Tag: hotel

The Tipsy Grinch holiday pop-up debuts at Hyatt Scottsdale Resort

The holiday spirit is in the air and there’s a new pop-up experience to help get you in the mood. The Hyatt Regency Scottsdale Resort & Spa introduced their Tipsy Grinch pop-up lounge on the resort’s Lawn Court December 1st. Enjoy festive cocktails and an over the top Grinch holiday theme Wednesday – Sunday from 4 -11 p.m. throughout December.

“The experience is ideal for an after-work holiday happy hour with colleagues, or a fun friend’s night out to celebrate the season. Guests can enjoy a delicious holiday-themed cocktail and snacks while supporting a great local cause here in Scottsdale.” says Vincent de Croock, director of sales and marketing at Hyatt Regency Scottsdale Resort & Spa at Gainey Ranch.

Hotel guests and locals 21 and over stopping in will find the furnished lounge with holiday decor including a hanging upside down Christmas tree, snarky pillows and seasonal music. Crafted cocktails including the Bad Santa & Drink Up Grinches are served in holiday mugs available for purchase and can snack on charcuterie, house made pretzels and churros. Beer and wine are also available. The Tipsy Grinch can be rented out for private parties and company happy hours throughout the month.

Part of the proceeds will be donated to the McDowell Mountain Conservancy, a non-profit dedicated to the local desert ecosystem. For more information visit the resort’s website.

Carcara Restaurant to offer Native American & Sonoran inspired cuisine

Finishing touches are being put on the yearlong renovation at the Sheraton Phoenix Downtown and will culminate with the opening of its new signature restaurant in September, Carcara. Executive Chef Chaz Frankefield has been tapped to oversee the new restaurant that will offer locally sourced ingredients for its Southwestern inspired menu.

The 7,000 square foot restaurant includes a 2,000 square foot patio that will serve breakfast, lunch, dinner and hand crafted cocktails. Chef Frankenfield’s menu will include dishes such as prosciutto wrapped seared sea scallops served alongside Ramona Farms red corn polenta, wilted spinach and tangerine cranberry sauce or beef ribeye with roasted fingerling potatoes, jalapeno cilantro chimichurri, shaved garlic and lemon broccoli.

“We are thrilled to introduce Carcara not only to our local Phoenix community, but also to travelers and guests of Sheraton Phoenix Downtown,” said Frankenfield. “From the modern design incorporating lush greenery and warm earth tones to the Sonoran and Southwestern-inspired menu using locally sourced ingredients, Carcara evokes the heritage and history of the local Phoenix community and welcomes all to immerse themselves in the destination.”

New York based Celano Design Studio designed Carcara with the regions agricultural history including cotton fields and citrus groves as inspiration. A 14-foot tall Chestnut Oak tree grows in the heart of the dining room and offers a 21 foot canopy. Other feature include a fireplace, two fire pits with Cara Cara orange trees lining the patio and three private dining rooms.

To make a reservation at Carcara Restaurant call 602-262-2500.

Canopy by Hilton the first hotel in Old Town Scottsdale in a decade opens

Old Town Scottsdale welcomed its first hotel to open in over 10 years when Canopy by Hilton Scottsdale Old Town welcomed guests recently. Located at Marshall Way and 1st St. the mid-century modern looking seven story hotel offers 177 spacious guest rooms and 2,000 square feet of meeting space. The location is centrally located to everything the Old Town area has to offer. Within walking distance are art galleries, boutiques, Museum of the West and more restaurants to count.

“It’s amazing to see our vision for the hotel come to life as the entire team has put their best effort into embracing the historic arts community while delivering a new destination that will become a gathering place for locals and guests alike,” said Devin Mahoney, general manager and chief enthusiast of Canopy Scottsdale.

Dining at Canopy by Hilton

Canopy by Hilton
Tepary Been Hummus at Cobre

Canopy Scottsdale has its own signature restaurant, Cobre Kitchen + Cocktails headed by Chef Patrick Gaudet. Inspired by the southwest, the American brasserie is open for daily for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Gaudet’s menu includes Chicken Chiliquiles, Caramelized Goat Cheese Salad, Grilled Tri- Tip and Grilled Shrimp and House Guacamole. For those on the run a grab-n- go coffee counter offers locally roasted coffee, breakfast treats and pastries. Cobre’s craft cocktail program joins the area’s cocktail culture that is familiar with a modern twist.

Great views of the valley are found on the rooftop where you’ll find the pool, spa and Outrider Rooftop Lounge. Energy, ambiance and cocktails make the roof the place to see and be seen in Old Town Scottsdale.

“Within the hotel, we’ve honed in on the spirit of the Southwest in every aspect of its architecture, design, art and culture and have created a truly local experience that captures the essence of our neighborhood whether you’re looking to work, play or rest in Old Town Scottsdale. There’s really no other new hotel like it in the area.” says GM Mahoney.

