The wait is almost over. May 19th marks the kick-off of Arizona Restaurant Week much to the cheers of Valley residents (and the subsequent jeers of our waistlines). This means now is the time to book your tables and gather your favorite dining partners. For nine glorious days, over 150 Arizona restaurants will be offering pre-fixe menus at killer prices (just $30-$40 a head not including beverages or tip) and there is still plenty of time to map out an appropriate game plan. Check out the list of participating restaurants here to find out which of your favorite restaurants are in on the action, or you can scope out the ones you’ve always wanted to try. There is no better time to get out there and sample the best of the best so get out those stretchy pants and prepare yourself for some amazing meals.

Image from Binkley’s Restaurant, a participant in Arizona Spring Restaurant Week 2012

Surely you’ve noticed the increase in temperature recently and if you haven’t, please share your secret with us. For those of us who are attempting to escape the heat, Cask 63 is on our side. Though its only been open since January, Cask 63 is developing quite the reputation. As this new Scottsdale restaurant prepares itself for the Valley’s brutal summer, it’s got some cool tricks up its sleeve. Starting in June, Cask 63 introduces its ICE menu. This pre-fix menu features food and drinks designed to keep the heat in the kitchen and not on you. For $25 bucks a pop, not including tax and gratuity, it’s a welcome price to pay to avoid melting like the Wicked Witch of the West. Here’s a peak at the menu:

Appetizer

Chilled Watermelon Gazpacho with Tomato Granita

Entree

Sauteed Black Cod, with Israeli Couscous Salad, and Icewine Vinaigrette

Desserts

Pina Colada Sorbet

Cask 63 | 8877 North Scottsdale Road | Scottsdale, Arizona 85253

We have all come to accept HUB Clothing as the go-to place for denim in Scottsdale. Carrying all the latest styles from brands so cool, you probably haven’t even heard of them yet, walking into the Fashion Square boutique is a style education as much as it is a shopping experience. So naturally, when we had questions on how to navigate this Summer’s denim trends, we looked to co-owner, Jennifer Mumford, to tell us how to wear well.

DLT: Colored denim and printed denim have both been huge trends the past couple of seasons, how would you recommend women incorporate the newest styles into their wardrobes without being too trendy?

JM: White denim is the most classic way of going about it because you can actually wear white denim year-round now. People assume white is very “Spring/Summer”, but it also looks great in Fall as well if you pair it with more of the neutral tones like grey and brown. But what I really do love about colored denim is that it gives a pop of whimsy and a fun flair to your wardrobe and they just look great with a sun kissed glow. It adds a little playfulness to your wardrobe.

DLT: What would you suggest pairing with these styles to keep it chic?

JM: I would keep it as simple as possible on top. You don’t want to do anything too crazy. Stay with your oversized white t-shirt or a crisp white button down, but I would definitely recommend staying solid on top because you’re making your statement with the pants.

DLT: And for shoes?

JM: You could really do anything with these, but what I think looks really great with a gladiator sandal or even a simple flip-flop. For something a little dressier you might want to throw on a wedge heel.

See the full interview and photos on Desert Living Today.

Like HUB Clothing on Facebook here to learn about new product and sweet sales and be sure to check out all the latest and greatest in their boutique today.

It’s Friday, the week is over and we’re ready to find some of the best cocktails this city has to offer. But where and what should we drink? Well, fortunately, the St Germain Cocktail Challenge Part 2 is here. Today’s edition comes to you from Scottsdale’s, The Mint.

The Cocktail: Life Savings Martini

The Venue: The Mint

The Recipe

2 oz Ultimat Vodka
5 oz St. Germain
2 Basil leaves
2 Strawberries
.5 oz Agave Nectar
.25 oz Lemon juice
Ginger Soda Topper
Strawberry Half

The Mint 7373 East Camelback Road, Scottsdale AZ 85252 tel: 480 947 6468

See Part 1 of the challenge with Tarbell’s here

If you want to make your mom happy, just hop on the phone now and book your table for this year’s Mother’s Day Brunch at The Westin Kierland Resort & Spa inside the resort’s prestigious Trailblazer’s Ballroom.

What better day to treat your Mom to an elegant Champagne Brunch with the added benefits of an upscale resort location than the one dedicated entirely to her? Indulge her with views of Kierland Golf Course and the McDowell Mountain range from the ballroom’s floor-to-ceiling windows and live piano entertainment until 2 pm.  The Westin Kierland offers the perfect setting to take a stroll around the grounds, go shopping across the street at Kierland Commons and the Scottsdale Quarter (with a free “shopping shuttle”) and take advantage of the Resort’s amenities by treating mom to a relaxing treatment at Agave, the Arizona Spa.

We all know the key word in “Champagne Brunch” isn’t brunch, but the food is another big reason why you should get to booking. Crowd that plate with everything from made-to-order omelets and a selection of salads, to delectable seafood, pastas and various meats from their carving station. There’s also a chocolate fountain that you will have to resist sticking your fingers under (didn’t mom teach you better?) among other mouth-watering deserts. Sounds like the perfect way to give your mom everything she deserves this Mother’s Day. After all, she is the reason you’re here.

