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Tag Archives: Scottsdale

Hotel Thrillist + Grilled Sea Bass with Jalapeno Citrus Beurre Blanc

30 Wednesday Sep 2015

Posted by Nicole Small in Autumn/Fall, Foodie Event, gluten free, recipe, summer

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autumn, cocktails, Culinary Event, Hotel Thrillist, Pool Party, Scottsdale, summer, Thrillist

Hotel Thrillist Phoenix was one of the highlights of my summer. Good food, tantalizing cocktails and great company made for a perfect weekend. Thrillist had everything on point, from the music and the vibe, to the entertainment (mermaids in the pool, drones potentially crashing into things, custom decor, etc.). It is actually difficult to sum it up in words because it was just that fun, but I will do my best.

Hotel Thrillist Phoenix - cocktails

Hotel Thrillist

Hotel Thrillist Phoenix Feast

For one night, 16 amazing local restaurants came together on the rooftop of the W Scottsdale to serve up some of their best dishes, including some special off-menu items. The W Wet Deck bars mixed Jack Fire with magic to make a sweet tea cocktail that tasted like autumn in a glass, even though the weekend made it feel like summer would never end in Arizona.

Hotel Thrillist Phoenix

Hotel Thrillist Phoenix Feast - Autumn Cocktails

In my opinion the two winning restaurants were Gadzooks and Sumo Maya – not that it was a competition, but Gadzooks served a ridiculous taco. Starting with handmade half corn/half flour tortillas, they piled on tomatillo roasted chicken, sweet slaw, spicy-sweet cornbread, and drizzled creamy flavor-packed sauces on top and I just couldn’t tear myself away. But luckily I saved some room because we made it to Sumo Maya’s booth near the end of our evening, and OH man, maybe I’m just a sucker for sushi, but I couldn’t get enough. It didn’t hurt that there were flower petals on top.

Hotel Thrillist Phoenix Feast - Gadzooks Taco

Gadzooks Taco

Hotel Thrillist Phoenix Feast - Tacos from Diego Pops

Diego Pops Tacos

Hotel Thrillist Phoenix Feast - Sumo Maya

Sumo Maya

Some of my other favorites included Diego Pop’s, Tabasco’s chocolate fountain (!!!), Lolo’s Chicken and Waffles, and Snooze Eatery.

Hotel Thrillist Phoenix

Hotel Thrillist Pool Party

For some reason I thought the good eats were reserved for Friday night only, but I was wrong. The chefs for the Hotel Thrillist Pool Party seriously delivered, serving up roasted pork bahn mi, boozy shaved ice, a DIY taco bar, sweet corn and crab bites – and – Grilled Sea Bass with Citrus Jalapeno Beurre Blanc (recipe below). I was completely enchanted by this grilled sea bass. The grill itself was somehow a cross between a mini smoker and a grill and I now need to figure out how to make one for myself, because this sea bass needs to be a regular thing at my house.

Hotel Thrillist - Grilled Sea Bass

I want to cook everything on that grill. It had pieces of wood sending smoke straight up into the fish like grilled heaven, but it was the sauce that completed it; creamy, vibrant, and impossibly silky. You have to taste it to believe it because words do not do it justice.

Hotel Thrillist Phoenix Pool Party - Sweet Crab Salads & Bacon Wrapped Shrimp

Sweet Corn & Crab

On this day, the W Wet Deck bars mixed even better cocktails which I did not know was possible; I was so not a whiskey person but now I am? and I know I need to keep Jack Fire and Jack Honey on hand so that I can sip Autumn cocktails and (alcoholic) apple pie in a glass whenever I feel like it. These cocktails perfectly set the tone for the beginning of Fall and I’m excited to whip them up come Thanksgiving. Check out the recipes below for an easy Autumn cocktail & grilled Sea Bass. If Hotel Thrillist is featured in your city next year, you can’t miss it!

Fiery Smashed Apple Cocktail

1 ½ oz Jack Fire
1 oz sour mix
Fill with apple juice (chilled)
Build ingredients in order in a glass with no ice.

Chilean Seabass Skewers with Citrus Green Jalepeno Tabasco Beurre Blanc

Hotel Thrillist Sea Bass

1 1/4 lb Chilean Seabass (if not readily available, Salmon, Shrimp or even Scallops make a great substitute)
1 cup milk
1 cup cream
1 orange (Zested and Juiced)
1 lemon (Zested and Juiced)
1 lime (Zested and Juiced)
1 diced jalepeno
2 garlic cloves, chopped
2oz Green Jalepeno Tabasco
4 tbsp cold butter
Cilantro and/or micro greens, to garnish

Directions

Place milk, cream, garlic and Jalapeno together in a sauce pot and bring to a slight simmer. Remove from heat and strain. Add to the strained cream the zest and juice from the three types of citrus and return to the stove and reduce by half.

