RUBEE TUESDAY: Merkin Old Town Scottsdale, Jade Palace, Osteria Mia, Tia Carmen, The Rose Garden, Lauren Allen Culinary Events, Anhelo
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.
Merkin Vineyards Tasting Room in Old Town Scottsdale
Friday, August 25: Merkin Vineyards Tasting Room (Old Town Scottsdale). A Scottsdale City Lifestyle assignment on dishes using local honey brought me to one of my favorite chefs - Steve Zimmerman.
Kofta (lamb meatballs with harissa-spiced honey, zhug, toum, and ezme) at Merkin Vineyards Tasting Room in Old Town Scottsdale
We were treated to an array of delicious dishes from this talented culinary star - some of which you can read about in the digital issue at this link (page 25), and others that were chalkboard specials.
And I was thrilled to be one of the first to try the new line of naturally-flavored Queen B sparkling meads (lavender, rose petal, jasmine, and bergamot)!
For dinner that night, we were off to Jade Palace (North Scottsdale). Locally-owned Tequila Corrido was the guest of honor at their first cocktail dinner featuring GM Roman Kettler’s excellent cocktails.
Roman Kettler of Jade Palace
Sunday, August 27: Osteria Mia (North Phoenix). We had family visiting from Vegas, so we treated them to dinner at one of our neighborhood favorites.
Monday, August 28: Tia Carmen (JW Marriott Desert Ridge). The SOMM Journal gathered some of Arizona's finest wine and beverage professionals at Tia Carmen for a Gavi Masterclass. The first stop on the Gavi World Tour, it was a delicious deep dive into this Italian white varietal. Click on the photo below for a video, including the delicious spread that the chefs at Tia Carmen created.
Tuesday, August 29: The Rose Garden (Downtown Phoenix). We had a media sneak peek of the new Sur La Bar mixology class that officially launches September 20. For all the details, check out my video by clicking the photo of Trey Biven below:
Afterwards, we were off to celebrate Lauren Allen Culinary Events at their rebrand launch party at The Royal View House, a luxurious 8,600-square-foot home on a 1-acre estate. Coincidentally, I had been to this beautiful property before as it is the home of one of the co-founders of WorldClass, who now rents it out as a stunning venue.
Lauren Allen is known for her exceptional private dinners and events, and her launch party was another fabulous example. Congratulations Lauren!
Wednesday, August 30: Anhelo (downtown Phoenix). We’ve been back to Anhelo recently, but not for a full tasting menu experience. In fact, the last time we had made a reservation to do so, it was our anniversary last November and we had to cancel. We were blown away when we walked in and chef-owner Ivan had closed the restaurant just for us and created a special re-do Anniversary Dinner with this spectacular custom menu.
Needless to say, Anhelo, which has been a long-time favorite, now holds a special place in our hearts. Thank you to Ivan and his team for spoiling us with a once-in-a-lifetime experience!
Check back next week for visits to Elliott Steakhouse. Anhelo, Fat Ox, La Famiglia, Pa’La, Atlas Wines, Cala, and Sel.