Archive for the ‘Family’ Category

Vote for Best of Downtown

Tuesday, December 27th, 2011

Best of Logo The Downtown Phoenix Partnership presents its annual salute to the people and places making the most significant impact in Arizona’s Urban Heart over the past year at the 18th Annual DREAMR Awards on February 6, from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., at the new Renaissance Phoenix Downtown by Marriott (formerly the Wyndham).

Keynote Speaker Mayor-Elect Greg Stanton will talk about the future of Downtown in his first post-inauguration public address and several community leaders will be recognized for their outstanding contributions to the revitalization of Downtown Phoenix.

The 2011 Best of Downtown Awards will also be announced. Vote for your favorite Downtown Phoenix businesses here.

Reserve your DREAMR ticket or table now by calling the Downtown Phoenix Partnership at (602) 744-6400.

Tags: 18th DREAMR Awards, Best of Downtown, Downtown Phoenix Partnership, Phoenix Mayor Greg Stanton
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NYE In DTPHX

Tuesday, December 27th, 2011

Bid farewell to 2011 and look ahead to the New Year in Downtown Phoenix, the Valley’s hottest New Year’s Eve destination.

MUSIC & COMEDY

Jerry Riopelle’s New Year’s Eve Concert

Jerry Riopelle is pretty much the Prince of New Year’s Eve in Phoenix, as chronicled in this Arizona Republic story. He’s been headlining New Year’s Eve shows in the Valley since the 70s and this year he’s at the historic Orpheum Theatre. Show starts at 9 p.m. and tickets are $45-$100.

Cirque du Soleil: Michael Jackson The Immortal Tour

A riveting fusion of visuals, dance, music, and fantasy that immerses concert-goers in Michael Jackson’s creative world and literally turns the King of Pop’s moves literally upside down. U.S. Airways Center at 8 p.m. and tickets are $80-$175.

EastonAshe at Copper Blues Live

Ring in the New Year at Copper Blues with Phoenix natives EastonAshe. Here’s a link to the band’s MySpace page. 8:30 p.m. show. General admission $20 which includes champagne toast. Call 480-559-5005 for more info.

NYE with Phoenix Symphony

Joseph Young conducts the Phoenix Symphony as it celebrates the New Year with classics from New York to Vienna, including Broadway showtunes and legendary compositions from Cole Porter, Leonard Bernstein, and more. Symphony Hall at 7 p.m., tickets start at $18. Call 602-495-1999 for more information or visit phoenixsymphony.org

Christopher Titus at Stand Up Live

Back by popular demand, one of the greatest working comics today returns to Downtown’s popular comedy venue for two shows (7 p.m. and 10 p.m.). Follow the link to learn more about special New Year’s Eve dinner and a show packages or call 480-719-6100.

DINNER

New Year’s Eve at Province

One of Downtown’s newest fine dining restaurants, Province at the Westin Downtown Phoenix, is offering a special New Year’s Eve menu, available both in their modern dining room or picturesque urban patio. Call 602-429-3600 for reservations or visit the web site for menu details.

New Year’s Eve Celebration at District American Kitchen

Sheraton Phoenix Downtown offers a variety of New Year’s Eve specials and engagements, including a decadent 5-course dinner with wine pairings, special Dine, Stay, and Play packages starting at $299 (includes room, champagne toast and skating at CityScape’s NRG Ice Rink), and Chef Jay’s amazing New Year’s Day Brunch. Call 866-716-8134 for all the details.

New Year’s Dinner at Compass Arizona Grill

Enjoy 360-degree views from atop the Hyatt Regency Downtown and a savory 4-course dinner created by Chef Steve Bieniek. 5-10 p.m., $79 for adults and $40 for children ages 5-12. For reservations call 602-440-3166 or visit the web site for more special New Year’s Eve offers, including discounted room rates.

PARTIES

New Year’s Eve at Bar Smith

Pete Salaz and Senbad will perform on the patio, with Robbie Rob, Biggie, and Mane One in the main room. No cover before 10:30 p.m. and $10 after 10:30.

