< PreviousescapesBY KYLEY WARREN2BEST OF OUR VALLEY 2019April Mocks 2.indd 464/8/19 7:19 PM68escapesBEST SAN DIEGO RESORT OR HOTELHotel Del CoronadoHotel Del Coronado is a staple of California culture in its purest form. A living legend for 131 years, the Del celebrates its rich heritage and diverse history as the proud host to celebrities, royalty, presidents and local beach lovers galore for generations. The iconic resort, complemented by faint maroon tiers atop the structure and nostalgic décor that sets the tone for the charming ambience throughout the property, was built in 1888 by Elisha Babcock Jr. and Hampton L. Story. This American treasure received the o cial designation as being a ational istoric andmar in 1977, which o cially slated the Hotel Del Coronado’s place in history.hoteldel.com.BEST ARIZONA LAKE ESCAPELAKE POWELLStraddling the border between Arizona and Utah, there lies Lake Powell—a reservoir and adored desert oasis settled on the Colorado River that boasts a great amount of history and exhilarating activities that can be enjoyed both on the water, shore-side and even by air. The vacation hot spot boasts an annual total of a near two million visitors. Whether you’re taking in the views by air in a helicopter, wakeboarding the sapphire waters or relaxing for a picnic along the shores, ae owell off er limitless fun and unparalleled desert beauty. visitpagelakepowell.com.BEST NORTHERN ARIZONA ADVENTUREPINK JEEP TOURSFor more than 58 years, Pink Adventure Tours has served as the premier adventure tour company in the Southwest. Sedona’s Pink Jeep Adventure Tours off er a variety of expeditions that encompass history, nature and geology, all complemented by some of the most breathtaking panoramic views of Earth’s natural wonders—like Sedona’s stunning red rock buttes, in particular. pinkadventuretours.com.3BEST NORTHERN ARIZONA WINERYALCANTARA VINEYARDSAlcantara is a family-owned local business that began in 2004. While Arizona is no stranger to unique wine and spirit creations, Alcantara Vineyards manages to set itself apart from the competition through the quaint, family-oriented charm that is aff orded to all guests by the staff , as well as through the jaw-dropping, lush views that the property is settled on. Owner Barbara Predmore says that “the rocky limestone soil and sunny climate in the Verde is very similar to the winemaking regions of France and Italy, and after two years of experimentation the results are everything we hoped for and then some.”alcantaravineyard.com.BEST ORANGE COUNTY RESORT OR HOTELMONTAGE LAGUNA BEACHKnown for luxe accommodations, superb service, delicious dining, a relaxing spa and, of course, the quintessential California views that surround this gorgeous SoCal property, the Montage Laguna Beach is a tropical treasure that manages to eff ortlessly pair guest comfort with the perfect balance of class and West Coast charm. The property recently revamped many of its services and off erings from renovated guestrooms to ey staff changes to new spa partnerships, all for the purpose of continuing to provide a truly unique, coastal stay to the diverse range of travelers that wander through. montagehotels.com/lagunabeach.BEST SEDONA RESORT OR HOTELL’AUBERGE DE SEDONASituated on the banks of Oak Creek in the heart of Sedona’s famed Red Rock country, L’Auberge de Sedona is more than just simply a place to stay—it’s a luxurious environment that promotes the art of celebrating the little things, connecting to nature, healing through spiritual practices and letting go of external forces so that guests can truly relax. More than a hotel, a restaurant and a spa, L’Auberge is a place where extraordinary memories are created, romances are rekindled and where unplugging results in true connection. lauberge.com.L’Apothecary Spa was named Best Sedona Spa—as well as in 2018—offeri ng customized yoga and meditation, sound healing and more. BEST SEDONA RESORT OR HOTELHILTON SEDONA RESORT BELL ROCKestled along the ed