ORANGE SKY GARNERS WINE SPECTATOR ‘AWARD OF EXCELLENCE’

SALT RIVER PIMA-MARICOPA INDIAN COMMUNITY, Ariz. (Aug. 28, 2012) Talking Stick Resort, an enterprise of the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community, proudly announces that Orange Sky, its signature restaurant, has received Wine Spectator’s Award of Excellence. This marks the second year the restaurant has been given this award for its extensive wine list.

“Recognition from Wine Spectator with an Award of Excellence is not something we take for granted,’ said Lyle Bighorn, director of food and beverage for Talking Stick Resort. “Since winning last year, we have not rested our laurels; we instead have continued to diversify and add new wines to ensure that guests dining at Orange Sky have an amazing selection from which to choose.”

Orange Sky will be honored in the magazine’s Aug. 31 edition among other restaurants with menus offering at least 100 well-presented, appealing wine selections appropriate to their cuisine. Highly regarded among wine connoisseurs worldwide, Wine Spectator evaluates restaurant wine lists for one of three awards: Award of Excellence, Best of Award of Excellence and Grand Award. This year, only 3,795 restaurants from around the world received one of the awards from the publication.

To qualify for an award from Wine Spectator, the restaurant’s wine list must present complete, accurate information, including vintages and appellations for all selections. Additionally, complete producer names and correct spellings are mandatory. The overall presentation of the wine list is considered as well.

The wine list at Orange Sky features a 275-bottle selection with 30 wines by the glass. A dramatic, glass wine room displays more than 100 of its white wine selections in a temperature controlled environment of 47 degrees, while red wines are stored at 62 degrees in hand-crafted, cedar wood wine racks that surround the Sommelier table. All of Orange Sky’s wines are served in lead crystal glassware, appropriate to the varietal.

The 200-seat restaurant, on the 15th floor of Talking Stick Resort, features fresh seafood, aged steaks and just-harvested vegetables. With its 360-degree views of the valley’s signature orange sunsets (and inspiration for its name), Orange Sky has a versatile menu that allows guests to eat light, mix and match and share plates, all depending of their appetites. For more restaurant information or reservations call (480) 850-8606 or visit http://www.talkingstickresort.com.