When Tom and I are in Scottsdale visiting his kids and my family, we love to eat at the Rare Earth Coffee and Wine Bar in North Scottsdale. It’s just down the street from my favorite hike at Pinnacle Peak, and it’s an intimate, friendly, delicious way to refuel after a workout or just enjoy some couple time.

Locally owned, Rare Earth has an expansive second-floor patio with gorgeous desert and mountain views. Inside, they have a flat screen TV, tucked in a corner for watching the game, as well as a cozy corner with couches and a chalkboard wall with rotating food and drink specials. You can have a quiet romantic dinner or gather a bunch of friends together - it's that kind of warm, inviting, neighborhood restaurant.

Tom and I love to split a caprese salad with fresh mozzarella, tomatoes and basil for starters. They have an extensive wine selection, that changes frequently, and plenty of happy hour and by-the-bottle specials – and the Earth even has champagne and prosecco! (Love it!) All of their handmade, thin-crust pizzas are wonderful, and they’re just right to share. We’ve enjoyed the “Taste of Chicago” with sausage, pepperoni, white onions, black olives, red sauce, mozzarella and parmesan. I also like the prosciutto and fig pizza – I know it sounds weird, but it is a heavenly pairing of sweet and savory – and it goes great with champagne.

If you have four or more, I’d recommend sharing the artichoke dip with encrusted parmesan cheese as an appetizer – it comes with lavosh crackers and it is definitely an indulgence. Two pizzas are perfect for four, and then it won’t be as hard to make up your mind!

Next time you’re in Scottsdale, take some time to enjoy a challenging hike at Pinnacle Peak and reward yourself with a wonderful evening or afternoon meal at Rare Earth!