Archive for the ‘Spotlight’ Category

Last Chance to Vote on We Eat. We Drink. We Vote.

Thursday, April 26th, 2012

bestsandwich

Remember when we asked you who you think has the best coffee? The best burger? Or the best spot to impress your date in Downtown Phoenix?

Because, you know, we’re nosy and inquiring minds want to know.

Our Best of Downtown Annual Dining Guide survey closes April 27, 2012 and this is your last chance to get your votes in for your favorites.

At 5 p.m. tomorrow, we’ll bust out our fancy calculators and name the winners. The most voted on restaurants will be mentioned in our 2012 Dining Guide, which will be hitting the streets in June.

So come on, vote for your favorite by clicking here.

(Restaurants listed on survey are within the boundaries of Downtown Phoenix Partnership, which are Fillmore to Jackson streets, 7th Street to 3rd Avenue)

Tags: Downtown Dining, Downtown Dining Guide, downtown phoenix, downtown phoenix dining, survey
Posted in Food, Restaurants & Dining, Spotlight | No Comments »

Recycle Your Electronics for Earth Day

Wednesday, April 18th, 2012

Downtown Phoenix Recycles Sustainable. Green. Recycle.

We’ve all heard the buzz words and felt the guilt of trashing plastics or throwing out old cell phones. But with Earth Day right around the corner, it’s time to give our little blue green planet the love she deserves.

If you have old electronics stuffed in attics or cluttering your office (and who doesn’t?) you can safely recycle them at CityScape or the Arizona Center on Friday from 8 am to 5 pm. Haul out those computer monitors, cell phones, DVD and CD players, televisions etc. and bring ‘em and dump ‘em in the big City of Phoenix bins. Ten points if you find a tape player, or, better yet, an 8-track. For a full list of accepted recyclables, click here.

To see what local businesses are doing to keep their practices green or learn more about proper recycling techniques head over to Cesar Chavez Plaza from 11 am to 1:30 pm for the Keep Phoenix Beautiful event. Over 80 exhibitors will showcase products, provide information and give away freebies. (If you go for nothing else, go for the freebies. We hear that there will be whoopie pies from District American Kitchen.)

earth day flyer

Tags: Arizona Center, cesar chavez plaza, CityScape, district american kitchen, downtown phoenix, downtown phoenix events, Earth Day, electronics, Green, keep phoenix beautiful, recycle, sustainable
Posted in Music & Events, Spotlight | 1 Comment »

If the Sustainable, Locally Made Clothes Fit, Wear Them

Tuesday, April 10th, 2012

Digging through an oversized box of fabric scraps, Roman Acevedo pulls out a pale-pink, ruffled dress and holds it up to his chest. The dress, sized for a three-year-old, is comically small, yet he continues to rest it against his muscular frame as he explains his plans to create American-made, sustainable clothing in a 1920s-era warehouse Downtown.

Roman from Ra-Apparel His company, Ra-Apparel,will make clothes in-house using environmentally friendly practices, he said. And he plans to do that with the help of Arizona Opportunities Industrialization Center, a nonprofit Downtown that re-skills and transitions individuals back into the workforce through six weeks of on-the-job training.

“We’re on a mission to single-handedly bring clothing manufacturing back to Phoenix,” Acevedo said. “We want to create 150 jobs and bring in (OIC students), re-skill them and give them a new start.”

The students are trained to sew by making children’s clothing, like the ruffly pink dress Acevedo was holding.

“One of the seams isn’t quite perfect, but it’s pretty close,” he said, dropping the dress back in the box with a laugh.

That dress, along with two other boxes of material will be donated to children in need – providing a week’s worth of clothing for each child. It’s all a part of the community-minded, yoga-inspired culture that Acevedo is trying to bring Downtown. By creating jobs for those who need them, using organic and recycled material and giving back as much as possible, he plans to make Ra-Apparel about the community and not just the bottom line, he said.

In the six months since Ra Apparel moved into the former Chambers Transfer and Storage Company building, Acevedo has turned the upstairs loft into an industrial sewing room, reworked neighboring rooms into a fabric dyeing and screen printing shop and transformed a downstairs space into a full photography studio. The renovations are to ensure that his clothing is manufactured from start-to-finish under one roof, thereby reducing cost and controlling quality.

Along with his designer, Acevedo is creating three clothing lines: bohemian, yoga and children’s yoga. He’s built up enough of a collection of the colorful, ready-to-wear samples to create a preview catalog, the first step to generating orders and swinging into full production.

