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What’s New in Greater Phoenix?
November 2011

HIGHLIGHTS FROM THIS MONTH’S EDITION

Sheraton Phoenix Downtown Hotel was named a winner in the Smart Meetings

2011 Platinum Choice Awards.

The Valley celebrates Thanksgiving with a feast of options.

National Geographic rates Phoenix as one of the nation’s 15 best hiking destination.

RESORT NEWS

With three different celebration possibilities, the Arizona Biltmore caters to every Thanksgiving family gathering. Guests can choose between a five-course gourmet feast at Wright’s, a family-style dinner at Frank & Albert’s, or an extensive buffet in the Gold Room for their holiday gathering. Wright’s: Adults-$80, Children 12 and under-$40, Frank & Albert’s: Adults-$45 Children 12 and under-$21, Gold Room: Adults-$80, Children 12 and under-$40.

Sheraton Crescent Hotelgives couples and families the “Football Fun” and “Holiday Shopping” packages to cater to each of their wants for this fall season. Football

fanatics can attend an Arizona Cardinals football game with the “Football Fun” package, which includes transportation to and from the game. With a chips and salsa welcome amenity and $25 food and beverage credit, this package is perfect for a weekend guy-getaway. Rates start at $169, and beer is included upon arrival for those over 21. This package covers all the plays. Sheraton Crescent partners with MetroCenter Mall to give holiday shoppers a special treatment. Those who buy the “Holiday Shopping” package and spend $250 at the mall receive a $25 MetroCenter gift card, snacks to stay energized while shopping, and a Holiday Martini from Indigo Lounge upon return to the hotel. Rates start at $119 (single) and $149 (double).

The sixth annual “Storytelling & Song” shares ancient Pima and Maricopa cultures at Sheraton Wild Horse Pass Resort & Spa. This program will open with a ceremonial blessing for guests on Nov. 17, 2011. Featuring storytellers from the Gila River Indian Community, the program showcases legends based on desert wildlife, personal stories and experiences, and Native American traditional songs. “Storytelling & Song” is one of the resort’s GeoGreen programs encouraging guests to connect with the local cultures, and it offers families a unique way to learn together. Developed by the resort’s cultural concierge Ginger Sunbird Martin, this series takes places from 6:00 to 7:00 p.m., every Thursday through Saturday and lasts until March 2012.

Pointe Hilton Tapatio Cliffs Resort demonstrates guest gratitude with its Thanksgiving menus at AAA Four Diamond Different Pointe of View and Pointe in Tyme. Both restaurants weave elegant innovation into their traditional Thanksgiving feasts of seasonal vegetables, carved meats, and delicious desserts. Chef Anthony Demuro of Different Pointe of View takes visitors on a taste bud trip from noon to 7 p.m. Pointe in Tyme is available from noon to 6:30 p.m. Cost for Different Pointe of View: Adult-$59.95 Children 10 and under-$29.95 Cost for Pointe in Tyme: Adult-$47.95 Seniors-$38.95 Children 10 and under-$19.95.

The Residence Inn Phoenix Airport Hotel by Marriott has recently completed a major renovation of its meeting rooms and lobby space. The new design features contemporary décor; zones to support guest activities of eating, working and relaxing; the latest in technology; and engaging music and lighting schemes. To celebrate the new renovations, this Phoenix Airport hotel is offering a new extended stay hotel deal. Rates start at just $79 a night featuring great amenities like full kitchens, free grocery delivery and updated meeting rooms and work spaces.

The Phoenician completes its multi-million dollar suite renovation, capping a 3-year enhancement project of the property’s main and casita buildings. The extensive redesign boasts 25 suites with custom-designed wall coverings and unconventional features, two of which are presidential suites. They range in size from 1150 to 4000 square feet, pairing cool and warm colors such as navy blue and citron yellow for a classically bold ambiance. IPod docking stations, LCD high-definition televisions, and DVD sound systems make this renovation technologically sharp. The AAA Five Diamond resort’s new style is the work of Cadiz Design Studio of Costa Mesa, Calif.

The show-business and culinary fare celebration “Hollywood Bites” continues this fall at Sanctuary on Camelback Mountain Nov. 17, 2011, and offers an intimate setting for entertainment industry –socializing and Chef Beau MacMillan-provided feasting. Harkins Theatres owner Dan Harkins, the three-time Showman of the Year Award recipient, is the main speaker and discusses the organization’s rich history and theatre industry innovation. Tickets are $100 and include dinner, wine pairings, tax and gratuity. The “Hollywood Bites Casita” package offers guests two tickets to the dinner and a luxurious Mountain Vista Casita for just $495. The resort also welcomes “Fridays at jade,” music entertainment every Friday in November at jade bar. The fun begins November 4 with award-winning local artist Alice Tatum.

