Although it’s an entire season away, we have news regarding the Arizona State Fair that will be the topic of conversation for months to come.

The 2012 fair is scheduled set for October 12 through November 4 with the fair’s annual concert series scheduled for various nights of the week.

This is your chance to see artists from all genres live at the Veteran’s Memorial Colosseum for free (general admission section) with the purchase of fair admission. Upgraded tickets are also available.

This year’s artists have just been released, here’s the lineup:

»READ MORE

Looking for a classy way to celebrate Independence Day in style and in air conditioning? Why not at the top of a Valley resort, in front of floor-to-ceiling windows where you can view firework shows stretching from Phoenix to Scottsdale?

The Phoenician’s J&G Steakhouse invites you to share this holiday in their restaurant’s open seating while enjoying specialty cocktails, a full a la carte menu or their Fourth of July-themed prix fixe menu Wednesday.

The July 4th Prix Fixe Menu includes three courses. Choose between local watermelon gazpacho, jumbo shrimp cocktail or heirloom Tomatoes with fresh raspberry vinegar and goat cheese for the first course. Next up is a grilled tuna burger, french fries, miso mayonnaise and yuzu pickles; barbecue sirloin tip with creamy local corn; or  a grilled pork chop, cherry mustard and sautéed mustard greens. The third course includes your choice of strawberry charlotte sundae, popping cherry pie or warm chocolate nougat tart with praline ice cream.

Festive 4th of July cocktails are available for $12 and include Red: Sour Cherry Caipirinha (Pirrasunga 21 Cachaca, cherry, lime), White: Vanilla Cream Soda (Svedka Vanilla Vodka, caramelized Sugar and club soda) and Blue: Blueberry Lemonade (Ketel One Citroen Vodka, lemon, blueberries and Sprite).

The July 4th Prix Fixe Menu is $45, is available Tuesday and Wednesday from 5 to 10 p.m.

In 2011, Arizona Gov. Jan Brewer declared Social Media Day an official holiday. This year ABC15 has teamed up with Pink Media, Mashable and Meetup to host this year’s celebration and observance of Social Media Day Phoenix.

Join 40 local businesses who use social media and networking on a daily basis from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m this Friday at the Ritz-Carlton. The event, themed “Connect. Engage. Support Local.,” will include workshops, games and a social media-inspired fashion show.

To RSVP for the event, visit Mashable or Facebook; join the conversation on Twitter @SMDayPhx; or text SMDayPHX to 72727 for exclusive offers from event sponsors.

The 11-ounce Piedmontese All-Natural Bone-In Strip Steak as featured on the new summer menu. Photo courtesy of Seasons 52.

There’s something about summer that has Arizonans craving change. It could be the temperatures, it could be allure of an ocean (however far away) or it could just be the exceptional measures Valley restaurants take to accommodate that summer state of mind.

Like many Valley restaurants, Seasons 52 has introduced a new summer menu that features seasonal offerings in celebration of those of us who stick around for the not-so-tourist season.

Known for its fresh grill and wine bar, Seasons 52 changes its menu four times a year to capture the flavors of the season.

“… the summer menu features a variety of grilled vegetables, seafood and poultry that depict the essence of the season,”  said Cliff Pleau, Senior Director of Culinary at Seasons 52.

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You recognize her in Gatorade and Nike commercials, you remember her defense during the 2011 FIFA Women’s World Cup and you watched her strut her stuff on Dancing With The Stars. Now see Hope Solo in Phoenix before she heads to London with the U.S. Women’s Soccer Team for the 2012 Olympics.

The Phoenix Mercury will recognize Solo as the team’s 2012 Inspiring Woman during Saturday’s game against the Los Angeles Sparks. According to the Phoenix Mercury, the evening will be dedicated to recognizing Solo’s accomplishments on the field as well as in the community and will also mark the Mercury’s celebration of the 40th anniversary of Title IX.

Submit a story here about how Title IX has benefitted you, a friend or family member and you will automatically receive a free ticket to the game and take part in an on-court recognition and group photo with Solo at halftime. To find out how your soccer team can meet Solo, call (602) 379-7521 or email [email protected].

