Hubbuzz's Phoenix, AZ Blogs

Home cooking in Mesa at Cindy's Arizona Cafe

Zane — Fri, 11 Jul 2008 12:01:28 -0500

The Valley is growing at a rapid pace in all directions. New home and shopping developments seem to crop up monthly. There is one problem though. The fast and furious building favors large chain restaurants. When it comes down to it, an Applebee’s is an Applebee’s regardless if it is in Peoria, Gilbert or Ahwatukee.

A few mom and pop shops across the Valley have carved a special niche in their respective neighborhoods. They may be small but they deliver the goods, and are a welcome reprieve from sameness creeping across Phoenix and its suburbs.

Cindy’s Arizona Café, located at 124 E. McKellips Rd in Mesa, is a perfect breakfast escape from the likes of Denny’s and a nearby Cracker Barrel. There might be a short wait to get a seat on a weekday morning, but the staff is extremely friendly and the food arrives quickly, piping hot.

The restaurant specializes in American home cooking. Bacon, eggs, biscuits, pancakes, waffles and everything else you would expect for a country breakfast. The baked goods are prepared fresh daily, the portions are very large and the prices are more than reasonable.

The café is wonderful to children and willing to substitute items or prepare your meal how you prefer. The café’s namesake, Cindy is at the restaurant very often catering to customers and making sure you have everything you need.

Known for its fantastic breakfasts, the restaurant also offers a full lunch and dinner menu that is quite good. Breakfast is available all day as well. The café’s hours change seasonally, for most of summer they are not open for dinner. You may want to call ahead, just to make sure Cindy’s will be open.

Some of the breakfast favorites include a waffle platter special, fresh biscuits and homemade gravy as well as a large, perfectly prepared chicken fried steak.

Fourth of July across greater Phoenix

Zane — Thu, 03 Jul 2008 15:51:16 -0500

Celebrations are scheduled across the Valley for July 4th. With fireworks, activities, games, parties, music and food, everybody should be able to find a party in their backyard.

The Apache Junction 4th of July Fireworks Celebration offers free admission to swimming, a volleyball tournament, skate competition and kids activities at the Apache Junction High School. As the sun goes down, fireworks and free watermelon cap off the day.

Litchfield Park residents can enjoy food, a DJ, an F-16 flyover and contests, not to mention fireworks at both the Litchfield Park Recreation Center and the Town Center. Admission to the recreation center is $2.

The Earl Edgar Recreational Complex hosts a splash park, music and fireworks with free admission in Buckeye. The complex is located at Miller Road and Beloat.

One of the largest fireworks displays in the Southwest ignites at Steel Indian School Park in downtown Phoenix. Kids can enjoy rides and activities, parents can enjoy local entertainment and everyone can enjoy food and drink. Admission is free.

For $1, Mesa residents will fill Riggs Stadium at Mesa Community College for the Mesa fireworks show. However, parking is $5 per car and the pre-fireworks entertainment is not listed. Proceeds benefit local charities.

Glendale celebrates independence with hot dogs, water slides music and fireworks. Free admission and free parking. A patriotic program and an F-16 flyover by the Luke Fighter squadron kicks of a night of music and fireworks at Glendale Community College.

The Peoria Sports complex entertains fans of both country and rock ‘n’ roll with two entertainment fields, as well as a kids zone, water zone, vendor booths, the popular F-16 flyover and, of course, fireworks. Free admission.

Scottsdale holds its July 4th Family Barbecue at Scottsdale Stadium, complete with free hot dogs, pie and watermelon eating contests, face painting, arts and competitions. There are no fireworks at the event but families are encouraged to bring food to cook at available grills.

No holiday is complete without a party at Tempe Town Lake. This July 4th fireworks, a concert, inflatable rides for kids, vendors and games cap off one of the Valley’s more popular events. Admission is $8 but children 12 and under are free.

Mill Avenue District in Tempe

Zane — Fri, 27 Jun 2008 08:44:10 -0500

The Mill Avenue District in Tempe is arguably the city's cultural and entertainment center. Within walking distance of Arizona State University, the district is overflowing with shopping, dining and entertainment options.

At the north end is Tempe Town Lake and Tempe Beach Park with boating and fishing as well as over 100 days of special events throughout the year. These events include everything from Fourth of July Fireworks to Ironman competitions and the Tempe Music Festival.

