New Year’s Eve Festivities
So now that Christmas has come and gone, it's time to think about - yikes! - New Year's Eve. The big question is usually "Do we stay in or do we go out?" If you answered "yes" to the latter part of that question, then here are a few ideas. From block parties to hip hotel parties, there's a celebration in Greater Phoenix for just about anyone.
Fiesta Bowl Block Party
As Arizona's biggest New Year's Eve bash, the Fiesta Bowl Block Party is jam-packed with fun and entertainment for the entire family. With rockin' bands, beer gardens and a host of entertainers, this is a fantastic celebration. Nationally-known and local recording act Jimmy Eat World will be the headlining performer.
Mill Avenue District, Tempe
5pm to 12:30am
website
"Boardwalk Empire" Party at Axis/Radius
Axis/Radius is ringing in the New Year with a “Boardwalk Empire” themed bash. Guests are encouraged (but not required) to dress in 20s fashions. The evening will include exclusive DJs, a casino, blackjack tables, burlesque dancers and complimentary champagne splits for midnight toasts. The party will begin at 9:00pm. Tickets are $25.00 per person or $45.00 per couple.
7340 East Indian Plaza, Scottsdale
(480) 970-1112
Hotel Valley Ho's "Guys and Dolls 'Til Sputnik Falls"
Get dressed to the nines Rat Pack-style, shake up the cocktails, join the bash and groove to the crooning tunes. The 6:30pm seating is $95pp and the the 9:30pm seating is $125pp. After dinner, kick up your heels in ZuZu Lounge to DJ P-Body mixing today's vibe with 50s hits. At midnight, hit the rooftop for a champagne toast.
6850 E. Main Street, Scottsdale
(480) 248-2000
more details
InterContinental Montelucia Resort & Spa
Ring in 2011 in style at InterContinental Montelucia Resort & Spa. Toast the New Year with hundreds of your closest friends and party the night away with live entertainment and DJ provided music. The festivities begin at 7:00pm. Pre-sale tickets are available for $25.
4949 E. Lincoln Drive, Scottsdale
website
"The Factory - A Celebration of Pop Art" at Stone Rose Lounge, Fairmont Scottsdale Princess
Ring in 2011 at Scottsdale’s most vibrant and innovative New Year’s Eve party “The Factory – A Celebration of Pop Art” at Stone Rose Lounge. Featuring Dom Perignon’s Andy Warhol Collection, Stone Rose invites guests decked in chic cocktail attire to party – Andy Warhol style - from 9pm. to 2 am. Admission is $25 per person and includes a champagne toast at midnight.
7575 E. Princess Drive, Scottsdale
website
The Parlor Pizzeria
If you're looking for something a little more laid back than the usual New Year's hoopla, then check out The Parlor Pizzeria. On NYE, they're offering 3 courses for $30 and you can add a wine/beverage pairing for $20. Call for more details.
1916 E. Camelback Road, Phoenix
(602) 248-2480
Happy New Year and Be Safe! If you'll be toasting to 2011, please call a cab or use a designated driver. You can reach Discount Cab at (602) 200-2000. If you'll be ringing in the New Year at a hotel or resort, be sure to check out their rates and packages and make a little getaway out of it.
CityScape – Downtown Phoenix
The much anticipated CityScape in Downtown Phoenix is celebrating its Grand Opening. This shopping, dining and entertainment district fills a void in the downtown landscape and is accessible via METRO light rail. Many of the businesses are already up and running with more scheduled to open over the next few months. Here's an update on what's there now and what's coming soon.
Designer District
Premium Brand apparel for men and women
West of Soho
Modern Bohemiam fashion at reasonable prices
Par Exsalonce
Full-service salon and day spa
Five Guys Burgers
Casual dining
Urban Outfitters
Clothing, accessories adn housewares for the urban lifestyle.
Lucky Strike Lanes & Lounge
Hip bowling lounge with a chance to "eat, drink, and knock down some pins"
Gold's Gym Elite
State-of-the-art co-ed fitness center
CVS
Pharmacy and general needs store
Coming Soon:
The Breakfast Club - Fall 2011
Charming Charlie - OPEN
Chipotle - Fall 2011
Jimmy John's Sandwich Shop - OPEN
Oakville Grocery - OPEN
Rasputin Vodka Bar - Summer 2011
Republic of Couture - OPEN
Sam Fox's The Arrogant Butcher - OPEN
Silk Sushi - October 2011
Stand Up Live - OPEN
Strand Italian - Fall 2011
Tilted Kilt Pub & Eatery - OPEN
Vitamin T - OPEN
Yogurtini - Fall 2011
www.cityscapephx.com
Central and Washington in Downtown Phoenix
5th and Wine
I just recently discovered this little gem of a restaurant/wine lounge in Old Town Scottsdale. As luck would have it, a friend decided that this was the perfect spot for her birthday celebration. Since I'm not one to pass up a celebration or the chance to try a new restaurant, I grabbed my husband and we headed out to Old Town.
