Highest rated Yelp restaurant gets 2nd location

Good morning, Scottsdale. You’re reading Scottsdale Scoop, your insider pass to what’s fun, fresh, and worth checking out around town. Every issue features hand-picked events, local business spotlights, and hidden gems that make our city great.

Just getting back from Chicago for the weekend. What a great city! Glad to be back and not have to travel for a month or so.

Let’s get into it.

Parents, this one's for you. Twilight Trailblazers at Fairmont Scottsdale Princess is running Friday and Saturday evenings through August 8th and you don't need to be a hotel guest to use it. Drop your kids off from 5-10pm for supervised resort fun while you have an actual adult dinner. It's $90 for one kid with discounts for siblings.

This isn't your average babysitting situation. It’ll have certified childcare pros, themed activities, arts and crafts, and dinner included for the kiddos. Meanwhile, you get to enjoy Toro, La Hacienda, or Bourbon Steak, all located on the property and all absolutely amazing. Book your dinner reservation before drop-off and you've got yourself a seamless date night without the logistics headache.

De Babel is expanding with a flagship location at The Edge retail development later this summer. If you haven't been to the original spot yet, you're missing out on one of Yelp's highest-rated restaurants in the entire country (yes,really!) and one of my personal faves in Scottsdale.

Founder Marwan Kandeel spent five years perfecting the original location before expanding, which tells you everything about their approach to quality. The new spot will have the same made-to-order Mediterranean menu in a larger, more contemporary space. They've also built a central kitchen to keep everything fresh and consistent as they grow. Love seeing a local brand do things the right way.

If you commute through North Scottsdale, plan for delays on Raintree Drive between Loop 101 and Thompson Peak Parkway. Pavement preservation work runs July 16-30 with lane restrictions during the day (7am-4pm through July 24th) and then overnight (9pm-5am from July 26-30).

One lane in each direction will stay open, but expect slower travel times and shifting lanes. No full closures or detours, just give yourself extra time if this is part of your daily route.

Planning a summer getaway? ACP Painting can give your kitchen a complete facelift while you're gone. Their cabinet refinishing delivers that factory-grade finish for a fraction of the cost of a full remodel.

They've been transforming Scottsdale homes since 2005, and right now they're offering Scottsdale Scoop readers an exclusive 15% discount. Go on vacation, come back to a brand new kitchen.

Claim your 15% off discount here.

If you haven't been to Andreoli Italian Grocer yet, you're missing out on one of Scottsdale's most authentic Italian experiences. Chef Giovanni Scorzo runs this market-restaurant hybrid where everything feels like you've been transported straight to a trattoria in Rome.

We're talking house-made salumi, focaccia, pizzetta, and bresaola that would make any Italian nonna proud. The space is filled with antique furniture and has this effortlessly cozy vibe that makes you want to slow down and actually enjoy your meal.

Guy Fieri featured them on Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives back in 2015, and for good reason. "You give the experience of Italians that slow down at lunch time, take the time to enjoy the food, and relax," he said. They're first come, first served, so expect a bit of a wait on busy days, but trust me, it's worth it.

Tucked inside the JW Marriott Camelback Inn, Rita's Cantina and Bar feels like stepping into old Scottsdale. The 1930s-era casitas set the mood, and the traditional Mexican menu delivers exactly what you want on a warm desert evening.

Named after the margarita (obviously) this spot knows its way around tequila. The bar stays open until 11pm so you don’t have to rush. I love that it works for both a casual dinner after hiking Camelback or a proper date night when you want something with a little more atmosphere.

Grab a table on the patio (when it’s not boiling outside), order some guacamole and a couple margaritas, and let the desert do its thing. Open for breakfast and lunch too if you want to check it out during the day.

Wednesday, July 16
July Kids Cooking Camp - Week 2 | Classic Cooking Academy | 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM (through Thursday)

Beat the Heat This July — Christmas After Dark | Puzzle Rides Scottsdale | 8:00 PM (Wednesdays through July)

Temporary Public Art Celebration | Scottsdale Public Art | 5:00 PM

Thursday, July 17
Mark Klett: Desert Citizens | Desert Botanical Garden | Open daily
Happy Together Tour | Talking Stick Resort | 8:00 PM

Friday, July 18
Sunset Raft Tour & E-Bike Tours | Cliff Creek Outfitters | 5:00 PM (daily through summer)
History Tour at Royal Palms | Royal Palms Resort & Spa | 10:00 AM (daily)

Steve Rannazzisi From "The League" | Desert Ridge Improv | 7:30 PM

Saturday, July 19

Kierland After Dark: Live Music at the Rim | The Westin Kierland Resort & Spa | Friday & Saturday evenings


Sunday, July 19
World Cup Watch Party | Hotel Solaya | 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM

For a full list of events check out our Scottsdale Event Calendar here.

Featuring the most expensive home sold in Scottsdale this week at $40.238M! Okay, technically this is in Paradise Valley but it's a record home sale in Arizona and I had to share.

Here’s the link if you want to check it out.