oc Scenic Byway, Hilton Sedona Resort at Bell Rock, Sedona’s adventure headquarters, off ers an upscale retreat where guests can continue their essential journey toward wellness, tness, renewal and outdoor April Mocks 2.indd 474/8/19 7:19 PM692adventures. The resort’s multi-million-dollar enhancements include remastered guestrooms, refreshed common areas and the reimagined ShadowRock Tap + Table, a cool and casual restaurant designed to merge indoor and outdoor dining and gathering. Hilton Sedona Resort at Bell Rock continues to evolve and perfect the guest experience through new partnerships, programming, offerings and interactive elements focused on exploration, adventure and experiencing the essence of Sedona. hiltonsedonaresort.com. BEST SOUTHERN ARIZONA WINERYELGIN WINERY AND DISTILLERYThe Colonia of Elgin serves as the base bacdrop for Arizona s rst winery, distillery and brewing facility. Elgin Winery and Distillery, which was founded in the early 80’s, has produced decadent wine concoctions from Arizona grapes since the post-prohibition resurgence in Sonoran Desert winemaking. elginwd.com.Fast Faves2018 WinnerBest Arizona Ski Resort (tie) ARIZONA SNOWBOWL, snowbowl.ski; SUNRISE PARK RESORT, sunriseskiparkaz.com.2018 Winnerest orthern Arizona Annual vent (tie PRESCOTT RODEO, worldsoldestrodeo.com; SEDONA ARTS FESTIVAL, sedonaartsfestival.org.2018 Winnerest orthern Arizona ie (tie BEAR MOUNTAIN and WEST FORK OF OAK CREEK CANYON, fs.usda.gov.Best Southern Arizona Adventure KARTCHNER CAVERNS, azstateparks.com/kartchner.Best Southern Arizona Hike (tie) MT. LEMMON MEADOW LOOP and UPPER JAVELINA TRAIL, maranaaz.gov/trails.BEST PRIVATE OR CHARTER SCHOOLChandler Preparatory AcademyChandler Preparatory Academy is committed to cultivating the hearts and minds of students in grades 6 to 12 through the pursuit of truth, goodness and beauty. The academy offers a wellrounded liberal arts curriculum in a vibrant culture, prepping students for success in college, leadership in their chosen career and a life lled with purpose. chandlerprep.greatheartsacademies.org.TOP MEXICO RESORTPueblo Bonito Pacifica Golf & Spa ResortThe awardwinning ueblo onito acica olf Spa esort is located on a 2.mile stretch of pristine white beach on the acic cean, ust a 10minute ride from the lively Cabo San ucas. This tranquil and romantic retreat for adults offers fullservice amenities and facilities, including four restaurants, a wellness-inspired spa, access to Quivira olf Club, private beach and cabana privileges. pueblobonito.com/resorts/pacifica.April Mocks 2.indd 484/8/19 7:19 PM70A STATE OF MIND & A WAY OF LIFEEXPERIENCE THE ULTIMATE IN LUXURY, COMFORT & DESIGN WITH FURNITURE FROM BUFFALO COLLECTIONOur luxurious heirloom quality furniture is handmade in America using the finest materials and methods of old world craftsmanship. Let us enrich your lifestyle by creating timeless custom furnishings of the highest quality for your home.SPECIALIZING IN CUSTOM ORDERS • WORLDWIDE SHIPPING • MADE IN THE USA7044 E. FIFTH AVENUE, SCOTTSDALE, AZ480.946.3903 | BUFFALOCOLLECTION.COMHANDMADE HEIRLOOM QUALIT Y BUFFALO LEATHER FURNITURE OR I G I N A L F I N E A R T • U NI Q U E F U RNI S HI N G S • L I G H T I N G • TA B L E S • A C C E S S OR I E SBeautifiers Cover.indd 43/5/19 5:21 PM64BY MELISSA LARSENBEST OF OUR VALLEY 2019food & restaurantsApril Mocks 2 Backup corrupt.indd 1044/9/19 4:22 PM72BEST ASIAN CUISINE, BEST HEALTH FOOD OR VEGETARIAN FOOD AND BEST RESTAURANT TO GET THE MOST BANG FOR YOUR BUCKYC’S MONGOLIAN GRILLsing fresh, quality ingredients, customers at C s Mongolian rill can craft createyour own stirfry for a price that won t bust wallets. lus, with ve alley locations, nding a healthful, familyfriendly (and veggiepaced dining e perience is never far away. ycs-mongoliangri ll.com.BEST ASIAN CUISINECLEVER KOIAt its locations in Central hoeni and owntown ilbert, Clever oi guests dig into an ever-changing menu of steamed buns, house-made dumplings, noodle dishes and