Valley residents can celebrate their gratefulness at Hyatt Regency Scottsdale Resort and Spa at Gainey Ranch on Thanksgiving Day with the Thanksgiving Buffet. The resort showcases a variety of festive favorites at SWB, including herb-roasted Carolina turkey, glazed Virginia ham, and prime rib of beef from their carving station. The sweet tooth-ers will melt over the made-to-order bananas foster or the caramel and chocolate dipped apple wedges. Family is important to Hyatt Regency, so there will be a special buffet for the kids. Come to the Breakfast Buffet before or the dinner a la carte after, in case you miss this exceptional feast. Cost: Adults-$62, Children 6 to 12-$31, complimentary for children 5 and under.

“Wine Wednesdays” brings the winery to the Hotel Valley Ho, allowing guests to meet with a top winery representative, learn about the wine-making process, and sip the featured pour, all in the comfort of the ZuZu Bar and Lounge. This weekly event is from 5 to 7 p.m. The hotel’s “Saturday Night Tastings” showcases the craft of the Valley Ho’s expert mixologists, featuring a different specially-concocted cocktail each night. Its special price is extra nice, but even more so are the sweet melodies of singer/songwriter Jack Young. These lively evenings last until Dec. 17, 2011.

With the “Desert Indulgence” package, guests at The Hermosa Inn can experience luxury accommodations, $100 dining credit to award-winning restaurant LON’s, two 60-minute spa treatments, and breakfast for two. For an additional seasonal experience, visitors can attend the “Holiday Cooking Class” Nov. 12, 2011, for just $49 per person. The discounts continue at The Hermosa Inn with their daily specials, featuring deals ranging from Muddled Monday’s $5 cocktails to Wednesday Wines’ $15 three-choice tapas. Package rates start at $550

The Fairmont Scottsdale Princess brings all the joy of holiday cheer this month with its Tree Lighting Ceremony on November 17. The resort’s “Christmas at the Princess” kickoff features a four-story Christmas tree with 65,000 LED lights and begins the Toys for Tots toy drive. “Saturdays with Santa”

begins November 26, bringing the kiddies the chance to meet Kris Kringle and take a picture with him! If families dine in any of the restaurants that evening, the $10 photo fee is waived. The resort’s signature restaurants and lounges are taking part in fall spirit with their special holiday cocktails starting November 17. Stone Rose Lounge boasts a mixture of Godiva caramel, Stoli vanilla, salt and cream with its Salted Carmel-tini and LV Bistro wins guests over with its Eggnog Latte. All special drinks and cocktails range from $8-$14.
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ARTS, CULTURE & ENTERTAINMENT

Phoenix has become a destination escape spot from harsh winter temperatures, and even international airlines are noticing. More than 100,000 passengers flew from Edmonton International Airport in Alberta, Canada, to Phoenix this year, a statistic sparking higher demand in accessibility. US Airways and WestJet increased their flights and plane capacities, making it easier for travelers to have access to the countless possibilities of Greater Phoenix.

National Geographic rates Phoenix among the nation’s 15 best hiking cities due to its accessible hiking trails. The Phoenix Mountain Preserve covers more than 30,000 acres, giving residents 200 miles of hiking trails.

“Family Weekend” at the Pioneer Living History Museum brings guests two days of music, gunfights, Fast-Draw, trolley rides, and craft demonstrations Nov. 26-27, 2011. History lovers enjoy the historical preservation Pioneer offers, and the young ones gasp at the numerous building tours and crafts available at every corner of the Village.

The Herberger Theater Center Art Gallery presents “The End of an Era-Start of a New Age”, an exhibition displaying and selling artwork, three of which are new works by Renee Palmer-Jones. Art aficionados can discuss the notorious new year as they expand their artistic preferences. The demonstration begins Nov. 4, 2011, at 5:30 p.m. with its “Opening Reception” presenting 18 artists. The show ends Jan. 2, 2012.

Five new tenants recently joined the rapidly growing Scottsdale Quarter, a 28-acre shopping, dining and entertainment district at Scottsdale Road and Greenway-Hayden Loop. Industrie Denim, Galicia Fine Jewelers, Nambé and Kitty were the first to open their doors this month. Dominick’s Steakhouse is now open to the public with Pandora and Verdé Maison opening by the end of the year.

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SPORTS/GOLF

Golf gurus rejoice at the return of The RR Donnelley LPGA Founders Cup to the Wildfire Golf Club at the JW Marriott Desert Ridge Resort and Spa on March 13-18, 2012. The event marks the 38th year of LPGA Tour competition in the Valley since 1962, promising an unexpectedly celebratory affair.

