Also serving Gainey Ranch and Scottsdale Ranch! Mcrlife.com
SPRING 2016
At Home with Jason Mitchell:
Contour Light Body Sculpting at
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The best stories are found
off the beaten path.
Experience the beautifully reimagined Scottsdale Resort at McCormick Ranch. Where conversations flow and memories are made, you’ll discover an inspired backdrop for the moments of a lifetime.
thescottsdaleresort.com • 800-540-0727 • #TheScottsdaleResort
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Features: Putting Up the Ritz..........................8 At Home with Jason Mitchell.......12 Taste of Temecula..........................16
In Every Issue: Real Estate Trends . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 Resident Recipe . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 Four-Legged Ranchers . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Local Business HighlightS: Eddie Merlot’s Steakhouse . . . . . . . . . 14 Drexyl’s Restaurant . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18 McCormick Ranch Lifestyle is published quarterly by eClaire Publishing, LLC, 7349 N. Via Paseo Del Sur, Suite 515-268 Scottsdale, AZ 85258. Phone 480 212-6203. Fax 480 6992049. Not responsible for unsolicited materials. Not affiliated with the McCormick Ranch Property Owners Association, nor does the publisher endorse the advertisers included. This publication is sent to each household on the McCormick Ranch. If you do not live on the McCormick Ranch or would like a separate copy mailed to you, an annual subscription fee of $12 is requested.
4
SPRING 2016
Letter from the
Editor
Dear reader, Over the course of the past 18 months, I’ve started another full-time job and watched my kids become much more active with less time for me to be involved. It is bittersweet to announce that this will be my farewell issue. I started McCormick Ranch Lifestyle 9 years ago with the goal of serving my community while earning enough to make ends meet. It wasn’t always easy, especially during the recession (in 2012 alone 28 publications came and went in our Valley). But I’m proud of what I created here and the dozens of stories I’ve covered over the years. This experience has given back more than I ever imagined. Supported solely by local area businesses, I want to thank you for believing in me and this outlet. Some of my favorite testimonials are from readers who took the time to send kind words via email or voicemail. Or those who held on to past issues and even contacted businesses years later because of something they’d read. We often don’t know about the wonderful resources right in our own backyard! I also have to thank the people behind the scenes who supported me all these years; my mom and my husband who were there every day, rain or shine and made this dream possible. Until we meet again,
Alexandra Duemer alexandra@mcrlife.com
Connect with us
@MCRLife
McCormick Ranch Lifestyle
5
Real Estate Car shows & golf tournaments. Spring Training & daytime traffic. Open windows & Minnesota license plates. It means Spring buying season is back! Last article spoke with the continued surge of activity in the south end of the Ranch and the continued lack of inventory to the North. Another quarter and not much has changed. What happened in the past 90 days • 31 sales (previous quarter 57, previous year 35). • Average sales price $496,034 (previous quarter $545,005, previous year $518,498) • Average price per square foot $219 (previous quarter $219, previous year $214) • Only 6 sales above $600,000 While sales over the Holidays typically slow down, the higher end of the MCR market was significantly lower when combined with low inventory of exceptional homes. They just aren’t hitting the market. This has resulted in a whopping 65% of this quarter’s sales to be under $500,000. Although up 4% over the past year, for as many as 12 straight quarters our price per square foot has not really changed more than a few percent in either direction, creating a significantly stable market and clear benchmarks when considering value. South of Via de Ventura accounted for 35% of all sales, continuing to raise the lower end of our value range and the main contributor to our modest increase in overall price per square foot. As of February 1, there are 26 single family homes under contract, at an average list price of $224 per square foot. Where we are today The south end of the Ranch continues to be our most active submarket. New listings, brisk sales, a high amount of online views, and lots of remodeling keeps that hot streak going. The bottom pricing of our market continues to rise and south end prices for a decent home are firmly at and above $200 per square foot. As more exceptional homes hit the market and sell, our overall price per square foot should creep up with it. To borrow a fitting baseball analogy, we’re winning because the bottom of our order is getting on base. Condo, townhome, and patio home sales should blow up 6
SPRING 2016
