holiday favorites at Litchfield’s from 3-7 p.m. This three-course meal offers diners a choice of appetizer, entrée and dessert. Cost is $38 for adults, and children’s menu options are available. Alternatively, set in the Wigwam Ballroom, guests will enjoy a festive spread from noon to 6 p.m. featuring Christmas favorites such as roasted sirloin of beef and pineapple and honey glazed ham. Cost is $38 for adults, $19 for children ages 4 to 12 and complementary for children under 4. Diners will enjoy live entertainment and children’s activities.

What better way to celebrate the holidays than with Christmas Dinner at elements at Sanctuary on Camelback Mountain? Menu items for this festive holiday feast range from Wild Mushroom Bisque with Foie Gras & Pistachio Gougére to Vodka Cured Salmon, Caramelized Pear Salad with Blue Cheese, Bacon Braised Red Cabbage and Herb Pecans, Roasted Sea Bass with Leek & Lobster Hash, Fingerling Potatoes and Green Onion Pesto, Herb Roasted Guinea Hen with Cauliflower Puree, Pickled Winter Greens and Cipollini Onion Jus topped off with delicious desserts including  Chocolate Caramel Turtle Bar and “Ginger Bread” Bread Pudding with Eggnog Gelato and Peppermint Brandy Cream. Seating is from 1-9 p.m. and the cost is $75 per person.

If you’re in the mood for a delicious feast this Christmas, let Talking Stick Resort’s award-winning chefs do the cooking. Enjoy a variety of palate pleasing offerings, including steaming soups, fresh seafood, aged steaks and delectable desserts that are sure to leave you feeling full and festive. Orange Sky, the resort’s signature fine-dining restaurant will serve a special four course Christmas dinner from 5-9 p.m. Main course choices include pork osso bucco, crispy sea bass or grilled beef tenderloin, with a variety of sweet desserts to finish. Ocean Trail, a delicious creole-style seafood bar, will offer a three-course meal from 11 a.m.–9 p.m. Guests will have their choice of fresh shrimp bisque or salad, followed by Alaskan king crab legs and snow crab claws. Christmas dinner at Blue Coyotewill be served from 11 a.m.–11 p.m. Guests have their choice of soup or salad to start, followed by osso bucco style short ribs with mashed potatoes and grilled asparagus. Delicious chocolate whoopie pies will be served for dessert.Wandering Horse Buffet will offer special Christmas Day options from 10 a.m.–9 p.m. Featured fare includes seafood enchiladas, bacon infused seared ham, slow roasted prime ribs and much more.

From 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Christmas, El Chorro will serve a special three-course menu offering guests a choice of the restaurant’s festive classics like herb roasted beef tenderloin, organic turkey and pan seared Scottish salmon. Handcrafted breads with butter, chili pecans, dried fruit, and El Chorro’s famous sticky buns are served to complement each menu.

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For more information on any of these events or updates, please contact the
Greater Phoenix Convention & Visitors Bureau Media Relations Department.

 

Media Contacts:

Douglas MacKenzie
Director of Media Relations
(602) 452-6250
dmackenzie@visitphoenix.com

Trish Hendrickson
Media Relations Coordinator
(602) 452-6249
thendrickson@visitphoenix.com

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Greater Phoenix Convention & Visitors Bureau
400 E Van Buren Street Suite 600 Phoenix, AZ 85004 | 602-254-6500

Maralyn D. HillThe Epicurean Explorer

International Food Wine & Travel Writers Association (IFWTWA)

Board Member, Co-Chair Conference & Media Trip Committee, Past President

Editor-at-Large, CityRoom

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