After a day of shopping and dining at Kierland Commons, book a staycation at nearby AC Hotel Scottsdale North, the city’s first AC Hotel by Marriott. After opening its doors in January, the 165-room property is enticing visitors and locals alike thanks to a European-inspired design aesthetic, courtesy of DLR Group, that also nods to its desert locale. In the morning, treat yourself to flaky butter croissants imported from France, seasonal fruits and an international selection of meats and cheeses at the signature AC Kitchen. By day, make your way to the well-appointed pool or tee off at the nearby Westin Kierland Golf Club (a 27-hole course featuring three nines); TPC Scottsdale (home of the Waste Management Phoenix Open, the largest-attended tournament in the world); or Troon North Golf Club (featuring two 18-hole courses). By night, relax fireside at the AC Lounge and order the hotel’s signature cocktail, the Scottsdale Spire. Vodka, dry vermouth and blue curaçao are teamed with a sugar-fire float for a sip that’s as beautiful as it is tasty. 15200 N. Kierland Blvd., 480.607.5555, marriott.com
AC HOTEL SCOTTSDALE NORTH PHOTO COURTESY OF MARRIOTT INTERNATIONAL
AC HOTEL SCOTTSDALE NORTH PHOTO COURTESY OF MARRIOTT INTERNATIONAL
See the lifelike works of artist Robert Townsend will be on display April 19 through May 1 in his new exhibition, Joie de Vivre, at Scottsdale’s Altamira Fine Art. A former muralist, the California-bred artist’s exhibit includes four pieces that are 5 feet by 7 feet in size, with all seven pieces showcasing his intricate artistry. “For me, figurative work is the most exciting, in part because of how technical it must be,” he says of his craft. “A painting is a flat surface but you are reading it as a person. Painting a face gives me that in-the-zone feeling, but also a profound sense of human connection that you don’t get when painting a car. People are the most emotional aspect of our lives.” That personal approach is seen in “The Heart of Texas” (shown right) in which Townsend captures his niece standing in a San Antonio parking lot, while “Palm Springs” (shown left) showcases Townsend’s mastery of watercolor. 7038 E. Main St., altamiraart.com
Robert Townsend, “Palm Springs” (watercolor on paper), 20 inches by 26 inches ROBERT TOWNSEND PHOTO COURTESY OF ROBERT TOWNSEND/ALTAMIRA FINE ART
Robert Townsend, “The Heart of Texas” (oil on canvas), 55 ½ inches by 84 inches. ROBERT TOWNSEND PHOTO COURTESY OF ROBERT TOWNSEND/ALTAMIRA FINE ART
After three years of photographing and listening to the stories of those who drive Arizona’s wine business, award-winning photographer, designer and Scottsdale resident Jenelle Bonifield has released AZ Uncorked: The Arizona Wine Guide (Arizona Wine Media). An exquisite 11-inch-by-9-inch coffee-table book clocking in at a whopping 544 pages, Bonifield’s tome showcases the tales of 45 vineyards, tasting rooms and trailblazing winemakers, from Page Spring Cellars’ Eric Glomski to Caduceus Cellars’ Maynard James Keenan. “My concept for the book began with this goal: to provide a resource for Arizonans to learn about the many vineyards throughout our rugged high country and the fabulous wines our winemakers create,” she says. “I hope that people will enjoy the book as much as I have enjoyed creating it.” arizonawineguide.com
A sip from Sonoita’s Rune Wines WINE AND BOOK COVER PHOTO COURTESY OF JENELLE BONIFIELD (ARIZONA WINE MEDIA LLC)
Her new tome, AZ Uncorked: The Arizona Wine Guide. WINE AND BOOK COVER PHOTO COURTESY OF JENELLE BONIFIELD (ARIZONA WINE MEDIA LLC)
Author Jenelle Bonifield WINE AND BOOK COVER PHOTO COURTESY OF JENELLE BONIFIELD (ARIZONA WINE MEDIA LLC)
With a tag line like “Not Your Daddy’s Steakhouse,” you can expect the unexpected at Arizona’s first location of STK. Located in Old Town Scottsdale, the modern steakhouse combines an uberchic ambiance with steaks sourced from Linz Heritage Black Angus cattle, the highest-quality marbled beef, that are USDA certified. From petite 6-ounce filets to a 14-ounce dry-aged Delmonico to a 16-ounce Cowgirl ribeye, cuts come in all sizes—even up to a hefty 34-ounce dry-aged tomahawk. Sky-high shellfish platters; raw bar selections; and starters like its beloved Lil’ Brgs (sliders stacked with wagyu beef, pickles, tomatoes, cheese and special sauce on a sesame seed bun) are teamed with three types of mac and cheese (traditional, bacon and lobster); Parmesan truffle fries; and the option to top your carnivorous cuts with shrimp, truffle butter, a peppercorn crust or king crab Oscar. Whatever you do, don’t leave without ordering the Bag O’ Donuts, or the strawberry cobbler cocktail... if you prefer your dessert in liquid form, that is. 7134 E. Stetson Drive, 480.581.5171, stksteakhouse.com
Sink your teeth into STK’s USDA beef, primarily sourced from farms in Iowa and Nebraska JENELLE BONIFIELD PHOTO BY DEBBY WOLVOS; STK PHOTOS BY MAX MILLA
Martini, anyone? JENELLE BONIFIELD PHOTO BY DEBBY WOLVOS; STK PHOTOS BY MAX MILLA
Lil’ Brgs featuring wagyu beef, special sauce and a sesame seed bun JENELLE BONIFIELD PHOTO BY DEBBY WOLVOS; STK PHOTOS BY MAX MILLA
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