yet again this season. We’ll touch on those numbers in the next article. The north end still holds higher values, however the buying is more picky. If you are entering the market, make sure your home is in tip-top shape. Here are five top tips for selling your home this Spring: • Make sure your home is clean, decluttered and dialed in. • We’ve had a ton of rain and the Spring blooms will be awesome. Get your photos done as soon as the color in your yard pops – even if you are not going to list right away. • Price your home correctly out of the gate. Pricing above the market “to negotiate” has not worked well with post- recession buyers. • Be aware of your amenities. In this neighborhood, a 3rd garage bay, a separate area for kids, or a 3rd full bath can drastically broaden your market exposure. • Paint it. If there is one improvement you can make, a fresh coat of paint will give you the most bang for your buck. And don’t ask the guy at the Home Depot paint counter. Rely on design sources like Houzz or a local professional to help select an impactful color. Enough about McCormick Ranch for a minute. What do Ranch prices buy elsewhere? The past 6 months has taken me into South Scottsdale, Downtown Phoenix, Arcadia and Pinnacle Peak. I thought it would a fun exercise to compare different areas and zip codes to see what a McCormick Ranch home (2,000 – 3,500 square feet) in good to excellent condition ($220 - $270 per square foot) gets you in other neighborhoods. South Scottsdale – Near Fashion Square Mall, and walkable to restaurants, shopping, and night life, these ranges buy a nicely remodeled 1960’s ranch home with 4 beds, 3 baths in the $700,000 - $950,000 range. Moving SE, away from Downtown, you can acquire a newer mid-century home in the mid $500,000’s with approximately 2400 square feet. Moving north of Fashion Square, the $600,000 - $700,000 range gets you a much older home on a larger lot in areas like Rancho Ciudad (east on Vista Drive from Scottsdale Rd) and Indian Bend Ranchos (SW of Indian Bend Road and Pima), however
By Gene Montemore in largely original condition. Arcadia, Lower Arcadia, Camelback Corridor – South of Indian School, or “Lower Arcadia,” gets you a home very similar to the best McCormick Ranch homes – approaching 3,000 square feet, high $700’s / low $800’s, and fully remodeled or new construction. These homes are of gorgeous Ranch style design and finished in the latest trends. And they sell like crazy. Arcadia proper - Different story. In one of the most desirable neighborhoods in all of Metro Phoenix, $800,000+ gets you something to tear down or tear your hair out while you try and remodel an outdated home with an obsolete floorplan. Forget trying to find something for less on a significant parcel of land. North of Camelback, near the base of Camelback Mountain will set you back mid $700,000’s for something similar you’d find in Arcadia Proper. Those who prefer to trade fruit trees for Camelback Mountain can find better opportunities here. Downtown Phoenix – It’s ok to long for nostalgia every once in a while. I certainly do. High $700,000’s buys around 3,000 square feet of drop-dead gorgeous 1920’s history in Encanto Palmcroft. Or high $500,000’s for something a little smaller. (914 W Coronado Road – just…wow.) Kierland – In 85254, similar McCormick Ranch sales parameters gets you a smaller, remodeled 1980’s block home with pool & outdoor fireplace in the mid $500’s, and mid 90’s wood framed construction in the high $600’s. The $700,000 and up range will get you a remodeled 3,200 square foot block home on a much larger lot. But none of those neighborhoods have the quality of folks we have, right? Full reports of recent sales are available at centralscottsdale.com/mcrlifemag. Go see an open house! – G.M. Gene Montemore operates Central Scottsdale Real Estate at Real Living Success Realty. RLS is a marketing-focused brokerage located in the heart of McCormick Ranch and an affiliate of Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices. Gene can be reached at gene@ CentralScottsdale.com or 480-529-4363. McCormick Ranch Lifestyle
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Putting Up the Ritz Last month, after a battle started in 2008, Paradise Valley Town Council officially approved a $2 billion Ritz-Carlton community to be built that will include a Ritz-Carlton hotel, town homes and retail space. The project will include a 352,000 square-foot 200room Ritz-Carlton hotel, along with 94 single-level villas ranging from 1,700 to 3,000 square-feet and 45 single-family homes ranging from 3,000 to 6,000 square-feet. Located on the west side of Scottsdale Road between Lincoln Drive and Indian Bend Road (across from the McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park), the entire 122-acre site owned by Five Star is situated in both Scottsdale and Paradise Valley and is the last large, undeveloped land parcel within these prestigious areas. Five Star Development will build the community. The homes will receive services from the hotel such as dedicated concierge, priority access to hotel guest accommodations, amenities and a la carte services such as in-residence dining and housekeeping. The resort sits on 20 acres, and it plans to have North America’s longest pool at just over 400 feet. There will also be a 20,000 square-foot spa, with indoor and outdoor areas, a health and fitness center, a citrus orchard and a garden.
