Spring Training, Local Closures & New Openings

Sorso is closing, baseball is back, and there’s a new spot in town you’ll want to check out

Author

John Apolinar
March 05, 2025

Good morning, Scottsdale. This is Scottsdale Scoop, the newsletter that shares fun events and highlights local businesses. 

Spring Training Season is here! Here’s a lineup of games this week.

Scottsdale Scoop just joined the Scottsdale Chamber of Commerce! I’m excited to get more involved with local businesses. That was one of my main goals when launching the newsletter. If you have any advice feel free to share!

In today’s Scottsdale Scoop:

  • A new luxury housing community

  • A new restaurant in North Scottsdale

  • Weekend events for all

Let’s get to it.

— John Apolinar

SCOTTSDALE SNAPSHOT

A new luxury housing community is on its way to Scottsdale

Villas II at Desert Mountain is Almost Pre Sale Ready

If you’re into golf and luxury living, Scottsdale’s latest development might catch your eye. A new golf community is expanding, offering two distinct floor plans:

  • 2 bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms, 2,768 sq ft

  • 3 bedrooms, 3.5 bathrooms, 3,305 sq ft

While pricing hasn’t been announced yet, pre-sales kick off this March. For more details, check out the full article here.

Sorso Wine Room Set to Close 😭

Tough news — Sorso Wine Room is closing next month after nearly a decade at Scottsdale Quarter. I used to live right next door, and it was my go-to for a casual night out (their 50% off Tuesday wine special was unbeatable).

The reason? A 40% rent hike that the owners just couldn’t absorb. Sorso wasn’t just a wine bar—it was a community spot where people came to unwind and connect. I’d always see neighbors there.

It’s a harsh reminder of how rising costs are squeezing local businesses. Let’s keep showing up for the places that make Scottsdale feel like home. Hoping this newsletter can keep shedding a light on the awesome local spots we have.

State of the City Event

I’ll keep politics to a bare minimum here but wanted to share this. The Scottsdale Chamber of Commerce hosted the State of the City Event for new Scottsdale Mayor, Lisa Borowsky, last week.

The stage was set to do a “fireside chat” style conversation between Paradise Valley Mayor and President of the Scottsdale Chamber of Commerce Mark Stanton.

The event was well attended with over 500 Scottsdale community leaders.

Lisa spoke about new initiatives to keep Scottsdale safe by working with the Scottsdale fire department and she also mentioned how important it was for our cities tax dollars to be used responsibly.

IN PARTNERSHIP WITH DISCOUNT TIRE

If you’re driving around in the Valley, you’re going need good tires — no way around it. And if you’re like me, you don’t want to spend a fortune or waste your whole day at the shop. That’s why Discount Tire is great.

They hook you up with solid deals, fast service, and they actually care about getting you back on the road safely. I’ve been there more times than I’d like to admit (thanks, AZ construction sites), and every time, it’s been smooth sailing. They’ve even been nice enough to patch small holes for free.

Need new tires or just a quick rotation? Hit up Discount Tire.

BUSINESS BUZZ

New Restaurant & Cocktail Bar in Scottsdale is Now Open

If you haven’t checked out Belmont Kitchen & Cocktails yet, you’re missing out. This spot brings a mix of upscale comfort food and seriously good drinks right to the heart of Scottsdale. I went to their soft opening a few weeks ago and was impressed with the food! So much so that it’s on my list to go back to ASAP.

Think elevated American classics, craft cocktails, and a vibe that’s perfect for a night out without the Scottsdale pretentiousness. I remember having a few of their “Don Felipe” cocktails and they were 10/10.

Whether you’re in the mood for a perfectly seared steak or just want to sip something strong at the bar, Belmont delivers. Worth a visit—just don’t blame me if you end up making it a regular thing.

Scottsdale Brunch Gem

If you haven’t experienced JOJO Coffeehouse in Old Town, you gotta go. This locally owned spot offers a warm, welcoming atmosphere with live music on weekends, making it a perfect brunch destination.

Their menu has farm-fresh breakfast dishes, including traditional breakfasts, breakfast sandwiches, and pancakes.

I scoured the Yelp reviews for some inspo and guests rave about the quality of their craft coffee and espresso drinks, as well as their delicious mimosas and mimosa flights.

Nothing in this section is sponsored. They're just local businesses I wanted to highlight. I'll always let you know when something's sponsored.

WEEKEND LINEUP

Thursday, March 6

🤠 Parada Del Sol Rodeo | Westworld of Scottsdale | 7PM ( goes all weekend!)

⚾️ Diamonds in the Desert Baseball Panel | Scottsdale Mall in Old Town | 10AM

🍷Sunset and Sips | Taliesin West | 6PM (multiple days)

🎤 The Shindig Show with Tom Arnold | Desert Ridge Improv | 7:30PM

Friday, March 7

🏎️ NASCAR Weekend | Phoenix Raceway | 6PM (goes all weekend!)

🎤 Standup Comedy Kristin Key | Desert Ridge Improv | 7PM (multiple days)

🪈 Native American Flute Journey | Shanti Sound | 6:30PM

🎸 The Robert Cray Band | Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts | 8PM

🥗 Echoes of the Desert Dinner | Onyx Bar & Lounge at Four Seasons | 7PM

⚾️ Spring Training - Texas Rangers vs Colorado Rockies | Salt River Fields at Talking Stick | 6:40PM

Saturday, March 8

🎤 Standup Comedy Ron White| Talking Stick Resort | 7PM

🧜‍♀️ Mermaid Magic | OdySea Aquarium | 9:30PM (goes daily)

🥮 Pastry Class – Cream Puffs & Éclairs | Classic Cooking Academy | 10AM

Sunday, March 9

⚾️Spring Training - Texas Rangers vs Arizona Diamondbacks| Salt River Fields at Talking Stick | 1:10PM

THE GOOD LIFE

Featuring this weeks most expensive home sold at $5.52M. The resort-style backyard is perfect!

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