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This Week: Soulful Crooners, First Friday, Bowling & Baseball

Monday, August 30th, 2010

Summer may be winding down, but Downtown Phoenix is only getting hotter.  Three nights a week you can laugh yourself in stitches over Ashley Pirouznia’s lineup of local talent;  Mondays at Sonoma Casual Dining, followed by  Fridays and Saturdays at Ghost Lounge.  Whether you want to see Phoenix veterans of comedy or the latest “fresh meat” (prime heckling material), there is a laugh for every taste.  All shows start at 8:30 p.m. and there’s no cover!

lamontagneSpeaking of talent, David Gray and Ray Lamontagne perform at the Dodge on Wednesday night.  Both known for their acoustic style and raspy voices,  this show will easily slide you over hump day on into the weekend.  On Friday, talent will be abound with the First Friday of the month.  Check out the fun at Arizona Latino Arts and Culture Center, Children’s Museum of Phoenix, the Arizona Science Center with Adult’s Night Out, ASU University Center’s gallery “The Vault”, Heritage Square, AE England Building in Civic Space and much more.  The Valley Youth Theater has extended “Grease” due to its popularity.  With famous alumni like Chelsea Staub (Disney Channel), Jordin Sparks (American Idol) and Emma Stone (Zombieland) you may easily be able to say, “I saw them when…”.

The D’backs take the field again this week against the Padres and the Astros.  College football starts this week too.  Coach and Willie’s kicks-off the season with great specials on Thursday night and again Saturday morning at 8:30 a.m. (in time for the East Coast kickoffs).

If none of this floats your boat, you can always hit the lanes at Lucky Strike.  They have great happy hour specials and this amazingly entertaining lunch special – a sandwich and a game for $5.50!  You can get a turkey sandwich while you bowl a turkey.  Ha!

Download This Week’s What’s Happening for a Complete Guide to Downtown Events

 

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Posted in Arts & Culture, Bars & Nightlife, Deal, Family, Featured, Food, Restaurants & Dining, Music & Events, Sports | No Comments »

The Latest on CityScape

Thursday, August 26th, 2010

CityScape (Downtown’s new entertainment district covering the area of Jefferson N to Washington and 1st Ave E to 1st St) announced a double dose of exciting news this week. First, several opening dates have been written in stone (or at least penciled in). Second, two more retailers, Charming Charlie and Jimmy John’s, have been added to the line-up.

Here’s the CityScape rundown:

Designer District – Forget Scottsdale. This Phoenix-based retailer, opening today, qualifies as our very own slice of fashion heaven. Exclusive lines from around the world and classic brands hang side-by-side in this ultra-cool showroom. Brands include CCDK from Copenhagen, Hugo Boss, Joy Li (a fellow Phoenician), Marc Allison, Salsa Jeans and Black Halo, whose little black dress is well worth coveting.

ST/BOWLINGLucky Strike Lanes – Usually, the words “upscale” and “bowling” go together as well as Mel Gibson and a cell phone. But no more. With its sleek atmosphere, multiple bars, DJ and gourmet menu, this bowling lounge is a highly anticipated addition to CityScape. Opening Friday, Lucky Strike will offer daily Happy Hours and daily lunch/bowl specials for $5.50.

West of SoHo – Set to open late next week, West of SoHo in CityScape will be the flagship store for this fashion retailer. The focus here is modern Bohemian style, using found objects and authentic materials. Check out the fall trends, including art-inspired prints and a return to the 70’s (think Stevie Nicks).

Five Guys – To quote Homer Simpson: “Mmm, burgers.” That tells you everything you need to know about this great burger and fries spot, slated to open on September 6th. These burgers are so good, they’ve been rated by Zagat and voted “best burger” at cities all across the country. Everything is made fresh to order, and the menu sticks with the beloved basics: burgers, hot dogs and fries.

