By Cassaundra Brooks

Photo of Leeann Dearing by Logan Vail
Photos of Brenna Sakas by Eric Fairchild
Photo of Brenna in swimsuit courtesy Miss Universe, LP, LLLP
Photos of pageant and Brittany Bell courtesy Casting Crown Productions

“It’s not a beauty pageant—it’s a scholarship program.” You might recognize these words from the Sandra Bullock chick-flick classic Miss Congeniality. Really, Miss USA, Miss America, and their married-woman and teen counterparts are, in the literal sense, both pageant and program—but yet they are much more. We all hear the horror stories of pageant moms barking orders at little girls with equal parts heavy makeup and bad attitude. But when approached properly, these competitions have a lot to offer young women. Just ask Brenna Sakas, the 2006 Miss Arizona USA titleholder and top-fifteen contender in the national 2006 Miss USA competition. Or talk to Leeann Dearing, first-time pageant participant and second runner-up in the 2009 Mrs. Arizona America competition.

MISS USA

Miss Arizona USA, a branch of the Miss USA pageant, is part of the Donald J. Trump-NBC Universal joint venture, the Miss Universe Organization (MUO). The pageant, which began in 1952 as a bathing-beauty competition sponsored by Catalina Swimwear, has undergone a metamorphosis in the past half-century. According to Miss Arizona USA pageant director Britt Boyse, the MUO is committed to increasing HIV/AIDS awareness and increasing awareness of breast and ovarian cancers through partnering with organizations dedicated to the research and education of these diseases. “The women who champion these causes during their reign personify the combination of beauty and intelligence that defines the twenty-first century,” Boyse says.

The state titleholders serve their communities through service with various other charitable organizations. Brenna Sakas, Miss Arizona USA 2006, has worked with the Special Olympics, Kiwanis, Adopt-a-Pilot, Voices Take Flight, Trot for Tots, the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation and Best Buddies, among others. But her volunteer work began when she was just 8 years old, helping out in the children’s nursery and worship choir in her church as well as in several other capacities. At 16, she joined her family and the Catholic Coalition of Phoenix in the building of a home for Habitat for Humanity. This would begin a deeper relationship with the organization, as she became the Outreach Coordinator for ASU’s Habitat for Humanity Student Chapter and then began her active four-year participation with its Central Arizona public relations/marketing committee after winning Miss Arizona USA.

Sakas had dabbled in competing since the age of 11. After doing the local pageant circuit for a few years, she tried her luck at the age of 19 competing in local Miss America pageants, placing in Miss Arizona America’s top ten in 2004. In 2006, she entered the Miss Arizona USA pageant. A short while later, the Arizona native stood on the stage of downtown Phoenix’s historic Orpheum Theatre in her newly acquired evening gown, wearing a glittering crown and satin sash and clutching a floral bouquet.

Winning, however, took dedicated preparation: working out with a trainer several days a week and intensive mock interviews, for starters. Boyse, who competed herself in 1995, says that the preparation for these pageants helps participants cultivate skills and confidence. She says that this gave her “a definite edge” in her professional career in the health care industry. A key component to preparation from the side of the pageant, Boyse says, is to help the women identify, develop, and highlight their best attributes and to embrace their individuality with newfound confidence.

Sakas considers herself such a beneficiary. “Like most girls, I was a very awkward teenager,” she says. Competing in the Miss Arizona pageants helped her grow into a more secure woman. Though no stranger to performing in front of people, she built up her confidence and improved her speaking and presentation skills. Simply competing, she says, teaches dedication, perseverance, and time management. And the best part is that these benefits are available to all participants, win or lose. In fact, Boyse says, losing with class is just as important a lesson as winning with humility.

Pageants aren’t all glamour, of course. On the national level in particular, you enjoy precious few hours of sleep, endure twelve-hour TV rehearsals, fight homesickness, and sometimes battle illnesses. Competing at a national level in the company of fifty other gorgeous, driven women is, as Sakas puts it, “nerve-racking, intimidating, and dramatic,” especially when not every girl got the memo on sportsmanlike conduct.

“I’m not going to lie and say everyone was super nice and helpful,” Sakas says. “There was a handful of girls who made ‘world peace’ a little difficult for the rest of us.”

But Sakas was serious about wanting the opportunity, the experience, and the job of being Miss Arizona USA. And being titleholder is worth the hard work. Sakas took a leave of absence from her undergraduate studies at ASU to concentrate on making public appearances, fund-raising, and preparing for Miss USA. Titleholders volunteer with nonprofits, act as spokespeople, serve as role models to their community, represent pageant sponsors and, for state winners, represent Arizona in the Miss USA competition.

Sakas represented Arizona in Miss USA 2006 all the way through the semifinals. It was the experience, however, and not the missed crown that she remembers. In fact, Sakas not only recommends the pageant to other women but also has taken on coaching and mentoring participants herself through her business, Crowning Concepts Pageant Consulting. She takes the tips and tricks she learned in her years on the pageant circuit, couples them with her lifelong passion for education and experience in leadership, and helps other ladies pursue their pageant dreams. In the past year, she has had clients place in second, third, and fourth runner-up positions.

The one possible drawback to competing is cost. Each contestant pays an entry fee of $1,100, which covers participation, coaching/informational workshops, two nights’ hotel accommodation, competition sash, opening number dress, goodies from sponsors, and all transportation and meals during pageant weekend. That’s where sponsorships come into play. Contestants are encouraged to solicit sponsorships, a process that is great practice for the interview portion of the competition, according to Britt Boyse.

Sakas agrees. “Asking for donated services for hair, nails, spray tans, wardrobe alterations, etc., also helps,” she says. “And don’t spend thousands of dollars on an evening gown! I won Miss Arizona USA in a gown I purchased on eBay for $250.” And planning ahead helps, too. “Don’t wait until the last minute to buy your wardrobe, have it altered, and break in your shoes,” Sakas says.

But a dazzling evening gown, flattering swimsuit, and carefully crafted interview answer are not enough to win a crown. These women are beautiful and articulate, but it’s the character that shines through the glitz and eloquence that sets the contestants apart from one another. Brenna Sakas turns heads, but it’s not her physical beauty that lights up every room she enters. It’s her warm smile and infectious personality. It’s her enviable work ethic and moral center. She is a woman who perseveres and strives daily to live a moral life—one, she adds, in accordance with God’s word. Sakas cites her faith in Jesus Christ, whom she credits as her inspiration. She doesn’t crave the high levels of fame (no crazed paparazzi, thank you!) to which some Hollywood hopefuls aspire. Sakas, who is signed with FORD/Robert Black Agency, would like to make a living acting and modeling and coaching; she has already achieved decent success modeling for companies like Dillard’s, Coach, Calvin Klein, and Barrett-Jackson and acting in national commercials for Go Daddy Genie, Blue Diamond Almonds, and Dickenson’s Witch Hazel. But she also considers returning to the world of academia for a master’s degree in family therapy so that she might counsel families in distress. In the meantime, you’ll find the well-rounded beauty queen showing off her silly side performing with professional short-form improv troupe Chaos Comedy and doing yoga, running, reading, cooking, baking, bargain shopping, and studying Scripture.

MRS. AMERICA

The Miss America pageant dates back to 1921, when East Coast newspapers sought a means to increase their circulation. Winners of individual newspaper photographic popularity contests were awarded an all-expense-paid trip to the second annual Fall Frolic festival in Atlantic City, where they were placed in an “Inter-City Beauty Contest” and judged in large part by appearance, personality, conversation with judges, and interaction with the crowds.

The pageant has come a long way from its beginnings. It was first telecast in 1954, and in 1989, the Miss America Organization (MAO) founded its familiar platform concept. No, “world peace” is not a platform—though certainly there is hope that it can be achieved through the efforts made on behalf of various platforms like homelessness, character education, domestic violence, and so forth. The current Miss Arizona America, for instance, focuses on enriching lives through higher education. According to the official Web site, it is also the leading provider of scholarships for young women in the world.

The organization has also spawned the first and largest married-woman pageant to date: Mrs. America, established in 1977. According to its official Web site, the competition is “devoted to emphasizing that America’s 70 million married women are extraordinarily beautiful, poised, articulate, and versatile.” Contestants for this married-woman counterpart range in age from the twenties to the fifties, and compete in three areas: personal interview, (personality and communication skills), swimsuit (fitness and health), and evening gown (poise and grace). Unlike Miss America contestants, participants do not compete in a talent portion.

Leeann Dearing, second runner-up to Mrs. Arizona America 2009 (who was Tucson’s Elisa Rister), might have been even more formidable a competitor if there were a judging for talent. The beautiful, witty blonde is a trained pianist who composes her own music. She is also a talented vocalist, skilled actor, and improvisational performer. Her platform—arts education—is one she advocates strongly. “Artists are not expendable,” she says.

And landing in third place was a thrill for the first-time competitor. She didn’t expect to capture the crown in her pageant debut. It gave her a taste of the pageant world, and her overall experience with the competition has prompted her to enter this realm once again.

But what was it that made the newly married former East Coaster enter the pageant in the first place? True, it was at the suggestion of her friend and coach, Brenna Sakas, but the “America system” itself also drew her in. It wasn’t just about beauty, she says. The pageant stresses charity work and family, among other key values. Through MAO, she was afforded the opportunity to participate in the Child Help USA fashion show benefit and the Leukemia Night at Devil’s Martini. But her interest in charity work had already deepened several years earlier in central Thailand, where she spent time working in schools, farms, and church communities. One of her most vivid memories is a visit to a leprosy recovery clinic, where, through a translator, she was able to have what she describes as “beautiful conversations with the patients.”

Dearing says, “It sounds overly simplistic, but to observe the discrepancy in the quality of life in America as opposed to rural Thailand was awakening. This experience fostered a deeper gratefulness within me for my country and the opportunities provided here.”

One such opportunity was trying her luck with Mrs. Arizona America. Like Sakas, she was accustomed to the stage, and her strong background in theater and performance perhaps bolstered her nerves. However, there were many skills that did not cross over, and the preparation and competition gave her the chance to improve her public speaking and improvisation skills as well as fitness, poise, and confidence—key assets in the acting world. The hefty entry fee (similar to that of Miss Arizona USA and also often funded through sponsorships) was well worth her experience. Her mentor, former Mrs. Arizona Rosalie Michaels, gave her a piece of advice that really stuck: “Don’t worry about the crown. See the journey.”

That journey began with preparation, to which coach Brenna Sakas was more than accustomed. Training included perfecting “the walk” and running through a series of tough mock interviews. “I had kind of a duck walk,” says Dearing. “[Brenna] was able to point out exactly what I was doing and how to fix it.” And thanks to hours of prep work, she felt as though she nailed her interview.

The competition did bring at least one nerve-racking event for which nothing can really prepare a contestant: the swimsuit round. There are not many situations which require strutting across a stage in front of a large audience in a swimsuit and high heels. Going through it, however, helps secure a level of confidence few other situations could provide. “If you can smile and laugh in a swimsuit and heels,” Dearing says, “you can nail any presentation or any audition!”

And she has. You may recognize her, in fact, from this year’s Go Daddy Super Bowl commercials, which starred race car driver Danica Patrick. She earned a small role in the Lifetime project Maneater with Sarah Chalke (Scrubs) and Judy Greer (27 Dresses, The Village), which premiered nationally last year. She is set to shoot the short film Domestic Dispute this spring and can soon be seen co-starring in Personalized Medicine. You can also catch Dearing at Arizona Virtual Studios on Saturday nights portraying a colorful assortment of zany characters for improv troupe Chaos Comedy—which is directed by her husband Matthew—or playing the piano at Highlands Church in Scottsdale.

Dearing embodies the characteristics sought out by the Mrs. America Organization. She possesses class in spades and is already a personal role model for scores of aspiring actors across the Valley who have studied their craft under her instruction and mentoring. Three years ago, she and her husband started up the Dearing Acting Studio, which she describes as one of the greatest joys of her life.

“I don’t know if [my students] realize how much they give me,” she says. “It recharges me.”

She says it’s difficult not to get sucked into the self-dominating vortex of the entertainment industry, and while she has begun to take on larger-scale projects with some bigger industry names, she is happy here in the Grand Canyon State. “I’m in no rush to LA or New York,” she says. “I believe in Arizona. I believe in our market.”

Dearing is driven by her faith and her desire to live up to the work ethic, selflessness, and compassion of her own real-life inspirations like her parents and her husband. She is just the sort of woman a Mrs. America contestant should be.

“My goals are to keep God at the center, to love and honor my husband Matt, and to create art that is interesting, honest, and real,” she says. And, on a smaller scale, to eventually obtain the coveted crown—and the job that goes along with it.

Despite occasional poor press as well as spoofs courtesy the entertainment industry, major pageants have produced more than a string of beauty queens. That these women are beautiful is undeniable, but they are, in general, also intelligent, driven, compassionate human beings with good sense and important messages to convey to the public. They undergo the scrutiny of audiences that sometimes number in the millions and perform beautifully under immense pressure. And forget plastic smiles and dull personalities—Sakas and Dearing are proof to the contrary. Their passion for helping others pursue their own dreams is not only evident through their eloquent speeches but also through their selfless acts, which prove time and again that these special ladies are the genuine article: women, in their most admirable form.

