Phoenix Skyline
In this issue….
RESORT NEWS
ARTS, CULTURE & ENTERTAINMENT
SPORTS/GOLF
SPA
DINING
What’s New in Greater Phoenix?
January 2012
HIGHLIGHTS FROM THIS MONTH’S EDITION
“Celebrate the Arizona Experience,” culminates with Happy Birthday Arizona! on Arizona’s official centennial date, February 14, 2012.
Batter Up! 15 MLB teams return to the Valley for Cactus League Spring Training Baseball.
Frank Lloyd Wright is remembered in celebration of the 75th anniversary of Taliesin West at several Valley venues.
RESORT NEWS
Enjoy a “Spring Training Family Escape” at The Westin Kierland Resort & Spa. Guests visiting during the 2012 Spring Training Season can expect the ultimate Family FUN experience, and still be close to the nearby ballparks. With the Chief FUN Officer at the helm of the “Family FUN Program,” guests will explore endless possibilities for a memorable family getaway. Learn about special programs and activities such as Kierland Kampfires, Phoenix Zoo presentations, Kids in the Kitchen, Digital Kid’s Club and more. When families aren’t at the ballpark cheering on their favorite team, they can enjoy the Adventure Water Park with a 900-foot lazy river and a 110-foot-long waterslide as well as poolside activities with the FUN Team. The “OK Corral” is adjacent to the Adventure Water Park with lawn chess, basketball, outdoor game tables, RC Car Race Tracks, and hosts Kierland Kampfires with a create-your-own s’ mores experience. The Westin Kierland has a memorable Resort experience to offer, whether looking for a relaxing getaway while taking in a few games, or a family FUN vacation poolside in the beautiful Arizona sunshine
Sheraton Crescent Hotel is a hidden gem for Phoenix wedding ceremonies and receptions. With the unveiling of its new Wedding Studio during the hotel’s annual Wedding Showcase, brides-to-be can have all their wedding desires tailor-made in one location. Whether the vision is a graceful garden ceremony under a canopy of lush ficus trees or a charming courtyard ceremony near sparkling fountains, unforgettable moments and new nuptials will transpire at Sheraton Crescent. This new boutique-style studio creates a charming and personable setting that allows brides-to-be time to relax and meet with a Wedding Specialist in the comfort of a warm and welcoming environment.
History will come to life in stark black and white at a special exhibit of images by Pedro E. Guerrero, the personal photographer of renowned architect Frank Lloyd Wright, at the Arizona Biltmore. Presented in collaboration with the Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation and held in honor of the 75th anniversary of Taliesin West, Wright’s Arizona home that Guerrero began photographing in 1939; The exhibit features his favorite shots of the famous property that became Wright’s architectural school. The exhibit is complimentary and the public is welcome through the duration of the display ending April 29, 2012. In addition, the Arizona Biltmore is offering a special art and history package including two tickets for the 90-minute Insight Tour at Taliesin West; two tickets to the Phoenix Art Museum’s “Frank Lloyd Wright: Organic Architecture for the 21st Century” exhibit; the Arizona Biltmore History Tour; and accommodations at the resort.
The Canyon Suites at The Phoenician and Phoenix Art Museum partner to create “Art of Luxury” guest experience. In celebration of the 75th anniversary of Taliesin West–the Arizona winter home, studio and architectural campus of American icon Frank Lloyd Wright–The Canyon Suites at The Phoenician and Phoenix Art Museum have joined together to design an exclusive and exquisite cultural experience of discovery for visitors to the Valley of the Sun. Available until April 29, 2012 the “Art of Luxury” package includes suite accommodations at The Canyon Suites at The Phoenician; Two tickets to the exhibition “Frank Lloyd Wright: Organic Architecture for the 21st Century”, at Phoenix Art Museum; 10 percent savings on any purchase at The Museum Store; and dinner for two at J&G Steakhouse at The Phoenician ($100 value) – featuring the mastery of James Beard Award-Winning Chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten. Rates start at just $999 per night.
Sheraton Wild Horse Pass Resort & Spa was awarded “Most Luxe Accommodations” by Arizona Foothills Magazine in the 2011 “Best of our Valley” competition. The Sheraton Wild Horse Pass Resort & Spa, located on the Gila River Indian Community, is a total destination resort showcasing the heritage, culture, art and legends of the Pima and Maricopa Tribes. The resort offerings include: 500 culturally themed rooms, Forbes Five-Star/AAA Five-Diamond dining at Kai Restaurant, the Forbes Four-Star Native American Aji Spa, 36-holes of Troon-managed golf at Whirlwind Golf Club, the 1,000-acre Koli Equestrian Center and a boat cruise to nearby attractions. .
