What’s New in Greater Phoenix?
November 2012

HIGHLIGHTS FROM THIS MONTH’S EDITION:

• The Phoenix Zoo celebrates it’s 50th Anniversary
• Grab your girlfriends and plan a “Girl’s Shopping Getaway” at Pointe Hiltons
• Fairmont Scottsdale Princess Announces the completions of its new Palomino Conference Center

It’s your fling. Do your thing. Your escape starts at the JW Marriot Desert Ridge Resort & Spa. 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 December 30, 2012, and rates are as low as $309 – fling and swing now.

The results of Condé Nast Traveler’s 25th annual Readers’ Choice Awards are in, and Sanctuary on Camelback Mountain has been voted the number one resort in the Southwest. With an overall score of 92.5 reflecting readers’ opinions on rooms, service, food, location, design and activities, Sanctuary shares the region’s top spot with Tucson’s The Ritz-Carlton, Dove Mountain. This year, Condé Nast Traveler received a record 46,476 responses, with readers evaluating more than 10,000 resorts, destinations, airlines, and cruise lines worldwide.

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, Nov. 27 – Jan. 6. 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. The Fairmont Scottsdale Princess invites the public to its 3rd Annual “Christmas at the Princess” Holiday Tree Lighting, with the ceremony starting at 6:30 p.m., Tuesday, November 27 in Princess Plaza. The evening includes musical performances, Santa Claus, carolers, complimentary sugar cookies and spiced cider on the Plaza. Following the ceremony, the Desert Ice Holiday Rink is christened with demonstrations by professional skaters and then opens to the public.

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 (Dec. 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.

The Fairmont Scottsdale Princess has also announced the completion of its new Palomino Conference Center and renovated Princess Conference Center, further establishing itself as an unparalleled meeting destination in the heart of the Sonoran Desert. Fairmont Scottsdale Princess’ new $20 million, 52,331 square-foot Palomino Conference Center increases the resort’s total indoor/outdoor meeting and event space to 156,000 square feet, making it the largest meetings hotel in the Fairmont Hotels & Resorts collection worldwide. The new Palomino Conference Center and renovated Princess Conference Center officially opened with a ceremony on November 1.

Montelucia Resort & Spa, a top-rated luxury resort in the Valley, 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: Overnight accommodations; $100 in Joya Spa credits – one $50 token per person; $75 dining credit to Prado or Centro Lounge; 2 refreshing welcome cocktails.

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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. Seuess’ 1966 rendition of “How the Grinch Stole Christmas.” Sheraton Phoenix Downtown Hotel will partner this year with Le Cordon Bleu College of Culinary Arts 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 will be judged in five categories: overall appearance; originality and creativity; difficulty; precision; and consistency of theme. Prizes will be awarded for the top three competitors through a scholarship donation to their Le Cordon Bleu College of Culinary Arts tuition and/or supplies in the following amounts: First place is $1,000; second place is $500; third place is $250. Locals and travelers alike will have the opportunity to view the final selections at Sheraton Phoenix Downtown Hotel in the hotel’s Park Lounge from November 23, 2012, through the end of the year.

Ballet Arizona announces special Nutcracker community events to complement symphony hall performances. These events include The Nutcracker Festival on December 2 at El Chorro Lodge, where children can celebrate the season with arts and crafts, educational activities, brunch, and performances by The School of Ballet Arizona and Ballet Arizona. On December 6, Ballet Arizona also offers a special showing of The Nutcracker, as part of the Angel Night Program. Clients from more than 150 service organizations, including children and their families from community centers in disadvantaged neighborhoods, attend The Nutcracker thanks to the generosity of “community angels.” Other Nutcracker events and deals include a student matinee; Transit Day, with deals for Valley transit riders; andThe Nutcracker Holiday Bus.

The acclaimed “Storytelling & Song” program, now in its seventh year, returns for the winter at Sheraton Wild Horse Pass Resort & Spa. The program will open with a ceremonial blessing on Thursday, November 15. This unique program aims to protect and share the ancient cultures, traditions and meaningful history of the Pima and Maricopa people with Resort and Restaurant guests of all ages. The program –managed by the Resort’s Cultural Concierge, Rosie Rivera –features storytellers from the Gila River Indian Community. Enrolled members tell a combination of ancient Pima and Maricopa legends based on desert wildlife, typically with a moral lesson, as well as personal stories about their experiences growing up on the surrounding Tribal lands. Traditional and social songs are also shared during the one-hour presentation.

“Classic Country Sundays” are coming to Wild Horse Pass Hotel & Casino select Sundays starting Dec. 9 and continuing until Mar. 31. Classic Country Sunday’s pays tribute to over twenty country music superstars including Johnny Cash, Patsy Cline, George Strait and many more. As the largest country tribute show currently touring, Classic Country Sundays combines great music, humor and information about some of the hottest names to ever grace a country stage. Tickets are $30 and discounts are available with a complimentary Player’s Club card.

In partnership with the Arizona Wine Growers Association, the Tempe Festival of the Arts is proud to continue their presentation of the Arizona Wine Festival Gardens, bringing the best in Arizona wines to complement the ambiance of a fine arts festival environment. Arizona wine growers are on hand for tastings, serving, and are selling their fruits off the vine by the bottle or case on-site. The festival will take place Nov. 30-Dec. 2.

