If you enjoy your occasional (or more) adult beverage then you need to head to the Hotel Valley Ho this weekend, February 16, for the Arizona Cocktail Week’s signature event, the Cocktail Carnival.

The AZ Cocktail Week kicks off this Saturday, Feb. 16. If you want to celebrate the Valley’s cocktail culture, you can do so with a unique carnival experience at the Valley Ho. You’ll see the latest innovations from national mixologists, live entertainment, food and games, and of course, cocktails.

There will be pop-up bars featuring the country’s greatest bartenders and carnival games with the chance to win some pretty great prizes. You can even get a free tattoo courtesy of Sailor Jerry.

Tickets start at $55. For more information, click here.

In just a few days the biggest party of the year will begin. Well, technically it’ll be the first party of the year. So how are you going to bring in 2013? If you’re looking for a nice meal before you get your party on, check out ZuZu at the Hotel Valley Ho. It’ll be a 1950s themed party at ZuZu. The four-course dinner includes pairings of Belvedere vodka and Champagne from Moet & Chandon and Veuve Clicquot. Check out the menu.

First course

Crispy Oysters

creamed swiss chard, roasted fennel, smoked bacon + parmesan or Cheese Tortellini.

butternut squash, roasted brussels sprouts + sage butter or Shrimp + Lobster Cocktail with mango + avocado relish

Chandon Etoile Rose

Second course

Crab Bisque

golden chive + crème fraiche or Kale Salad. julienne pear, pan roasted croutons, pecorino romano + lemon vinaigrette

Veuve Clicquot “Yellow Label Brut”

third course

Tender Beef Short Rib. Lobster risotto + pickled vegetables or Herb Roasted Loin of Veal and garlic mashed potatoes + local vegetables. Or Blackened Ahi sweetwater shrimp, steamed jasmine rice + tomato wasabi vinaigrette

Moet & Chandon “Grand Vintage” Blanc ‘03

Dessert

Pear Fiancier

lemon sorbet or Chocolate Crème Brulee salted caramel shortbread

Belvedere Lemon Basil Martini

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

Obviously, the best thing to do with that extra day of the year is something no one gets to do on any other day: relax. Thankfully, with the Local Lily + VH Spa event at Hotel Valley Ho, your time to relax is already planned – no need to shove aside meetings, appointments or priorities. There will be free rooftop yoga atop the hotel’s seven-story tower at 5:30 p.m. with yoga instructor Sierra Ramm – who will lead participants through one-hour, all-levels session featuring upbeat tunes from the fifties – and a special VH Spa reception afterwards from 6:30 to 7:30 featuring complimentary chair massages, mini eye-contour treatments, polish changes, hand massages, foot reflexology, and mineral makeup applications. You can pose in the Local Lily photo booth, complete with fun props. Tea Forte cocktail infusions and hors d’oeuvres will be served, along with giveaways from Hotel Valley Ho and VH Spa!

With your event wristband, you’ll be guaranteed ZuZu’s happy hour specials all night long in the lounge – $5 for appetizers and only $3 for beer, wine, or cocktails.

In addition, VH Spa is extending its mid-week specials for all attendees; book an appointment within 24 hours and enjoy Wednesday/Thursday pricing any day ($75 per 60-minute service, normally $125). Also, take 20% off any purchase in the spa boutique.

Bring a mat and arrive early to the yoga session; space is limited.

The night before Thanksgiving is usually one of the best nights of the year to hit the town. Everyone is off work the next day, friends and family are in town (or you’re on vacation out of town), bars are open late, and no one wants to sit around the house watching the turkey thaw out.

Here’s a roundup of some spots around the Valley getting your Turkey Day festivities off to an early start:

‘Twas The Night Before Thanksgiving Celebration at Montelucia 
Both hotel guests and locals are invited to the celebration in the courtyard featuring music by Elvis Before Noon from 7 p.m.- 10 p.m. The event is from 5 p.m. to midnight and the entry fee is $5 per person with 100 percent of the proceeds going to the 100 Club of Arizona, supporting families of fallen law enforcement and public safety officers.

