Michael Dee's Favorite Valley…
Restaurant: Deseo in the Westin Kierland Resort & Spa has a Cuban flair. You don’t feel like you’re in Arizona when you’re there, and they have a great hidden bar. Dish: The famous bowl of pasta at Oregano’s. Dessert: The Chocolate Tower at Christopher’s Restaurant and Crush Lounge. Cocktail: A glass of Champagne on the patio at the Four Seasons Resort Scottsdale at Troon North. Restaurant interior: J&G Steakhouse has the sophistication factor nailed. Pizza: Oregano’s. Love the thin crust and ingredients you will not find at other restaurants, like garlic peppercinis. Mexican: Jalapeño Inferno. It’s family-friendly, and the bar is a great place to watch the game. Sushi: I love the L.A. feel inside Sushi Roku, not to mention the surprising rolls on the menu. Burger: Indulge Burger has the best veggie burger and an extensive gluten-free menu. Happy hour: I don’t really go to happy hours. I have happy hours wherever I go. Lunch spot: True Food Kitchen. It has the best healthy menu and a happening atmosphere from open to close. Dining experience: Sapporo’s teppanyaki table. There’s nothing cooler than watching someone cook something in flames right in front of you. Guilty pleasure: The French fries at Armitage Wine Bistro. Dining spot for a night out with friends: Modern Steak. I love the décor, the fun staff and the party atmosphere. Restaurant for a date night: Tanzy, followed by a movie at iPic Theater.
Melissa Larsen's Favorite Valley…
Restaurant: NOCA. Dish: Any seafood plate at NOCA, from the amazing scallop dishes to the divine lobster roll. Dessert: Though I’m a big-time chocoholic, I have to say the simple and scrumptious butterscotch pudding from FnB. Cocktail: Any margarita from The Mission. Restaurant interior: I adore a pretty bathroom, and the restrooms at Renegade Canteen and Modern Steak are utterly gorgeous. Pizza: Grimaldi’s Pizzeria. I love Grimaldi’s sweet sauce and blistered crust. Mexican: The Mission. The pozole, the mahi mahi tacos…everything at the Latin restaurant is divine. Sushi: Roka Akor. Even my sushi-opposed husband can’t resist Roka Akor’s fresh rolls. Burger: The melt-in-your-mouth Kobe burger at Zinburger. Happy hour: Boa Bistro. I love getting the hand-pulled mozzarella and shrimp adriatico for half-price. Lunch spot: The Herb Box. I have a love affair with the sweet potato chips. Dining experience: The Farm at South Mountain. On a nice day, nothing beats a sandwich and butternut squash crème brûlée from The Farm Kitchen before walking through the gardens. Guilty pleasure: The dangerously good Sweet and Salty toffee from GoodyTwos Toffee Company. Dining spot for a night out with friends: Because a lot of my friends have little ones, we like to order burgers and milkshakes and dine at the picnic tables at Joe’s Farm Grill. Restaurant for a date night: Dining alfresco at Quiessence is wonderfully romantic—and the food in super fresh and seasonal.
Claire Perkins' Favorite Valley…
Restaurant: El Chorro Lodge. Who can deny the unlikely (but delicious) combo of sticky buns and crudite? Dish: The grilled tofu at elements is my favorite by a mile. It comes with edamame puree, sesame-roasted eggplant and Asian barbecue sauce. Dessert: Red Velvet Nothing Bundt Cakes in cake, Bundtlet or Buntini form. Cocktail: Jade Bar’s Sugar Snap Pea Martini is incredible. I don’t think I could dream of a better cocktail. Restaurant interior: St. Francis is so interesting. I notice a different design element every time I go there, like antique silverware pressed into the concrete walls. Pizza: Despite the perpetual wait, Pizzeria Bianco pizzas can’t be topped. Just ask Oprah. Mexican: Via De Losantos in Central Phoenix has incredible veggie fajitas and bottomless chips. Sushi: Hana Japanese Eatery is authentically delicious—no Americanized rolls here. Burger: Parc Central’s veggie sliders are Thai-infused, so they pack a peanut-y punch. Happy hour: Pita Jungle offers delectable items for only $1. Lunch spot: The Herb Box has genius lunch options and adorable home accessories for sale from The French Bee. Dining experience: Coup Des Tartes—quaint, delicious tartes and BYOB! Guilty pleasure: The devilish combo of truffle fries and Champagne at Zinc Bistro. Dining spot for a night out with friends: Sens, an Asian tapas bar in Central Phoenix that has neon lights, a DJ and the most flavorful little bites. Restaurant for a date night: I don’t think anybody in the world can beat the romantic atmosphere of Sassi.