Enjoy parent’s night out with a free “Kids’ Pajama Party” for SPG Members at Westin Kierland Resort & Spa. Parents enjoy a dinner date in the Resort’s signature restaurant, deseo while kids receive a “Pajama Party complimentary. It is quick and simple. Parents stop by the Kierland Mining Co. or Front Desk to get signed up for a Starwood Preferred Guest membership. This complimentary loyalty program offers many benefits including exclusive, members-only specials and promotions, reward points for dollars spent on stays, and preferred status at Starwood Hotels and Resorts around the world. After dining in deseo, present your deseo receipt when picking up the kids from their pajama party and your session fee will be waived. This exclusive offer is valid for up to two children (a $100 value) simply by being a SPG member. This offer is also valid when dining on a Monday or Tuesday in Nellie Cashman’s Monday Club Café when deseo is closed.
Kimpton’s Firesky Resort earns green key certification further aligning with its parent company, Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants’ 30-year commitment to sustainable travel and hospitality. Green Key is an international organization that specializes in the rating of lodging properties through its Eco-Rating Program, which recognizes lodging organizations that are committed to improving their environmental and fiscal performance. FireSky will join other Kimpton properties in the creation of a new Green Meetings program to align with Green Key’s programs that focus on eco-friendly practices while hosting large group meetings. In addition to Green Key initiatives, FireSky maintains Kimpton’s award-winning EarthCare program, adopted by the resort in 2007, which encompasses more than 80 eco-friendly products and operational practices. FireSky employees, as well as those at Taggia Restaurant and the all-organic Jurlique Spa, embrace EarthCare initiatives on a daily basis – recycling paper and collecting unused soaps and gently used bedding and sheets for donation to local shelters.
Sanctuary on Camelback Mountain has once again been recognized by the Arizona Hospitality and Lodging Association’s (AHLA) earning three coveted “Stars of the Industry” awards. The awards acknowledge the hard work of Arizona’s hospitality employees, and the exceptional programs offered by the state’s resorts and hotels. Sanctuary received top billing within the “small property” category for “Special Events, Ongoing:” Sundays in Paradise. Sanctuary’s “Sundays in Paradise” program is designed to give the local community a fun, festive and inexpensive opportunity to enjoy Sanctuary’s mesmerizing views and beautiful grounds. This ongoing weekend program features live entertainment from the region’s best performers as well as affordable a la carte lunch fare, prepared by Executive Chef Beau MacMillan. Its 2011 debut has created a great sense of community amongst Sanctuary’s guests and local residents.
Lady Gaga of Cakes will be featured at Hermosa Inn’s “Artist in Residence Series”. Colette Peters, described as Lady Gaga of Cakes, is the author of five books, a Food Network celebrity and owner of Colette’s Cakes in New York. After getting her master’s degree in painting, she went to work at Tiffany & Co. While there, she made cakes for her co-workers and in 1984 was asked to design cakes for the Tiffany Taste and Tiffany Wedding books, which introduced her innovative crooked cake and the gift box cake. With humor and passion, Colette Peters will share tales about her adventures, as well as impart some of her cherished trade secrets, creative culinary tips, and useful techniques during the dinner on Wednesday, February 22, 2012.
Tempt the senses this Valentine’s Day at Four Seasons Resort Scottsdale at Troon North as the resort offers myriad ways to capture the romance. On Saturday, February 11, 2012, the Resort will host a “Feast for the Senses” cooking class, highlighting a three-course menu ideal for taking the romance home on Valentine’s Day and beyond. The class will feature a menu meant for sharing, and will include a celebratory welcome cocktail and take-home recipe booklet.
For that special occasion, treat your significant other to a weekend of romance, adventure and pure relaxation at Fairmont Scottsdale Princess Resort. The AAA Five-Diamond resort is the perfect retreat for your personalized romantic weekend getaway this Valentine’s Day. Book the “Couples Celebration Package” which includes one night luxurious room accommodations in a Fairmont room, champagne upon arrival and a $200 resort credit per room, per night, to be used towards the award-winning Willow Stream Spa or on food and beverage at any of the Resort’s outlets.
ARTS, CULTURE & ENTERTAINMENT
“Celebrate the Arizona Experience,” has been a year-long commemoration with activities and events culminating with “Happy Birthday Arizona!” on Arizona’s official centennial date. This day long series of events and commemorations will happen on Arizona’s 100th Statehood Day – Tuesday, February 14, 2012. Year-long events include “Centennial Best Fest”- a “Best of Arizona” series of festivals to honor the state’s diverse culture, art and more – as well as signature projects in Phoenix including Arizona Centennial Museum, an interactive museum showcasing the past, present and future of Arizona; and Washington Street being named as Centennial Way highlighting many of the historical elements and buildings along the path.
