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What’s New in Greater Phoenix?
August 2012
HIGHLIGHTS FROM THIS MONTH’S EDITION:
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Hotel Palomar Phoenix at CityScape has been named the official hotel partner of US Airways Center.
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A trio of resorts celebrate their ten-year anniversaries: The Westin Kierland Resort & Spa, Sheraton Wild Horse Pass Resort & Spa and J.W. Marriott Desert Ridge Resort & Spa.
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Construction begins on the Chicago Cubs’ new stadium and Wrigleyville West.
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| CITY NEWS |
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| The Minneapolis-based restaurant and sports bar chain Buffalo Wild Wings has taken over the naming rights for the Insight Bowl. After 14 years, the Tempe-based Inisght Enterprises opted to end its naming rights to the college football bowl game played each December at Sun Devil Stadium. The 2012 Buffalo Wild Wings Bowl will be played Dec. 29 and will air on ESPN.
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| RESORT NEWS |
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| Kimpton’s Hotel Palomar Phoenix at CityScape has been named the official hotel partner of US Airways Center. The partnership offers event-goers exclusive lodging rates at the new hotel, located steps away from the popular concert venue and sporting arena in the heart of downtown Phoenix. Through this partnership, Hotel Palomar Phoenix will offer 25 percent off the best available rate for guests attending arena events, as well as discounted rates to attendees of the Phoenix Suns home games.This fall, The Westin Kierland Resort & Spa and Sheraton Wild Horse Pass Resort & Spa are celebrating their 10-year Anniversaries with an exclusive offer for Starwood Preferred Guest members. To commemorate their 10th Anniversaries, the two Starwood Resorts have partnered to offer a “Ten Years of Luxury Starwood Resorts in the Valley” promotion, offering Starwood Preferred Guest members exclusive discounts and the opportunity to earn a 10,000 SPG point award. With exclusive rates from $119 per night, SPG members are invited to enjoy a luxurious stay at two of the valley’s premier resorts and earn an award of 10,000 Starpoints. The offer is valid for stays from August 10—December 29, 2012, and is based on availability; guests must be a Starwood Preferred Guest member, or are invited to join the Starwood Preferred Guest Program.Also celebrating its 10-year anniversary is Arizona’s largest resort JW Marriott Desert Ridge Resort & Spa. With 950 guestrooms (including 81 suites), this AAA Four Diamond award-winning resort is set on 316 acres in the Sonoran desert. Take advantage of their current offering the “It’s your fling. Do your thing”. Your escape starts and the entire family wins. Play in the resort pools including the infamous Lazy River, kids eat free, internet is free and even a round of golf is in your future, yes also free. And best of all – a daily $50 resort credit and no resort fee charge. Stay dates are through September 5, 2012. Rates are as low as $149 – fling and swing now.Four Seasons Resort Scottsdale at Troon North presents “Lunchbox Lessons” this Labor Day weekend, teaching children secrets to preparing a healthy lunch and snacks just in time for the new school year. The class will involve hands-on instruction in the basics of kitchen safety, how to follow a recipe, and simple preparation of a variety of lunchbox favorites and healthy snacks. All participants will receive an apron, recipe book and a lunchbox, as well as lunch and snacks. Games and other “recess” activities will be available for kids during the class, including fun with rolling pins and dough, and kitchen utensil guessing games. The cost for the class is $40 per participant, and it will be offered Saturday, Sept. 1, from 10 a.m. -12 p.m. The class is geared toward children ages 5 – 12.Sheraton Crescent Hotel is pleased to announce that Steven Zimmerman has been named as executive chef for the hotel. Chef Zimmerman is an award winning, classically trained, certified executive chef with more than 21 years of hands-on experience. With a commitment to using the freshest ingredients, Chef Zimmerman embraces the farm-to table concept and has a passion for creating high quality, nutritious and exquisite foods. Accustomed to delivering the highest levels of customer service, Chef Zimmerman has an exceptionally strong history of improving existing operations. His professional experience has even allowed him the opportunity to earn top honors at numerous culinary shows, as well as the Culinary Olympics in Frankfurt, Germany. Chef Zimmerman is a St. Louis native, and joined the Sheraton Crescent Hotel in 2012 after working at several top restaurants and resorts across the US. This will be Zimmerman’s first venture with the Sheraton brand.