You can also skip over to the Montelucia’s MBar for drink specials from 4 to 8 p.m.
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Indulge yourself in your favorite baked goodies and help a great cause at the same time at the 2nd Annual Cupcake Love-In, Sunday, October 30 at the Hotel Valley Ho.

The Love-In features a Kids Corner decorating station, a cupcake eating contest for the young-at-heart grown ups, a host of raffle prizes, photo booth and a cupcake competition judged by a panel of celebrity bloggers and beloved local foodies. Bakeries include Butter & Me, All Caked Up!, Tammy Coe Cakes, Urban Cookies and more.

100% of all ticket sales, along with all raffle ticket sales donated directly to the charity, will benefit Central Arizona Shelter Services, the largest provider of shelter and supportive services for homeless individuals in Arizona.

Sunday, Oct. 30, 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.,VIP hour from 10 – 11 a.m.
$20 for adults, $50 for VIP entry and $5 for children ages 10 and under

Image via Urban Cookies

Take a mini Hawaiian vacation on Friday at Trader Vic’s as they celebrate their 5th anniversary. Located at the Hotel Valley Ho in the heart of Old Town Scottsdale, Trader Vic’s is offering their delicious Mai Tais for just $5 along with other happy hour specials from 6pm to close.  Stop in for a tropical drink and try their to-die-for Polynesian inspired fare while listening to tunes spun by the one and only, DJ MR. P-BODY. And if you feel like extending your mini vacation over night, the Hotel Valley Ho is offering rooms starting at $99 in honor of the anniversary. Call 480.248.2000 for reservations.

As chosen by you, here are the most popular stories OF ALL TIME (aka last week). Just in case you missed it.

There is no need to venture far if your trying to relax, resort style. We all know Scottsdale is the ultimate party scene whether your looking for a night-life destination or a raging day-time pool party. We’ve got a list of this season’s hot spots that are sure to attract the most chiseled socialites out there and get this summer into full-swing. Find out where after the jump! »READ MORE

There is no need to venture far if your trying to relax, resort style. We all know Scottsdale is the ultimate party scene whether your looking for a night-life destination or a raging day-time pool party. We’ve got a list of this season’s hot spots that are sure to attract the most chiseled socialites out there and get this summer into full-swing. Find out where after the jump! »READ MORE

Psst. Wanna know a secret? You can get throwback pricing at the super-sleek Hotel Valley Ho in Scottsdale. We’re talking $89 a night for this restored Mid-Century Modern gem featuring one of the Valley’s sexiest pool decks. But you gotta book it today (Monday, May 16), and you have to book it here.

Enjoy the stay.

They say if you can’t beat ‘em, join ‘em. So we partnered with the crazy-popular ratings and reviews site, Yelp, to make sure you’re always kept (even more) in-the-know on the latest and greatest across the Valley. Here’s the a special Spring Training Top 10 list, handcrafted by those five-star folks at Yelp Phoenix.

We hope you’re hungry because the Scottsdale Culinary Festival launches this week, welcoming six days of eating, drinking and being pretty. This fantastically foodie-filled merriment features some of the best eateries around town and we’ve got the 411 on the top ten must-eats, according to our very own yelpers of course. So as we start the week of binge eating off at the W and end it with the Great American Picnic this weekend, let this Yelp Top Ten wet your palate and prepare you for a week of feasts! Full list after the jump! »READ MORE

Meet Robert Black, the most fashionable man you’ve (probably) never heard of. Currently the owner of the vintage fashion trove, Fashion by Robert Black, Black is better known as the founder of one of the Valley’s premier modeling firms. Named the Ford Robert Black Agency, it was formed 15 years ago after Black partnered with the iconic NY-based talent agency, Ford Models. Recently, we spoke with this couture clothier about life in the fab lane, including his involvement with the last Fall’s Valley Vintage Fashion Show. Check out the full Q&A and savor more photos of Black’s fav fashions after the jump.

