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Today's Forecast
H 95º L 73º | 0% chance of precipitation
Sunrise 5:23 a.m. | Sunset 7:26 p.m.
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Hey, Scottsdale and Phoenix!
Ever wonder where Valley chefs eat when they’re off the clock?
🍽️ Where Phoenix’s Top Chefs Eat
🤓 Friday Fun Facts
🎉 Weekly roundup
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🍽️Dining
Where Phoenix’s Top Chefs Eat
Not sure about someone else’s “best place to eat” pick? Let’s see where the Valley’s award-winning chefs actually dine.
You might think they only stick to their own kitchens—but where do they really crave, rave about, or keep going back to? Phoenix Mag got them to spill the beans, and we’re sharing their favorite spots with you.
- Kevin Binkley of Binkley’s Restaurant loves eating at Glai Baan for its chicken wings, mackerel fried rice, and unforgettable pomelo salad. He also frequents Hai Noon and Pizza to the Rescue for Japanese dishes and pizza.
- Bernie Kantak of Citizen Public House loves the sashimi spoons at Hai Noon and the beet salad at Bacanora. He also raves about the focaccia at Andreoli Italian Grocer and the sausage rapini sandwich at Pizzeria Virtù.
- Helen Yung of Sweet Republic enjoys weekly dim sum at Mekong Palace and frequently orders the Reuben at Goldman’s Deli. She also loves the drunken chicken soup from Amelia’s.
- Christopher Gross of Christopher’s at the Wrigley Mansion heads to Fat Ox for house-made pasta and visits Pizza to the Rescue for pizza and wine. He’s also a longtime fan of Los Dos Molinos for machaca pizza and carne adovada burros.
- TJ Culp of Restaurant Progress keeps it simple with pollo asado from Carniceria Mi Casita and mesquite-fired chicken from El Pollo Correteado. He also frequently stops by Da Vang for quick Vietnamese meals.
- L.T. Smith of Chilte loves the Hainan-style steamed chicken with garlic rice at Chick-A-Dee. He also enjoys sushi from Sushi Friend and seafood from Mariscos A Todo Mar.
- Rene Andrade of Bacanora loves the extra-crispy shaking beef at Pho 43 and the Sinaloan-style fish at Mariscos A Todo Mar. He also calls Hai Noon one of his happy places.
- Chris Bianco of Pizzeria Bianco enjoys Sonoran-style dishes at Bacanora, Thai food at Glai Baan, and tacos from Tacos Chiwas. He also praises favorites like Andreoli Italian Grocer and FnB.
🤓Friday Fun Facts
If your wallet suddenly feels nervous this weekend, there’s a good reason. The nation’s largest trading card, anime, and pop culture convention is invading WestWorld on May 16–17! Expect sports cards, comic books, vintage toys, anime merch, cosplay, live performances, and at least a few people saying, “I swear this collectible will be worth millions someday.”
Question: Which event is it?
A. Phoenix Fan Fusion
B. Collect-A-Con
C. Comic-Con International
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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.
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Best of Arizona Stand-Up Comedy Showcase takes place Saturday, June 13, 2026, from 7:30–9:30 PM at Virginia G. Piper Theater in Old Town Scottsdale. The showcase features a new wave of Arizona’s top stand-up talent delivering sharp, high-energy performances. Tickets start at $31.
- Scottsdale Artists League Annual Art Competition is on view through May 17 at the Scottsdale Artists’ School and is free to attend. The show features a diverse range of local artists, with award winners earning scholarships to support their studies.
- Scottsdale Sounds is a free monthly live music series presented by the Scottsdale Public Library and hosted by Dave Manley, featuring local musicians in a welcoming community setting. Upcoming performances include Mark Stiekman on May 21 and Sugar Jam Band with Cahoots on June 3 at select library branches.
News 📰
- Arizona residents can enjoy the ultimate Scottsdale getaway with the AZ Staycay Special, for stays between May 1 and August 31, 2026. While visitors can also take advantage of a 3rd Night Free offer when booking a two-night stay through September 30, 2026.
- Crunch Fitness is opening soon in Paradise Valley with a modern 3.0 design and full-service gym amenities and equipment, group fitness classes, and world-class trainers.
- Bad Birdie, based in Scottsdale, is reshaping golf culture with bold, expressive apparel for a new generation of players. Founded by Jason Richardson, the brand has grown from a side project into a national business focused on modernizing how the game looks and feels.
- Sphinx Date Co. Palm & Pantry is launching a weekly Farm Stand popup with Rhiba Farms starting Wednesday, May 13, 2026. Every Wednesday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., guests can pick up fresh seasonal farm boxes and shop pantry provisions at 3221 Hayden Rd, Scottsdale.
Thank you for reading Desert Rundown throughout the week! If you enjoyed our weekend edition, send it to someone looking for a go-to chef dining spot.
— Ben Murray | Founder @ Desert Rundown
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