Scottsdale Dinner Club

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Scottsdale Scoop just hit 9,000 subscribers! We’re growing by about 1,000 new subscribers per month with a 64% open rate and 11% click-through rate.

I’m in SF for Dreamforce! This gloomy, rainy weather makes me miss sunny Scottsdale. This week we have a TON going on. I had to cut some things or reduce sections to not make this issue too long. Hope you enjoy.

Heritage Kitchen + Cocktails opened yesterday at 10121 E. Bell Road and this modern American restaurant with coastal Mediterranean influences is going to be something special.

Executive Chef Christopher Brugman (who's been featured in Food & Wine Magazine and was a finalist on Food Network's Chopped) has created a menu that's both familiar and exciting. His signature Piatta bread is made with artisanal flour from Italy, fermented for 3 days, and baked in an eight-foot hearth using a recipe he's been perfecting for 14 years.

The menu spans everything from aged beef tartare and Spanish octopus to lobster "fideo" paella with saffron and Dungeness crab tortelloni. Plus they've partnered with the team behind Highball and Two Hands Phoenix for cocktails designed to complement the globally inspired dishes. The space features over 1,500 sq ft of patio dining, perfect timing for our amazing fall weather.

I’ve been eyeing this one for a while so glad it’s finally open so I can check it out!

I’m so pumped to announce our dinner club is officially live! I ran a poll a few newsletters ago asking if this is something you’d want to participate in and the echo was a huge “YES!” The first dinner club is on Wednesday, October 22nd.

Take a quick personality quiz, and we'll match you with 5 compatible strangers for dinner at a local favorite Scottsdale spot that won't break the bank. We handle everything—restaurant selection, reservations, dietary preferences—you just show up.

Conversation starters keep things flowing, and if the vibe's right, the group can extend the night to a second venue. After dinner, choose who you want to stay connected with, no pressure, no awkwardness.

Here’s a link if you want to sign up. It’ll be a blast!

Wine lovers, save the date! Vineyards in the Valley returns to Scottsdale Stadium on December 6th from 4-7:30pm and this year's lineup is even more impressive than their successful debut in 2024.

This isn't just another wine tasting. It's a curated experience featuring ultra-premium, highly allocated boutique wineries from acclaimed regions around the world, all supporting healthcare access in southern Haiti through Hope for Haiti. We're talking serious wineries here: Blackbird Cellars, Diamond Creek Vineyards, Pahlmeyer, Penfolds, and nearly 80 other prestigious names.

What makes this event special is that proceeds go toward providing breast and cervical cancer screenings to women in rural Haiti, nutrition support for food-insecure mothers, and access to life-saving medications. It's wine with a purpose, held right in the heart of Scottsdale at the iconic stadium. Plus there will be wine pairing dinners at top Scottsdale restaurants throughout the event period.

If you use code SCOOP at checkout you can get $25 off of ticket prices.

The Home of Record Project, founded right here in 2023 by local veterans, is making a real difference addressing veteran homelessness in our community through their Veterans Pathway Program and prevention services.

With Arizona's rising eviction rates and the significant number of homeless veterans in Maricopa County, this organization is stepping up where state and federal resources fall short. They're providing comprehensive housing assistance, financial stability grants, and social support services specifically designed by veterans who understand what it's like to be in crisis.

Their mission is simple but powerful: ensure no veteran who honorably served ends up without a roof over their head.

I saw this project after a realtor posted about it and started taking donations through their page. Here’s their IG page. Note the donation button won’t show up unless on a cell phone.

Your home deserves pros you can actually count on.

One Home Solution just launched in Scottsdale with full-time professionals (not random guys with trucks). If you don’t have the app yet, you’re missing out.

Their pros show up on time, with transparent pricing (which I greatly appreciate), and get the job done right. For a limited time, new clients get 15% OFF their first service with code OHS15.

With One Home Solution, there’s no more endless Googling, crossed fingers, or wondering if your handyman will actually show. It’s like having a reliable home maintenance team on speed dial. The peace of mind you deserve.

Download the app today and book your first service.

