https://www.phoenixmag.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/Santa-1-1280x720.jpg

‘Tis the season for holiday imbibing! Eat, drink and be merry at these four festive pop-up concepts at local bars and restaurants. Feliz Navidad Cantina at Salt and Lime Modern Mexican Grill This over-the-top pop-up concept was first introduced last year. It’s even bigger and better in 2021, complete with floor-to-ceiling Christmas decorations, festive food and drinks, servers decked out in holiday garb and weekly visits from Santa and the Grinch. The pop-up will run...

https://www.phoenixmag.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/IMG_1512-1280x720.jpg

Roasted Chilean Seabass | Photo by Madison Rutherford   The iconic Arizona Biltmore resort recently reopened, revealing a $70 million renovation that included Renata’s Hearth, an upscale, Latin-influenced eatery that debuted on May 18. Combining Old World mystique with a distinctly modern identity, Renata’s Hearth (née Wright’s) presents a full sensory experience – from enticing aromas and bold flavors to ornate décor and pleasant sounds. During my visit, a live flutist and guitarist serve as...

https://www.phoenixmag.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/Outlets-at-Anthem-Tree-at-Night-1280x720.jpg

Throngs of people pass through the Outlets at Anthem during the holiday season, hurrying from store to store and stopping to marvel at the giant Christmas tree in the courtyard. It’s a stunning sight: a towering, 70-foot fresh-cut evergreen adorned with miles of string lights and thousands of ornaments. At 70 feet tall and 20 feet wide, it is the biggest Christmas tree in Arizona – and has held that title for the past two...

https://www.phoenixmag.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/IMG_1280-1280x720.jpg

Commuter Egg Sandwich and Espresso Tonic | Photo by Madison Rutherford I have never traveled to Tulum or Scandinavia, the two locales that inspired Kähvi Coffee + Café in Downtown Phoenix. I have, however, gleaned some ideas on a recent visit to the new coffee bar. The concept, which opened in July, is the brainchild of prolific restaurateur Julian Wright of Fork & Dagger Hospitality and is spearheaded by operating partner and industry vet Samia...

https://www.phoenixmag.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/Pedal-Haus-1280x720.jpeg

On Nov. 18, Pedal Haus Brewery opened a new location in the MonOrchid building in the Roosevelt Row Arts District. The new restaurant (Pedal Haus number three for owner Julian Wright) covers 6,000 square feet and includes indoor and outdoor seating, live music and happy hour specials. Since Pedal Haus is known for its award-winning beers, we recently caught up with head brewer Derek “Doc” Osborne to learn more about Pedal Haus beer. How did...

https://www.phoenixmag.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/IMG_4112-1200x720.jpg

Photo by Nikki Buchanan    Vegetarian Chili at Welcome Diner Usually, my chili craving kicks in around the time I break out the first sweater, but this fall has been so balmy that I just couldn’t wait — especially when I saw the descriptor on WD’s menu: house veggie chili topped with pimiento cheese and diced onion. It was the addition of pimiento cheese that sold me on this dish, but as it turned out,...

https://www.phoenixmag.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/Unknown-2-1280x720.jpeg

Opening Aftermath Bar + Kitchen You’ll find modern American cuisine at this new eatery, including shareable plates and entrees and a nice selection of cocktails, beer and wine. 1534 E. Bethany Home Rd., Phoenix, aftermathphoenix.com Babbo Italian Eatery An eighth Valley location of this family-owned restaurant has opened in Goodyear. 15705 W. McDowell Rd., Goodyear, 623-440-2117, babboitalian.com Bap and Chicken Korean fried chicken and bibimbap headline this west Chandler restaurant’s menu. On Thursdays they feature...

https://www.phoenixmag.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/PHM1221CU20.jpg

Tis the season for winter decorations, hot chocolate (or warm bourbon) and merry musicmaking. Rock out with your stocking out at these shows. The Bounce 101.1 Holiday Jam Ice Cube headlines an old-school hip-hop lineup including Too Short, Warren G, Baby Bash, Luniz and J.J. Fad. 8 p.m. Friday, December 3, at Footprint Center, 201 E. Jefferson St., Phoenix. Tickets cost $45-$100. Trans-Siberian Orchestra The international rock ensemble performs “Christmas Eve and Other Stories.” 3...

https://www.phoenixmag.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/PHM1221CU18-1280x720.jpg

Who hasn’t enjoyed the freewheeling fun of careening through a tiled kitchen in sock feet? Experience that on a grander scale this winter as Children’s Museum of Phoenix expands its popular Sock Skating event into the museum’s interior spaces. Adults and children can bring a clean pair of socks and glide around on white, slippery tiles. It’s like ice skating, but without the frosty fingers and fear of blades. Sock Skating runs from December 18-February...

https://www.phoenixmag.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/PHM1221EX03-1-1272x720.jpg

Winter has come, and the mountains are calling. Answer them with a ski trip to snowy Telluride, Colorado, where The Hotel Telluride has a host of seasonal packages for guests. “We have a ‘Crack a Coors’ package,” spokesperson Kerry Koepping says. “We summit Mt. Wilson… the icon of Coors Light [beer]… and crack a Coors upon reaching the summit.” Another popular package, “2 Picks and a Prayer,” takes guests ice-climbing. Jeep and snowmobile tours provide...

https://www.phoenixmag.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/The-Hardways-1280x720.jpg

Photo courtesy The Hardways    Every week, we present a curated list of live music in a wide range of genres all around the Valley. Everything from mariachi and rockabilly to “saloon-style” sounds and a piano tribute to Coldplay is on tap this week. Mariachi Sol de Mexico de José Hernández Friday, December 10 at Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts The festive sounds of mariachi will fill the air when José Hernández brings his...

https://www.phoenixmag.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/EXTERIOR-OAK-ON-CAMELBACK-1280x720.jpg

St. Francis was an Uptown Phoenix institution of sorts, serving as both a community gathering place and a solid place to enjoy gourmet global fare. Nestled in a historical building on Camelback Road just east of Central Avenue, its name was derived from a neighborhood land deed dating back to the mid-1930s and was originally owned by the Brophy family. St. Francis’ former chef, Aaron Chamberlain, made his mark on the area through a menu...