At the sound is the ASU Gammage Auditorium where all of the popular traveling musicals and plays reside. Gammage is known, infamously, for its steep construction. Concert goes on the balcony have a great view, and maybe a little vertigo as well.

The Harkins Valley Art Theatre is a historical landmark that recently enjoyed a million dollar renovation. The "one room, one big screen" setup is a rarity in the Valley, but makes this theatre a favorite among the indie and documentary film fans. Movie aficionados with a more mainstream taste can enjoy the state of the art Harkins theatre – with multiple screens – just down the street.

The Tempe Center of the Arts provides – just as the Valley Art Theatre – an alternative for fans of the arts. The center houses a theatre with work from Childsplay (a for-the-youth-by-the-youth art group), the Tempe Symphony Orchestra and the Tempe Community Chorus, among many others.

Shoppers have a choice of Urban Outfitters, American Apparel, Bath and Body Works, Borders and many unique boutique stores that struggle to compete with the big name stores. The boutiques are the draw though, as the other stores are not anything special that you could not find at a regular mall.

Many of the restaurants in the district are frequent award winners, including some of the Valley's best Chinese, Mediterranean, Mexican and Italian cuisines. There is also a Jack in the Box.

With is close proximity to ASU, naturally the Mill Avenue District is a popular nighttime destination. A number of bars and clubs offer many varied music choices. Everything from country to rock and hip-hop. You can cheer on the ASU Sun Devils from a number of sports clubs if you were unable to get tickets to a home game. Sun Devil Stadium just happens to be about half a mile east of Mill Avenue.

As expected, the district is very busy when ASU is in session, and often the best entertainment is just walking down the street when the sun goes down. Mill Avenue is also the location of the Tempe Festival of Lights Parade – a favorite in the Valley – as well as the Tempe New Years Party.

Firebird International Raceway in Chandler

Zane — Mon, 23 Jun 2008 09:37:17 -0500

Weekends in the southern part of the Valley are often punctuated with the roar of engines and squeal of tires as thousands of rabid race fans turn the serene Arizona desert into a testament of speed and power.

For over 25 years, Firebird International Raceway (FIR) has been a major destination for car and truck fans of all types. The most popular events include NHRA drag races, monster trucks, import exhibitions as well as boat races on the 120-acre raceway lake.

FIR is the official Phoenix raceway for the NHRA and has hosted events such as the national time trials, Checker Schuck’s Kragen Nationals and much more. The raceway offers season tickets as well as VIP upgrades for frequent visitors.

Almost every weekend of the year – when a larger event is not scheduled – the raceway is open to locals with “run what ya brung” contests, Team Firebird semi-pro races, “Beat the Heat” challenges and an assortment of music, food and fun for the whole family. The popular “run what ya brung” allows drivers 18 an older, or 16 with an adult, to bring their own vehicles and legally drag race. Spectator admission to the event is $10 while children 12 and under are free. An additional $10 is required to race your vehicle.

The raceway does have many vehicle requirements to ensure the safety of the drivers and all spectators. More information on the rules and regulations are available at the raceway Web site.

The raceway is also available for corporate rental programs including meetings, lunches, dinners, parties and other events.

FIR is located in Chandler, AZ. Travelers will head east on I-10 towards Tucson. The raceway is visible from the interstate, located closely to the Wild Horse Pass Casino on Maricopa Road. Check out www.firebirdraceway.com for a schedule of events.

Bass Pro Shops in Mesa

Zane — Mon, 16 Jun 2008 11:11:06 -0500

Somewhat of an institution in the Eastern United States, Bass Pro Shops opened its first store in Arizona last year much to the delight of the valley’s outdoor enthusiasts. Phoenix is a short drive from many mountains and lakes, including a one-hour driver to Payson, AZ, as a central hub for campers, fishers, hunters and hikers.

With over 170,125 square feet of space, Bass Pro Shops includes the area's largest selection of gear for fishing, hunting, camping, boating hiking, backpacking, outdoor cooking, golf and more. Much of the bottom floor, of the two-story building, includes outdoor apparel for men, women and children as well as a gift and nature center that includes food and home furnishings.

Outdoorsmen and women can find all the major name brand equipment, as well as reasonably priced Bass Pro alternatives. If there is something you might ever need on any type of outdoor excursion, Bass Pro Shops has it.