Par Exsalonce – Considered one of the top day spas in Arizona, Par Exsalonce hasn’t set a CityScape date yet, but anyone who loves being pampered will be eager for its opening. Services include a hair and nail salon, facials, body treatments, massage therapies, waxing, makeup, manicures and pedicures. I feel relaxed already.

jimmyjohnJimmy John’s – This eatery says it offers the “world’s greatest gourmet sandwiches.” Jimmy, you had me at “sandwich.” Choose from seven big sub sandwiches and 11 giant club sandwiches, including the Ultimate Porker (start your engines, bacon lovers) and a Gourmet Veggie Club.

Charming Charlie – I could be in trouble here. I have a weakness for fashion accessories like earrings, bracelets, handbags and belts, and that’s what this boutique is all about.  Plus – and I think this is a killer touch – they’ve organized the store by color families to make it easy to find the right accessories. So, even though their items are incredibly affordable, ranging from about $5 to about $50, someone should hide my credit card.

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1130 The Restaurant

Thursday, August 19th, 2010

1130 The Restaurant at Arizona Center has long been one of my favorite restaurants in Downtown Phoenix and now others are finally taking notice.

11301130 received an impressive five (5!!) Phoenix New Times “Best Of” nominations in the categories of Best Steakhouse, Best Brunch, Best Place for a First Date, Best Specialty Drink (Mojito) and Best Hamburger.

Congratulations to General Manager Amber Cesena and the rest of her team on this tremendous and well-deserved achievement.  

You can read more about 1130 The Restaurant in the “Make It A Date” section of the 2010 Downtown Dining Guide or, better yet, if you decide to give 1130 a try for lunch or for dinner, use this 15% off coupon from our deals page.

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Saturday Morning Fun Run

Tuesday, August 3rd, 2010

“I believe it’s jogging or yogging. It might be a soft j. I’m not sure but apparently you just run for an extended period of time. It’s supposed to be wild.”

- Ron Burgundy

Bring your sneakers, a bottle of water, and a friend to the Phoenix Public Market this Saturday at 7 a.m. for some exercise and camaraderie.

Doreen and TimTim Wilke, fitness enthusiast and creator of the Mile Club Challenge, works near Downtown and regularly runs through the core. During one of his jaunts, Wilke decided to set up a measured course and use his web site to encourage people to take advantage of Downtown’s unique setting.

Mile Club Challenge is based on a simple concept: set a fitness goal and challenge yourself to achieve it. Members set goals of 100, 200, 300, 400 or 500 miles over the course of 100 days. You can log the miles running, walking, swimming, or using cardio equipment at the gym.

Wilke encourages people of all fitness levels to attend the non-competitive, free Saturday events. The course takes runners and walkers from the Market to Taylor Street, down the campus mall to Third Street. The pack will pass through Arizona Center and the grotto, crossing Van Buren and traveling past the Herberger Theatre Center en route to Monroe. The route continues down to First Avenue and heads north through Civic Space Park before ending back at the Market. One lap equals 1.4 miles and attendees can do as many laps as they want. View a map of the course here.

Runners and walkers can transition easily from their workout to a morning at Phoenix Public Market Urban Grocery and Wine Bar, where Royal will be selling coffees and pastries and local vendors will be dealing goods from 8 a.m. to noon.

“I usually have a hot dog for breakfast,” Wilke said. “You can have anything you want after a good hard run.”

Pictured: Mile Club Challenge organizer Tim Wilke and Garden Goddess Doreen Pollack at last Saturday’s Mile Club Challenge fun run.

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Downtown Happening Aug. 2-8

Monday, August 2nd, 2010

Hope you enjoyed the beautiful weekend.

gonzoThis week, baseball fans have it good. The Diamondbacks take on the Nationals tonight thru Thursday before the division-leading Padres come to town for a weekend series. There are plenty of “extras” to make this the week you go see a game. There’s the postgame fireworks show Friday night and on Saturday, the first 15,000 fans will receive a Luis Gonzalez bobblehead. Gonzo is getting his No. 20 retired in what should be a great night at the ballpark. Then, on Sunday, the first 5,000 kids receive a back-to-school kit.

