Nominations for the 2006 James Beard Awards were announced and include three from Scottsdale. The awards honor chefs, restaurants, wine programs, cookbooks, broadcasting, print journalism and restaurant design across 62 categories. Included in the nominations were Chef de Cuisine Bradford Thompson of Mary Elaine’s at The Phoenician, nominated for best chef in the Southwest; Mary Elaine’s wine program, led by Master Sommelier Greg Tresner, nominated for outstanding wine service; and Nobuo Fukuda of Sea Saw, nominated for best chef in the Southwest.

The James Beard Foundation selects nominees and winners by enlisting the votes of more than 600 food and beverage professionals around the country. Established in 1990, the foundation is a non-profit organization dedicated to preserving and celebrating America’s culinary heritage. The winners will be announced at the 2006 Awards Ceremony and Reception in New York City on May 8, 2006.

For more information on The Phoenician, visit www.thephoenician.com or call (800) 888-8234. For more information on Sea Saw, visit www.seasaw.net or call (480) 481-WINE.

Zagat Survey recently listed the top 100 hotel restaurants in America for a survey requested by USA Today. The selections were based on food quality, d©cor and service. Three Scottsdale resorts were featured in the list including Mary Elaine's at The Phoenician, ranked number 14; Marquesa at The Fairmont Scottsdale Princess, ranked number 17; and T. Cook's at Royal Palms Resort and Spa, ranked number 34. All of the top 100 hotel restaurants featured offer guests fine dining and elegant d©cor at a high price. Most of the restaurants also provide impeccable service with a number of them boasting breathtaking views.

For more information on The Phoenician, visit www.thephoenician.com or call (800) 888-8234. For more information on The Fairmont Scottsdale Princess, visit www.fairmont.com or call (800) 344-4758.

For more information on the Royal Palms Resort and Spa, visit www.royalpalmshotel.com or call (800) 672-6011.