Scottsdale Culinary News
SCOTTSDALE, AZ, January 19, 2006.
SCOTTSDALE CHEFS COOK UP NATIONAL TELEVISION COVERAGE
Executive Chef Beau MacMillan of Sanctuary on Camelback Mountain Resort and Spa and its acclaimed elements restaurant, was recently invited to appear as a challenger on the Food Network's popular series, Iron Chef America. Chef MacMillan is the first resort chef, as well as the first chef from Arizona, to go up against the Iron Chefs in Kitchen Stadium. MacMillan and his team traveled to New York this month where the show was taped in advance of a spring airdate. He faced Bobby Flay in the culinary showdown. For more information, visit www.sanctuaryaz.com or call (800) 245-2051. For media information only, contact Kimberly Shepard at [email protected] or (310) 586-7133.
Jon-Paul Hutchins, executive chef of the Scottsdale Culinary Institute, made his first network appearance on "The Today Show." The four-minute taped segment aired on NBC on Jan. 6 and featured a local culinary-challenged woman whom he helped learn how to cook - from boiling water to saut'eing meat. Hutchins' other television appearances include "Sarah's Secrets" on the Food Network and "Going Home" on HGTV. For more information, visit www.chefs.com. For media information only, contact Larry Canepa at [email protected] or (480) 425-3031.
Award-winning Pastry Chef Pierino Jermonti from Royal Palms Resort and Spa also has spent time in the Hollywood limelight. He was recently featured on the Food Network's prime-time show, "Sugar Rush," celebrating all things sweet and sugary. With host Warren Brown, Chef Jermonti created "Sweet Art" in the form of an architecturally inspired cake that showed off Jermonti's brilliant signature work with chocolate. For more information, visit www.royalpalmshotel.com or call (800) 672-6011. For media information only, contact Sally Cooper at [email protected] or (480) 946-9446.
NORTH SCOTTSDALE TO ACQUIRE TWO NEW HOT SPOTS IN THE NEW YEAR
Visitors to North Scottsdale soon can enjoy new culinary offerings from KMI, the group responsible for the celebrated dining trio (Cowboy Ciao, Sea Saw, Kazimierz world wine bar) known as Restaurant Row on Stetson Drive in downtown Scottsdale. They partnered with the creative forces behind Blue Wasabi Sushi & Martini Bar and will soon boast two new dining hot spots on Market Street in DC Ranch located in North Scottsdale. In early 2006, the Star Spangled Tavern will open its doors. Themed as a "public house" with turn-of-the-century Midwestern craftsman style, this new restaurant will feature all-American food, drink and wine. A menu balanced with classic American fare will join more modern dishes and all will feature the culinary wealth found across the country. Homage will be paid to comfort food, regional traditions and local farmers. The wine list will lean heavily towards boutique producers from California, Washington, Oregon and Arizona, but also will feature wines from many of the other 50 states.
Located directly next door will be Baroque, a European-influenced luxury lounge. The design plan for the lounge merges a timeless, Old World design with liberal touches of elegant decadence. Primarily patterned after the provocative nightlife of London and Paris, Baroque will indulge all the senses by offering hand-crafted cocktails, flights of rare grower champagnes, light plates celebrating the cuisines of Europe, in addition to regular entertainment ranging from DJs spinning euro-grooves to live jazz performances. For more information, visit ww.starspangledtavern.us or www.baroqueluxelounge.com (note: Web sites are currently under construction). For media information only, contact Mari Markogianis at [email protected] or (602) 790-5998.
DISCOVER SOUL FOOD OF A DIFFERENT KIND AT SEVERAL SCOTTSDALE SPAS
Coffee stimulates the lymphatic system? Wine moisturizes the skin? Yogurt and buttermilk with oats and honey replenish and exfoliate? In Scottsdale, sophisticated spa therapists have taken these rather common items found in any kitchen and incorporated them into not so common treatments. Scottsdale spa therapists have already mastered the art of marrying Native American healing techniques using indigenous elements such as Arizona river rocks, Sonoran Desert clays and muds and desert herbs so it only seemed natural to find inspiration from everyday kitchen items like fresh limes, organic grains, rice, milk and fruit. Below are just some of the ways Scottsdale's renowned spas are using such ingredients to pamper, relax, detoxify and reinvigorate their guests while adding a dash of comfort, spoonful of calm, and cup of warmth!