CityScape is now home to the downtown Phoenix central business district’s first electric car charging station with the installation of an NRG Energy eVgosm system in the underground parking garage at One E. Washington Street. The charging station will allow up to two electric vehicles to be charged at once. The 240-volt charging docks can provide an electric vehicle with up to 25 miles of range for every hour of charge. An additional charging station will be installed in the west parking garage in January. CityScape is providing the charging station at no cost to electric vehicle owners. The station is part of the eVgo network which is NRG Energy’s privately funded electric vehicle charging infrastructure.
Celebrate Arizona’s 100th anniversary of statehood by getting married by the Chief Justice of the Arizona Supreme Court on the steps of the State Courts Building on Valentine’s Day, February 14, 2012. All Clerks statewide are issuing licenses for this event and several of them will attend the ceremony in Phoenix. For the cost of a marriage license ($72), couples can have a wedding ceremony and be part of AZ’s history. Licenses are available to residents, non-residents and tourists alike who meet the requirements of Title 25 of Arizona’s statutes related to marriage.
Talking Stick Resort and Casino Arizona have teamed up with the Scottsdale Street Fair to create a truly unique weekly fair that continues to give back to its community. The Scottsdale Street Fair’s Grand Opening celebration is Sunday, January 8, 2012 at the Pavilions at Talking Stick Shopping Center. This weekly street fair not only will celebrate the character of the neighborhood and its community, it will also bring together many of the regions finest vendors curating fine arts and crafts, home and lifestyle accessories, jewelry, and local business services and offerings. Each week, this event is expected to draw thousands of Valley residents who will be enjoying a day of family fun filled with talented artists, kids zone, a variety of quality food options , live music, and so much more. As part of Scottsdale Street Fairs commitment to its community, their charity partner is Team Bemis, providing spiritual, financial and emotional support to Coach Scot Bemis, Notre Dame Prep Academy coach and mentor, and his family as they battle through a very challenging time in their lives. Scot has stage four non-small-cell lung cancer.
SPORTS/GOLF
Batter Up! It’s that time again. March will mark the start of Cactus League Spring Training Baseball for the 2012 preseason. Come enjoy beautiful weather and baseball at any of the Valley’s 10 stadiums featuring 15 MLB teams: The Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim, Chicago Cubs, Chicago White Sox, Cincinnati Reds, Cleveland Indians, Kansas City Royals, Los Angeles Dodgers, Milwaukee Brewers, Oakland Athletics, San Diego Padres, San Francisco Giants, Seattle Mariners, Arizona Diamondbacks, Colorado Rockies and Texas Rangers. Tickets are as little as $5.
Troon® announces its partnership with Lookout Mountain Golf Club at Pointe Hilton Tapatio Cliffs Resort. Troon®, the leader in upscale golf course management, development, and marketing, will offer popular Troon programs at Lookout Mountain Golf Club. Golfers staying onsite at the resort can enjoy a myriad of amenities and superior service consistent with Hilton Hotels & Resorts around the world. In addition to award-winning golf, the 584 all-suite, Spanish-Mediterranean-designed resort is ideal for either business or rest and relaxation with a variety of dining options, acres of swimming pools, extensive conference space and countless activities.
SPA
Valentine’s Day is made “For Your Sweetheart” in Agave, the Arizona Spa at The Westin Kierland Resort & Spa. This Valentine’s Day, pamper your Sweetheart with the ultimate relaxing spa experience. In the relaxing spa atmosphere, guests can celebrate the day of love with all-day access to the WestinWorkout, Aguamiel Adult Pool, and Spa Facilities, including a sauna, steam room, Jacuzzi, and relaxation area on the day of spa services. There is no better gift to say, “I Love You,” than the gift of rejuvenation and wellness. With two Valentine’s Day offers to choose from, the Agave Spa has found your perfect gift.
Tempt the senses this Valentine’s Day at Four Seasons Resort Scottsdale at Troon North as the resort offers myriad ways to capture the romance. For the month of February, the Spa and Salon will feature a special romantic twist on the “Tapas Tasting Menu”. The Tapas Tasting Menu is offered in the Spa from 3:00 to 8:00 pm and in the Salon from 3:00 to 6:00 pm, Sunday through Thursday. Spa guests can choose two specialty 25-minute tapas treatments inspired by the season for the special rate of USD 99.00. Salon guests can select from a seasonal Martini and Manicure or Margarita and Makeup option for USD 75.00.
DINING
Valley restaurateur Jimmy Carlin and restaurant veteran Ernie Vega have teamed up with entrepreneur David Loaney to create the Maven Hospitality Group. Their first concept together, The Strand Urban Italian recently opened to the public in downtown Phoenix’s CityScape. The Strand is a concept that this group believes will set a new standard in fast casual Italian dining. The Strand’s menu features a bruschetta bar, pizzettas, cooked to order pastas, stuffed sandwiches, fresh seasonal salads, grilled entrees, and their signature pizcotti and zeppolini desserts. The Strand offers a value-driven dining experience of average of about $10 per guest.