The hotel has more than double the standard amount of suites, at 40 percent, and rooms will be 35 percent larger than at other resorts. Five Star Development also plans to build non Ritz-Carlton branded luxury townhomes, a retail component and underground parking as part of the 105-acre project. “We are thrilled to finally bring the world’s best hotel brand to Paradise Valley and to create a luxury real estate offering that will be among the most sophisticated and sought-after in North America,” said Jerry Ayoub, President of Five Star Development. An adjoining mixed-use component, The Palmeraie, is in the final planning stages along the Scottsdale portion of the site and is expected to include high-end retail, chef-driven restaurants, luxury residential and a boutique hotel. Five Star Development will break ground on the project in spring 2016 with completion of the hotel and residences expected by the end of 2018. A priority interest list is currently being developed and the first release of homes is expected to be available for sale in late spring. For more information or to join the interest list, visit www.rcpvluxury.com.
RESIDENT RECIPE
Green Chili Pork
by Andy Broder
Ingredients
Procedure
• 1 1/2 pounds pork loin roast, cut into
Preheat oven to 325 F. Heat a small covered casserole or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the 2 tablespoons oil and pork. Stir occasionally to brown the pork. This will take 8 to 10 minutes. Transfer the pork to a bowl. Add the remaining tablespoon of oil, Anaheim chili, jalapeño, and onion to the same casserole. Cook over medium heat until onion is translucent, about 4 to 5 minutes. Add the garlic and stir for 1 minute. Return the pork to the casserole. Add the tomatillos, lime juice, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine, cover, and transfer to the preheated oven. Cook until pork is fork tender, about 2 hours. Check the pork avery 30 minutes and gently stir. As necessary add a half cup of water to keep it moist. Cool slightly, and shred with 2 forks, and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. Serve with warm tortillas. Yield 6 servings.
2-inch cubes – or leftover cooked pork • 3 tablespoons olive oil • 4 Anaheim chilies, seeded and diced • 1 small jalapeño chili, seeded and minced, or more to taste • 1 small onion, cut into julienne slices • 2 cloves garlic, minced • 8 tomatillos, diced • 1 lime juiced • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt • 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper • 12 corn tortillas
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SPRING 2016
Submit one of your favorite recipes to
editor@mcrlife.com
Meet Emma the Brave Send us a picture
of your pet!
As any parent will tell you, seeing your child in pain is the most gut-wrenching, helpless experience. For Keri Lee, resident and mom of three, this was her daily experience for many years. Emma has been battling “something” since she was 18 months old. She’d be playing and all of sudden shriek in pain. “We couldn’t go over speed bumps, pour water over her head in the bath or pull her in a play wagon without her crying,” says Lee. Finally, when she was 3 and after countless appointments, evaluations, therapies, doctor visits and tests, Dr. Bearns at Phoenix Children’s Hospital (PCH) ordered an MRI that gave us the answer. She had Juvenile Pilocytic Astrocytoma (tumor = cancer) the length of her back inside her spine. These benign tumors often affect balance and coordination. She was immediately admitted to PCH to remove the tumor. Through tears, Lee says, “It was a one in a million chance for her to get this. The doctors hadn’t even considered the possibility. But you have to keep pushing… that’s been my lesson.” Unfortunately, the tumor came back two years later at which time Emma endured 16-months of chemotherapy. With a twin
Four-legged
Rancher
brother (Tom) and younger sister (Kate),Please Emma email has spent a lot of editor@mcrlife.com time on the sidelines talking with adults. “She’s more like an adult my age than an 8 year old,” says Lee. With therapy twice a week, their goal this year is to get her doing all of the things a kid her age usually does, like run and jump. In December, Emma went through her 3rd surgery. She was thrilled to come back to Cochise for 3rd grade with all of her friends. Lee says, “I can’t say enough about the exceptional support we’ve received from the Cochise community. They have an amazing special needs program.” On Emma’s first Monday back at school she was in a wheelchair and by that Friday she was telling her mom she could walk to class on her own! Emma’s favorite thing to do is draw. She has been picked twice by PCH to be their featured artist to raise funds with holiday cards. Snickers Keri says, “This year we made ourmix. own is a chihuahua-terrier art andHehelped to raise funds for her therapy was rescued as a stray in Roswell, treatment and medical bills at various events.” NM and adopted by our family this If you’d like to learn more, please visit ‘Emma summer. He’s now loving life on theTo the Brave Will Walk Again’ on facebook. Ranch! in need, Lee also recommends help families donating to the United HealthCare Children’s Foundation (www.UHCFF.org).
