DINING IN THE DESERT: The Barrett-Jackson team’s favorites

January 24, 2016
Posted by Barrett-Jackson

An upscale dining experience awaits you at Bourbon Steak at the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess.

In recent years, Arizona has become somewhat of a foodie’s paradise, with innovative award-winning chefs and a variety of cuisines from around the globe. Whether you prefer fine or casual dining, the comfort of a well-known chain or an avant-garde independent eatery, the Scottsdale area has choices galore when it comes to grabbing a bite to eat. The Barrett-Jackson team knows the area well, because the company’s headquarters are a stone’s throw from WestWorld. Here are some of their favorite dining spots, all within a 15-minute drive of the auction.

AMERICAN/BARBECUE

Tom’s Thumb is a Barrett-Jackson favorite known for its barbecue.

Tom’s Thumb Fresh Market – Fill your tank, get your car washed, shop … and enjoy a glass of wine and great barbecue. Who knew? (B, L, D – $)

• White Chocolate Grill – Classic American fare (the Famous Chicken Salad is not to be missed). (L, D – $$)
• Tommy Bahama Restaurant – Lively patio, Hawaiian-inspired American dishes, and great sangria. (L, D – $$)
• TK’s Urban Tavern – Modern twist on a neighborhood pub with craft beers, vintage wines and a pleasantly varied menu. (L, D – $$)
• JJ’s Delicatessen – A real-deal deli with fresh bagels, lox, knish, kreplach, sandwiches, salads and traditional soups. (B, L – $$)

ITALIAN/PIZZA

The wood-fired pizzas – and other Italian specialty dishes – at LAMP Pizzeria are not to be missed. (Photo: Dominic Armato)

LAMP Pizzeria – Go for the fantastic pizzas and salads, but don’t miss the unique Sicilian stuffed bread known as Mignulata. (L, D – $$)

• Fired Pie – Choose from one of their “pre-built” pizzas or salad, or get creative and make your own; known for being fast and friendly. (L, D – $)
• Andreoli Italian Grocer – A market, an Italian deli and an acclaimed restaurant featuring handcrafted in-house dishes; don’t miss the chef’s specials. (L, D – $$)
• Isabella’s Kitchen – Delectable twist on American Italian favorites; choose The Rooftop for dinner with an incredible view. (L, D – $$)
• La Torretta Ristorante & Italian Steakhouse – Fine Italian dining in an elegant atmosphere; patio dining offers a breathtaking view of the McDowell Mountains. (L, D $$$)

FISH/SUSHI/SEAFOOD

• Mastro’s Ocean Club – World-class service and seafood-focused cuisine in an elegant and energetic atmosphere. (D, $$$$)
• Eddie V’s Prime Seafood – Fine seafood and steaks, inspired by the great classic seafood restaurants of New Orleans, San Francisco and Boston. (D, $$$)
• Coconut’s Fish Café – Right out of Hawaii comes this family-friendly casual eatery known for its fresh fish tacos and other delights. (L, D $$)
• Hiro Sushi – This friendly mom-and-pop neighborhood restaurant features traditional Japanese cuisine; make sure to check out the specials. (L, D $$)
• Sushi Brokers – This popular Japanese eatery features more than just sushi, but over 20 creative sushi rolls are hard to resist. (L, D $$)

STEAKHOUSE

Bourbon Steak – a Michael Mina restaurant – is known for its elegant atmosphere and delicious food.

Bourbon Steak – a Michael Mina restaurant at the Fairmont Princess featuring premium steaks, fresh seafood and delectable side dishes. (D $$$$)

• The Capital Grille – Nationally renowned steaks dry-aged and hand-cut on the premises; acclaimed wine list and exceptional service. (L, D $$$)
• Mastro’s Steakhouse – Sophisticated and classic menu revolving around steaks and seafood in an elegant yet energetic atmosphere. (D $$$$)
• Dominick’s Steakhouse – Timeless fine dining featuring prime steaks, fresh seafood and an extensive wine selection. (D $$$$)

SANDWICHES/BURGERS/CASUAL

• Hopdoddy Burger Bar – Much-acclaimed creative gourmet burgers, salads, sides (truffle fries), shakes … and cocktails. (L, D $$)
• Zinburger Wine & Burger Bar – Part of the Fox restaurant group, this trendy burger joint hits the mark with its tasty handcrafted burgers and more. (L, D $$)
• Chloe’s Corner – A fast casual restaurant with a wide variety of breakfast items (including a 50-cent cup of coffee), sandwiches and salads, all prepared to order. (B, L $)
• Kneaders Bakery and Café – Made-from-scratch baked goods, breakfast items, soups, salads and sandwiches. (B, L, D $)
• Portillo’s – A Chicago favorite now in Arizona, featuring dogs, burgers, salads and more – including their famous chocolate cake shake. (L, D $)

ASIAN

• Flo’s – This busy place features fresh flavors from Chinese, Thai, Vietnamese, Southeast Asian, Japanese and Indian cuisines. (L, D $$)
• Tea Light Café – A relaxed independent restaurant serving fresh Vietnamese fare, including spring rolls, pho, rice dishes and more. (L, D $)

MEDITERRANEAN/LATIN/EUROPEAN

Rum cocktails at Toro Latin Restaurant & Rum Bar.

Zoe’s Kitchen – Flavorful Mediterranean food, with kabobs, salads, pitas, pizza, sandwiches – and house-baked cookies that are to die for. (L, D $)

• Toro Latin Restaurant & Rum Bar – Enjoy the distinct flavors of South and Central America in a casual, upbeat atmosphere alongside the TPC Scottsdale Stadium Golf Course. (B, L, D $$$)
• Zinc Bistro – Featuring an oyster bar, this French restaurant provides a taste of Paris in the desert: think souffles, foie gras and more. (L, D $$$)

MEXICAN

• Blue Adobe Grille – An authentic “New” Mexican menu that brings spice with incredible flavor to Southwestern and Sante Fe cuisine. (L, D $$)
• SOL Cocina – Upscale menu featuring contemporary and gourmet interpretations of coastal dishes from Baja, Mexico, with a vibrant bar. (L, D $$)

HEALTH-CONSCIOUS

• Flower Child – This restaurant focuses on healthy, organic, natural foods, with plenty of vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free options. (L, D $$)
• True Food Kitchen – Offers a wide, healthy selection of appetizers, pizza, salads, sandwiches and entrees, with lots of vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free choices. (L, D $$)
• Pita Jungle – Healthy cuisine with a Mediterranean twist, with a menu that’s sensitive to diners’ allergies and other dietary restrictions. (L, D $$)

For more dining options, visit the Scottsdale Convention & Visitors Bureau website, ExperienceScottsdale.com.

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AUCTION DINING

While on the auction site, you’ll have plenty of choice when it comes to grabbing something to eat. Approximately 40 food vendors will be on hand at 75 locations throughout the site, including:

Juicy’s Outlaw Grill is a popular attraction on-site at the auction.

Arizona Buffalo Company

• Arcadia Tavern Cold Beer & Cheeseburgers
• Auntie Anne’s Pretzels
• California Pizza Kitchen
• Cardinali’s Pizza
• Chick-Fil-A
• Coldstone Creamery
• Espresso Italia
• Famous Dave’s BBQ
• Gigi’s Cupcakes
• Herb Box
• Honey Bear’s BBQ
• Island Noodles
• Jamba Juice
• Juicy’s – World’s Largest Outlaw Grill
• Karen’s Kreamery
• Murphy’s Roasted Almonds
• Native New Yorker
• Pizza Hut
• Quiznos
• Sushi Brokers
• Yogurt-a-Fair