Known for breathtaking views and stunning patio sunsets, The Terrace Room lounge at Different Pointe of View has introduced happy hour specials on Sundays and Mondays, as the lounge extends their hours to seven days a week. The Terrace Room lounge is featuring a “5 at 5” happy hour, which offers $5 well, wine and beer selections starting at 5 p.m. through 8 p.m. on Sundays and Mondays. With the new business hours, guests can enjoy the incomparable luxury and atmosphere of the mountaintop dining destination of Pointe Hilton Tapatio Cliffs Resort when the full dining room is not open. In addition to the drink specials, The Terrace Room features delectable small bites including citrus-poached prawns, spicy braised Cedar River beef, and steamed Penn Cove mussels.
Sheraton Wild Horse Pass Resort & Spa is proud to announce Kai and Ko’Sin Restaurants’ newest cocktail menus. With a wide array of offerings, many of the cocktails highlight native and local ingredients and all are sure to please the palate.
El Chorro offers one-of-a-kind venue for meetings. Following a multimillion dollar renovation in 2010 that resulted in the addition of nine distinctive meeting and event spaces, one of the Valley’s favorite places for dining and social gatherings has become known as one of its best locations for business meetings and special events. Located at the base of Camelback and Mummy Mountains in Paradise Valley since 1934, El Chorro now offers an unrivaled choice of flexible, on-site venues in an atmosphere that combines its rich history with stunning mountain views.
ZuZu at Hotel Valley Ho continues its tastings events through the spring featuring wines by Erath, Ferrari-Carano, and more, with alcohol from Jack Daniels, Sailor Jerry, and others. Chose from the “Ho Wine Experience”, every Wednesday night from 5:00 to 7:00 in the ZuZu Lounge, enjoy a tasting, meet a representative from a top winery, learn how the wine is made, and get the featured pour at a special price all night; or “Saturday SHOwdown”, from 5:00 to 7:00 on Saturday nights, enjoy tastings in the lobby bar. A different drink is featured each night, created by ZuZu’s expert mixologists. It’s also on special all night in the lounge. Singer/songwriter Jack Young will be performing on the patio from 7:00 to 9:30 most dates.
Arizona’s “Best New Restaurant” expands opening a hidden cocktail laboratory upstairs. Despite already solidifying a place on Esquire magazine’s esteemed restaurants “Not To Miss” list in 2011 and dozens of other local accolades, Citizen Public House continues to shake things up in Arizona. The gang is set to open a new intimate cocktail experience destined to catapult Sonoran culinary culture to stratospheric new heights. Part mad scientist’s laboratory, part hidden-entrance lounge, Citizen R+D (research and development) opens to the Mecca of upscale cocktails, a hidden gem that takes the art of mixology to an unprecedented level. In a sleek, remodeled upstairs lounge set apart from the “Public,” guests of Citizen R+D will imbibe mad mixologist/partner Rich Moe’s ambitious, constantly-evolving collection of concoctions. The opening menu is $9 – $15 per handcrafted drink.
The latest addition historic downtown Chandler’s dining and nightlife scene has barely opened its doors for business, and Valley foodies are already singing its praises. Vintage 95 is co-owned by Gavin Jacobs and partners Craig and Tricia. Vintage 95 offers a sophisticated-yet-affordable comfort food and an impressive global wine selection, the restaurant and lounge lures guests for ladies night out, a casual nibble ‘n nosh lunch, an intimate dinner or a comfortable midweek happy hour, as well as weekly live entertainment and regular live events. Chef Wahlberg’s menu items include eight varieties of bruschetta, gourmet flatbreads, soups, salads and sandwiches available for lunch or dinner.
For more information on any of these events or updates, please contact the
Greater Phoenix Convention & Visitors Bureau Media Department.
Media Contacts:
Douglas MacKenzie
Director of Communications
(602) 452-6250
dmackenzie@visitphoenix.com
Trish Hendrickson
Communications Coordinator
(602) 452-6249
thendrickson@visitphoenix.com
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- Maralyn D. Hill
The Epicurean Explorer
President, International Food Wine & Travel Writers Association
Editor-at-Large, CityRoom
Contributor: The Epoch Times, Spa Review Magazine, Global Writes, JustLuxe
Columnist: Big Blend Magazines,
Blogs: Where and What in the World & Success with Writing
The International Food, Wine & Travel Writers Association’s (IFWTWA) prestigious Excellence Awards are awarded quarterly and recognizes the best of the best in beverages, cruise, culinary, and hospitality around the world. The award nominations are recommended by IFWTWA members, carefully evaluated by IFWTWA’s Excellence Awards Committee, and finally approved by IFWTWA’s Board of Directors.
