Do you ever wish you could be like James Bond? Especially if fancy cars, gadgets, and tuxedos are some of your favorite things. Well, you can get one step closer to your dream with the new Aston Martin DBS Ultimate. You’ll be on your way to stopping evil doers in this standard 510hp V12 monster. Aston Martin has always been the epitome of class, but with the carbon fiber wing mirrors, darkened front grille, black tail pipes, and diamond-quilted stitching, this British super-car company knows what they’re doing. You even have the option of choosing the brake caliper color (yellow, red, or black). Available in a coupe or convertible body and in three different colors, this car is still $TBD.

We love summer. Well, while living in the Valley of the Sun, you kind of have to love it. It’s time to gear up for sunbathing, lounging, laying around, and generally relaxing.  Grab a drink, pick out your favorite book, slip on some flip flops and head to the pool. Needless to say, it’s hot out but that doesn’t mean you can’t look your best while catching some rays. Check out some of these new styles  that are out just in time for summer.

Cinda b’s beach bag is perfect for a day by the water. It’ll go with just about every swim suit imaginable and more importantly, is able to carry all of your necessary summertime garb.

Tired of boring flip flops? Check out these sandals from Sugar and Vine. For $25, the rest of your body will be quite jealous. Doubling as a scarf and waist coverup, Spartina 449′s Block Scarves combine 4 solid blocks of different pastel colors with one striped pattern. For all styles, click here. It’s always nice to have choices.

Now grab your suit and we’ll see you by the pool.

The Ford Mustang has been the epitome of American muscle for over half a century. The UBB Widow Maker reinforces that sentiment, ten-fold. For a cool $135,000 you can purchase this 1100 hp beast. Topping at around 230 mph and with a 0-60 in just 3.7 seconds, it’s no wonder they call it the Widow Maker. The car is covered in carbon fiber body kit, keeping the weight down. The 19-inch black alloy wheels, Brembo brakes, Advan traction control, Recaro seats, and built-in laser jammers (awesome), are all icing on the cake. If you find yourself driving this monster of a machine, as the name suggests, promise us you’ll be careful?

Surely you’ve noticed the increase in temperature recently and if you haven’t, please share your secret with us. For those of us who are attempting to escape the heat, Cask 63 is on our side. Though its only been open since January, Cask 63 is developing quite the reputation. As this new Scottsdale restaurant prepares itself for the Valley’s brutal summer, it’s got some cool tricks up its sleeve. Starting in June, Cask 63 introduces its ICE menu. This pre-fix menu features food and drinks designed to keep the heat in the kitchen and not on you. Twenty-five dollars a person (not including tax and gratuity) is an easy price to pay to beat the heat. Let’s take a look at the menu.

Appetizer

Chilled Watermelon Gazpacho with Tomato Granita

Entree

Sauteed Black Cod, with Israeli Couscous Salad, and Icewine Vinaigrette

Desserts

Pina Colada Sorbet

Cask 63 | 8877 North Scottsdale Road | Scottsdale, Arizona 85253

It’s only Tuesday morning but fear not fellow nine-to-fivers, our next installment of the St-Germain Cocktail Challenge Part 3 is in full swing and will get you ready for the weekend (or tonight if you’re into that kind of thing). In this edition we go to Old Town Scottsdale’s contemporary, Citizen Public House. With a one of a kind atmosphere and menu, you can imagine their cocktails being of equal caliber.

The Cocktail: The Persian 

The Venue: Citizen Public House

The Recipe:

1.5 oz Absolut Wild Tea vodka

.5 oz St-Germain

.75 oz House-made sweet and sour

.75 oz Cucumber juice

Serve over rocks in an old fashioned glass and garnish with a lemon peel

7111 East 5th Avenue  Scottsdale, AZ 85251   (480) 398-4208

Compare with Part 2 from The Mint

Compare with Part 1 from Tarbell’s

It’s always refreshing seeing one of your favorite restaurants giving back to the community. RA Sushi is no exception. Starting May 27, RA will hosts its 8th Annual Nicky’s Week fundraiser to benefit St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. After a long battle with brain cancer at the young age of 13, Nicky Mailliard, a nephew of one of RA Sushi’s original founders, succumbed to his illness. Since then, RA has made an effort to do what they can to help support the hospital’s lifesaving missions.  St. Jude’s is one of the world’s premier centers for research and treatment of pediatric cancer and other deadly diseases since it opened 50 years ago. Since its opening, the hospital has never turned down a patient because of a families inability to pay for treatment.  Check out the menu: »READ MORE

It’s Friday, the week is over and we’re ready to find some of the best cocktails this city has to offer. But where and what should we drink? Well, fortunately, the St-Germain Cocktail Challenge Part 2 is here. Today’s edition comes to you from Scottsdale’s, The Mint.