Center Stage Bar at Hyatt Regency Scottsdale Resort and Spa kicks off its 26th season with the addition of two new incredible talents, Obadiah Parker and Cali Rodi. Singer-songwriter Obadiah Parker built a strong internet following with soulful vocals and his ability to cover a variety of tunes with his unique and singular style. He has more than 10 million hits on YouTube for his cover of Outkast’s “Hey Ya.” Musician Cali Rodi, 17, has been rocking stages with her powerful style of country music since she was 12 years old. Her performances have been seen on PBS, at The Stage on Broadway, in Nashville and even Wrigley Field in Chicago. Other featured artists include husband and wife team The Waters and nationally recognized producer, drummer, singer and songwriter Myles David Lancette. Performances are Sunday through Thursday, 8-9:30 p.m. and Friday and Saturdays 6:30-8 p.m. and 8:30-10 p.m.

Get out your Santa hats and put your fun shoes on because Glendale is getting a holiday festival that is sure to impress (it’s 100% privately funded and isn’t costing the city a dime)! Get ready for more than 300 vendor booths full of art, crafts, holiday items and gourmet food vendors at University of Phoenix Stadium, along with rides, live entertainment and holiday attractions for the kids. Everything from ice skating to a 50′ tree, jolly old Santa Claus, and even a life-size snow globe will all be present at Winter Fest, Nov. 30-Dec. 2.

Westgate Entertainment District transforms into a winter wonderland starting November 20 with the opening of the holiday ice rink, the lighting of the 33-foot holiday tree with over 3,180 sparkling lights, photos with Santa and nightly snowfall! Bundle up the kids, get into the holiday spirit and make Westgate your festive destination this holiday season. The holiday season kicks off at 6:30 p.m. on November 20, with the tree lighting, first snowfall, and photos with Santa, all of which can also be enjoyed up until Christmas Eve. Guests can also enjoy free ice skating for children 5 years and older. Skates are provided; bring your socks! On Saturday, November 24, the Coyotes are taking over the ice. Stop by and meet Howler and the Coyotes Cheerleaders from 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.

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The a wellness focused, full-service Agave, the Arizona Spa at The Westin Kierland Resort in Scottsdale is excited to offer Resort guests and local Kierland neighbors the benefits of healthy eating with the new “Farm to Table” Lunch & Learn series. The informative and interactive lunch, offered monthly, will provide a nutritious meal, lessons on fresh, local ingredients and recipes to take home, all in a relaxing spa atmosphere. It is the perfect break in the day for local business professionals, guests of the Resort, or spa-goers looking for a refreshing lunch alternative. The class costs $35 per person and includes a prepared meal. Taste some unbelievable (yet, healthy) recipes and learn how to embrace a healthy lifestyle by creating simple dishes that are delicious and nutritious. Guests are encouraged to come for the “Farm to Table” Lunch & Learn, and stay for a yoga class offered by the Agave Spa for a full day of wellness inside and out.

Experience a memorable “Taste Talavera” evening this fall at Four Seasons Resort Scottsdale at Troon North. The November 30 event brings together Executive Chef Mel Mecinas and his longtime culinary mentor, Chef Joachim Splichal, of the famed Patina Group in Los Angeles. Chef Mecinas will begin the meal with an amuse course of Smoked Salmon with a corn blini, one of the signature dishes from the Patina menu where he trained under Chef Splichal. Chef Splichal will create the first course Tower of Ahi Tuna, as well as the entrée course of Medallion of Venison. Phoenix-based Chef Matt McLinn will create the second course Shrimp & Wild Rice Gnocchi. Four Seasons Hotel Vancouver Pastry Chef Bruno Feldeisen will offer a four-part dessert tapas sampler, including signature items from the Patina menu where he worked under Chef Splichal. The cost is $85 per person; wine pairings are available for an additional cost. The flow-style evening allows patrons who wish to dine on the à la carte Talavera menu to do so, even if their tablemates choose the “Taste” option.

West Valley residents yearning for a gourmet cupcake don’t have to drive across the Valley to satisfy their sweet tooth anymore now that The Wigwam is serving up cupcakes in a variety of mouth-watering flavor combinations. Cupcakes will be available for purchase at The Wigwam Bar, and custom orders can be made two days in advance. There will be nine flavors that will rotate each week, as well as specialty flavors for the holidays and other events. Those nine flavors are: Salted Caramel, Peanut Butter & Jelly, Boston Cream Pie, Jack & Coke, Red Velvet, Cookies ‘n Cream, Strawberry Explosion, Vanilla Confetti, and Carrot Cake. They will be sold for $3 each or $33 for a dozen.

Alchemy, the Four-Diamond award-winning restaurant at CopperWynd Resort and Club, has presented a new fall menu from Executive Chef Paul O’Connor. Alchemy features New American Cuisine using fresh and local ingredients with a spectacular view. A few sample new menu items include: Pistachio Crusted Steel Head Salmon, with goat cheese croquettes, roasted jalapeno beurre blanc and tomatillo corn relish; Veal Scallopini, with basil risotto, burrata, crispy prosciutto and san marzano tomato sauce; and Grilled Calamari Steak, with organic kale, roasted poblano griddle cake and miso dressing.