The Miss Arizona USA 2010 competition was held in November. The Mrs. Arizona America competition will be held on May 21–22 at the Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts. For more information on these organizations, visit missarizonausa.com and mrsarizonaamerica.com. For more information on the Miss Universe Organization, visit missuniverse.org. For more information on the Miss America Organization, visit missamerica.org. To learn more about Brenna Sakas’s coaching and current projects, visit brennasakas.com. To learn more about Leeann Dearing’s current projects, visit leeanndearing.com or dearingstudio.com.

SIDEBARS

Miss Arizona USA 2010

Brittany Sheree Bell was crowned Miss Arizona USA 2010 and Miss Congeniality at the Ikea Theater at the Mesa Center for the Arts last November, and will compete for the title of Miss USA in April of this year. The 22-year-old is a graduate of ASU with a bachelor’s degree in broadcast journalism. For the past three years, she was a dancer for the Phoenix Suns. As the reigning Miss Arizona USA, she is using her title to draw attention to two of her favorite charities: Phoenix Youth at Risk and Face in the Mirror. She is using networking contacts she made as a university student and Suns dancer to hone opportunities for partnerships, sponsorships, and volunteering. As for her experience with the pageant, Bell says, “The Miss USA pageant, in my opinion, is about your personality, your success, the way you carry yourself, your poise, your ethics, and pretty much everything about you being an all-around driven, classy, and confident young woman.”

PAGEANTS

Miss Arizona USA

There are three competitive components, each judged using the following criteria:

Swimsuit: physical fitness, stage presence, and overall impression

Evening gown: grace, poise, style, stage presence, confidence, and overall impression

Interview: communication skills and personality (not opinions or personal beliefs)

Prizes: Contestants who achieve at least runner-up status may receive prizes that include substantial scholarships, gift certificates, and discounts, while winners also enjoy an engraved crystal trophy, custom crown and sash, and a Miss Arizona USA official banner.

Mrs. Arizona America

There are three competitive components, as follows:

Presentation and Community Achievement (Interview) – 50 percent of the total score

Presence and Poise (Evening Wear) – 25 percent of the total score

Lifestyle and Fitness (Swimsuit) – 25 percent of the total score

Prizes: The Miss Arizona pageant is generous in scholarships, while the Mrs. Arizona pageant includes sizable prize packages filled with goodies from numerous pageant sponsors along with certain official memorabilia.

INTRO

Congratulations to our fourth annual Readers’ Choice Restaurant Award winners! Our readers toast thirty-seven exceptional restaurants that are filling North Valley residents up with delectable food and impeccable service. There are no ties this year, but there are some familiar names on the list! Others are new to our roster. The results come in just in time as friends and relatives pour in from out of town for the holidays and all of us make our New Year’s resolutions. Take your loved ones out for a fine-dining experience; resolve to try new places—and new foods—in the new year; and discover new favorite haunts for a cup of coffee, comfort food, and great spicy fare, or for those informal business meetings, elegant celebrations, and Sunday brunch with the girlfriends.

AFTER HOURS: Armitage*
DC Ranch on Market Street
20751 N Pima Rd., Suite 120
Scottsdale, AZ 85255
(480) 502-1641
armitagewine.com

You’ll love the Old-World ambience that makes Armitage perfect for winding down after work or enjoying a pre-dinner drink. If you stay on into the night, prepare for the lights to dim and the music to pick up tempo, transforming Armitage into an energized nightspot.

AMERICAN: Roaring Fork
4800 North Scottsdale Rd. Ste. 1700
Scottsdale, AZ 85251
(480) 947-0795
eddiev.com

If fondue pot with lamb chops served with roasted butternut squash and chili-pecan bread along with pineapple cornmeal upside down cake served with vanilla bean ice cream sound like your perfect meal, you’ll want to head to Roaring Fork for some wood-fired grill goodness. It’s rugged American cuisine at its best.

APPETIZERS: Roy’s Hawaiian Fusion*
Desert Ridge
5350 East Marriott Dr.
Phoenix, AZ 85054
(480) 419-7697
roysrestaurant.com

The first Roy’s opened in Honolulu in 1988. Try Chef Yamaguchi’s popular Hawaiian Fusion Cuisine—a tempting combination of exotic flavors and spices mixed with the freshest local ingredients, with seafood featured.

BARBECUE: Bryan’s Black Mountain Barbecue
In Las Tiendas
6130 E. Cave Creek Rd.
Cave Creek, AZ 85331
(480) 575-7155
bryansbarbecue.com

From tender pulled pork and beef brisket to tasty seasoned ribs and whole barbecued chickens, Bryan’s Black Mountain Barbecue is quickly gaining renown as the go-to place for good ol’-fashioned barbecue favorites. Take home signature sauce and rubs or chow down on some hearty, slathered-in-sauce meats at the festive restaurant. Vegetarians can join their carnivorous friends and opt for the pulled squash sandwich with coleslaw or a fried egg.

BREAKFAST: Kashman’s Place*
32531 N. Scottsdale Rd.
Scottsdale, AZ 85262
(480) 488-5274
kashmansplace.net

Brooklyn transplants Steve and Nancy began Kashman’s Place as a sublime bagel shop, but it quickly morphed into a full breakfast-and-lunch spot complete with a friendly atmosphere and made-from-scratch original creations. For a New York experience in Arizona and innovative dishes cooked with fresh ingredients, North Valley residents have been steadily checking out this unique dining sensation.

BREWERY: Gordon Biersch*
18545 N Allied Way
Scottsdale, AZ 85054
(480) 342-9860
gordonbiersch.com

Gordon Biersch Brewery Restaurant in Glendale features an eclectic beer garden, an impressive bar area equipped with TVs and speaker system, and spacious patio seating. The upscale casual restaurant offers a haven for fresh microbrew beers and delicious made-from-scratch menu items.

BURGERS: 25 Degrees
5415 E. High St. Ste. 127
Phoenix, AZ 85054
(480) 502-1125
phoenix.25degreesrestaurant.com

25 Degrees is the place where sophistication meets the most popular of American fare. Sip champagne or fine wine as you munch on delicious gourmet burgers and lounge in your favorite pair of jeans and T-shirt. The rich setting features a long tiled bar, leather booths, and designer lighting, but it’s the assorted list of extras and sauces that lure people back to build their own unique burger every visit. Traditional desserts and tasty snacks also help make up the impressive menu.

CHINESE: Flo’s
15027 N. Thompson Peak Pkwy.
Scottsdale, AZ 85260
(480) 661-8883
flosrestaurants.com

Flo’s presents modern innovative Chinese dishes in a contemporary Asian atmosphere, with attentive service, all with reasonable prices and a tip of the hat to the Southwest.

COFFEE SHOP: Cave Creek Coffee Co.
6033 E. Cave Creek Rd.
Cave Creek AZ 85331
(480) 488-0603
cavecreekcoffee.com

Whether you’re looking for a great cup of coffee, an exceptional glass of wine, unique food, or intimate entertainment, Cave Creek Coffee Co. offers you the experience you’re seeking.

COMFORT FOOD: Chompie’s*
Mercado Del Rancho Center
9301 E. Shea Blvd.
Scottsdale, AZ 85260
(480) 860-0475
chompies.com

The Borensteins came to the Valley from Queens, New York in 1979 to make the entire Valley eat, dollink, eat—and eat deli. Chompie’s is an exciting New York-style deli-restaurant and bakery featuring freshly baked breads, cakes, pastries and, of course, world-famous bagels and bialys in 35 “hot” varieties.

CONTINENTAL: Binkley’s in Cave Creek
6920 E. Cave Creek Rd.
Cave Creek, AZ
(480) 437-1072
binkleysrestaurant.com

Binkley’s specializes in creating classically influenced contemporary American cuisine, revised daily to feature the freshest seasonal ingredients, using local and organic foods whenever they are available. Everything from appetizer to dessert (except the bread) is made in the Binkley kitchen, prepared to order and with special dietary needs accommodated.

DELI: Hot Bagels & Deli
34640 N. North Valley Parkway Ste. 117
Phoenix, AZ 85086
(623) 516-2888

The bagels are made fresh daily in-house, using an original New York recipe. The sandwiches are made with only fine Boar’s Head meats. And the delicious dishes at this delicatessen won’t take a big bite out of your pocketbook.

DESSERT: The Cheesecake Factory*
15230 North Scottsdale Rd.
Scottsdale, AZ 85254
(480) 607-0083
thecheesecakefactory.com

The Cheesecake Factory is an upscale casual dining restaurant offering more than 200 menu selections that include appetizers, pizza, pasta, seafood, steaks, salads, sandwiches, and fifty delectable cheesecakes and desserts!

ECLECTIC: The Herb Box
DC Ranch on Market Street
20707 North Pima Road, Suites 140-145
Scottsdale, AZ 85255
(480) 289-6180 
herbboxcatering.com

The Herb Box sums up its fare as “innovative world creations.” Endless new recipes come from taking what is freshest at the farm stand and being open-minded enough to having an idea drive the chef in the kitchen. The breakfast, lunch, and dinner menus are vast and varied, ensuring an entrée for every palate.

FAMILY-FRIENDLY: Sauce*
Sauce Norterra
2470 W. Happy Valley Rd.
Phoenix, AZ 85085
(623) 414-4866
foxrestaurantconcepts.com/sauce

Sauce provides a variety of thin-crust red and white pizzas as well as fresh salads with house-made dressings, lasagna, and grilled panini made with fresh-baked bread. Their wine selection is accompanied by Italian and domestic beers, and the warm, inviting atmosphere makes the dining experience as enjoyable as the food.

FRENCH: Zinc Bistro
Kierland Commons
15034 N Scottsdale Rd.
Scottsdale, AZ 85281
(480) 603-0922
zincbistroaz.com

A New York-style Parisian bistro in the Arizona desert charms the Scottsdale dining scene. Enjoy the oyster bar where shellfish is brought in daily—the freshest oysters, clams, mussels, and lobster you can find in the desert.

GREEK: My Big Fat Greek Restaurant*
4218 N. Scottsdale Rd.
Scottsdale, AZ
(480) 949-8900
mybigfatgreekrestaurant.net

Greek food is one of the healthiest cuisines and has a Mediterranean flair of cooking created by the gods. Virgin olive oil, fresh ingredients, selected herbs, and just the right amount of spice are the cooking secrets cherished and kept for thousands of years. If it’s Greek to you, you’re in the right place.

INDIAN: Jewel of the Crown
7373 Scottsdale Mall, Suite 1 
Scottsdale, AZ 85251
480-949-8000
jewelofthecrown.com

Nestled in the historic downtown district of Scottsdale, Jewel of the Crown is a highly acclaimed restaurant that serves gourmet Indian cuisine. The elegant ambience, wide selection of authentic Indian delicacies, and full-service bar are some of the reasons customers have made this restaurant their first choice.

ITALIAN: Arrivederci
7101 E. Thunderbird Rd. #103
Scottsdale, AZ 85254
(480) 922-8225
Azitaly.com

Arrivederci offers intimate dining with exquisite Italian fare. With a romantic ambience, marvelous sauces, and food all made from scratch, you may think that you’re in Italy.

JAPANESE: Sushi Roku*
7277 E Camelback Rd.
Scottsdale, AZ 85251
(480) 970-2121
sushiroku.com

Sushi Roku showcases traditional Japanese fare with modern twists. Among the main dishes, you’ll find scallops with stuffed shishito peppers and whole flash-fried striped bass with spicy ponzu sauce. Of course, sushi and sashimi are also prominently featured.

MEXICAN: The Spotted Donkey Cantina
34505 N Scottsdale Rd.
Scottsdale, AZ 85266
(480) 488.3358
spotteddonkeycantina.com

Southwestern and Western flavors merge at Spotted Donkey Cantina at El Pedregal. The best drinks downtown, unique food, and a festive atmosphere are quickly earning Spotted Donkey Cantina a reputation as the place to dine in Scottsdale.

BEST PATIO DINING: Olive & Ivy Restaurant & Marketplace
7135 E. Camelback Rd., Ste. 195
Scottsdale, AZ 85251
(480) 751-2200
foxrc.com/olive_ivy.html

Old world meets new at Olive & Ivy, which blends the provocative flavors and timeless elegance of the Mediterranean with contemporary California chic. Olive & Ivy is a lively neighborhood hotspot offering something for everyone and featuring Scottsdale’s largest outdoor patio.

PIZZERIA: Patsy Grimaldi’s DC Ranch*
DC Ranch
20715 N. Pima Rd.
Scottsdale, AZ 85255
(480) 515-5588
patsygrimaldis.com

Grimaldi’s pizzas are made with fresh mozzarella, tomato, basil, and dough made fresh daily. The fresh toppings range from the finest sweet Italian sausage to the most flavorful red peppers, all masterfully roasted in Grimaldi’s coal-brick ovens.

RESTAURANT WITH A VIEW: The Chart House*
7255 McCormick Pkwy.
Scottsdale, AZ 85258
(480) 951-2550
chart-house.com

From top-of-the-catch seafood, succulent steaks, and decadent desserts, Chart House has a menu tailored to complement local cuisine while introducing a hint of the exotic. Overlooking Camelback Mountain and a picturesque lake, an evening at Chart House will give you a cool respite from the Arizona heat.