Serving McCormick Ranch Residents For Over 40 Years!
McCormick McCormickRanch RanchLifestyle Lifestyle 11 17
At Home with Jason Mitchell:
Top Millennial
12
SPRING 2016
Entrepreneur Maybe you’ve heard of him before as the realtor who was lined up for a reality show called Selling Scottsdale. Made-forthe-camera looks aside, Jason Mitchell’s success has a long history packed in his 34 years. Among numerous awards, he was recently named Top Millennial Entrepreneur by AZ Business Magazine, the #1 Agent under 40 in the state of Arizona and one of GQ magazine’s Top 12 Entrepreneurs in the U.S. He also lives and works on McCormick Ranch. The Detroit native got his first job at the age of 10 to help his family make ends meet and really never stopped working. Mitchell put himself through college at Central Michigan University for a degree in marketing and finance and became one of 900 applicants to be selected for an internship at Pulte Homes. His work ethic and charisma was so impressive that he was offered a position prior to graduating. After becoming the #1 sales rep in Michigan, they moved Mitchell to the Phoenix market. In 2006, he decided to go out on his own and started two successful businesses. By the age of 26, Mitchell was a millionaire, but when the recession hit he lost everything. Like a lot of people, he had to start from scratch. This time he knew how to work smarter and where to invest money. More importantly, he knew to surround himself with people he could trust. He is very proud of the people he
works with and calls friends. “I witnessed layoffs and home foreclosures during the massive recession. I wanted to make an impact in Arizona’s economy and business community by creating jobs and opening doors for opportunities,” he says. In 2015, his team of 6 closed over 90 million in sales. “Our 97% referral rate is because of the service we give our clients. We make our agents successful because of the system we follow,” Mitchell says. Sitting in Jason’s office (located next to Chipotle in Mercado del Lago), it’s hard not to feel slightly intimidated by the accolades and tech-savvy feel. Maybe it’s those mid-Western roots, but Mitchell quickly puts you at ease with a warm greeting and a firm handshake. The Valley real estate market is highly competitive with over 70,000 agents. When asked what he thinks the secret to his success is Mitchell says without a blink, “Our marketing and technology is what keeps us ahead.” So confident in his answer, Mitchell has also developed an app launching this April. TruShowing will give real-time instant feedback to homeowners about their showings. He feels it will bridge the gap of communication and be the most innovative real estate application since Docusign, as it will be a necessary application for listings around the country. The millennial generation (80 million in the U.S.) is up and coming. They are
mobile tech-oriented and experience driven and Mitchell understands that. Scottsdale was recently named a top city for millennial growth by Trulia. How does Mitchell think this will impact our community? “I see more vibrant commercial projects coming to the area, more restaurants and younger families. You can already see it happening. We’re centrally located with neighborhood charm and that’s what people want.” His finance background kicks in when he adds, “According to Forbes, Scottsdale is one the best cities for jobs in the next 5 years. And jobs trump rates.” The Mitchell Group mission is clear: to create a brand that is synonymous with Arizona and give customers the best experience. As a leader in the real estate industry, Mitchell mentors realty agents and young professionals while supporting multiple charities including Helping Hands for Single Moms. As a radio personality, Jason is the host of “Millennial Money Club” on Money Radio 1510 AM every Friday at 1pm, MST. You can visit their website at www. mitchellgroupaz.com to learn more about buying and selling. In his free time, you might see Mitchell riding his bike on the greenbelt or grabbing a bite at Butter’s or Twisted Grove with his girlfriend. It’s safe to say that we can all agree with his statement, “This is a great place to live.” McCormick Ranch Lifestyle
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PROFILE
Eddie Merlot’s
