94889 Fri Jul 15 23:30:42 -0700 2005 3 6 Southwest 0 519423 Hubby hates the heat...really *hates* it. So, it is rather unexpected and inexplicable that we are celebrating his 50th birthday in Phoenix the end of July, but that is exactly what we will be doing. It will also be a celebration of his best friend's 50th (they've known each other since grammar school) and a major career milestore for best friend's wife (her need to stay in town for said milestone is why we will be in Phoenix and not heading out from there to cooler climes). We will definitely hit my favorite, Los Sombreros, while we are in town, but I am also looking for somewhere really, really special, and with great air-conditioning and a great summer menu, for one very nice blow-out dinner. Hubby's friend has been having a tough time of it lately on several fronts, and I'd like to take him and hubby somewhere really nice. He doesn't drink, however, so, while hubby would appreciate a good wine list the focus should really be on delicious food. Comfortable and fairly informal ambiance is also important (there is no way I am going to get hubby to even pack a jacket for Phoenix in the summer). We'd prefer central Phoenix or Scottsdale. I've of course asked my friends for their ideas since they are local, but they tend to stick to lower end places and are shy about mentioning spots for an upscale dinner, knowing that I am likely to pick up the tab for all four of us.... Where would you go for such a celebration (besides San Diego :-)? Fri Jul 15 23:30:42 -0700 2005 0 susancinsf 1 519431 T. Cooks at the Royal Palms Hotel is lovely and has wonderful food, Durants in Central Phoenix has been her over 50 years, dark, clubby and a great "old-fashioned" menu, relish tray, steaks, chops. Mary Elaines at the Phoenician is the top restaurant in the Valley but I understand the food has gone downhill and the prices are way uphill as in ridiculous. Vu at Scottsdale Hyatt Gainey Ranch has amazing food and beautiful setting. Every restaurant here is very cool inside as they really crank up the Ac during this insipid weather, so no worry there. Lon's at the Hermosa is another treausre. Marcellino in North Phoenix has great Italian with all homemade pastas and finally Sassi's in far North Scottsdale is the most gorgeous setting in the Valley with a great view, though it is quite a drive - it offers a fabulous setting and pretty good Italian. All of these have websites, just Google them as I don't have them bookmarked. Enjoy and welcome to 114 degrees! Sat Jul 16 10:02:38 -0700 2005 519423 0 claree 2 519440 I would also recommend T. Cooks. I went there two weeks ago and you can read my review below or on my blog. While my fiance and I were dressed up, you can easily fit in with slacks and a polo shirt. Phoenix, even in many of the upscale places, won't be sticklers about the dress code when it is 115 F outside. I also would shy away from Mary Elaine's. The place is elegant, regal and very upscale. However, I have yet to meet many who have anything positive to say about the food these days, particularly at the list prices. Link: http://phoenixfeast.blogspot.com Sat Jul 16 15:51:06 -0700 2005 519431 0 Seth Chadwick 1 519438 All of these places are excellent. I lean towards T. Cooks for that special occasion. The grounds and hotel are like nothing else in the valley. Has a summer romance package which includes room and dinner. T. Cooks at the Royal Palms - Highly recommended and one of the best "special occasion" places in Phoenix. Lon's at the Hermosa Inn Michael's at the Citadel Binkley’s - http://www.binkleysrestaurant.com/ Sat Jul 16 13:57:29 -0700 2005 519423 0 GhostWriter