CHILL, Scottsdale’s first and only outdoor hybrid ice skating rink, will transform the WET pool deck at W Scottsdale into a winter wonderland from November 16, 2012 through January 6, 2013, bringing a new level of holiday cool to Arizona’s hottest destination. In addition to the 1,600-square-foot hybrid ice skating rink, a faux snow machine will produce falling flakes every hour, and the rink-side bar will serve specialty cocktails. Twinkling lights and private, decorated cabanas complement the festive atmosphere, with live music performances and DJs scheduled on select weekend evenings throughout the holiday season. Adults and kids aged five and up are welcome to don a pair of skates (rental available on-site) and take to the ice Monday-Friday 4 p.m. -12 a.m. and Saturday-Sunday 12 p.m. – 12 a.m. The synthetic ice does not require the need for generators or electricity and is made from a recyclable, eco-friendly polymer compound. W Scottsdale guests can also enjoy unlimited skate rentals as part of the hotel’s corresponding “Chill Out” room package, valid November 16, 2012-January 6, 2013. The Chill Out package starts at $239 per night and includes: accommodations in a room for two, two SIP (drink) tickets, and unlimited skate rental.
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| ENTERTAINMENT |
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| The Heard Museum will debut two exhibits designed to tell the story of the Code Talkers, the American Indian men who helped turn the tide of battle for the United States during World War I and World War II.” Native Words, Native Warriors” is a Smithsonian Institution traveling exhibit that focuses on the important role Native languages played in U.S. military efforts during the 20th century. This panel display about American Indian Code Talkers will be complemented by the exhibit “Navajo Code Talkers: Photographs” by Kenji Kawano as well as art and artifacts, including a wonderful Navajo pictorial textile. The exhibits paint a broader picture in our minds of these Native heroes, some known and others unknown, from different tribes. “Native Words, Native Warriors” will be on display from October 27, 2012, through March 3, 2013.The Musical Instrument Museum (MIM) debuts a new exhibit dedicated to the beloved genre of jazz. The exhibit, located in the museum’s United States/Canada gallery, will be home to some of jazz history’s most noteworthy instruments and will be one of the largest genre exhibits at the museum. The jazz exhibit will include approximately 20 instruments, many played by jazz greats, as well as original, unreleased performance footage of Stanley Turrentine, Herbie Mann, and Lewis Nash from Manchester Craftsmen’s Guild. Some highlights from the exhibit include a cornet played by Louis Armstrong, clarinet played by Benny Goodman, trumpet played by Harry James, drum set played by Lewis Nash, and guitar played by Charlie Christian.Mark your calendars; the Arizona Jazz Festival is coming to the Wigwam Arizona this October. The 2012 fall festival is a three day event held Oct. 26-28, and will feature some of the nation’s top jazz performers including: musician and actor Jamie Foxx, two-time Grammy nominated Kem, platinum recording artist Brian McKnight, and many more. Tickets are on sale now, and available online or through phone.Indulge in the ultimate shopping and entertainment experience at the Harvest Festival Original Art & Craft Show, held October 26-28, 2012, at the Phoenix Convention Center. Celebrating 40 years as the west coast’s largest and finest indoor craft show, the fall tradition features more than 24,000 handcrafted originals, live music, cooking demonstrations, strolling performers, contests, specialty foods, a Kidzone with Halloween crafts and a costume parade, and more. Bringing together hundreds of exhibitors from across the nation, the festive atmosphere makes will also have an array of exhibits with ceramics, paintings, jewelry, blown glass, hand woven clothing, photography, candles, woodwork, garden designs, homemade sauces and soups, antique treasures, children’s accessories, sculptures, holiday ornaments, and more. Master chef and restaurateur Aaron May hosts a culinary presentation with free samples for attendees Saturday and Sunday at 1:00 p.m., and the Arizona Weavers & Spinner Guild offers a hands on demonstration on the art of weaving, complete with a spinning wheel. Get $2 off admission by bringing non-perishable goods for donation to St. Mary’s Food Bank.Artists and galleries across the Hopi mesas are now welcoming the world to come visit Hopi Land, and get to know more about their art and culture by traveling on the Hopi Arts Trail. The Hopi Arts Trail is a cooperative effort of Hopi owned galleries, Hopi artists, and Hopi guides in the villages across the Hopi reservation. There are approximately a dozen galleries across Hopi, most of which are family-owned by the artists. Visit the galleries located in Hopi villages on the First, Second, and Third Mesas in northeastern Arizona to get a unique look at Hopi basketry/weaving, carving/katsinas, pottery, and jewelry and silverwork. The Hopi Arts Trail was conceived by the Upper Moenkopi Village to enhance opportunity for all Hopi. The Upper Village of Moenkopi is the Western Gateway to Hopi situated across from the Navajo community of Tuba City midway between the Grand Canyon and Monument Valley.
