Game night with family or friends: I’ll be heading over to a friend’s house where we’ll play board games till the break of dawn, well, probably not that late–I’ll be lucky to make it to midnight–but you get the picture. Find some friends, gather your favorite games, sport some food and drinks on the kitchen island or countertop, and play the night away. If you’re into video games or Wii, do that, instead. But make it a fun night for all by just spending time together doing something you all really enjoy. Anyone up for some Trivial Pursuit? How about this new game called Partini? I gave a copy away to friends for Christmas. You have to hum, mold clay figures, act out a scene or a word, and make up sentences. Fun stuff.

A movie marathon: Two years ago, my boyfriend and I decided we’d spend the evening at the movie theater catching up on the new releases we never seem to see before they get released on video. It was a quiet blast. We enjoyed an early dinner out before the crowds shuffled in. And then we headed over to a Harkins Theatre to watch a few movies on which we both agreed. We amazed ourselves that we made it to midnight. It was a fun way to say hello to the new year. I’d do it again if asked. Heck, I’d even suggest it again.

The theatre awaits: If tickets are still available, “Let the Sunshine In” with a 40th anniversary production of Hair by Arizona Theatre Company. It shows at the Herberger Theatre in downtown Phoenix on New Year’s Eve. The special production includes dinner. Tickets are priced between $64 and $99. There’s also a special Broadway Tribute show being conducted at The Phoenix Symphony. Tickets for that range from $26 to $76.

Got any other ideas? Post them here.

Post from: The Phoenix Traveler

In a deal with city of Phoenix, developers reap profits from the sales taxes paid by consumers who will be shopping and dining here–50 percent of the profits, I read online. That’s a lot of dough to give away, and I can see why people are upset, what with the term “bailout” becoming the norm for government and big industry these days.

But since that’s not my expertise, I’ll just focus on what I saw first-hand so you might get a taste of what you’d see if you go. We’ll just stick to the travel aspect, in other words.

The grand opening happened this week, and I convinced my boyfriend to come with me last night to see why the mayor’s office thinks this was such a great idea. Well, to be sure, what we saw was just another shopping mall with stores and restaurants and really expensive condos for rent and for sale. It kind of reminded me of a toned-down (in some respects) Kierland Commons. Of course, it’s not fully built yet, and with the economic downturn, Phase II has been delayed. I can’t envision what it will look like when fully built. With all the lights turned on, you can call it a bright spot in the middle of barren desert for now.

We did tour the condos, built directly over the shops, instead of in separate buildings as at Kierland. And they’re nice, if, as my boyfriend said, “you wanna live at the mall.” Okay, well, some people do. But I probably wouldn’t pay the $2,500 rental fees or the $600,000 purchase price to live there (Just a few numbers we read on the fliers.). But, hey, if you are into this sort of living arrangement, it might be worth a look. Otherwise, from my point of view, it was fun to pretend to house hunt. In the homes facing High Street, balconies overlook the shops, which wouldn’t exactly make for quiet living if management plans celebrations with live music every weekend. Just thought you should know that, if you’re seriously looking…

Before we toured the condos, we ate at a Japanese steakhouse called Saito’s, which may not have been fully prepared to address large crowds at dinnertime. Service at the hibachi table we sat at was semi-poor, meaning it was late and the waitress kept apologizing for being late or not getting our orders in at all. You’re sitting there kind of at the whim of service in these cases, so what do you say to that? I’m not one to yell or get upset about such things, unless I specifically let service know ahead of time I’m in a hurry, which we weren’t. But the meal was great, and the mai tai cocktails tasty and potent.

After one of our table mates complained about slow service, virtually no entertainment by our hibachi chef (While other tables were whooping it up with their chefs’ antics, all we got was an onion volcano.), and other things I couldn’t overhear, the manager gave everyone at our table a 50 percent discount, and you couldn’t complain about that! Besides, I think we gave the restaurant the benefit of the doubt, for opening day jitters. And since the manager did address all of us at the table personally, telling us she’ll focus more on training, asking us–with a smile and friendly manner–to please come back again, I think I would return. Besides, sitting there at the table made me miss Ayako’s of Tokyo. For those of you who might recall this Biltmore Fashion Park favorite, you’ll know what I mean.

During our visit, we also walked around to window shop (basic upscale chain stores, a few boutiques) and check out the bands–all music styles covered: country, contemporary rock, and Mariachi (an all-woman band). I did read that a few anchor stores, Bloomingdale’s (the first in Arizona) and Nordstrom, will be opening there soon, but we only saw evidence of Nordstrom–there was sign that advertised this. Despite the economic slow-down, my guess is this place will become a busy site this holiday season–once people realize it’s open.