Tipoff is at 6 p.m. at the U.S. Airways Center. Tickets start at $10.

Ever dreamed of living in a castle, partying like royalty and feasting like a king? According to AZCentral and 12 News Robert Pazderka is well on his way to making this a reality.

For a cool $1.45 million Pazderka purchased the Copenhaver Castle on Camelback Mountain, complete with draw bridge and dungeon; however, he plans to spend up to an additional $5 million “to make it livable.”

Watch the castle tour and Pazderka interview as reported by 12 News.

Read about the Copenhaver Castle and other monumental manors via Scoop Factory.

Now that we’ve convinced you to view this urban property, don’t miss Blue Hound Kitchen & Cocktails where executive chef Stephen Jones and master mixologist Jacques Bezuidenhout have complimented the already innovative “gastro-lounge” concept with their decadent menu items and lavish cocktail creations.

As you well know, no piece of real estate is compete without landscaping (i.e. the the hotel’s pool deck). This third floor “pool by day, lounge by night” features a 180-degree view of downtown as well as the Lustre Bar which is open daily from noon to midnight. »READ MORE

Sports? Father's Day? Why not celebrate with a locally brewed beer. Here are some recommendations. Photo courtesy of Yumsugar.

With the NBA Finals underway, Diamondbacks’ season in full swing and the Stanley Cup just wrapping up (great run, Coyotes) it is no surprise that we’re seeing an influx of beer news, beer consumption and beer recommendations. In order to remain relevant and keep our buzz going, here’s a redux of this week’s happenings in our favorite food blogs:

Let’s hope by now you’ve at least decided on a Father’s Day gift for dad (even if you haven’t crossed it off the shopping list yet), but for those of you procrastinators out there here are six brilliant beer suggestions based on your dad’s personality, thanks to Chow Bella.

If you’ve had your gifts for pop bought and wrapped for weeks now (and we’re boring you at this point), we turn to Mouth By Southwest for five fruit-flavored Arizona beer profiles. Don’t simply judge a beer by it’s cover fruit, be sure to try some of this frosty-cold, sweet summery bliss.

In other beer news, Mouth By Southwest is reporting that the opening of World of Beer in Tempe has been pushed back from July 2 to July 23. Construction permitting, you should be able to watch your favorite teams compete at the London 2012 Summer Olympics while sipping an international brew (since it is all about sports after all).

Work week got you down? If the daily grind is taking its toll on your, you know, “you-ness”, it might just be time to take a little trip somewhere more exotic for your nightly happy hour. Don’t fret, you don’t really have to travel far, just to Downtown Phoenix’s Rum Bar for their new ” A-RUM-a Therapy” punch social hour. Every weekday from 5-7 pm, you can now enjoy $5 rum punch and specially priced (delicious) food to help you relax after a tough day. The ever-changing bowl of punch will always feature the best ingredients, the freshest of fruits and the most carefully made concoctions to quench your thirst and relax your mind (as if owner, Dwayne Allen, would have it any other way). You can also look forward to a new menu of summer cocktails that Arizona’s only everyone’s favorite exclusively rum establishment rolled out just last week. Take a peek here  and be sure to take a little time to stop in Rum Bar or neighboring restaurant, The Breadfruit, to eat some authentic Jamaican cuisine and adopt a more Caribbean state of mind, if only for a little while.

Rum Bar l 108 E Pierce St., Phoenix, AZ 8500 l 602 267 1266 

Civic Space Park's summer concert series (and yoga) take place every Thursday through August. Photo courtesy of the City of Phoenix.

Hot summer evenings mix well with dinner out, shopping and, of course, music (not to mention cocktails). So, when the unforgiving sun begins to set and talk of dinner ensues, remember this season provides a unique opportunity to catch live music in a variety of unique venues. Behold the local concert series list:

Civic Space Park: Enjoy yoga and live music for free every Thursday through August. Yoga for all ages takes place from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. and live music from 7:30 to 9 p.m. June dates feature reggae, jazz and R&B.