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| SPORTS/GOLF |
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| This past July marked the groundbreaking ceremony of the new Chicago Cubs Stadium as construction begins. The new Chicago Cubs Stadium is slated to host its first spring training season in March 2014 and will include an adjacent retail/entertainment development called Wrigleyville West. This new-to-Arizona concept is proposed to feature businesses mixed with an assortment of retail and restaurant offerings for residents and visitors during spring training season and all year long and does not have a development timeline. The Chicago Cubs began training in Mesa in 1952, and have led the Cactus League in attendance in 13 of the past 16 years and played in 15 of the 20 record-setting attendance games.
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| SPA |
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| The Centre for Well-Being at The Phoenician is offering an exclusive “Summer Scrub and Massage” summer spa special. Ideal for men and women, the offer features a 30 minute coconut/pineapple or raspberry/pomegranate sugar scrub followed by a full 50 minute swedish massage, finishing with complimentary body butter. Enjoy peace of mind knowing that only the finest products are used and are made locally with all organic ingredients. The offer is only valid now through Sept. 30, 2012, for just $179.The Arizona Biltmore is offering an array of summer spa discounts for the month of August. Available only this month, guests can receive a 20% Discount on the following spa treatments: the Dreamcatcher Massage for just $168 (normally $210), the Restorative Anti Aging Treatment for just $164 (normally $205) or the Ultimate Manicure and Pedicure for just $116 (normally $145.)Put your feet up and lift your spirits at The Spa at Talking Stick Resort. Take advantage of the “Summertime Toes” special and enjoy a 50-minute pedicure for $58 (regular price $70). Choose from three fun, fruity flavors to soften and brighten your toes and enjoy a summer drink that complements your selection. This offer is valid now through September 30, 2012.Enjoy “Spa Weekday Happy Hour” at the Golden Door Spa at Boulders Resort now through September 4, 2012. Spa Happy Hour services include your choice of a Golden Door Therapeutic or Reflexology Massage for just $99. Reservations must be made online.
