Opening this month in North Scottsdale is Local Bistro, a casual neighborhood eatery specializing in quality pasta, pizzas, steaks and wines, headed up by Valley chef Andrea Volpi, formerly of Taggia at FireSky Resort and La Locanda.

The Four Seasons Resort Scottsdale at Troon North is offering local Arizona residents a special “Home Away From Home” package for the holiday season, valid for a luxurious casita stay between Nov. 14 and Dec. 30.

Ever heard of Meatless Monday? It’s a a non-profit initiative of The Monday Campaigns, in association with the Johns Hopkins’ Bloomberg School of Public Health, to reduce individuals’ meat consumption by 15 percent. The hope is, with scientific study backing it up, that by cutting out meat once a week, we can improve our health and reduce our carbon footprint. Whether you’re looking to go meatless on Mondays (or any other day of the week), or are a dedicated vegan or vegetarian, here are the Top 5 restaurants to enjoy some tasty dishes sans meat.

Help 14-year-old Scottsdale resident Nitalia Conti fight a brain tumor by paying a visit to the RA Sushi at Kierland Commons any time on Thursday, Nov. 4.

It’s time you did as the Spanish do and embraced the fine art of tapas. The tradition began when servers in Spain used to cover beverages at outdoor restaurants and cafes, placing something salty on top, such as an olive, in order to encourage thirst. Now, however, these small morsels have become a culinary specialty in their own right, perfect for snacking or for a whole meal of interesting flavors and textures. Here are the Top 5 tapas restaurants in Phoenix where you can discover their value firsthand.

If you’re looking forward to Scottsdale Fashion Week, odds are you already know the lineup for all three days by heart at this point. But in case securing tickets for the affair is still on your to-do list, we’d like to remind you just how haute Saturday evening’s main stage will be.

In the market for a new timepiece? We have a few suggestions. Dubai native and Gilbert, Ariz., resident Kunal Naik established his successful Swisstek brand in 1996, making luxury men’s and women’s watches that are designed in Phoenix and then crafted by heritage Swiss watchmakers. If superior quality, exclusivity and impeccable taste are at the top of your list, these beauties are for you.

We know many of you were looking forward to Bernadette Peters’ concert at the Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts this December, however Ms. Peters had to cancel her performance due to the extended run of her Broadway show “A Little Night Music.” Enter Audra McDonald, a Tony and Grammy Award-winning singer and actress to fill the void. McDonald will be giving a special performance at the ARTrageous benefit concert Dec. 4.

If you’re looking for a theatrical way to celebrate the year’s spookiest holiday, we’re happy to inform you that Scorpius Dance Theatre’s “A Vampire Tale” (previously scheduled to run Oct. 13-23) has added one final performance to its run for tomorrow evening, Oct. 29.