“There is a great synergy between the Los Angeles, Las Vegas and Scottsdale markets,” so says Innovative Dining Group partner, Lee Maen, (wasn’t there a magazine that used to say that? Hint, ITE*)

Truth be told, in the case of food, there is.

IDG is the company behind such LA and LV dining meccas as Katana, Boa Steakhouse and of course Sushi Roku. They are launching a 4th concept but we will save that for a later posting.

Scottsdale’s Sushi Roku is helmed by Executive Chef Tim Fields, previously of The Boulders Resort. Now you’re probably thinking what does the food at the Boulders have to do with a sushi concept making Fields a likely choice? Well don’t be fooled by the name because Sushi Roku is more than sushi — A LOT MORE!

To launch their first concept in town, the owners smartly chose Scottsdale and smarter still, put it at Shawn Yari’s W Hotel. Yari is best known for his nightlife concepts such as Empire, Opium and Sanctuary (now also partners in Axis/Radius, Myst and Suede) and of course his massive real estate business (look for more hotels from him.)

Famed LA designer, Dodd Mitchell of DMD & Associates, is the man behind Sushi Roku’s look and has a laundry list of high profile clients and concepts.

In addition to the restaurant, IDG is also handling the food & beverage program for entire the W Scottsdale, including menus for breakfast and lunch, banquet service and poolside and in-room dining. IDG knows the importance of a good burger to a hotel guest and their Grilled Niman Ranch Cheeseburger is just one of the non-sushi offerings (now you’re getting why Tim Fields.) Room service choices will also incorporate a selection of sushi items from the Sushi Roku restaurant menu, including service options such as “Sushi in Bed.”

Sushi Roku Scottsdale • W Hotel Scottsdale Hotel & Residences • 7277 E. Camelback Rd. • 480.970.2121

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At 5am this morning, we welcomed the return of another Valley icon — no, not David Spade, but close — Dunkin’ Donuts. It was pandemonium, as Extreme Makeover’s Michael Maloney stopped by to sign donuts. Joking about that, but he did receive a warm welcome. Donuts flew off the shelves and bleary-eyed customers welcomed the free coffee.

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