If baseball’s not your game, the Phoenix Mercury have you covered on Friday against the San Antonio Silverstars or Sunday afternoon against the Indiana Fever.

Want to do something different with the kiddos this weekend?  Or maybe you’d rather call the babysitter and enjoy a night out. Either way, First Friday’s has something for everyone. The Children’s Museum of Phoenix is free with great activities for the kids. The Arizona Science Center is free too, and Friday night is Adults Night Out, so you can play like a kid, without the kids around. The Arizona Latino Arts and Cultural Center has a new locals only show called “La Phoeniquera,” and everyone is welcome. Remember, even without the Roosevelt street closure, First Fridays is alive  in Downtown Phoenix!

Start your art viewing early this week at the Phoenix Convention Center. The Art of Miniature Modeling National Convention is in town and open to the public. You can feel like you’ve become Lemuel Gulliver amongst all the miniatures Wednesday 2 p.m. to 9 p.m., Thursday 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., Friday 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., and Saturday 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. General admission is $5 per day to view the models and visit the world’s largest mobile hobby shop. If you want learn from the top modelers in attendance, spring for the $20 ticket and attend various seminars. Download your What’s Happening for details.

Have a great week!

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Downtown Happenings July 19-25

Monday, July 19th, 2010

Hello Everyone!

Although last week was perfect for kicking back and relaxing, this week is set to start you on fire.

johan-santanaThere’s an entire week of baseball is ahead of us, with the Diamondbacks beginning a home series against the Mets tonight at Chase Field. Finishing out the week, they take on the Giants, with post-game fireworks on Friday, and great giveaways to fans who show up early for games on Saturday (Mark Reynolds replica jersey) and Sunday (DBacks back-to-school binder). Don’t miss out!

Get the family revved up for Family Weekend at the Arizona Science Center. The science of NASCAR will feature hands-on activities like building your own racecar, which you can then race to compete for great prizes. Make a day of it on Saturday by spending the day in the racing world, and the evening at the ballpark. Parents, after a day like that think of that peaceful drive home. Ah, bliss.

Barenaked-LadiesTo top off the week, the Dodge Theatre is hosting some big names, like Robert Plant & The Band of Joy Tuesday night. Who’s The Band of Joy? Robert Plant and late Led Zeppelin drummer John Bonham first formed The Band of Joy in 1968. Saturday night is a doubleheader with REO Speedwagon and Pat Benatar. ”We Belong,” ”Heartbreaker,” and “Shadow of the Night” are just a few of Benatar’s hits. The Barenaked Ladies (that’s the name of the band) finish off the weekend with a performance on Sunday night.

Sounds like a sizzling summer weekend.

Have a great time!

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Fourth of July Weekend Part I

Monday, June 28th, 2010

A pool party, baseball games, art walks and drink specials: the Founding Fathers would be proud. At the very least, Ben Franklin, who had a thing for beer and the ladies, would have approved.

So, without further delay, here are some ways to make your Fourth of July weekend take off without a hitch in Downtown Phoenix:

HarenHot dogs and baseball

The D-Backs are battling the Dodgers Friday-Sunday, July 2-4, at Chase Field. Be there Saturday night to catch the fireworks display; it’s a major wow. If you have family or friends in the service, Sunday afternoon is Military Appreciation Day.

First Friday events

By now, our readers are more than familiar with the signature event, Artlink First Fridays, which takes place July 2 from 6-10 p.m. in and around Downtown. [Editor's note: It was recently published that the street closure that has become synonymous with First Friday will go on hiatus for the months of July and August.]

While you’re there, check out First Fridays Latino Style at the Arizona Latino Arts and Culture Center. The event will showcase more than 40 Latino artists in Arizona plus the music of Latin jazz artist Ruth Lara Vichules. The Phoenix Fridas, the Valley’s most popular Latina art collective, invites fans to come by and celebrate the world’s most renowned Latina painter, Frida Kahlo.

