Posts Tagged ‘downtown phoenix’

Hance Park In Review; TGEN and ASU Go High-Speed

Saturday, August 21st, 2010

On Aug. 15 the Arizona Republic reported that City of Phoenix officials have organized a task force to look at ways to improve Margaret T. Hance Park, also known as the Deck Park.  Hance Park opened in with an ambitious plan to create a major urban park in the heart of Downtown Phoenix, yet many of the proposed improvements have failed to materialize. 

TGEN-con-mi-trockaThe park is located adjacent to the Burton Barr Library and is home to the Irish Cultural Center and Japanese Friendship Garden and hosts a number of civic and cultural events throughout the year.  For an in-depth look at the history of the park and possible plans for the future, please visit:  Officials taking new look at old plans for Deck Park

The Translational Genomics Research Institute (TGen), in partnership with ASU and Cox Business Arizona, recently debuted a high-speed data link designed to transfer DNA data much more efficiently.  The new technology can transfer data from Downtown to ASU’s supercomputer in Tempe up to 100 times faster than previous connections.  The Arizona Republic reports that the new connection will aid researchers in a variety of efforts, notably breast cancer studies which are often lengthy and exhaustive.   For more information on the state-of-the-art technology please visit:  TGen unveils superfast data link

Cartel Launches Food Menu

Friday, August 20th, 2010

Adam Reeder has seen plenty of kitchens in his 26 years. 

cartel_coffee_labA culinary prodigy who graduated from the Art Institute of Phoenix at 19, Reeder has kitchen and management experience with several notable Valley restaurants, including La Grande Orange Pizzeria, Chelsea’s Kitchen, Rumbi Island Grill, Delux Burger, and Pei Wei.

His latest challenge is developing a breakfast and lunch menu at Cartel Coffee Lab (1st Street / Washington).

Beginning Monday (8/23), Cartel’s Downtown location will offer these Reeder creations:

BREAKFAST (served all day)

What’s a Burrito? – Onion, red bell pepper, potato, spinach, jalapeno, shredded cheese (with bacon, ham, sausage or chorizo options)

Digby Sandwich – Toasted MJ*** flatbread, hot house tomato, bacon, spinach, arugula, herb aioli, two sunny side up eggs (with bacon, ham, sausage or chorizo options)

Tart - Goat cheese creme fraiche, spinach, arugula, roasted red pepper (with bacon, ham, sausage or chorizo options)

SANDWICHES (served with chips or fruit)

Tuna – Toasted MJ flatbread, spinach, arugula, hot house tomato, artichoke heart

Turkey – MJ levain bread, spring mix greens, hot house tomato, havarti cheese, herb aioli

Ham - MJ levain bread, spring mix greens, hot house tomato, whole grain mustard, havarti cheese

SALADS

Beet – Spring mix greens, arugula, roasted red and yellow beets, candied walnuts, goat cheese, red onion, creamy balsamic dressing

In addition, Cartel will continue to offer take-and-go scones, MJ bagels and new yogurt parfaits.

***MJ Bread is a big, big deal. MJ is MJ Coe, husband of cake master Tammie Coe.

 

Cartel is open Monday – Friday 7 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Downtown Grab Bag

Thursday, August 19th, 2010

When I was a kid, I used to love pulling presents from a grab bag. Or getting those mystery lollipops wrapped in question marks. If you’re like me, and have a soft spot for the unexpected, this is your week in Downtown Phoenix.

Face Your Fears at Arizona Science Center

snakesI know plenty of people who are fascinated by eight-legged critters and will rush over to see the spider exhibit from the ASU Spider Lab. I’ll be avoiding it like the terrified, overgrown child I really am. But, the rest of this event should make for spine-tingling fun, this Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

From Pyrophobia (fear of fire) to Coulrophobia (fear of clowns; no joke), this event will help you face your fears or at least laugh them off for a while. If you’d like to overcome a fear of needles – or just do some good – The American Red Cross will be sponsoring a blood drive on site. Contact Brittany Conklin at conklinb@azscience.org to pre-register.

