Two New Restaurants and a Toy Drive

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.

We’re locking in partners for December to 2026. If you want to get your business in front of Scottsdale locals reach out here.

I’m currently on my way to Vienna for a little over a week to enjoy the Christmas markets! I’ll have some pics to share soon :)

This week there’s a TON of great holiday events going on. The ones that look the most interesting to me are Santa’s Workshop, Pancakes and Pajamas with Santa and the Dueling Pianos on the Bridge (both in the event section towards the bottom). I’ve taken your feedback on including more family-friendly events. Hope you enjoy.

The team behind The Montauk and Diego Pops just launched Estelle, a stunning two-story open-air restaurant and bar that's right to the heart of Old Town. This 5,800-square-foot space features natural textures, soft coastal tones, and Camelback Mountain views that are amazing. I was walking around in Old Town and was stunned that it was opened since I haven’t heard a peep about it.

Chef Hector Cruz is serving up Greek, Italian, and coastal Mediterranean dishes with Mexican flair. The menu has ahi tostadas with chipotle aioli, birria grilled cheese with consomé, and wood-fired pizzas. The drinks focus on citrus and European spirits. I'm personally excited to try the Dirty Olive Oil Martini with feta-stuffed olives! They're open 4pm weekdays and 10am weekends, with a Winter Solstice Grand Opening Party happening December 20th.

After more than a year of construction delays, 40 Love is finally opening Saturday, December 13th at 7117 E. Sixth Ave in Old Town. This upscale restaurant and lounge has some serious celebrity backing – it's developed in partnership with NFL star DeAndre Hopkins (former Cardinals player!) and Irish singer-songwriter Niall Horan.

Chef Ryan Pitt is running the kitchen with an upscale menu featuring appetizers, a raw seafood bar, high-end signature beef cuts, and craft cocktails. The concept is described as "country club-inspired" and the LA version was known for celebrity sightings like Michael B. Jordan and Post Malone. Dinner reservations are available now and I expect this place to be packed from day one.

Rivian's 2nd Annual Holiday Toy & Club Drive is happening Saturday, December 13th starting at 10am at their Scottsdale showroom in the Kierland Commons. Professional golf broadcaster Doug Smith is hosting the event, and there will be catering from Postinos, fresh coffee from Press, live music, raffles and a kids corner.

They're collecting toys and golf clubs through December 19th, with all donations going to the Phoenix Children's Foundation Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders. Perfect timing for holiday giving while checking out some cool electric vehicles with the family! Shout out to Jim Hernandez at Rivian for always throwing great community-focused events.

The Arizona Renaissance Festival returns in 2026 for another legendary season of jousting, turkey legs, and timeless fun.

Step back into the 16th century for a day of live entertainment, artisan markets, hearty feasts, and a bit of royal mischief at every turn.

The festival kicks off January 31st and runs weekends through March 30th, so you’ve got plenty of time to grab your crew, don your best medieval garb, and make some history of your own. Plus, who can resist those giant turkey legs?

Grab Your Tickets Here!

AZ Kabob House is one of those family-owned gems that puts heart into everything they do. The Persian flavors are authentic and fresh, and you can tell when people are cooking with passion instead of just going through the motions. They’ve been here for 11 years and are in the same plaza as Trevor’s off of Mayo Blvd.

I had a chance to stop in here recently and absolutely loved the falafel and gyro! Probably the best falafel I’ve had. I met the owner Zhaleh who was super kind and helpful, exactly the type of genuine hospitality that makes local businesses so special.

What I love most about spotlighting places like this is that they represent the soul of our community. These are the businesses built on relationships, quality, and genuine care for every customer who walks through the door. Next time you're craving Mediterranean food, skip the chains and give them a try. You'll taste the difference and support a local family doing what they love.

Looking at Hotel Valley Ho's roller rink experience, this is the perfect unique date spot for Scottsdale couples wanting something different this winter.

Ho Holidays at Hotel Valley Ho has transformed their pool area into a roller rink through January 4th, and it's such a retro-meets-holiday twist on the typical dinner date. There's something about roller skating that immediately breaks the ice and gets you both laughing together.

What I love is how they've thought through the whole experience. You can grab cocktails like the Thin Mint Fashioned or Hot Apple Cider while warming up by the firepits between skating sessions. The theme nights on Wednesdays and Fridays add extra fun – Desert Disco on December 12th is calling my name.

The food situation is simple but solid with s'mores kits, fresh popcorn, and warm cookies. Nothing fancy, but that's kind of the point. This is about having genuine fun together, not impressing each other with sophisticated palates. Plus at $25 per person including skate rental, it won't break the bank before you even get to dinner at ZuZu afterward (which I also covered as a date spot months ago).

Pro tip: tickets need to be purchased online in advance, and kids 5 and under get free admission. If you're staying at the hotel, you get complimentary access and skate rentals.

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Thursday, December 11

🎨 Gold Pallette ArtWalk | Old Town Scottsdale Arts District | Thursday 6:30PM

🎨 Holiday Open House | Grace Renee Gallery | Thursday 4:00 PM – 7:00 PM

Friday, December 12

🎅 Santa's Workshop | The Promenade Scottsdale | 5:00 PM

🎸 Esteban's Coming Home for the Holidays Concert | Grand Hyatt Scottsdale Resort | 7:00 PM

🎸 Led Zepagain - Tribute to Led Zeppelin | Casino Arizona | 7:30PM (multiple days)

Saturday, December 13

🐕 Shop With Your Pet | Scottsdale Quarter | 12:00 PM – 3:00 PM

🎨 Holly Jolly DIY Décor | Scottsdale Waterfront | 2:00 PM

🎭 Rita Rudner | Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts | 7:30 PM

🥐 Pancakes & Pajamas with Santa | Scottsdale Waterfront | 9:00AM

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

🎄 Family Holiday Festival | The Scottsdale Resort & Spa | 2:00 PM – 8:00 PM

🍫 Chocolate Wonderland | Marshall Way Bridge | 12:00PM

Sunday, December 14

🌮 Wrapped in Tradition: Holiday Tamales | Marshall Way Bridge | 11:00AM

🎼 Scottsdale Symphonic Orchestra: A Season of Light | Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts | 4:00 PM

🎹 Dueling Pianos on the Bridge | Marshall Way Bridge | 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM

Featuring the most expensive home sold in Scottsdale this week at $3.35M! Located in the Cactus Corridor this property has a full-sized sports court and beautiful pool.

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

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