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After a full day at the office (or on the couch, no judgment here) the last thing anyone wants is to hunt around for a good happy hour deal or try and decipher an ever-changing menu of specials. Seriously, who has that kind of energy come 5 p.m.? We have to hand it to Trader Vic’s in Scottsdale for simplifying their famous happy hour deals in an effort to take away the added stress. One food menu and one drink menu is now available Monday- Saturday from 4 – 6 p.m. with reverse from 9 – 11 p.m. Check out what’s available after the jump. »READ MORE

Instead of slaving over a hot stove this Thanksgiving, why not make reservations at one of the Valley’s top resorts? Some are offering full stay, eat and play getaway packages, but most will be at least serving up a complete Thanksgiving dinner complete with complimentary clean up. Enjoy the traditional feast without the prep or mess! Bear with us, a lengthy roundup of resort offerings after the jump!

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As chosen by you, here are the most popular stories OF ALL TIME (aka last week). Just in case you missed it.

Meet Robert Black, the most fashionable man you’ve (probably) never heard of. Currently the owner of the vintage fashion trove, Fashion by Robert Black, Black is better known as the founder of one of the Valley’s premier modeling firms. Named the Ford Robert Black Agency, it was formed 15 years ago after Black partnered with the iconic NY-based talent agency, Ford Models. Recently, we spoke with this couture clothier about life in the fab lane, including his involvement with the upcoming Valley Vintage Fashion Show. Check out the full Q&A and savor more photos of Black’s fav fashions after the jump. »READ MORE

Part retro fashion show, part cocktail party, and 100 percent fab, Valley Vintage-A Fashion Experience is a can’t miss for local fashionistas. Designed from head to toe to create a true 1950s experience, this fashion fête will feature a red-carpet runway show, throwback live entertainment and even retro eats and cocktails. Hosted at Scottsdale’s Mid-Century Modern masterpiece, the Hotel Valley Ho on Friday, October 29, it all kicks off with a 6 pm cocktail reception, followed by a 7:30 pm narrated fashion show featuring Ford/Robert Black Models.

Part retro fashion show, part cocktail party, and 100 percent fab, Valley Vintage-A Fashion Experience is a can’t miss for local fashionistas. Designed from head to toe to create a true 1950s experience, this fashion fête will feature a red-carpet runway show, throwback live entertainment and even retro eats and cocktails. Hosted at Scottsdale’s Mid-Century Modern masterpiece, the Hotel Valley Ho on Friday, October 29, it all kicks off with a 6 pm cocktail reception, followed by a 7:30 pm narrated fashion show featuring Ford/Robert Black Models.

»READ MORE

A unique culinary event is baking up this October 10 at the Hotel Valley Ho. Entirely dedicated to desserts and more specifically cupcakes, the Cupcake Love-In is a can’t-miss for kids of all ages.

Hosted from 11 am to 3 pm on Sunday, October 10, the Cupcake Love-in also doubles as a bake sale-style fundraiser for worthy local organizations. Furthermore, big kids (aka adults) are invited to enter their fab cupcake creations into an competition against fellow foodies and top Valley pastry chefs.

Happy Baking! Check out the slide show for inspiration after the jump!

»READ MORE

Stomachs a-growlin’? Well, don’t hurt yourselves: Here’s a redux of this week’s happenings on our favorite food blogs.

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Trader Vic’s at Hotel Valley Ho is revamping it’s Sunday and Wednesday nights just in time for Labor Day weekend. Now called Happy Hour Sundays and Wok Wednesdays, the revamp will start September 5 with new drink and food specials, new menu items, live music, and an extra-extra long happy hour. »READ MORE

Feeling famished? Fabulous, because here’s a redux of this week’s happenings on our favorite food blogs.

»READ MORE

If Cafe ZuZu was ever considering a rename for their delicious Bramble cocktail, we’d like to throw Crackberry in the mix. With gin, lemon juice, simple syrup, Crème de Muir, and a $3 price tag during Cool Redux happy hour, it’s just that addictive. Post-cocktail, say hello to Chef Wiley. We hear he looks good naked. Bramble ingredients and recipe after the jump. »READ MORE

Behind the Bar: Jim Schindel at Cafe ZuZu [Phx New Times]

LeBron Live: Blogging the Decision [NY Times]

Former SF Cop Convicted in Controversial Killing of Unarmed Man [LA Times]

Want a free stay here (←)? Then you’ve gotta eat here (→).

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One of our fav funky-fresh boutiques, Black Cat Vintage of Tucson recently rolled into town for a mannequin-filled photo shoot at the Hotel Valley Ho.

»READ MORE