Halloween may have gotten rained out, but Phoenix has plenty more holiday fun to look forward to in this fresh month of November. For starters, restaurant anniversaries to celebrate, holiday-themed cooking classes and festivals to attend, and Thanksgiving meals that don’t require washing a single dish. Hallelujah.
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Society Swan Celebrates One Year With New Fall Menu
Congratulations to Society Swan, the French-American brasserie from Sam Fox that in Scottsdale recently celebrated its first anniversary. We flew over to test the hearty new Croque Madame Quiche and Golden Orchard salad. We found ourselves equally addicted to the Truffled Brie Baguette with warm brie, roasted garlic, and truffle honey.
Need more inspiration? Try Fresh Fig Tartlet with aged goat cheese, and the Southern Buttermilk Tart. With its cozy, moody Parisian vibes, this Scottsdale Fashion Square restaurant may be just the retreat you need after a day’s worth of holiday shopping.
Tempe’s Scramble Switches to Full-Service Dining
Tempe’s Scramble just announced the switch to full-service dining, complete with reservations and $22 bottomless mimosas with the purchase of an entrée. Please note: This is only at the Tempe location.
Someburros Celebrates Its 40th Anniversary With a Fiesta
Speaking of anniversaries, Someburros is celebrating 40 years in Greater Phoenix with a fiesta at Salt River Fields at Talking Stick in Scottsdale on November 14. Expect live music from Rock Lobster and Selena The Show, plus DJs, local performers, festive food, games, and raffles. The family-friendly event will benefit Rancho Feliz Charitable Organization, which supports families in Agua Prieta, Mexico, through housing, education, and other community programs. Tickets are $10 for general admission or $30 for VIP, with free admission for kids 5 and under and free parking for ticket holders. Find out more here.
Westside Concepts Partners With Toys for Tots
Greater Phoenix group Westside Concepts, which includes Haymaker, NW Coffee, Copper & Sage, Cantina Gueros, and Four Corners Taphouse, invites guests to drop off new, unwrapped toys. Your donation comes with a $5 gift card as a thank-you for your next visit. It’s a way to bring a little joy this holiday season and get rewarded for your generosity, now through December 10.
Hash Kitchen Supports St. Mary’s Food Bank
Another local concept, Hash Kitchen, is partnering with St. Mary’s Food Bank. Bring nonperishable food donations to any of Hash Kitchen’s six Valley locations through December 31 and receive a $5 coupon for a future visit.
Culinary Curator Hosts Festive Cooking Classes
Local chef and culinary instructor Debbie J. Elder of Culinary Curator will hold festive cooking classes alongside holiday catering this season. Classes in downtown Fountain Hills include how to make perfect holiday pies and homemade cinnamon rolls, plus family dinner favorites and tea party treats.
Each class features an interactive workshop followed by a themed brunch or dinner experience. Kid-friendly classes are also available, including a Nutcracker tea party and tamale-making. Click here to view the schedule and sign up.
Grimaldi’s Pizzeria Honors Veterans and Active-Duty Military on Veterans Day
Grimaldi’s Pizzeria will salute veterans and active-duty military members on November 11 with 25% off meals at all six Valley locations. This offer builds on the restaurant’s year-round 15% discount for veterans and active-duty service members. All you need to get the deal is a valid military ID.
Chef René Andrade Brings Sonoran Flavors to Le Âme for Two Nights
For two nights only, Chef René Andrade of Bacanora and Huarachis takes over Le Âme at The Global Ambassador. On November 18 and 19, guests can indulge in an exclusive six-course dinner that marries Parisian culinary traditions with the flavors of Sonora. It’s a collaboration we can’t wait to taste! Reservations are limited, so snag your seat while you can.
KAUBOI Now Offers an Elevated Sunday Brunch
Sunday brunch just got a little more extravagant at KAUBOI in Old Town Scottsdale. The Japanese-meets-Southwestern steakhouse now has a $75 multi-course brunch featuring cinnamon-sugar Parker rolls with honey miso butter, filet mignon eggs Benedict, fluffy pancakes, and K.F.C. (Kauboi Fried Chicken).
Want to really splurge? Order a mimosa boat, add a caviar bump, and enjoy the live DJ on the terrace. Brunch is served Sundays from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Otra Pizzeria Opens in Phoenix’s Warehouse District
Otra Pizzeria just opened in Phoenix’s Warehouse District, bringing us Neapolitan-style pies in a restored 1928 building at Third and Buchanan streets. Chef Cesar Velasco’s menu includes devilishly good options like the Diablo, topped with house-made spicy sausage, pepperoni, salsa macha, and hot honey.
Hot Pot Spot Opens in Gilbert
Gilbert just scored the all-you-can-eat Hot Pot Spot. Unlimited hot pot is $34.99, and unlimited grilled skewers are an extra $5. Choose your meats, seafood, and broth, then settle in for a meal focused on the experience.
ADERO Scottsdale Hosts a Hollywood-Themed Murder Mystery Dinner
Play detective at a 1930s Hollywood-themed murder mystery party hosted by ADERO Scottsdale Resort in partnership with The Murder Mystery Company. This interactive experience invites guests out for an elegant evening turned deadly on Friday, November 13, from 6 to 9 p.m.