Count your blessings and celebrate Thanksgiving with Sheraton Wild Horse Pass Resort & Spa this year. Now for the fourth year, families can prearrange to pick up their full meal at the resort. Eliminate the cooking and cleaning and provide a delectable feast for the entire family for only $200 (plus tax). The full turkey meal, which serves 6-8, is prepared ready to heat and serve. All necessary reheating instructions are included for the feast which features a slow roasted 18-pound turkey with local herb rub, plus a variety of delectable sides and concludes with your choice of a crumble apple pie, locally harvested pumpkin pie or Nana’s pecan pie. Prefer to get everyone out of the house? The resort will offer a Traditional Four- Course Prix Fixe Thanksgiving menu for lunch and dinner in Ko’Sinrestaurant on Thursday, November 22. Lunch will be served from 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. and dinner will be served from 3 – 8 p.m. The Thanksgiving menu highlights include: cream of butternut squash bisque with Dungeness crab salad, a duet of filet and Serrano ham wrapped prawns with golden beet and mascarpone risotto, pan seared medallions of elk tenderloin with saffron potato puree and roasted turkey breast complete with sourdough sage dressing, spiced orange glazed yams and whipped Yukon Gold potatoes.

Pumpkin and cheesecake are two flavors that can easily become too much too fast. Some fanatics gobble up as many pumpkin goodies as they can this time of year, but others avoid them in fear that they’ll taste too strongly of the canned stuff. For anyone who’s picky about either food, we have good news: pumpkin cheesecake at Bertha’s Café. It’s dreamily light and fluffy on the inside, slightly darker and denser on the outside, and has a cookie crumb crust that tastes a lot like Biscoff biscuits. Then the whole thing receives a very generous helping of airy whipped cream with rich vanilla flavor. This cheesecake’s light texture and the fact that isn’t as pumpkiny as a pie make it one fall dessert that almost everyone will enjoy.

Arizonans now have one less reason to make the five-hour journey westward to San Diego. Searsucker, the award-winning restaurant from Brian Malarkey, Top Chef finalist and judge on ABC’s new 2013 series “The Taste,” has laid down roots here in Scottsdale. The brainchild of Enlightened Hospitality Group founders Malarkey and nightlife visionary James Brennan, Searsucker will serve up “New American Classic” cuisine with an emphasis on approachable, unpretentious dishes – much like Malarkey himself, who rose to fame as a finalist and fan favorite during season three of the award-winning Bravo hit TV show. Not surprisingly, the cuisine is appropriately linger-worthy. Small plates like duck fat fries with tomato jam ($8), spicy shrimp and bacon grits ($13) and farm-bird lollipops with spicy Pick & Rocks BBQ and bleu fondue ($11) are tasty previews to entrée-sized standouts like duck three-ways ($26), pork butt with whiskey sour apples and bacon emulsion ($24) and a loin filet with lobster butter and cognac ($35).

Hyatt Regency Scottsdale Resort and Spa at Gainey Ranch invites Valley residents to celebrate Thanksgiving Day with a special Thanksgiving Buffet in SWB, a southwest bistro, on Thursday, November 22. SWB’s Thanksgiving Buffet offers a variety of festive favorites including omelets prepared-to-order, assorted salads, king crab legs, jumbo shrimp, oven-roasted salmon, gourmet pastas, paella and quesadillas made-to-order, herb-roasted all-natural turkey with all the trimmings, glazed Virginia ham and prime rib of beef, topped off with elaborate dessert selections: made-to-order bananas foster, tiramisu, pumpkin, pecan and apple pies and caramel and chocolate dipped apple wedges, plus much more. There is even a special buffet just for the kids! SWB’s Thanksgiving Buffet will be served from 10 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. and is $65 for adults, $32.50 for children ages 6-12 and complimentary for children 5 and under. In addition, SWB will feature a Breakfast à la carte menu and Breakfast Buffet, served from 6:30 a.m. – 10 a.m. and a dinner à la carte menu from 7 p.m. – 10 p.m.

This Thanksgiving, skip the hot kitchen, forget about basting, and leave the cooking to the folks at Bobby Q’s. Every November, Bobby Q’s Great Steaks & Real BBQ adds a special seasonal item to its award-winning menu of smokehouse classics: smoked turkeys. Available for four days only (Nov. 18– 21), Bobby Q’s smoked turkeys are hand-rubbed with a house blend of spices and then roasted, slow and low over hickory wood for unbeatable smoked turkey flavor. Each 12-15 pound turkey (pre cooked weight), serves 2-4 people. It can be purchased a la carte for $40 or packed with a quart of mashed potatoes, a quart of fire roasted corn, a pint of gravy and 8 cornbreads for $60! Also available by special order only will be Smoked Walnut Stuffing and Smoked Turkey Gravy (only available on Wednesday, November 21) Turkey orders need to be placed 72 hours in advance of pick up date.

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

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