Archive for the ‘Travel, Shopping & Leisure’ Category
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
Posted in Bars & Nightlife, Deal, Family, Featured, Food, Restaurants & Dining, Travel, Shopping & Leisure | No Comments »
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
Posted in Arts & Culture, Business Development, Community Commentary, Deal, Family, Food, Restaurants & Dining, Music & Events, Spotlight, Travel, Shopping & Leisure | No Comments »
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.
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
Posted in Arts & Culture, Bars & Nightlife, Business Development, Community Commentary, Deal, Family, Featured, Food, Restaurants & Dining, Music & Events, Sports, Travel, Shopping & Leisure | No Comments »
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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Tuesday, November 15th, 2011
One of the biggest and best expos is returning to Downtown Phoenix the first week of December.
PHX Urban Expo presented by the Greater Phoenix Urban League will bring an exciting end to 2011 on Dec. 2 and 3 at Downtown Phoenix Convention Center.
Last year marked 65 years of excellence. The event was not only a first for Greater Phoenix Urban League but it was the first of its kind for the Greater Phoenix metropolitan area.
This year, the Expo will be held in Downtown Phoenix and it’s free and open to the public – bringing together families, seniors and youth with businesses interested in building a better Arizona through cultural connections.
The PHX Urban Expo will offer more than 100 exhibitors including retail and corporate displays along with educational, youth, financial, career, housing and health workshops.
One of the best things about the PHX Urban Expo is that local businesses can showcase themselves by being involved with one of Phoenix’s largest expos. PHX Urban Expo can give your business the chance to be exposed to over 8,000 people in just two days.
There are many ways for companies to participate in the PHX Urban Expo and promote your products and services.
Don’t miss out this great opportunity – contact a member of the PHX Urban Expo team at 602-254-5611 to discuss ways to grow your business by being a part of the PHX Urban Expo.
More information and applications are available at phxurbanexpo.com.
Tags: downtown phoenix, downtown phoenix events, Free, networking, phoenix convention center, phx urban expo, urban league, urbanism
Posted in Arts & Culture, Business Development, Deal, Family, Music & Events, Spotlight, Travel, Shopping & Leisure | No Comments »
Tuesday, November 8th, 2011
In a little over a year, CityScape has become a magnet for local culinary A-listers and beloved national restaurant chains.
The strength of the mixed-use development’s pull has never been more evident than with the imminent openings of three more eateries.
Popular Old Town Scottsdale breakfast and lunch spot The Breakfast Club will open across from Gold’s Gym Elite, between Tilted Kilt and the under construction Kimpton Palomar Hotel, on Nov. 14. In addition to the gargantuan waffles, pancakes, and omelets, The Breakfast Club will also serve up specialty coffee drinks from an adjoining barrista bar.
“Fast casual” Italian restaurant The Strand (picture, left) will sling sandwiches, pasta, salads, and Italian fry bread from the corner of Jefferson and 1st Street starting in mid-November. The concept comes from Jimmy Carlin and Maven Hospitality Group, the same folks responsible for Blue Wasabi and The Cajun House. The Strand will be open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and will also feature beer, wine, plus Bellinis, a popular Venice-born frozen drink that combines sparkling wine and peach puree.
And on Dec. 6, Chipotle will open one of five new Valley locations directly across from Jimmy John’s and Five Guys on the corner of Washington and 1st Avenue.
Tags: Breakfast Club, Chipotle, CityScape, downtown phoenix, downtown phoenix dining, Jimmy Carlin, The Strand
Posted in Bars & Nightlife, Business Development, Deal, Family, Food, Restaurants & Dining, Music & Events, Spotlight, Travel, Shopping & Leisure | No Comments »
Tuesday, November 1st, 2011
The Billing Tree Rock Block charity concert returns to Phoenix Saturday, Nov. 5, and features arena rock legends REO Speedwagon, Boston’s Fran Cosmo, and Rossmore.
CityScape is the new venue for Phoenix-based Billing Tree’s annual charity concert and 100 percent of the monies raised (tickets are $20-$100) at Rock Block benefit Season for Sharing.**
The $100 VIP ticket is a complete package that includes seating in an exclusive area adjacent to the stage, dinner by Valley celebrity chef Aaron May, and drinks. Doors open at 6 p.m.
You can ride METRO light rail for free the day of the concert by purchasing your Rock Block tickets in advance online.
The Rock Block concert kicks off a huge weekend in Downtown Phoenix that also features Sunday’s 36th running of the Phoenix 10K
**Season for Sharing is The Arizona Republic and 12 News annual holiday fundraising drive and helps health and human service agencies in Arizona. Donations are matched through the Gannett Foundation and 100 percent of donations, plus the match, are distributed to local agencies that help at-risk children and families, improve educational skills, help domestic-violence victims and serve the elderly.
Tags: Billing Tree Rock Block, charity concert, CityScape, Phoenix 10K, REO Speedwagon
Posted in Arts & Culture, Bars & Nightlife, Deal, Family, Food, Restaurants & Dining, Music & Events, Spotlight, Travel, Shopping & Leisure | No Comments »
Tuesday, November 1st, 2011
For the past two years Urban Grocery & Wine Bar has served as Downtown’s local grocery store.
To celebrate, Urban Grocery & Wine Bar invites you to attend a birthday bash coinciding with Phoenix Public Market’s Wednesday Open Market from 4-8 p.m.
The party will feature the unveiling of a new mural that was painted on the west side of the Urban Grocery building by community mural contest winner Joseph “Sentrock” Perez, birthday cupcakes provided by Tracy Dempsey Originals, $3 food truck specials including birthday themed ice cream by Sweet Republic, and a special “wines and wieners” pairing provided by Sand Reckoner Vineyards and Short Leash Hot Dogs. Sounds pretty great, right?
There will also be live music by Dan Sell and a special beer tasting by Sonoran Brewing.
Downtown Phoenix Public Market and Urban Grocery & Wine Bar continue to help galvanize the Downtown community so it’s only fitting that the community come together for this special event. As a special birthday bonus, McKinley Street is open so the public can enter the parking lot from either First Street or Central Avenue.
Tags: Downtown Phoenix Urban Market & Grocery, local first, phoenix public market, Sand Reckoner Vineyards, Short Leash Hot Dogs, Sonoran Brewery, Sweet Republic
Posted in Arts & Culture, Bars & Nightlife, Business Development, Community Commentary, Deal, Family, Featured, Food, Restaurants & Dining, Music & Events, Travel, Shopping & Leisure | No Comments »
CityScape and NRG have again joined forces to bring skating to the most unlikeliest of places: Downtown Phoenix.
“I can’t think of a more exciting and entertaining way to kick off the Symphony’s 2011-12 season than with the amazing talent of Kenny Rogers, together with the superb musicianship of the Phoenix Symphony,” said Nan Howlett, Chair of THE Concert and THE Encore, an evening of music, dinner and dancing that follows the Rogers performance. “Most of all I am thrilled to partner with our Symphony patrons and community to support the Symphony’s vital Education and Community Outreach programs through this exciting event.”
Shop Local at Phoestivus Market
Tuesday, November 29th, 2011Local 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
Posted in Arts & Culture, Business Development, Community Commentary, Deal, Family, Food, Restaurants & Dining, Music & Events, Spotlight, Travel, Shopping & Leisure | No Comments »