Enjoy a warm welcome in Arizona
Culinary and sporting excellence
When we pulled into the parking lot at Jobing. com Arena (formerly Glendale Arena) just north of downtown Phoenix, it felt like home, except without the snow. Of the three vehicles parked in front of us, two sported Saskatchewan plates and one revealed Alberta’s familiar Wild Rose tag. We were at the arena to watch the Flames take on the Phoenix Coyotes so we expected a taste of home, but maybe not this much.
Perhaps we should have. According to Arizona tourism stats, over 125,000 Albertans visit the desert state each year. The flights are quick — leave here in the morning and you’re having lunch in the sun a few hours later — and plentiful. Many Albertans have purchased second homes in the desert and others simply like to warm up for a few days during winter. So, tempted by winter golf, good Mexican food and hockey, a group of friends and I ventured south to Phoenix.
We spent most of our four-day visit in Scottsdale but we wheeled our way around the immense city to indulge in the culinary and golfing pleasures of the area. And we saw many fellow Canucks soaking up the sun and the margaritas — the cheers were louder for the Flames than the Coyotes that night.
Where to Eat
Mexican cuisine is great in the Phoenix area; it’s rich with the flavours of roasted chilies and corn. It also comes with tangy margaritas and usually a low price. And there are many different styles of it. We tried a few on our visit.
Frank & Lupes 4121 N. Marshall Way, Scottsdale, 480-990-9844
Carne adobada burritos and shrimp enchiladas filled our plates at this classic Scottsdale restaurant. We sipped margaritas under the warm winter sky and had our fill of smoky chilies, creamy guacamole and hot, deep-fried sopaipillas drenched in honey. One of the group declared his adobada burrito of slow-cooked pork to be the best thing he had eaten all year.
Gallo Blanco Cafe 401 W. Clarendon Avenue, Phoenix, 602-327-0880
Chef/owner Doug Robson puts his own spin on Mexican food featuring local ingredients in funky setting at the boutiqued Clarendon Hotel. Breakfast of chilaquiles verdes (chicken with two sunny-side-up eggs, fresh cheese, and chili verde salsa) is a treat, especially with freshly squeezed orange juice.
Pedros Mexican Restaurant 4938 W. Glendale Avenue, Glendale, 623-937-0807
As traditional as they come, Pedros has been serving burritos and enchiladas for decades. The plates are overloaded with wellprepared, saucy food. No surprises here except just how very cheap and filling it is.
Joes Real BBQ 301 N. Gilbert Road, Gilbert, 480-503-3805
One cannot live on enchiladas alone so we indulged in southern barbecue at Joes. The lineup to order is long but the pulled pork and saucy ribs smoked over pecan wood are worth the wait.
Talavera 10600 East Crescent Moon Drive, Four Seasons Resort, Scottsdale, 480-515-5700
We took it up a few notches one night at Talavera, a contemporary steak house in the Four Seasons in Scottsdale. Much more comfortable and casual than it sounds — and with an outstanding view Talavera produced a memorable meal that included a veal porterhouse with lobster Bearnaise ($38) and a sparkling prawn cocktail ($14) after a great round of golf at Troon North.
Where to Stay
The Talking Stick Resort at 9800 East Indian Road, Scottsdale (talkingstickresort.com) made a great location for our golfing adventures. With easy access off Highway 101, it’s a quick drive to the airport and to other Phoenix sites. Talking Stick also has two golf courses perfect to stretch out winter muscles on and offers good golfers breakfasts and lunches.
Where to Golf The Phoenix area offers a mind-boggling array of golf options with almost 250 courses at all price ranges. Savvy visitors say the best time to golf is late spring, just as Phoenix starts to heat up. Regardless, deals can be had yearround and the quality of courses is outstanding.
ASU Karsten 1125 East Rio Salado Parkway, Tempe, 480-921-8070
Our favourite round was at Arizona States course, fitted out by Pete Dye with every challenge in the game. Used as a training ground for students and pros alike, its tricky but fair. (Good lunch too!)
Lookout Mountain 11111 North 7th Street, Pointe Hilton Tapatio Cliffs Resort, Phoenix, 602-866-6356
Running through the granite bluffs of the Phoenix Mountain Reserve, Lookout Mountain incorporates desert, water and elevation to provide variety for the golfer.
Talking Stick 9998 East Indian Bend Road, Scottsdale, 450-860-2221
Re-shaped from Indian cotton fields, the two Talking Stick courses are open, flat, forgiving tracks to work off the winter golf rust.
Troon North 10320 East Dynamite Boulevard, Scottsdale, 480-585-7700
Spectacular cactus-and-rock scenery dots the landscape of the two Troon North courses designed by Tom Weiskopf. Golf here is a challenge at all levels, with the course rewarding both risk and caution.