Sunday, May 13^th

Westin Kierland Resort & Spa Trailblazer’s Ballroom
Two seatings - 10am and 12pm
$ 79+ per Adult, $ 25+ per Child 5 – 12
Children 4 and under eat free

Visit www.ilovekierlandresort.com to view the Mother’s Day Champagne Brunch menu.  Reservations required at 480-624-1202.

Renegade Canteen has undergone some recent renovations. Newly appointed Executive Chef, Donald Fawcett, has brought a whole new element of “regional American comfort food” to the Scottsdale restaurant by creating a whole menu including a light and affordable lunch menu and some classic dinner items with a twist. Everyone loves a good braised short rib, but how about one that is Dr. Pepper braised with chili cheese grits? Sounds just rebellious enough to try. Check out the menu here and make some plans to walk a little on the wild side. Hey, a little sprucing never hurt anyone, right?

Before you start to panic, remember you still have six days to find your mom the perfect gift for Mother’s Day. If you don’t, she’ll probably hold it against you for the rest of your life, but really, no pressure. Have no fear, Scoop Factory  is here with a short, yet incredibly helpful (and affordable) gift guide to ensure you that special lady opens a present worthy of her continued amazingness.

“Mom Always Said” Bangle by Kate Spade - For only $58, you can give your mom two gifts: a lovely bracelet she’ll wear every day and the satisfaction of knowing you listened…at least once. Pair it with a sweet card with some of her famous sayings and you might win offspring of the year.

The Williams-Sonoma Cookbook: The Essential Recipe Collection for Today’s Home Cook - Sure, it’s a mouthful, but for a mom who loves to cook, there is nothing better than a whole new book filled with inspiration. Throw in a one of those clever “coupons” where you offer to cook a meal of her choice for an added touch.

The Fash Pack by butter LONDON - Three classic shades from the hottest nail polish brand around, this cute little trio would be great with a manicure and/or pedicure gift card to your mother’s favorite spa.

Homegrown Monogram Mugs from Anthropologie - For the quirky mom, these initial emblazoned mugs are the perfect addition to your mom’s morning routine. Throw in her favorite coffee beans or a set of teas to make the gift memorable. The best part? They’re only $8 a pop.

“Vintage” Zip Around Wallet from Diane von Furstenberg - Available at Nordstrom, this high-class accessory is made for the mom with timeless style.

See also our recent scoop on some great Tiffany’s pieces for under $200!

Talk is cheap, but laughs should be free. We feel this must be why Stand Up! Scottsdale is hosting four free comedy shows with recent Last Comic Standing finalist, Adam Hunter. On May 4th and 5th (Cinco de Mayo), you can catch the up-and-coming funny guy with a comedic routine that is “brash, deep and hilarious” all for the low, low cost of nothing. Reserve your seats on the website today and read up on more of what Adam’s been up to here on Stand Up! Scottsdale’s website. Drinks not included.

For decades, Arizonans have migrated to the city of San Diego in the cruelest Summer months like it’s in our DNA. Why? Because out there when the sun shines, it doesn’t melt your skin off and the average temperature is a cool and breezy 70 degrees. You can also enjoy San Diego’s popular family attractions, dynamic downtown, historic parks, museums, dining and nightlife. Since this trek has become such a tradition, Starwood Hotels is offering a special rate for Arizona residents now through June 30th. Simply book your stay with at the Sheraton San Diego Hotel and Marina, The Westin Gaslamp, The US Grant or the W San Diego to take full advantage of rates starting at just $119 per night.  Seems like quite a steal for such a welcome escape.

Come on down, come on down, it’s cookie time. Forgive our terrible Troop Beverly Hills reference (only because we love good Shelly Long flick), but today is actually National Oatmeal Cookie Day and to celebrate, we thought we would share with you a sweet recipe from Cookies From Home owner, Corey Meiteen. Why not just look up any old oatmeal cookie recipe? Because this particular take has a Southwestern twist that will have you scratching your head with one hand and reaching for more with the other. Try some!

Ingredients

2 cups all-purpose flour
5/8 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup Butter
1/2 cup Margarine
1 cup packed brown sugar
1 cup white sugar
2 egg
2 cups quick cooking oats
1 cup Milk Chocolate or butterscotch chips (or 1Ž2 and 1/2)
1/2 tsp of Chipotle Pepper (to taste), best served with the Milk Chocolate chips only.

Preparation

1.Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Sift together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt; set aside.
2.In a medium bowl, cream butter, margarine, brown sugar, and white sugar until smooth. Beat in eggs one at atime.
3. Gradually stir in the sifted ingredients (add Chipotle pepper if desired) until well blended. Mix in oats and butterscotch chips. Drop from a teaspoon onto ungreased cookie sheets.
4. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes in preheated oven, or until edges are golden. Let set up on the cookie sheets for a few minutes before transferring to wire racks to cool completely.

Be sure to visit Cookies from Home for more great treats and here’s the video for Cookie Time because you know you were going to look it up.