Enjoy Prosecco and hors d’oeuvres, including mini Beef Wellington bites, followed by an Old Hollywood-inspired dinner buffet with slow-roasted sirloin, chicken, and mahi mahi. Sip on chardonnay or cabernet sauvignon, with specialty cocktails such as The Leading Lady available for purchase.
As the three-act performance unfolds, guests are invited to question suspects, uncover clues, and try to solve the crime. Old Hollywood-inspired attire is encouraged, with prizes for the best costumes and sharpest sleuths. Each $165 ticket includes dinner and select drinks.
Welcome Mezcal Brunch & Dine to North Phoenix
North Phoenix’s newest brunch destination is Mezcal Brunch & Dine. The Mexican-inspired menu serves up mole chilaquiles, breakfast burritos, brioche French toast, and plenty of tacos. Another reason to get out of the house for breakfast or brunch—whatever you call it, this one looks promising.
Desert & Dusk Market Returns With Free Admission and Local Artisans
Andaz Scottsdale’s artisan market, Desert & Dusk: A Golden Hour Market, returns Sunday, November 22, with free admission from 4 to 7 p.m. Vendors, artists, and local flavors will celebrate the best of Southwestern spirit and craftsmanship. Weft & Warp Art Bar + Kitchen will also feature live music and let guests sample its dishes.
Phoestivus Returns for a 17th Year of Holiday Shopping and Fun
The holiday market Phoestivus returns for its 17th year, bringing two nights of festive shopping with more than 175 local vendors offering handmade goods, food, and activities. Held Friday, December 11, and again on December 18, from 4 to 10 p.m. at the Arizona Center (455 N. Third St. in Phoenix), it’s the main fundraiser for the Downtown Phoenix Farmers Market, with a suggested donation of $5 per person.
Two Phoenix Indian Restaurants Make Yelp’s National Top 100
Congratulations to not one but two Phoenix restaurants that landed on Yelp’s inaugural Top 100 Indian Restaurants in America list. Mayas Kitchen Indian Cuisine, a family-owned restaurant, earned the number 50 spot, while City of Spice, known for dishes like biryani, dosa, and rich curries, took number 91. Both restaurants are located on Bell Road, practically across the street from each other. Did someone say Indian food crawl?
Where to Eat Thanksgiving Dinner in Phoenix This Year
Valley restaurants are rolling out the red carpet (and the turkey) on Thursday, November 26, for those who prefer not to wash a single dish. Here’s where to enjoy Thanksgiving out, plus one take-home option:
- Palo Verde Restaurant at The Boulders: Enjoy a four-course Thanksgiving dinner featuring turkey, prime beef tenderloin, and corn bisque from 1 to 8 p.m. for $105 per person.
- Le Âme at The Global Ambassador: Thanksgiving brunch from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. includes a buffet of seafood, pastries, and seasonal starters, plus your choice of entrée, including truffle-roasted turkey or butternut squash ravioli.
- Théa at The Global Ambassador: Celebrate Thanksgiving on the rooftop from 1 to 9 p.m. with holiday specials and views of the Valley.
- Weft & Warp at Andaz Scottsdale: A three-course Thanksgiving feast includes your choice of turkey, prime rib, salmon, cauliflower steak, or lobster pappardelle for $95 per adult, before tax and service.
- JING Scottsdale: Trade kitchen cleanup for a $42 turkey dinner featuring Japanese chestnut stuffing, sweet potato gratin, and honey-cardamom jus, with a DJ spinning from 6 to 10 p.m.
- CIELO at ADERO Scottsdale: Enjoy a three-course Thanksgiving dinner with McDowell Mountain views, featuring turkey or prime ribeye and pumpkin pie brûlée, for $85 per adult, before tax and service.
- LON’s at The Hermosa Inn: Enjoy a three-course feast featuring truffled cream of mushroom and leek soup, roasted turkey, wagyu short rib, and pecan pie tart, served noon to 8 p.m. for $135 per adult or $35 for children ages 4 to 12.
- Fairmont Scottsdale Princess Thanksgiving Brunch: Four restaurants and seven chefs are teaming up for a grand Thanksgiving buffet. The menu features roast turkey, herb-crusted ribeye, green chicken tamales, and sushi, served 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. for $169 per adult or $68 per child (ages 5 and under eat free with a paying adult).
- Bourbon Steak at Fairmont Scottsdale Princess: Enjoy a three-course Thanksgiving dinner featuring turkey with duck fat gravy, braised wagyu short rib, and butterscotch custard with warm beignets for $155 per person.
- Toro Scottsdale at Fairmont Scottsdale Princess: Celebrate with a $85 three-course menu featuring Dungeness crab causa, ají panca-glazed roast turkey, and calabaza crème brûlée.
- La Hacienda at Fairmont Scottsdale Princess: Add a Mexican twist to Thanksgiving with chef Richard Sandoval’s $45 Pavo Mole Rojo special, featuring turkey breast, mole rojo, and a sweet corn tamal.
- Miracle Mile Deli: Prefer Thanksgiving at home? Order a $245 Family Feast serving six to eight people or individual turkey dinners for $25, with orders due November 21.
