Phoenix & the Valley of the Sun - American Southwest - page 420

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colorful gardens, and all of the spacious units feature contemporary Southwestern furni-
ture and plush beds. Some units have fireplaces, but the rooms to request are those along
the golf course. There's an Elizabeth Arden Red Door Spa and a golf school.
300 E. Wigwam Blvd., Litchfield Park, AZ 85340. & 800/327-0396 or 623/935-3811. Fax [phone].
www.wigwamresort.com. 331 units. Early Jan to mid-May $269-$799 double, from $329 suite; mid-May
to early Sept $119-$259 double, from $159 suite; early Sept to early Jan $199-$449 double, from $249
suite. Children 16 and under stay free in parent's room. AE, DC, DISC, MC, V. Valet parking $15. Pets
accepted. Amenities: 3 restaurants; 3 lounges; children's programs; concierge; executive-level rooms; 3
18-hole golf courses; health club; 2 Jacuzzis; 2 pools; room service; full-service spa; 9 tennis courts. In
room: A/C, TV, hair dryer, Internet, minibar.

4 WHERE TO DINE

As you would expect of any major metropolitan area with a population running into the
millions, the Valley of the Sun boasts countless excellent restaurants. While there is
hardly a corner of the Valley that doesn't have someplace good to eat, many of the best
restaurants are concentrated in the Scottsdale Road, north Scottsdale, and Biltmore Cor-
ridor areas. If you want to splurge on only one expensive meal while you're here, consider
a resort restaurant or someplace that offers a view of the city lights. If you've got the kids
with you, you'll want to be sure to have dinner at one of the Valley's “cowboy” steak-
houses. These family-oriented restaurants feature Wild West decor, live cowboy music,
and lots of other fun entertainment.
Good places to go trolling for a place to eat include the trendy Biltmore Fashion Park
shopping center, at Camelback Road and 24th Street ( & 602/955-8400 ), and Old Town
Scottsdale. At the former, you'll find nearly a dozen restaurants. In downtown Scottsdale,
within an area of roughly 4 blocks, you'll also find about a dozen good restaurants.
Phoenix is a sprawling city, and it can be a real pain to have to drive around in search
of a good lunch spot. If you happen to be visiting the Phoenix Art Museum, the Heard
Museum, or the Desert Botanical Garden anytime around lunch, stay put for your noon
meal. All three of these attractions have cafes serving decent, if limited, menus.

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SCOTTSDALE
Expensive
Cowboy Ciao SOUTHWESTERN/NEW AMERICAN Yee-ha, bambino, the
food at this place beats all heck out of cowboy beans and deep-fried rattlesnake. It's bet-
ter than spaghetti and pasta fazul, too. A fun, “cowboy chic” atmosphere and delicious
food with a global influence make a meal here unforgettable. You absolutely must start
your meal with the Stetson chopped salad; it's both a work of art and an explosion of
flavors and textures. Other not-to-be-missed dishes include the exotic mushroom pan-fry
and the daily soup. Whatever you decide on for an entree, think small; you want to save
room for one of pastry chef Tracy Dempsey's legendary desserts. Cowboy Ciao is also
notable for its wine list and bar. Located in downtown Scottsdale, the restaurant attracts
a diverse crowd.
7133 E. Stetson Dr. (at Sixth Ave.). & 480/WINE-111 [946-3111]. www.cowboyciao.com. Reservations
recommended. Main courses $9-$20 lunch, $20-$36 dinner. AE, DC, DISC, MC, V. Sun-Thurs 11:30am-
2:30pm and 5-10pm; Fri-Sat 11:30am-2:30pm and 5-11pm.

Eddie's House NEW AMERICAN Eddie Matney has been one of my favorite
local chefs for two decades now, and here at his latest restaurant, he continues to dish up