Phoenix Visit -- What can't I miss?

[Pam Campbell]

We are visiting Phoenix (actually Scottsdale) the first week in May. Never been there...what do we absolutely have to see, where can't we afford to miss eating? I am so excited...I know we can't do it all but it would sure be nice to have some suggestions. Thanks you are all the best! :)

[KristiB]

Downtown Phoenix-see the heard Museum then go have dinner at Pizza Bianco. Be sure and get there early-like 3:30-4. I'm not kidding otherwise you'll never get in. It's well worth the effort though.

You can have wine at Bar Bianco next door while your waiting for the restaurant to open at 5.

[AzAnne]

Here are some threads

Phx (http://community.cookinglight.com/showthread.php?t=88207&highlight=Phoenix+Scottsdale)

One Day (http://community.cookinglight.com/showthread.php?t=87834&highlight=Phoenix+Scottsdale)

Scottsdale (http://community.cookinglight.com/showthread.php?t=55468&highlight=Phoenix+Scottsdale)

[RD chef]

1. Get a cocktail at the Jade Bar at the Sanctuary Resort on Camelback Mountain around sunset. The best view in town - and a very impressive resort, to boot. Great dinners there too, but definately $$$$.

2. If you have a car, take a drive out to Fountain Hills (just east of Scottsdale). The town hosts the largest man-made geyser in the world. It goes off for 15 minutes every hour, on the hour. There is a great sidewalk and park that goes around the fountain. Take a little picnic and blanket and sit out on the hill around the fountain. Spectacular views in Fountain Hills as well.

3. Hike the Echo Canyon trail of Camelback. Even if you aren't a seasoned hiker, you don't have to go very far to get a great view and say you "hiked Camelback." :)

4. Any of the spas here are out of this world. I can give you more suggestions on spas, golf, tennis, etc. based on what you like to do. I have a number of restaurant recommendations...tell me more of what kind of food you will be looking for and what kind of price range...

[KristiB]

The chef at Elements at the Sanctuary on Camelback recently kicked Bobby Flays butt on Iron Chef America.

It's a little pricy but we go there for a treat. Do NOT order the bottled water-a small Fiji is $12.00 :eek:

The drive up Scottsdale Rd into Carefree and Cave Creek is beautiful. I live up there. Cave Creek is more fun than Carefree imo.

[mikesmom]

Taliesen West - Frank Lloyd Wright's School of Architecture is VERY interesting.

[Pam Campbell]

RE Chef

We are a pretty eclectic group of eaters. We will try to do breakfast in most mornings, pack a lunch and then eat out at night. We probably don't want the high end priced restaurants but something that is middle of the road. Italian, Thai/Korean/Chinese, American, German, southwest...

I have read a couple of the spa websites, not sure if we will try that but it is on our to be considered list.

I was reading about a local winery, does anyone know anything about that?

We are staying at Marriott Canyon Villas. (The pictures I have seen are absolutely fabulous!). Oh, I am so excited. There are so many suggestions between this thread and the other older threads...I think we could spend at least a month and still not see/do everything...the real trick will be cutting the list down to a 6 day list!!!! :eek:

[RD chef]

Pam,

A couple of suggestions...
Thai- Malees on Main (in Scottsdale). Also, go down there on a Thurs. evening, and you will also catch the Thursday night 'Art Walk' along the same street. There is also now a Malees at Desert Ridge shopping area that has Thai and sushi.
Southwest- Z Tejas is always good. It is a chain, but I have to say, I have always had great food. Sam's Cafe is another good spot (at the Biltmore shopping area) for southwestern style food. A little pricier, but very good, is Cowboy Ciou. That is in downtown Scottsdale. If you like wine, it's a must try. Their wine list reads like a book.
Another fun place to go for pizza if you don't want to wait at Pizzaria Bianco, is La Grande Orange. It is a little speciality market and now has an attached pizza place. Gourmet pizza in the heart of the Arcadia area. Yum!
SPAS:
Phoenician, Sanctuary, Fairmont Princess and Westin Kierland are some of my favorites in the valley.
There are so many places, restaurants, etc. I could go on and on...

[green1]

For late night fun, AZ88. Funky and quirky. Good martinis. Food is upscale bar. Love the Hell's Kitchen Fries and burgers.
Banderas is always consistent.
Malee's on Main is a great little Thai place. A bit pricey. But the Tom Ka Gai is worth it. Best that I have had.
If you venture to Chandler, Cyclo is an awesome Vietnamese restaurant and 98 South is a great wine bar in the downtown area.
Have fun.

[jeanrw]

We really like Bandera in Old Town Scottsdale. And we had a great dinner at Salt Cellar.