RUBEE TUESDAY, August 2-8: Marigold Maison, La Hacienda, El Chorro, Spotted Donkey, Crab & Mermaid, Craft 64
A weekly feature, Rubee Tuesday is a recap of my week's adventures in dining and drinking in and around Phoenix.
Photo by Food & Lifestyles at Crab & Mermaid
Tuesday, August 2. I have a new favorite Indian restaurant and it's called Marigold Maison. I love this cozy spot showcasing delicious dishes at the hands of Chef Sunil and his regional specialties. Look for a detailed recap and more photos next week to learn more about this Paradise Valley gem and some exciting plans they have in store.
Wednesday, August 3rd. Reseaching margaritas for an upcoming writing assignment brings me, of course, to La Hacienda at the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess, which has one of the largest tequila selections in Scottsdale, along with an acclaimed Mexican menu. Click on the picture below for a link to a photo and video recap of our delicious evening.
The El Pina Diablo with serrano pepper and pineapple (photo by Food & Lifestyles)
Thursday, August 4. Time for whisky! We visited El Chorro for an Edrington portfolio seminar led by Brian MacGregor. Our tasting included Highland Park and Macallan, including the elusive Rare Cask. Look for a fall feature on The Macallan and my interview with Master Whisky Maker Bob Dalgarno.
Friday, August 5th. Breakfast: I picked up a complimentary media box of Chompie's new bagel flavors: Spinach and spinach everything, banana-chocolate chip, whole wheat everything, pretzel, and their breakfast bar - great additions to their 35+ varieties. It's no surprise I think they're the best bagels in Arizona. And they're not just for breakfast - check out my chicken salad bagel sandwich on Instagram.
Lunch: Another stop on my margarita tour was the Spotted Donkey at El Pedregal at the Boulders. Scott made us the signature margarita, the El Pedegral, with the Spotted Donkey's exclusive Herradura double-barrel reposado tequila. Photos by Food & Lifestyles:
Spotted Donkey also boasts barrel-aged cocktails and an all-day menu 11:30 am to 9 pm.
Saturday, August 6: More margaritas were in store and no list would be complete without Richie Moe's Riptide at Crab & Mermaid - a refreshing frozen margarita made with pomegranate, blackberry puree, and charred lime, rimmed with black salt. It's a perfect sipper for washing down Chef Carter's fresh seafood. Photos by Food & Lifestyles:
And I was joined by wonderful friends! Jenelle Bonifield of Food & Lifestyles was shooting the photos, and, happily, I ran into one of my best friends, Rhonni Moffitt, former editor and owner of AZ Wine Lifestyle magazine, who just happened to be having lunch at the bar.
The rest of the afternoon was spent at three of Scottsdale's wine tasting rooms for an upcoming Scottsdale Visitor Guide article.
Dinner: Our friend Matt Butson (bartender at the Last Drop) met us to end a great day at one of my favorite Old Town spots, Craft 64, for excellent pizza and R&D for a new Campari cocktail called the Right on Ruby! Co-owner James Swann invited me to sample and choose local gins and bitters for my libation namesake, with the winning choices being Commerce gin and AZ Bitters Lab Sunshine Bitters. Be sure to order a Right on Ruby and tell us what you think!
Check back next week as I spend a staycation at the Four Seasons Resort Scottsdale celebrating Spanish Heritage weekend with a special Chef Mecinas Brothers dinner, and take a journey on a clipper ship at the new tiki bar Under Tow.
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