The store is known for “bringing the outdoors indoors” and the internal architecture includes many rock formations, a stream with fish and a very large fish tank that appeals to kids. Hunters can try out archery equipment in a full-size indoor archery range, or take to realistic video games for hunting and target practice.

Bass Pro Shops offers free classes that include topics like outdoor cooking, nature photography, fly-fishing, camping, archery, golf skills and more. Saturday and Sunday are very busy days at the shop. If you require help from an employee, it would be best to visit during the week when someone would have a little more time to help you. The staff is friendly, but often very busy.

At the east end of the shop is a 1,100 square-foot restaurant. The Islamadora Fish Company offers fresh seafood and wild game cuisine in a Florida Keys setting. The fish is very fresh and well prepared, but only the daring should take a stab at the alligator appetizer.

Bass Pro Shops is located south of Loop 202 and east of Loop 101 in Northwest Mesa, with store hours Monday-Saturday 9am to 10pm and Sun 10am to 7pm. The restaurant opens daily at 11am.

Chase Field

Zane — Fri, 06 Jun 2008 12:36:42 -0500

Chase Field is the home for baseball’s Arizona Diamondbacks. With a number of state-of-the-art amenities, baseball fans can escape the scorching summer heat and unpredictable monsoon storms with tickets as low as $15. The venue also holds concert events from time to time.

A retractable roof allows control over the amount of sunlight, and heat, allowed into the stadium. An 8,000-ton cooling system also cools the seating areas and concourses, as much as 30 degrees in three hours.

A curious addition to the ballpark’s amenities includes the Riviera Pools Pavilion. About 30 guests can watch the game from a swimming pool and hot tub, located above the outfield wall in right-center field.

Three restaurants around the field provide fine dining – The Lexus Club, Strike Zone Lounge, Hot Corner Lounge – while another, Friday’s Front Row sports grill, provides front row views in left field. All of the old baseball favorites are available as well throughout the stadium concourses.

Peter Piper Playhouse gives kids a chance to play with a full arcade as well as batting cages and a fast pitch area. The Diamondbacks furry mascot often cavorts through Baxter’s Den for photo opportunities for the young children.

Chase Field offers year-round guided tours for individuals and groups.

The success - or lack of - that the Diamondbacks experience directly affects game attendance. The 2001 world champions have had a few slow years, but made it to the playoffs in the 2007 season and are currently in the hunt to repeat. Fans should have no trouble purchasing tickets during the regular season.

Chase Field [where: 401 E. Jefferson Street, Phoenix, AZ] is the centerpiece of downtown and is very close to notable restaurants, hotels, the Phoenix Art Museum, Symphony Hall and the US Airways Center. Traffic and frequent construction cause delays during rush hours, and parking becomes very pricy closer to the location and event time. Parking is normally easy to find within reasonable walking distance to the field, and often at a fraction of the price. Plan accordingly and there should be no problems making it to the field on time and ready for the game.

McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park

Zane — Tue, 27 May 2008 12:54:20 -0500

The McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park, located on Indian Bend and Scottsdale Road in Scottsdale, AZ, has long been a hidden gem in the Phoenix Valley. Arizona rancher Fowler McCormick donated 100 acres to the City of Scottsdale in 1967 on the stipulation that the city used the land as a public park. Guy Stillman was the creative force behind the park, which included faithful replicas of the Century Narrow Gauge Railway equipment.

Since its official opening in 1975, the park has added further attractions and amenities including a vintage carousel, train exhibitions, railroad clubs, playgrounds, shops and concessions. Admission to the park is free. Tickets cost $1, with discounts available on purchases over 10. The paradise and Pacific Railroad – a replica steam train – costs two tickets while the carousel and railroad exhibit cost one ticket each. Children under three are free with a paying adult.

In the summer, the park offers a free concert series every Sunday evening while a fantastic holiday lights exhibition brightens every December. The holiday lights display is a busy event that brings a little bit of the North Pole to the Arizona desert. Lines for the train ride through the exhibition can reach up to one hour. Coffee and hot chocolate is available at very reasonable prices.

The park has amenities for special events and caters to birthdays, parties and any other event just as any park would see fit. This hidden gem is no longer in hiding as numerous publications and television shows have highlighted the park and its old-time atmosphere. Children love the real-working steam trains and the wide range of playground equipment. Parents love the quiet escape from city life.

