Posts Tagged ‘Scottsdale’

Scottsdale, AZ: The WM Phoenix Open

Posted: March 4, 2024 in Uncategorized
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The crux of our trip to Arizona was to visit the WM Phoenix Open, also known as “The Greenest Show on Grass.”

We headed to TPC Scottsdale on Wednesday morning for the Annexus Pro-Am, with plans of seeing great golf, rubbing elbows with celebrities, basking in the sun and enjoying a bloody mary or three.

Unfortunately, Mother Nature had other plans. The day started out chilly and overcast in the morning and as the day progressed, quickly devolved into rain and, ultimately, hail.

[If you’re interested, you can read more about our overall experience here, thanks to our friends at Element IV Therapy.]

Anyway, this event is known for it’s fun, party-like atmosphere and this year, the golf tournament made the news as fans partied maybe a little TOO hard at the famous 16th hole and elsewhere.

I can assure you, Out for Bloodies was not part of that crowd. We couldn’t have been even if we had tried because we were so chilly we didn’t even want to hold a cold beverage lest our hands become even icier.

However, we had to at least have one Bloody Mary, which is seen here.

The flavor was good, but didn’t really stand out; it also came with just one olive-no other fixin’s. And I regret to inform you, I do not know the price as this round was purchased by a friend. I do know chasers weren’t included, though, because they also bought a round of beers.

Again, I wish the weather had been nicer and I could’ve enjoyed this bloody a bit more instead of sipping it through my chattering teeth. I tracked down a coffee truck right after this and that’s all I had the rest of the day as the skies opened up and play was suspended.

Hopefully we’ll have the chance to return another time and try again!

Scottsdale, AZ: Hash Kitchen

Posted: March 22, 2018 in Uncategorized
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One of Arizona’s most-talked about bloody marys is available at Hash Kitchen. Featuring a build-your-own bar with over 40 toppings to choose from, the place that bills itself as “Turntables +Mimosas+ Bloody Marys + Crazy Brunch Menu” certainly lives up to its hype.

We got there early on a Sunday morning and while we weren’t able to make reservations ahead of time and the place was poppin’, we were told it would only be about a 20-30 minute wait for a table for two. Not bad! We were able to fill the time by heading to their special build-your-own station located in the middle of the restaurant. Complete with its own cashier, we got in line, chose our vodka and began to assemble our masterpieces.

Hash Kitchen (16)

By the time we found a place to hang out for the remainder of our wait, our table was already ready. Genius way to keep customers occupied, plus we didn’t have to waste time once seated by getting up to go make our drinks.

So, we sat down to order our brunch and were blown away (again), this time by the menu.

When I saw the s’mores French toast (graham cracker brioche/Nutella/charred marshmallow fluff), I knew that was what I had to order.

Hash Kitchen (1)

 Spice: It’s up to you! Choose from regular vodka or several infused options.

Hash Kitchen (3)

Mix: House-mix, up to you to doctor up.

Chaser: None offered

Hash Kitchen (4)

Fixin’s: Over 40 craft fixin’s to choose from, including bacon, meatballs, toasted ravioli and even pickled mango.

Price: $12

Now I know that there is a segment of the population who doesn’t like to build their own bloodies. I can understand that. If you’re one of those, Hash offers a standard version that you can order and have delivered to your seat, no sweat. But for those of us who are creative and like to pile on as many toppings as we can, your palate will enjoy the palette at Hash.

Hash Kitchen (14)

The best part for Hash is that we can’t really blame them if the Bloody Mary is “bad,” because that would be our own fault now, wouldn’t it? J

Doubtful that it ever really could be, however. Definitely a happenin’ spot to check out next time you’re in the Valley of the Sun.

Scottsdale, AZ: Talking Stick Golf Course-Wildhorse Grille

Posted: March 25, 2016 in Uncategorized
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We recently played golf at Talking Stick in Scottsdale, Arizona. Afterwards, we stopped in for a Bloody Mary at the Wildhorse Grille.

Wildhorse Grill Bloody Mary

Mix: Homemade

Chaser: None offered.

Fixin’s: Lime, two olives

Price: $?

This Bloody Mary had good flavor and was refreshing after a long day of golf under the Arizona sun; however, it was pretty plain.

Scottsdale, AZ: RnR Gastropub

Posted: March 25, 2016 in Uncategorized
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We recently visited RnR in Scottsdale, AZ to check out their Bloody Mary.

RnR is a cool bar on the edge of Old Town Scottsdale with a large 2-story patio and a cool atmosphere.

However, be forewarned that it is often extremely crowded and noisy (both from the patrons and the blaring music). Not a great spot for conversation!

On the day we arrived, we squeezed in at the bar and ordered a Bloody Mary. We were told they were serving that month’s signature Bloody Mary. Here’s what that consisted of:

Mix: Clamato

Chaser: None offered.

Fixin’s: Lemon and 8 shrimp

Price: $13.89

It was a busy day and we received a mason jar with our drink but were told that they were cooking the shrimp… when it finally arrived, here’s how it was presented:

RNR (2)

Of course, we had to pretty it up for a photo:

RNR (1)

This Bloody Mary was the priciest of all the ones we’ve sampled in Arizona. We understand that there were eight shrimp included, but they were pretty small. Not sure the ends justified the means on this one.