Highly anticipated steakhouse opens doors in Scottsdale Believe it or not, we have Subway to thank for the opening of Scottsdale’s hottest new steakhouse. Yes, Subway. “After I graduated from college in the 1970s, I happened into a Subway restaurant while on business in Florida. Immediately inspired, I reached out to the founder of the co-brand – Fred DeLuca – and opened Subway’s first location in Indiana just three months later,” said Bill Humphries, who grew that one franchise to nearly 750 across the Midwest by the mid-90s. In the late 90s, as Subway grew by leaps and bounds worldwide, so did high-end steak, martini and cigar bars. And while a fan, Humphries – now an elder statesman of the Subway brand and a member of several of its national boards – was surprised at how little these concepts marketed to wine lovers…or women. “I found myself inspired again – this time to develop a high-end steakhouse that paid attention to both its male and female guests alike,” said Humphries, who opened the first Eddie Merlot’s in Fort Wayne, Ind. in 2001. “Back at that time, the idea of offering a dozen wines by the glass – let alone the 75 options we did – coupled with award-winning meats and fresh seafood hand-picked for guests each night by our chef, was almost unheard of. And, in a situation of life coming full circle, Subway actually played a crucial role in making this concept a reality.” Turns out, the name “Eddie Merlot’s” was born during dinner with a fellow national Subway board member named Ed, who asked Humphries for a wine recommendation. The merlot that Humphries chose caused Ed to exclaim that he would only ever order merlot from that point on. The result – Ed would forever be nicknamed Eddie Merlot, and Humphries had a great name for his restaurant. Like with Subway, Humphries hunch about re-imagining a traditional steakhouse into a female-friendly, wine-lovers paradise 14 SPRING 2016
paid off. The brand now boasts 12 locations nationwide, including its most recent addition in Scottsdale. “We opened our first location in Arizona in January in the heart of North Scottsdale nestled on the southeast corner of Scottsdale Road and Pinnacle Peak,” said Humphries. “Our goals are seemingly simple – to offer the best food, best atmosphere, best team and best dining
experience the Valley has ever seen.” With a menu featuring prime beef, which is the top 2% of U.S.D.A. aged beef in the nation, not to mention wines from across the globe and creative signature cocktails, it seems Eddie Merlot’s is well on its way. The brand also has the distinction of being the only restaurant worldwide preparing its Wagyu steak offerings with
the bone and high marble score, which enhances flavor exponentially. For more health-conscious guests, the menu features Bison Filet Mignon, which is less than 300 calories for a six-ounce cut, and all the steaks on the menu are hormone, antibiotic and steroid-free. Other stand-out menu items include: • Escargot Bourguignon: escargot baked in Gorgonzola garlic butter with mushrooms and puff pastry • Filet Mignon Potstickers: handchopped filet, blended with Asian flavors in wonton wrappers, lightly browned • Vegetarian Gnocchi: Pan-seared gnocchi, button mushrooms, sautéed fresh spinach and sweet corn beurre blanc • Sea Scallops: Seared and served with butternut squash purée, brown butter vinaigrette and crispy capers • Triple Prime Meatloaf: Braised tenderloin, red wine sauce, crispy onion straws and roasted garlic mashed potato For those able to save room, the after-dinner drink and dessert menus are extensive, including two interactive offerings – a double-layered cognac vanilla brownie with hot fudge and crème anglaise, and a bananas foster dish for the ages dripping with banana liqueur, brown sugar and butter over vanilla bean ice cream, both prepared tableside (and with fire!). In addition to helping create its signature and seasonal menus, Humphries himself also worked with the Scottsdale restaurant design team to create a welcoming atmosphere at the new location through the use of signature décor elements including intricate “glow lighting,” two-toned woods and custom artwork that incorporates elements of stained glass, and colorful mosaics. Based on the immediate popularity of the new north Scottsdale location, Humphries is also already looking to again expand in Arizona, most likely in Old Town Scottsdale. Eddie Merlot’s is located at 23207 North Scottsdale Road in Scottsdale. For more information, visit www.eddiemerlots.com.
all in your neighborhood Diamondbacks Lounge is the perfect restaurant for casual dining, Happy Hour or a relaxed gathering spot for friends and visitors to make a night of it. Nestled on the shores of Camelback Lake and overlooking the majestic McDowell Mountains, we are just three miles from downtown Scottsdale. Join us for great food, creative cocktails and live music on Friday and Saturday nights. Open daily from 11am to 10pm. Contact us today for more information.