Once reduced, remove from heat and add Greem Jalapeno Tabasco and 4 tbsp butter. Whisk together untill butter is completely melted.

Cut fish into 1×1 cubes and place 4 pieces on a skewer.
Place skewers onto a hot grill and cook both sides till cooked through (about 3 minutes per side)

Generously coat skewers with Beurre Blanc sauce and top with chopped cilantro and/or micro greens.
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Crushin’ on Waffle Crush!

21 Wednesday Jan 2015

Posted by Nicole Small in dessert, restaurant review, vegetarian/vegan

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Tags

arizona, biscoff, cookie butter, food blog, food truck, liege waffle, Phoenix, phoenix flea, restaurant review, Scottsdale, sweets, waffle crush, waffles

If you live in Phoenix this is one food truck you MUST seek out.

Waffle Crush Review

We recently went to Phoenix Flea, a super adorable outdoor market offering vintage and new handmade treasures. It was fun to shop and explore the market, which took place in Heritage Square in Downtown Phoenix, but the true highlight of the day was Waffle Crush. I’m pretty sure that anytime I eat Waffle Crush it’ll be the highlight of my day. Dare I say of my month…!?

hanging out at Phoenix Flea

I enjoyed the Berry Waffle, a gourmet Liege Waffle topped with Biscoff (cookie butter!!!), fresh whipped cream and strawberry slices. The waffle itself is delicious, almost caramelized, with a perfectly crisp outside and soft, fluffy inside. The Biscoff melts into the waffle in the most delicious way, while the strawberries brighten the flavors. And anything with handmade whipped cream is divine. This is waffle heaven.

About to enjoy my first Waffle Crush

The Berry Waffle from Waffle Crush

It was absolutely the best waffle I’ve ever had. They also have chocolate filled waffles.
You read that right.

Waffle Crush

Waffle Crush Food Truck Information

Website: http://mywafflecrush.com
Hours & Location: Find their location & schedule via Instagram, Twitter and Facebook: @mywafflecrush
Phone: (480) 304-5636
Pricing: The Berry is $7.50

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Tuesday Travel: Phoenix & Scottsdale

23 Tuesday Jul 2013

Posted by Nicole Small in restaurant review, travel, Tuesday Travel

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Tags

food, food blog, Phoenix, restaurant review, Scottsdale, travel

In my Tuesday Travel series I will be sharing with you a city that I have traveled to, what I enjoyed doing there, and what I loved to eat while I was there.

I’ve found that many times my travel destinations are centered around food first, activities second. Although sometimes my travel destination is out of my control, like when I visit family, I always make the most of it… usually through food. Now I want to share with you my passion for travel along with my “must eat” locations in each city.

Why am I doing this, you might ask? Well, 6 weeks from today I’ll be landing in Tel Aviv, Israel for a 5 month adventure of food, friends, beaches, marketing, and more food. Because of this, the tone of my blog will stay the same, but the focus of the recipes and posts may slightly shift according to my access to a full or partial kitchen.

Cooking at home | via Tsiporah Blog

I’m going to miss cooking in this beautiful kitchen with my beautiful sister!

Before I launch into places I have traveled to, I want to first start with my home: Scottsdale, Arizona.

Phoenix, AZ Travel Guide | via Tsiporah Blog

Whether you have been here, live here, or want to visit, hopefully this post will be somewhat of a mini guide. As I have lived here for most of my life, I could probably write a novel about my favorite restaurants in the city… I’ll spare you that and leave you with my top 5:

Where to eat in Phoenix & Scottsdale

Sweet Republic

Sweet Republic, hands down, sells the best ice cream in the valley. The. Best. They locally source all of their ingredients, from milk and cream to fresh mint right off the plant for their Real Mint Chip, which is one of my favorites. Their flavors rotate regularly, but keep your eyes open for Lavender, Bananas Foster, Basil Lime Sorbet, Strawberry Buttermilk, Horchata, and Huckleberry Swirl, just to name a few! Everything here is made in house, from their waffle cones to their candied bacon, which are both incredible and the difference is noticeable.

Sweet Republic Restaurant Review via Tsiporah Blog

They have won many “best ice cream” awards around the valley and nationwide, which in my opinion are very well earned. Alton Brown featured them on The Best Thing I Ever Ate on Food Network. They’re just amazing. There is only one location, plus a food truck, and you can find pints of their ice creams in Whole Foods around the valley.

Krua Thai

As I’ve mentioned before, Krua Thai is my favorite Thai restaurant in Phoenix. They have fantastic lunch specials for about $7-9 which include spring rolls and the best daily soup. In addition, their coconut ice cream is to die for! Krua Thai also has sweet Thai tea that is the best I’ve ever had… as a matter of fact, everything I’ve had at Krua has been the best! You can read my full review here.