The Cocktail: Life Savings Martini

The Venue: The Mint

The Recipe:

2 oz Ultimat Vodka
.5 oz St-Germain
2 Basil leaves
2 Strawberries
.5 oz Agave Nectar
.25 oz Lemon juice
Ginger Soda Topper
Strawberry Half

The Mint 7373 East Camelback Road, Scottsdale AZ 85252  tel: 480 947 6468

Compare this cocktail to Part 1 from Tarbell’s HERE

As you may or may not know, the month of May is National Pet Month. A whole month dedicated to celebrating our four-legged friends and to show the benefits of pet ownership and support pet adoption.  Every day your dogs, cats, fish, horses and more work selflessly to bring comfort, safety and companionship. Sure Fit’s, an online slip-cover and home solution source, and National Pet Month want to help you show your appreciation because honestly, where would we be without our pets?

We love to bring our pets everywhere and Sure Fit’s understands that. It’s pet line protects furniture car interiors so that you can lounge and tote around your best friend whenever and wherever you go.  All pet covers are all machine-washable, easily removed and cleaned.

Not sure how to celebrate this month? Here are some tips courtesy of petmonth.com

1. Celebrate National Pet Month with a Mani-PETi! Make a day of it – pamper yourself with a pedicure while also treating your pal to a day of well-deserved grooming and nail clipping.
2. Give your cats “me-ow time” by creating personal areas where they can retreat. Consider adding elevated perches, scratching posts, and cozy sleeping nooks to provide safe outlets for their natural behaviors.
3. Reward good behavior. Whether human, feline or canine, we all like to be recognized for good behavior. Provide extra love and treats to each of your pets as a deserving reward and they will likely continue the good behavior.
4. Have you ever given your pet a massage? Show your appreciation for your dog during National Pet Month with a healthy indulgence that’s not only relaxing, but will strengthen the loving bond between you and your best bud.
5. Planning to welcome a needy cat into your home during National Pet Month? WONDERFUL. Find adorable adoptable pets near you. Visit our Search for Pets section to get started.
6. Pets love presents too! Surprise your favorite furball with cool new stuff for feeding, playing and grooming.
7. Schedule three or four, 5-10 minute play sessions with your pet throughout the day.
8. Consider installing a bird feeder or an aquarium. Think of the hours of fun your kitties will have with either of these additions to your home.
9. Give the gift of activity by building a dog run or mini obstacle course in your yard.
10. Treat your pet to their favorite snack.

Who would’ve thought a hockey team in Arizona would’ve made it this far this season? For those of you not in the Phoenix Coyote’s loop, you should know that the ‘Yotes have made to the NHL Western Conference Finals, a first in the their 15 year history. Lucky Break Billiards, Bar and Grill in Tempe, will be hosting a viewing party for Game 1 against the L.A. Kings, Saturday night. Two fans will have the opportunity to win tickets to game 2.  Here’s the catch: it’s a hockey puck eating contest.

Now we know that sounds a little dangerous but don’t worry, they’re aren’t actual hockey pucks, they’re frozen Hostess Ding-Dongs. Even so, it’s still quite the challenge. Lucky Break will take sign-ups to participate in which any fan can enter. However, they will only draw so many names of people who will actually try to eat the pucks. Any person who enters the contest must be present to have their name drawn-the eating contest will happen right on the spot.

Make sure to stop by Lucky Break this Sunday, May 13. The game is scheduled to start at 7:00 p.m., and the contest will take place directly after the game, which ends between 9:30-10:00. Go ‘Yotes!