THE McCORMICK 7401 North Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale, Arizona 85253 USA T +1 800.243.1332 E scottsdale.us@millenniumhotels.com W www.millenniumhotels.com A MillenniuM Hotel
F +1 480.991.5572
Taste of Temecula
There is new hot wine region in California By Alison Bailin Batz Sure, Napa and Sonoma are nice, but by spring both beloved wine regions are overrun with wine lovers from across the globe. So if looking to escape the crowds that descend upon Northern California’s major wine countries each year, look no further than the Temecula Valley Wine Country. Located in Riverside County just one hour from San Diego, Orange County or Palm Springs and 90 minutes from Los Angeles, Temecula Valley Wine Country is the largest and most commercially successful winegrowing region in California’s South Coast area. Altogether, Temecula Valley boasts more than 40 wineries and 70 winegrowers, as well as luxurious resorts amongst the vines, high-end dining and – of course – amazing tasting tours. Here are some best bets on what to sip and see as well as where to stay in this hidden gem of a wine country. 16 SPRING 2016
Sip – Callaway Winery Though it is the oldest winery in Temecula, Callaway Winery is among the most innovative. Founded by Ely Callaway – of Callaway Golf fame – and now privately owned by a local family, the breathtaking estate and tasting room is built high above the city and boasts award-winning Chardonnays, Pinot Gris and Sauvignon Blanc varietals. And, always looking to give guests and unique experience, the winery offers three types of tasting experiences: A traditional guided tasting with an on-site expert A “do-it-yourself ” tasting using wine stations, wherein guests purchase a “tasting debit card” and then choose the size and type of wine they want from wine carousels A “behind-the-scenes” private tour, whisking guests behind the winemaker’s
curtain for a rare glimpse into the story behind the best bottles See – Wilson Creek Winery If the name Wilson Creek sounds familiar to Valley wine lovers, it should. Not only is Wilson Creek’s awardwinning almond champagne (and now other varietals) available for purchase at fine grocery and liquor stores across Arizona, but the picturesque winery has been featured on The Real Housewives of Orange County, Blind Date, The Golf Channel, Gene Simmons’ Family Jewels and even on Oprah’s OWN Network in recent years. Founded in 2000 by a multi-generational family, and still operated by them today, Wilson Creek Winery has grown from 20 to 70 acres of vineyards, and is always looking to stand out from the pack. No trip to
Temecula is complete without seeing this majestic property in person. Stay – South Coast Winery Resort & Spa Speaking of majestic, there is perhaps nowhere in Temecula that embodies the word more than South Coast Winery Resort & Spa. In addition to earning more than 1,800 awards and medals for its wines since its inception in 2003, South Coast Winery – whose founder got his start selling grapes to his friends at Callaway – has made its mark as more than just a winery, but as a worldrenowned tourism destination. This three-time winner of California State Winery of the Year encompasses nearly 40 acres on the east side of Mount Palomar, and is home to lush vineyards, the lauded Grapeseed Spa and both traditional hotel rooms in a tower as well as 76 expansive private villas hidden among the vines, ranging from about 500 square feet to more than 1,000, complete with cozy faux and gas fireplaces (depending on room selection), soothing double tubs, and peaceful balconies. Each are tucked away in the vineyards, which begin to bloom each year in March, making spring an
ideal time to treat oneself to a trip. And then, of course, there is the wine. South Coast is unique in that they grow the majority of their grapes themselves to ensure top quality health and flavor of the produce grown. And while the vast majority of their expansive list of varietals is excellent, several are other worldly, including their Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Viognier. With so many favors, it is best to order a tasting flight or two in one of their luxurious tasting rooms on property before settling on a glass or bottle. In addition to traditional and private tastings, South Coasts offers its guests hot air balloon wine experiences as well as yoga and spa-themed wine adventures and regular wine tasting dinners at its Vineyard Rose Restaurant, which is both a Wine Spectator and Open Table award winner several times over. Bonus Tip: Visit the resort’s Grapeseed Spa for the Grapeseed facial, a customized skin revitalization treatment using actual grapes. For more information, or to plan your stay in Temecula Valley, please visit www.temeculawines.org. McCormick Ranch Lifestyle
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Drexyl Restaurant