This is such a cool spot! The atmosphere inside just begs you to sit down, relax and enjoy the company of good friends, good food and good wine. The walls are adorned with the artwork of renowned animal artist Ron Burns. As an animal lover, I was excited to see his whimsical prints. For me, it just added a little something extra. They also have a great outdoor area that I plan to check out once we ease into our version of winter.
I was just as pleased with the food and wine as I was with the cozy atmosphere. In the spirit of full disclosure, I'm not a terribly picky wine drinker but I really enjoyed the Pino Grigio I tried (for the life of me, I don't recall the name). They have lots of food choices on the menu for sharing. We opted for the Crispy Calamari (with a delightful chile basil dipping sauce, but not too hot) and the "Choose 2" Bruschetta. We went for the Tomato, Mozzarella, Basil, Balsamic Reduction and Hummus, Chive, Saffron Oil - both were yummy.
If you're in the mood for some delicious eats, good drinks and a comfortable, laid back atmosphere, give this place a try.
7051 E. 5th Ave., Scottsdale
www.5thandwine.com
Local Fave: Devil's Martini
Phoenix, Scottsdale and Tempe are known for their nightlife, and make no mistake, there are bars and dance clubs abounding. But just like anywhere else, there are a few hot spots that stick out above the rest. For us Phoenicians, it's Devil's Martini in Scottsdale. Now there are two locations - one in Old Town - and "Devil's north" on Scottsdale Rd & Shea, and now Devil's Martini has been voted by our blog readers as the Best Nightlife Spot.
At either location, you can expect to find a perfect combination of bar, lounge and dance club, all with a very open, airy, Hamptons-y feel to it. The DJs are always the top crop in town, and the dance floor is pretty packed starting at about 10:30, although there's always room for one more person, somehow.
The drinks are always flowing, too. Unlike other bars that demand long wait times for a drink, both Devil's locations have multiple bars so you can squeeze in and get your beverage of choice. The multi-bar floor plan also serves to accommodate the non-dancing (read: most men) crowd. Yes, the dance floor is hoppin' but there is plenty of seating for those who just don't have the moves. That's actually one reason it has become so popular - there's a spot for everyone.
There's also a spot in line for you, too. That's right - the popular places come at a bit of a price. Typically at 11pm or after, you're gonna have to wait a little to get in. It might be 10 minutes, it might be 30, but it's always worth it.
Devil's Martini (original location)
4175 North Goldwater Boulevard
Scottsdale, AZ
www.devilsmartini.com
Megan Finnerty’s Dream Night
On a night not so long ago, we had a blazing fun time shooting Megan Finnerty's Dream Night. You might know her as @122degrees on Twitter, but she's better known as the nightlife editor at The Arizona Republic and one of Phoenix's best gals for going out.
For these videos, we really do let our hosts pick their favorite places, and Megan's list was so much fun. I could go on, but I'll let you watch for yourself.
UPDATE: check out the behind the scenes photos on our Flickr page: http://bit.ly/ai8UnC
Majerle's
Majerle's has been a staple of downtown Phoenix for years, particularly on game nights for the Arizona Diamondbacks or Phoenix Suns. Both teams play just around the corner from this sports bar hub, and with the brick walls, numerous television screens and renowned wings, it fits the bill for the quintessential pre-game or post-game festivities.
When Majerle's opened in 1992, all of the Phoenix area was infatuated with Dan Majerle's success on the court for the Suns, he was the good, clean guy - almost like Opie. Everyone loved Dan Majerle, so why wouldn't you love his new place? The food was (and is) great, atmosphere fun (complete with the "Back Room" for extra space, packed when the Suns are on a roll), and it was just what Phoenix needed.
Now 18 years later, it's still full of suits for lunch and happy hour, fans for dinner and drinks. Just like any other hometown staple, they have a specialty. Burgers. Their burgers are huge, juicy, not too greasy, and all-around hit the spot. Their wings are also amazing, and many of the locals will tell you to go for the chili pepper garlic over the regular buffalo style.
Stop in when you're in downtown, and if it's a game night, you just might see some players there for a cool down.
Majerle's
24 North 2nd Street
Phoenix, AZ
(602) 253-9004