Law Enforcement Appreciation Night at Churchill’s Fine Cigars – Open to the public this Thursday from 4-8 p.m., this charity event will benefit the 100 Club, which supports the families of police officers and firefighters. That’s a fine thing, but so are the Perdomo cigars you can taste for free. Nick Perdomo, the owner of Tabacalera Perdomo in Florida, makes some of the best Nicaraguan cigars in the country.Churchills_CigarsWEB

Third Fridays Latino Style – The Arizona Latino Arts & Cultural Center (ALAC) currently has an exhibition that focuses on urban Phoenix through the eyes of Hispanic artists. The exhibit, called “La Phoeniquera,” should be soul food for lovers of Phoenix history and culture. This Friday, from 6 pm to 10 pm, you can also catch live painting demonstrations and hear Latin music.

Fashion 4 A Cause – This live fashion show at the Wyndham Phoenix highlights a nonprofit group called Athletes 4 Awareness, which works to enlighten the community about health and fitness. Local clothing designers, hair stylists and barbers will display their cutting-edge skills. Tickets are $15 per person.

Live Fridays at Seamus McCaffreys – In case you’re wondering what’s surprising about this event, it’s the pairing of an Irish pub and a pop/funk/jazz trio, Nick Heward and The Elements of Style. The show starts at 9 p.m., and you can knock back a Guinness or two beforehand.

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.

Hyatt Gets a Makeover; Actors Theater Awarded $150k

Thursday, August 19th, 2010

hyatt_phoenixThe Hyatt Regency Phoenix has recently completed an extensive renovation including upgrades to all guestrooms and a new lobby.  As reported by OldWestNewWest.com, the $15 million renovation also involved improvements to the fitness center, meeting space and the hotel’s iconic rooftop restaurant the Compass Arizona Grill. The Hyatt is located across from the West Entrance to the Phoenix Convention Center at 2nd Street & Adams.  For more information please visit Hyatt Regency Phoenix Hotel Completes $15 Million Renovation or take the time to stroll over and see the fantastic new Gensler-designed lobby.  It’s quite a sight.

HTC-prerenovationContinuing their long tradition of charitable giving to the state of Arizona and Downtown Phoenix interests, the Virgina G. Piper Charitable Trust recently awarded the Arizona Theatre Company and Actors Theatre of Phoenix a $150,000 grant.  The Arizona Theatre Company in Phoenix is based at the Herberger Theater Center between 2nd and 3rdStreets on Monroe.  The Herberger is currently undergoing an extensive renovation in celebration of its 20th birthday in October.  For more information on the Piper Grant please visit ATC and Actors Theatre of Phoenix Awarded $150,000. The Arizona Republic recently published a “Viewpoint” highlighting the influence of the Herberger Theater Center on the region over the past 20 years. Arizona Attorney General Terry Goddard is quoted as saying “All that came later to enliven and refresh Downtown Phoenix – theaters, museums, sports arenas, bars, restaurants, galleries – sprang from the inspiration and example of the Herberger Theater.”  To read the entire story, please visit:  Herberger Theater Influence Spreads Throughout Region.

A Reminder of Rose

Tuesday, August 17th, 2010

The abundance of murals in Downtown Phoenix have been beckoning me lately. I have driven by this mural for years but never stopped until recently.

These murals are on the old Mercer Mortuary building on 16th Street, just south of Thomas; the newer part of the mortuary is around the corner. They were painted in 1998 by a Phoenix artist, Rose Johnson. She was born and educated in England and  moved to the US when she was in her 20s, settling in Phoenix. Rose was well-known and respected in the local art community. In 1998, she moved to Bisbee, AZ, a small arts enclave in southern Arizona, but still had many ties to Phoenix. She was strongly influenced by Mexican art.

