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23 Dining Dos

Whether they offer prized panoramas or mouthwatering pies, Arizona is home to some of the nation’s most amazing dining experiences. 

 

Did you know that Arizona is home to several winners of the prestigious James Beard Foundation Award? Taste the award-winning eats of Nobuo Fukuda at Phoenix-based Nobuo at Teeter House(winner for his work at Sea Saw in 2007); Chris Bianco at Phoenix’s Pizzeria Bianco (2003); Janos Wilder of Downtown Kitchen + Cocktails in Tucson (won for his work at Janos in 2000); Christopher Gross at Christopher’s Restaurant and Crush Lounge at Biltmore Fashion Park (won for her work at Christopher's in 1995); and Vincent Guerithault at Phoenix’s longtime Vincent on Camelback (1993). nobuofukuda.com; pizzeriabianco.com; christophersaz.com; downtownkitchen.com; vincentsoncamelback.com.

 

James Beard Foundation Award nominee and two-time winner of Arizona Foothills Magazine’s Valley’s Top Chef, Kevin Binkley is a culinary force to be reckoned with. At his flagship restaurant, Binkley’s Restaurant in Cave Creek, the chef specializes in a selection of mouthwatering amuse-bouche. Set aside some time to savor a tasting of these luscious little bites. binkleysrestaurant.com.

 

One of the Valley’s most unique dining experiences comes courtesy of POSH Improvisational Cuisine.  At this choose-your-own-adventure Scottsdale restaurant, Chef Joshua Hebert and his team whip on an amazing meal for their diners—and you don’t know what you’re getting until it is sitting in front of you. Diners are asked to simply fill out a questionnaire to find out their likes, dislikes and allergies, and Chef Hebert gets to work creating a multi-course meal masterpiece that can include everything from foie gras to frog legs. poshscottsdale.com.

 

For more than 30 years, Rock Springs Café, located about 30 minutes north of Phoenix, has attracted hungry travelers from far and wide who crave a slice of the cafe’s world-famous pies. The pies, which can now be ordered online and delivered via FedEx, range from traditional and tasty cream and fruit pies to specialty desserts like Jack Daniels pecan pie. rockspringscafe.com.

 

A Valley landmark since 1932 when it was it was constructed by chewing gum legend William Wrigley Jr., the Wrigley Mansion has recently undergone a refresh including the addition of new eats and cocktails. Known as a Phoenix Point of Pride, Sunday brunch at the famed Geordie’s restaurant is a must. wrigleymansion.com.

 

Arizona is brimming with beauty—from desert landscape and mountainous terrain to twinkling city lights and lovely lakes. So what could be grander than savoring an amazing meal while taking in such sights? Try a few of these dining-with-a-view destinations. In the Valley, J&G Steakhouse at The Phoenician, elements at Sanctuary on Camelback, Talavera at Four Seasons Resort Scottsdale at Troon North, the revolving rooftop restaurant Compass Arizona Grill at Hyatt Regency Phoenix, Orange Sky at Talking Stick Resort and Different Pointe of View at Pointe Hilton Tapatio Cliffs all proffer amazing mountain panoramas (and incredible fine-dining cuisine). North of the Valley, the Rainbow Room at Lake Powell Resort gives diners front-row seats of the glistening lake while water lovers will also savor Oak Creek views at L’Auberge Restaurant in Sedona (along with a pleasant soundtrack of babbling water).  To enjoy Sedona’s majestic red rock up close and personal, as well as some tapas, grab at table at View 180 at Enchantment Resort.  jgsteakhousescottsdale.com; sanctuaryoncamelback.com; talaverarestaurant.com; phoenix.hyatt.com; talkingstickresort.comtapatiocliffshilton.com; lakepowell.comlauberge.com; enchantmentresort.com.

 

Thanks to Arizona’s super-mild weather and super-awesome culinary scene, the state is a hotbed of top-notch year-round culinary festivals. In the spring, the Scottsdale Culinary Festival—still one of the biggest culinary events in the nation—attracts more than 60,000 foodies for its signature events like Eat, Drink and Be Pretty and the Great Arizona Picnic. Devoured Phoenix Culinary Classic at Phoenix Art Museum and Arizona Wine and Dine at Scottsdale Quarter are springtime favorites thanks to high-end culinary presentations. Come summertime, revelers enjoy great eats and drinks in the cool air at the Flagstaff Wine and Food Festival, which takes place at the Pepsi Amphitheater at Fort Tuthill County Park.  In the fall, Arizonans spice things up with the mighty popular Arizona Taco Festival which celebrates, you guessed it, tacos, tequila and more. scottsdalefest.org; devouredphoenix.com; azwineanddine.com; pepsiamp.com; aztacofestival.com.

—Melissa Larsen

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