Once the clothing has been produced, Ra-Apparel will move into the space formerly occupied by Designer District in CityScape. Acevedo plans to sell the children’s yoga line in the store, bringing a type of clothing not readily available in Downtown to the storefront.

For now, however, he’s focused on getting everything in place.

“We know where we’re going and that’s half the battle,” Acevedo said.

Tags: CityScape, Clothing, downtown phoenix, Organic, phoenix, Ra-Apparel, sustainability
Posted in Business Development, Spotlight | 1 Comment »

Enjoy Easter Brunch Downtown

Wednesday, April 4th, 2012

Easter Egg

You know the annual Easter hunt? No, no, not the one for eggs / baskets / chocolate bunnies – the one where you run around in a last-minute panic trying to find a place to go for brunch while your dearly beloved family admonishes you about being a procrastinator?

Four spots Downtown will make that last minute dash a bit easier and, frankly, a lot tastier than those pancakes you’re making in a feverish whirl.

Here’s where to go come Sunday, April 8, because, you can’t subsist on jelly beans alone:

District American Kitchen

This spot in the Downtown Sheraton consistently turns out excellent food at fair prices. For the second biggest brunch day of the year (Mother’s Day, we aren’t forgetting about you), District is serving up honey glazed ham, raw oysters, an omelet station and bottomless mimosas and Bloody Mary’s. Kiddos can chow down on green eggs and ham while working on decorating their own complimentary Easter basket. The “Egg-ceptional” Easter Brunch runs from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. and is $29 for adults, $14.50 for kids and free for those 3 and under. Check out the rest of the menu here.

The Compass Arizona Grill

The revolving restaurant is going all out this year with a robust mix of savory and sweet dishes sure to make even your picky-eater-of-a-relative happy. Herb roasted prime rib, garlic leg of lamb, pan seared fish and chicken in al pastor sauce round out the top contenders for savory dish of the day. If you’ve got a sweet tooth in your brunch party, head for the crowd pleasing Danish style pancakes or the chocolate fondue with peeps. The Easter Bunny will be on hand to make sure the kids believe for another year while a children’s activity will keep little hands busy. Reservations are highly recommended. Adult brunch is $69, ages 5-12 is $30. Check out the clever acronym of a menu here.

Province

If you like your breakfast savory and your brunch hearty, hippity-hop-hop yourself over to this trendy little spot at the Westin. The fun starts with a complimentary mimosa and miniature house-made pastry with Meyer lemon curd. The main event, however, is the Eggs Benedict Action Station, which, if a chef’s math is to be believed, will give you 252 different options for creating your take on the dish. No brunch is complete without cocktails, and Province is delivering with a make your own Bloody Mary bar. Reservations are highly recommended. For more information and pricing, check out the menu here.

Kincaid’s

Maybe all you want for Easter Brunch is fish. Maybe it’s all you need. Skip the frilly pancakes and fruit cups and head to Kincaid’s. Their chilled-seafood buffet features a choice of entree, including salmon, stuffed sole, prime rib, a breakfast burrito and, yes, French toast. Oh, and you get a free mimosa or Bloody Mary with every entree purchase. Truth be told, this Easter brunch may ruin all future fish-less brunches for you. Brunch runs from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. and is $39.95 for adults, $12.95 for age 10 and under. See the full menu here.

Tags: brunch, District American Kitchen and Wine Bar, Downtown Dining, downtown phoenix, Easter Brunch, family fun, kincaid's, Province Restaurant, The Compass Arizona Grill
Posted in Family, Food, Restaurants & Dining, Spotlight | No Comments »

Ambassadors Expand Art Exhibition Wall

Friday, March 23rd, 2012

The Downtown Phoenix Ambassadors have joined forces with HeART of the City and M. Fantastic Creative to grow the exhibition art space located in the Ambassador Information Center at 101 N. First Avenue.

HeartofCity Beginning April 6 (First Friday), a different HeART of the City artist will be showcased on the exhibition wall each month. Consistent with the HeART of the City mission, the space will be a hotspot for emerging local and national artists in all artistic forms and mediums.

For more information on this exciting collaboration, visit the Downtown Information Center or “ASK” and Ambassador at 602.495.1500.

For more information on HeART of the City, visit them on YouTube or Facebook. If you’re an interested artists you can email M. Fantastic Creative.

Tags: downtown phoenix, Downtown Phoenix Ambassadors, First Friday Phoenix, Heart of the City
Posted in Arts & Culture, Business Development, Deal, Family, Spotlight, Travel, Shopping & Leisure | No Comments »

Health and Beauty Fair March 28

Wednesday, March 21st, 2012

Life has an unfunny way of deterring our pursuit of good health.

