Eat Like a Bachelor: Interview with Arie Luyendyk Jr.

We love talking to locals and learning about their favorite spots around town. Whether their suggestions are restaurants I already have or haven’t been, it always sets off a new craving that must be satisfied… immediately.

*Photo credit: Michael Voorhees

I recently had a chance to interview a local. Not just any local. Arie Luyendyk Jr. And now I have tacos on the brain. You may know him from his career in racing or perhaps his face looks familiar from his appearance on last season’s The Bachelorette with Emily Maynard where he made it to the final two. It’s no secret this show is my biggest guily pleasure and I’m a definite #TeamArie fan. If you follow him on social media, then you know how much of a fan favorite he really is. It’s always refreshing to see our favorite faces from TV engage with fans on Twitter–and Arie is no exception!

Between appearances, his racing career and somehow finding time for a social life, Arie’s quick-paced schedule keeps him living in the fast lane. His career has put him behind the wheel of many fast cars, though now he’s sitting a little higher as he recently made the switch to off-road racing with Stadium Super Trucks (#25). Check out his current schedule and buy tickets at ariejr.com.

Because he’s no stranger to our city (he has lived in Scottsdale since he was nine years old!), I had a chance to interview him about his favorite, local restaurants:

Amy Martin: I remember on your season of The Bachelorette that you mentioned you eat out most nights (no judgment!). Of course, I don’t want to give away all your secret spots and have a mob of girls following you around the city, but can you tell us of a few of your favorite, local restaurants? What kind of food do you typically gravitate towards?

Arie Luyendyk Jr.: I’m a huge fan of the Fox restaurants and love to go to Blanco and Sauce. Other than that, I’m a big fan of Postino and The Mission. Those two restaurants are my go-to spots. For me, I tend to stay away from the more corporate chain restaurants and I love to eat at places I wouldn’t see while traveling. I really feel like we have some of the best dining in the country.

Amy: If you’re in a hurry, what’s your go-to quick service or takeout restaurant?

Arie: Definitely Pita Jungle. When the whole wait staff knows your name, you know you’re addicted!

Amy: Let’s say we’re going on a dinner date. Where might you take me?

Arie: I think that depends on the area of town. If we are talking Arcadia, then Postino is where it’s at, followed by Kazimierz in Old Town.

Amy: Favorite comfort food after a rough day:

Arie: Grilled cheese. I could eat grilled cheese every day.

Amy: What does a Bachelor’s fridge look like?

Arie: Since I travel a lot, I have just the basics. I do love Vita coconut water, so that’s a must.

Amy: Favorite TV snack while watching new episodes of The Bachelorette:

Arie: Does wine count?

Amy: After a big win and a long day of racing, what are you craving most?

Arie: My sponsor Joan makes me brownies. I have a huge sweet tooth, so that does the trick.

Amy: When you’re away racing, do you get any down time to explore the city and try new restaurants? 

Arie: I’d have to say we have really good restaurants in AZ, so I always look forward to coming home. I do look forward to racing in Sonoma because of all the small restaurants and wineries.

Amy: If you could orchestrate your own perfect food day, where and what would you eat and who would be with you?

Arie: I think the perfect food day would be a picnic with someone special. Right now I can put together a great picnic basket.  The other part, well…

Amy: Any news or upcoming plans you’d like to share with us? How can we keep up with you?

Arie: Right now I’m just enjoying my time racing in the Stadium Super Truck Series! If you would like to keep up with me, follow me on twitter @ariejr or visit ariejr.com.