Welcome to your January 2023 lifestyle edit! I’ve carefully curated food, drink, and event suggestions for you. My picks? The stunning Tia Carmen restaurant in Phoenix, the annual Barrett-Jackson autoshow in Scottsdale, and one of my new favorite mocktail recipes I have tried from Half Baked Harvest. So if you're local to Arizona or planning to visit, here's your guide through this month's must do's & see's!
Restaurant Spotlight
If you're looking for a true culinary experience, this blog post was meant to find you. Tia Carmen, located at the J.W. Marriott Desert
Ridge Resort is everything we look for; an extraordinary menu, delicious cocktails, and an atmosphere that leaves you awestruck. From the Roasted Beet Salad to the Mushroom Menudo and Chicken Guisado, you're guaranteed to more than enjoy this exquisite menu. No stone was left unturned when Chef Angelo Sosa planned out each of the menu options. There is a wide variety, suitable for everyone, and the attention to detail to make every plate beautiful and delicious is par none.
Speaking of attention to detail, the ambiance of this incredible restaurant is breathtakingly beautiful and transports you into a different place. It is earthy, artsy, and absolutely gorgeous. From the lighting choices, tables and chairs, down to the tableware, every minute detail was thought of with such care. Designers Thomas Schoos and Lisa Gil truly put the chefs' kiss on this restaurant. The moment you walk through doors, your eyes won't be able to stop looking around. Every inch of this restaurant is pure perfection.
The service provided by the staff was second to none. The hostess talked about the history of the restaurant, the chef and the designer and our server was more than friendly, answering all of our questions about the menu, providing suggestions and keeping our glasses full. He came around regularly to wipe the table, check in with us, and be sure we were well-taken care of. Tia Carmen is really a true experience, not just a regular restaurant. It left us with full bellies and minds full of inspiration! If you're local to the Phoenix area, or find yourself in town, you should add this restaurant to your lunch or dinner plans!
Photo Credit: Tia Carmen
Drink Recipe
In honor of dry January, I wanted to share a mocktail recipe that I love. This recipe comes from Half Baked Harvest and is a must-try!
Event Spotlight
If car collecting, or even looking at one-of-a-kind and vintage cars, the Barrett Jackson auction is an event you won’t want to miss! Every year, Scottsdale, AZ hosts the World’s Greatest Collector Car Auction; Barrett Jackson. The show usually lasts about a week, and there are several ticket options ranging from general admission to VIP Packages. This year, the fleet is second to none, with automobiles ranging from vintage cars from the 1930’s to motorcycles, to high-end luxury vehicles. Not to mention, there is also a whole collection of Automobilia, automobile memorabilia, available for browsing and purchasing. This annual event brings together people from all ages and backgrounds and serves as a really fun event, fit for the whole family! This year’s event dates are January 21st through January 29th, located at WestWorld in Scottsdale.
Whether you’re a Phoenix or Scottsdale local or planning to visit Arizona, my restaurant and event suggestions are sure to give you an unforgettable experience! Stay tuned for my February picks coming soon!