RnR also offers a “bottomless” Bloody Mary on Saturdays and Sundays from 10am-3pm for $18 with an entree or $28 without. At that rate, you’d have to drink at least two of these to make it “worth it” and we’re not sure if it is, unfortunately.

Scottsdale, AZ: Kelly’s at Southbridge

Posted: March 25, 2015 in Uncategorized
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We recently visited Kelly’s at Southbridge in Scottsdale, AZ. We stopped in here for a quick drink to kill time before a dinner reservation elsewhere, so we really kind of stumbled into this place.

It turned out to be really cool– a huge place with outdoor seating, eclectic furniture and decorations and a great menu… and, as it turns out, a tasty Bloody Mary:

Kelly's at Southbridge Bloody Mary

Mix: Lefty O’Doul’s!

Chaser: None offered.

Fixin’s: One olive, one lime

Price: $6

We loved the flavor of this Bloody Mary and we inquired about the mix; we were pleasantly surprised to find they use Lefty O’Doul’s mix, one we had run into and enjoyed at Lefty O’Doul’s pub in San Francisco. The rest of the fixin’s were pretty plain, but the flavor more than made up for it and the price was fair.

We’ll definitely come back to Kelly’s and see what else they have to offer in the future–we hear they are known for a great burger.

Scottsdale, AZ: Don & Charlie’s

Posted: March 24, 2015 in Uncategorized
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If you are a sports fan, you’ll want to make sure you pay a visit to Don & Charlie’s, a Scottsdale, AZ institution.

Almost every inch of wall and ceiling space is covered with some sort of sports memorabilia and this restaurant is also a go-to spot for Spring Training. From the menu: “In 1959 our family moved to Arizona and I discovered Spring Training. I was in baseball heaven watching Ted Williams, Willie Mays and the rest of the players get ready for opening day. Spring Training is still the best. Every day I hit a different park, watch drills, batting practice, and just realize that I am the luckiest guy on the planet. Since 1959, I have met childhood heroes, met great folks from all over the country, and have been lucky enough to become part of the community and able to make a living. It doesn’t get better than this.”

The atmosphere is fantastic and you never know who you might see dining at this hot spot.

The menu boasts an array of burgers and BBQ and an extensive wine list, but I, of course, ordered the Bloody Mary.

Don and Charlie's Bloody Mary

Mix: Homemade

Chaser: None offered.

Fixin’s: One lime, celery

Price: $?

This Bloody Mary had good flavor, but was pretty plain by our standards. We suggest you stick to one of their specialty martinis, cosmos and cocktails with your meal when you make it to Don & Charlie’s.

Scottsdale, AZ: Boondocks

Posted: March 24, 2015 in Uncategorized
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We recently visited Boondocks Patio & Grill in Scottsdale, AZ to check out their Bloody Mary.

Boondocks is a cool bar in the heart of  Old Town Scottsdale with an awesome patio and cool atmosphere, but when it came to their Bloody Mary, it was a little plain Jane:

Boondocks Bloody Mary

Mix: Homemade

Chaser: None offered.

Fixin’s: One olive, one lemon

Price: $8.50

This Bloody Mary had good flavor, but it was too plain for our taste, especially given the asking price. Next time, we’ll stick to beer or try one of their specialty drinks!

Arizona: Cowboy Ciao

Posted: March 7, 2014 in Uncategorized
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Lately I have been spending a lot of time in the Phoenix/Scottsdale area of Arizona and, as such, sampling Bloody Marys along the way.

My first stop on a recent trip was Cowboy Ciao, a restaurant that features “Modern American food with global influences.” According to its website, “Bold flavors are balanced to pair with our 1800 (and counting) wine selections offered by the glass, bottle and tasting flight. restaurant in downtown Scottsdale.”

That being said, I should have known better than to order the Bloody Mary. Read on.

Cowboy Ciao

I happened upon Cowboy Ciao after multiple recommendations from friends familiar with the area. I was told repeatedly that I had to try the Chopped Salad.

I arrived on a Friday evening with a group of friends. We immediately decided to order a wide variety of menu items and share among the group–but that we each had to try our own Chopped Salad.

The salad, and every single menu item we sampled, was amazing as promised.

The Bloody Mary? Eh. Not so much. I definitely recommend you visit Cowboy Ciao if you’re in the area (and that you get the salad so you can try it for yourself!),  but I’d stick to wine next time around (their phone number is 480-WINE-111 for pete’s sake!)

Here are the stats:

Mix: Pretty plain.

Chaser:  None offered.

Fixin’s: Lime.

Price:$?

Posted: February 24, 2013 in Uncategorized
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I’m traveling in Arizona right now and I couldn’t resist getting a Bloody to review for the blog. Unfortunately, the one I picked wasn’t the best. It was from a cute little place in Scottsdale called Karsen’s Grill. The place is smaller than my living room, but the waitstaff is attentive and the clientele friendly (not uber-trendy like many other Scottsdale establishments). Unfortunately, I’ve been spoiled by the hearty Wisconsinite Bloodies as of late, so this one left me underwhelmed. Oh well, they can’t all be winners!

Spice:Not very.

Mix: Unknown.

Chaser: None.

Fixin’s: You get one slice of lime and you’ll like it!

Price: Unsure, but I would guess $5-6.