Dining in Phoenix
 

We had an excellent meal at T. Cooks in the Royal Palms Resort. It's on east Camelback near the Phoenician.

We also enjoyed Barcelona in Chandler - less formal, less expensive. They feature excellent tapas and although it's in a nondescript shopping mall, the atmosphere is quite pleasant and they have music frequently.

We also like T. Cooks, and the restaurant at the Sanctuary resort in Paradise Valley, Elements. Vincent's on Camelback in Phoenix hasn't disappointed in several visits, and I absolutely agree with an earlier poster about Pizza Bianco - just be prepared for a long wait. It is tiny, not fancy, but wonderful. We sat at the bar next to the prep area and chatted with the chef-owner during dinner (he is from NYC too).

Just so that the OP does not get confused, the last 2 restaurant recommendations (T. Cooks and Elements) are a bit on the expensive side (think cost of a meal equal to a week's worth of her motel accomodation). I managed to spend USD 100 for lunch at Elements without trying hard, and dinner is double that.

Don't forget at I-10 and Dysart.

In-n-Out Burger!!!!

=m

Aren't there a dozen In-n-Out Burger locations in PHX? Seems to be all over the place when I visit PHX. However they also seem to be not quite as good as at LAX (but then the locations in northern california aren't quite up to LA standards fwiw).

It's a nice place and the best pizza I've had anywhere and not too expensive, but a four hour wait for some cheese and dough (we arrived 45 minutes before doors opened) is not worth it in my opinion, but then I don't like to wait in lines for clubs either which some will wait all night for. It was nice to do once, but never again.

We went late spring, so the weather wasn't bad, but this wouldn't be an option in the summer. Also wouldn't go with a large group as this place is tiny and getting that many people together is going to require some doing.

if you're into the outdoors, I'd go for a hike up camelback or maybe hit the botanical gardens although I'm not sure what condition the plants will be in.

Update - Barcelona in Chandler is now closed. They also have a restaurant in Scottsdale, but I have not been there and cannot offer an opinion.

Nearer the new stadium than most of the above suggestions, head north on the Loop 101 to Bell Road, then turn east into the Arrowhead mall area. Tons of restaurants - many chains.. Abuelos is one of my favorites.

A few more to research here: http://phoenix.about.com/od/restwest/

Price of Lodging
 

The price is $89 per night for a queen suite with kitchenette, smoking. If you come up with something better, as far as quality and comfort go, let me know. Also, I would be willing to spend a bit more for something cool

speed cameras
 

If you are driving around the Loop 101 in the Scottsdale area watch your speed. They have speed cameras triggered by strips laid in the roadway and the time taken to cross them is used to work out your mph..(so radar detectors don't help). The locals know where they are and you will find the traffic slows somewhat in those areas. Also Scottsdale police use a nondescript white van parked by the side of the road in urban areas, with a camera operating out of a rear window . Again most locals are familiar with it so watch for brakelights as cars in front of you spot it.

Exraf

And don't forget the "red light cameras" all over town. :mad: :o

BTW, if you get a photo-radar ticket in the mail, your best bet is to simply ignore it.

I got one 3 or 4 years ago, and just ignored it. I need to fix my tail light, so they don't have a reason to pull me over. :)