New Year’s Eve Pahtay & Amateur Night at Crescent Ballroom

Downtown’s newest music venue, located at 2nd Avenue and Van Buren, is hosting a FREE party starting at 7 p.m. featuring DJs Sean Watson, Beanie Beatnik, and others.

Bowling at Lucky Strike

Live DJs, party favors, champagne toast, and lane reservations starting at $60. Call 602-732-5490 for more information.

Stay and Play at Hotel San Carlos/Ghost Lounge

Stay and Play package at Hotel San Carlos includes party hats, beads, and chances to win cash and gift cards. Hotel San Carlos provides all-you-can-eat appetizers and Ghost Lounge offers all-you-can-drink 7 p.m. to close. Call 602-505-8127 to make reservations.

Irish NYE at Seamus McCaffrey’s

Seamus offers live music and a midnight toast for just a $5 cover and special room rates next door at Hotel San Carlos are available by mentioning “Seamus.”

MISC

Ice Skating at CityScape

Few things are more romantic (or fun) than skating under the city lights at the NRG Ice Rink, located at Patriot’s Square (Central, between Washington and Jefferson).

The rink will be open 3 p.m. to 1 a.m. on New Year’s Eve.

$10 fee includes skate rental.

Countdown and Fireworks at CityScape

FREE fireworks show and complimentary toast (21 or older).

Tags: downtown phoenix, New Year's Eve 2012
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Calling All Carolers!

Thursday, December 22nd, 2011

Tenor, Alto, Soprano, Bass, Baritone, or Tone Deaf, CityScape in Downtown Phoenix invites you to bring your singing voice, and your holiday spirit, to the NRG Ice Rink Friday at noon for a “random act of Christmas culture kindness.”

67505_004 It’s sorta like a green and red flash mob, minus Michael Jackson’s “Thriller.”

Thousands of carolers of all ages and talent levels are expected to take part in this mass sing-along of all the holiday favorites from noon to 12:30. A similar vocal venture was masterminded last year at Scottsdale’s Fashion Square.

Kay Randolph of Scottsdale’s Mountain View Presbyterian Church will lead the cavalry of carolers through all the Christmas classics, capped by a rousing Hallelujah chorus.

After the caroling is done, everyone is encouraged to stay and use the ice rink for $10/each. The fee includes rental valuable coupons for CityScape restaurants and retailers. Caroling, skating and a late lunch perhaps?

Ample parking for this event is available in the CityScape garage at 1st Street and Washington.

Tags: Caroling, CityScape, Flash Mob, Mountain View Presbyterian Church, NRG Ice Rink
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Taste It Tours

Wednesday, December 21st, 2011

Just in time to entertain invading friends and relatives or to serve as a filling (har) stocking stuffer, Taste It Tours-A Culinary Experience, is offering guided foodie tours in Downtown Phoenix.

TasteItTours182x135 Now through May, Taste It Tours will be leading tours of Downtown restaurants Friday-Sunday. The tours begin at 1 p.m. and end around 4 p.m.

Tickets range from $47-$57 and that’s a price that will get you entertained, informed, and well-fed.

Taste It Tours’ vision is to have its customers savor, learn, explore and connect with each guided tour and the ticket price includes food and drink from 5-8 restaurants, access to the talented chefs, plus tie-ins to architecture, historical insights, stories about the history of Downtown and the personalities that forged the region.

“Our tours are very precise and well thought out,” said owner Jessica Combest. “We want to keep our schedule and not make the chefs wait. And we’re doing it during a down time to avoid the rush.

“We’re going to tweak it as we go along to make it the best experience we can, incorporating the Public Market and other destinations.”

The walking tours are open to all ages and fitness levels. Each tour can accommodate 16 guests.

Tours will begin the first week in January.

For more information about Taste It Tours call 800-838-3006 or visit tasteittours.com

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The Holidays Happen Here

Wednesday, December 14th, 2011

Christmas is a little over a week away, which means Downtown Phoenix’s holiday event calendar is reaching a crescendo.

