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In terms of reputation, Scottsdale, Arizona has made quite a name for itself when it comes to resorts, shopping – and, of course, its tranquil desert surroundings. However, you might not be aware that the city boasts an impressive assortment of restaurants, beverage houses and wineries serving a diverse lineup of food and drinks. Yes, southwest dishes are well represented here, but so is cuisine from other parts of the United States and the world. Here, learn about the best places to find tantalizing dishes and dreamy drinks in Scottsdale.

INDULGE IN PREMIUM BEEF, SEAFOOD AND BOURBON

Treat your attendees to the good life with dinner at Bourbon & Bones Chophouse and Bar. The menu and ambiance of this swanky steakhouse make it well worth the splurge. Standout offerings include USDA Prime grade steaks, mouthwatering Wagyu and wet aged selections, fresh seafood, top shelf bourbon offerings and unique signature cocktails. In fact, you might consider elevating the occasion further by reserving the restaurant’s private dining room. Bourbon & Bones does impose a business casual dress code, making it imperative to ensure your attendees wear the proper attire.

STOP IN FOR AN AUTHENTIC ITALIAN LUNCH

If your attendees need a quick yet memorable light lunch during the day, Andreoli Italian Grocer is an excellent option. This gourmet grocery store and eatery creates pastas, sandwiches and salads from authentic Italian ingredients. Better yet, the talented staff make these dishes from scratch whenever possible. Available dishes include Tizio, featuring sausage prepared in-house, onions and peppers laid on a baguette. The Sempronio is another crowd pleaser, complete with fresh mozzarella and salty prosciutto.

SAVOR INDIGENOUS FLAVORS OF SOUTHWEST CUISINE

You cannot send your attendees to Arizona without giving them the chance to taste real southwest food. Tucked unobtrusively into the local DoubleTree Resort, Asadero Cocina + Cantina serves a robust selection of authentic indigenous cuisine. Locally sourced menu items include Braised Short Rib with green chili mac and cheese, as well as Shrimp and Scallop Vera Cruz.

SIP WINE AT A WELLNESS-FOCUSED CAFÉ AND WINE BAR

Does the pairing of wine and wellness sound too good to be true? Well, Barnaby’s Café and Wine Bar has made this concept real. Wholesome, unprocessed menu items include perfectly sweet gelato, plump and flaky pastries and artisan wraps. The wine list has a global flair with enough variety for virtually any preference. From expertly guided wine tastings, to live music on the patio, Barnaby’s is a great place to unwind after a busy day of meetings or sightseeing.

DINE ON EXCELLENT JAPANESE FUSION FROM A JAMES BEARD AWARD WINNER

Hai Noon proves that you can find superb Japanese cuisine in the unlikeliest of places. Led by legendary James Beard award-winning chef Nobuo Fukuda, the restaurant is in a refurbished ’60s-era motor lodge. The understated, almost casual décor and surprisingly affordable menu items belie how spectacular the dining experience here is. Diners can choose from a large variety of dishes, including coconut curried lamb, mango and fennel salad, softshell crab sandwich and Fukuda’s signature pork belly buns.

GATHER LIKE FAMILY FOR COMFORTING ITALIAN FARE

Neapolitan Italian food is well-loved for its bold flavors, fresh ingredients, and reassuring simplicity. Pomo Pizzeria Napoletana showcases some of the best examples of classic Neapolitan fare, such as Arancini Siciliani, Fritto Misto, Crocchette, Whipped Ricotta, Lasagne Al Forno, Gnocchi Sorrentina and Quattro Stagioni pizza. The atmosphere is warm and welcoming, conveying a feeling akin to that of a family gathering. Capping off dinner with the in-house made gelato provides the perfect final note of this exemplary dining experience.

END THE EVENING AT A HIDDEN SPEAKEASY

The Madam, a sophisticated Prohibition-style bar serving artisanal cocktails, offers a fun yet elegant glimpse at the speakeasys of a bygone era. The aptly named Madam’s Whisper, naughty yet nice Devil’s Gambit, scandalous Moody Mistress and brooding Dooms Day are among the posh cocktails that make this spot memorable. Light bites such as Truffle Parmesan Fries, Mini Crab Cakes, Bacon-Wrapped Dates and Pork Belly Bites are ideal for satiating late night hunger pangs.

PARADISE FOUND IN THE HEAT OF THE DESERT

Scottsdale has so much to offer besides stunning scenery, world-class shopping and tranquility – although all these draws are certainly appealing in their own right. A paradise fashioned from delicious food and enchanting drinks awaits your attendees in this high-class desert oasis.

 

Are you considering a travel incentive program to top destinations like Scottsdale? Reach out to Gavel International to help plan a program that maximizes your budget and results in raving reviews from attendees.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Jeff Richards
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