So my crew and I are headed to the Big Saguaro (thats Scottsdale, AZ) for my annual New Years break.  I need GCAers thoughts on places to stay.  Gimme a wide range from "Good value" to "Pay any price, this place is the ultra"

Has anyone stayed at MCCORMICK RANCH and is it any good?  We are thinking of bunkering down there...I know nothing about it...

What did you all think of RESORT SUITES?  I rather liked it when I stayed there a few years ago...simple, but had everything I really needed (well, except a restaurant).

Personally, I know the price is astronomical and the golf a little resorty, but I'll confess a secret shame in really enjoying everything about THE BOULDERS.  

For those curious, my crew and I are doing what I call the "minimalist tour."  It means we're playing what courses you think we are;)(' ')
well and Blackstone...that's not minimalist, but I think it'll rock nonetheless, call it a hunch.

Also, does anybody have restaurant recommendations for scottsdale?

Thanks.

Jay - I like the Marriott Desert Ridge alot, thought it's probably pricey if your picking up the tab. They have some very good resteraunts (Blue Sage - Mark Millers place had a great lunch that was reasonable). Some guys we ran into we're stayting at Resort Suites and they had very good things to say.

We also had Mexican at Abuelo's right off 101. Very good food atmosphere & price. We did Steaks at Maestro's in N Scottsdale, while very good, it's not cheap and  the wine list dissapointed.

Restaurants - we were there last weekend and these two were good.  Both right on Scottsdale Road south of Shea:

Bloom - so good we went there one night and back the next

Veneto Trattoria - excellent Italian with a Venetian emphasis


I discovered to my horror that We-Ka-Po is cart paths only.  Talking Stick North and South, the best public IMHO.

Take a couple of sweaters and a windbreaker, it was chilly, low 60's.

I liked Baby Kay's Cajun Kitchen quite a bit, but this was four years ago.  Things can change.

Ciao

Sean

For a great steak go to Durants www.durantsaz.com, it's in downtown PH and worth the drive.  

Totally old school.

Texaz (16th st/Bethany Home) - chicken fried steak, beer and nap

Duly noted by the Hillbilly Tour.  But shouldn't that read: "chicken fried steak, beer, nap and beer?"

Mike

I agree with Don&Charlies,especially if you like sports memorobilia. The ribs are their trademark. If you like a sports bar atmosphere to watch some football, try the Fox Sports Grill across Scottsdale Road from Kierland.The food is good too. Flo's Market is good for Asian in The Market at DC Ranch. Mastro's Steak House at Pima&Pinnacle Peak is the best for steaks and chops.Eddie V's is good for seafood at The Market at DC Ranch. For a southwest flair, Roaring Fork near Scottsdale Fashion Square is good. The Tonto Grill in Rancho Manana in Cave Creek is good. Chompie's on Shea in Scottsdale is the place for deli.Ocean Club for seafood, Zinc for French bistro and North for Italian are all good in Kierland.

Don't forget a visit to Hornacek's Golf Shop in the AJ's shopping center at Pima&Pinnacle Peak. Good stuff and staff.

My days as a +4 eater are long gone , give me a great salad at Cheesecake Factory and I'm happy.

We were there in the spring and really enjoyed El Encanto
http://www.elencantorestaurant.com/Menus.htm

Good food great margaritas.

It was up north in Cave Creek/Carefree if you will be staying that way.

I know someone who works in Boulder w/ me who is from NJ who swears they have a place there which is as good as Pat & Gino's.

Anyone know the place & can comment?

For wine drinking, nothing beats Atlas, a little bistro that is attached to the Arizona Wine Co. Food is good and you pay retail to drink any wine in the shop (and the wine shop has pretty good prices).

 ;DMcCormick Ranch is in a great location as far as being in the "heart" of SCottsdale. The Palms is nothing special; The Pines is the site of the FBR qualifier and kinda fun if your sick of the Desert Golf vibe. Also nearby is Gainey Ranch, Orange Tree, Starfire and a host of "traditional" resort courses ala AZ!
Now food... If you make it up to Carefree, El Encanto Mexican can't be beat (even has a fountain/pond in the middle of the outdoor seating).... BadAss Donkey has fanastic sandwiches, The Horny Toad has some of the best fried chicken I have had the pleasure of tasting and Harolds is an old-school Western honkey tonk if you guys are looking to grab a steak and get your 2-step on!!!
Scottsdale has too many good restaraunts of mention... Pizzeria Bianco was voted the best pizza in the US by the food critic from the NY Times!!! Oreganos is delicious italian, as is La Laconda. Soporo has fantastic cuisine from the Pacific Rim...Don't know much about the Greek scene (other than the occasional betty in Old-Town ) but I would guarantee that you can find some on Camelback near Old Town... Send me an email if you need some more info... I work at The Desert Mountain Club and live 5 minutes from McCormick, so I know waaaaay more about the "scene" than is legally allowed this side of the border Have a great time and let me know what you think of Blackstone!!!