The McCormick-Stillman Park is located close to some of Scottsdale’s finest shopping and dining establishments.

McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park
[where: 7301 E Indian Bend Rd, Scottsdale, AZ 85250]
480-312-2312
www.therailroadpark.com

Arizona Museum for Youth in Mesa

Zane — Wed, 21 May 2008 13:25:15 -0500

Located near downtown Mesa, AZ, the Arizona Museum for Youth (AMY) is a fine arts museum with children in mind. The art galleries cater to kids and adults alike with changing exhibits that bring various forms of media to the museum, as well as a selection of art classes. For children under four, ArtVille is an extension of the museum that allows crawlers to toddlers to explore with giant crayons, paintbrushes, slides and in make-believe playrooms.

The changing art galleries often cater to general childhood predicaments such as a current exhibition on table manners. Whimsical and witty pieces examine the evolution of kitchen-related objects and the dinner table as a source of inspiration. Previous exhibitions have featured geographical locations, animal species and the immensely popular Jim Henson exhibit.

The classes range from one-day workshops to six-week sessions and include opportunities for children – and parents – to create edible art in the Kiddie Kitchen, lean basic music competency, making messy creations, explore sand and water and learn about colors and color blending. Courses for older children stretch into painting, cartooning and deeper studies on artistic styles.

The museum holds special events on holidays and holds a summer beach party to help families escape the heat. Children can celebrate their birthday at the museum as well with a number of themes including fairy tales, old west, jungle safari, little artists, beach party and pirates.

AMY has earned several awards including Best Museum for Kids from the Arizona Republic and the New Times, as well as a selection as one of the top six children’s museums in America by Family Fun.

The museum is open from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm, Monday through Sunday, and is very close to the Mesa downtown district that includes dining, shopping and the Mesa Arts Center – a destination for decidedly more serious art connoisseurs.

General admission is $5 for everyone over 1-year-old, and includes entry into ArtVille and any special gallery exhibits. Memberships begin at $50 and include unlimited admission among other benefits. More information is available at www.arizonamuseumforyouth.com.

Arizona Museum for Youth
[where: 34 N Robson, Mesa, AZ]
480-644-2467

Brass Heart , Best Boutique in Gilbert

phoenixisfierce — Thu, 01 May 2008 10:35:29 -0500

Ahh is this heaven? No it’s Brass Heart in cutesie Gilbert. Located on the Baseline drag this boutique is stiletto steps away from Lakeview Village Shopping Center. So much shopping – so little time. I’d start with Brass Heart – they offer personal shoppers (bonus!), a children’s play area and plenty of open space. I have to say I hate going to a store where I feel like I might end up buried underneath a pile of clothing racks. It’s seriously a scary thought.

At Brass Heart the lovely merchandise is beautifully laid out for all to peruse. They’ve got True Religion, Juicy Couture and Ella Moss to name a few. All of the “wears” can be found here from outer to foot to sleep. Just thinking about the crisply folded jeans makes me want more.

Brass Heart
[where: 3426 E Baseline Rd, Gilbert, AZ 85204]
480-558-4391

Mama’s Italian Kitchen…..Some Of The Best Authentic Italian Food In Town

katethegreat — Thu, 24 Apr 2008 15:33:44 -0500

Mama’s Italian Kitchen sports colorful walls, black and white checkered table clothes and of course insanely good prices.

Some of my favorites are the chopped salad, the meatball sandwich, the chicken pesto pasta, the Palermo pizza and my fav…the ravioli grandisimo (it’s 10”)!

Mama’s Italian Kitchen
[where: 16852 E Parkview Ave., Fountain Hills, AZ 85268]

Kiss The Cook in Glendale

katethegreat — Thu, 17 Apr 2008 10:01:53 -0500

Kiss The Cook Restaurant, a family owned restaurant, has a very welcoming and “homey” vibe going on. Don’t be fooled by the exterior, which looks like an old chain breakfast joint. The shabby chic décor (for sale), the baked goods, the meals that are made from scratch, the sandwiches served with a pickle and a Hershey’s kiss are all part of the little touches that makes Kiss the Cook Restaurant in Glendale so great. Many have compared it to going to grandma’s house.

