Scottsdale Travel News: December 2009

SCOTTSDALE TRAVEL NEWS: DECEMBER 2009
A monthly update from the Scottsdale Convention & Visitors Bureau

EXPERIENCE A CLAM BAKE IN THE SONORAN DESERT AT THE GRILL AT TPC SCOTTSDALE
As part of Fairmont Scottsdale's commitment to environmental stewardship, The Grill at TPC Scottsdale has partnered with the CleanFish Alliance, an organization that carefully selects fisherman and artisan fish farmers to support sustainable practices. With this partnership comes an all-new menu, featuring the highest quality sustainable seafood. The menu includes entrees like Florida spiny lobster, Loch Duart salmon and striped bass as well as beef, chicken and pork selections. And don't forget to try the dessert items, including Cheesecake Tic Tac Toe, Warm Monkey Bread and Pie Quartet. For a special Friday evening, visit The Grill for its Clam Bake on the patio. Seafood lovers can enjoy little neck clams, Saltspring Island mussels, shrimp and special desserts like brownie cheesecake and raspberry short-cupcakes. The price is $28 for adults and $12 for children six to 12. Children five and younger dine free with the purchase of an adult entrée.

FEEL THE LOVE IN SCOTTSDALE THIS VALENTINE'S DAY
Muddle it up with loved ones this Valentine's Day at deseo at The Westin Kierland Resort & Spa. Join master mixologist Gerardo Mendoza on Feb. 10 for a special Muddle Drink Making session from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. You'll leave with a recipe and new skills to impress! Or, give your body and soul a little TLC with Agave Spa's Head, Shoulders, Knees and Toes therapy. During the entire month of February, pay $169 and choose any three of the following 25-minute treatments: Feel the Love rose facial treatment; Neck, Back and Shoulders massage; Chocolate Foot Therapy; and Scalp Therapy.

     Sweet Basil Gourmetware & Cooking School is hosting two themed cooking classes in February. The first, Valentine Tea, is scheduled for Feb. 6 and on the menu are dill cream puffs stuffed with lemon shrimp salad, turkey and cranberry chutney tea sandwiches, blueberry scones with lemon curd and more. Dinner and Romance on Feb. 11 teaches you how to prepare a lovely dinner for two featuring garlic mustard-grilled beef tenderloin as the main dish. Classes are $50 per person. For media information, contact Martie Sullivan at sweetbasil@sweetbasilgourmet.com or (480) 596-5628.
     Downtown Scottsdale eatery Estate House invites you to savor the decadence of the romantic holiday on Feb. 14 with its All Chocolate amuse bouche and three-course, pre fixe menu. The special is $75 per person and features toasted coriander seared Ahi tuna with milk chocolate chipotle glaze, black cherry smoked duck breast in a dark chocolate demi and peanut white chocolate bark for dessert.

RAWHIDE WESTERN TOWN RETURNS TO ITS FRONTIER ROOTS
Merging cowboy customs and the Gila River Indian Community, Rawhide Western Town & Steakhouse at Wildhorse Pass rolled out a revamped menu and new activities to offer the best of both cultures. Utilizing local ingredients from the Gila River Indian Community and Rawhide's own Akimel Basho Farm, consulting Chef Michael Cairns and Executive Chef Jon Anderson serve up traditional Western eats while blending modern tastes. The menu includes seasonal dishes such as sweet corn polenta cakes as well as staples like lamb chops, fried chicken, and a variety of steaks, which can be cut to your liking by the "Town Butcher." Providing more than just hearty Western fare, Rawhide offers a slew of entertainment options like the Deadman's Drop rock climbing, the Spirit of the West comedy theater, gold panning and Friday night bull riding. And every Saturday, from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m., locavores can choose produce from the garden while mingling with community farmers, artisans and vendors at the Wildhorse Pass Farmers Market. The market also offers children's activities, cooking classes, breakfast and brunch, and story telling.

SPORTS, SPURS AND SPIRITS - AN EVENT LINE-UP THAT'S GOT IT ALL
America's favorite pastime hits the streets of downtown Scottsdale March 3 - April 4, 2010 when the San Francisco Giants return to Scottsdale Stadium for Cactus League spring training. Spend an afternoon in the sunny Sonoran Desert and enjoy close-up views of some of your favorite players. On the home-game roster this year are match-ups with the Los Angeles Dodgers, Cleveland Indians, Chicago Cubs more. For the best seat in the house, head to the Charro Lodge for some VIP treatment. Adjacent to the Giants' bullpen, the lodge offers the best views of the baseball action in a relaxed, club-like atmosphere with complimentary food and beverages.

     The National Festival of the West is a true Old West cowboy party at WestWorld of Scottsdale taking place March 18-21. Tip your hat, slip on your boots and get the spurs ready for the rootin' tootin' event that will be complete with cowboy poetry, chuck wagon cooking, a Western tradeshow, costume contest and more. The event is fun for the whole family so bring 'em down and make sure to catch the Western film festival where you can listen in on celebrity panel discussions and learn firsthand what happened on the sets of some of the best silver screen classics. For media information, contact Mary Brown at mary@festivalofthewest.com or (602) 996-4387.
     After more than 30 years, the Scottsdale Culinary Festival is the country's longest-running food festival that continues to draw more than 40,000 culinary conquistadors with events like the Friends of James Beard Benefit Dinner and the Great Arizona Picnic . The local-favorite feast returns to Scottsdale April 13-18 and will include appearances from some of the country's best chefs, cooking demonstrations and an outdoor picnic in downtown Scottsdale. Last year's line-up featured some of the best and brightest from the Bravo and Food Networks.

SPRING BLOOMS WITH SPECIALS FOR EVERY TYPE OF TRAVELER
Make good on your triathlon goals and train with the pros at Sanctuary on Camelback Mountain Resort and Spa. The hotel's personalized three-day Triathlon Prep Program caters to athletes just beginning the training process or closing in on race day. A daily power breakfast is included, as well as three days of training with Sanctuary's team of experts - including Olympic swimmer Misty Hyman, followed by three spa treatments to soothe and restore muscles and joints. The program goes thru May 16, 2010 and starts at $1,788 for a mountain casita, and includes accommodations for three nights. 

     Although the property doesn't boast a golf course, guests staying at the W Scottsdale Hotel & Residences won't need to forgo the signature Scottsdale experience. The downtown property is partnering with The Phoenician to give visitors time to tee-up on the green, making it the first W Hotel ever to offer golf specials. The offer includes everything needed for a serious game - unlimited play on the course, transportation to and from the properties, and golf balls. And after a long day of 18 holes, unwind with complimentary drinks and cigars. Rates for the special start at $269 per night and goes thru April 18. For media information, contact Amy La Sala at amy@crosby-wright.com or (480) 367-1112.
     Extend your getaway at the Four Seasons Resort Scottsdale at Troon North. The property's Stay Longer offer includes
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