Hi, Scottsdale & Phoenix!🌄

When it comes to food, you don’t have to drive far to satisfy your cravings. And Fridays are when Desert Rundown spoils you with all the foodie updates you need to know! 🍽️

🍽️ Paradise Valley’s INDIBAR Makes Its Mark on Arizona Dining

🌮 Arizona’s Biggest Dining Week Is Back

📲 What's on the feed?

🎉 Weekly roundup

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🍽️ Dining

Paradise Valley’s INDIBAR Makes Its Mark on Arizona Dining

As a Scottsdale local, whenever someone asks, “Which Scottsdale restaurant should I try?” I can think of plenty of spots I’d confidently recommend—and the list just keeps growing. But since last year, there’s been one remarkable addition I wouldn’t think twice about recommending after trying it myself: INDIBAR.

Must-try Experience: INDIBAR pairs a luxe yet warm interior with terra-cotta and emerald tones, South Asian-inspired arches, mirrored details, and a striking India-inspired photomural. Its menu gives traditional Indian flavors a modern twist, with entrées averaging around $30, plus vegetarian-friendly and select vegan options. Try the Murgh Khatta Pyaaz Kulchette, Ragi Papdi Chaat, and Homestyle Butter Chicken. INDIBAR stands out for its seamless blend of elevated Indian cuisine, creative cocktails, and distinctly Indian design with an Arizona touch.

A new Scottsdale pride: Led by Chefs Nigel Lobo and Ajaypal Singh, INDIBAR opened in March 2025 in Paradise Valley. In less than two years, it has become a James Beard Award semifinalist for Best New Restaurant and earned a “Recommended Restaurant” designation in the inaugural Arizona Michelin Guide. The restaurant also collaborates with award-winning chefs and Scottsdale restaurants for special-edition experiences. And starting September 14, INDIBAR is adding Mondays to the experience, with 20% off food every Monday throughout September.

​INDIBAR | 6208 N Scottsdale Rd, Paradise Valley, AZ 85253

Have a local spot you think deserves a shoutout? Reply to this email and let the Valley know!

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🔔 Foodie Alert

Arizona’s Biggest Dining Week Is Back

​Arizona Restaurant Week returns September 18–27, bringing 10 days of prix-fixe dining experiences to restaurants across Scottsdale, Phoenix, and other parts of the state.

10 Days, Plenty to Taste: Held twice a year, Arizona Restaurant Week lets diners explore participating restaurants through special three-course dinner menus priced at $33, $44 or $55 per person or couple. It’s a chance to discover new spots or revisit favorites without breaking the bank. Presented by ROXX Vodka, start checking out the participating restaurants and plan your dining lineup.

Plan Your Plate: Organized by the Arizona Restaurant Association, the event is open to locals and visitors, with reservations recommended at participating restaurants. Menus are uploaded, and you can check the lineup and reserve through the Arizona Restaurant Week website. A tip: popular spots can fill up quickly, so book early and check whether the prix-fixe price is per person or per couple.

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📲 What's on the feed?

Missed a post? Here’s what’s been buzzing across our social channels this week.

• ​Kuza, a new Japanese restaurant featuring live-fire robata, sushi, raw bar selections, and Japanese-inspired cocktails, opens September 16 at 17767 N. Scottsdale Road in North Scottsdale—phoenix_finds​

• Aridus Wine Co. and The Brush Bar host a Paint & Sip on September 10, with a two-hour painting session and Arizona wine. Tickets are $55 ($45 for Wine Club members), with limited seats. Get tickets—scottsdalescoop​

• ​Scottsdale Arts is hiring for several positions, including a full-time Donor Experience Manager, Stewardship & Events, plus part-time Arts Educator and Canal Convergence Art Ambassador roles—scottsdalearts​

• Cali Tacos is coming to Scottsdale, with a new location planned for 7337 E. Shea Blvd., Suite 100—calitacosaz​

Found an interesting update or happenings around Scottsdale? Share this edition with a friend and keep them in the know!