o The Phoenician's Centre for Well-Being Green Coffee Body Treatment begins with a stimulating Green Coffee lotion spread over the body that is derived from un-roasted South American coffee beans, stimulating the lymphatic system. A warm wrap helps the skin absorb the nutrients and a soothing neck and scalp massage completes the service. www.thephoenician.com
o Alvadora Spa at the Royal Palms Resort created the Orange Blossom Body Buff treatment using orange blossom scent that comes from neroli, the fragrant bitter orange blossom that produces one of the most cherished and expensive oils in the botanical kingdom. The treatment begins with a Turkish salt applied to the entire body with long, gentle strokes, followed by a thermal mineral bath gel. After a quick shower rinse, a nourishing body lotion is applied and the face is misted with neroli water. The guest is then gently wrapped in towels while enjoying a scalp and neck massage with neroli oil. www.royalpalmsresortandspa.com
o The Spa at Gainey Village offers the Chardonnay Sugar Body Glow featuring Chardonnay grape seed extract, which is one of the most powerful anti-oxidants found in nature. The treatment starts with a pure sugar cane and wine scrub to smooth out rough spots, while shea butter and fine oils soften and protect the skin. After a velvety bath gel with a refreshing bouquet of pomegranate to condition the skin, an application of Chardonnay Body Butter with a hint of grapefruit is applied to seal in moisture. www.thespaatgaineyvillage.com
o Sanctuary on Camelback Mountain Resort and Spa features luk pra kope that has been used in Thailand for centuries. To begin, the feet are soaked in a fresh lime and essential oil bath, followed by a cooling exfoliation with fine, white Thai clay and fresh lime. Combined with Thai massage, a medicinal blend of steamy, organically grown herbs are rolled, massaged and pressed into tight muscles and problem areas. The heated compress soothes sore and aching muscles, enhances circulation, reduces joint stiffness and refreshes skin. www.sanctuaryaz.com
o The Spa at Camelback Inn's Desert Nectar Honey Wrap uses a blend of pure Arizona honey, fresh buttermilk and natural oats. As the creamy, rich ingredients of the wrap soak in, the scalp is massaged and conditioned with a natural, fragrant blend of essential oils. The body is then unwrapped, rinsed with warm water, and a milk-enriched cream is applied to further hydrate. The body treatment is followed by a facial using orange blossom water, honey almond exfoliation and a massage with lavender oil. www.camelbackinn.com For more Scottsdale spa offerings or to download the Scottsdale Spa Discovery Guide, visit www.ExperienceScottsdale.com or call (800) 805-0471. For media information only, contact Michelle Streeter at [email protected] or (480) 429-2254.
E4 OFFERS SMALL PLATES IN AN ECLECTIC ATMOSPHERE
e4, Scottsdale's newest upscale dining and nightlife venue, is now offering partygoers innovative cuisine and delectable desserts. The new executive chef, Tim Hoobler, introduced the small-plate social dining concept to e4's menu, which features 12 delectable fusion tapas named after the 12 zodiac signs, including the Cancer (spicy crab wontons), the Libra (panko-crusted ahi) and the Capricorn (goat cheese flatbread pizza). All the dishes are presented in small plate format, perfect for sharing and allowing guests to embark on a culinary adventure, while still saving room for the irresistible desserts such as ginger cr`eme Brule and hazelnut chocolate truffles. Adding to the ambiance, e4 features eclectic solo performers on weeknights from 6 to 9 p.m., creating the perfect mood to kick off the night. Later in the evening, e4 evolves into Scottsdale's elite nightlife destination, with patrons experiencing diverse rooms meticulously designed to embody the four elements. For more information, visit www.e4-az.com or call (480) 970-3325. For media information only, contact Aron Mezo at [email protected] or (480) 481-3429.
MARY ELAINE'S RELAXES ITS MENU AND DRESS CODE
The legendary Mary Elaine's at The Phoenician is polishing up its image for a new generation of bon vivants. Long regarded as Arizona's premier fine dining restaurant, this Five-Diamond award-winner will retain every inch of its elegance while relaxing its dress code and adding an a la carte menu to its traditional prix fixe format. The wait staff has traded in the traditional tuxedo for custom Armani in the form of a stylish three-button suit and tie, while guests enjoy a newly relaxed "jacket recommended" policy. Among the new offerings, Mary Elaine's is unveiling this season a new jazz pianist and vocalist, Lisa Addeo, known for her lively upbeat modern repertoire versus old classics; a new lounge menu in a relaxed environment for those wanting petite portions in a shorter dining frame; and fine wines by the glass. Outdoor patio dining is available for the first time at Mary Elaine's since its opening in 1988. For more information, visit www.thephoenician.com or call (800) 888-8234. For media information only, contact Valerie Poulos at [email protected] or (480) 423-2657.