small plates that re ect avors and techniques from regions like Thailand, Korea, China, Vietnam, Japan and Indo-China. Clever Koi also houses one of the top coctail menus in the alley that features a mi of classic and creative sips. thecleverkoi.com.65BEST TEA SPOTTeaspressat is safe to say that Arcadia s Teaspressa has turned every hoenician into a tea driner. The impossibly chic tea spot off ers up hot and cold creative tea drins and recently introduced house-made pastries and toasts. Teaspressa also just released a line of beauTA shots, which are healthy boost shots lie activated charcoal, beet and turmeric. (These Instagram-ready sips make your drink look like a rainbow while also adding in health bene ts p ne t Teaspressa opens in owntown hoeni this spring. teaspressa.com.Teaspressa now offers Afternoon Tea. Walk-in Tea for Twos are welcome, but if you call ahead at least 48 hours in advance, the tea team can prepare a customized experi ence for you and your guests. Plus, you also get a Polaroid as a keepsake. $28 per person.BEST BAKED GOODS AND SWEETSUNBAKED EDIBLE COOKIE DOUGHpened for less than a year in ld Town, nbaed dible Cooie ough has already become a favorite of sweet teeth in the Valley thanks to its selection of safe-to-eat cookie dough (there are vegan and gluten-free options. n avors lie brownie batter, sugar cooie and chocolate chip, nbaed dough is available by the cup, in a cone, with ice cream or baked as a traditional cooie. f course, plenty of tasty toppings are available, too. getunbaked.com.food & restaurantsApril Mocks 2 Backup corrupt.indd 1054/9/19 4:22 PM7366BEST BREAKFASTEGGSTASYCotton candy pork belly, chocolate-covered bacon and a lineup of more than 20 omelet options—Eggstasy on Market Street at DC Ranch surely isn’t your run-of-the-mill breakfast joint. Early eaters pop in for over-the-top a.m. specialties (the decadent pancakes and crepes are a must) but those who prefer a more traditional toast-and-eggs setup have plenty of options to choose from, too. eggstasyaz.com.BEST BRUNCHGRUBSTAKDowntown Gilbert’s Grubstak o ers a uniue way to brunch that the whole family can enjoy. Guests dig into dishes like the chock-full Brunch Bowl, a elgian bubble wa e, a selection of breakfast burritos and sandwiches, a not-for-the-faint-of-heart chili cheese omelet and much more. grubstak.com.BEST COMFORT FOOD AND BEST PLACE TO WATCH THE BIG GAMECOLD BEERS & CHEESE-BURGERSWith 10 locations across the Valley, a comforting meal at Cold Beers & Cheeseburgers is never far away. All burgers are hand-formed and cooked to order, and decadent dishes lie bu alo chicken eggrolls, prime rib sliders, a Nashville hot chicken sandwich and much more are up for grabs while cheering on one’s team on any number of the restaurant s fl at-screen T s. coldbeers.com.BEST BURGERBLU BURGER GRILLEIt is impossible to have a bad burger at Blu Burger Grille because it is largely a build-your-own concept, with 10 di erent meat options plus veganvegetarian o erings and toppings, in addition to sauces, cheeses and more. The restaurant s burgers are all a half pound and buns are delivered daily from a local bakery—making it a burger lover's paradise. In addition, it o ers a full bar, almost beers and more than wines. There is truly something for everyone at this North Scottsdale restaurant.bluburgergri lle.com.BEST BRUNCHIRONWOOD AMERICAN KITCHENNothing says “Sunday Funday” more than weekend brunch at Ironwood merican itchen at airmont cottsdale Princess. The brunch bu et has decadent eats likes brulee’d oatmeal and Arizona pecan sticky buns alongside healthful options lie chia pudding and fresh uices. If ordering o of the breakfast menu, the Pink Lady apple toast will make your day before it even gets going with its cranberry walnut bread, hibiscus-poached apples, almond butter, dried fi gs and smoed almonds. scottsdalepri ncess.com.April Mocks 2 Backup corrupt.indd 1064/9/19 9:43 PM7467BEST COUNTRY CLUB CHEFMARCUS DE KONING, PHOENIX COUNTRY CLUBecutive