If you’re looking for a special holiday date idea or ways to occupy visiting friends and family, Downtown Phoenix offers a unique blend of music, theater, dance, comedy and parties that encapsulate the spirit of the season.

Saturday, Dec. 17 / Alice Cooper’s Christmas Pudding

Now in its 11th year, the Valley’s own jingle bell rocker Alice Cooper hosts this star-studded event at Comerica Theatre, which includes Judas Priest’s Rob Halford, former Korn guitarist Brian “Head” Welch, Arizona Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductees The Tubes, a performance from Alice Cooper himself, and much more. The show starts at 7 p.m. and tickets begin at $38. For more information visit alicecoopersolidrock.com

Saturday, Dec. 17 / Adam Carolla

Popular radio personality and former host of “The Man Show” and “Loveline,” comedian Adam Carolla, returns to Downtown’s historic Orpheum Theatre to offer up his unique takes on the holiday season and to support his recent book release, “In 50 Years We’ll All Be Chicks.” Show starts at 8 p.m. and tickets are priced $32.50-$56.45.

Sunday, Dec. 18 / Snow Day

It’s a winter wonderland at the Children’s Museum of Phoenix, with hands-on activities for kids of all ages. 20 tons of snow will fall on the museum’s front lawn for children to frolic in. The fun starts at 9 a.m. and admission is $11. For more information visit childrensmuseumofphoenix.org

Tuesday, Dec. 20 / Great Russian Nutcracker

Comerica Theatre again plays host to the exquisite dancing, music and costumes of the Great Russian Nutcracker. Every year’s performance is different from the last and the 2011 version offers an Act II setting in the “Land of Peace and Harmony,” and sees the introduction of a new character, the Christmas Dove. Show starts at 7:30 and tickets are $20-$85.

Every Day / Ice Skating at CityScape

The NRG Ice Rink is back at CityScape and nearly double the size of last year’s sheet! Rink hours are as follows:

Through Sunday, Dec. 18 the rink will be open Monday-Friday 5-11 p.m. and Saturdays and Sundays 3-11 p.m.

Dec. 19-Jan. 1 the rink will be open daily 3-11 p.m.

Jan. 2-Jan. 11 the rink will be open Monday-Friday 5-11 p.m. and Saturdays and Sundays 3-11 p.m.

Rink use is $10, which includes skate rental.

Wednesday, Dec. 21 / Holiday Family Program at Rosson House

Families are invited to historic Ross House Museum at Heritage and Science Park for a day of making holiday decorations and munching on holiday treats. Receive complimentary admission with the donation of any new or slightly used book to benefit local charities. 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. For more information visit rossonhousemuseum.org

With 366 events in 48 days, Downtown Phoenix has something for everyone this holiday season.

Tags: Adam Carolla, Alice Cooper's Christmas Pudding, Comerica Theatre, downtown phoenix, Holiday Events, NRG Ice Rink, Orpheum Theatre, Rosson House Museum, Russian Nutcracker
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New Restaurants Debut

Tuesday, December 6th, 2011

The past two weeks have seen four new restaurants open up in Downtown Phoenix with two more coming in the next few days. Here’s the dish:

Breakfast Club opened last week at CityScape (across from Gold’s Gym Elite at 2 E. Jefferson) and is busy cranking out famous waffles and Huevos Rancheros, plus lunch plates like burgers and wraps served with crisp sweet potato fries. Keep an eye out for Breakfast Club’s barista bar, coming soon to the kiosk next door to the restaurant. Breakfast Club is open 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. seven days a week.

Chipotle made its Grand Opening at CityScape today and, as expected, the reception was jubilant with the line often extending out the door. Chipotle is located on the corner of Washington and First Avenue, across from Jimmy John’s and Five Guys Burgers and Fries. It’s like the Pantheon of Popular Fast Food! Chipotle is open for lunch and dinner seven days a week.