Desert Ridge Marketplace: Artists perform Fridays and Saturdays from 7 to 10 p.m. on the District Stage or from 7 to 9 p.m. at the AMC Fountain. With genres ranging from Irish celtic to alternative (and instruments including the accordion and keyboard) the variety here will suit even the most eclectic tastes.

Tempe Marketplace: Artists perform Fridays and Saturdays from 7 to 10 p.m. on the District Stage or from 7 to 9 p.m. at the B&N Fountain. Whether it’s jazz, funk or acoustic guitar you’re after, you will find it here (and possibly discover a new favorite). »READ MORE

Valley Youth Theatre presents The 14th Annual Fundraiser, "The Most VYTal Event Of The Season" Aug. 18, 2012.

Valley Youth Theatre (VYT) will host its 14th Annual Fundraiser at Aug. 18 at the Herberger Theater Center.

VYT’s 14th Annual Fundraiser, “The Most VYTal Event of the Season,” will include a hosted cocktail hour featuring hors d’oeuvres from Valley restaurants and caterers, a wide variety of items available for both silent and live auction and the presentation of the 2011 VYTALITY Award (Valley Youth Theatre Applauds Leadership Impacting Today’s Youth). The evening will also include a performance of Legally Blonde which will be followed by dessert, champagne and coffee.

All event proceeds will help fund education and outreach programs and six mainstage productions for the 2012-2013 season. With community support, VYT has been dedicated to helping young people learn and grow as performers and creators while instilling an appreciation for the performing arts since 1989.

Individual seat tickets are $250 and premium seats are $500.  A $1,500 package includes two premium seats and a full-page ad in the program. Additional sponsorships begin at $2,500. For more information or to purchase tickets or sponsorships, contact Debbie Paine at (602) 253-8188 x304 or [email protected].

The secret recipe of Houston's House-Made veggie burger has inspired many "Almost Houston's" interpretations across the internet. Photo courtesy of chaosinthekitchen.com

If the charbroiled cheeseburger is as classically American as it gets, the veggie burger would be the nation’s unsung hero. The reality of dining out is that every vegetarian hopes to find a fresh and savory meat-free option on any menu they might encounter, but that is not always almost never the case. The veggie burger may not always be the first choice, but is guaranteed to come through for you when searching for sustenance in say, an airport, in a drive-thru or at a sporting event. But why should we penalize this hero with a “last resort” stigma because of our lack of options or poor planning? This week is about revisiting the flavors and varieties that make the veggie burger unique and timeless. Here are five exceptional places to find the most worthy of unsung heros:

Should you find yourself in a steakhouse, let’s hope it’s Houston’s. Their House-Made veggie burger has come to the rescue of so many vegetarian diners. Don’t be deceived by the Monterey Jack cheese, onions, pickles, lettuce or tomato, the magic is in the veggie patty itself.  Which is why the “secret” recipe has created quite a buzz over the internet. To say it’s worth duplicating is putting it mildly. »READ MORE

Photo courtesy of Del Frisco's Grille

It is no coincidence that Saturday marks both Arizona’s Annual Strawberry Festival and the opening of Del Frisco’s Grille at the Esplanade – the latter being home to Apt. 5D, our featured beverage recipe. This cocktail just so happens to be a strawberry celebration in and of itself. It’s simple, festive and certain to refresh.

Ingredients

3 oz. SKYY Vodka

1 oz. simple syrup

1 oz. lemon juice

¼ oz. Balsamic Vinegar

4 muddled strawberries

Preparation

1. Combine all ingredients.

2. Add ice and shake (stirring optional).

3. Enjoy.

Image courtesy of the Dairy Council of Arizona

In case you’ve missed the skinny thus far, June has been declared Arizona Dairy Month courtesy of the state’s Dairy Council (how fitting) and valley chefs are milking it for all it’s worth. With that in mind, here’s a redux of this week’s happenings in our favorite food blogs:

The “Moo-ving Milkshake Shop” is a cross between the modern delight of a food truck and the nostalgia of an ice cream parlor in years gone by. Five local gourmet chefs will showcase their own take on milkshake concepts at a different valley restaurant each week of June. With flavors like “Schnepf Farms Peach Cobbler” or “Mexican chocolate with oaxacan chile” you will not want to miss out on this udderly unique summer tour. For a list of chefs and participating locations, click here.