Tragically, a little over a year ago, she died in Bali, where she had recently relocated, from acute alcohol poisoning as a result of ingesting liquor that had been laced with methanol. It was the 23rd such fatality to occur in Bali in a 10-day span. She was 48.

This mural is one of her best-known works.

You can read more about Rose here or see an interview of her while she still lived in Bisbee, soon after first visiting Bali. An extensive article appears here. If you click to make the images larger, you can see more of the interesting detail.

We are fortunate that this mural survives as some of her local murals have been so extensively tagged that they have now been painted over.

Merchant, Goo Goo Dolls, Paramore Coming to Dodge

Monday, August 16th, 2010

LiveNation and Dodge Theatre are teaming up to bring Downtown Phoenix a dynamic list of summer and fall concerts. Here’s what’s coming up and remember to follow Downtown Phoenix on Twitter and Facebook for concert updates and discounts, including $10 ticket promotions. 

Aug. 17 / Natalie Merchant

My personal Pantheon of desirable female singer/songwriters includes Merchant, Liz Phair, Imogen Heap, Tori Amos, and A Fine Frenzy. 

Aug. 27 / Slayer, Megadeth and Testament

A Homecoming of sorts, as Megadeth founder and former Metallica guitarist Dave Mustane is a Valley resident.

Aug. 28 / Goo Goo Dolls and Switchfoot

Fact: Johnny Rzeznik ages at the same rate as LOST’s Richard Alpert. Switchfoot has undergone a bit of a reinvention with its new record. Watch the video for “Mess of Me” here.

Aug. 29 / Charlie Daniels Band

He of ”The Devil Went Down to Georgia” and Geico commerical fame.

Sept. 1 / David Gray and Ray LaMontagne

FACT: Chicks dig David Gray and Ray LaMontagne.

FUSE StudiosSept. 15 / Honda Civic Tour featuring Paramore with Tegan and Sara

My knowledge of Paramore is extremely limited but I understand they are a big deal among the Twilight set. Also, the lead singer contributed to this current radio hit.

Sept. 18 / Margaret Cho

Cho kicks off a week of top-shelf comedy at the Dodge.

Sept. 25 / Daniel Tosh (two shows!)

If you haven’t watched “Tosh.0″ on Comedy Central, you’re doing yourself a grave injustice. Hilarious.

Oct. 1 / Australian Pink Floyd

Described by the London Times as “the best tribute show in the world,” The Australian Pink Floyd show brings their ”Greatest Hits World Tour” to Phoenix. Tickets on sale Monday Aug. 23 at 10 a.m.

Oct. 9 / Jerry Seinfeld

Yada, yada, yada, and so on.

Oct. 14 / Kenny Rogers with The Herndon Brothers

You got to know when to hold ‘em, know when to fold em/know when to walk away, know when to run.

Oct. 26 / Gorillaz

Damon Albarn and Co. promise a highly theatric performance. Here’s live footage of Plastic Beach’s ”Stylo.”

Nov. 18 / Black Label Berzerkus featuring Black Label Society and Clutch

For those who enjoy a good ear bleed.

yo_gabba_gabbaNov. 27 / Jim Gaffigan

Gaffigan authored the greatest Hot Pockets bit EVER.

Dec. 4 & 5 / Yo Gabba Gabba! Live!

Any show endorsed by Biz Markee is OK in our book.

Dec. 11 / Brian Regan

Regan has a tremendous following here in Phoenix and with good reason. Sample his comic stylings here.

Want more concert info? Text ”EVENTS” to 25866

CityScape Retailers Eye Aug. 26 Opening

Sunday, August 15th, 2010

H-U-G-E news coming out of CityScape this week.

At a Wednesday afternoon meeting it was confirmed that five CityScape tenants will open their doors to the public on Thursday, Aug. 26:

Lucky Strike Lanes

luckystrikeBAs seen on Entourage, this high-end alley, restaurant and lounge was birthed in Hollywood and offers a one-of-a-kind bowling experience. With a slogan like, “Eat, drink, and knock down some pins,” the bar for good times is set pretty high.

