RUBEE TUESDAY: Hermosa Inn Staycation, Cool Dining in the Wine Cellar, Little Rituals
A weekly Tuesday feature, I publish Rubee Tuesday as a photo recap of my recent drinking and dining adventures. You can read past Rubee Tuesdays HERE.
Spanish Dagger and Watermelon Sundae cocktails at Little Rituals in downtown Phoenix
Saturday, June 24: Hermosa Inn (Paradise Valley). One of our favorite summer traditions is a staycation at this historic boutique resort which was originally the private hacienda of renowned artist Lon Megargee. You can see a full video reel of our hosted stay here.
Hermosa Inn Lobby
After visiting the charming Hermosa Inn lobby where we helped ourselves to freshly-baked chocolate chip cookies and picked up our keys (and saw my Phoenix Cooks book in the gift shop!), we checked in to our luxurious Deluxe Casita. Each beautifully appointed casita features a king-size bed, marble bathroom with walk-in shower and clawfoot tub, fireplace, and a private patio.
We also loved the warm welcome - thank you to executive chef Alejandro Martinez for spoiling us with some amazing treats!
After snacks and cocktails, we headed to the pool and our reserved cabana.
Tip: Each cabana rental at Hermosa Inn comes with either a bucket of Arizona beers or a carafe of sangria served with a cheese and fruit platter or guacamole, chips and salsa.
You can read about all the summer specials, including cabanas and room discounts for Arizona residents, here.
One of the Hermosa Inn’s most romantic secrets is the Wine Cellar. Beneath the hacienda lies a subterranean sanctuary which once hosted clandestine poker games and illegal gatherings during Prohibition.
Usually reserved for private events, the wine cellar at Hermosa Inn is kept at a cool 57 degrees and in the summer is open to the public. From June to September, on Thursday through Sunday nights, guests can reserve a table to experience a spectacular five-course tasting menu that changes weekly. As the intimate space only seats 12 people, be sure to make reservations.
We were joined by our friends John Bergman, co-founder of WorldClass, and Zane Smith. A round of pre-dinner Negroni Sbagliatos and a Vieux Carré were ordered before we dived into this incredible wine-paired feast:
And if that wasn’t enough, Chef Alejandro spoiled us with a bonus course of WorldClass Spanish Carabineros prawns and New Zealand scampi which Bergman has recently introduced to the Arizona market. Wow! The flavor and sweetness of these world-renowned delicacies is incredible and I’m excited that they will be appearing on local menus.
WorldClass Red Carabineros Prawns from Spain
WorldClass Argentine ribeye with duck fat potato puree, spinach, grilled onions and Malbec reduction at Lon’s at Hermosa Inn
The next day, we had planned brunch at Lon’s at the Hermosa for one last meal before check-out.
LON’s dining room at the Hermosa Inn in Paradise Valley
Brunch is served daily from 7:00 am to 1:30 pm, and I highly recommend a new addition to the menu - Lon's Quiche with citrus-radish salad, Baja crab, and WorldClass Patagonian shrimp.
My husband was just as happy with his Bloody Mary and huevos rancheros with local Schreiner’s chorizo, Anasazi beans, and tomatillo salsa.
Tuesday, June 27: Little Rituals (downtown Phoenix). This Phoenix gem is a personal favorite of mine, but I’m not the only fan. This cocktail lounge and restaurant has garnered various local “Best of” honors, has been nominated for a James Beard award, and, most recently, was named a Top Four Finalist for Best U.S. Hotel Bar by the prestigious Tales of the Cocktail Spirited Awards.
We were invited to sample some of Little Ritual’s newest cocktails and Mr. Hollywood was one of my favorites of the night. An elegant combination of Remy Martin, Pineau de Charentes, sweet onion cordial, and Taittinger champagne, it was crowned with a house potato chip topped with caviar and creme fraiche.
I also had a chance to sit down with co-owner Aaron Defeo and will be sharing the details behind our cocktails in a separate feature - stay tuned!
More of the excellent cocktails that have won Little Rituals so many accolades:
Watermelon Sundae (Hendrick’s Gin, Bonal and fortified watermelon with a cucumber and watermelon granita garnish).
In Love with Cocoa (Abasolo Ancestral Corn Whisky, sonicated wild cacao, Damiana, vanilla, chocolate bitters, coconut, sea salt).
Swipe Right (Tullamore D.E.W. Irish Whiskey infused with green tea and cherry blossom, Stone Fruit Eau de Vie, raspberry honey, verjus).
Ballpark Highball (Suntory Toki whisky, Monkey Shoulder blended Malt, barley tea sherry, house club soda, and a side of Japanese-Style Peanuts).
Chaotic Good (Amrut Old Port Rum of India, Smith & Cross Jamaican Rum, Heirloom Pineapple Amaro, chai, sotol, Golden Milk Syrup, sour orange, guava).
And plan on dinner at Little Rituals too. Must-orders by talented Chef Nathaniel Cayer-Myette include his warm Parker House-style rolls with pandan-vanilla butter, Pho French dip with brisket, sambal aioli and house hoisin sauce, lamb chops with fingerling potatoes, cardamom yogurt and cumin chimichurri, grilled broccolini, and crispy Brussels sprouts with bacon jam.
Check back on my next Rubee Tuesday for visits to Prime at Gila River Resort and Casino at Wild Horse Pass, Tia Carmen, Tarbell’s and Vecina.