RUBEE TUESDAY: Nogales and Tucson, Mora, Federal Grill, Merkin Hilltop in Cottonwood, JT Prime, Herb Box, Omni Tempe Hotel
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.
IZO Spirits pairing dinner at Gallo Blanco in Phoenix (IZO Bacanora, passionfruit, orgeat, and cardamom)
September 22-24: Nogales and Tucson. Stay tuned for a recap of my press trip to Nogales, Arizona (and a stop at Charro Steakhouse in Tucson) on the Travel section. What a great introduction to this city and the warm, friendly people.
Monday, September 25: Gallo Blanco (downtown Phoenix). We were invited to attend an exclusive IZO Spirits pairing dinner at one of our favorite Mexican spots. Our night began with an IZO tasting in the bar, before joining Luke and Paige Irvin of A Taste of AZ for this wonderful dinner:
Wednesday, September 27: Mora Italian (Phoenix). Another great visit that included WorldClass Patagonian lamb chops with prezzomolo chimichurri…
WorldClass Patagonian lamb chops with prezzomolo chimichurri at Mora Italian in Phoenix
And:
Glazed glazed pork belly with cannellini beans and escarole
Pasta al pomodoro
Meatballs with fregola, pesto, and ricotta salata
WorldClass Argentine NY strip steak
Crispy eggplant with Calabrian chile marmalade
Asparagus with confit garlic aioli
Thursday, September 28: Federal American Grille (North Scottsdale). We were invited to attend this fun (and delicious) Basil-Hayden cocktail dinner, a perfect excuse to check out the first location of Houston’s Federal American Grill outside of Texas.
As Basil-Hayden has been named the official American whiskey of the U.S. Michelin Guide, we were treated to excellent cocktails paired with exclusive Michelin chef recipes.
It was also a pleasure to meet our friendly host, Federal American Grill Operating Partner Steve Parker. We’ll be back to explore the menu!
Friday, September 29: Merkin Vineyards Hilltop Winery & Trattoria (Cottonwood). We joined fellow guests for a private ribbon-cutting and after-party to celebrate the opening of Maynard James Keenan’s newest, and most beautiful, tasting room. I’ll be sharing more on my weekend in Cottonwood in a future Travel feature, but for now, click the photo below to watch my video reel.
Maynard James Keenan of Caduceus Cellars and Merkin Vineyards cuts the ribbon for Merkin Vineyards Hilltop Winery & Trattoria, his new winery and restaurant in Cottonwood, Arizona
Monday, October 2: J.T. Prime (Old Town Scottsdale). We were overdue for a visit to this Old Town gem, so when GM Marcos told me we had to check out the secret Happy Hour menu, we made plans for a visit. We happened to be the first to order off of the October menu (Black Widow for me and Nightmare on Bourbon Street for my husband). The menu changes monthly but you’ll have to visit between 3-5 pm and ask for the secret menu.
Of course, we also stayed for dinner for some of our favorites dishes including beef carpaccio, Del Mar Duo with octopus and jumbo tiger shrimp, short rib ravioli with gorgonzola cream sauce, Prime New York strip, and sea bass.
Tuesday, October 3: The Herb Box (North Scottsdale). We were invited to the Herb Box and chose this location as I had never been. What a great spot to spend a leisurely Sunday afternoon. And bonus! I had a chance to check out two brand-new fall cocktails - Pumpkin Pie Martini and Apple Crisp Cider.
Wednesday, October 4: Omni Tempe at ASU (downtown Tempe). It was our first time at this beautiful Tempe hotel and it was impressive! We had been invited to stay and experience its amenities, including the lobby Neighborhood Services Bar + Restaurant and rooftop Lucero, along with a hotel tour. This will be another special spot I will feature in my Travel section, but for now, you can watch my video reel by clicking the rooftop photo below:
Check back on my next Rubee Tuesday for visits to Heritage at Sportsman’s Park, Bourbon & Bones, JW Marriott Camelback Inn, a podcast at Sandfish Sushi & Whiskey, and Gallo Blanco Cafe.