Lucky Break Billiards | 1807 East Baseline Road | Tempe, Arizona 85283

Image via Paul Connors/AP

It’s no question that Scottsdale’s Hotel Valley Ho is one of our favorite destinations. This mid-century modern hotel has some great restaurants so it’s no wonder we’re excited for Cafe ZuZu’s Chef’s Table menu later this month. On May 21, ZuZu will team up with California’s Santa Ynez Valley Gainey Vineyard to bring you an exquisite four course menu. Each entree is paired with an elegant Gainey Wine. This family-owned-and-operated winery has been in operation for over 50 years now. The family pioneered sustainable farming techniques that continue today at their 1800-acre ranch. The menu is to die for, see for yourself.

Baked Deep-Water Snapper
coriander, coconut + spicy peanut sauce
Riesling, “Santa Ynez Valley” 2009

Braised Mushroom and Leek Salad
tepary beans + roasted bell peppers
Chardonnay, “Sta. Rita Hills” 2009

Herb-Roasted Lamb Chop
goat cheese tortellini, Washington cherries
+ thyme scented summer squash
Pinot Noir, “Sta. Rita Hills” 2009
Merlot, “Santa Ynez Valley” 2007

Peach Bread Pudding
blackberry sabayon

ZuZu | 6850 East Main Street | Scottsdale, Arizona 85251

With only a few days until Mother’s Day, finding the right way to show her your appreciation can be difficult, especially if you’re on a budget. This Sunday is indeed Mother’s Day and Humble Pie wants to help you and your mom celebrate. On May 13, all Humble Pie locations will be offering all mothers a free pizza. Of course restrictions apply, for instance the deal only caters to dine-in patrons, but who would want to miss out on Humble’s relaxed, friendly atmosphere?

She brought you into this world, the least you can do is take her to a nice restaurant to dine on free, delicious pizza. With four Valley locations, there is definitely one close to you. So grab a bottle of wine, enjoy some pizza and don’t forget to tell your Mom you love her.

We’ve said it before and we’ll say it again: we love a good Benz and especially if its a concept. We always want what we can’t have right? As you can see, there are some changes to the classic Benz look. The grill even appears to have to what looks like diamonds all over it, classy. This car is so aesthetically pleasing you can hardly take your eye off it. The interior is a bit different in this concept. A panoramic glass roof compliments the carbon fiber dash, white leather on the instrument panel, air vents that change color based on the selected temperature, neon green accents This amazing automobile with a turbocharged 2.0L four-cylinder engine is pretty much ready for the road and of course the price is still to be determined. We recommend you start saving now.

The Greek life is on the rise. No, not Greece’s economy and no, we don’t mean Greek life as in frat parties and beer pong. We’re talking fro-yo and with summer almost in full swing, frozen yogurt sounds like a great way to cool off. TCBY is the first fro-yo brand to make a Greek frozen yogurt national commitment. Now what exactly is Greek Yogurt?

Greek-style yogurt is creamier in texture, offers twice the amount of protein, has fewer carbs, is nonfat, a great source of fiber and makes a convenient meal replacement. Basically it’s perfect for the health-conscious you with a sweet-tooth. Greek Yogurt is believed to be the fastest-growing food segment in history with two times the growth of energy drinks. What’s more, if you Like TCBY’s Facebook page, you could win a trip for two to Greece (like you needed another reason to enjoy some yogurt).

TCBY is the first to capitalize on this growing trend. You can try it now before anyone else at their Scottsdale location on Via de Ventura.

TCBY | 8120 North Hayden Road |  Scottsdale, Arizona

It may not be the best in the world but it certainly is the best in the Valley (and the best in our hearts). The JW Marriott at Desert Ridge has recently been named one of the top golf resorts in the world. Conde Nast Travelers and readers have named this luxurious resort one of the top 5 in Arizona and like we’ve already mentioned, one of the best in the world. How do they do it?

Results are derived from a reader’s choice survey consisting of eight criteria questions: course design and access, golf staff and services, guestrooms, service, food/dining, location, overall design, and activities/facilities. The Marriotts’ Wildfire Golf Club was selected as a top finalist for its two scenic 18-hole courses designed by PGA legends, Arnold Palmer and Nick Faldo. The Wildfire Golf Club has been known to test the skill level of all golfers, while providing some of Arizona’s most breathtaking views and atmosphere. No wonder the Valley is one most popular spots for golf.