Chef Marcus de oning, who got his start in the culinary industry at the age of 12, brings a great deal of e pertise to the dining venues of hoeni Country Club. e has a passion for ne dining and prepares a variety of special dining events for members throughout the year, including holiday dinners and brunches, a summer lobster fest and much more. phoenixcountryclub.com.BEST FOOD PHOTOGRAPHYDEBBY WOLVOSebby olvos of hotography is one of the alley s most indemand commercial food and lifestyle photographers. She loves to capture chefs, food and cocktails throughout Arizona and beyond, and you ve liely spied her riveting images in high-end lifestyle pubs like Forbes and Travel + Leisure. This year, olvos has several cookbook projects in the works. dw-photography.net. BEST FROZEN TREATGELATO DOLCE VITAMesa s elato olce ita prides itself on using only the highest quality ingredients, like almonds from Puglia, pistachios from Sicily and hazelnuts from Piedmont. Plus, the sweet shop uses local milk, cream and fruits when possible. The most popular avor avor is Stupify, winner of the Scottsdale elato Festival 2017, while the Sogno Autunnale avor was a nalist at the os Angeles elato ord Tour 2017.gelatodolcevita.com.BEST GLUTEN- FREE MENUFARM & CRAFTAt its two alley locations, Farm & Craft focuses on healthy and sustainable food in a chic community-style atmosphere. ts seasonal ellness Menu even includes a plethora of options for gluten-free dining (in fact, most of the menu can be altered to be gluten-free), making it a favorite spot for diners with special dietary needs. ilovefarmandcraft.com. BEST STEAKHOUSEBourbon & Bonesld Town s ourbon ones is a modern, upscale chophouse where diners come in for e ceptional ne dining and an e tensive highend list of more than 120 bourbons and 320 whisey offerings. The menu features top-quality dry- and wet-aged steaks including bone-in cuts and chops, fresh seafood and signature side dishes. To get a taste of what ourbon ones has to offer, stop by for happy hour Monday through Friday from to 6 p.m. for deals on drins, appetizers and the signature ourbon Bones burger. bourbonandbonesaz.com.April Mocks 2 Backup corrupt.indd 1074/9/19 4:22 PM7568BEST HEALTH FOOD STORE SPROUTS FARMERS MARKETSprouts Farmers Market is about to welcome its 40th store in Arizona. (The store will open in Mesa this summer.) Sprouts prides itself on o ering fresh, natural and organic products at prices that appeal to everyday grocery shoppers as the brand believes that healthy food should be a ordable. Amen to that. sprouts.com.BEST ITALIAN (TIE)GUIDO'S CHICAGO MEATS & DELIGuido’s Italian deli and market has been open in Scottsdale since , maing it a favorite among locals seeing authentic Italian groceries and a divine menu of pia, cal ones, pasta, hot and cold subs and much more. guidosofchicago.com.BEST ITALIAN (TIE) AND BEST SLICEVENEZIA'S PIZZERIAOne of Venezia's Pizzeria’s claims to fame is its -slice party pia, though its pasta dishes, cal ones, wings and salads are ust as delish. Keep an eye on Venezia's Pizzeria’s Web site for its can’t-miss lineup of daily deals (like free kid’s meals on Mondays with minimum purchase). venezias.com.BEST SUSHISUSHI ROKUDon’t expect a cream cheesy egas roll at cottsdale s ushi Roku. The sexy sushi bar has transformed the traditional sushi experience into a hip, high-end dining a air. The restaurant features the freshest ingredients fl own in from around the globe for creative and contemporary dishes. For a truly memorable experience, opt for the omaase, a multi-course meal of the chef ’s choosing. sushiroku.com. BEST CULINARY EVENTDISH IT OUTEvery fall, oys irls lubs of etro Phoenix P hosts its annual ish it ut event at igh treet in orth Phoenix with eats, drins, live music and more. ll proceeds support P s clubs around the alley where ,-plus youth enoy after-school and summer programs, academic support and more. Plus, each year, the clubs provide more than , healthy meals and , snacs to youth, maing