|
Today's Forecast
H 95º L 73º | 0% chance of precipitation
Sunrise 5:23 a.m. | Sunset 7:26 p.m.
|
Hi Scottsdale & Phoenix,
Course Restaurant continues its award-winning streak—from national dining honors to rising chef recognition—with bartender Justin Chard now adding standout cocktail acclaim to the mix.
🍸 Course Restaurant earns Pinnacle Guide's Pin of Excellence
🏡 Avala brings luxury rental living to Scottsdale
🤓 Friday Fun Facts
🗞️ Weekly Roundup of news and events
Please forward this email to your friends to help spread the word.
Were you forwarded this email? Subscribe here!
🍽️Dining
Course Restaurant earns Pinnacle Guide's Pin of Excellence
The Pinnacle Guide, one of the cocktail bar industry’s most respected accolades for excellence, awarded Scottsdale’s Course Restaurant's cocktail program a Pin — a distinction equivalent to an “excellent” rating.
- Lab cocktails: Course earned recognition for turning cocktails into a fully immersive culinary experience, where every drink is created specifically to pair with its eight- to ten-course tasting menu. Rather than relying on classic cocktail riffs, the bar builds each drink from the flavor up—using advanced techniques like clarification, tinctures, fat washing, and rotovap distillation to create highly original cocktails designed around taste, texture, and aroma.
- Pinned excellence: Founded by industry consultants Hannah Sharman-Cox and Siobhan Payne, The Pinnacle Guide evaluates bars through an application covering everything from drinks and service to design and community impact, followed by anonymous expert visits. Venues are awarded one, two, or three Pins, representing Excellent, Outstanding, and Exceptional status.
Course Restaurant's address: 7366 E. Shea Blvd., Suite 106, Scottsdale
🏡 Development
Avala brings luxury rental living to Scottsdale
MODUS Companies has broken ground on Avala, a luxury rental home community bringing a new level of upscale, energy-efficient living to Scottsdale. The 94-home development will feature one- and two-bedroom residences with private backyards, smart home technology and modern indoor-outdoor design.
- Green scene: Avala is the first single-family rental community in Scottsdale to earn the Net Zero Energy Ready designation, giving residents the potential to cut energy costs by 50% to 70% compared to traditionally built homes.
- Work, play, relax: Residents will have access to resort-style amenities including a pool and spa, fitness center, Pilates studio and private workspaces, plus “HQ,” a restored Frank Lloyd Wright-designed space for work and collaboration. Leasing is expected to begin in spring 2027.
Construction is currently underway, with the community expected to be completed in fall 2027. Join the interest list here.
Spotlight Your Phoenix Area Business Here
Reply to this email if you'd like to get more exposure for your business or event.
🤓Friday Fun Facts
June Days turns Old Town Scottsdale into a month-long summer playground with daily events, local bites, live music, wellness activities, and plenty of ways to explore shops, galleries, and patios.
Question: Which one is one of the signature events of June Days?
A. Sunrise Yoga in the Plaza 🧘♀️
B. The Global Running Day 🏃
C. Desert Ice Cream Social 🍦
🗞️Weekly Roundup
🔗Scottsdale Farm launches mental health program for veterans and first responders
For Mental Health Awareness Month, Hunkapi Programs is offering a free six-week equine-assisted healing program for first responders and veterans. In partnership with Scottsdale Research Institute, the program uses hands-on work with horses to support stress management and mental wellness.
🔗Scottsdale gears up for Memorial Day weekend celebrations
Scottsdale is kicking off Memorial Day weekend with pool parties, live music, BBQ specials and restaurant deals across the city. Highlights include celebrations at Caesars Republic Scottsdale, A Hilton Hotel, Hotel Valley Ho and dining specials at STK Steakhouse. Visitors can also enjoy bar crawls, DJs and holiday-themed events throughout Old Town Scottsdale.
🔗Scottsdale-based Totali EZ Balloons expands nationwide
Totali EZ Balloons, trending for its reusable arch style balloon starter kit, is now officially available in over 500 Michaels stores nationwide. The Totali EZ Starter Kit is priced at $299, and also available online.
🔗Scottsdale-based SimonCRE expands with new Surprise retail project
SimonCRE has acquired a 10-acre site in Surprise for the development of Prasada East, a new outdoor shopping center anchored by Whole Foods Market. The project will also include retail and restaurant space for upscale tenants and specialty retailers.
🔗Scottsdale parks projects earn statewide honors
Three Scottsdale parks projects received statewide recognition for excellence in design, sustainability, and craftsmanship. Ashler Hills Park earned multiple awards for its environmentally conscious design, while McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park and Reata Sports Complex were recognized for architectural quality and community-focused amenities.
🔗Rosson House launches Happy Hour Tours in Phoenix
Explore early Phoenix history with Happy Hour tours at Rosson House Museum every Friday from May 15 to July 10. The 45-minute guided experience takes guests through the restored 1895 Victorian home, followed by a glass of wine at the Visitor Center & Museum Store. Tickets start at $20 for members and $30 for adults.
🔗Mendocino Farms expands further in Scottsdale with new locations planned
Mendocino Farms is expanding further in the Valley with a second Arizona location set to open June 2 at The Promenade Scottsdale. The brand, which first launched locally in Gainey Ranch, also has a third location planned in Arcadia this fall as part of its continued Scottsdale and Phoenix growth.
🔗Classic musical The Wizard of Oz opens at Hale Centre Theatre
Follow the Yellow Brick Road as The Wizard of Oz comes to Hale Centre Theatre from May 15 to June 27. This family-friendly musical brings Dorothy, Toto and their beloved friends to life with the iconic songs and magic from the classic MGM film. Tickets start at $45 for youth and $62 for adults.
🔗Free live music at Ravenscroft Jazzbird Lounge on May 24
Ravenscroft Jazzbird Lounge will host a free public performance on Sunday, May 24, from 6–8 p.m., featuring Phoenix-based quartet The Local Spirits. The group blends jazz, rock, blues, bluegrass, and global music influences into a genre-crossing sound, with donations benefiting humanitarian causes.
Thanks so much for reading today’s newsletter. Wishing you a meaningful Memorial Day weekend — may it bring a little reflection, good company, and perfectly grilled steaks. 🇺🇸
—Ben Murray | Founder @ Desert Rundown
Do you have news or events that you'd like us to cover? Reply to this email!