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🗞️Weekend Roundup

Events 🎉

• The 2026 Arizona State Fair opens Thursday, Oct. 1 at noon at the Arizona State Fairgrounds in Phoenix and runs through Nov. 1, with this year’s Coliseum concert lineup featuring Gin Blossoms, Becky G, All Time Low, The Offspring, Russell Dickerson and Public Enemy. For a limited time, grab two fair admission tickets for $30, including taxes and fees; concert tickets are sold separately but include fair admission.

• ​Rodeo Rose Market returns to Scottsdale Stadium on Saturday, Sept. 5, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., featuring secondhand fashion, handmade goods, beauty services, flowers, coffee, mocktails and other women-owned vendors.

• The Maricopa County Home & Garden Show returns to WestWorld of Scottsdale Oct. 2–4 for its final show of the 2026 season. The event runs 10 a.m.–5 p.m. daily and is indoors and air-conditioned, with free parking. Admission is $10 for adults, $3 for kids ages 5–12, and free for children 4 and under (purchase online or onsite).

• Parks & Rec Rewind 75 takes place Sept. 19, from 6–9 p.m. at Scottsdale Civic Center. The free event celebrates Scottsdale’s 75th anniversary with live music, retro games, decade-inspired activities, and a look back at the city’s history.

• The Promenade Scottsdale will host its Flow Into Fall Wellness Event on Saturday, Sept. 26, from 9 to 11:30 a.m. on the lawn near Capital Grille, with free fitness classes, a sound bath, wellness vendors, healthy refreshments, and InBody scans. Register here.

• The Doc Holliday Bottled in Bond Cocktail Showdown takes place Sept. 21, 7–10 p.m., at The Ponderosa House in Scottsdale. Eight Valley bartenders will compete, with whiskey samples and specialty cocktails available. The event is free to attend.

• ​Scottsdale Fashion Week celebrates its 10th anniversary from October 4–11, 2026, marking a decade of fashion, culture, and lifestyle experiences in Scottsdale. The week opens with Core & Couture at Scottsdale Quarter and wraps up on October 11 with Sunday Soirée at Scottsdale Quarter. Tickets are available through Tixr.

• Movie nights are going old school at Downtown Phoenix’s historic O​rpheum Theatre, with its annual film series returning September through December. The lineup includes Spaceballs, Back to the Future, Psycho, Home Alone and other fan favorites.

News 📰

• Yelp-recognized De Babel just opened its second location at The Edge near 90th Street and Loop 101, featuring its popular halal Middle Eastern menu, spacious patios, and a new market offering specialty products.

• Following the announcement that Imagine Dragons will headline the Concert in the Coliseum, the WM Phoenix Open has confirmed that Snoop Dogg will lead the Coors Light Birds Nest on Friday, Feb. 12, 2027, with T-Pain opening. Tickets go on sale Sept. 8 at 10 a.m. at CoorsLightBirdsNest.com.

• ​Harry & Izzy’s has opened its first Arizona location at 12770 N. Tatum Blvd., Phoenix. The Indianapolis-based restaurant brings its steakhouse concept to the Scottsdale area as the surrounding Paradise Valley development continues to grow.

• ​Flexjet has broken ground on a $36 million private terminal at Scottsdale Airport. The two-story facility will include a passenger terminal, offices and a maintenance hangar, with an opening targeted for late 2026.

• ​Saguaro Lake Ranch Stables opens Sept. 1 at 3050 N. Bush Hwy, Mesa, offering 75-minute horseback rides through the Sonoran Desert. Group rides are $110 at 8 a.m., while sunset rides are $125 at 5:15 p.m.; lodging guests receive 15% off, and the stables are closed on Wednesdays.

And there we go with another week; thanks for tuning in to Desert Rundown for the best local finds and events!

— Ben Murray | Founder @ Desert Rundown

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