The food choices are very similar to many other breakfast spots, but so much tastier because they are made from scratch and served with a smile. Did I mention how delicious their baked goods are???

Kiss The Cook Restaurant
[where: 4915 W Glendale Ave, Glendale, AZ 85301]

Electric Ladyland is a Bad Dream Come True!

elephantintheroom — Fri, 11 Apr 2008 09:50:05 -0500

As I entered the ever popular Electric Ladyland, on the hunt for a new pair of jeans – I was overwhelmed and became nauseous by the faux leopard prints, the bright pink EVERYWHERE, the amount of gold racks and chandeliers, the chintzy over-priced clothes, the snobby staff and the mannequin heads.

Let’s just say this place wasn’t my taste. The shop claims to be a super trendy boutique – but I’d say, if you are over the age of 16 – you should stay clear and head to Nordstrom’s instead where it’s a little more fashion forward with better designer options. It could just be me, but I don't consider fruit pins, gaudy jewelry and printed tees to be very fashionable.

Electric Ladyland is not for me.

[where: 3925 E Camelback Rd, Phoenix, AZ 85018]

Ahwatukee Apartments - Quiet, Serene and Out Of The Way!

hubbuzz — Fri, 04 Apr 2008 16:54:53 -0500

Ahwatukee isn’t bustling like some other areas of Phoenix. In fact, it’s quite the opposite. Ahwatukee, located in the South Valley, is bordered to the north by South Mountain Park – so by default it is actually physically separated (by a very large, beautiful and mountainous park) from the core of the Phoenix Metro. And though Ahwatukee maintains a wonderful small town vibe, it is also located right near Interstate 10 which will zip right into or out of town.

If this sounds good to you, then an Ahwatukee apartment in this secluded town with town of outdoor recreation might be just the ticket.

Hubbuzz.com has Ahwatukee apartments for rent. Click here to see Ahwatukee apartments. Remember, when you lease an apartment you found on hubbuzz.com, we give you $100 – make sure you tell the property you found them on hubbuzz.com

You might want to check out South Phoenix apartments for rent too. South Phoenix is located on the northern side of South Mountain Park – but you still get to enjoy the same amazing mountain views.

The Orpheum Theatre Is A Class Act

katethegreat — Thu, 03 Apr 2008 15:30:35 -0500

Take it from me, it’s definitely worth the trip. It has a certain ambiance that you’ll just love. The old world vintage vibe is very romantic and you truly feel lucky to be there. The sound is great, the staff is super friendly and helpful and the shows, concerts, plays, speakers and recitals that go on are just as good.

It fits in perfectly with the other "old" turned "new" vibe of downtown Phoenix.

Upcoming events at The Orpheum Theatre include the Ballet Arizona Presents Mixed Repertory B, Phoenix Children’s Choir and Ballet Arizona.

Sounds like the perfect evening out to me.

Check out restaurants in the area.

[where: 203 W Adams St, Phoenix, AZ 85003]

Hubbuzz Announces Phoenix Launch!

hubbuzz — Tue, 25 Mar 2008 10:54:57 -0500

Hubbuzz.com, an interactive apartment search website, now provides people searching for Phoenix apartments for rent with lifestyle-oriented neighborhood profiles. Each Phoenix neighborhood profile includes detailed information - like photo galleries, interactive Google maps, user generated blogs and listings for Phoenix apartments for rent - which cannot be found elsewhere on the web.

When visiting hubbuzz.com, apartment seekers are able to search for Phoenix apartments for rent based on neighborhood or city name, neighborhood characteristics (such as eclectic, established, and urban), cost of rent and a number of other apartment amenities (such as pet-friendly apartments, apartments with a fitness center, or even hardwood floors).

Unlike other apartment search websites that offer Phoenix apartments for rent, hubbuzz.com users receive targeted apartment results based on their specified apartment search criteria, rather than hundreds of listings that may fall outside their criteria.

Jennifer Staciokas, vice president of marketing and training for Lincoln Property Company, the fourth largest apartment management company in the nation and a hubbuzz.com client, said, "Hubbuzz.com is taking apartment search to the next level. By supplying apartment searchers with neighborhood information, photos and blogs, hubbuzz.com provides highly valuable information that renters cannot get elsewhere, helping them make the best possible housing decisions."