Highlights Modern American Cuisine in Gainey Ranch Years ago, when Chad Ahrendt, twins Craig and Mark McDowell and their older brother Trevor were attending Saguaro High School, they never imagined that they would open a restaurant in their hometown. They have partnered with seasoned restaurant veterans Kelley Cordova (General Manager) and Chris Mercato (Director of Operations), to open Drexyl Modern American Restaurant at the SHOPS at Gainey Village located at 8877 North Scottsdale Road. “We are family, friends and now business partners who care tremendously about each other and the people around us,” said Mark McDowell. “We will strive for excellence in our customer service and overall dining experience from the moment you walk through our doors.” Drexyl will be open daily at 3:00 p.m. (until 6:00 p.m.) for happy hour and 5:00 p.m. (until 10:00 p.m.) for dinner service. The bar will remain open late night. Lunch will begin towards the end of February. Drexyl was the brainchild of Mercato, and with the help of Ahrendt, Cordova and the McDowell brothers the concept was refined and brought to fruition. The team then tapped Executive Chef Robert Eckhardt to design the handcrafted menu. Drexyl’s menu features unique and approachable starters, salads, sandwiches and entrées. Some standouts include: fire roasted Chicken Arancini ($9), Coldwater Lobster Rolls ($18), Fried Ravioli (house made and stuffed with beef tenderloin, $12), Lemongrass Caesar Salad ($9), Steak Frites Salad ($18), the 18 SPRING 2016
half pound “D” Burger (topped with Rotterdam Gouda cheese and bacon, $15), Crispy Chicken Sandwich ($12), house smoked double cut Heritage Pork Chop ($23), Pacific Coast Sole (with freshly squeezed lemonade pan sauce, $22), and seven ounce Filet Mignon with lobster béarnaise ($36). “It was so important for me to create a menu that excites diners and makes them want to try every dish on it. By highlighting seasonal ingredients and enhancing the food’s natural flavor, I’ve created unique dishes that I know people will be thinking and
talking about for days to come. There is something for everyone on this menu,” said Eckhardt. Eckhardt moved to the Valley in 2012 from Northern California and has cooked at locales like Tonto Verde, Lon’s at the Hermosa Inn, Desert Mountain Club and Las Sendas Golf Club. Drexyl has made significant changes to the space (formerly housing Bloom) including adding a large central bar, an abundance of comfortable booths and the interior has upscale, refined touches that are elegant but still maintain a casual vibe. “Drexyl will be a restaurant that will not only satisfy many types of palates, but also many purposes. Date night, neighborhood dinners, cocktailing with friends and business lunches will all find a home at Drexyl,” said Ahrendt. To celebrate their new venture, Drexyl will host rockers Feed The Kitty at their official launch event on Feb. 6 at 8:00 p.m. Serving lunch and dinner seven days per week, Drexyl offers approachable and refined cuisine in an upscale atmosphere. For more information visit www.drexylusa. com or call 480-840-1861.
McCormick Ranch Lifestyle
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The Critters of McCormick Ranch
The Good, the Bad and the Ugly By H. Alton Jones The land upon which McCormick Ranch was developed has hosted a variety of animals, including humans, for centuries. We have harmoniously coexisted with rabbits, coyotes, javalina, snakes, bobcats, lizards, myriad insects, mice and rats. In the skies, hawks, eagles, quail, dove and hummingbirds grace the horizons. Alright, I may be pushing it by putting quail in the sky, but they are birds and can fly. Many residents of The Ranch are from areas where some of these animals are not found. Sometimes, conclusions are drawn categorizing the various fauna as either good-guys or bad-guys. These conclusions may not always be justified. The “good guys” usually include … Rabbits: They’re fuzzy and cute. They jump and play on your lawn. Their favorite pastime is reproduction. How could anything called a “bunny” be anything but good? Quail: They’re cute. These corpulent little feather-balls spend their days chasing the little dingle-bob hanging on their heads. They never attack you or your pets. They don’t hiss or growl. Eagles, Hawks and Owls: We see Bald Eagles from time-to-time here on The Ranch. They are majestic symbols of independence, our Nation’s freedom and spirit. How can these gorgeous birds be anything but good? Hummingbirds: Dainty and adorable, who could not love these little guys? You usually see them with a backdrop of colorful flowers. They only lack light flute and harp accompaniment. Hummingbirds are good. 20 SPRING 2016
In the group of “bad guys” you’ll find… Snakes: The most common snake on The Ranch is the Gopher Snake. It can grow upwards of five-feet in length and does all those things snakes do – like slither. It is, by definition, a “serpent” and even the Bible suggests that serpents are bad.