Downtown’s Asian dining options are holding strong, losing Thai Elephant and Viet Kitchen but quickly filling those spaces with 5 R Cha Thai and Asiana Sushi, respectively.

Fans of Thai Elephant should be pleased with 5 R Cha Thai’s (Central/Adams) express counter service (plates range from about $5.95-$8.95). If the food tastes familiar, it’s probably because the two owners are sisters. 5 R Cha Thai is open Monday-Saturday 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. and 5-9 p.m.

It was sad to learn of Viet Kitchen’s sudden closing (they served excellent Pho and perfect spring rolls) but Asiana Sushi (First Avenue/Monroe) is eager to console heartbroken diners with Bento Box lunches and classic sashimi and sushi rolls. Asiana also offers a variety of chef specials–curry, fried rice, udon, and yakisoba–available with chicken or tofu ($7.95), beef or pork ($8.95), and shrimp ($9.95). Asianana is open 11 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. Monday-Friday and 12-8 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.

Possibly by week’s end, CityScape will see the arrival of another new restaurant, The Strand Urban Italian, located between Arrogant Butcher and Yogurtini. This fast casual concept will serve breakfast, lunch, and dinner, specializing in quick dishes under $10 (pasta, sandwiches, salads, Italian fry breads) and Bellinis. Fan them on Facebook here.

And speaking of Italian, next week Downtown welcomes back an old friend, BKLYN’S NYC Pizza, which will reopen next to Hard Rock Cafe at Collier Center (2nd Street/Washington). BKLYN’S will be back just in time for the start of the Suns season, ready to serve up some of Downtown’s favorite slices and wings with great lunch specials.

Tags: 5 R Cha Thai, Asiana Sushi, Bowl of Greens, Breakfast Club, Chipotle, CityScape, downtown phoenix, Strand
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Shop Local at Phoestivus Market

Tuesday, November 29th, 2011

Local business is integral to the growth and health of Downtown Phoenix and the holidays are an ideal opportunity for you to invest in our local economy.

Get Your PHX and Phoenix Public Market have assembled a dynamic group of local businesses and vendors for two special nights of local shopping called Phoestivus Market.

On Dec. 14 and 21, from 4-8 p.m., at Phoenix Public Market (14 E. Pierce), join these local vendors for a holiday celebration like no other, featuring locally produced and locally grown food, unique gifts, drinks, and entertainment.

PLUS:

* Phoestivus Pole

* Feats of Strength

* Airing of Grievances

* Holiday Carolers

(If the first three bullet points aren’t making any sense, please watch this Seinfeld clip.)

So join Downtown’s newest holiday tradition, Phoestivus Market, and support local business in the process.

Phoestivus Market is made possible by Community Food Connections, Downtown Phoenix Partnership, Phoenix Community Alliance, Phoenix New Times, Film Bar, Downtown Phoenix Journal, Roosevelt Row, CenPho, Oasis on Grand, Lincoln Family YMCA, Local First Arizona, and La Piccola Cucina.

Tags: CenPho, Downtown Lincoln Family YMCA, downtown phoenix, FillmBar, Get Your PHX, local first, Oasis on Grand, Phoenix Community Alliance, Phoenix New Times, phoenix public market, Roosevelt Row, Shop Local
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Downtown Dine Around Saturday Dec. 3

Monday, November 28th, 2011

Bring your appetite and sense of adventure to Downtown Phoenix this Saturday, Dec. 3, for the Second Annual Downtown Dine Around, a celebration of food and drink in our urban core.

baconwrappeddates Thirty-three dishes in all–from bacon-wrapped dates (pictured, left) and shepherd’s pie to goat cheese fondue and corn crusted calamari–will be served at 11 restaurants from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., all starting at $2. That’s some seriously affordable grub!

The Dine Around lineup features 1130 The Restaurant, District American Kitchen & Wine Bar, Ghost Lounge, Phoenix Public Market, Province, Sam’s Cafe, Seamus McCaffrey’s, Sing High, Tilted Kilt Pub & Eatery, newly reopened Tom’s Tavern & 1929 Grill, and Z Pizza.