Par Exsalonce

Par Exsalonce, which has operated in Scottsdale for 22 years, will open a 4,000-square-foot lifestyle salon/spa offering hair and nail salon services, facials, body treatments, waxing, and massages

West of SoHo

Catering to “The Modern Bohemian,” West of SoHo offers a wide array of fashion articles–ranging from a study of Stevie Nicks’ style to breaking down The Sensual 70’s–on its style-rich Facebook Fan Page

FiveGuysFive Guys Burgers

Five Guys Burgers & Fries, one of the nation’s fastest-growing “fast-casual” burger joints, is set to open its third mouth-watering Arizona location. (I’ve been to the Five Guys on Mill Avenue in Tempe and what the menu lacks in diversity it more than makes up for in awesomeness; trust me, if you like In-N-Out Burger you’ll dig what Five Guys is throwing down.)

Designer District

Designer District operates locations in North Phoenix and Chandler and offers up its own unique take on contemporary style, carrying its own line of premium art house T-shirts called D|D, not to mention hot brands like 7 for All Mankind, Rock Revival, Black Halo, The Furies, Mek Denim, Nanette Lepore, BB Dakota, CCDK, Mark Allison Jeans, Rockstar, Anama, and Emma Jordan.

Read about more restaurants coming CityScape in the 2010 Downtown Dining Guide

Grease Opens This Week

Thursday, August 12th, 2010

The musical Grease, like the Energizer Bunny, just keeps going and going. There’s even a Grease Sing-A-Long movie where you can follow the lyrics and belt out your own version of “Beauty School Dropout.”

greaseBut in a welcome twist, a new version of Grease is opening this week with actors who are about the same age as the characters they play. From Aug. 13-29, Valley Youth Theatre opens its 22nd season with live performances of Grease.

Voted “Best Theatre Company” in Phoenix on  AZCentral, VYT is nationally recognized for the quality of its productions and performers. In fact, VYT has become a huge draw for Hollywood talent scouts looking for the next big thing.

VYT alumni include Jordin Sparks, an American Idol winner; Disney Channel’s Chelsea Staub; Max Crumm, who won a national TV contest to appear in a Broadway production of Grease; and Emma Stone, who’s appeared in House Bunny, Superbad and other movies.

I’ve seen several VYT productions, including High School Musical – cut me some slack here, my niece was in it – and I’ve been wowed by the troupe’s professionalism, set designs and performances. For young actors in Phoenix, VYT is the high water mark.

So if you need another fix of all those beloved 50’s greasers, cheerleaders and jocks, VYT’s production of Grease will satisfy your craving for poodle skirts and pomade. You can buy tickets online for just $18 each. But if Grease is the word for you, don’t wait. Friday’s opening night performance is already sold out.

Grease isn’t the only word Downtown. Text “EVENTS” to 25866 and become an Insider

Urban Art Thriving

Thursday, August 12th, 2010

Central Phoenix is full of murals, if you know how to find them. Lately, I’ve been photographing them for my own blog and thought more locals might find this sort of unique urban art interesting. This one is definitely worth checking out.

This is one of the larger murals in Central Phoenix.

It’s by Joerael J. Elliott. It’s been described by Robrt L. Pela, a Phoenix New Times writer, as “a gorgeous mural depicting our overbearing desert sun and how people survive it.”

This fantastic mural is on the side of a building housing Hair Pollution (formerly Way Cool Hair) at 1524 E. McDowell Road. There are many great murals in the Downtown arts district along Roosevelt Row and Grand Avenue.

Here’s another link where you can see more photos.

This is one of the more elaborate ones I’ve seen, so far.

And, hopefully, with 24-hour surveillance, this one won’t get tagged as so many others have.