Another, albeit quirkier, way to pay homage to Arizona’s dairy industry is a cheesemaking class at The Fossil Creek Creamery in Strawberry, Ariz. This edible adventure made Chow Bella’s “Ten Favorite Arizona Summer Festivals and Adventures” list. Classes fill up fast, call (928) 476-5178 for reservations.

Pen and Fork has also boarded the milkshake moovement and devised a do-it-yourself milkshake in honor of the state’s beloved bovine. So, why not support our local dairy farms by grabbing some yogurt, ice cream or milk  (and some Kahlúa or Bailey’s, no judgement) for a completely customizable summer treat. Happy Blending.

Photo courtesy of V's Barbershop

Father’s day is the perfect opportunity to spoil the dads in your life, this can also include bringing them up to speed with the latest men’s fashion trends and electronics, facilitating their love for sports and leisure or simply surprising them with their favorite nonsensical or old school gifts.

Forget the electric razor gift idea this Father’s Day and get him some much deserved pampering mixed with a little old school class. V’s Barbershop offers gift cards, discounts on father and son haircuts, shoe shines, massages and so much more.

If you’re shopping for a man who couldn’t bear the thought of life without his iphone, a worthy investment is the Lifeproof iphone/ipad case that is rapidly gaining attention for its water, dirt, snow and shock proof capabilities. Enough said. »READ MORE

Photo by Kara Philp

Truth be told, most carnivores don’t understand vegetarian cuisine and are often afraid they’ll be forced to eat a flavorless, textureless excuse for a _________ (fill in the blank). All while pretending they’re enjoying it.

In a feeble attempt to dispel such myths, we present the first installment of Mock Meat Monday: a classy look at the local vegetarian scene. Hopefully the next time you have guests in town from Portland or you end up on a blind date with a “veggie” you will call up one of these tasty suggestions. Win-win.

Where else would a respectable vegetarian voyage begin, than from the mecca, the almighty, the godfather: Green. Self-described as “New American Vegetarian,” Green is actually 100 percent vegan and features a gluten-free menu as well. And face it, it’s just plain trendy.

The menu includes traditional comfort food dishes made slightly different than one might be accustomed to, but the flavors and ingredients do not disappoint. With fresh salads and fruit, sandwiches, noodle and rice bowls, pizza (and we’d be remiss if I didn’t recommend the appetizers) supplemented with vegan cheeses and “mock meats” there truly is something for everyone.

The last thing you’ll want to do is to forget to save room for dessert. Green’s infamous Tsoynami’s are nothing short of a vegan blizzard. Not to mention the pastries, espresso and other treats that will remind you how glorious the experience of trying new things can be.

For locations, menu and hours, click here.

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

Province at The Westin has become a hot spot for central Phoenix dwellers. The comfortable patio with a glass fire pit and wall of water is an urban oasis and the sophisticated bar offers a tasty menu that makes for an easy snack after work – perhaps during happy hour, which is daily from 3:00 to 6:00 p.m. with special pricing on all the bar and lounge menu as well as draft beer, house wine and sangria.

From Venezuelan arepas with crispy pork belly, blue cheese and vanilla pear jam to Argentine empanadas of mushroom and manchego, Province’s menu is a voyage through Latin America. Flatbreads, meatballs and Tetilla fondue offer easy items for groups to enjoy. Salads and sandwiches entice even the most traditional of palates and handcrafted cocktails using fresh squeezed juices and boutique spirits create the perfect neighborhood vibe. Neighbors can wake up to enjoy the restaurant’s award-winning brunch every weekend from 7:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., featuring cinnamon churros and coffee crema and a menu full of classics like waffles, pancakes, eggs benedict, lunch items and $6 cocktails.

While DJ Seduce mixes up Latin Eclectic grooves every Friday till 9:00 p.m., night owls can also enjoy reverse happy hour from 8:00 p.m. to close Friday and Saturday. For more information or to make reservations, call 602.429.3699 or click here.