ROMANTIC: Ocean Prime
City North
5455 E. High St. #115
Phoenix, AZ 85054
ocean-prime.com

The modern American supper club melds the retro with the contemporary for a pleasing and elegant design aesthetic; and with incredible service, delicious seafood and steaks, and creative, quality cocktails and wines, Ocean Prime doesn’t just lure people in–it keeps them coming back for more.

SEAFOOD: Wildfish Seafood Grille
7135 East Camelback Rd. Ste. 130
Scottsdale, AZ 85251
(480) 994-4040
eddiev.com

An exciting atmosphere and attentive staff pair well with the fresh seafood and savory broiled steaks at Wildfish Seafood Grille. Appetizers including an oyster bar and tower of iced shellfish, soups like Maine lobster and shrimp bisque, and lobsters from West Australia represent some of the fine seafood, while filet mignon, and USDA prime New York strip steaks and bone-in rib eyes heartily round out the menu.

SPORTS BAR: FOX Sports Grill
16203 N. Scottsdale Rd.
Scottsdale, AZ 85254
(480) 368-0369
foxsportsgrill.com

FOX Sports Grill invites guests to relax in a socially comfortable atmosphere where a contemporary American menu and diverse specialty drink and wine list coupled with uncompromised sports and entertainment viewing offers something for everyone.

SOUTHWESTERN: Lon’s at the Hermosa Inn
5532 N. Palo Cristi Rd.
Paradise Valley, AZ 85253
(602) 955-7878
lons.com

Lon’s at the hermosa is Arizona’s only remaining authentic hacienda. Enjoy award-winning artful American cuisine on a spectacular patio or by one of the glowing fireplaces. Lon’s uses bold flavors and compelling combinations that reflect a contemporary take on the multitude of foods originating in the Western Hemisphere.

STEAK HOUSE: J & G Steakhouse
6000 E. Camelback Rd.
Scottsdale, AZ 85251
(480) 214-8000

Situated atop the sophisticated and elegant Phoenician Resort, J & G Steakhouse is richly appointed and features a menu filled with top-quality cocktails and wines, dinners, and desserts. It’s a great location for private events and exceptional views of Camelback Mountain and the Sonoran Desert.

THAI: Takeda Thai
10271 N. Scottsdale Rd.
Scottsdale, AZ 85253
(480) 483-5006
takedathai.com

Sample well-prepared Thai food made with authentic herbs and spices and served with care. The menu includes fresh salads and soups, seafood and meats, rice and noodles, with all the flavors and spiciness Thai food lovers crave.

VEGETARIAN: The Farm at South Mountain
6106 S. 32^nd St.
Phoenix, AZ 85042
(602) 276-6360
thefarmatsouthmountain.com

With organic gardens, lush grass lawns, art galleries, friendly markets and shops, and three sumptuous restaurants, it’s a delight for all foodies, even if you’re not a vegetarian. Begin your day with treats from Morning Glory Café, picnic at The Farm Kitchen for lunch, and sup at Quiessence Restaurant for a fresh and seasonal end-of-day meal.

WINE BAR: Uncorked Wine Bar
16427 N. Scottsdale Rd., Ste. 130
Scottsdale, AZ 85254
(480) 699-9230
uncorkedwinebar.com

Uncorked encourages their guests to “Eat, Drink, Relax…Repeat.” Offering twenty different flights of wine, Uncorked is the perfect place for everyone to unwind and enjoy a favorite wine—or find a new favorite. Uncorked also offers specially selected and prepared cheese trays, delicious sandwiches and salads, and “to-die-for” desserts.

OCCASIONS

BUSINESS MEETING:
Fleming’s DC Ranch*
20753 N. Pima Rd., Bldg. R
North Scottsdale, AZ 85255
(480) 538-8000
flemingssteakhouse.com

Fleming’s features the finest in prime beef and a tempting variety of chops, seafood, chicken, generous salads, inventive side orders, and indulgent desserts in a fine-dining atmosphere. Fleming’s 100’s celebrated wine list boasts some of the finest wines in the world, all available by the glass.

CELEBRATION: Mastro’s Steakhouse
Mastro’s Steakhouse*
8852 E. Pinnacle Peak Rd.
(480) 585-9500
mastrossteakhouse.com

Mastro’s offers an unparalleled dining experience, featuring a cutting-edge menu of the finest in prime steaks and fresh seafood, accompanied by live music and dancing seven nights a week in the piano bar. A stylish dinner for two or a group of friends.

HAPPY HOUR: Eddie V’s Edgewater Grille*
20715 N. Pima Rd.
Scottsdale, AZ 85255
(480) 538-8468
eddiev.com

Eddie V’s Edgewater Grille was inspired by the great classic seafood restaurants of New Orleans, San Francisco, and Boston. Eddie and Guy have great respect for the freshness, flavors, and techniques of these regions and provide you with the freshest seafood available, along with prime-grade steaks, in a casual and relaxed atmosphere.

LADIES’ LUNCH: English Rose Tea Room
201 Easy St. #103
Carefree, AZ 8537
(480) 488-4812
carefreetea.com

It’s four o’clock, and time for the traditional English afternoon tea. Choose from an extensive menu of authentic English foods served with loose-leaf teas. Be it a simple scone with Devonshire cream or the elaborate Duchess of Bedford’s Formal Afternoon Tea, there is something for every Anglophile.

SUNDAY BRUNCH: The Wrigley Mansion
2501 E. Telawa Trail
Phoenix, AZ 85016
(602) 955-4079
wrigleymansionclub.com

Dining at The Wrigley Mansion is a complete experience. Their award-winning Sunday Champagne Brunch is worth the trip, and Geordie’s Restaurant & Lounge offers guests more than an elegant, historic setting—its creative American fare is a perfect weekend evening meal and is now back for lunch five days per week.

* plus other Valley locations

By Cassaundra Brooks

Photos courtesy of Kokopelli Suites, Marchesa’s Fine Shoe Salon, Out of Africa Wildlife Park, and Tlaquepaque Village.

Photos of Tlaquepaque Village by Wib Middleton

Arizona has its share of stunning locales that comprise distinct landscapes, enviable year-round weather, and natural wonders. Among the world-renowned tourist favorites is the gorgeous red rock sweet spot we call Sedona. The small town, nestled at the mouth of Oak Creek Canyon, is surrounded by the jagged, vibrant red rock that seemingly by magic draws people in. The natural beauty of the region attracts visitors, but it is the wealth of activities and amenities as well as the rejuvenating atmosphere that bring them back for more. Outdoor aficionados, honeymooners, spiritual seekers, and spa lovers—take note.

STAY

Kokopelli Suites

Splendid views of gazeworthy Thunder Mountain are just the start of the charms West Sedona’s newly renovated Kokopelli Suites offers. Built in 1996, the award-winning Kokopelli Suites is run today by the developer’s daughter and managed by a Sedona Boys and Girls Club alumnus, which explains the hotel’s position as a community supporter of Boys and Girls Clubs of Northern Arizona via sponsorship events like Sedona Taste.

This midpriced hotel offers affordable luxury. Enjoy the mild fall and winter weather with that special someone with Kokopelli Suites’ His & Hers Package. You’ll stay in one of the well-stocked romantic Bed & Breakfast suites that pampers its guests with a gourmet breakfast in bed, a twilight round of golf for him, and a soothing spa treatment for her. Or book an extended stay with the family and take in the sights and sounds of Sedona.

A $2 million upgrade includes amenities like 32-inch plasma TVs, Comfort-Pedic luxury pillow-top mattresses, dual-massaging showerheads, granite Jacuzzis and vanities, and complimentary high-speed Internet access. Several room setups like the two bed-and-breakfast suites, fourteen Cathedral or Coffee Pot suites, and twenty-six Sugar Loaf suites—named after famous rocks in the area—give people sweet sleeping options. Guests with sensitivities will appreciate the 100 percent nonsmoking facility and its green cleaning products, and art lovers can purchase various artworks decorating the walls and fashioned by local artists.

During your stay, take advantage of the heated outdoor pool or gather with friends in front of the outdoor fire pit for an evening of games or good conversation. Bring along your furry friends and stay in one of the pet-friendly rooms or treat your business associates to a refreshing retreat after they make use of the business center. Maintain your fitness and beauty regimens at the fitness facility and spa or let nature inspire your healthy lifestyle as you hike and explore the surrounding area. Consult the on-site concierge for the best places to eat and play.

3119 W. Highway 89A
Sedona, AZ 86336
(800) 789-7393
kokopellisuites.com

Amara Creekside Resort

Amara is the luxury trifecta. Four-diamond accommodations, delectable Cal-Ital cuisine, and ultimate pampering will make your inner self glow like the Sedona moon. With its “distinctly urban vibe,” as the staff describes it, Amara Creekside Resort offers sophistication and complementary-color palettes in its rooms and suites, which vary in degree of extravagance. Opt for the comfortable Signature Rooms or splurge on a spacious Creekside Suite with its special Oak Creek view and oversized whirlpool tub. Snuggle into 300-thread-count Italian linens and appreciate such technological amenities as high-speed Internet access. A complimentary driver and electric car are available for your trips into town. Keep working on that lean body in their fitness center or take a yoga class to help you to unwind before you spoil yourself with any of a number of unique treatments at the Amara Spa. Sneak in a little necessary business in the comfort of one of their event rooms, then end the day with a dip in the outdoor heated saltwater pool or a soak in the hot tub. Savor California-inspired Italian eats courtesy of Chef David Schmidt at Amara’s Hundred Rox Restaurant as you take in views of the surrounding rugged red rock. Take a leisurely walk with your VIP—Amara’s name for Very Important Pet—and breathe in the crisp air, then settle in for a night of complimentary movies and blissful slumber.

100 Amara Lane
Sedona, AZ 86336
(866) 815-6152 or (928) 282-4828
Amararesort.com

Las Posadas of Sedona

What whispers “comfort” better than a beautiful bed and breakfast? If three-course gourmet breakfasts, in-room massages, double-sided fireplaces, and Egyptian cotton bedding tempt you, Las Posadas of Sedona is the place to indulge your temptations. An exclusive getaway with your sweetheart could call forth a reservation for the Deluxe Suite, which features a personal outdoor jet spa, while the Red Rock Suite might suit a family affair. Dine in using the kitchenette, admire the custom handcrafted furniture and, if you can’t do without technology, make use of the complimentary wireless Internet, DVD players, and flat screen TVs.

26 Avenida De Piedras
Sedona, AZ 86351
(928) 284-5288
Lasposadasofsedona.com

PLAY

Out of Africa Wildlife Park

Did you know that you could go on a wildlife safari here in Arizona? The 30-minute drive south from Sedona to Camp Verde is well worth the trip for those who love adventure and our friends in the rest of the animal kingdom. Beginning October 1, the park will operate seven days a week. The mission of the park is to help people experience and appreciate animals in their natural settings through safe and informative yet fun and friendly means. Spot a number of exotic creatures in a realistic replica of an African bush safari. Everybody loves the big cats, and there are over forty of them to admire, but keep your eye out for other animals that bear quite a presence: bears, in fact, and rhinoceroses, hyenas, giraffes, zebras, wolves, wildebeests, wallows, and more. Check out the community aviary for over 100 mixed species of our feathered friends.

None of the animals at the park has been subjected to training, which means no staged tricks and no petting the critters of the truly dangerous variety. It also means the rare opportunity to observe majestic creatures in their natural habitats, and all without a trip overseas. And, while many of the animals do hail from Africa, others have come from locations all around the world. Some have been rescued.

Don’t leave your camera behind! The Wildlife Preserve features a narrated tram or trolley tour with photo platforms for some fantastic photo ops. Tiger Splash is a natural favorite for those who enjoy watching Bengal and Siberian tigers (and other big cats) leap and splash and romp about in a 35-by-50-foot pool. Live narration educates the mesmerized audience about the grand animals’ instinctual behavior. It’s a signature event that is back and booming, with shows operating daily at 1:15 p.m. Cameras and video cameras are welcome. Not “savage” enough for you? Predator Feed provides you with the opportunity to watch caretakers throw 800 pounds of raw grub to greedy carnivorous cats! If creatures of the slithering kind are more suited to your fancy, don’t miss the opportunity to wrap yourself up with an anaconda, python, or boa snake.

October 1 also brings “new hoof stock” to the park’s Masai Mara Safari, including two eland antelopes. Perhaps you favor stripes. In that case, check out Vantage and Horizon, baby zebras born in July of this year. Also check out 2-month-old Azizi, a baby eland, or chance a sighting of baby sable antelopes, which are due any day at the time of this article. October also brings the scheduled completion of the new botanical garden for you flora fanatics.

With the chance to feed a tiger, taking a VIP behind-the-scenes tour, and learning about powerful animals as you watch them in a natural setting, there’s every reason to take the short trip down to Out of Africa Wildlife Park.