Krua Thai Restaurant Review via Tsiporah Blog

St. Francis

St. Francis has a wood fired oven that delivers some of the best food that I’ve had in Phoenix. Their Fingerling Potatoes are to die for; they keep me coming back again and again. The Pork Chili Verde (pictured below) is perfectly spicy and bursting with flavor. St. Francis has perfected every course, from cocktails to dessert. The best part? They have happy hour every day!

St. Francis Restaurant Review | Pork Chili Verde | via Tsiporah Blog

Postino

Postino has the perfect balance of beautiful wines and amazing food. They are best known for their bruchetta because they have about 12 different types to choose from. You can choose 4 different ones or get 4 of the same type, it’s your choice! On Mondays and Tuesdays after 8pm they have a special which includes a bottle of wine and a board of bruchetta for only $20. They also have an awesome brunch on the weekends, my favorite part of which is the tomato salad that comes on the side of the Farm Scramble. Postino’s peach bellinis are also fantastic!

In addition to unique bruchetta combinations like Brie & Apples with Fig Spread, or Tomato Jam & Fresh Sheeps Milk Cheese (my two favorites), Postino also features a rustic patio filled with plants and a happy, modern vibe. Everyone who I’ve brought to Postino has loved it and I’m confident that you will, too!

Postino Phoenix Review - Bruchetta | via Tsiporah Blog

Board of Bruchetta, from left to right: Brie & Apples with Fig Spread; Ricotta with Dates & Pistachios; Tomato Jam & Fresh Sheeps Milk Cheese; Prosciutto with Figs & Mascarpone

Postino Phoenix Review | via Tsiporah Blog

Tomato Salad

Zinc Bistro

For the best chocolate souffle and fine dining French food, don’t miss Zinc Bistro at Kierland Commons. Their chocolate souffle is the most perfect expression of chocolate that there is, maybe even in the whole world. It takes about 25 minutes but it is well worth the wait. In fact, while you’re waiting, why don’t you enjoy some Zinc Fries, a perfect bowl of French Onion Soup, a Zinc House Salad, the spectacular Warm Dungeness Crab Crepe, or their popular Moules Marinieres (mussels with frites). Craving something a little more filling? Indulge in their Prime Flat Iron Steak, a dish no one could resist, perfected by Zinc’s brandy au poivre.

Zinc is popular for special occasions like anniversaries, proposals, and graduations, but for lunch their menu is not too pricy and still offers some of the incredible dinner fare. They also offer a simple brunch on the weekends with specialty pastries. Request a table in the romantic courtyard during the cooler months and enjoy twinkling candles, trickling water, and the feeling that you might actually be in Paris… not Phoenix.

Zinc Bistro Review | via Tsiporah Blog

Zinc’s Cocktail Area

Zinc Bistro Review - Chocolate Souffle | via Tsiporah Blog

Zinc Bistro Chocolate Souffle

Things to do in Phoenix & Scottsdale:

Hiking

Phoenix Travel Guide - Hiking | via Tsiporah Blog

Phoenix is a great place to go hiking. Despite the heat, this activity doesn’t stop during the summer (it just slows down a considerable amount)! There are many different places to hike in Phoenix, including Camelback Mountain and Piestewa Peak. Make sure you bring water and sunscreen!

Salt River Tubing

Salt River Tubing is just one way that Phoenicians like to escape the heat during the summer months. For a few hours, enjoy a gentle float down the salt river on tubes or rafts. Bring a cooler with water and snacks and enjoy the ride!

Desert Botanical Garden

The Desert Botanical Garden is one of my favorite places in Phoenix. Their grounds are so beautiful and a visit is a great way to learn about native plants. In addition, the garden also frequently has events and featured artists, like the Chihuly exhibit shown below.

Phoenix Travel Guide - Botanical Garden | via Tsiporah Blog

Phoenix Travel Guide - Botanical Garden | via Tsiporah Blog

Chihuly at the Desert Botanical Garden

Casinos

Arizona is home to many casinos, like Talking Stick Resort Casino, because Indian Reservations are allowed to have casinos on the land. Many popular ones have sprouted up throughout Arizona’s history and have become hot spots for tourists and locals alike. Casinos are a fun place to spend a night out with friends, and then bask by the pool the next morning.

Diamondbacks Baseball Game

I’ve always loved baseball so to me, Diamondbacks games are a fun way to spend a night out with friends. Spring training games are also very popular. It doesn’t even matter if you have the furthest seat away from the plate; grab a beer, maybe some nachos and enjoy the game! There’s just something about the atmosphere that makes it so fun, and you can find really affordable tickets to most home games.