Coyotes: They’re carnivores with sharp teeth. They won’t look you in the eye without looking hungry. Legend is replete with stories about Mr. Coyote who is cunning, sneaky and more intelligent than some of the season’s political candidates. Once in a blue moon, they will grab an edible pet and abscond with it. Rats: Here’s something you’ve never heard, “Oh, look at that cute roof rat!” Roof rats are nocturnal. They run everywhere they go as if they’ve just stolen your hubcaps. They’ve probably just copped your citrus. They have sharp, pointy little teeth. And they have long, hairless tails. That’s nature’s way of telling you to put this animal into the “bad can”. Upon reflection, I’m not sure I’ve done all this correctly. Consider this …
That adorable little bunny that makes you want to cuddle also eats flowers and vegetables. He thinks my lawn is his personal salad bowl. After all the time and effort we’ve put into raised-bed vegetable gardens, I’m not too thrilled with Peter Rabbit’s pilfering propensity. He’s off of my list of “good guys” and on to the “bad guy” list where he belongs. I see the wily coyote on security videos in my yard a couple times each week. From midnight to dawn, he comes with his pack to hunt. What’s he hunting? Bunnies! The coyote is now elevated from “bad guy” and moved into the “good guy” category. That doesn’t mean I’m going to feed Fido to him in gratitude, but given a rabbit’s ability to repopulate the neighborhood, I welcome the coyote whenever he comes around. Speaking of furry muchies, another one of coyote’s staples is the roof-rat. Not only does this give coyote the “good guy” medal, he gets an oak leaf cluster for every roof rat he bags in my yard. Coyote’s not only gaining “good guy” status in my book, he’s pawing his way to the top of the list. Another guy that earns a spot on my “good guy” list is the Gopher Snake. Sure, he’s a serpent, but he is completely harmless to humans. Some people actually keep them as pets. But for my money, he gets a scholarship to the “good guy” list because … he eats roof rats and mice. He might even eat a small rabbit and there certainly are enough of them to go around. If I could find a five-footer somewhere, I’d bring him into my yard in a New York minute. I might even have enough veggies this season to share them with you.
Ph otos b y Violetta Har gitay
OdySea Aquarium Update As the highly anticipated OdySea Aquarium remains on track for a summer grand opening, a “topping out” recently took place. This new construction milestone marks the conclusion of steelwork to the top of the facility which included installation of 2 million lbs. of steel and 1,198 beams for the 200,000-square-foot, threestory facility. “This is truly an engineering marvel and a major accomplishment,” said Founder Amram Knishinsky, Ph.D. “We are now ramping up our team that will actively manage the aquarium as we rapidly progress on this highly innovative project.” Greg Charbeneau has been appointed General Manager and he will oversee all operations at the OdySea Aquarium. With over 28 yrs. of experience in zoological operations, hospitality, nationally acclaimed theme parks and aquariums, Charbeneau joins the OdySea Aquarium from Atlantis Resort & Dolphin Cay in Nassau. Also new to the Senior Management Team are David Peranteau, the Curator of Husbandry and Jessica Peranteau, the
Curator of Animal Behavior. They join the OdySea Aquarium from the Six Flags Great Adventure & Safari in Jackson, New Jersey and bring a combined 40 years of experience working with both land and sea animals. They will oversee over 5,000 animals and approximately 300 different species for the aquarium. They have also acquired the aquarium’s very first 8-foot Sandbar Shark named “Uno.” Amit Dongerdive has been named the Director of IT and will oversee all technology including all exhibits and displays. He joins the OdySea Aquarium from the Georgia Aquarium in Atlanta Georgia where he was the Director of IT for 11 years. The OdySea Aquarium has officially contracted Macgillivray Freeman Films to produce the film for the facility’s 3-D Theatre. As the world’s foremost independent producer and distributor of giant-screen 70mm films with 38 films for IMAX theatres, Macgillivray Freeman has won numerous international awards including two Academy Award® nominations and three films inducted into the IMAX Hall of Fame. Adjacent to the OdySea Aquarium, the one-acre marketplace (that includes restaurants, retail and entertainment) has contracted California Pools & Landscape who will begin construction for the ten individual fountains and a performance stage in the center courtyard. Editor’s Note: Aerial photography photo credit: “McCarthy Building Companies”
About OdySea Aquarium
Opening July 2016, the OdySea Aquarium will be the largest aquarium in the southwest and an oceanic educational adventure like no other in the industry. The 16-acre state-of-the-art facility will include a 3D theater, a SeaTrek™ experience and acrylic underwater walkways for visitors to explore all areas of marine life from the bayous and coral reefs to deep abysses of fresh water and salt water. There will also be a Lighthouse Café, and the OdySea Treasures Gift Shop. The OdySea Aquarium is located at is located at 9500 E. Via de Ventura in Scottsdale, AZ 85256 at the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community. For more information call 480-951-2100 or visit www.odyseaaquarium.com
About OdySea in the Desert
OdySea in the Desert is a 35-acre, $200 million entertainment destination attraction. Butterfly Wonderland and OdySea Mirror Maze opened in 2013. The next phase is the OdySea Aquarium, and the adjacent one acre/two-story open-air marketplace. It will include innovative “themed” restaurants and individual retail offerings all centered in a bustling European-styled courtyard with lively stage performances and 360-degree visibility of the surrounding attractions. 22
SPRING 2016
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