3505 W. Highway 260
Camp Verde, AZ 86322
(928) 567-2840 or (928) 567-2842
Outofafricawildlifepark.com

SHOP

Sedona has a stable of shops filled with authentic keepsakes, custom-made clothes, and other special finds. Select some Sedona-made gifts in the Sedona Arts Center gift store or the Sedona Heritage Museum shop. Check with your hotel concierge for some of the best places to hit. Oh—and ladies, stop into the following establishment for some goodies for your already-overflowing closet.

Marchesa’s Fine Shoe Salon

Theoretically, you could order from this treasure chest of exclusive shoes from the comfort of your own home. This shoe shop ships free. However, nothing beats slipping into discounted designer footwear and parading about the store in deep contemplation about the potential purchase. Marchesa’s Fine Shoe Salon carries a number of brand-name selections, including Cole Haan, Versani, and Olivia Rose Tal. With autumn settling in, it’s time for some closed-toe clogs, boots, and heels, and this little shoe shop has hot styles that fit economy-affected budgets. Brides-to-be can make the most of their trip to Sedona by selecting their wedding-day wears from among Marchesa’s selection of bridal beauties. It also has great shipping and return policies for those needing to continue their shopping spree once they’ve returned home.

101 N. Hwy 89A, Ste. D-21
Sedona, AZ 86336
(888) 282-3212
marchesas.com

DINE

Small town, big dining options! Sure, there are fast-food joints for those on the go, but if you want to continue your R&R, there is an assortment of restaurants to please any palate. American and Mexican places are a given, but other dining options include Italian, French, Japanese, Chinese, Indian, Korean, and Thai. From fine dining to casual fare, seasonal menus to year-round favorite dishes, Sedona’s food culture is delightful. Stop by Black Cow Cafe for homemade ice cream and baked goods, fill up on flavorful dishes at Oak Creek Brewery & Grill, enjoy exceptional views at Oaxaca Restaurant & Rooftop Cantina, and check out Page Springs Vineyard & Cellars for exquisite tastings.

PAMPER

What’s a getaway without proper pampering? Sedona is a spa paradise, with over half a dozen places to laze the day away under the care and attention of health and beauty specialists. Enjoy relaxing treatments at Sedona’s New Day Spa, revitalize your energy at Stillpoint, or experience aromatherapy massage and reflexology at Sedona Aromatherapie.

TOURS

It’s time to explore! Scenic tours offer an exhilarating way to see the Sedona country. Opt for jeep tours, horseback rides, or helicopter rides through and above the surrounding area as you check out historic landmarks and breathtaking canyons and formations that jut out against a brilliant sky. For an exclusive peek at the historic Soldiers Pass Trail, consider Red Rock Jeep Tours. Take it to the next level and go on a ranch cookout with real cowboys or take a sunset trail ride and close the evening with a campfire cookout and good ol’ country music.

(800) 848-7728
redrockjeep.com

SPIRITUAL

Sedona is one of the great spiritual sites of the world, and many visitors to the town cite spiritualism as their main reason for coming. Opportunities for awakening and awareness range from the present day, such as life coaching and human design, to the ancient, such as shamanism, which comes from the native people who dwelled in the area centuries ago. There are alternative healers, spirit guides, and people who will take you on physical tours.

But the real draw is the vortices. A vortex, by definition, resembles a whirlpool and has a specific circular motion that forms a vacuum in the center of the circle that draws the objects in motion toward it. Sounds powerful, and visitors report that it is indeed. The Sedona vortices are reported to contain a great deal of physical energy that can be experienced by the entire self. Some visitors meditate near them, others enjoy the physical energy they feel from them, and still others are intrigued by the humming they feel when they sit over a vortex center.

Several common vortex areas are Airport Mesa, with panoramic views; Bell Rock, so named because of its bell shape; Boynton Canyon, which remains a Native American ceremony site and which isn’t a place to go hiking if you tire easily (three hours round trip!); and Cathedral Rock, shaped like a cathedral. There are a number of tours available; Red Rock Jeep Tours [(800) 848-7728, redrock.com] and Sedona Vortex Tours [(800) 943-3266, sedonavortextours.com] are two of them.

If you come to Sedona to find enlightenment, visitors say that it will be there if you want it to be.

CULTURE & HISTORY

Sedona is home to many historic spots, exclusive galleries, and interesting museums, but you’ll want to be certain that the following stops are on your itinerary.

Exposures International Gallery

Artists and art aficionados are certain to be inspired by Sedona’s natural beauty, but they will also be amazed at Arizona’s largest and most prestigious fine-art gallery, which houses the work of more than 100 internationally known living artists in 20,000 square feet of gallery space. Whatever medium you may adore, you’ll find it here: sculptures in glass, marble, bronze, and stone; paintings made with watercolors, oils, acrylic, and mixed media; prints; jewelry; and more. Considering the region, Exposures features some of the best southwestern pieces of art, but note that it also displays work that trends toward modern, contemporary, impressionistic, and traditional. The creative works of Bill Worrell, which include bronze sculptures, paintings, and poetry, fill one entire room. Paintings by artists like impressionistic painter Rim Rabby and photographs of the region by photographers like Martii line the walls of the gallery. A sculpture garden showcases some of the finest and most distinctive art in a classic setting. View Italian blown-glass pieces and jewelry from Barcelona. Inspect photography that has captured the beauty of Europe. Gaze at painted Native American portraits by JD Challenger. The gallery’s collection of vibrant colors, vivid imagery, and original shapes should not be missed.

561 Hwy 179
Sedona, AZ 86336
(877) ART-SITE
(928) 282-1125
exposuresfineart.com

Tlaquepaque Village

This world-renowned arts and crafts village might be difficult to pronounce (Tla-keh-PAH-keh), but the reasons behind its acclaim are readily evident. In the Nahuatl Native Indian (or ancient Aztec) language, Tlaquepaque literally means “the best of everything,” and this authentic replica of a traditional Mexican village embodies its name. The village has only been around since the 1970s, but as you walk down its cobblestone paths and under its traditional arches, you wouldn’t dream that it was so new. Successful Nevada businessman Abe Miller conceived a plan for an arts community and chose one of his favorite vacation sites for its birth. Roughly thirty years later, his vision has blossomed into a full-fledged community of artisans and appreciative tourists from all over the world.

Over forty specialty shops and art galleries call this place home, and rare and one-of-a-kind finds are the rule. Shop for that relative or friend who has everything, then step into the nearby restaurant from which the aromas of delicious foods will waft toward your nose. Breathe in the fragrance of the bright flowers that adorn the village as your eyes trace the outlines of unique sculptures, woven decorations, and Southwestern paintings. Reserve the picturesque chapel for your impending nuptials or simply sit in silence and use the tranquil spot for meditation or contemplation, for which it was designed.

In addition to the permanent structures, stores, and experiences, Tlaquepaque hosts various art and culture festivals, shows, and fairs. Celebrate artists, art mediums, and history. Visit during the holidays and experience an assortment of special events, enticing treats, great music, and festive adornments. Support local charities by attending their second annual Festival of Trees from November 27–December 6, then swing by for Luminarias, the Festival of Lights tradition that takes place December 12.

Tlaquepaque Arts & Crafts Village
336 State Route 179
(928) 282-4838
tlaq.com

Serenity…tranquility…nature…it’s time to make a trip up north.

For additional information on the sights, sounds, and history of Sedona, visit the official Web site at visitsedona.com.

By Cassaundra Brooks
Photography courtesy resorts
As far as comfort and relaxation de luxe goes, you Arizona has no shortage of gorgeous resorts at sweet summer rates for that much-needed getaway. Why travel anywhere else when we have plenty of pampering opportunities right here in our own wide backyard? It’s time to take advantage of good deals, good service, and good food while boosting our state’s economy and recharging before fall kicks in.

Hidden Meadow Ranch

Celebrate the lifestyle of the legendary cowboy with a visit to Hidden Meadow Ranch, an exclusive haven in the White Mountains. Though homesteaded in 1916 and operating as a guest ranch since 2000, the 150-acre ranch is a relatively well-kept secret, and we’re sharing it with you. Open the door of your elegantly furnished rustic log cabin and breathe in the cool air as you enjoy exceptional service, Western-themed family activities, luxurious amenities, and savory cuisine. Twelve individual log guest cabins accentuate the region and feature wood-burning fireplaces, custom oversized soaking tubs, scenic covered porches, and hand-carved wood furniture. The ranch house features a well-stocked library, a 35-foot granite fireplace, and five-star seasonal cuisine—try the house specialties, achiote-marinated elk tenderloin and pan-seared lump crab cakes.

At Hidden Meadow, you’re out of the sweltering heat of the Valley and can take advantage of outdoor activities like horseback riding—there are 2,000 miles of trails—fly-fishing on the Ranch pond, leatherworking and woodworking, arts and crafts, roping, archery, canoeing, mountain biking, and horse-drawn carriage rides. Spend a little extra and go off-site for some rock climbing, canyoneering, caving, and more, or visit during the winter for some snow-bound fun. Take excursions into nearby communities Greer and Pinetop-Lakeside, and in wintertime, head to Sunrise Park Ski Resort for some skiing and snowboarding adventures.

Hidden Meadow Ranch is a welcome change from the desert, offering the cooler temperatures and the surrounding forest clustered with mountain lakes and streams as well as maintaining Arizona’s trademark brilliant blue skies by day and star-studded velvet sky by night. Leave behind your multiple technologies and commune with nature instead. In fact, televisions are not a part of the décor. Handwritten poems from the staff, on the other hand, are left on the pillow of your turned-down bed; and quiet evenings spent on the porch or on a peaceful stroll about the place could lead to a meeting with wildlife.

If, after a lovely weekend away, you dream of returning often, consider the Ranch’s ownership opportunities. There are thirty-one shared ownership cabins and sixteen custom lots.

(866) 333-4080 or (928) 333-1000
Greer, AZ 85927
hiddenmeadow.com

Arizona Biltmore & Spa

The name alone conjures images of grandeur, and the luxurious resort has enjoyed worldwide renown for much of its eighty-year reign. A favorite of celebrities and dignitaries throughout the years, the 39-acre splash of luxury is neither myth nor mirage. With exclusive claim to architecture inspired by the great Frank Lloyd Wright, 740 guest accommodations, eight swimming pools, seven tennis courts, six dining offerings, and a full-service spa, salon, and fitness center, the place is hard to miss. Just look for the vibrant green grass and trees providing a landscape-portrait contrast with coffee-colored mountains and turquoise sky.

You may not wish to leave your beautiful room, but if you so choose, you may keep up your golf game at one of two 18-hold PGA golf courses at the adjacent Arizona Biltmore Country Club. Arrange a social event at the Biltmore’s Frank Lloyd Wright Ballroom or use the property as a backdrop for your upcoming nuptials. Take a refreshing dip in one of the pools, or sit poolside and dream up enduring artistic creations, just as composer Irving Berlin did when he penned the beloved classic “White Christmas.” Barrel down the 92-foot-long water slide at the Paradise Pool complex. Gift yourself with a few hours of pampering at the Arizona Biltmore Spa, which offers natural and organic treatments. Dine indoors or outdoors at beautifully appointed on-site restaurants and then work off the exquisite meals at the fitness center. Let someone at the beauty salon doll you up for that special evening. Up for lawn activities? Try life-size lawn chess, croquet, or bocce ball.

To mark its eightieth anniversary, the Arizona Biltmore & Spa unveils an exclusive new addition: Ocatilla. The three-storey 120-room facility is a private club that ups the ante in amenities and special services. Make use of a personal concierge and a media wall with a flat-screen HD TV, iPod dock, and high-speed Internet access, or commune with the natural panoramic views of the stunning grounds and surrounding mountains.

(800) 950-0086 or (602) 955-6600
2400 E. Missouri Avenue
Phoenix, AZ 85016
arizonabiltmore.com

Hotel Indigo Scottsdale

This boutique hotel is all about the location. Situated in downtown Scottsdale, it’s a short jog to the fine city’s numerous dining sensations and shopping destinations. Whether traveling for business or vacationing with the family, the rich accommodations and conveniences are only the first reasons for you to make your reservations. Five floors house 126 welcoming guest rooms, while complimentary covered parking keeps your car from becoming an oven on wheels.

Enjoy the scenery and mingle while staying cool at the Diving Lounge and Terrace, or get your caffeine fix at the Golden Bean Café. The high temperatures are not conducive to hardcore outdoor exercise, but you can easily stick to your exercise regimen in the state-of-the-art fitness area. Bring along the canine family members, too, as pets are always welcome. Plan parties at the Diving Terrace, indulge in beauty treatments at the nearby Lamar Everyday Spa, swim some laps in the outdoor swimming pool while your friends and family work on their tans, and unwind in nature-inspired rooms comfily equipped with beautiful hardwood floors and plush bedding.

Arizona is a golfer’s heaven, and you can work on North Valley Magazine golf expert Scott Sackett’s golf tips at the 18-hole Tournament Players Club golf course atop Camelback Mountain or at one of several other esteemed golf courses close by. If Arizona is a golfer’s heaven, Scottsdale is a shopper’s paradise, and celebrated Scottsdale Fashion Square Mall and Old Town shops are not the only points of interest within walking distance. Art lovers will enjoy the Scottsdale Art Walk, and families will enjoy trips to urban village Southbridge and the Scottsdale Waterfront. You are practically spoiled with the number and quality of choices for a night on the town. Trendy clubs, bars, and restaurants are less than a mile away. Check out hotspots Myst, Axis-Radius, Suede, and The Jackrabbit Lounge and don’t miss Six, Crown Room, or the many other gathering places. For a more romantic evening out, consult your concierge for help with the best restaurants and activities.

