Get ready for autumn with the latest ideas in catering, teambuilding activities, decor, and more in and around Phoenix and Scottsdale.
The Simple Farm, a beautiful suburban farm and goat dairy that's owned by Lylah and Michael Ledner, now offers domestic arts workshops—from herb cultivation to basic cheesemaking. Book an event for as many as 50 adults in one of two bucolic outdoor areas; private personalized tours of the farm are also available for small groups and can include a 60-minute gardening class.
Photo: Courtesy of the Simple Farm
One of 2014’s most anticipated restaurant openings, SumoMaya blends Mexican and Asian cuisines for a unique fusion concept. The restaurant’s kitchen sources most of its ingredients from local boutique farmers to whip up hybrid dishes like hamachi ceviche and spicy tuna tacos. The space is available for private events of as many as 50 people and can customize both the food and cocktail menus; groups can also opt for the omakase (chef’s choice) experience.
Photo: PHX Architecture
Newly opened Phoenix Indoor Karting, a 100,000-square-foot, high-energy arena that houses myriad electric kart tracks, provides an adventurous group activity option. Teambuilding packages include competitive races—complete with winners’ podium—refreshments, and access to a private gathering area.
Photo: Courtesy of Phoenix Indoor Karting
An abandoned hexagonal building in the valley has been reborn as Hula’s Modern Tiki—a quirky throwback bar celebrating the kitschy Tahitian trend of the 1950s and 60s. The space can be used for a company happy hour or corporate social with classic cocktails like the Mai Tai served in vintage barware. Snacks include samurai beef sticks and seared ahi wontons. The tropical hangout also recently opened a second location in Scottsdale, offering the same menu of island-fusion fare and drinks.
Photo: Courtesy of Hula's Modern Tiki
Morgan Anderson, owner of Flori.Culture, fashions structurally ambitious, unconventional bouquets and arrangements using seasonal blooms, desert flowers, and succulents. Anderson, who holds a masters in horticology and is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in floriculture, offers private arrangement classes for small groups and special events, either on-site or in her studio. This fall, she’ll also be teaching public classes for small groups in seasonal bouquet, centerpiece, and wreath design.
Photo: Charity Maurer Photography
