Chow Bella

A Spring Training Guide to Food and Drink - East Valley

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San Francisco Giants: Scottsdale Stadium
7408 East Osborn Rd.
www.scottsdaleaz.gov/stadium.asp

Inside the Ballpark:
The spring home of the San Francisco Giants is one of the prettiest stadiums around, with over 200 trees, grassy areas, and a 12,000 seat arena on 11 acres in the heart of Scottsdale. The original Scottsdale Stadium was built in 1956. After the Giants started training there, the stadium was razed and a new, state-of-the-art facility with framed baseball memorabilia and sidewalk bricks in the shape of home plate was unveiled in 1992. In keeping with the sleek new digs, grub at Scottsdale Stadium isn't limited to hot dogs, peanuts and Cracker Jacks. In addition to those ballpark staples, look for fresh fruit and salads at the Farmers Market stand, tacos and nachos in the concession booths and Gordon Biersch's amazing garlic fries. Just remember to steer clear of the latter if you're on a date, or consider heading out to any one of the dozens of great restaurants in nearby Old Town Scottsdale after the game.

Moon Shots: Pre- and Post-Game Drinking

Cien Agaves Tacos and Tequila: Pitchers of red sangria, lobster tacos and a mind-boggling selection of tequilas make for an upscale alternative to crowded sports bars.
7228 E. 1st Ave.
480-970-9002
www.cienagaves.com

Upper Deck Sports Grill: You won't miss a second of the game on the 15-foot projection screens and 30+ plasmas here. Not exactly gourmet eats, but decent.
4224 N. Craftsman Court
480-941-9333
http://www.upperdecksportsgrill.com/

Pattie's 1st Avenue Lounge & Patio: Prized for its shaded brick patio and dive-y atmosphere, this casual hangout yields cheap bottled beer and an unpretentious crowd.    
7220 E. 1st Ave. 
480-990-0103

 

Table Setters: Family Friendly

The Sugar Bowl: Satisfy your post-game sweet tooth with sundaes and waffle cones at this nostalgic ice cream parlor which had a recurring role in Bil Keane's comic strip The Family Circus.
4005 N. Scottsdale Rd.
480-946-0051
www.sugarbowlscottsdale.com

Los Olivos Mexican Patio: Faux stone temples, mushroom skylights and an entirely blue room are feasts for the eyes, while fairly authentic grub is a treat for the palate.
7328 E. 2nd St.
480-946-2256
www.losolivosrestaurant.com

Bacon: Get ready to pig out at this eclectic breakfast spot, where everything from omelets and sandwiches to the cute egg-in-a-hole breakfast comes loaded with the restaurant's crispy, delicious namesake. 
4175 N. Goldwater Blvd.
480-947-3090

Sweet Spots: Fine Dining

The Mission: Finding a seat at this trendy Latin-inspired Old Town eatery is a mission in itself, but it's worth it for the ambience and Chef Matt Carter's amazing short ribs and pork shoulder tacos with pineapple glaze.
3815 N. Brown Ave.
480-636-5005
www.themissionaz.com

Daily Dose: Though known for comforting brunch dishes like the banana split pancakes and hangover sandwich with bacon, turkey sausage and cheddar on sourdough, don't pass up the dinner entrees at this chic hangout, which average $15 a plate.
4020 N. Scottsdale Rd.
480-994-3673

Stingray Sushi: Fresh sashimi, rolls and dumplings, with half-price sake carafes and food specials under $5 during happy hour from 3-7 p.m. weekdays.
4302 N. Scottsdale Rd.
480-941-4460
http://www.stingraysushi.com/

La Petite Maison: With just 33 indoor seats and a menu that includes foie gras, coq au vin and bouillabaisse, this quaint French bistro from Chef James Porter is small on space and big on flavor.
7216 E. Shoeman Ln. 
480-991-6887
www.petitemaisonaz.com

Circus Catch: Places to Spot Players
The San Francisco Giants used to hang at Scottsdale's famed Pink Pony until the sixty-year-old institution folded last year. Rumor has it they're migrating to Don & Charlie's at 7501 E. Camelback Rd. in Scottsdale, so it's likely you'll spot a Giant or two (or twenty) there after a game.

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Wynter Holden
Contact: Wynter Holden

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