This week, Eye on Travel broadcasts from The Phoenician in Scottsdale, Arizona. Peter has an update on the hurricane relief work in the Bahamas, as well as the latest news on the Boeing 737 Max investigation. We’ll talk with the Mayor of Scottsdale, W.J. “Jim” Lane. And Christina Barruea reports on the exploding Scottsdale food scene (with some real surprises). We’ll explore the latest from Museum of the West, the Heard Museum, and one of Peter’s favorites…The Hall of Flame Museum of Firefighting. And a fascinating chat with Jennifer Caraway, Founder and Executive Director of The Joy Bus. It’s a compelling story of an amazing non-profit organization that’s feeding thousands of people in need every week — and how you can help next time you travel. There’s all this and more as Eye on Travel comes from The Phoenician in Scottsdale, Arizona.

Have a travel question? Then ask Peter. E-mail him at peter@petergreenberg.com, or tweet your questions to @petersgreenberg (include #AskPeter).

W.J. “Jim” Lane, Mayor of Scottsdale, talks about what brought him to Arizona in the first place and why he wound up staying. He discusses misconceptions, development and why he wants to keep the overall culture of the city. Mayor Lane then speaks about what put Scottsdale on the map and brought a lot of people out from the East Coast. He’ll also share his favorite lunch and dinner spots around town and what he gets there.

Jennifer Caraway, Founder & Executive Director of the Joy Bus, tells the compelling story of her organization, giving back on a large scale and how it creates the meals that feed people in need every week. Jennifer speaks about being the non-profit, its volunteer base and how anyone can get involved. She then expands on why it’s not part of any meal-delivery service and the crucial companionship aspect of the Joy Bus.

Michelle Caldwell, Chef Concierge at the Phoenician Resort, speaks about some of the misconceptions people have about what a concierge does and why guests should not be intimidated. She speaks about outrageous requests, working on relationships and why she’s irreplaceable. Michelle then talks about the exploding Scottsdale food scene including the hot spots, the creative chefs and what they’re doing, and a unique Native American fare you can experience in Scottsdale.

Dr. Tricia Loscher, Chief Curator at Scottsdale’s Museum of the West, speaks about its nine, constantly rotating galleries and cutting-edge exhibitions that go beyond cactus and cowboys. She talks about how the museum shows the diverse cultures of the region and its variety of storytelling methods throughout the museum. She then speaks about the dramatic paintings that capture the West and what surprises visitors the most.

Diana Pardue, Chief Curator at the Heard Museum, discusses the variety of exhibits at the museum and what makes them truly unique. She also speaks about what surprises people the most and more on the museum’s goal.

Christina Barrueta, Award-winning Food and Beverage Journalist, speaks about the Scottsdale food scene and how it has come a long way because you can source everything now. Christina then chats about the James Beard-award-winning chef that feeds Phoenix. This year, it has had 10 nominations. Do you want indigenous, Native American food? Arizona has it and Christina shares some of its signature dishes along with other surprises the state’s agriculture has to offer. Then there’s a real surprise. Arizona has wine, and apparently, it’s fantastic.

Malachy Tallack, Author of 60 Degrees North: Around the World in Search of Home, explains what 60 degrees refers to and why the quality of light inspires special feelings. He speaks about the different approach he took when writing the book, what he discovered when taking the 60 degree journey and the communities that welcomed him along the way. Malachy then shares the answers to the questions he had been asking – some of them unexpected.

Rick Boyer, Executive Chef at the Phoenician Resort, talks about how he ended up back in Arizona for a third time and the resort was a food and beverage destination all along. He speaks about sourcing, renovation and reconcepting as well as the consistency of a great experience.

Mark Moorhead, Curator of Education at the Hall of Flame Museum of Firefighting, shares the unique history that the museum tells and the story about one of his favorite pieces. He also speaks about how technology has aided and improved the fight against fire throughout the years and why the museum is in Arizona (this reason might surprise you). Mark then speaks about the innovation that the fire department in Phoenix has always had and why the history of humanity is the history of firefighting.

Tim Shannon, Fire Chief at Scottsdale Fire Department, chats all things Scottsdale fire and some of its challenges given the topography, climate and location. Chief Shannon discusses medical calls, monsoon rescues, and its singular-response system that is essential to getting a quick response. He also expands on its contingency plans, how fire can literally change the weather and why the fire department doesn’t hesitate to call in state and federal assets.

By Alessandra Taryn Bea for PeterGreenberg.com