Since that’s bound to build up a thirst, head for First Fridays Party on the Patio at Steve’s Greenhouse Grill. Knock back $2 Miller Lite drafts and $3 Stellas while you refuel at the complimentary appetizer bar, open from 6-7 p.m. (Steve’s is open till 1 a.m.)

Get this party started

On Saturday, July 3, Solstice Saturdays, now in its 2nd year, heats up at Bar Smith. Dance till you drop to hip hop or head upstairs for house music until 3 a.m.  No cover before 10 p.m.

On Sunday, July 4, you can cool down at the Hotel San Carlos Adult Swim Party, a rooftop pool party featuring local deejays. Open to anyone 18 and older, the party is from 2-10 p.m. $5 cover charge.

Best place to watch the fireworks

When it comes to views, I’m pretty sure the Compass Arizona Grill is the unchallenged winner. This revolving restaurant, located on the 24th floor of the Hyatt Regency, is the perfect place to see an astonishing, 360-degree view of all the Valley’s fireworks shows.  Special 4th of July seating is from 7-10 p.m., so call 602-440-3166 to make reservations now.

(Editor’s Note: Look for Part II of this post next week!)

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What to Do with Dad

Thursday, June 17th, 2010

Of all the birthdays, holidays, anniversaries and other gifting occasions on the calendar, Father’s Day is by far the most challenging from a giving perspective. Dads are impossible to buy gifts for because anything they like (rifles, lawnmower blades, tools, TVs, etc.) they will just go out and buy for themselves.

DadSo this Father’s Day, show the old man how much he means to you by taking him out for a good time in Downtown Phoenix. Since men like very few things in this world outside of food and sports let’s stick to those key areas for the purposes of this particular exercise.

Food

Devour awe-inspiring views and a feast fit for a king at the Father’s Day Brunch at Compass American Grill.

Dad’s Eat FREE at 1130 The Restaurant on Sunday with customers getting one free entree with every entree purchased (limit 2 per table).

Sunday Brunch and Bloody Mary Bar at Steve’s Greenhouse Grill is a Downtown institution. Brunch is served 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. and includes a Belgian waffle station and omelettes made to order.

Sunday Brunch at Marston’s Cafe at The Wyndham is one of Downtown’s hidden gems. For $15 dad can eat fresh and local with scrambled eggs, hickory smoked bacon and sausage, Yukon gold potatoes, steel cut oatmeal, griddle items, pastries, fruit, coffee and juice. Buffet served until noon.

Sports

The Rose & Crown is Downtown’s World Cup headquarters all tournament long and features classic British pub fare as well as a global beer selection. GOAL!

You can take dad over to Hooters at Arizona Center to watch Friday morning’s big USA vs Slovenia match. Enjoy breakfast burritos with hash browns plus $3 Bloody Mary’s, $3 Screwdrivers, and ever-charming table service.

Experience the lightning fast, hard-hitting action of Arena League Football as the Arizona Rattlers take on the Bossier-Shreveport BattleWings Friday night at US Airways Center. And I double-dog dare you to say “Boosier-Shreveport BattleWings” five times fast.

The defending WNBA champion Phoenix Mercury play two home games this weekend with the San Antonio Silverstars visiting US Airways Center on Friday and the upset-minded Connecticut Sun coming in on Sunday.

If dad is a golf fan,  you can take him to Majerle’s Sunday afternoon to watch the final round of the US Open. Or, if he’s more the cerebral type, bring him down to Arizona Science Center where dads get in FREE all day on Sunday. In partnership with Dixon Golf – the official golf ball of Arizona Science Center (yes, they have their own golf ball), the first 500 visitors get a voucher from Dixon Golf for more than $300 in products. Dads and families can also try their hand at a hole in one using one of the Center’s wacky putters made from copper pipes, electrical fuse boxes, thermos cups and granite countertops. Buddy, the T-Rex from PBS’s “Dinosaur Train,” will also be on hand to entertain dad.

Have a fantastic Father’s Day Weekend!

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Game On Downtown

Tuesday, June 8th, 2010

It’s only hot if you keep thinking about it. That’s how I get through the summers. It seems to work for me.