The Marriott is the largest luxury resort in Arizona and features 950 newly remodeled guest rooms which includes 81 suites, 240,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor meeting space, 10 dining experiences, an award-winning spa, and much, much more.

If you’re looking for a stay-cation this summer, why not the Marriott?

JW Marriott | 5350 East Marriott Drive | Phoenix, AZ

Mill Avenue, Tempe’s number one spot for drinks, dining, dancing, and all around good times, will be adding one more spot to quench your thirst this summer. Opening in early July, World of Beer will make Mill its first AZ location.

Actually this popular east coast bar will make Tempe its first west coast location and with over 50 craft and major beers on tap, we can barely hide our excitement. If any of you have been to Mill recently, then you surely remember the old bank/former American Apparel retailer on 6th street. That old bank will become the newest franchise of WOB. And they’re doing some pretty cool things to it. For instance, the bar is utilizing the bank’s vault and turning it into a safe room, complete with TVs and seating for up to 15 people. World of Beer is also working to restore the building’s old, red brick to its former glory.

Perfect for all of you ASU students on summer vacation, WOB will be looking for more than 30 new employees to work at the new Tempe location.  Information on a job fair in June will soon be available and interested candidates can sign-up online to be notified in advance.

We’ll see you at the Grand Opening in July!

World of Beer | 526 Mill Avenue | Tempe, Arizona 85281

It’s Friday afternoon and that means it’s time for us to bring you some of this weekend’s best live entertainment. Let us get the Weekend Concert Roundup started.

It’s the weekend and we’re feeling a bit funky and if your are too, go see KC and the Sunshine Band tonight at the University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale. Lovers of Ska or anyone who loves a great show, check out the Aquabats, playing tonight at Tempe’s Marquee Theatre. The Crescent Ballroom, one of Phoenix’s newest venues (and one of our personal favorites) hosts some amazing talent, especially tonight’s performance by MarchFourth Marching Band.

Who doesn’t love Kenny Loggins? If you’re in Glendale Saturday night, check out the legend himself. Tickets are only $1 – $5. No one appreciates a blast from the 90′s past quite like us. That’s why we’re definitely going to see Dru Hill Saturday night at the Celebrity Theatre. Festival season is just getting started. This Saturday the Chickstock Music Festival in Cave Creek celebrates women in music and will feature Grammy winning artist Lucinda Williams.

As always, we like to treat Sunday as a relaxing getaway. The MIM in north Phoenix will host Stephen Cook’s, an ASU School of Music Doctoral Candidate, “Picture Rachmaninoff.”

Want to find a way to spice up your life? Every boy and every girl: spice up your life! Yes, we know those are Spice Girls lyrics straight out of the 90s, but don’t worry, there is a method to our madness. Victoria Beckham, formerly known as Posh Spice, has a version of Land Rover’s famous Range Rover, the Evoque Victoria Beckham Edition. Right off the bat you might notice that this new Range Rover is a bit smaller than its predecessors, especially the fact that is now a two-door. Just like the beautiful Victoria, this SUV is all about aesthetics. Twenty inch wheels, a matte-gray finish that compliments a glossy black top is easy on the eyes. The interior is just as elegant with baseball-style stitching, rose-gold switches on a piano black center console, and (of course) a matching 4-piece luggage set. This SUV is the epitome of class. With a price that’s TBA and with only 200 made world-wide coming out this October, these Range Rovers are going to fly off the lot.

Hello all. It is Saturday and you know what that means. It is time for the Weekly Wrap. Let us take a look back at the week that once was.

From 2 to 5 p.m.  today, April 21, all visitors of TEXAZ Grill will receive a cup of free Blue Bell ice cream. Tito’s Vodka will be in house too to hand out free swag and souvenirs. Sounds fun. April 26 is one of our favorite days of the year: it’s National Pretzel Day, and to prepare your palettes, here are some local places in which to enjoy these tasty treats.

This Mother’s Day  if you want to really score some points with your mom or a special mother in your life, treat her to a little Tiffany & Co. DIY Tuesday this week featured a very cool, very easy way to make your backyard glow. Plus, who doesn’t love mason jars? The Green movement isn’t new, but what about an eco-friendly selection of wines and spirits? Total Wine & More is helping everyone celebrate Earth Day with a selection of delicious, green wines.