Zumba-Toning_4 Good thing Downtown Phoenix can help you look and feel great.

From chiropractors and massage therapists to health clubs, dentists, and stylists, many of Downtown’s health and beauty service providers will be in the spotlight on Wednesday, March 28, at the Second Annual Downtown Health & Beauty Fair.

From 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on the City Hall plaza (2nd Avenue, between Adams and Washington), you can browse the gamut of these businesses, and take advantage of one-day-only deals and free demonstrations.

For a full list of participants and event details, visit the Health & Beauty Fair’s page.

See you Wednesday at City Hall!

Tags: City Hall, downtown phoenix, free stuff, Health & Beauty Fair
Posted in Business Development, Deal, Family, Spotlight | No Comments »

Catch March Madness Games Downtown

Thursday, March 15th, 2012

March Madness The brackets are filled out, the betting has begun and half of the office is refusing to move from their desks – and no, they aren’t working.

Maybe you’re thinking about leaving work early to catch one of those 3,000* March Madness games. Maybe you’re barely working anyway.

Whatever your productivity levels, skip the commute home and relocate yourself to a sports bar where no one will complain about your all-basketball-all-the-time needs. Here’s our shortlist of where to catch a game:

Coach & Willie’s

It seems like there’s a TV every 12 feet* in this hopping joint. The beer is cold, the games are blasting and the food is delicious.

Majerle’s Sports Grill

The sports bar of sports bars. If you haven’t watched a game here, you’re missing out.

Tom’s Tavern

Maybe you want to watch the games outside where your deafening yells of joy and disappointment can be heard for blocks. Or maybe you just want to get in on the $5 appetizers during Happy Hour.

Lucky Strike Lanes and Lounge

There isn’t just bowling at this swanky little place. There’s also 12 big TVs and – in honor of the Madness – $2 domestics.

Networks Bar and Grill

The food here is fan friendly and the happy hour specials rock. You can even bust out your chopsticks skills over sushi, just don’t stab your neighbor when your team loses.

Friday’s Front Row Sports Grill

Escape the crowds and get in on one of the better kept secrets around town. This place is open on non-game days and it comes with a seriously fun view.

Tilted Kilt Pub & Eatery

Floor-to-ceiling TV. Need I say more?

Hooters

The TVs turn on at 9 am and all the games are on. Grab a giant beer and skip the office.

*number possibly an exaggeration

Tags: Coach & Willie's, downtown phoenix, friday's front row, game day, Hooters Arizona Center, Lucky Strike Lanes, Majerle's Sports Grill, March Madness, Network's Bar & Grill, sports bars, things to do, Tilted Kilt Pub & Eatery, Tom's Tavern
Posted in Bars & Nightlife, Deal, Food, Restaurants & Dining, Music & Events, Sports, Spotlight | No Comments »

Art Detour 24 – March 17 and 18

Wednesday, March 14th, 2012

Art Detour 24 There’s an excitement in the air around Downtown Phoenix this week. Something of a je ne sais quoi happiness.

Maybe it’s the joy that always builds around Spring Break or perhaps it’s that unmistakable giddiness that precedes a drinking holiday, but, for my money, I bet it’s the energy surrounding this year’s Art Detour.

In the past, Art Detour was about a community coming out to support and honor the Phoenix art scene. It was about bringing people together. Rejoicing in the beautiful weather and outstanding art. An all out celebration of what it means to be a vibrant, art-filled city. That feeling is back.

There’s a crush of last-minute desperation among artists to finish up their newest work. Studios are being cleaned out and the creative types are, I kid you not, greeting you as you pass along the streets. It’s like a small town coming together in honor of a presidential visit. Except this is Phoenix. This is a city of art walks. This is what we do every First Friday. But this weekend’s Art Detour 24, if all signs are to be believed, is going to be good – like, write a literal letter home good.

Over 60 galleries / studios / venues will be open for self-guided tours throughout Downtown, with a public hanging (no, not that kind) at A.E. England and a pop up gallery, live music and performances at the Arizona Center. While the trolleys will be running, this year’s stops are better designed around parking and walking, which is a good way to soak up all those good vibes in the air. And, speaking of parking, it’s free at the Arizona Center this weekend.

The madness kicks off Saturday at 10 am and runs through Sunday at 6 pm.

For more information, check out: http://artlinkphoenix.com/

For a printable map, click here.

