Bitter & Twisted Cocktail Parlour (pictured)
Though it is the best cocktail spot in town (we dream about the creamy Cocaine Cowboy), this Phoenix hot spot offers some incredible eats to complement its zillion-page drink lineup. The Momo burger, with a crispy ramen bun, is as weird and delicious as it sounds while you won’t think twice about licking the gochu cheese sauce—which tops the Korean nachos—off of your fingers.
Admired for its excellent staff and hospitality, St. Francis is a classic, family-owned neighborhood restaurant with rustic sensibilities. Gleeful gourds sit comfortably on the countertops, and shelves of cooking ware and freshly baked bread adorn the brick walls. Wood-beamed ceilings with scattered bistro lights cast a warm glow over guests, who can dine on dishes like filet mignon, roasted beets, herb-crusted swordfish and arugula and strawberry salad. Brunch runs from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on weekends with live jazz from 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., featuring local musicians like Felix Sainz, Dennis Rowland and Diana Lee.
T. Cook’s is located at the five-star Royal Palms Resort & Spa on Camelback Road in the Phoenix/Scottsdale area. The resort is luxurious with mission-style architecture, and T. Cook’s only serves to enhance the experience. Patrons at T. Cook’s can pamper themselves with a candlelit date on one of the restaurant’s two patios, while taking in the scenic Camelback Mountain views in the light of Arizona’s golden sunsets. Inside, guests can sip drinks in the glass enclosed Wine and Tequila tasting room or spend a long, laid back evening with friends by the fireplace. Executive Chef Todd Allison creates Mediterranean-inspired dishes, focusing on seasonal ingredients and uncomplicated preparation.
There’s no denying that the main draw at Postino is their fantastic bruschetta and wine menu, perfect for sharing with a group of friends. With several locations across the Valley, the bistro lighting, colorful art-adorned accent walls and plushy couches make finding a place to lounge around for the night a no-brainer. The bruschetta boards, in which guests can choose four options from a large list, include varieties like brie with apples and fig spread; bacon, burrata, arugula and tomato; and smoked salmon with pesto. Other dishes include paninis, soups, salads and desserts. The wine list comprises varieties from around the world, but usually lesser known varietals and producers that allow novices and experts alike to discover entirely new regions they love.
The historic Hermosa Inn, a luxury boutique hotel just minutes from shopping and entertainment in Scottsdale and Phoenix, is the perfect staycation for Arizona locals and visitors alike. And the cherry on top of this establishment known for its impeccable service is the AAA Four Diamond restaurant: LON’s at the Hermosa. Lead by executive Chef Jeremy Pacheco, LON’s offers fine dining for brunch, lunch or dinner, where guests can savor dishes like tempura maitake mushroom and pecan grilled filet mignon (crisp potatoes, creamed greens, Nueske bacon, red wine demi).