Province | 333 North Central, Phoenix, AZ | 85004

This content sponsored by Province at The Westin

It’s the best time of the year here in the Valley. The weather is perfect, the events are seemingly endless and sweet smell of spring has us all diluted into thinking that it will never end. Time to seize the day, venture out into the world and spread your wings, little butterfly because it doesn’t get much better than this. Great exploration ideas can be found below in this week’s Hometown Low Down.

The empty lots that currently populate Downtown Phoenix are just, you know, sad. They are constant reminders of this country’s bad economy and allow resident’s imaginations to run wild at the possibility of what could be. Downtown Phoenix Journal reported on a community discussion, held by Mayor Stanton and locals, which explored a possible temporary future for these lots. Ideas for the lots included art spaces, pocket parks and gardens for the community to enjoy while more permanent solutions are developed. Since housing and retail development seem to be at a standstill, these private lots could have a positive impact if they are open to the public and could gain more value. To get it on the discussion head to The Lot: What Should Go Here? and learn more.

Finding those great restaurants that become somewhat of a second home is easy here. There are so many fantastic places to dine, it’s almost overwhelming when trying to choose for a special occasion. If you live in Central Phoenix, this place just might be Tuck Shop. CenPho just dished on this Coronado restaurant which specializes in comfort food and shared plates. It’s cozy atmosphere is one that will having you feeling like you’re in another friends dining room. Even if it’s too far to visit bi-weekly, it is certainly worth the trek as you start your lovely exploration of all this city has to offer. »READ MORE

If you’re looking for something to do this weekend, you’re in luck. From cocktail carousels to Four Peaks Brewery’s first Kilt Fest to Missoni mayhem at My Sister’s Closet that may rival the Target experience, our town is chock full of happenings this weekend. Clear your calendar of anything boring and check out our round-up below.

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With Arizona celebrating 100 years of statehood this past Tuesday, we thought it fitting to kick off our weekly column with a very informative and interesting article found on ModernPhoenix.net written by Douglas Towne detailing the rise and fall of Van Buren. The well-known street was once a hub of tourist activity and considered the “Eastern Gateway” to Phoenix. As the city grew, so did Van Buren’s notoriety as the place to room overnight when traveling to or through the city. It eventually gained the term “Funset Strip” at the height of its popularity in the mid-60s because of its safe and considerably calmer resemblance to the Las Vegas alternative , according to Towne. The myriad of hotel signs have long since been removed, but you can read all about the history and growth of the road in detail here in honor of the centennial.

Image from Modern Phoenix via the collection of Douglas Towne

We love Downtown Phoenix Journal. We love them for many reasons, but the most recent reason as to why they have captured our hearts is due to this new weekly column, Bike Chic which aims to capture the street style of bike riders who populate DTP. It’s like The Sartorialist has met his hipster alter ego in the form of fashion interns and we are just obsessed. This week, we met John Damaso, a 32-year-old English Teacher who loves coffee, thrifty clothing and, of course, riding his bike. We can’t wait for next week’s segment.

If you’re a Hitchcock fan, or a regular reader of this site, it is likely you have already heard about the Arizona Theatre Company’s production of . The classic story was filled with Hithcockian suspense and excitement, but wasn’t quite as comical or metadramatic as this production. You can still go see it at Herberger Theatre Center until February 26th as reported by Jackalope Ranch as well. It would be a fun alternative to a night at the movies and a good way to take advantage of the culture that Phoenix only lacks in the minds of cynics.

Image via Jackalope Ranch

Celebrate the 7th Anniversary of the Phoenix Community Market this Saturday, February 11 with local musician Julian Forest and Les Dames d’Escoffier Bake Sale, where – just in time for Valentine’s Day – patrons can raise money for local charities by purchasing sweets made by some of the Valley’s leading women in food. The Market, which will celebrate the Arizona Centennial on Valentine’s Day, also has many events slated for the month of February, including the last cooking class in the Winter Chef Series.  At 2 p.m. February 18, Chow Bella Contributor, Crooked Sky Farms Marketer and food blogger Jennifer Woods will lead a Winter Greens Ninja Class, featuring warm bacon dressing over a bitter greens salad and poached egg, individual pizzas with Fossil Creek goat cheese, Crooked Sky greens sauce and toasted pine nuts and brownie bites studded with candied seville orange peel and whipped creme fraiche. Don’t put your pastry chef away just yet, though: at 7 p.m. March 2, Market baker Aimee Sosa will be at Caramelpalooza at Smeeks Candy Shop to share her vast array of knowledge and baking skills. For information about the event, click here.