Starting this Sunday and going through the entirety of the summer the Phoenician Resort partnered with Metta Yoga for its Rising Phoenician complementary yoga series. With this weekend being the last time to check out Coachella until next year, make sure you know how to look the part.

That is all for this week, we’ll see you on Monday!

The weather is officially starting to heat up and so is the concert season. As summer draws closer, what better way to beat the heat than standing in the middle of a crowd where people are sweating more than you. We love concerts. Seeing how it’s Friday, it’s that time once again for the Weekend Concert Roundup.

For all of you born again hippies and hipsters, it is the final weekend for Coachella. If you’re lucky, you might be able to find cheap tickets somewhere. We really just want to see the Tupac hologram again. Tonight at Comerica Theatre in downtown, we highly recommend you check out Florence + the Machine. Florence Welch and the machine in the U.S. on 15-city tour. If you’re anywhere near Tempe tonight, make your way over to the Sail Inn to see The Love Me Nots. This rock band is playing in a fest to combat Coachella, cleverly called NOchella Fest.

On Saturday, as we previously mentioned this week, Four Peaks Randomonium will be happening all day at Tempe Beach Park. Enjoy live music from some awesome local acts. Our favorites: Black Carl. If you want to see an… interesting show, straight out of Japan, Guitar Wolf will be in Scottsdale Saturday night for some rock and roll.

After all of that partying and great music on Friday and Saturday, we’re fans of taking it easy on Sunday. It’s Sunday Funday right? Well if you want to class it up, The Legend of Zelda: Symphony of the Goddesses is performing at the Orpheum Theatre at 8 p.m. For those of you who don’t know, The Legend of Zelda is a series of video games that have been around for over two decades now. The music in each game is elegantly composed and worthy classical music lovers from everywhere.

If you haven’t noticed that the weather has been warming up then you’re missing out.  Here’s some advice because we care about you: get off the computer and go outside (but don’t forget to bookmark DLT.) Grab your suits and sandals because Swim Social Weekends starts at The Saguaro this Friday.

Every day of the weekend will feature a different summer theme at the Picante Pool. Sips & Synchro Fridays kick off this week at 6 p.m. Sip cocktails while watching the sunset all while the Saguaro’s own synchronized swimmers entertain. The Saturday Swim Meet is an all day affair at the Picante Pool. DJ Al Page will be spinning surf rock and 60′s summer jams. Homemade paletas and poolside fare is more than enough to entice you, not to mention the killer spiked lemonade stand. Finish off the weekend relaxed and ready to take charge of the week with Soulful Sundays at the pool. Starting at 11 a.m., complimentary water aerobics classes are open to everyone. Afterwards, DJ Al Page back spinning your funk and Motown favorites.

The Saguaro | 4000 North Drinkwater Blvd | Scottsdale, Arizona 85251

Beer. And lots of it. That’s what can be expected this Saturday at the Four Peaks Randomonium beer fest at Tempe Beach Park. Starting at 11 a.m., for 12 straight hours, enjoy locally brewed beers, live entertainment, music and food. Now we know we previously told you about the fest, but what we didn’t tell you was that Four Peaks has an announcement, something to make all of us Arizonans proud.

The Brewers Association, a not-for-profit trade group based in Boulder, CO, has recently released their list for the top 50 Craft Breweries in the U.S. Guess what? Our beloved Four Peaks has made the cut. Honestly we’re not surprised our beloved local brewery made the list.

Four Peaks has gained national notoriety as of late as a result of numerous high profile events like Arizona Beer Week, Four Peaks Kilt Fest and Four Peaks Randomonium, and through securing multiple top honors at the annual Great American Beer Festival in Denver, CO.

Once again the Phoenician resort will partner with Metta Yoga to host the fifth installment of their Rising Phoenician complimentary yoga outdoor yoga class. Open to the public, this class takes place on Sunday, April 22 at 10 a.m. Start your Sunday off right with a downward dog pose. Become one with nature on the day that counts for it, Earth Day.