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| DINING |
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| Squash Blossom, the latest eatery to inhabit the area around First Street and McKinley in downtown Phoenix, has officially opened. An affordable breakfast and lunch spot courtesy of caterers Brian and Carrie Lester, Squash Blossom features a traditional menu of breakfast and lunch favorites using an array of locally sourced products. Don’t miss out on the pumpkin pie pancakes for only $6, or the AZ Chipotle Chicken Salad, topped with tender strips of chipotle-seasoned grilled chicken, for just $8. Plus, stop for a sweet snack on your way out at the counter near the entrance and peruse a selection of homemade bakery items.Songbird Coffee & Tea House has opened on the historic Roosevelt Row inside the MonOrchid Building in Downtown Phoenix. Owned by husband and wife team Erin and Jonathan Carroll, this industrial yet modern corner shop offers a unique beverage menu consisting of locally roasted Cortez coffee, served pour-over style, and Tucson-based Maya Tea Company selections. Other options include Thai tea, espresso sprinters, and Cubano style sweetened espresso shots. The shop also offers sweets from Bertha’s Café, danishes and bagels from Smart Cookie, and gourmet burritos from Mi Comida. Apart from serving gourmet coffee and tasty treats, the married duo also hope to work with the monOrchid manager, Wayne Rainey, to book concerts in the common area, along with eventually hosting free movie nights, art displays and poetry readings.Quiessence, a favorite hidden dining spot nestled in the Farm at South Mountain, is back and ready to get the season started after its annual summer hiatus. Beginning August 1st, Quiessence will be open for dinner service Tuesday through Saturday, from 5:00 p.m. until close. Take advantage of the cooling weather and come experience one of the one of the Valley’s only true “daily menus.”The Arizona Biltmore is preparing 10 incredible epicurean evenings, combined with jewelry showings, for the resort’s 23rd season of “Winemaker Dinners.” The “Winemaker Dinners” will feature original menus paired with specially selected wines, spending time with the creators of the wines, after-dinner drinks and cigars, and a jewelry showing by Hyde Park Jewelers. In addition to making this a chic lifestyle event with displays and presentations of luxury products, this season’s concept also allows guests to wear the jewelry during dinner. A reception with the jewelry showing starts at 7:00 p.m., followed by dinner at 7:30 p.m. After the dinner, enjoy complimentary Port and cigars. The Hyde Park jewelry will be available to view throughout the evening. The dinners will be held monthly from September 20, 2012 through May 2, 2013, with the March 6 dinner repeated on March 7. The cost of attendance is $95 per person, with season tickets available for $760 per person.The Westin Downtown Phoenix presents “Shop with the Chef,” an interactive culinary package that allows guests the opportunity to meet the chef, seek expert nutritional advice, shop a local open-air market for fresh ingredients, and then enjoy a customized three-course lunch. This new package is perfect for guests traveling from afar seeking local offerings or for neighbors looking for an up-close and personal food-focused experience. The experience commences with a chef meet and greet at the hotel’s restaurant, Province, on a Saturday morning. From there, the foodie excursion continues with a short stroll to the Phoenix Open-Air Market, located two blocks north of the hotel, where grocery shopping for the day’s lunch begins. At the Phoenix Open-Air Market, guests are able to connect with the chef and learn informative nutritional information about the assorted selections of fresh produce, herbs and spices. The “Shop With the Chef” package is available on weekends from September 8 through October 27, 2012. As an overnight package, rates start from $329. For those unable to take advantage of a night’s stay, guests are still welcome to join for shopping with the chef and the three-course luncheon experience for $75 per person, inclusive of tax and gratuities. Reservations must be made at least 48 hours in advance.
Province restaurant in The Westin Phoenix Downtown invites guests to “travel” throughout Latin American this fall by enjoying a culinary adventure in the heart of downtown Phoenix. Executive Chef Randy Zweiban created a “Latin Passport Dinner Series” that guides Province patrons on a rich and exciting tour of flavors, dishes and cultures, including Puerto Rico, Argentina and Brazil. This fall, each “Latin Passport Dinner Series” will begin on the first Saturday of the month starting in September, and each country represented will be featured every Saturday throughout the month. All dinners will feature a four-course menu for $35 per person with supplemental beverage pairings available. The beverage pairings will highlight the cocktails and wines of the corresponding country.
Summer may be half over, but the summer specials sure aren’t! Now through Sept. 11, Fox Restaurant Concepts presents the ongoing “100 Days of Summer,” featuring happy hours, community dinners, half priced wine nights and special lunch and dinner menus. From The Arrogant Butcher’s happy hour appetizers and drink specials for just $2- $8, Mon.-Sat., 3-6 p.m to Culinary Dropout’s “double blind happy hour” (a paperbag beer and a shot for $6), you don’t want to miss out on some of the Valley’s best summer deals. Other offers include: ½ price bottles of wine (including reserves) every Sunday at The Greene House; the Dinner Special for Two, which includes two burgers, sandwiches or salads and one order of hand cut fries, atZinburger; the $20 summer sampler at Sauce; and sangria $6 glasses or $16 pitchers, Tall Boys (select beers) $6 or bucket of 4 for $20 and $3 Small plates tostadas or tacos at Blanco.
