By local contributor
Christina Barrueta
Every Thursday evening, the Scottsdale ArtWalk takes place in Old Town, and it’s the perfect way to experience all that the historic Arts District has to offer. To help you make the most of your evening, here are some insider tips for enjoying the Scottsdale ArtWalk.
Scottsdale’s ArtWalk, the longest-running event of its kind in the nation, takes place every Thursday evening (except Thanksgiving) from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. The event is free and provides a wonderful opportunity to meander through Scottsdale’s art galleries, shops and restaurants along Main Street and Marshall Way while admiring public art and enjoying street performances. Scottsdale Gallery Association members offer extended hours on ArtWalk evenings to host exclusive events and showcase featured Scottsdale and national artists. In addition to the regular weekly ArtWalk, the Gold Palette Series presents special themes throughout the year, such as Native Spirit, Western Week and holiday Scottsdazzle.
In between your art encounters, take advantage of some of Scottsdale's best cuisine. For wonderful Italian fare, visit Marcellino Ristorante on the Scottsdale Waterfront. Here, chef/owner Marcellino Verzino serves sophisticated Italian fare, including homemade pastas showcased in dishes like the gnocchi sorrentina with creamy gorgonzola sauce and savory paccatelli al ragu with sausage and herbs. At FnB on nearby Fifth Avenue, Charleen Badman, winner of the James Beard Award for Best Chef: Southwest, is acclaimed for her ever-changing seasonal menu celebrating Arizona farmers. FnB’s co-owner and winemaker Pavle Milic is equally as well known for his thoughtfully curated Arizona wine list.
Housed in a former art gallery on Main Street, Sel offers globally-inspired dishes that can be ordered à la carte or as part of a prix-fixe menu. Sel’s menu changes with the season and boasts delights like beef carpaccio with black truffle mostarda, crab cakes with lemon-ricotta ravioli or duck cassoulet with Chinese sausage. On Marshall Way, Citizen Public House is known for its craft cocktails, such as a Manhattan embellished with maple syrup and tobacco bitters, and the creative menu by renowned chef Bernie Kantak. His famous Original Chopped Salad, a medley of smoked salmon, dried corn, couscous, arugula, pumpkin seeds, and Asiago cheese, is a must-order and one of Arizona’s iconic dishes.
Take a refreshment break and experience a taste of the local terroir at Scottsdale’s award-winning tasting rooms. Arizona’s own LDV Winery and Salvatore Vineyards can be found along Fifth Avenue; Aridus Wine Company is conveniently located on Main Street; and Los Milics Vineyards and Carlson Creek Vineyards have tasting rooms nearby on North Marshall Way. Most offer tasting flights so you can sample a variety of vintages. If you prefer local suds, head for Craft 64 on Main Street. This casual spot boasts artisan pizzas, a 100-bottle wine list, and an Arizona-only selection of more than 30 beers, including their own Craft 64 label. You’ll also find they proudly source local ingredients, such as Schreiner's bacon and farmers market produce presented in colorful salads, and local spirits and liqueurs mixed into craft cocktails.
Fine art, great food and inspired bevvies – it's all part of an ArtWalk evening in Scottsdale.