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DINING

To celebrate its 82nd season of dedication to a 200-year-old English pastime, the Arizona Biltmore, a Waldorf Astoria Resort, presents its new and trendy Afternoon Tea menu beginning Nov. 4, 2011. Tea-timers are spoiled with this fresh menu and may have a difficult time choosing between the Prosciutto Melon Lollipops and the Lobster Dill Salad. Each month features a different scone and dessert menu and the vegetarian options are exceptionally extensive. Tea time at the Biltmore can be a uniquely festive affair with its seasonal holiday menus, and guests shouldn’t hesitate to sip on the Hazelnut Truffle blend with December’s Eggnog Spiced Pound Cake. Tea Sommelier Kevin Doyle welcomes each visitor personally before he uses his tea expertise to explain the menu’s pairing intricacies. Prices: Adults-$36 with cocktail-$46 Children under 12-$26 Gluten-free menu is available, and reservations are strongly recommended.

Guests can savor traditional Thanksgiving comfort foods with a three-course meal at District Kitchen and Wine Bar on Thanksgiving. What could be better than time-honored recipes like marshmallow yams, Andouille stuffing, and orange-scented green beans? Nothing. That’s why this Sheraton Phoenix Downtown Hotel restaurant is a must for a family holiday celebration. Attendees shouldn’t forget to try the Chocolate Pudding Chiffon Tart for dessert. Cost: Adults-$31 Children-$15.50 Wine Pairing-$15.

Rico’s American Grill eases holiday stress with their Thanksgiving buffet Nov. 24, 2011. Families can indulge in golden-basted turkey, herb-rubbed rib-eye, and bourbon-glazed ham from the buffet’s carving stations, and can create a pasta dish at the customizable pasta station. The decadence continues onto the side dishes, featuring honey-glazed carrots and sugar and pork-baked beans. Old-school cornbread stuffing and candied yams are a traditional complement to the restaurant’s creative menu. The buffet is available from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Cost: Adult-$45 Children 12 and under-$13.

Fox Restaurant Concepts partners with Chloe’s Corner to bring the gourmet market to Downtown Phoenix. Chloe’s Corner will be located at CityScape. Chloe’s Corner is an upscale deli and convenience market featuring breakfast items, baked goods and sandwiches.

Residents who dread the task of tedious holiday cooking should spend their Thanksgiving at Taggia Restaurant. The restaurant features a menu that pairs traditional Thanksgiving comfort foods with authentic Italian cuisine. Slow-roasted turkey, butternut squash ravioli, and carrot and saffron soup are only a few of the many holiday delights offered on the holiday. Guests should end the feast with the pumpkin budio, a guarantee they will leave happy and thankful.

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SPA

Those who relax with a Cashmere Spice Warm Embrace Holiday Body Wrap at the Willow Stream Spa of the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess benefit both their bodies and charity. Five percent of the proceeds from this 45-minute treatment benefit the Sugar Plum Fairies for the Boys & Girls Club of Greater Scottsdale. Should guests choose to sponsor a youngster from the Boys & Girls Club, they will receive a 10 percent discount on any spa service booked that day. The Pumpkin Vanilla Spice Pedicure sounds pretty enticing.

Pumpkin is the main ingredient of Spa Avania’s fall time treatments at Hyatt Regency Scottsdale Resort and Spa. Guests can indulge in the Pumpkin Enzyme Facial to bring ourt their natural glows, or maybe the Pumpkin Body Polish is the best choice for rejuvenation. The spa’s festive offerings are perfect to relieve built-up holiday stress. Each 60-minute treatment is just $145 and comes with a complimentary Starbucks Pumpkin Latte.

Kimpton’s FireSky Resort & Spa features the treats of the region with its “Falling for Arizona” package. A premium poolside room, a bottle of Arizona wine, and an in-room local dish of the day gives guests a complete sampling of Arizona’s great tastes and temperatures. With a 25 percent discount at Jurlique Spa, guests return to their daily lives locally impressed and physically refreshed. The offers last through Dec. 31, 2011.

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

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 National Council of La Raza, the nation’s largest Hispanic civil rights and advocacy group, has called off its boycott of Arizona and will no longer discourage meeting groups from convening in the Grand Canyon State. 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

National Council of La Raza Lifts Its Boycott of Arizona

PHOENIX (Sept. 12, 2011) — The National Council of La Raza, the nation’s largest Hispanic civil rights and advocacy group, has called off its boycott of Arizona and will no longer discourage meeting groups from convening in the Grand Canyon State.

