The Phoenix Traveler

On a diet that has more to do with green than lean? Then it’s okay to order the french fries at Fairmont Scottsdale. The grease used to cook them is now being converted into biodiesel fuel.
As part of its Green Partnership program, which the Canadian-based Fairmont initiated in 1990, the Scottsdale resort has partnered with a new local manufacturer, AZ BioDiesel, to convert the resort’s kitchen grease into an alternative fuel that will help save the environment.
What’s the motivation behind the process change? The hotel formerly contracted with a company that sent its used kitchen grease to California–to be used …read more

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Every big city has its unique neighborhoods, or the neighborhoods that define a specific culture or two. Being so close to the Mexican border, we have our fair share of ‘hoods that define the Hispanic culture.
One of them is in South Phoenix–not necessarily the safest place to play. But tucked away in a hidden corner, is something you might want to see–El Gran Mercado. For a little adventure and a place to practice your Spanish verbs, pick a weekend afternoon to drive over to 35th Avenue and Buckeye. That’s where you’ll find this secret gem. On the south side …read more

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It was probably the most fun I ever had in class when I studied improvisational acting at Theater 168 in Scottsdale several years ago. And while you may not be able to sign up for a class (if you don’t live in town), you can attend one of their comedy shows if you happen to be here on a weekend.
Owned and operated by Jef and Shurlin Rawls, this family-friendly comedy theater is home to the Jester’Z comedy troupe–a really fun and lively bunch of comedians, ages 18 to mid-40s, who really put on a good show for their audiences …read more

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You’ve probably been hearing the word, staycation. It’s the new buzz word for folks who decide to stay closer to home for that next vacation. Rather than taking off to Europe or investing in a sea cruise, they plan a trip in-state, or even at a resort near the hometown. Summertime is the perfect time to do that in Phoenix. Valley resorts offer great deals at high-end properties. You can find a list of them here.
To make this kind of long weekend even more affordable, book a suite or a room with a mini kitchen and stock up on …read more

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Salsa music, hot salsa, hot air balloons…It’ll be an alliteration of good times this coming September in southeastern Arizona. Plan now to visit Safford (170 miles southeast of Phoenix, via the Old West Highway) in Graham County the weekend beginning Friday, Sept. 26, or you’ll miss out on the 2nd Annual Salsa Fest.
This year’s event will be combined with the 1st Annual Salsa Trail Balloon Festival that includes an evening glow and early morning take-offs.
Here’s a sample platter of what else is on the menu of fun:

Salsa-making competition
Marketplace
Walk for Kids to benefit Boy’s & Girl’s Club
Salsa music & dancing
Food …read more

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If it’s not too late, make your reservation now to attend Locavore 3: The Bountiful. It’s happening this week.
Locavore is a word used to describe someone who eats only locally grown and locally produced foods. That’s also the meaning behind the special dinner event hosted this month by James Porter, chef and owner of Tapino Kitchen & Wine Bar. He’s working with Chef Payton Curry from Digestif at Scottsdale’s Southbridge near the Waterfront to plan and prepare the five-course meal. 
Every taste of the meal comes from an Arizona  farmer, artisan or winemaker. In fact, farmers, ranchers, food producers and …read more

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Don’t let the photo fool you. Although Pinnacle Peak Patio (pictured) serves a fine steak dinner–and a lot of fun, too–these ain’t your typical steakhouses that I’m talking about here. The new steakhouse restaurants opening up at Valley resorts this year are anything but typical. They’re elegant. They’re expensive. And you probably won’t find the red and white checkered tablecloth anywhere in sight. But if you’re in the mood for a very fine steak, with all the flair that an award-winning chef can bring to the table, plan on making a reservation at any of the restaurants listed below. 
The trend …read more

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Members of the Scottsdale Convention & Visitors Bureau offer discounts and special offers throughout the year. If you’re headed to Scottsdale any time soon, you can check out what’s available now by clicking here. On the page, you’ll find a checklist. Check off what you’d like and print out your own coupon booklet.
Some of the savings you’ll see include discount travel packages at various hotels, free appetizers at participating restaurants, dollars off on massage therapies, discounts on theater tickets and tour packages, shopping incentives at upscale malls, and even a free lunch.
It might be worth a visit.

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You don’t name your restaurant 3 Tomatoes & a Mozarella by accident. That is, unless you’re dining with friends at a restaurant in Rhode Island called The Three Bears, and your friends think a name with three-something-or-other sounds good. It might sound good, but it could cost you more for the sign. At least, that’s the story being told by an East Coast couple, Jeff and Nancy Roskin.
They moved from Connecticut to Scottsdale 10 years ago, as most people do, for the warm weather. But when they couldn’t find the kind of pizza here that they enjoyed back home, …read more

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Remember the movie, “Urban Cowboy“? Here’s your chance to do your best imitation of Sissy (Debra Winger) or Bud (John Travolta) on a mechanical bull at the Saddle Ranch Chop House (4321 N. Scottsdale Rd.). It’s open daily, 8 a.m. – 2:30 a.m. The steakhouse, which got it’s start in Hollywood, opened this year near Old Town Scottsdale. It serves breakfast, lunch, dinner, lots of drinks, and late-night meals. Another location is opening across town in Glendale soon.
Check out this review online.
If I bet money on this guy in the video to win the bull riding contest (They host them …read more

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