Summer packages are abundant, so book soon.

(480) 941-9400
4415 N. Civic Center Plaza
Scottsdale, AZ
scottsdalehiphotel.com

Hotel Valley Ho

If you belong to the hip crowd, this is the place for you. If you don’t, this is the place to start. Located proudly in its own groovy spot in Old Town Scottsdale, the classic mid-twentieth-century hotel offers accommodations the Hollywood hotshots have been drawn to for years. The complimentary fitness center and steam room help you ward off vacation pounds while the VH Spa gets you feeling your best inside and out. VH (Vitality + Health) Spa offers a number of deluxe packages that include massages, manicures, pedicures, facials, and more. Afterward, you’ll be ready to hit Scottsdale full force with a list of see-and-be-seen places recommended by knowledgeable concierges. More interested in digging the hotel grounds? Take the Hotel Valley Ho architectural walking tours and enjoy stories of famous guests and the history of the hotel’s design. And don’t leave your best friend at home. The pet-friendly hotel offers amenities for your canine companions—they’re sure to love an in-room doggie massage!

Rooms come in various styles, from signature to studio, cabana to terrace and executive. All feature midcentury decor, luxurious beds, and flat-screen LCD high-definition TVs. Soak in oversized tubs, take in the views from private balconies, and start your day right with complimentary espresso or tea.

Those staying in The Tower are in for a special treat. Rooms are reminiscent of the 1950s but feature modern technological conveniences. The vibrant colors and trendy designs are inviting and cheery. Arrive to a fully stocked refrigerator and pantry courtesy of your personal shopper and take advantage of upgraded appliances and daily housekeeping services. Not in the mood to cook? A private chef can provide pre-prepared dinners or cook your favorite meal on demand. Ask the Tower Concierge to beef up your itinerary with private guided tours of local art galleries and special tee times at local golf courses, private shopping sessions, and featured packages. Best of all, you have breathtaking panoramic views of the quaint city and nearby Camelback Mountain.

Dine in style, or dine according to your palate’s particularities. Feast on American comfort food at signature restaurant Café Zuzu, step into Polynesia with Trader Vic’s, dine poolside at Oh Pool Bar + Cabanas, or savor scrumptious meals from the comfort of your own room. Chef Charles Wiley has brought his culinary prowess to Hotel Valley Ho, and the delectable exotic and classic food exemplifies his award-riddled history. Feeling hip now? Make your reservation.

(866) 882-4484
(480) 248-2000
6850 E. Main Street
Scottsdale, AZ 85251
hotelvalleyho.com

Whether your tastes run to western or modern, serene or see-and-be-seen, Arizona has just the spot for you. With gorgeous desert and scenic mountain landscapes, it’s the perfect getaway destination—for those out-of-state visitors and for those who call this great state home. You don’t need to travel far for a luxurious lifestyle, and with great summer rates and an economy putting strain on the best of the best, you don’t need to pay as much as you might think. Don’t waste the final days of the summer season. It’s time you steeped yourself in a little luxury.

By Dale Gardon
Photos by Dino Tonn

The most distinguishing homes have some basis and recognition to an architectural style, whether they are traditional or contemporary. In addition, even if a home has an identifiable style, the design must also exhibit good design judgment based on some basic design principles that apply to all styles. Therefore, if a home has been designed in a recognizable style and has executed the design principals well, it leads to instant recognition and appreciation by others and immediate and long-term enhanced value.

So, what else is there if this is the obvious truth of design? There is no real requirement to follow the “rules of style”—and that’s why we see both beautiful expressions of architectural art created by talented architects, builders, and craftsman and inexcusable examples of architectural aesthetic disasters. The real difference between these two distinct outcomes lies in the hands of the creator of the architectural vision and his or her artistic and technical ability to decide what makes truly great and memorable architecture. This is not only about understanding architectural styles but also what the fundamental principles to creating great residential architecture are and how accurately those principles were understood and ultimately executed.

What is style?
The term style may invoke thoughts of fashion or trends, but that’s certainly not timeless relevance because fads come and go. Architectural styles have been identified and documented and should last through any change in fashion. Each of the defined styles have evolved for centuries, and all styles have an overlying set of design principles to interpret and follow for any home to be considered visually pleasing. Traditional styles have historic relevance, which gives the building an instant sense of reverence. This often can translate into an instant perception of increased value. Homes designed without any perceived style discipline often have much less appeal since they are really just architectural mish-mash. This is often what we see while driving from one end of the Valley to the other: structures that have no architectural style relevance or seem as if two or more styles were merged. The solution to avoid this lies in understanding architectural styles, paying careful attention to detail, and appropriately executing those details in an authentic manner.

Only the most talented architects and artisans can deviate from documented design styles and bring about a successful design in a non-defined style. It’s true that they may create a home or building that is devoid of any past historical architectural definition. The success of this approach, like admiration of most art, is highly subjective—there are those who love it and those who hate it. My feeling is that the best design compositions are those that honor some architectural style heritage in either a contemporary or traditional style and are composed according to the basic design principles outlined in this article. This would allow them to be instantly admirable and valued as worthy architectural compositions.

Style Selection
The selection of the architectural style is the first and most important step in creating a beautiful residence. Knowing what style you like will help your conception of how to compose your surroundings, both inside and out. The process of deciding what style you prefer starts with photographic examples from books, magazines, or places you have visited that appeal to you. It’s also about how you live and entertain, whether you feel comfortable in a formal or informal setting, and whether the site terrain and floor plan configuration can be compatible. Then, you hone in on the preferred exterior and interior character of the home and hand it all over to the architect. Clarity and simplicity of the design style from the start is the key. This makes it possible to spend your money on architectural detail or the finishes and furnishings instead of on the parts you don’t see, such as complicated structural beams required to resolve an ill-defined design idea. Without a “determine the style first” approach, the quantity, purpose, and adjacency of the rooms are typically agreed upon and become locked in. Then, the overall shape and style of the home has to be form-fitted to the defined room arrangements, and such a design solution may not yield a beautiful composition. When you see oddly configured or proportioned homes, it is usually the result of someone not determining the style first but instead trying to shoehorn a stylistic form onto a floor-plan layout. Homes will never be as elegant in their appearance when composed like this, since the design isn’t guided by the overall style-based idea and the parts are more or less put together haphazardly. Creating great home architecture is not about copying the past but learning from it and bringing it into the present by combining the owner’s stylistic desires with a specific location.

The context of the home—what the region looks like, what the rest of the neighborhood looks like—must also be taken into consideration. The more complicated the site or surroundings, the more limiting the list of appropriate styles. In Arizona, we already work with a limited list of acceptable traditional and contemporary styles that can be considered appropriate for our climate and architectural heritage. The traditional styles have evolved regionally and certainly have national and international predecessors. The Spanish styles that have relevancy in Arizona include Spanish Hacienda, Spanish Colonial, Spanish Mission, and Spanish Monterey. The Western-influenced styles include Pueblo Territorial, Ranch Hacienda, Ranch Territorial, and Craftsman/Bungalow styles that are evident in historic neighborhoods of Tempe and Phoenix. The Mediterranean-influenced styles include both Formal and Rural Mediterranean styles, which are often referred to as Tuscan, Provence, and Italianate. These are all derived from European countries with climatic zones similar to those of Arizona. Contemporary styles include minimalist and midcentury modernist homes as well as desert and western regional examples that use stone, wood, glass, metal, concrete masonry, and rammed earth.

Design Style, Composition and Value
Ultimately, the goal of the design of a home is to have clarity and distinction in a design style. The design exploration hopefully will result in a composition that will both please the occupants and represent a contribution to the neighborhood or natural setting, no matter what style is preferred. All homes in any style should consider the environmental impact of building, occupying, and maintaining the home. They should also strive for incorporation of environmental appropriateness and energy efficiency and utilize the best practices for building in a sustainable manner.

Hopefully, by selecting an architectural style before starting the design process, authentically executing it, thinking holistically and sustainably, and implementing the principles contained in this article, you’ll have a home that is composed in a visually pleasing manner. This translates to increased value for you and everyone around your home.

SIDEBAR

The 10 Principles of Design
The following list of basic design principles are the elements that can make a home look very appealing, but if done poorly, can make it very unattractive. The most successful homes are those that artfully incorporate authentic details and successfully accomplish each of these design principles.

1. Site Integration: Each structure must be properly integrated into the natural setting. This includes proper location and orientation of the building on the site and acknowledgement of the site contours, natural landscape, and drainage patterns.

2. Scale: All homes must be appropriately scaled relative to the site and neighborhood context. In general, the appropriate scale for each home shall be determined by a desire to create prominence, charm, formality, casualness, or elegance based on the selected architectural style.

3. Proportion: The goal is for every home to be well composed, with all design elements appearing in proportion to one another and to the whole composition. This includes but is not limited to windows, doors, fascia details, columns or posts, exterior walls, and site walls.

4. Rhythm: Rhythm refers to the regular recurrence of elements that include window or door openings, arches, columns, colors, and materials. Architecture should exhibit a nice rhythmic feel when viewing the organization of these elements.

5. Balance: Architectural design is measured by whether the overall composition of forms appears to be balanced as opposed to what is often referred to as “lopsided.” This doesn’t mean that everything must be symmetrical; in fact, a long horizontal element can balance a tall vertical element.

6. Color Value: The use of color as a complement to the design and the overall site is extremely important. The creative use of color can be rewarding if it is beyond simplified applications and can add immensely to the character and distinction of individual homes.

7. Texture: The harsh desert sun reflects a greater amount of light off smooth surfaces, so a rich and varied palette of complementary textures is desired to minimize the reflectivity of walls and roofs. A note of caution: Avoid multiple competing textures, such as a visually busy roof tile competing with heavily textured stucco and a multicolored exterior stone.

8. Shade/Shadow: A vital component of design in the Arizona climate is to create visual depth by recessing each window or door opening and integrating arched arcades, trellises, or covered terraces to provide adequate shade and shadow to allow the home to be more compatible with the desert context.

9. Exterior Material Integration: The selection and placement of exterior materials and textures shall be complementary rather than in competition with one another or the site surroundings.

10. Environmental Sustainability: Incorporate strategic design decisions in the site planning, response to climatic conditions, material and fixture selections, and energy systems to create a home rated high in energy efficiency and low in ecosystem impact.

CAPTIONS FOR PHOTOS:

1 This Rural Mediterranean-style home demonstrates the benefit of proper site integration and good color value to blend seamlessly into the desert hillside setting.

2 The exterior front facade of this Spanish Colonial-style home creates a feeling of understated elegance and demonstrates that visual balance can be achieved even in an asymmetrical facade.

3 The beauty and simplicity of the landscape and architecture create the aura of a true Spanish Colonial estate, where the provision of shade and shadow create a comfortable indoor-outdoor experience.

4 The elegant garden of this Formal Mediterranean-styled home brings the sculpture, fountain, landscape, and architectural elements together in one coordinated design expression.

5 This courtyard of a Spanish Colonial home exhibits extraordinary charm and intimacy created by the inclusion of design elements such as the fountain, exterior stairs, Juliet balcony, awning, and ornamental features of the railings and decorative lights.

6 This Rural Mediterranean-style home exhibits the welcoming charm associated with proper scale and proportion with an artful use of exterior materials and texture.

By Cassaundra Brooks
Photography by Eric Fairchild
Racing photo taken by Steve Happel

You likely know him as Frankie Muniz, actor. However, the young talent who opened his beautiful home to us for an afternoon is also Frankie Muniz, racecar driver—a title he has been working tirelessly for over three years to make stick. Though the Malcolm in the Middle and Agent Cody Banks star has not completely abandoned the art of acting, he has shelved it in favor of his new love, and his obvious talent for racing has sped into the foreground at full throttle.

After a successful seven-year run as TV’s memorable Malcolm, Muniz took to the cockpit of an open-wheel racecar for Formula BMW USA in 2006 before advancing to Champ Car Atlantics, which has now merged with the Indy Racing League (IRL) to form the Atlantic Championships—short for the “Cooper Tires Presents the Atlantic Championship Powered by Mazda” series—which Muniz refers to as “the minor leagues” of racing. It’s Muniz’s fourth year of professional racing, and the young driver is excited about the new series, his new team, and racing alongside professional partner Swiss driver Simona De Silvestro, to whom Muniz refers as “one of the top drivers ever.” This year, he’ll hurtle down the track in lucky number 77, maintaining his sharp focus as he continues his quest for one day leading the pack, always learning as he goes.

North Valley Magazine: Your racing career more or less began with the Toyota Pro Celebrity Race, which you won in 2005. What was your journey from this race to racing professionally?

