Four adults going to Marriott Camelback for one week; where do locals eat? We prefer casual, but memorable, dining that enhances our active days. Thanking you for your time.

I'm not a local but can recommend a wonderful Italian place that we went to several times during our one week stay in Scottsdale which was three years ago. It's called the Italian Grotto...can't remember the address but it's right in the heart of the shopping district. Casual and terrific food and atmosphere.

There are several good, moderate places in Old Scottsdale, including a restaurant that specializes in chicken and gourmet mashed potatoes (and whose name eacapes me at the moment). For good, moderately priced Italian, try Maria's in Naples Restaurant.

Oh, and another thing: Try the buffet at the Camelback.

Two years ago I had an amazing dinner at La Locanda which is on that main strip in Scottsdale. I hadn't had many good meals on that trip (Sedona, Zion, Las Vegas, etc circle) and was pleasantly surprised to encounter a more than decent meal - finally.

The Pink Pony in Old Scottsdale--be sure to reserve ahead.

My husband and I were in the Scottsdale/ Paradise Valley area last week. We went to a Thai place called Thaifoon, which had great food and was a lot of fun. It opend in April and is very "hip" and quite busy. We got there late for Arizona and had only a short wait. People were in nicer casual dress. We saw no children, but mostly couples and groups from about 25 to 55 in age. We both really liked our meals and the surroundings - modern, lively, yet not annoying.

I think the restaurant that Jim was trying to think of is Bandera, and they're at 3821 N. Scottsdale Road
in Scottsdale (480-994-3524). They do have awesome rotisserie chicken and mashed potatoes. Their jalapeno cornbread (served in mini cast iron skillets) looked fabulous too, but I haven't tried it. I'm getting that, and the sliced lamb, next time!

Donna, are you aware that in your title you wrote "Sottsdale", not "Scottsdale". Was that a typo or a Freudian slip?

We're 20 year locals and foodies from NY originally. Try Rancho Pinot Grill,
Hapa, El Chorro (right next door to you),Lons, Roxanne, Christophers Brasserie, Tarbells, Barmouche, Not much good mexican near you but drive a bit south to the Tee Pee, authentic AZ style and very popular with locals (on Indian School and 42nd St.

Linda, I got a kick out of Sottsdale too. LOL I like it! Maybe we can submit it to the Chamber for consideration?

Sure would be nice if we had an edit function...but that would require registration, which generated a veerrry long thread somewhere in the archives.

Hamlet, not to channge the subject away from restaurants, but it sounds like you made the kind of trip that I was thinking about making. What was you agenda? Where actually did you visit? How long of a trip did you make it and how long diid you stop at each place? I have actually posted simular questions, but never really gotten the kind of answer that I was looking for, so I would really appreciate your help.

Locals have eaten at El Chorro(directly east of Camelback Inn) and Durants(in Phoenix on Central Ave.) for over sixty years. Also, Camelback Inn, La Fontanella for Italian, Houston's, Don and Charlie's, Pink Pony, Rawhide for western feel.

Try the TeePee for VERY GOOD southwest fare. Great drinks and fun atmosphere. Huge portions and potentm'ritas.

Los Olivos in downtown scottsdale for mexican food. If you want an old style ice cream fountain, visit the Sugar Bowl also in downtown. Rather than Rawhide, I would go to Pinnacle Peak Patio for 'cowboy steaks'

For a very nice dinner, try La Fontenella (about 44th st & Indian School).

The 'early bird' dinners at several resorts are excellent values

Would any of these restaurants be okay with an infant (14 months old)? The ideal restaurant for us would be Southwestern style with plenty of vegetarian and seafood on the menu and have an environment suitable for taking an infant. Any suggestions? (We'll be staying at the Hyatt...)

I am a local here in Phoenix and I when I want to try a new restaurant I look on line at www.phoenixnewtimes.com under Best of Phoenix. Each year they put out the best restaurants etc, by category. You might just find what you're looking for. Good luck