Tags: a. e. england, Arizona Center, Art Detour, art walk, downtown phoenix, downtown phoenix events, Roosevelt Row, things to do
Posted in Arts & Culture, Family, Music & Events, Spotlight | 1 Comment »

Local Foods Shine at Downtown Eateries

Monday, March 5th, 2012

Nobou at Teeter House

The French call it “terroir,” an un-translatable word about the taste of the land being present in the food. While the term may be hard to put your non-French finger on, it’s now showing up in wine, cheese and numerous other dishes all across Phoenix.

From pistachios to heirloom tomatoes, chefs downtown are putting the flavors of Arizona front and center.

Lucky for us, getting a sample requires no more than a reservation or a stop at a food truck. Here’s where to start:

District American Kitchen

The herbs at the District don’t travel far – just four floors down from the rooftop garden at the Downtown Sheraton – before seasoning the classic American dishes this place does so well. This restaurant even works with a local farmer to turn culinary scraps into compost, which in turn, nurtures the produce used in future dishes.

Phoenix Public Market Urban Grocery and Wine Bar

A bastion of all that is locally farmed, raised and produced in Arizona, this market not only sells local goods like Meat Shop pork and Queen Creek olive oil, it also serves them in craveable soups, salads and sandwiches at their Market Café.

Fair Trade Café

Organic, fair-trade coffee roasted in Goodyear joins with tea from Scottsdale-based China Mist to make this spot the go-to for a locally inspired caffeine fix.

Province

Spanish and South American cuisine are the inspiration here and the seasonal, local ingredients pair perfectly with the Arizona wines on the menu.

Nobou at Teeter House

While the food at this exceptional Japanese tea house/ izakaya (tavern) doesn’t come from the seas of Arizona – the fish is flown in straight from Japan – local ingredients are a big part of the menu. Use this as an excuse to stop by and try out the heavenly Small Bites.

Pizzeria Bianco

One of the most celebrated pizzerias in the country, this is the place to sample locally grown pistachios and house-made mozzarella, among other local gems. Yes, the wait can be more than three hours. Yes, it’s worth it.

ICON

A modern space with a bevy of cocktails, ICON Lounge in the Wyndham serves up plenty of tasty tapas featuring seasonal, local ingredients. Start your evening here with a cocktail and tapas spread before hitting the town.

Bowl of Greens

Local, organic produce fills the wraps and salads at this quick lunch spot. Typically frequented by students, the meals are plentiful, affordable, and, better yet, healthy.

Short Leash Hot Dogs

While this food truck isn’t always parked downtown, you can find it at the Phoenix Public Market for Food Truck Friday and Wednesday markets and, on occasion, Saturday markets. The ‘dogs come from Schreiner’s – a Valley institution for homemade sausage – and much of the produce comes from local purveyors. Grab one of the unique hotdogs, but, be warned, they’re liable to start an addiction.

Tags: Bowl of Greens, district american kitchen, downtown phoenix, downtown phoenix dining, Downtown Phoenix Sheraton, eating local, Fair Trade Cafe, ICON, Local Food, Nobuo at Teeter House, Organic, phoenix public market, Pizzeria Bianco, Province Restaurant, Short Leash Hot Dogs
Posted in Food, Restaurants & Dining, Spotlight, Travel, Shopping & Leisure | No Comments »

Zumba Series Debuts at CityScape

Thursday, March 1st, 2012

Patriot’s Square at CityScape is the place to feel the beat of the rhythm of the night Thursdays March 1-April 5.

Zumba-Toning_4 Gold’s Gym Elite is hosting free outdoor Zumba classes at 5:30 p.m., where you can take advantage of the amazing Phoenix weather and Gold’s first-class instructors. Check out a preview here.

Zumba is a Latin dance-inspired fitness regiment that fuses aerobics, hip-hop, salsa, martial arts, and belly dance with traditional strength-building and core-engaging exercises like lunges and squats.

According to zumbacalories.com Zumba fitness burns between 500-1,000 calories per hour, based on body size and routine level.

Did we mention these classes are free?

All participants receive cardio street cred AND access to super duper deals at CityScape retailers like Tilted Kilt Pub & Eatery, Copper Blues, and Stand Up Live.

Tags: CityScape, downtown phoenix, free classes, gold's gym elite, patriot's square, zumba
Posted in Arts & Culture, Business Development, Community Commentary, Deal, Family, Music & Events, Sports, Spotlight, Travel, Shopping & Leisure | No Comments »