Hubbuzz.com works with a variety of communities from individually owned properties to national real estate investment trusts that rank in the top ten in the industry. The Phoenix apartments for rent featured on hubbuzz.com vary from small apartment buildings with less than 50 units to large buildings with over 300 units.

Hubbuzz.com users who find Phoenix apartments for rent through the site are eligible for a $100 reward by clicking on the "Claim $100" link and completing the form found here.

Hubbuzz.com has launched service in Colorado-based markets, including Denver, Boulder, Ft. Collins and Colorado Springs, Southern California-based markets, including Los Angeles, Orange County, San Diego and the Inland Empire, as well as Phoenix, Dallas and Las Vegas and will introduce more markets on an ongoing basis.

About hubbuzz.com
Hubbuzz.com is an innovative apartment search website and online community that provides apartment seekers a unique search experience by combining powerful search functionality and unmatched neighborhood insight with user-generated content. Launched in August of 2007, hubbuzz.com is owned by Denver-based startup Collective Intuition, LLC, a group dedicated to improving the search for not just an apartment, but a neighborhood and community to call home.

Green and Energy Efficient Apartments in Phoenix

hubbuzz — Tue, 18 Mar 2008 16:38:22 -0500

Are you looking for a Green apartment? One that offers recycling and has energy-efficiency apartments? To many, making a green lifestyle choice is just as important as having a fitness center and a laundry room.

Hubbuzz has Green apartments and energy efficient apartments in Phoenix. Check out these Phoenix apartments for rent that may have some of the following

RECYCLING
On-site recycling
Free computer and electronics recycling
Battery and cell phone disposal location
Use of recycled paper in offices and on promotional materials

ENERGY
Motion detectors
Ceiling fans
Energy efficient appliances and lighting

ENVIRONMENT
Environmentally friendly cleaning products
Low-VOC paint
Renewable resource for interior structures

WATER
Reclaimed water for irrigation
Water-wise landscaping
Low-flow toilets and shower heads decrease water consumption

TRANSPORTATION
Carpool organization
Locations near public transportation

Phoenix Apartments
Borrego Apartments
3004 S Market St
Gilbert, AZ 85295

Azul Apartments
3134 S Market St
Gilbert, AZ 85295

Apartments Near Glendale Community College

hubbuzz — Fri, 14 Mar 2008 16:19:00 -0500

Finding apartments near Glendale Community College may seem a little daunting, especially if you are new to the Phoenix area. Where does a new student, faculty member or staff even start? Well, figuring out the lay of the land and what's going on in Glendale is a great plae to start. Read on to get to know the Glendale area.

If you are itching to get find an apartment fast, check out Apartments in Glendale, AZ on hubbuzz.

Glendale Area Facts
Glendale hosted the 2008 Super Bowl

59th Avenue is the main drag through town. Live near here and you are close to anywhere you need to be.

Thunderbird Consevation Park is partially located in Glendale. There are almost 20 miles of multi-use trails for hiking, horseback riding, jogging or mountain biking. Feeling more low key? Head to Thunderbird Park fo a picnic or birdwatching.

Apartments near Glendale Community College are also near Arrowhead Towne Center, the place for dining, shopping or to see the latest flick.

More about Apartments Near Glendale Community College - There are other great areas of Phoenix that are nearby and provide for a short commute so you could live in apartments near Glendale Community College without living in the city itself.Check out Peoria apartments, West Phoenix apartments and North Phoenix apartments. All of these Phoenix neighborhoods are not too far from Glendale and are great options, especially if you have a car or are willing to hop on public transportation to get to campus.

Spring Time Sipping

katethegreat — Thu, 13 Mar 2008 12:35:56 -0500

Here are a few of my ultimate favorites when it comes to spring time sipping:

Mango Bubbly
Wet rim of champagne with lime rind and then coat with sugar
½ ounce of mango puree
3 ounces of champagne

Mint Julip
½ teaspoon super fine sugar
½ ounce bourbon, plus 2 ounces
8 – 10 mint leaves
2 cups crushed ice
sparkling water
1 lemon twist
1 mint sprig
confectioner’s sugar

Click here to see how to make this drink.

Yellow Bird
Juice of half a lime
1 ¼ oz orange juice
1 oz dark rum
¼ ounce Galliano
Maraschino cherry for garnish

Happy drinking!!