Canopy by Hilton Scottsdale Old Town is located at 7142 E. 1st Street in Scottsdale 85281. For more information visit their website.

Christiaan Rollich & chef Samantha Sanz join Sanctuary on Camelback

Paradise Valley’s Sanctuary on Camelback Mountain Resort & Spa added two reputable personnel to their food & beverage team Executive Chef Beau MacMillan announced. Chef de Cuisine Samantha Sanz returns to where her culinary career started as one of the first female chefs. Mixoligist and author Christiaan Rollich comes to the luxury resort from the Los Angeles restaurant and cocktail scene.

“Sam and Christiaan represent the next generation of tastemakers and the perfect team to move our culinary program forward,” said MacMillan. “Both have built impressive careers through sheer grit and passion. Both are at the top of their game. And they share a deep respect for each other’s craft that will drive their collaboration as they create a full-circle experience between kitchen and bar for our guests.”

Two-time James Beard award nominee Sanz was last the Sous Chef at Talavera Restaurant at the Four Seasons Scottsdale at Troon North. After graduating from Scottsdale’s Le Cordon Bleu School of Culinary Arts she worked at Elements where she impressed MacMillan with her talent, passion and culinary prowess. She then went to Virtu Honest Craft in Scottsdale before to the Four Seasons Scottsdale.

“I am thrilled to be back at Sanctuary—my culinary roots—and to give fresh expression to the vibrant flavors and colors here,” said Sanz. “The opportunity to work so closely with Beau and Christiaan to fully integrate the culinary and bar programs is particularly exciting to me and recognizes the power of food and drink to connect us all.”

Arizona welcomes Christiaan Rollich

Netherlands native Christiaan Rollich started working in the bar industry at Les Deux Cafe to earn extra money while pursuing a acting and modeling career. He authored BAR CHEF: Handcrafted Cocktails in 2019 and Forbes called him “one of LA’s most innovative mixoligists” and is credited by LA Weekly with starting the city’s cocktail renaissance while at celebrated restaurants A.O.C and Luques.

“I love working closely with chefs, studying their techniques and bringing them to the world of drink,” said Röllich. “I can’t wait to see what Beau and Sam will bring to the table flavor-wise, and look forward to exploring and reinventing so my cocktails match their food.”

New quick service and to-go dining concept at FOUND:RE Phoenix Hotel

The hospitality industry continues to adapt to the changing dining habits due to the pandemic that has burdened 2020. The latest is downtown Phoenix’s FOUND:RE Phoenix Hotel which signature restaurant Match Restaurant & Lounge has transformed into Match Market & Bar. The new quick service and to-go dining concept debuted Monday October 12th after the hotel re-opened on October 1st.

“Match Market & Bar is designed to fill a much-needed void in the downtown dining and marketplace scene,” says Tim Sprague of the FOUND:RE Phoenix Hotel. “MMB is a warm and inviting spot for neighbors and hotel guests alike to gather for a relaxed, comfortable and casual meal and cold drinks; a convenient place to pick up a unique gift or a specialty ingredient for a recipe; or a late-night pit-stop to grab an in-room or on-the-way-home midnight snack.”

Quick service dining options

The artisan market offers quick service breakfast, lunch and dinner along with to-go meals and wine, curbside pick-up and a pantry with staples & gifts. Locals and hotel guests can expect trunk shows and pop-up shops that will feature gifts from locals and others like those found in the curated market. The comfortable bar and lounge features specialty cocktails, an extensive wine list, an inviting patio and nightly happy hour.

“We’ve recreated our signature concept to perfectly fit the neighborhood and serve the needs of our guests — whether they are business or social travelers.” say Sprague. Hotel staff is working hard to provide a safe and healthy environment by following strict CDC guidelines. The hotel is looking to hire in several positions throughout the hotel, market & bar. Qualified applicants can submit a resume to mrkyalsky@foundrehotels.com

The Market and Kitchen is open from 5:30 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. daily; the Espresso Bar is open from 5:30 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. daily; and the Bar opens for service at 11:00 a.m. FOUND:RE Phoenix Hotel is at 1100 N. Central Ave. Phoenix 85003.

 

Jade Bar to host battle of the bartenders

Valley bartenders are rolling up their sleeves and getting their shakers ready as Bar Brawl returns to the Jade Bar. The bar at Sanctuary on Camelback Mountain Resort & Spa hosts this friendly competition for its fifth year. This year has bartenders from popular valley hotels and bars going head to head.

Set aside Sunday evenings from July 14th – August 25 to see what cocktails the talented bartenders will be creating. Admission is free and open to the public to cheer on their favorite bartender. Executive chef Beau MacMillian and Jade Bar manager Eddie Garcia will co-host the event with celebrity judges deciding who goes on to the seni-finals.

DJ Hybrid will provide music for the evening and food and drinks will be at happy hour prices.

During the four weeks bartenders will compete with winners going on to the semi-finals then the championship. This years bartenders include….

