Hey, Scottsdale and Phoenix!

We're back fresh and luxurious with Anhelo's next-level dining offering.

🍽️ Anhelo's exclusive “The Ultimate Night of Indulgence"

🤓 Friday Fun Facts

🎉 Weekly roundup of biggest news and upcoming events

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🍽️Dining

No Menu, No Limits: Anhelo’s $2,500 Dining Experience

​Anhelo redefines fine dining with “The Ultimate Night of Indulgence,” a $2,500-per-couple experience.

• Indulge and splurge: If you’re looking to experience the fully curated luxury at Anhelo, be prepared for a $2,500-per-couple indulgence. The evening begins at home with a chauffeured Rolls-Royce stocked with Dom Pérignon and bites en route to the restaurant at 7007 E. First Ave. in Old Town Scottsdale. Once there, guests skip the menu entirely in favor of a personalized tasting progression with rare pours or craft cocktails. The experience ends with a final bottle shared fireside or fountain-side before the return ride home.

• The tasty core: Anhelo is a contemporary American fine-dining restaurant known for dishes designed to spark conversation. Established in 2024 and rooted in chef Ivan Jacobo’s underground dining series, it features a seasonal, ever-changing shareable menu alongside a world-class wine program and award-winning cocktails. Housed in the historic Orpheum Lofts, Anhelo blends refined technique, storytelling-driven cuisine, and immersive hospitality. ​

Availability for “The Ultimate Night of Indulgence” is limited. For reservations, call 602-596-7745.

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🤓Friday Fun Facts

​Soul Hospitality Group is the team behind a pretty fun lineup of Scottsdale spots: Pescada for Mediterranean seafood done right, and Vic & Ola’s when you’re in the mood for upscale Italian. They also run Soul Cafe, where comfort food is the main event, and Little Snitch, a café that went from grab-and-go coffee to a bright, floral, Instagrammable kind of hangout.

Question: Which Scottsdale restaurateur is behind favorites like Pescada, Vic & Ola’s, Soul Cafe, and Little Snitch?

A. Sheila Bryson
B. Emily Rodriguez
C. Jordan Mitchell
​

Check My Answer

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🗞️Weekend Roundup

Events 🎉

• ​The 2026 West Coast Conference Baseball Tournament will take place May 20–23 at Scottsdale Stadium in Scottsdale, showcasing top Division I college baseball teams in a four-day postseason competition. Expect intense matchups, exciting moments, and the chance to watch future baseball stars compete on a big stage in Arizona’s spring training country.

• Celebrate International Pilates Day on May 2 at 8:00 a.m. at Scottsdale Entrada in Scottsdale, featuring mat classes, a sound bath, and a Pilates-inspired goodie bag with raffle entry. Attendees can also enjoy wellness vendors and experiences like plant potting, assisted stretching, reformer demos, snacks, and a cold plunge.

• ​The Arizona Author Book Festival is a free, all-ages event on May 3, 2025, at 215 East Grant Street in Phoenix, featuring author talks, book signings, giveaways, and family-friendly activities. The festival celebrates Arizona writers and supports SEEDs for Autism, with free books for the first 1,000 children. Reserve your spot on the link.

• On Sunday, May 3rd, drop by McDowell Mountain Farmers Market & Craft Show for the North Scottsdale Foodie Festival, the last market of the season. From 10 a.m. - 2 p.m., explore the festival's food, family fun, artisan crafts, and more from over 100 vendors.📍10607 E. Paradise Lane, Scottsdale, AZ 85255.​

News 📰

• Since late 2024, Scottsdale has invested over $300 million in major resort projects, boosting tourism. Blending its art and wellness roots with a growing focus on multigenerational travel, standout updates include the Kimpton Miralina Resort & Villas and the Grand Hyatt Regency Scottsdale Resort.

• ​Ravenscroft has appointed Angelo Versace as Artistic Director of Music Serving the Word, marking a new chapter for its artistic vision. He will guide programming and help expand the venue’s cultural reach.

• Presented by Roxx Vodka, the 2026 Spring Arizona Restaurant Week has released the full line-up of participating restaurants. Start making your dining plans to enjoy course menus, most of which are curated only for this event, priced at $33, $44, or $55 per person.

• ​The Italian Daughter has been named Arizona’s top Italian restaurant by The Takeout in its nationwide ranking. Opened in 2021 by Melissa Maggiore as a tribute to her father, the restaurant is praised for its classic Italian dishes, such as fresh pasta and the highly recommended Papa's Cioppino.

There we go—first day of May, and we’re happy to be back. Thanks for squeezing us into your “can’t wait for the week to be over” morning! If you enjoyed this edition, feel free to share it with a fellow foodie.

— Ben Murray | Founder @ Desert Rundown

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