Frankie Muniz: Well, after I won the pro celebrity race, I was so hooked on racing. I think every young guy’s dream job is to be a professional racecar driver, you know? I thought, what’s the next step, or how do I make it to where I can do this all the time? A friend of mine was buying into a NASCAR team and was wondering if I wanted to be part of owning [it]. So, I went in and I was meeting with him about it, and he actually in the first meeting was like, “I have a friend who owns a Formula BMW Atlantic team with Jensen Motor Sports and I’m pretty sure I can get you a test in a practice session.” I flew down to Houston and drove the racecar for four days, and he ended up signing me for a two-year deal to race Formula BMWs in 2006 and then Atlantics in 2007. Here I am now, four years later, racing for Team Stargate Worlds, which is gonna be definitely one of the top teams in the series—now it’s my job, and I’m making a living doing it.

NVM: You also took up racing after a successful turn in acting. You’ve obviously proven your racing worth on the track, but do you hear things like, “Oh, you’re just another actor trying to be something else?”

FM: That was definitely the reaction I got in the beginning: “Uh oh, he’s gonna hurt himself,” or, “He’ll do it for a year and then it’ll be over.” But once I started beating people, slowly I started building more and more respect from the other drivers. [Sometimes] people will say, “Why are you racing? You haven’t done well.” But I’ve done really well if you knew what I was doing. But people just don’t fully understand it. So, people in the racing world for sure know that I’m for real and know that I can keep coming, and eventually—maybe even this year—win races. That’s in a sense why I would want to go the path of the IRL. You know Danica Patrick, you know Helio Castroneves—I want people to see me racing up there in the Indy 500 and be like, “Oh my God, like woah, that Malcolm kid actually can drive!”

NVM: Do you feel your background in acting has helped you in your racing, by way of discipline, focus, or other learned skills?

FM: Yeah—racing is a very professional sport. You have to be professional all the time and you have to be very focused all the time, so having worked in a professional business since I was 8 years old, I’m used to being around people and meeting sponsors and meeting fans and all [that] kind of stuff. There’s really no similarity as far as the actual work, (laughs) but definitely, there are things you can take from the acting world; and also the fact that people do know me from the TV show’s helped me bring a fan base to the racing world, which helps with sponsors. This year, I’m signed to Team Stargate Worlds, which has a video game coming out this summer based off the Stargate MGM movie and the Stargate SG1 TV show. I’m [also] now the Brand Ambassador for Cheyenne Mountain [Games] and Stargate Worlds.

NVM: How often and in what ways do you train for racing open-wheel cars?

FM: I’m in the racecar only six days in the off-season. They have a limit of the amount of days you can drive the car, because it costs so much. But the best way is to go karting, because physically, it’s the only way to really use the muscles—and your brain. I’m at the gym every day. I train with a trainer three times a week. And then, I’ve been training with my doctor. He’s doing all these stress tests and all this stuff. Having your heart rate at 160 [bps] to 180 [bps] for one hour isn’t really healthy unless you’re in really good shape. That’s literally a racecar driver’s life outside of the car—training.

[Also], I broke my foot. I actually get the MRI results today. I waited seven weeks to get it checked, but now that I have a week before I’m in a racecar, I figured, hey, maybe I should go now that I can’t do anything about it! (laughs)

NVM: Explain to us the difference between road courses, street courses, and oval courses, and which, if any, you prefer.

FM: Road courses are permanent road-racing courses—two- to three-mile tracks built in the middle of nowhere. A street track is literally like the downtown streets of Long Beach and Toronto. It’s a little bit slower and the cars don’t go as fast, but I think they’re a lot more fun for the fan because there’s a lot more that can go on. I actually prefer street courses the most, although the road courses are fun because they’re a lot faster. You can get to 175 mph and to pull 4 Gs in a corner is a crazy-cool feeling.

I don’t do the ovals yet. That’s what the IRL does, or the NASCAR, for example. I don’t do those right now, mostly because I’m not sure that that’s the career path I want to go. My dream was to race Champ Car, which races on just road courses and street courses. Now they’ve merged with the IRL. An oval is very dangerous because its speeds are so much higher. The average speed at Indianapolis, for example, is 220 mph, so when you’re going 220 into an oval and you lose control, you hit the wall at 220. Not only that—then you bounce off the wall and come back down where everyone else is going 220 and they hit you. I don’t really have a fear of dying or getting hurt—but my girlfriend does. (laughs)

NVM: Your goal last year was to break top ten in overall points, and you landed in a very respectable eleventh place. What are your goals for 2009?

FM: Well, my goals actually at the beginning of last year were to finish in the top half of the field. Then during the season, I started having decent success. I said, “Okay, my goal is tenth.” And I was in tenth until the last race, and I missed it by one point. Still, I think I exceeded a lot of people’s expectations for only my third year as a racecar driver. I’m racing against people who have been racing since they were 5 years old, so they have tons of racing experience. I think I proved that I belong in racing at that level. So, my goal this year is to finish fifth in the championship. If I do better, great! My new engineer Gerald Tyler is one of the best engineers ever in Atlantic history, so the car should be really good.

NVM: What is your long-term goal for racing, or are you simply taking it a day at a time? Do you hope to one day race in the Indy 500?

FM: It’s definitely something that goes year to year, because there’s no more Champ Car. I really like the American Le Mans Series (ALMS), but then I also want to drive in the Indy 500. I want to be one of the people who get to do that. I think I have a real shot at being able to do it next year.

NVM: If Elycia will let you race at 220 mph.

FM: Yeah, exactly! (laughs) But it also has so much to do with the sponsor. Because unfortunately, with where the economy is and what racing has sadly become, 95 percent of the time the drivers that are in the race are there because they dropped a ton of money. It used to be where a driver was getting paid and the team would go and find the sponsors. But now, it’s kind of switched around to where the driver has the responsibility to go and find the money to be able to ride. Fortunately, with Team Stargate Worlds, they’re looking to run for a bunch of years, move up the ladder. It also kind of depends on my results this year, so I’m really going to have to do well in order to get to the next level.

NVM: What, for you, is the best part of racing?

FM: I just like that, depending on how much effort and time and focus I put into it, you’ll see the difference in the results. And with the team working together, you see the results based on how hard or how well you perform. As an actor, it’s unfortunately become [that] how big a celebrity you are [indicates] how far you’ll make it, or how much money you’ll make, or if you’re respected. It’s so sad. It’s not about the work anymore. It’s annoying to me as an actor who actually wanted to do good work, and I’d like to be known for the work I did, not some scandal.

But with the racing—if I’m not performing, people aren’t going to care. If I’m not up in the front, people are going to forget that I’m even there. And the people who everyone knows and likes make the most money, do well, [and] are the people who are winning.

NVM: You once owned the Volkswagen Jetta driven by Jessie in the movie The Fast and the Furious. What is your ultimate dream car that you own or would like to one day own?

FM: Well, the Jetta is sitting in the garage right there. It’s one of the few cars I kept when I moved here. Right now, I have the Jetta, which I don’t drive at all; I have the Smart car, which is my everyday car; and I have an E63 Mercedes. But I don’t have anything super-cool like a sports car. For a racecar driver, I should be driving something really fun, but there’s not even really any car that you could say is my dream car. Anything that I looked at I either don’t want to drive because I don’t want to be “the guy who’s driving that car” or it isn’t fast enough.

NVM: With Malcolm in the Middle wrapped up and a few more grown-up roles under your acting belt, what do you hope to get out of acting in the future?

FM: I don’t know. I just want to be respected as an actor, which is a tough thing to do. You know, Malcolm was, I think, an amazing show—won tons of awards, critically acclaimed. So I’d like to be remembered as being on a great, great TV show that people loved and an actor that people enjoy watching. But I don’t know what the future has in store for me as an actor. I did an episode of Criminal Minds that aired last year, and that was one of the first things as an actor I felt amazing about. It was the first thing that was kind of different for me, too. I played a murderer. So, I’d like to continue, if I do act again, [to do] roles like that, that really make me feel good. Unfortunately, with the acting world, it’s not like I can be, well, this is what I’m going to do for the rest of my career and this is how it’s going to play out, because it really just depends on who wants you when and for what. It’s kind of a luck thing as well, to tell you the truth. So it’s hard for me to say where I’ll be, especially because my focus is racing. When I look ten years into the future, I still see myself in a racecar or at least owning a race team and that being my world, my life. I love it more than anything. I love getting to travel around the world doing it. It feels good when you have a good result when you do well. I don’t think there’s any role that could come to me or any amount of money that could persuade me to get out of the racecar right now.

NVM: You race all around America and some in Canada, but open-wheel racing is big in Europe. Where has your racing taken you internationally, and do you have a favorite?

FM: I did a six-hour endurance karting race in Monaco in November. Me and Simona—my teammate for this year—we finished third of forty-eight teams, which was really cool. We had a really good time in Monaco. I love Australia—Sydney is probably one of my favorite places in the whole world. But I love racing in the U.S. as well, so, right now I’m staying here.

NVM: We hear you’re a big Clippers fan. What are some of your other interests?

FM: I love playing golf, which is great here. Golf, and racing, and basketball. We’re huge Cardinals fans. I’ve always somehow been a fan of really bad teams so I was happy to actually be able to cheer and make it far with a team.

NVM: What inspired the move to Arizona, and what are some of your favorite things about living in the Valley of the Sun?

FM: It’s funny, because basically for the past five years I’ve been saying I wanted to get out of LA. But I just didn’t know where I wanted to be. You know, I tried buying apartments in New York and I’d be in escrow and be like, ah, I don’t want to live in New York. My family’s in New Jersey, but [I] really wouldn’t want to move back to New Jersey. And then I met Elycia at the gym. We were living together in LA. We were getting stuff done in the house that I had there, trying to get it perfect, and we were spending all this money on it. And finally I looked at her—we were literally putting our credit card down for [a] barbecue—and I was like, “Would you ever want to move to Scottsdale?” Because she actually grew up here, and her family’s here. And she’s like, “Yeah!” Literally the next day we drove out here, found this house, bought it eight days later and moved in three weeks later—and haven’t been back since. I literally say that it saved my life, moving here. Because I feel so much better. In LA, I kind of just went where I needed to be, and everything was a hassle—you know with the traffic and always surrounded by a billion people. Where here, it’s so much more relaxed. Anything you can do in LA, minus the beach, which I didn’t do in the ten years that I lived there, you have here, and it’s nicer and better. Amazing restaurants. Amazing everything.

NVM: You’ve turned your recently uncovered talent for racing into something great. What advice do you have for people pursuing their dreams?

FM: Just to never give up. Of course, it’s so cliché to say, but realistically, especially in the acting world, there are millions of people who would love to be an actor. You have to really go out and push and try and work at it. You know, I say when I’m done racing, I’m either going to own a team [or]—my new thing is—I’m going to join the PGA Tour. So I’ve been golfing a lot. Or, I’m going to join a band and be a drummer. So that’s kind of where I’m at right now. (laughs)

Elycia: He’s dead serious.

FM: (grinning) That’s where I’m at. That’s where I’m at.

There are eleven more races in the 2009 season, beginning in May. For schedule information and more, soon to include live video, visit frankiemunizracing.com or atlanticchampionship.com.

By Gerald Calamia
Children, autograph, and Gail Hunter photos by NBA Photos/Getty Images
Amar’e action shot by Ned Dishman
Shaq action shots by Barry Gossage and Layne Murdoch
Amar’e Christmas party shot by Barry Gossage

During the week of February 12–15, the NBA will return to the Valley of the Sun after a thirteen-year hiatus, bringing with it all that comprises the 2009 NBA All-Star Week. The festivities begin on February 12 with the opening of the NBA All-Star Jam session, a fun-filled fan-based activity zone, and culminate with the All-Star Game on Sunday, February 15. We had a chance to talk with Suns players Shaquille O’Neal and Amar’e Stoudemire and with Gail D. Hunter, senior vice president of the NBA, about these upcoming events. We met up with them at a Downtown Phoenix event at US Airways Center to kick off the fan ballot voting for the NBA All-Star contest.

In attendance as well were Phoenix Mayor Phil Gordon, Suns’ assistant coach Dan Majerle, and NBA greats Cedric Ceballos, Detlef Schrempf, and Glenn Rice. There was a short presentation about the new fan-ballot voting process and an explanation of the week’s events. This was followed by a media session breakout that allowed us access to the players and some of the individuals involved in bringing the 2009 NBA All-Star Game to Phoenix.

O’Neal was as entertaining as always, and young Stoudemire showed a focused and determined spirit in his answers to the media.

North Valley Magazine: What would hosting this year’s NBA All-Star Game mean for the city of Phoenix?

Shaquille O’Neal: It is going to be a fun-filled event. I think that there will be a lot of stars, since we are so close to L.A. The weather is going to be great. There are a lot of wonderful hotels here, making Phoenix a great place to stay. I think everyone is going to come out. The people are very hospitable here. It’s going to be a great place to host the event and it will be great for the city of Phoenix.

Amar’e Stoudemire: It’s amazing. It’ll bring all the celebrities and all of the fans of the NBA. It’ll bring everyone to the city of Phoenix. It’s a great opportunity for the world to see what a great city Phoenix is. After they come here for the NBA All-Star Weekend, they will see that Phoenix is a pretty amazing place.