La Raza announced the decision on Sept. 9 in a letter to the Real Arizona Coalition, a diverse collection of businesses, interfaith groups and community leadership organizations—including the Greater Phoenix Convention & Visitors Bureau—that had asked for the boycott to be lifted.

In its letter to the Real Arizona Coalition, La Raza stated:

“… We understand and appreciate the reasons why you believe the boycott should end.  In that vein, we are also aware of the hardship it has imposed on many of the workers, businesses, and organizations whose interests we seek to advance. We are hopeful that the more respectful and civil tone that you and many others have worked so hard to establish in recent months will continue.

In that spirit, effective immediately, our three organizations will suspend the boycott and cease all efforts to discourage conventions or meetings in Arizona, or to discourage our partners from participating in such meetings. In addition, we will communicate our decision to our allies and partners who supported the boycott in the hope that they will join us.”

The letter was signed by Janet Murguía, President and CEO of National Council of La Raza; Wade Henderson, President and CEO of the Leadership Conference of Civil and Human Rights; and Karen Narasaki, President and Executive Director of the Asian American Justice Center.

The Greater Phoenix CVB issued this statement in response to La Raza’s decision:

“The lifting of the boycott is clearly a step in the right direction. It acknowledges that illegal immigration is not just an Arizona issue but a national one, and it makes it easier for our community to get back to the business of booking conventions.”

La Raza has not issued a formal announcement to the media about the lifting of the boycott, but The Arizona Republic obtained a copy of the Washington-based group’s letter to the Real Arizona Coalition and reported the news on Sept. 10.

Media Contact:

Doug MacKenzie

Communications Director

Greater Phoenix CVB

(602) 452-6250

dmackenzie@visitphoenix.com

Colman's Mustard

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In general, when I purchase mustard, I avoid the bright yellow type I grew up with. I’ve always liked it, but started experimenting more when I was about twenty. Recently, I received a sample of Colman’s spicy yellow mustard and a tin of the mustard powder. This iconic brand, Colman’s of Norwich, has stood the test of time, as it has been Britain’s favorite since 1814. Because it has an extra spiciness, is has also become an American favorite.

Made with a blend of brown mustard seeds (Brassica Juncea) and white mustard seeds (Sinapis Alba), Jeremiah Colman developed a mustard that is a common ingredient in the UK. The history of this product intrigued me, as Queen Victoria bestowed the seal of the Royal Warrant to it in 1866 and it still holds the seal today. So, I decided to give this bit of history a try.

My first experiment was adding a teaspoon of the mustard powder to a quart of relatively bland broccoli cheese soup. It added a flavorful kick.

Next up was to try Colman’s Barbeque Sauce.

Colman's Barbeque Wings Photo: M D Hill

Colman’s Barbeque Sauce

Ingredients:

8 teaspoons Colman’s Original English Mustard

6 teaspoons sugar

1 cup cider vinegar

2 teaspoons chili powder

1 teaspoon white pepper

½ teaspoon light soy sauce

2 teaspoons butter

Method:

1. Combine all ingredients except soy sauce and butter in a saucepan.
2. Simmer for 10 minutes, and then remove from heat.
3. Stir in soy sauce and butter and let it all combine.

How did I use this? With chicken wings, but it would work well with any type of chicken or pork.

Chicken Wings with Colman’s Barbeque Sauce

Method:

Preheat oven to 375 degrees.

Line cookie sheet with foil and spray with non-stick product.

Brush the chicken wings with the sauce and place on foil.

If wings are frozen, bake for 28 minutes.

If wings are fresh or thawed, bake for 22 minutes.

You may want to turn and brush with more sauce half way through baking.

You could also grill these, but my grill was out of gas, so the oven was ideal.

Serve and enjoy!

MDH Note: These will have a kick. If you want to tone it down, add 2 or 3 teaspoons of honey. I also substituted Cat Cora’s Greek Olive Oil for butter, as I prefer to use a good olive oil when I can.

I can see using Colman’s in deviled eggs for that extra zing. Either the powdered or regular would work. Some of the powdered may also work well in a squash or bean soup. I’ll have to give that a try this fall and winter.

It is certainly easy to see why Colman’s is getting so many celebrity endorsements. I’m thinking about new ways to use it. If you come up with any favorites, please share them.

For more information and recipes go to: www.colmansusa.com.

In this issue….

	RESORT NEWS
	ARTS, CULTURE & ENTERTAINMENT
	SPORTS/GOLF
	DINING
	CITY NEWS

Maralyn D. Hill, The Epicurean Explorer
President
International Food Wine & Travel Writers Association