July 14 Michael Testa – Sanctuary on Camelback Mountain Resort & Spa

vs. Tina McDonald – La Bocca North

July 21 Chris Ortega – The Camby vs. Samantha Hickman – The Windsor

July 28 Miguel Mora – Hotel Adeline vs. Henry Whittaker – The Brickyard Downtown

Aug. 4 Robert Porter – The Phoenician vs. Colton Brock – Ladera Taverna y Cocina

Aug. 11 – Semi-finals

Aug. 18 – Semi-finals

Aug. 25 – Championship

Sanctuary on Camelback Mountain Resort & Spa is at 5700 E. McDonald Dr. Paradise Valley 85253.

 

Rose All Day Happy Hour at The Thirsty Camel starts May 29th

With so much to see at luxurious Phoenican Resort in Scottsdale you may not realize they have fantastic lobby bar, The Thirsty Camel. Locals looking to escape the heat with a refreshing cocktail, sangria or glass of rose should plan to spend some time at The Thirsty Camel this summer as they start their all day happy hour from 2 p.m. -11 p.m.

Quench your thirst at The Thirsty Camel

Whether you choose to lounge out on the terrace or inside from May 29th until August 31st guests of the AAA 5 Diamond resort can sip on one of my favorite roses, Spain’s Muga or the sparkling Piper Sonoma rose for only $10 a glass or 20% off a bottle.

Prefer a cold beer, sip on Dos Equis , Corona or other beers for only $5. House made red, white or rose Summer Sangria are part of the revolving cocktail list created for the summer. A glass of sangria is $12.

Grab a bite to eat

You can’t have happy hour without a bite to eat and a variety of Sonoran style bites including Carne Asada Quesadilla made with Hanger steak and Grilled Artichoke Flatbread topped with Morel mushrooms, spring onion, pea and Stinging Nettle hot sauce are just a couple of bites available.

The Phoenician Resort is at 6000 E. Camelback Rd. Scottsdale 85251. For more information check their website.

Proof Canteen celebrates Thirsty Thursday with a Pop-Up Tiki bar

Loopholes in life are meant to be taken advantage of and Proof Canteen at The Four Seasons Resort in Scottsdale is taking advantage of their “Libation Loophole” for a limited time on Thursdays. Proof is committed to sourcing all their ingredients for the menus from the United States but bends the rules for their tiki styled cocktails at their pop-up tiki bar.

“Spring in Scottsdale is the perfect time to enjoy tiki-style drinks,” says Proof General Manager Karma Tsepal. “We wanted to have a little fun with the cocktail menu, and decided to break our liquor embargo on imported spirits – if only for a limited run!”

Watch the sun set over the ocean desert from Proof’s patio and enjoy a refreshing rum cocktail like the Flaming Zombie Bite, Bitter Burro or Lava Flow and you’ll feel like you’ve been transported to the beaches of the south Pacific and may not want to return to reality. The specialty drinks range in price from $12-$16.

The Bacon Bun Bao with house made bacon, Thai bird chilis, jicama slaw and mint along with The Shrimp Bibimbap with prawns ancient grains and a sunny side up egg are part of the small bites menu to compliment your cocktails.

Reservations are recommended and can be made by calling Proof Canteen at 48-513-5088

Hotel Valley Ho has a new executive chef in the kitchen

Scottsdale’s iconic Hotel Valley Ho recently has made a change in its culinary operations and has named Russell LaCasce as executive chef effective January 2nd, 2017. LaCasce comes from Sanctuary on Camelback Mountain Resort & Spa where he was the executive sous chef where he worked closely with executive chef Beau Macmillan  since 2010.

Zuzu restaurant
Hotel Valley Ho’s Zuzu restaurant

LaCasce found his passion for food and cooking 20 years ago while working in Charleston, South Carolina before moving to Park City, Utah to learn the service side of the restaurant industry.

After moving to Scottsdale in 2006 he attended the Arizona Culinary Institute and went to work at T. Cook’s at The Royal Palms Resort before heading to the other side of Camelback Mountain to Sanctuary on Camelback. While at T.Cook’s he worked with executive chef Lee Hillson and rose the p.m. sous chef position.

At Hotel Valley Ho LaCasce will oversee all aspects of the hotels culinary operations including the hotel’s restaurant Zuzu, in-room dining, catering and banquets.

“We are delighted to have Russell as our new executive chef. His reputation for delivering creative and flavorful cuisine coupled with his ability to lead his culinary colleagues made him the perfect fit for this key position. We are very much looking forward to seeing how he influences ZuZu and all of our culinary operations,” said Ronen Aviram, the hotel’s general manager.

LaCasce replaces executive chef Charles Wiley who has moved to the soon to open Mountain Shadows Resort in Paradise Valley where he will be the executive chef. Wiley will continue to be director of food and beverage for Westroc Hospitality which has developed and manages Hotel Valley Ho, Sanctuary on Camelback and Mountain Shadows.