it one of the largest meal providers in the state.dishitoutaz.org.April Mocks 2 Backup corrupt.indd 1084/9/19 9:44 PM7669BEST JUICE BARJUICE COREJuice Core is a 100percent organic cold-pressed juice bar and vegan cafe in Scottsdale. The women-owned and operated shop specializes in smoothies (the asy reezy tastes lie a day on the beach), açaí bowls, avocado toast and other vegan treats, in addition to its good-for-you juices. juicecore.com.BEST MACARONPARIS RENDEZ VOUSaris endez ous debuted at esert idge Mar etplace in 201, specializing in beautiful French macarons in avors like Nutella, Earl Grey, PB & J, rose, pistachio and more. However, the shop also dishes up a delightful assortment of croissants (including almond and chocolate, ne chocolates, gelato and espresso. paris-rendezvous.com.BEST MEXICAN FOODAJO AL'SAo s Al is a family and veteranowned and -operated business serving the Valley for more than three decades. The menu features from-scratch Sonoran-style Me ican food using locally sourced produce and meats, with signature items being smoed briset tacos, Me ican pizzas and glutenfree mushroom and spinach enchiladas topped with alapeno white sauce. This year, Ao Al s is even rolling out fresh homemade tortillas in all of its Valleywide locations. ajoals.com.BEST NEW RESTAURANT, MOST AMAZING RESTAURANT INTERIOR AND MOST FUN LUNCH SPOTROTT N' GRAPES RORO t s safe to say that ott n rapes o o became one of hoeni s newest hot spots when it debuted on the RoRo block in the fall. The industrial-chic spot features a three-level bar and restaurant, including a cool speakeasy basement, and diners can t get enough of the bric walls and kitschy neon signs. In addition to lunch, dinner and weekend brunch menus, ott n rapes o o features top-notch wine, beer and cocktail selections.rottngrapes.com. MOST AMAZING RESTAURANT INTERIORJ&G STEAKHOUSEAlready one of the loveliest restaurants in the Valley, J&G Steakhouse at The Phoenician debuted an impeccably stylish refresh in the fall. Inspired by the dramatic desert landscape, the new interiors now have fresh sophisticated décor, all-new seating, an updated color palette with deep reds, neutral creams and grays, polished metal elements and much more gorgeousness at every turn. jgsteakhousescottsdale.com.BEST PET-FRIENDLY RESTAURANTO.H.S.O BREWERY & DISTILLERYith some of the most spacious and happening patios in town, ..S. Brewery & Distillery is easily one of the most dog-friendly dining spots in the Valley. There are bustling locations in ilbert, Arcadia, aradise alley and Scottsdale you ll now you ve found ..S. if you spot ust as many paws as pints. ohsobrewery.com.BEST POKE BOWLKOI POKEith ve alley locations, and several more in the works, locals don t have an e cuse not to have a healthful, lling lunch or dinner at Koi Poke. Each bowl starts with a base of white rice, brown rice or spring mi before being topped with a variety of you-choose proteins, veggies, garnishes, sauces and more. For dessert, oi oe offers a range of cooling mochi ice cream. koipoke.com.BEST RESORT RESTAURANTLITCHFIELD'Sitcheld s, The igwam s dinneronly signature restaurant, offers a casual atmosphere and impeccable farm-to-table fare. Diners can cozy up in the romantic, intimate dining room or enjoy some fresh air—alongside the fresh eats—on the patio. ic things off with the chef s charcuterie board before ordering a main entree of European sea bass or Arizona let mignon. wigwamarizona.com.BEST RESTAURANT GROUPRIOT HOSPITALITY GROUP Headquartered in Scottsdale and founded in 2010, iot ospitality Group is responsible for some of the most successful food and beverage concepts in the nited States, including est of ur alley winners El Hefe and Farm & Craft, as well as Hand Cut Burgers & Chophouse, ier s entley s hisey ow and the newly opened Riot House. The team behind Riot Hospitality Group aims to bring locals together via superior food and drin e periences. riothg.com. 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