Phoenix/Sedona/Flagstaff, AZ

Eating out in Phoenix/Sedona/Flagstaff, AZ

Sleepy backwater no more, Phoenix's population boom has been matched by a fantastic culinary revival. Creative local chefs have put southwestern cuisine on the world's culinary stage, and the region's cultural melting pot has added delectable ethnic flavors from Persia, Ethiopia, El Salvador, and Vietnam. There is also a thriving representation of authentic Thai, Chinese, and Indian eateries, not to mention long-established Mexican favorites from the neighbor south of the border. Restaurants are remarkably casual, except for a handful of high-end spots, but the easy-going attitude toward clothing and atmosphere certainly does not find its way into the kitchen. Diners with sophisticated tastes will be thrilled with the restaurants, some of which are ranked among the country's best. Refined dining at a luxury resort overlooking the glittering city lights, a rollicking cowboy dinner served in a Wild West saloon, and everything in between - once the dinner bell rings, you'll be rousting up some great Phoenix eats.

Gourmet

Eddie Matney's Epicurean Trio is heaven for food connoisseurs. With his 2 separate dining styles - an informal and moderately priced bistro, and a formal dining room - Chef Eddie Matney dazzles diners in his bid to become the supreme chef in the Valley of the Sun. If you want home-style cooking with panache, go to the bistro, but if you are in mind of foie gras with citrus cause and roasted pheasant with goat cheese, by all means make reservations for the main hall. 2398 E Camelback Road.

Highly Recommended

Quiessence is a quiet "country" hideaway where artist Hallie Harron has created an oasis of culinary and visual delights. Beautifully set tables hold hand-painted river rocks that keep your bread warm. Quilted tea cosies fill the room with herbal bouquets. A resident peacock keeps watch like a doting maitre'd, and the perfectly ripened veggies are freshly harvested from the garden you passed on your way in. Dinners consist of a family-style presentation of 7 courses and menus are based on seasonal food selections fresh from the organic gardens. 6106 S 32nd Street, The Farm at South Mountain.

Local Flair

Lon's is spilling over with authentic southwestern charm, its Mexican-style hacienda surrounded by aromatic gardens. Cowboy artist Lon Megargee once lived here and his paintings still decorate the walls. The food is as beautiful as it is tasty and everyone comes here, from seniors, to power-lunchers, to the cool kids in town. 5532 N Palo Cristi Road, Hermosa Inn.

Romantic

T. Cook's at the Royal Palms was voted one of Phoenix's best for its charming setting and scrumptious food. A piano player helps set the mood in the lounge, furnished with schmooze- and smooch-friendly retro-upholstered armchairs. Flowers, fountains, citrus trees, stately old palms, tiled floors, terra-cotta walls, and a giant hearth reflect the owner's Spanish, Moorish, and Mediterranean sensibilities. 5200 E Camelback Road.

Going party in Phoenix/Sedona/Flagstaff, AZ

These days, there is more to the nightlife here than the well-known hang-out bars with great drinks. The Phoenix dance club scene has gotten downright cool lately, and though it may not be as sleek as east coast extravaganzas or as flashy as LA's celebrity hot spots, they do a pretty great job of giving the valley's dancing machines a place to cut the rug. For night owls wishing to enjoy the evening without ruffling their feathers, the Arizona Opera and Phoenix Symphony fill each season with the very best masterpiece productions. High rollers remember, gambling is legal here and the casinos have rolled out their red carpets for you! For a list of current happenings upon arrival, check out the free New Times, a weekly news and arts journal with comprehensive listings of cultural events, film, and rock music club/concert schedules.

Axis Radius

With a New York club feel, this is one of the best new additions to the dance club circuit. Partiers come to see and be seen, and dance their troubles away to the high-energy music in an atmosphere that just oozes fun. Scottsdale.

Martini Ranch

This is the hippest bar in town for local bands. 80s pop or alternative rock, whatever gets your blood pumping is playing at the ranch, and their drinks are great to boot! Old Town Scottsdale.

Macayo's

The raspberry margarita is incredible, but if raspberry isn't your thing, you can always go for their equally amazing traditional margarita, complete with salt and lime. There's even a great Old Mexico party atmosphere to go along with the best drinks in town. Phoenix, Scottsdale, Tempe.

Harrah's Phoenix Ak-Chin Casino

South of Phoenix, this glitzy Indian gaming hall brings Las Vegas-caliber gambling to the Valley of the Sun. Maricopa.

Scottsdale Center for the Arts

Treat yourself to some of the most diversified performances in Arizona. In the cavernous, terrazzo-floored gallery, they outshine their competition with a kaleidoscopic mixture of jazz, big band, popular, and classical music, theater, comedy, and dance performances, poetry readings, and lecture events. The open-air amphitheater is a favorite place to catch first-rate musical acts under the stars. Phoenix.

Common events in Phoenix/Sedona/Flagstaff, AZ

Oodham Tash

This Native American festival brings to life the ruins of the Hohokam (Big House). Performers in elaborate feather and bead costumes recreate ritual rain, healing, and war dances. One of the most authentic and entertaining powwows in the US, it attracts more than 250,000 Native Americans and spectators. Also featured are tribal crafts and Indian cooking. Casa Grande, February.

Air and Motor Spectacular

The USAF Thunderbirds are the world-famous, eye-popping highlight of this show, which also includes aerobatic performers, military jet fighter demonstrations, war birds, robosaurus, aviation simulators, and more. Mesa, April.

Brazilian Art Festival

The 500th anniversary of the discovery of Brazil is proudly commemorated by the local Brazilian community with lectures on Brazilian art and literature, concerts, recitals, and a music festival. Tempe, April.

Saguaro Film Festival

This week-long festival celebrates the originality and risk-taking bravado of independent films and filmmakers. Phoenix, May.

Cinco de Mayo

Latins know how to celebrate, and this supreme holiday gets the full treatment with traditional and contemporary Hispanic singers, musicians, dancers, authentic Mexican food, crafts, kid's hands-on folk crafts, and more. Mesa, May.

Family Fun Day

This down-home-on-the-farm play-day is a blast for kids and adults alike, with barrel races, cow milking, tractor pull, horseshoe toss, petting corral, and a cow-pie toss competition. Queen Creek, May.

Downtown Cooldown

20 tons of man-made snow fall on the desert every year in the peak of summer to the delight and relief of all. This family festival is a local favorite and includes a parade, kids activities, musical entertainment, delicious food, and education booths. Tempe, July.

UFO Awareness Show

It had to be, after all, Arizona is the home of Area 51! Every year the members of the Arizona Chapter of the Mutual UFO Network get together to share their accounts of UFO sightings. Phoenix, August.

Harvest Festival

Each year, traditional and contemporary artist demonstrations, from handmade paper eggs to whimsical pottery and gourd carvings, are showcased. 250 costumed artists from across the US also come to show off their juggling, folk dancing, musical, and comedy talents. Of course, there's plenty of food for you to "harvest". Phoenix, September.