Going to be there at the Biltmore for an industry conference. We're looking for somewhere to eat Saturday and possibly Sunday night, any suggestions?

Mary Elaine's in the Phoenician, Scottsdale. If you want to splurge, that is. They're closed on Sundays, or at least, they used to be.

One of the best meals I've had.

I agree. Mary Elaine's is tops. Frankly, for a fine dining experience, nothing in Phoenix/Scottsdale is a close second.
Be prepared for top dollar, and Jacket and Tie atmosphere. But the kitchen does a great job, and the wine list won't disappoint.

I also enjoyed T. Cook's at the Royal Palm. Wonderful food. The wine list ain't 100 pages long. But what was there was quality.

I visit Scottsdale 3 times a year. I would recommend this "locals" place that hardly any of the locals know about: Grazie's Wine Bar and Pizzeria.

First off, half the staff barely speaks english--so this place is authentic. They make all types of southern italian cuisine and it is excellent--much of it cooked in their brick oven (including their italian-style pizza, which only comes in one size). The pizza is the best that I have ever tasted, anywhere.

Second, they have an extensive wine list at almost retail prices (because they also own a wine shop). A month ago, I had a bottle of Falesco Montiano for $55. That ought to tell you something. They only have Italian wine on their list.

They do not sell liquor. They only sell one beer (it used to be Peroni but they switched over to another Italian beer--it's not Moretti either).

This place is a small, hole in the wall in downtown old Scottsdale, on Main Street. Just a few doors down from the Old Tortilla Factory (another good restaurant, by the way).

Oh, and by the way, they hire the most outstanding-looking waitresses.

Highly recommended.