NFL Star Deebo Samuel Opens Problem Lounge

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.

I've been spending most of my time heads down building out the directory, event calendar, guides pages and more. Love all the recommendations you guys share with me if there is anything valuable I’m missing please lmk!

There's been a ton of cool stuff to cover this week. Let's dive in.

NFL star Deebo Samuel just opened Problem Lounge, a three level luxury dining and nightlife destination right in Old Town. The venue features Italian steakhouse dishes with Creole and Cajun influences, a late night lounge and an outdoor rooftop. I'm excited to check it out soon.

If you're a fan of Outcast Doughnuts from their downtown Mesa days, you’ll love this update because Outcast Doughnuts just opened a drive thru in Scottsdale near Hayden and Thomas. They spent about a year renovating a former Whataburger building, painting it black and white while keeping that iconic steep roof. You won't walk inside to browse a pastry case here but you'll get those same flaky layered croissant doughnuts right through the pickup window.

They serve amazing options like the Cheeky Monkey with Nutella and bananas or Strawberry Shortcake stacked with cream and graham cracker crumble. They also make breakfast sandwiches on croissant buns with bacon, egg, cheese and hash browns. Figure I'd share.

Taco lovers can start planning their fall weekends because the Arizona Taco Festival is returning to Salt River Fields at Talking Stick for two days of food and entertainment. The event is scheduled for Saturday, October 17th and Sunday, October 18th, bringing local taco chefs, agave spirit tastings, multiple music stages, celebrity chefs and live cooking demonstrations. Rumor has it celebrity Chef, Aaròn Sanchez will also be involved with the event this year.

Chef Beau MacMillan will return to host the second annual Taco Fest Bar Brawl and kids 12 and under get in free with a large family zone featuring rides and games. Put it on your radar!

Ask around Paradise Valley about who to see for Botox or filler and the same two names keep coming up. Christina and Brooklyn work inside Maffi Plastic Surgery and their whole aim is subtle.

No frozen foreheads, no work that announces itself, just you looking like you actually slept. They'll tell you straight if you don't need a treatment yet. Consultations are free and low pressure, so it's an easy way to get real answers. As a bonus, Scottsdale Scoop readers get $150 off a first treatment!

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Doggone Goodies is a mother-daughter duo that noticed dog treats on the market are stuffed with unhealthy fillers and preservatives so they set out to make their own! I'm stoked that I came across their Instagram page a while ago.

They're making grain free treats like Bow Wow Brownies and Snicker Poodle Doodles along with fun pawtry platters for your dog's social calendar. You can also grab their Dinner Dust meal toppers made from gently dried pumpkin or organ mixes like lamb and beef heart and liver to add nutrition to any bowl.

I love spotting cool businesses like this and being able to highlight them!

If you're looking for a vibrant spot for your next night out Telefèric Barcelona in Scottsdale Fashion Square should be on your radar. It sits right on the outskirts of the mall so you're able to skip the main parking headache and find yourself inside without dealing with the usual crowds. I checked it out recently and it's just as awesome as everyone says.

The food and drinks are great across the board. What really stood out to me is how many employees are actually from Spain which makes the whole place feel so much more authentic from the moment you walk in. You'll want to start with a few tapas like the patatas bravas or crab croquetas then move on to one of their freshly made paellas that are meant to be shared.

The terrace catches Arizona's golden hour light perfectly and they've got a massive list of over two hundred Spanish wines to choose from. It's an easy win for any evening out.

I recently met Bryan, the owner of Discover Strength North Scottsdale. I walked away genuinely impressed. Every trainer there holds a degree in exercise science and the entire program is built on peer-reviewed research. No weekend certifications here.

The best part? It's 30 minutes, twice a week. Their team handles the thinking so you just show up and put in the work.

If you're in North Scottsdale, this is the place. Right now Scoop subscribers get a free week of training on top of the free intro session.

Claim your free week here.

Wednesday, August 19

🍹 Yellowstone Whiskey Tasting | Cask 53 Whiskey Bar | 6:30 PM

Thursday, August 20

🧘 Glow Up @SMoCA: Sound Bath 8-20 | 7:00 PM

🎨 Emerging Artist Winter Hills-Echoes Opening Reception | On The Edge Gallery | 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM

Friday, August 21

🍽️ Gourmet Class - Euro Nights | Classic Cooking Academy | 6:30 PM – 9:00 PM

🎸 Tyler Henry | Salt River Grand Ballroom | 8:00 PM

Saturday, August 22

📚 Bookmaking Workshop at Scottsdale Quarter | Sweet Paris Crêperie & Café | 9:00 AM – 10:30 AM

🎸 Gene Simmons Band at Talking Stick Resort | Salt River Grand Ballroom | 8:00 PM

Sunday, August 23

📍 DADS DO HAIR - a hands-on styling workshop for dads & daughters | SToNE SALON | 2:00 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 $4.55M. this is a great looking home built by Swaback Architects & Sonora West Development.

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