The event will feature two 40 minute sessions taught by Amy Shapiro and Karin McAreavy. Everyone who participates will receive a 20 percent savings on spa services booked for the same day at the resort’s Centre for Well-Being. A silent auction with voluntary donations will immediately follow. Donations will benefit Free Arts of Arizona, a charity that heals abused and homeless children through artistic expression.  There’s plenty more going on so do yourself a favor and celebrate Earth Day by becoming one with nature and helping out a good cause.

The Phoenician | 6000 East Camelback Road | Scottsdale, Arizona 85251

We’ve said it before and we’ll say it again. We love a brand new Benz, and though it’s a little on the large size, we still love the new G-Class. Does it look familiar? Well it should because this SUV has pretty much stayed the same shape for over three decades. That 2013 model stays true to its rugged ancestors while incorporating the latest technology, making it a must have (if you can afford the six figure sticker price). Along with the G550 model, the G-class will include  the G63 AMG model this year, after a year-long hiatus. With a standard 382 hp in the G55, the AMG model jumps up to 544hp. This SUV can go from 0-60 in just over 5 seconds, which is great for this behemoth. As far as technology is concerned, the G-class includes blind-spot monitoring, and updated Parktronic backup sensors and rearview camera. Oh and don’t worry, this Benz can hold its own in the wilderness. Yeah, we want one too.

We like to believe that a glass of wine a day keeps the doctor away but what about keeping harmful green house gases away? Just in time for Earth Day, Sunday April 22, Total Wine & More has picked out an awesome selection of green-friendly wines, beers, and spirits. These are products that have been organically grown, produced in organic vineyards or from sustainable resources. Everyone feels good after a good glass of wine, now you can feel good while doing good for the environment. Here are a couple of our favorites from the selection.

Sobon Zinfadel Hillside Amador – This zin from California’s Sierra Foothills offers ripe flavors of blackberry, blueberry and boysenberry with a hint of cherry and cranberry.

Releaf Organic Cabernet – An intense blackberry and vanilla hinted medium-bodied red from South Africa is made from 100% hand harvested, organically grown grapes.

Rain Vodka – This USA distilled vodka comes from organic white corn, that creates a superior taste profile. The vodka goes through a rigorous 20-day production technique that includes cold-water sweet mash fermentation and seven distinct distillations.

For a complete list of organic drinks, click here.

Total Wine & More | 1670 East Camelback Road | Phoenix, AZ 85016

Tomorrow is one of DLT’s favorite times of the year: the 34^th Annual Scottsdale Culinary Festival – a celebration of all things food, food, and more food – will begin in Scottsdale. To help you gear up for this week of eating, here are the top five greatest things about the fest – beyond scarfing down all the gourmet hot dogs, desserts and entrees possible, of course.

Top 5 Things About the Fest

Celebrity Guests: It’s only fitting that the state’s biggest culinary event should draw some of the biggest stars.  This year, the Great Arizona Picnic will host two of the Travel Channel’s best, Andrew Zimmern and comfort food gladiator Adam Richman.  Shows are at 1 and 3 p.m. Saturday and Sunday; tickets are $30 in advance and $40 at the door.

Platinum VIP Experience: This year, the Scottsdale Culinary Festival has more to experience than ever before: celebrity guests, tasting events, art shows, concerts, after parties, and more!  With the Platinum Picnic VIP ticket – a $500 value for $300 and $250 on Saturday and Sunday – festival-goers will have it all at their fingertips.  For the first time, one ticket grants access to literally all that the Festival has to offer!

Burger Battle: From 6 to 10 p.m. Thursday April 19 at Scottsdale Stadium, sixteen of the Valley’s best chefs will meet in friendly competition to see which burger makes mincemeat of the others!  For $55, the burgers, and the deciding vote, can be yours!

Picnic After Party: Just because the sun goes down doesn’t mean festival-goers have to.  The excitement continues afterward at Clayton on the Park with DJ entertainment, dancing, and great drinks for only a $10 admission.

Epicurean Expo: Located on the Picnic grounds inside the beautiful Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts, check out the latest kitchen gadgets, cookware, knives and cutting-edge appliances.  From 12 p.m. until 6 p.m., peruse delicious treats, olive oils and savory sauces all while watching renowned chefs teach you new tricks of the trade.  Admission is included with your Great Arizona Picnic ticket.

For more information or to purchase tickets, click here.