Phoenix Company Creates Delicious, Organic and Healthy Frozen Entrees

elizabeth — Tue, 11 Mar 2008 13:29:12 -0500

I have been trying to eat organic as much as possible lately and have found it’s not always the easiest thing to do:

1) You may assume (I did) that all the products in a ‘natural’ store are always organic, but actually, only some of the products are organic. You have to look around a bit, and when you find what you are looking for you have to consider the higher cost associated with organic foods. It may seems not worth it, especially when something that looks exactly the same is right next door with a much cheaper price tag.

2) If you go out to dinner, don’t except to find many places using organic, farm fresh produce and antibiotic-free meat, poultry and wild fish. There are places do, but not many. Even vegan/vegetarian restaurants don’t always serve organic.

3) You also have to consider the prep time when it comes to going organic. You might be eating organic, but that doesn’t mean you are in the mood to, or have the free time to prepare three healthy squares a day. You will find many organic frozen entrees at grocery stores like Sunflower Farmers Market, but I have noticed they don’t necessary seem all that healthy. (Just because it’s organic doesn’t mean you it's good for you depending on the diet you are trying to maintain).

So, the other day I was in a Sunflower Market, perusing the frozen food section. I was looking for something to take to work for my lunch that was organic and healthy and easy to prepare. My eyes rested on an Organic Bistro Wild Salmon Whole Life Meal. The photo on the packaging looked delicious and the ingredients sounded delightful…Wild Salmon, Rosemary Orange Glaze, Cranberry Pilaf and Walnut Broccoli.

The price tag on the meal ($5.99) was a little more than I like to spend on frozen entree, but it also appeared (it was heavy) to be more food than I am used to a frozen entree containing.

The next day I emailed Organic Bistro and asked if they would send me some coupons for a 'trial'. Coupons arrived less then a week later and I went back to Sunflower Farmers Market and purchased the Wild Salmon entree. Today, I had it for lunch - it was very convenient and terrific. It was everything you don’t expect from something you microwave. Taste wise, there is no comparison between this Organic Bistro meal and, let’s say, Healthy Choice meal.

And it was a lot of food – more than I typically eat for lunch, but would be perfect for an on-the-go dinner.

Along with my coupons, I received an information pamphlet. According to Organic Bistro, each certified organic meal is, “designed to maximize its ingredient mix for lean protein, fiber, omega-3s and complex carbohydrates to provide a balanced, whole meal.”

You won’t find any Trans fats, gluten, empty calories, preservatives, flavor enhancers or chemicals in these Organic Bistro Meals. In addition to the Wild Salmon, their product line also includes Chicken Citron, Ginger Chicken, Savory Turkey, Pescado Veracruz and Sockeye Salmon Cakes.

The Company was founded by Dr. Laryn Callaway, who is a practicing naturopathic physician. I was also happy to see a Scottsdale address on the envelope they sent me. So to make things even better, Organic Bistro is a local company based in Scottsdale, AZ.

Learn more about Organic Bistro online at www.theorganicbistro.com. If you purchase meals online, you can get a 'bulk' discount - 6 for $30 ($5/meal).

You can also find Organic Bistro Whole Life Meals at these Sunflower Farmers Market locations:

Sunflower Farmers Markets
www.sfmarkets.com

Phoenix
[where: 245 E Bell Rd, Phoenix, AZ 85022]
602-218-4949

Tempe
[where: 1706 E Southern Ave, Tempe, AZ 85282]
480-820-4900

Scottsdale
[where: 4402 North Miller Rd, Scottsdale, AZ 85251]
480-941-6001

Charming Wine Shop in Chandler

phoenixisfierce — Thu, 06 Mar 2008 11:18:16 -0500

Not too long ago, all wines were imported to Chandler from neighboring ‘hoods. Huh? We love vino too? Anyway finally wine shops in Chandler and Gilbert have been popping up all over the ‘hoods. Most notably, of course, is T’z Market Place – they have a wonderful rotating selection of wines (reasonably priced I might add), cheeses, sandwiches, fine meats, gelato (yum!), even some non-alcoholic drinks and, most importantly, a wine tasting bar. It’s really a one-stop shop that’s locally owned!

So if you’re in need of a little love, stop by T’z Market Place and enjoy a charming wine shop in Chandler.

T’z Market Place
[where: 58 S San Marcos Pl, Chandler, AZ 85225]
480-857-2088