Zinqué closes, new restaurant moving in

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.

It's been a nice, humid week for us. Check out our Instagram page for a recent list of indoor spots to check out.

Let’s get into it.

Here's something you don't see every day. The Scottsdale Police Department is opening up the city jail for a free public tour this Thursday from 5:30 to 7pm at 9065 E. Via Linda.

You'll get to walk through the detention center, meet the staff, ask questions and see a part of the department that's usually completely off-limits. It's also a chance for anyone curious about a career as a detention officer to chat with employees about what the job actually looks like day-to-day.

I've driven past that building a hundred times and never thought twice about what goes on inside. This seems like one of those random but genuinely interesting things worth checking out if you have a free Thursday evening.

If you want to go, RSVP by sending a direct message to the Scottsdale Police Department's Facebook page.

Another restaurant swap happening at Scottsdale Fashion Square. Zinqué has closed its doors after opening in 2020 as their first Arizona location. The French-inspired spot was known for its all-day dining, La Colombe coffee and those casual European café vibes.

Taking its place will be Porta Via, a California bistro founded in Beverly Hills back in 1994. They focus on seasonal ingredients, seafood, fresh-baked goods and have a solid wine program. No opening date yet, but signage is already up.

Former Sun Devil (go devils) James Harden is bringing Smiling Moose Sandwich Grill to Scottsdale with a grand opening set for Aug. 17 at 10:30 a.m. off Scottsdale and Thomas roads. The Colorado-based sandwich shop has been around since 2003 and is known for made-to-order sandwiches, wraps, burgers and freshly baked cookies.

The first 100 visitors will score a free 6-inch "Mo" signature sandwich and a $50 Adidas gift card courtesy of Harden. Love seeing him invest back in the place that gave him his start at ASU.

Here's one for the wine lovers who also happen to be animal lovers. The Pet Reserve is an Arizona wine brand where every bottle you buy helps fund veterinary care, food and shelter for local cats and dogs.

They've got a bold red, a fresh citrusy white, and a strawberry-vanilla rosé. You can find them at Florencia Pizza Bistro in Ahwatukee with more Valley locations coming soon.

Learn more about their wines here.

I noticed Soul Fire Tacos opened a little while ago and finally stopped in to check it out. The team behind it also opened SugarJam which is amazing so I had high expectations going in.

They didn’t disappoint. The concept is an interesting mashup of Mexican and soul food. Sounds different I know but they make it work. Fish tacos, short rib birria tacos, collard greens, candied yams, mac n cheese..it shouldn't work together but it does.

The portions were generous too which I always appreciate. I love supporting local business owners so wanted to give them a shout out. Keep doing your thing!

If you're looking for a date spot that feels like a mini getaway without leaving town, Ella on the Park at Hotel Solaya should be on your radar.

The restaurant sits inside this boutique JdV by Hyatt property and has this relaxed, stylish energy that works whether you're celebrating something or just want a nice Tuesday night out. The patio is the move here. It overlooks a courtyard that makes you forget you're steps away from shopping and parking garages.

What I like about Ella is that it doesn't try too hard. The menu leans Mediterranean with seasonal touches, and the cocktails are solid without being pretentious. It's the kind of place where you can dress up a little or keep it casual and still feel like you belong.

Perfect for when you want something a bit more polished than your usual spots but don't want to deal with the Old Town crowds.

Here's a hot tip for anyone who loves Christmas at the Princess (one of my fav Christmas events of the year). The Christmas in July Sale kicks off July 27th but newsletter subscribers get exclusive early access on July 26th with a special access code.

All you have to do is head to ChristmasAtThePrincess.com, wait for the pop-up or scroll to the bottom and pop in your name and email. You'll get the exclusive code sent to your inbox giving you a full day head start before the sale opens to everyone else.

Featuring the most expensive home sold in Scottsdale this week at $5.15M! Look how cozy this patio is. Dream home.

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

Wednesday, July 22

🍷 Wine Down Wednesday at Roka Akor | Roka Akor Scottsdale | 5:00 PM

🧠 Trivia Night at Brat Haus | Brat Haus | 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM

Thursday, July 23

🎄 Beat the Heat This July: Christmas After Dark | Puzzle Rides Scottsdale | 8:00 PM

🍕 Pizza-Making Class | Classic Cooking Academy | 6:30 PM – 9:00 PM

🎧 Music Bingo | Pinnacle Brewing Company | 6:30 PM

🎬 Sunset Swim-In Cinemas: The Parent Trap | 8:00 PM – 10:00 PM

Friday, July 24

🎸 Damage Inc. — Tribute to Metallica | Casino Arizona | 7:30 PM (multiple days)

Saturday, July 25

🎬 Summer Dive-In Movies | Fairmont Scottsdale Princess | 8:00 PM

☀️ Liquid Sunshine Pool Party | Hotel Adeline | 12:00 PM – 5:00 PM

Sunday, July 26

🥂 Bottomless Brunch at Toro | Fairmont Scottsdale Princess | 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM

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