To start off, I had the privilege of attending the Chinese Dance Academy’s performance at the Orpheum Theater last Saturday. This was one of those gems that you can only find if you are willing to look. Almost a full house showed up to enjoy the costumes, choreography, cultural exposure, as well as the darling little ones, who stole all the laughter and hearts of the audience. The beauty of the many nations of China was expressed in many different ways, and the use of lighting in combination with the costuming told a complete story, to my delight. I am thankful for my adventurous nature, otherwise I might have missed what was a stunning performance. I encourage you to try something that just sounds cool or interesting, and see where it leads you. I’m glad I did.

dodgeballLIVEThe Diamondbacks continue their homestand with games Monday-Thursday against the Atlanta Braves and a weekend series against National League MVP Albert Pujols and the St. Louis Cardinals. Don’t miss the fireworks Friday night, Dan Haren Bobblehead Night on Saturday (first 15K) and D. Baxter Replica Jersey Night on Sunday (first 5K kids 12-under).

Going along with the sports theme, US Airways Center is the place for big sports action at a small price all weekend long. First, on Friday, the Arizona Rattlers take on the Oklahoma City Yard Dawgs at 7:30 p.m. Then, on Saturday starting at 11:30 a.m., you can watch people get hit by balls at The Great American Dodgeball Bash. Your $10 Dodgeball ticket also gets you into Saturday night’s Mercury/Tulsa Shock game for FREE! What a deal! See azdodgeball.com for details.

Speaking of deals, Ballet Arizona performs its last show of a very successful season, and I have a special offer for you. Receive 50% off adult tickets to the performance of Balanchine Classics June 11-13. Use promo code “FRIENDS” at http://www.balletaz.org to get the discount. See this nationally recognized ballet company, which took part in an invitation-only performance at the Kennedy Center in Washington D.C. over the weekend in recognition of their artistic excellence.

This weekend is also the last chance to see Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory at Valley Youth Theater, so don’t miss out.

How about a free movie? Beyond Motor City, a new documentary to air on PBS next month that looks at the fall of Detroit and the future of mass transportation in the U.S., will be shown at the A.E. England Building at Civic Space Park Saturday evening at 7:30 p.m. Light refreshments from Fair Trade Café will be served. Yum!

Are you a full-blooded Downtowner? Text “EVENTS” to 25866 and become an Insider!

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The Wild Weekend Ahead

Thursday, June 3rd, 2010

If you’re looking for something to do this weekend come Downtown where there’s tons of fun to be had. Here’s a snapshot of events happening in our urban core:

ruthlaravichulesFriday will be packed with First Friday going off in all its spectacle, including what promises to be a huge party at the Arizona Latino Arts & Cultural Center [Adams/2nd St.]. The lists of guests is an impressive one with James Garcia presenting his New Carpa Theater, Ruth Vichules [photo, left] singing with guitarist Simon Ames, Ray Rivas live spray painting and Old School Barrio DJ Johnny Lazoya all performing. 

Plus, the Diamondbacks begin a weekend series with the Rockies (including fireworks after Friday’s game), the Mercury take on the Sparks at US Airways Center, and over at Symphony Hall the Phoenix Symphony will pay classical tribute to iconic singer/songwriter John Denver.

Saturday includes Game 2 of Dbacks/Rockies series at Chase Field (first 15K fans get a Diamondbacks batting helmet) while over at US Airways Center the Arizona Rattlers battle the Milwaukee Iron.  Also, extended for another two weeks is Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory, with shows on Saturday and Sunday at Valley Youth Theater. It’s your last chance to see this great performance, so don’t miss out.

bennettThe Arizona Chinese Academy is performing a beautiful mix of spring dances from 10 different Chinese nations, and it looks fascinating. You will most likely find me at this performance. 

Sunday won’t disappoint with another Diamondbacks game and giveaway (first 5K kids get a Mark Reynolds T-shirt), another performance of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, and to finish out the evening, Tony Bennet at the Dodge Theater.

What a great start to our summer! Have fun!

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