NVM: What do you think of the new processes in place for fans to elect the players to represent the NBA in the All-Star game? I’m thinking of online voting and text messaging through T-Mobile that add to the traditional ballot cards found in the arenas throughout the NBA.

Shaq: I think it is great that fans can vote online and vote through their phones. The fans have a great opportunity to vote for their favorite players. There are a lot of great players named to the ballot this year. It is going to be a great All-Star game.

NVM: What are some keys to success this year for the Suns?

Shaq: Last year, we were getting to know each other. This year, we’re comfortable with everyone and what we have to do to keep things going. We have to take care of our turnovers, keep playing good team ball, stay injury-free, and focus on our team goals.

Amar’e: We have to stay focused. It’s a new offense. We have a focus in place already defensively. We have to take heed and keep improving. I think it will be a great year.

NVM: Is this year’s Suns team a Championship team?

Shaq: I think we can be there again. We have a great team here, with great players and coaches. Our team goal is to win.

Amar’e: I think so. We still have room to grow and things to improve. We have the personnel, the right coaching staff; we just have to improve, stay focused, and just keep working hard, and we can get there.

NVM: Shaq, are you ready to relinquish your Superman crown to Dwight Howard?

Shaq: You have to do more than win a dunk contest to be called “Superman.” There is only one real Superman, and you’re looking at him.

WE SAT DOWN with Gail D. Hunter to get a better understanding of the process of how Phoenix was awarded the 2009 NBA All-Star Game and what some of the events are that we’ll see throughout the week.

North Valley Magazine: How was Phoenix awarded the 2009 NBA All-Star Game?

Gail Hunter: The Phoenix Suns along with the Phoenix Conventions Bureau put forward a bid that included the use of the Arena, the Convention Center, and many great hotels and facilities that could be used to host all the events that are part of the All-Star weekend. Since we are the first major event for the city to host since opening new downtown facilities [Sheraton Hotel, the Phoenix Convention Center, the new light rail system], we are very excited to see all these things come together, and for the NBA to be part of something new and progressive, which mirrors where we are as a league.

NVM: Take us through the pre-game events up to the game itself.

GH: February 9–10 NBA cares events will begin throughout Phoenix communities with former NBA players and current WNBA players involved in community-based outreach programs to support academics and athletics in young children. On Thursday, February 12, our NBA Jam Session opens up in over 500,000 square feet encompassing two whole floors of the Phoenix Convention Center to create our NBA Theme Park. The Jam Session is a great place for the fans to experience the All-Star events. You can see the NBA legends, All-Stars, and rookies practicing while having a chance to meet them and get free autographs. Friday is the Rookie Challenge Game [and] Saturday is the Skills Challenge, Slam Dunk Contest, and Three-Point Shootout. The events culminate Sunday night with the 2009 NBA All-Star Game.

NVM: What effects have players like the Rockets’ Yao Ming from China and the Lakers’ Pau Gasol from Spain had on the exposure to the NBA and to the voting process for the All-Star game?

GH: We have a tremendous amount of people involved worldwide. With the online voting going on everywhere, players like Yao Ming have received a huge amount of votes. There has been the same effect for the European and Latin American players that are supported worldwide by the fans.

NVM: Who are some veterans that have a strong association with the All-Star game each year?

GH: We have an assortment of previous all-stars and legends such as Bill Russell, Dr. J, and Dominique Wilkins, to name just a few. There is a Legends brunch that brings in a huge group of the NBA’s greats who spend the weekend at the events.

The NBA has made some adjustments to allow events to be shared by all fans. In an economy-sensitive pricing move, the organization has lowered ticket prices for the NBA Jam Session back to what they cost in 1995 when the All-Star game was last here for its first day of ticket sales, and there is a free event called the All-Star Block Party that goes on from Thursday to Sunday. The volunteer information meeting had over 5,000 fans who were interested in participating and helping throughout the week, so it was quite clear that the people of Phoenix are excited and ready to host the 2009 NBA All-Star game. The NBA is hoping to break every attendance record for what they do throughout the week. Shaq hopes that all the people of Phoenix get a chance to come out, see the players, and participate in the events. This is a chance for Phoenix to live up to its name and showcase just how wonderful a place we live in, and that the people of this city are behind the Suns, the NBA, and the players who represent the best of the NBA past and present. As Mayor Phil Gordon said in the live broadcast going out to the world, “We’ll see you in downtown Phoenix for the 2009 NBA All-Star Week.”

For more information, visit nba.com.

We may not all have eclectic palates, but we typically have discerning ones when it comes to the foods we do like. North Valley Magazine has asked once more for your favorite places throughout the Valley to eat, and the results for our third annual Readers’ Choice Restaurant Awards are in! Many of last year’s winners have again found a place on our list—well done!—but some newcomers have made their way to the top of their respective categories. If you’re looking to branch out and try something new, consult this list for the restaurants that your peers agree are the best in the Valley! We have thirty-seven flavorful categories to stimulate your taste buds and get you out and about in the Valley dining scene.

AFTER HOURS: Armitage*

DC Ranch on Market Street
20751 N Pima Rd., Suite 120
Scottsdale, AZ 85255
(480) 502-1641
armitagewine.com

You’ll love the Old-World ambience that makes Armitage perfect for winding down after work or enjoying a pre-dinner drink. If you stay on into the night, prepare for the lights to dim and the music to pick up tempo, transforming Armitage into an energized nightspot.

AMERICAN: Bloom

8877 N. Scottsdale Rd.
Scottsdale, AZ 85253
(480) 922-5666
foxrestaurantconcepts.com/bloom.html

Bloom serves New American Cuisine in a crisp, contemporary, and comfortable setting. The distinctive menu at Bloom features a seasonal selection of New American cuisine with both European and Asian influence. Enjoy the bar that features over 75 wines by the glass and an open kitchen that gives guests the opportunity to see behind the scenes.

APPETIZERS: Roy’s Hawaiian Fusion*

Desert Ridge
5350 East Marriott Dr.
Phoenix, AZ 85054
(480) 419-7697
roysrestaurant.com

The first Roy’s opened in Honolulu in 1988. Try Chef Yamaguchi’s popular Hawaiian Fusion Cuisine—a tempting combination of exotic flavors and spices mixed with the freshest local ingredients, with seafood featured.

BARBECUE: El Paso Grill & Bar-B-Que*

4303 W. Peoria
Glendale, AZ
(623) 931-2438
elpasobbq.com

El Paso Bar-B-Que has come a long way from its 1995 entry into the barbecue casual dining segment of the restaurant industry. Its several locations can get you kicking up your heels and wiping your mouth just about anywhere.

BREAKFAST: The Good Egg*

14046 N. Scottsdale Rd.
Scottsdale, AZ 85254
(480) 483-1090

This is no yolk—this place has more ways to eat eggs than you can shake a skillet at. Omelets, frittatas, crepes—there’s an incredible list of combinations and possibilities. Not an egghead? Sandwiches, salads, and other breakfast offerings are provided for those who aren’t “ova-ly enamored.”

BREWERY: Gordon Biersch*

18545 N Allied Way
Scottsdale, AZ 85054
(480) 342-9860
gordonbiersch.com

Gordon Biersch Brewery Restaurant in Glendale features an eclectic beer garden, an impressive bar area equipped with TVs and speaker system, and spacious patio seating. The upscale casual restaurant offers a haven for fresh microbrew beers and delicious made-from-scratch menu items.

BURGERS: Yard House*

21001 N. Tatum Blvd.
Phoenix, AZ 85050
(480) 563-9273
yardhouse.com

If it’s beer, it’s here. The Yard House is an upscale casual eatery known for the world’s largest selection of beer, from the known to the obscure. Each location features a transparent keg room containing more than 600 barrels, some 1,000 gallons of beer, and an endless fleet of tap handles. There are plenty of unique American cuisine menu items to wash down.

CHINESE: Flo’s

15027 N. Thompson Peak Pkwy.
Scottsdale, AZ 85260
(480) 661-8883
flosrestaurants.com

Flo’s presents modern innovative Chinese dishes in a contemporary Asian atmosphere, with attentive service, all with reasonable prices and a tip of the hat to the Southwest.

COFFEE SHOP: Cave Creek Coffee Co.

6033 E. Cave Creek Rd.
Cave Creek AZ 85331
(480) 488-0603
cavecreekcoffee.com

Whether you’re looking for a great cup of coffee, an exceptional glass of wine, unique food, or intimate entertainment, Cave Creek Coffee Co. offers you the experience you’re seeking.

C OMFORT FOOD: Chompie’s*

Mercado Del Rancho Center
9301 E. Shea Blvd.
Scottsdale, AZ 85260
(480) 860-0475
chompies.com

The Borensteins came to the Valley from Queens, New York in 1979 to make the entire Valley eat, dollink, eat—and eat deli. Chompie’s is an exciting New York-style deli-restaurant and bakery featuring freshly baked breads, cakes, pastries and, of course, world-famous bagels and bialys in 35 “hot” varieties.

CONTINENTAL: Binkley’s in Cave Creek

6920 E. Cave Creek Rd.
Cave Creek, AZ
(480) 437-1072
binkleysrestaurant.com

Binkley’s prepares classically influenced contemporary American cuisine to order each day, with a revised daily menu featuring the freshest seasonal ingredients, using local and organic foods whenever they are available. Everything from appetizer to dessert (except the bread) is made in the Binkley kitchen, with special dietary needs accommodated.

DELI: Dilly’s Deli

14202 N. Scottsdale Rd.
Scottsdale, AZ 85254
(480) 596-3354
dillysdeli.com

Dilly’s Deli simply offers great food, great service, and great value, which you’ll notice in the aroma of homemade breads, bread bowls, cookies, and brownies freshly baked on-site as you look on and covet!

DESSERT: The Cheesecake Factory*

15230 North Scottsdale Rd.
Scottsdale, AZ 85254
(480) 607-0083
thecheesecakefactory.com

The Cheesecake Factory is an upscale casual dining restaurant offering more than 200 menu selections that include appetizers, pizza, pasta, seafood, steaks, salads, sandwiches, and fifty delectable cheesecakes and desserts!

ECLECTIC: Backstreet Wine Salon

3603 E. Indian School Rd.
Phoenix, AZ 85018
(602) 550-7900
backstreetwine.com

The Salon is both a retail wine shop and a quiet, comfortable European-inspired wine bar and bistro. The menu and wines available by the glass change daily.

FAMILY-FRIENDLY: Sauce*

Sauce Norterra
2470 W. Happy Valley Rd.
Phoenix, AZ 85085
(623) 414-4866
foxrestaurantconcepts.com/sauce

Sauce provides a variety of thin-crust red and white pizzas as well as fresh salads with house-made dressings, lasagna, and grilled panini made with fresh-baked bread. Their wine selection is accompanied by Italian and domestic beers, and the warm, inviting atmosphere makes the dining experience as enjoyable as the food.

FRENCH: Zinc Bistro

Kierland Commons
15034 N Scottsdale Rd.
Scottsdale, AZ 85281
(480) 603-0922
zincbistroaz.com

A New York-style Parisian bistro in the Arizona desert charms the Scottsdale dining scene. Enjoy the oyster bar where shellfish is brought in daily—the freshest oysters, clams, mussels, and lobster in the desert.

GREEK: My Big Fat Greek Restaurant*

4218 N. Scottsdale Rd.
Scottsdale, AZ
(480) 949-8900
mybigfatgreekrestaurant.net

Greek food is one of the healthiest cuisines and has a Mediterranean flair of cooking created by the gods. Virgin olive oil, fresh ingredients, selected herbs, and just the right amount of spice are the cooking secrets cherished and kept for thousands of years. If it’s Greek to you, you’re in the right place.

INDIAN: Jewel of the Crown

7373 Scottsdale Mall, Suite 1
Scottsdale, AZ 85251
480-949-8000
jewelofthecrown.com

Nestled in the historic downtown district of Scottsdale, Jewel of the Crown is a highly acclaimed restaurant that serves gourmet Indian cuisine. The elegant ambience, wide selection of authentic Indian delicacies, and full-service bar are some of the reasons customers have made this restaurant their first choice.

ITALIAN: Arrivederci

7101 E. Thunderbird. Rd. #103
Scottsdale, AZ 85254
(480) 922-8225

Arrivederci offers intimate dining with exquisite Italian fare. With a romantic ambience, marvelous sauces, and food all made from scratch, you may think that you’re in Italy.

JAPANESE: Sushi Roku*

7277 E Camelback Rd.
Scottsdale, AZ 85251
(480) 970-2121
sushiroku.com

Sushi Roku showcases traditional Japanese fare with modern twists. Among the main dishes, you’ll find scallops with stuffed shishito peppers, and whole flash-fried striped bass with spicy ponzu sauce. Of course, sushi and sashimi are also prominently featured.

MEXICAN: The Spotted Donkey Cantina

34505 N Scottsdale Rd.
Scottsdale, AZ 85266
(480) 488.3358
spotteddonkeycantina.com

Southwestern and Western flavors merge at Spotted Donkey Cantina at El Pedregal. The best drinks downtown, unique food, and a festive atmosphere are quickly earning Spotted Donkey Cantina a reputation as the place to dine in Scottsdale.

