RUBEE TUESDAY: Blind Pig, JW Marriott Desert Ridge, Ember at We-Ko-Pa Casino, The Genuine

October 31, 2023 / Christina Barrueta

Seafood plate at Tia Carmen — Seafood bowl at Tia Carmen at JW Marriott Desert Ridge

A weekly feature, I publish Rubee Tuesday as a photo recap of my recent drinking and dining adventures. You can read past Rubee Tuesdays HERE.

Saturday, October 22: The Blind Pig (Scottsdale). A casual neighborhood brunch spot by day, by night it transforms into a restaurant where owners (and native New Yorkers) Brandon and Michele Gioffre share their favorite East Coast Italian-style dishes. Tip: One such crowd-pleaser, Clams Oreganata, is so popular that regulars know to call ahead to lock in their order before it inevitably runs out. Click the photo below to watch my video reel for fantastic fare such as Bocconcini al Forno with bubbling prosciutto-wrapped hand-pulled mozzarella, linguine and clams, 10-layer lasagna, amaretto cheesecake, and more.

Monday, October 23: JW Marriott Desert Ridge (Phoenix). I attended a media unveiling of Sedona Springs and Sky island, two luxurious additions to the resort’s stunning AquaRidge WaterPark. (Click the photo below to read the detailed Press Release).

Part of the property's $18 million AquaRidge renovation, Sedona Springs offers personalized concierge services like spa services along with poolside cabanas, daybeds, and a hot tub, while Sky Island is an adults-only destination which offers similar amenities plus an infinity edge plunge and fire pits.

For a video reel of the night’s festivities (including WorldClass caviar and fireworks!) click on the photo below.

Executive Chef Angelo Sosa and Destination Restaurant Chef, Dejan Djukic of Tia Carmen at JW Marriott Desert Ridge

Wednesday, October 25: Ember (We-Ko-Pa Casino Resort). As I mentioned here, we never miss an opportunity to attend a wine dinner at this special spot —a sophisticated steakhouse situated within We-Ko-Pa Casino and Resort. During our latest visit, we traveled to Australia with Chef Richard Peltz’s deliciously creative menu paired with wines from the McLaren Vale wine region.

Thursday, October 26: The Genuine (Phoenix).In collaborating with the WorldClass team, I’m spoiled by the diversity of the luxury ingredients they source from around the world, and this dinner, led by Chef Jeremy Pacheco and guest chef Alejandro Martinez, was an amazing showcase.

Paired with wines from the same regions, the menu highlighted WorldClass’s broad portfolio—from Spanish gin and Ibérico pork to Portuguese octopus and Uruguayan caviar.