RUBEE TUESDAY, June 14-20: Honor Amongst Thieves, Bootleggers, Tucson 23, Prep and Pastry, and Mariposa
A recently launched feature, Rubee Tuesday is a recap of my week's adventures in dining and drinking in and around Phoenix.
Photo by Debby Wolvos and Jenelle Bonifield
Wednesday, June 15. I was invited to a media preview of Honor Amongst Thieves, the dark and cozy cocktail lounge above Stock and Stable. With a cocktail program directed by acclaimed libation expert Steph Teslar, I had high expectations and they were both met and surpassed. Cocktails are sophisticated versions rooted in classics, and there's also a bar menu serving dinner after 10 pm. Favorites for me included the complex Varnish with Olmeca Altos reposado tequila, Cynar 70, caramel-corn infused rancio, and dry cider, while my husband raved about the Remington with its smooth blend of shortbread-infused scotch, Vecchio Amaro Del Capo, white chocolate, and chamomile cordial, served with a side of dark chocolate treats. For more information, visit this link (edited: Steph Teslar is no longer with Honor Amongst Thieves).
Thursday, June 16. Any time I'm invited by Heidi Simpson Lee to be on her radio show Into the Soup, I answer with a resounding yes. This week I joined some of my favorite people - Michelle Jacoby of Bite Magazine, film producer Andrew Gooi, and Rick Philips, owner of Bootleggers. We talked food and travel as we recorded while sipping on Lonestar Mules and savoring Bootleggers menu favorites. You can listen in on our episode at this link.
Me, sound expert Steve, Heidi, Michelle, Andrew, and Rick
Friday-Saturday, June 17-18. I was invited to cover Tuscon's inaugural Mexican food festival called the Tucson 23, including a weekend stay at host hotel, the beautiful JW Marriott Tucson Starr Pass Resort, and activities ranging from a chefs dinner to seminars and the main event. For a detailed recap of the Friday night kick-off dinner, click on the photo below.
Find more information here, and click the photo below for the Saturday seminars and main event recap,
Photo by Debby Wolvos Photography
Sunday, June 19. Terri Worthington, Senior Marketing Manager for Marriott International, recommended a visit to Prep and Pastry on our way home, and I absolutely loved it. Look for a review under the Travel section, including this highlight:
Monday, June 20. This time, we headed north to Sedona for a media invitation to celebrate the one-year anniversary of Mariposa Latin Grill (one of my favorite Sedona restaurants) with a Justin wine dinner led by Master Sommelier Joseph Spellman. It was a fantastic evening from start to finish. You can find the menu here, and a detailed recap by clicking on the photo below.
Check back next week when I lunch at L'Auberge de Sedona (and try their wonderful barrel-aged Negroni!) and plan to visit TEXAZ Grill, home of my favorite chicken-fried steak.