BEST PATIO DINING: Olive & Ivy Restaurant & Marketplace

7135 E. Camelback Rd., Ste. 195
Scottsdale, AZ 85251
(480) 751-2200
foxrc.com/olive_ivy.html

Old world meets new at Olive & Ivy, which blends the provocative flavors and timeless elegance of the Mediterranean with contemporary California chic. Olive & Ivy is a lively neighborhood hotspot offering something for everyone, as well as Scottsdale’s largest outdoor patio.

PIZZERIA: Patsy Grimaldi’s DC Ranch*

DC Ranch
20715 N. Pima Rd.
Scottsdale, AZ 85255
(480) 515-5588
patsygrimaldis.com

Grimaldi’s pizzas are made with fresh mozzarella, tomato, basil, and dough made fresh daily. The fresh toppings range from the finest sweet Italian sausage to the most flavorful red peppers, all masterfully roasted in Grimaldi’s coal-brick ovens.

RESTAURANT WITH A VIEW: The Chart House*

7255 McCormick Pkwy.
Scottsdale, AZ 85258
(480) 951-2550
chart-house.com

From top-of-the-catch seafood, succulent steaks, and decadent desserts, Chart House has a menu tailored to complement local cuisine while introducing a hint of the exotic. Overlooking Camelback Mountain and a picturesque lake, an evening at Chart House will give you a cool respite from the Arizona heat.

ROMANTIC: The Melting Pot*

8260 N Hayden Rd.
Scottsdale, AZ 85258
(480) 607-1799
meltingpot.com

Fondue is a fun and interactive dining experience—and for more than three decades, The Melting Pot has defined the niche across the American dining scene. At The Melting Pot, fondue truly becomes a memorable four-course dining experience where patrons can dip into something different.

SEAFOOD: Ocean Club*

15045 N. Kierland Blvd.
Scottsdale, AZ
(480) 443-8555
mastrosoceanclub.com

Dine your finest at this ultra-high end coastal version of the steak house that offers the best in upscale seafood. The clubby, avant-garde atmosphere features live entertainment nightly in the O Bar.

SPORTS BAR: FOX Sports Grill

16203 N. Scottsdale Rd.
Scottsdale, AZ 85254
(480) 368-0369
foxsportsgrill.com

FOX Sports Grill invites guests to relax in a socially comfortable atmosphere where a contemporary American menu and diverse specialty drink and wine list coupled with uncompromised sports and entertainment viewing offers something for everyone.

SOUTHWESTERN: Lon’s at the Hermosa Inn

5532 N. Palo Cristi Rd.
Paradise Valley, AZ 85253
(602) 955-7878
lons.com

Lon’s at the hermosa is Arizona’s only remaining authentic hacienda. Enjoy award-winning artful American cuisine on a spectacular patio or by one of the glowing fireplaces. Lon’s uses bold flavors and compelling combinations that reflect a contemporary take on the multitude of foods originating in the Western Hemisphere.

STEAK HOUSE: Fleming’s DC Ranch*

20753 N. Pima Rd., Bldg. R
North Scottsdale, AZ 85255
(480) 538-8000

Fleming’s features the finest in prime beef and a tempting variety of chops, seafood, chicken, generous salads, inventive side orders, and indulgent desserts in a fine-dining atmosphere. Fleming’s 100, the celebrated wine list, boasts some of the finest wines in the world, all available by the glass.

THAI: Pink Pepper

245 E. Bell Rd.
Phoenix, AZ 85022
(602) 548-1333

If you’re craving spicy food and can’t get enough of it, treat yourself to the great lunch buffet at the Pink Pepper. If you like flavor but can do without the hot stuff, Pink Pepper can certainly please the more sensitive taste buds as well.

VEGETARIAN: Mandala Tea Room

7027 E. 5th Ave.
Scottsdale, AZ 85251
(480) 423-3411
mandalatearoom.com

Mandala’s philosophy is to provide healthy environmentally friendly plant-based foods that are good to eat. Tasty organic dishes are prepared daily with the freshest seasonal, organic, genetically unmodified vegetarian ingredients. All dishes are completely vegan: dairy-, egg-, and animal-free.

WINE BAR: Uncorked Wine Bar

16427 N. Scottsdale Rd., Ste. 130
Scottsdale, AZ 85254
(480) 699-9230
uncorkedwinebar.com

Uncorked encourages their guests to “Eat, Drink, Relax…Repeat.” Offering twenty different flights of wine, Uncorked is the perfect place for everyone to unwind and enjoy their favorite wine, or find a new favorite. Uncorked also offers specially selected and prepared cheese trays, delicious sandwiches and salads, and “to-die-for” desserts.

BUSINESS MEETING:

Fleming’s DC Ranch*
20753 N. Pima Rd., Bldg. R
North Scottsdale, AZ 85255
(480) 538-8000

Fleming’s features the finest in prime beef and a tempting variety of chops, seafood, chicken, generous salads, inventive side orders, and indulgent desserts in a fine-dining atmosphere. Fleming’s 100, the celebrated wine list, boasts some of the finest wines in the world, all available by the glass.

CELEBRATION: Mastro’s Steakhouse

Mastro’s Steakhouse*
8852 E. Pinnacle Peak Rd.
(480) 585-9500
mastrossteakhouse.com

Mastro’s offers an unparalleled dining experience, featuring a cutting-edge menu of the finest in prime steaks and fresh seafood, accompanied by live music and dancing seven nights a week in the piano bar. A stylish dinner for two or a group of friends.

HAPPY HOUR: Eddie V’s Edgewater Grille*

20715 N. Pima Rd.
Scottsdale, AZ 85255
(480) 538-8468
eddiev.com

Eddie V’s Edgewater Grille was inspired by the great classic seafood restaurants of New Orleans, San Francisco, and Boston. Eddie and Guy have great respect for the freshness, flavors, and techniques of these regions and provide you with the freshest seafood available, along with prime-grade steaks, in a casual and relaxed atmosphere.

LADIES’ LUNCH: English Rose Tea Room

201 Easy St. #103
Carefree, AZ 85377
(480) 488-4812
carefreetea.com

It’s four o’clock, and time for the traditional English afternoon tea. Choose from an extensive menu of authentic English foods served with loose-leaf teas. Be it a simple scone with Devonshire cream or the elaborate Duchess of Bedford’s Formal Afternoon Tea, there is something for every Anglophile.

SUNDAY BRUNCH: The Herb Box*

DC Ranch on Market Street
20707 North Pima Road, Suites 140-145
Scottsdale, AZ 85255
(480) 289-6180
herbboxcatering.com

The Herb Box sums themselves up with “innovative world creations.” Endless new recipes come from taking what is freshest at the farm stand and being open-minded enough to having an idea drive the chef in the kitchen. The breakfast, lunch, and dinner menus are vast and varied, ensuring an entrée for every palate.

* plus other Valley locations

By Crystal Carson
Photography by Fiona Garden for NOBASURA.com
Makeup: Jennifer Karsten for MAC Cosmetics
Hair: Kevin Anderson for Gstudio
Stylist and Producer: Crystal Carson for Mode Models
Models:
Kyli is a model for sim-agency.com
Levi is a model for sim-agency.com
Horse provided by Linda Leslie of Twin L Performance Horses, twinlperformance.com
Location: Carefree Resort & Villas, carefree-resort.com

The naturally wild textures of fur, suede, and leather bring a western flair to the fashion of fall 2008. The fusion of tradition and trend make this a unique collection of garments.

Man leaning on saguaro and woman standing with horse
KYLI
Gray microknit wrap sweater / BCBG Max Azria / Saks Fifth Avenue / $318
Rosary necklace / Guess / $20

LEVI
Brown ostrich cowboy boot / 1883 by Lucchese / Sheplers / $399.99
Gold aviators / YSL / Saks Fifth Avenue / $295
Toby Keith cowboy hat / Sheplers / $29.99
Dark denim slim boot-cut jeans / Joes / Scottsdale Jean Co. / $178
Dark brown duster jacket / Outback Trading Co. / Sheplers / $99

In Front of Store
LEVI
Brown felt cowboy hat / Scala / Sheplers / $39.99
Brown micro-cord trouser / Michael Kors / Saks Fifth Avenue / $195
Turquoise and brown plaid men’s dress shirt / double S / Sheplers / $35
Leather stitched lapel lambskin blazer / Scully / Sheplers / $299.99
Brown leather cowboy boots / 1883 by Lucchese / Sheplers / $399.99

KYLI
Turquoise scrolled leather belt / Sheplers / $65
Straw cowboy hat with blue detail / Scala / Sheplers / $29.99
Beige with blue yoke and floral embroidery shirt / Scully / Sheplers / $69.99
Brown skinny riding pant / Vince / Saks Fifth Avenue / $210
Light brown suede slouchy cowboy boot / Durango / Sheplers / $279.99

Woman on horse
KYLI
Jimmy Choo black suede fringe boot (bill) / Jimmy Choo / $1,295
Leopard print-trim rouched athletic shirt / Jaquette / Scottsdale Jean Co. / $64
Dark denim skinny capri / Guess / $138
Chinchilla-fringe hooded vest jacket / Adriene Landau / Saks Fifth Avenue / $775
Brown leather wristband / Guess / $24
Silver charm bracelet / Guess / $30.00

Sitting by stream
KYLI
Embellished artisan beige silk dress / Danang / Scottsdale Jean Co. / $150
Beige suede bootie with white belt / Givenchy / Saks Fifth Avenue / $595
Lemon topaz, sardonyx, 18K vermeil dangle chain Y-style necklace / Devon Leigh / $725
Amber quartz in 14K gold-filled wire earrings / Devon Leigh / $375
Crystal belt / waistedfashions.com / $145

LEVI
Brown distressed leather boot / Mark Nason / Scottsdale Jean Co. / $415
Premium distressed denim / Guess / $168
Distressed white long-sleeve T-shirt / John Varvatos / Saks Fifth Avenue / $155
Gray leather jacket / Armani / Saks Fifth Avenue / $1,745

Chuck wagon
LEVI
Sunset relaxed-leg jeans / Guess / $158
Plaid sheer button-up shirt / Jon Havataras / Saks Fifth Avenue / $165
Vest / John Havtos / $224

KYLI
Jerry ultra-skinny / William Rast / Scottsdale Jean Co. / $189
White bustier / Guess / $69
24K gold-wrapped white agate earrings / Devon Leigh / $298
Christie Vest / 100 percent cotton yarn-dye “dotted stripe” / Lily and Jae / Covet / $124

Close-Up
LEVI
White embroidered yoke men’s dress shirt / Scully / Sheplers / $72
Toby Keith cowboy hat / Sheplers / $29.99
Cowboy necktie / Sheplers / $59
Gold aviators / YSL / Saks Fifth Avenue / $295

KYLI
Brown suede vest / Cripple Creek / Sheplers / $139
White jersey bell-arm top / Guess / $59
Amber Y-style necklace / Devon Leigh / $525

By Crystal Carson

Photography
Fiona Garden for NOBASURA.com
Makeup and Hair
Caitlin Callahan for NOBASURA.com
Stylist and Producer
Crystal Carson for Mode Models
Models
Danielle Kremeniuk for triskotalent.com
Woody for richardsmodels.com

We all love to feel beautiful. Nothing makes you glow more than a romantic night with the one you love. This season, wrap yourself in the sexy fabrics and sparkling details, perfect for every special occasion.

SHOT 1
Danielle
Lotus kimono robe/$2,795
Cranberry body sugar/frillylilly.ca/$28
Grapefruit bubble bath/frillylilly.ca/$20

SHOT 2
Danielle
Gold Bouquet baby doll/D&G/$285
Floral Mary Jane pump/Prada shoe/$885
Silver crystal-encrusted heel/Roger Vivian/$1,495
Black Whisper satin blouse (Bettina)/Una Bella Boutique/$455
Black jersey gown with cascade (Miranda)/Una Bella Boutique/$890
Gold dot jersey cocktail dress (Blaire)/Una Bella Boutique/$720
Silk cotton voile pebble-print gown (Samira)/Una Bella Boutique/$980

SHOT 3
Woody
Pajamas/Burberry/$275

SHOT 4
Danielle
Silk cotton voile pebble-printed gown (Samira)/Una Bella Boutique/$980
Diamond necklace/Tiffany’s/$21,500
Diamond drop earrings/Tiffany’s/$7,150

Woody
Martini pinstripe suit/Dolce & Gabanna/$2,195
Twill white dress shirt/Armani/$295

SHOT 5
Danielle
Satin and crystal anklet sandal/Manolo blanik/$1,250
Black sequinned cocktail dress (Madison) /Una Bella Boutique/$1,200

Woody
Tuxedo/Armani/$2,050
Twill white dress shirt/Armani/$295
Black patent leather shoe/Salvatore Feragamo/$520

COVER SHOT
Danielle
Gold dot jersey cocktail dress (Blaire)/Una Bella Boutique/$720 CAD
Shoes: model’s own

Woody
Martini pinstripe suit pant/Dolce & Gabanna/$2,195
Wool vest/Paul Smith/$229
Twill white dress shirt/Armani/$295