Good food means a good time when going out on the town with family and friends. Whether going to see holiday lights, or delighting in the beautiful Arizona weather with a local staycation, there are several dining options that are steeped in festive ambiance and delicious holiday fare.
Scotch Library
Scotch Library is located within the luxurious Westin Kierland Resort & Spa. It is best known for providing both aficionados and those new to the world of Scotch with the opportunity to select from more than 300 different labels poured by Scotch Ambassadors in a refined atmosphere, rich in warmth and comfort. The bespoke Scotch Library is set against the backdrop of a floor-to-ceiling “library” of scotch whiskeys that includes more than 300 single malts, 30 blends and a number of rare bottles imported from all whiskey regions of Scotland.
Director of Food & Beverage Jeff Barba said, "Developed with the intention of bringing people together around the allure of Scotch whisky, the Scotch Library is particularly primed for the holiday season as an intimate space where colleagues, friends, family and fellow imbibers alike may gather while enjoying a dram as they connect during the holidays."
Looking for a special way to enjoy Scotch Library at leisure? “The 100 Years of Dalmore” offers a flight comprised of The Dalmore 40-Year-Old, The Dalmore 35-Year-Old and The Dalmore 25-Year-Old—poured as the perfect gift for the person looking for a truly inimitable experience. Additionally, the December Masters of Scotch Tasting Series features world-renowned brand ambassador Dan Crowel of Glenmorangie on the evening of Dec. 12. Priced at $65-plus per person, the tasting requires a reservation that may be made by calling 480.624.1202.
Tommy Bahama Restaurant, Bar & Store
Looking for an outdoor patio with an upscale ambiance? Tommy Bahama Restaurant & Bar at Kierland Commons is a great place to enjoy exceptional food, signature cocktails and live music nightly. The casual, upbeat energy is experienced throughout the entire space from the patio on the first level to the dining rooms on the second story with floor to ceiling windows that open the space and take advantage of sweeping sunset views.
The eclectic island-inspired menu features a variety of interesting appetizers and everything from market-fresh seafood to succulent steaks. A daily fresh sheet highlights the season’s finest ingredients like the Spaghetti Squash & Shrimp Bowl with roasted mushrooms, lemon garlic broth, roasted corn salsa, Bloomsdale spinach, Parmigiano-Reggiano and cashew- pumpkin seed gremolata. The drinks are equally as important as the food and an extensive cocktail list provides an opportunity to try something truly original.
For the holidays, the Coconut Eggnog Martini and Happy Huladays cocktail are a festive alternative that will put you in the spirit of the season. And finish your meal with luscious Pina Colada Cake or a flavorful Pineapple Crème Brule served in a hollowed-out pineapple.
Cartwright's Modern Cuisine
Cartwright’s offers a hyper-local take on modern cuisine. From the food to the hospitality, Cartwright’s is the perfect destination for enjoying a holiday dinner in Arizona.
Chef Brett Vibber infuses his wide lens of flavors and methods into Cartwright’s unique menu. An Arizona native, Vibber’s own personal background brings authenticity to his work. Although Vibber has trained and worked all over the world, he says, "The dream was always moving back home to open a restaurant that focused on foraging wild and indigenous Arizona foods and put Arizona on the map as a destination for food and culinary culture."
Look for Chef Brett’s take on the holidays as he revisits some of his favorite childhood favorites done Cartwright’s style, such as bison and venison meatloaf with wild mushrooms and cherry sauce or locally raised pork that is house-cured, then glazed with agave and brown sugar and served with a creamy cheddar potato casserole.