Brunch at Virtu

Let me tell you about a little place, tucked on a quiet street in Old Town Scottsdale, where the best french toast of your life awaits! Virtu is one of my all time favorite brunch spots in Scottsdale. 

ZuZu's Brunch

We had a busy day ahead of us on Saturday with a little bit of shopping, a little work, and more shopping for our upcoming camping trip(the amount of stuff you need to camp is exhausting to think about). But first...brunch.   

We entered the Hotel Valley Ho in Scottsdale and instantly were transported back in time; circa 50's-60's. The mid century design of the resort and the Beach Boys blaring from the speakers as we walked in set the mood for the laid back vibe. 

   

T Cook's

We pulled up to the Royal Palms Resort and watched the other restaurant goers get out of their Bentley's and Jag's dressed to the nines while the valet so carefully parked their cars front and center. I looked at my husband dressed in a black polo tee and shorts and said "I think we under dressed." He took one good look at me and said "Well, you do have holes in your pants" (in reference to my ripped white denim that are totally in right now)

T Cooks has been on every must try restaurant list in the Phoenix area (every time I search on Google) so it was about time we gave it a try. We made our way to the Mediterranean inspired courtyard where the aromas of fresh flowers and wood burning from the many fireplaces instantly hit your nose. The charming ambiance made you want to grab a drink and stay awhile.  

Asian Mexican Fusion

I was finally able to ease my craving for a banana split at Proof at the Four Seasons Troon North, thanks to a friend's recommendation. It was our lucky day since they were offering buy one get one complimentary so we indulged. A little dessert before dinner never hurt nobody, am I right?

Cafe Monarch

To celebrate our move to Arizona we decided to start hitting up the plethora of restaurant options there are in the area.

Cafe Monarch is located in Old Town Scottsdale and offers a set menu that changes every week. They post their menu online so you may take a glance over before you go.

Late Date at The Circular

Trying to get a reservation for dinner the Friday before Valentine's Day seemed next to impossible. But, my friends, nothing is impossible and I found one at the sweetest place on earth...Hershey (hotel).

Now, I have been to the Hershey Hotel for multiple spa days but have yet to try any of the restaurants at the hotel.  So when The Circular had an opening I thought why not give it a go. 

We arrived and had a brief wait which meant multiple photo ops in front of the fountain in the courtyard because one is just never enough.

Down at The Bayou

I was craving some good ole' southern comfort food. 

I was hearing good things about The Bayou in Bethlehem so told Jer and we made it a date.
 

Philly CheeseSteak Battle

It was Saturday; with growling stomachs that were craving some greasy goodness, we discussed our lunch options. 

Since we had plans in Philly, Jer suggested we go to Tony Luke's. He insisted that these were THE best cheesesteaks in Philly and that I must try one.  Knowing that this was the only place he has tried, I took to the internet.

According to my thorough investigation, there is much debate as to who truly has the best, most authentic cheesesteaks in Philly.  Of course, it all comes down to personal taste. However, the three most talked about places were Tony Luke's, Pat's, and Geno's. We were about to drive over an hour for lunch. You best believe we were going to find out who was worthy of the title and try all three. Sound ambitious, it was.

I pulled on a pair of leggings (with the handy elastic) that would accommodate my expanding belly and we were off.  Operation Philly Cheesesteak Battle was on.

First stop was Tony Luke's on Oregon Ave.