Phoenix Activities: Diamondbacks Baseball | Tsiporah Blog

Shopping

There are many great places to shop in Phoenix and Scottsdale, including the above mentioned Kierland Commons. Kierland is a luxe shopping center that has amazing window shopping and great places to eat. They’re also home to the nearest Anthropoligie to my home… no further explanation necessary. Other good shopping areas:

  • Scottsdale Quarter
  • Fashion Square Mall
  • Tempe Marketplace
  • Anthem Outlets

Phoenix AZ Travel Guide via Tsiporah Blog

Do you live in Phoenix? Share your favorite places in the comments!

Sick of the brutal Phoenix heat? Check out my Tuesday Travel post next week which will be all about Northern Arizona.
Update: Read the Northern Arizona post here, and check out even more travel posts with the link below:

Explore More Travel Posts

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Culinary Festival & Gluten Free Expo

16 Tuesday Apr 2013

Posted by Nicole Small in Foodie Event, gluten free, lavender, product review, restaurant review

≈ 1 Comment

Tags

event, food, food blog, foodie, gluten free, restaurant review, Scottsdale

This past Saturday was quite eventful as far as culinary experiences are concerned. April seems to be the most popular month for festivals of all kinds in Phoenix, maybe because the weather is beautiful and sunny with the perfect breeze, the flowers are blooming and the mountains are bursting with greenery. April is the month when Arizona comes alive and everyone craves the outdoors. This past Saturday was no different; hundreds of people attended both the Phoenix Gluten Free Expo and the Scottsdale Culinary Festival. I didn’t want to miss either one, so I made them both fit in to my schedule!

Phoenix Gluten Free Expo

First, I stopped by the Phoenix Gluten Free Expo. I paid the $10 admission fee and was rewarded with a green reusable bag to fill with coupons, magazines, restaurant menus and tons of samples! My entire bag was full! Sprouts Farmers Market (my favorite grocery store ever) sponsored the event, and the line for their booth was the longest because Sprouts gave away an incredible amount of samples! Some other sponsors and booths included popular brands like Udi’s, Glutino, and Van’s, alongside lesser known brands and local restaurants which also offer gluten free options.

glutino gluten free udis gluten free

I’m so excited to use some of my restaurant coupons to discover some new locations in Phoenix and Scottsdale, and my other coupons will come in handy when I want to go buy more of my samples- I’m already in love with Pamela’s Dark Chocolate Chunk Cookies and the thinkThin Crunch Coconut Chocolate bars. Also, if you’re looking for a quick and convenient breakfast fix to keep in your office, check out the Bakery on Main Maple Instant Oatmeal! Holy Yum!

gluten free review

udis gluten free

Scottsdale Culinary Festival- Great Arizona Picnic

Feeling accomplished with my goldmine of loot from the Phoenix Gluten Free Expo, I hopped in my car to meet with friends and enjoy the beautiful weather and delicious food at the Scottsdale Culinary Festival’s Great Arizona Picnic. The sun was shining, the birds were chirping and the flowers were astonishingly beautiful at the Scottsdale Civic Center.

Scottsdale Civic Center Culinary Festival

Scottsdale Culinary Festival GAP

We had such a blast trying foods from various valley restaurants. Our favorite was Sushi Roku’s Hanabi (spicy tuna on crispy rice), which won “Best Food” of the festival in 2012. It featured a crispy rice base that had a beautiful, satisfying flavor which is normally lacking in similar dishes. The abundance of flavor was due to a sauce or glaze on the rice that was both sweet and a bit salty, much like an eel sauce. It was topped with incredibly fresh tuna and scallions. The resulting dish was impeccably mouthwatering; the crispy rice reveals a soft interior, coupled with a tantalizing combination of sauce and luscious fresh fish. If we had to choose, they would win best food for 2013 too!

GAP sushi roku review

I also enjoyed Chicken Tiki Masala from Bombay Spice, Mango Lassi from Jewel of the Crown Cuisine of India, and a delicious shrimp ceviche (but I didn’t catch the restauran’t name).

To finish, I indulged in an icy-cool blackberry lavender popsicle from Paleta’s Betty. I’ve written briefly about my adoration for lavender, and this was no different; with sweet floral flavors alongside succulent blackberry chunks, this popsicle was divine. Paleta’s Betty is a must-visit if you are in Tempe. They feature seasonal popsicle (paleta, in Spanish) flavors and combinations that will make your mouth water. You’ll want to try them all!

paletas betty review

It was a really fun event, complete with live music and dancing. I’m so glad that I had the opportunity to go and enjoy the event with such great company, I’ll be looking forward to the 2014 Scottsdale Culinary Expo!

Scottsdale Culinary Festival live music

The littlest audience, enjoying Sugahbeat. So cute!

Scottsdale Culinary Festival review

Next Saturday: The Arizona BBQ Festival!

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