In addition to the deliciously diverse food items, each participating restaurant is featuring thoughtful drink specials, including margaritas, mojitos, micro brews, and Arizona -made wines.

The Downtown Dine Around is FREE to attend but we do ask, in the spirit of the season, that you make a donation to the St. Mary’s Food Bank. There will be donation bins available at all 11 restaurants.

You can RSVP** and get additional event details, including a map and complete list of food and drink items being offered, at the Dine Around home page.

See you Saturday!

**We ask that you please RSVP so the restaurants can make informed staffing decisions.

Tags: 1130 the restaurant, District American Kitchen and Wine Bar, Downtown Dine Around, downtown phoenix, Ghost Lounge, phoenix public market, Province, Sam's Cafe, seamus mccaffrey's, Sing High Chop Suey House, St. Mary's Food Bank, Tilted Kilt Pub & Eatery, Tom's Tavern, zpizza
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God of Carnage: Human Evolution in Reverse

Monday, November 21st, 2011

God of Carnage** is a 90-minute play with a simple set and no costume changes but you quickly realize that the only thing you want to focus on are the two uptight married couples—Michael and Veronica and Alan and Annette—whose sanity slowly unravels before your very eyes over coffee, uncontrollable cell phones, and a bottle of rum.

God of Carnage is like watching human evolution in reverse and it is laugh-out-loud hilarious. Wow. So many great lines!

You quickly learn that the couples get together at Michael and Veronica’s home after their young tween sons behave like well, boys, and get into a little recess scuffle.

One kid threw a punch; the other lost a tooth. Their parents want to discuss the situation like the civilized people they believe themselves to be but civility doesn’t prevail in Michael and Veronica’s living room. Soon the couples are throwing word punches (and coffee cake) about everything from child-rearing to the futility of marriage.

All four actors are high-energy and absolutely superb in this play. My favorite line came from Arizona Theatre Company veteran Bob Sorenson (Michael) who tells Joey Parsons (Annette), “Rum makes you crazy,” shortly before she destroys two bouquets of tulips, petal by petal, and puts the kibosh on any further good behavior. Seriously, you have to see it. Epically funny!

God of Carnage was written by Yasmina Reza and received a Tony Award in 2009 for Best Play. It runs Nov. 19 – Dec. 4 at Herberger Theater Center in Downtown Phoenix.

For more information or to purchase tickets, visit the Arizona Theatre Company Box Office.

Strap in and prepare to laugh till you hurt.

**God of Carnage contains mature language.

Tags: Arizona Theater Company, downtown phoenix, God of Carnage, Herberger Theatre Center
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NRG Ice Rink Returns To CityScape

Monday, November 21st, 2011

Why should outdoor holiday ice skating be reserved for Rockefeller Center and backwoods ponds in the Midwest?

CS Ice Rink-9WEB CityScape and NRG have again joined forces to bring skating to the most unlikeliest of places: Downtown Phoenix.

This Saturday, the holiday season gets a fantastic kickstart with the opening of the NRG Ice Rink at Patriot’s Square, along with the ceremonial lighting of CityScape’s holiday tree.

The fun begins at 4 p.m., with the tree lighting commencing at 6:30. There will be a visit from Santa, hot chocolate, and other treats.

Double the size of last year’s inaugural rink, the NRG Ice Rink will be open throughout the holiday season. Admission is $10 per person, which includes skate rental. Dates and hours of operation are as follows:

Nov. 25 through Dec. 18

Monday-Friday 5-11 p.m. / Saturday and Sunday 3-11 p.m.

Dec. 19 through Jan. 1

3-11 p.m. daily

Jan. 2 through Jan. 11

Monday-Friday 5-11 p.m. / Saturday and Sunday 3-11 p.m.

For more great holiday events in Downtown Phoenix visit the Holidays Happen Here home page.

Tags: CityScape, downtown phoenix, Holidays In Downtown Phoenix, NRG Ice Rink
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