Here's a short list of some of the most upscale spots in the Valley, where $30,000 millionaires are a little more scarce, and you might see a cougar or two on the prowl.
Beginning around 4 p.m., the large bar at this upscale Mediterranean restaurant fills with well-dressed men and women, often lined up three deep for cocktails and small plates. Part bar, deli, gelateria, market and restaurant, the large space has high ceilings, glass walls doubling as wine "cellars" and walls of floor-to-ceiling windows, finished with dramatic deep-red curtains and pretty pendant lights. The generous waterfront patio is appointed with low couches and tables, as well as fountains and decorative trees. On Fridays and Saturdays, Mr. P-Body spins a mix of new wave, electro-pop and up-tempo lounge music.
Named for an island off Scotland, this $7 million, 14,000-square-foot steakhouse and supper club appeals to those looking for a retro night out, where people dress up a little, dance a lot and down cocktails such as the Sazerac, French 75 and sidecar. Modern American cuisine is served in the master dining room, the booth-lined lounge and the "croft" area. The latter two spots are always full for Anne and Terry Davies' lounge show. The duo perform their versions of pop hits, Sinatra-era standards and piano-heavy classic rock.
Blue Martini is an upscale 450-capacity martini bar at City North that’s supercrowded Thursday through Saturday from about 5 p.m. to close. The drinks are big, the crowd is older than average, and that the place has nightly live music, DJs and a rowdy crowd after 10. The 34-drink signature martini menu (which is identical to those at the eight other locations around the country) is designed to attract women, almost exclusively. By “designed to attract women,” I mean the drinks are candy-tastic. They are brush-your-teeth-after sweet, with names like the Pink Passion. They are elaborately presented, with two kinds of chocolate swirled in the glass of the espresso martini, with a caramel-covered apple slice in the Caramel Apple martini and other frippery such as pink sugar, orchids and glow sticks. Yes, so help me, God, glow sticks. Which, of course, end up in the cleavage of the women who order them. The crowd ranges from about 35 to 65, with a handful of 20-somethings thrown in. Picture a Tommy Bahama fan-club meeting, mixed with a Real Housewives of New York City fan-club meeting, crossed with a Cathy comic strip fan-club meeting.
This club's all-white Hamptons-style decor is the place to see and be seen. A sister to the 20-something-heavy Old Town location, the north Scottsdale spot plays Top 40 and pop dance hits that keep the big center dance floor packed. Curtained cabanas provide elegant VIP areas, and an upscale dress code keeps the crowd classy. An extensive martini list features a different concoction each month, and happy-hour specials begin at 4 p.m.
Modern architecture, dark wood and Art Deco touches in a palette of blues and greens give this elegant, dimly lit restaurant and bar a Miami Beach feel. South Beach features elaborate floral arrangements, a rock cover band on weekends and a vast menu, from seared Ahi tuna to alligator croquettes to veal and filet mignon, as well as fine wines and signature cocktails. A petite sushi lounge serving a traditional menu provides an intimate dining experience.