TASTEBUDS COME ALIVE IN SCOTTSDALE AT SEVERAL FOOD-INSPIRED EVENTS
Food inspires celebration, and no destination puts together those two elements better than festive Scottsdale. Here, the key ingredients are excellent food, great living and good causes. From chocolate festivals and cowboy cookoffs to traditional Native food gatherings and gourmet wine, travelers to the Scottsdale area are sure to find a culinary affair to fit their fancy. Along with the multitude of food-frenzied events, Scottsdale boasts perfect weather, allowing guests to fully enjoy the mix of food, art, culture and fun both indoors and out.
o Native Trails, Jan. 10- April 15 - At Native Trails presented by the Fort McDowell Yavapai Nation and produced by the Scottsdale Center for Performing Arts, a series of free festivals celebrating Native American culture, visitors not only can take in a performance of unique tribal dances, songs and stories from the Hopi, Yavapai, Apache and Din'e (Navajo) tribes, but also can feast upon Native foods. Several Native food vendors share their one-of-a-kind fare with the crowds during the lunchtime performances on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays. In addition, special Saturday performances will feature culinary and art guests from the Scottsdale tourism industry. Cactus Jack from the Desert Botanical Garden will prepare a "Cooking with Cactus" demonstration on Jan. 28, and Chef Michael Rusconi of Lon's at the Hermosa Inn will share his culinary talents at a Native Cooking Demo on April 15. For more information, visit www.CultureQuestScottsdale.com or call (480) 421-1004. For media information only, contact Michelle Streeter at 480-429-2254 or [email protected].
o 15th Annual Scottsdale Fine Art & Chocolate Festival, Feb. 10-13 -The Scottsdale Pavilions provides the handsome backdrop to this elegant affair. Held outdoors, patrons stroll throughout this celebration of juried fine arts and crafts in a park setting on luscious green grass. And, who can resist the more than 20 chocolate companies represented during this three-day event. Chocolate vendors are scattered throughout the festival, offering their exquisite creations for sampling and purchase. For more information, visit www.thunderbirdartists.com or call (480) 837-5637. For media information only, contact Denise Colter at [email protected] or (480) 837-5637.
o National Festival of the West featuring the Chuckwagon Cook-Off Competition, March 18 - Enjoy the sights, sound, smells, and tastes of the Old West in this unique culinary competition. Competitors work from authentic chuck wagons as they cook in the style of the 1880s cattle drives. For more information, visit www.festivalofthewest.com or call (602) 996-4387. For media information only, contact Shonna James at [email protected] or (602) 424-7822.
o Scottsdale Culinary Festival, April 18-23 - Each April, more than 60,000 aficionados of fine cuisine converge in Scottsdale to sample the latest creations by the area's most renowned chefs, caterers and vintners at the Scottsdale Culinary Festival, a nationally acclaimed week-long event celebrating gourmet food and wine. For more information, visit www.scottsdaleculinaryfestival.org or call (480) 945-7193. For media information only, contact Melanie Klausner at [email protected] or (602) 264-2655. For more information on any of the culinary events listed, visit www.ExperienceScottsdale.com or call the Scottsdale Convention & Visitors Bureau toll free at (866) 399-4701.
PAIRINGS OF A MORE SOPHISTICATED NATURE OFFERED AT WESTIN KIERLAND RESORT
Diners at the Westin Kierland Resort & Spa's Brittlebush Bar & Grill can choose their libations from a list of wines produced by legendary golf pros. The new golf and wine pairing list features golf pros, such as Greg Norman, Nick Faldo, and Arnold Palmer to name a few. The menu highlights each golfer's major accomplishments as well as several choices of wine available from each golfer's private wine label. For example, guests can learn that Australian-born Greg Norman won 86 professional events around the world and order his Greg Norman Chardonnay, Cabernet/Merlot, Pinot Noir or Zinfandel by the glass or bottle. Other golfers and their wines featured at Brittlebush include Frank Nobilo and his Nobilo Icon Sauvignon Blanc, Merlot and Pinot Gris; Ernie Els' Guardian Peak Shiraz; and Nick Faldo's Shiraz. For more information, visit www.kierlandresort.com or call (888) 625-5144. For media information only, contact Donna Butler at [email protected] or (480) 624-1315.
Remember to log onto www.scottsdalepressroom.com for additional tourism news, press kits and releases, media tour information and more. And, you can always turn to our public relations team for additional assistance, from photo needs and story ideas to help customizing an individual media tour.
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