For information about the Market, click here. To purchase tickets for the Winter Chef Series class, click here.

There’s lots going on in the Valley this weekend, but rather than point out the obvious, we’re looking to our favorite media outlets to tell us what’s going on under the radar. Food, art and well, beer, awaits you so read on to get the hometown low down…

A new column for the Downtown Phoenix Journal has emerged entitled “Your Downtown Beer” which will focus on the beers you can drink in DTP (the size and boundaries of which will not be specifically defined, but rather determined by the beer’s cultural proximity and significance to the area….we think) Places like Copper Blues, The Roosevelt and The Rose & Crown will be discussed as they sell contracted beers with their own names. It won’t just focus on “beer bars” or places that serve “craft beer.” No, no, Your Downtown Beer  ”aims to expand your view of beer’s sense of place” which all sounds very vague and intriguing. We can’t wait to read what’s up as this column grows, after all, we do love the brew.

If you haven’t heard about Target’s most recent design collaboration than congratulations, you have managed to avoid television, magazines, online media, the radio and Target for at least two months. How do you do it? Anyway, Jason Wu For Target debuts this Sunday, but you can get it on eBay for 250 times the price according to Jackalope Ranch. We all remember the devastation after Missoni for Target crashed servers and cleaned out shelves within hours a few months ago, so plan this one out. Get your taser and be at Target upon opening and you should be on your way to wearing Wu. Check here for our sneak Peek a Wu. »READ MORE

Care to know what’s going on in the valley, but don’t have the time to sift through every media source every day? Allow us to do it for you and check back every week to get the hometown low down as we highlight the good stuff and share it in and easy to read, condensed form….like shot of espresso, but without the shakes.

If you don’t read the Downtown Phoenix Journal, you are failing to take advantage of some of the great opportunities this city has to offer. For example, last night there was a free screening of a film about the benefits of urban parks playing in Civic Space Park, but you missed it. It’s okay, there are more events where that came from. For all the Rock n’ Roll marathoners out there, there is a concert and carbo loading event tonight (Friday the 13th oooooh) featuring Fitz and the Tantrums at CityScape. Tickets are $19 for unlimited music, pasta and beer.

Have you seen the amazing murals around 16th street between Thomas and McDowell Rd (one pictured above)? Perhaps it’s time to take a cue from CenPho and drive on down to see the beautiful murals from artists Hugo Medina and Gennaro Garcia as they teamed up with Chef Silvana Salcido Esparza to bring together the community with art, culture, music and cuisine with the Calle 16 Mural Project. To learn more, visit the website and find out how you can help.

We loved reading Local Lily’s 5 Style Resolutions this week and decided it would be a good idea to make some of our own. We’ll spare you the closet woes and just share what the professionals had to say about 2012. Only wearing the blackest of black sounds like a line from a Jay-Z track, but it actually refers to throwing out all those favorite, yet faded, black articles you’ve worn into submission. Cleaning out what you haven’t worn in a year is also a great one to stick to, but as far as “be polished” we have to stray away from this one…haven’t you heard grunge is back? Yeah, we know it’s referring to shoes…but shameless self promotion is allowed.  Read the rest here.

Images via CenPho and Localily

The newest destination to Arizona’s list of staycation escapes isn’t another golf resort or a multi-acre Southwestern playground. The latest destination is downtown.

Vacationers and staycationers searching for an urban-style escape like us recently, can find themselves at the newly opened Westin Phoenix Downtown hotel. With dramatic floor to ceiling window views from each signature Westin Heavenly Bed, waking up urban in one of the 242 rooms is a breath of fresh white-tea scented air.