The urban eatery That’s A Wrap! is offering a new summer-inspired menu featuring refreshing salads, wraps and cocktails, perfect for those craving a satisfying and easy summer meal. Get your green on with the new vegan “Earthly” wrap or a salad, or indulge in “The Rocky” steak salad, now with a power punch of marinated flank steak. Or, gear up for a night on the town with the new “Shandy,” a perfect mix of pale lager and house made lemonade for only $1, available on Friday and Saturday evenings all summer. That’s A Wrap! is located on Camelback Road and serves the wrap, salad and bowl menu from open to close each day.
Top Chef finalist Brian Malarkey and nightlife visionary James Brennan are set to expand their thriving restaurant group with their first location in Arizona. Searsucker Scottsdale is set to open this October, serving a menu of New American Classic cuisine emphasizing unpretentious dishes paired with craft beer, handcrafted cocktails and a selection of one-of-a-kind wines from all over the world. Located on Camelback Road, next to The Scottsdale Fashion Square Mall, Searsucker will serve lunch during the week, dinner daily, and brunch on Sundays with a late night menu and upbeat music playing until 2 a.m. on weekends. The launch of Searsucker Scottsdale is the sixth restaurant to open in just under two years from Enlightened Hospitality Group, the San Diego-based hospitality-development company founded by Malarkey and Brennan in 2010.
Top of the Rock Restaurant at The Buttes Resort is introducing a specialty three course menu crafted by Chef de Cuisine, Gavino Borquez for the price of $29.95. The menu will be offered Monday-Sunday throughout the month of August (beginning on Aug. 3) with a portion of proceeds benefitting the Special Olympics Arizona charity. The three course menu includes: a Crooked Farms Melon & Mexican Prawn Salad, Roger’s Farm Pressed Chicken with Roasted Corn, Quinoa and Sausage Hash, and Buttes signature cookies with a local Goat Milkshake.
Hold onto your beers, the highly anticipated opening of World of Beer (WOB) is right around the corner! The widely popular World of Beer franchise will officially open its first West Coast location on Mill Avenue Wednesday, August 8th. WOB will serve 58 rotating beers on tap from more than 40 different countries, as well as more than 500 beers available in the bottle. (Plans are also in the works to add more taps in the future.) WOB is also working with local breweries to add Valley favorites to the tap and offer special events on site. To help celebrate its opening week, WOB will offer a week long line-up of activities, starting with live music from The Black Bottom Lighters from 9 p.m. to midnight on opening day. Thursday is Ladies Night “Pint Out,” where ladies will get half off select drafts while singer Angela Ferrari performs from 9 p.m. – midnight. The live entertainment continues Friday with another local favorite, Jake Dean. And hot dog lovers rejoice – Saturday, August 11th debuts WOB Tempe’s first “Brewery Spotlight” with a special Four Peaks Brewery lineup and a visit from Short Leash Hot Dogs.
Cask 63 American Eatery and Wine Bar in Scottsdale introduces a new summer menu featuring lighter fare and seasonal ingredients including summer squash, pears, tomatoes, apples, lemons and more! Some of the new dishes include the Red Crab Salad, Grilled Summer Squash Panini and the Granny Smith Apple Salad. Don’t miss out on Cask’s other cool summer specials, with ½ priced bottles of wine on Mondays (with the purchase of an entrée), buy one appetizer, get the second one at half price on Tuesdays, and “Cosmo Day” Wedensdays, offering ½ priced Cosmopolitans all night long.
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For more information on any of these events or updates, please contact the
Greater Phoenix Convention & Visitors Bureau Media Department.
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