I had to spotlight the Baller Dream Foundation this week because they're doing something special for Arizona's young cancer fighters, and their Dinner of Dreams fundraising gala happens right here in Scottsdale!

This local nonprofit creates dream experiences for kids and teens battling cancer, giving them something meaningful to look forward to during treatment. The foundation provides custom dream gifts and once-in-a-lifetime experiences that remind these brave kids they have a whole community cheering them on.

What I love most is how community-focused they are. The Dinner of Dreams event lets you see exactly how your support transforms lives. You'll catch up with BDF alumni, witness the reveal of dream gifts for new participants, and connect with other locals who believe in making a real difference for Arizona families.

Their four major programs include dream gifts and experiences, and knowing that your contribution stays right here helping kids in our state makes it even more meaningful. The foundation relies on community support to keep delivering hope when families need it most.

I had a chance to check out Spiga Cucina Italiana last week and felt it would make such a good date spot. This cozy Italian spot brings Mediterranean flavors right to Scottsdale. It has a ton of space, a cozy setting and the food was great.

The restaurant focuses on timeless Italian classics, and you can tell they're serious about their craft. I especially enjoyed how they handle their traditional preparation methods and the fresh ingredients they use throughout their menu.

The sliders, flatbread and octopus were all stellar and I appreciate the fact it was affordable (I went during happy hour). Give it a look and let me know what you think!

Great Promo for October! Buy One Pair, Get 50% Off a Second Pair

If you've been putting off that eye exam or squinting at your phone more than usual lately, Optical Expressions has been taking care of Arizona eyes for over 35 years with multiple convenient locations across Phoenix and Scottsdale. Their optometrists handle everything from comprehensive eye exams and perfectly fitted glasses to contact lenses and LASIK co-management, so whether you need a simple prescription update or want to explore vision correction options, they've got you covered. .

Whether you need a comprehensive eye exam, stylish frames, specialty contact lenses, or advanced dry eye treatment, Optical Expressions in Scottsdale has your vision covered with cutting-edge care—and right now you can get 50% off a second pair when you buy one, so you can finally have those backup glasses or fun sunglasses you've been wanting.

Book your appointment here.

Wednesday, October 15

🚗 Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale Fall Auction | WestWorld of Scottsdale | Oct 15–18 (multiple days)

🎭 SUFFS | ASU Gammage | Oct 14–19 (multiple days)

🎃 Halloween Spook-Track-Ula | The Railroad Park | 6:00 PM – 9:30 PM (multiple days)

Thursday, October 16

🍸 Legends Never Die Cocktail Dinner | COURSE Restaurant | 6:30 PM

🎨 Annual Women's Art Event | The Marshall Gallery | 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM

🎃 Pumpkin Fest | Fairmont Scottsdale Princess | Mon–Thu: 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM, Fri–Sun: 4:00 PM – 10:00 PM (multiple days)

Friday, October 17

🍽️ Gourmet Class – Fall Celebration | Classic Cooking Academy | 6:30 PM – 9:00 PM

🎨 Annual Women's Art Event | The Marshall Gallery | 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM

Saturday, October 18

🌮 Taco Fest | Salt River Fields | 11:00 AM – 7:00 PM (multiple days)

🎉 City of Scottsdale's Fall Festival | Scottsdale Civic Center | 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM

🧘 ACTV Studio IRL: Vuori x The Foundry | Vuori Scottsdale Fashion Square | 8:00 AM – 10:00 AM

🍷 Four Course Wine Dinner | Classic Cooking Academy | 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM

🇪🇸 Experience Spain | Musical Instrument Museum | 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM

🍷 Spanish Elegance: Five-Course Wine Dinner | Musical Instrument Museum | Evening

🏗️ Family Workshop: Why Are Blueprints Blue? | Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation | 11:00 AM – 12:30 PM

😂 Cristina Mariani | Desert Ridge Improv | 7:00 PM (multiple days)

Sunday, October 19

🇪🇸 Experience Spain | Musical Instrument Museum | 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM (multiple days)

Featuring last weeks most expensive home sold at $4.15M. Located at Country Club at DC Ranch, this home is beautiful! Private theater, massive kitchen and a separate casita for the in-laws.

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

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