All in all, I enjoyed my Sunday evening exploring a new entertainment venue.

Post from: The Phoenix Traveler

Malees at Desert Ridge will pamper these ladies with a special MONDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL WIDOW’S EVENT. In the weeks ahead, this event will include some or all of the following:

• Psychic readings
• Jewelry
• $4 Cosmos, Appletinis, and Sakatinis
• Manicures
• Astrology readings
• Stylist consultations  

She even thinks of the guys…so they don’t feel left out:

HAPPY HOUR prices at the main bar and sushi bar during the games. 

You have a few days to plan ahead.

Post from: The Phoenix Traveler

I’m going with a girlfriend tonight to see what’s what. If I can get good photos, I’ll post them here tomorrow. If not, you should check out the Web site here.

In it’s 6th season this year, Arizona Roller Derby was started by a group of women who want to bring attention to the sport; the players, made up of teachers, bankers, scientists and others, are all volunteers. This group is a member of the Women’s Flat Track Derby Association.

With six teams in the league, the first game, between the Bruisers and the Brawlarinas, took place last Saturday.

If it sounds like something you’d like to see, there are more games to come:

Arizona Roller Derby

Where: Castle Sports Club, 11420 N. 19th Ave., Phoenix

When: Games are scheduled on Saturday evenings (see schedule below), doors open at 6:30 p.m., the first bout begins at 7 p.m.

Cost: $10 in advance; $12 at the door. Buy here. Registered EMTs get in free.

Upcoming Events

September 20: Tent City Terrors v. Rose City Rollers [away]

October 18: Bad News Beaters v. Surly Gurlies

November 15: Brawlarinas v. Surly Gurlies

December 13: Scrimmage TBA

2009

January 10: Bad News Beaters v. Bruisers

February 7: Double Header: Bad News Beaters v. Brawlarinas, Surly Gurlies v. Bruisers

March 14: Double Header: Surly Gurlies v. Brawlarinas, Bad News Beaters v. Bruisers

April 11: Double Header: Bruisers v. Brawlarinas, Surly Gurlies v. Bad News Beaters

May 16: Double Header: Bad News Beaters v. Brawlarinas, Surly Gurlies v. Bruisers

June 13: Finals

Post from: The Phoenix Traveler

But that’s changing. Restaurants are moving in. There’s a wine bar and coffee shop. Houses are being renovated. The community is pulling together to rid itself of the blight. And now, there’s even an art gallery. Better yet, that art gallery has spawned something else–Sunnyslope’s very own art walk.

Art is not just for Phoenix and Scottsdale anymore. The creative outdoor fun is now in Sunnyslope, too.

Just look for the big white “S” on the mountain at the top of Central Avenue, and you’ll know you’re there.

To be sure, plan to show up on the evening of October 11. That’s when you’ll get to mix and mingle with more than 100 artists and six different live bands. They’ll set up shop along the east side of Central Avenue, from Dunlap Avenue, south all the way the Canal at Ruth Street. 1,000 Valley residents showed up for the first Sunnyslope Art Walk last April, and this one could draw more.

If you’ve not been to the area in a while–or if you’ve never been–you might want to stop in a littler earlier to check out the coffee shop called Grinder’s, Bombero’s wine bar, Nielsen Galleries, or Corbin’s Bar & Grill–all within easy walking distance of each other. Local businesses are looking forward to it, and I hope to see you there.

What: Sunnyslope Art Walk.

Where: Dunlap and Central Ave., Phoenix.

When: Saturday, Oct. 11, 5 p.m. – 10 p.m.

Parking: The Cowden Center, 9202 N. 2nd St., between Dunlap and Hatcher; Food City parking lot at Dunlap and Central; Sunnyslope High School, 35 W. Dunlap.

Post from: The Phoenix Traveler

The public is invited to enjoy fun kids’ activities, music by disc jockey, food & drink specials, and give-aways that include a drawing for a 2-night stay at the resort.

What: Fallin’ for Friday’s

Where: Pointe Hilton Tapatio Cliffs Resort, 11111 N. 7th Street, Phoenix, 602-866-7500 or 602-866-6396.

When: Today! Friday, Aug. 29, 6 p.m. – 9 p.m.

Admission: $5/person; children under 3 are free.

Parking at the resort is free.

Post from: The Phoenix Traveler

Every big city has its unique neighborhoods, or the neighborhoods that define a specific culture or two. Being so close to the Mexican border, we have our fair share of ‘hoods that define the Hispanic culture.

One of them is in South Phoenix–not necessarily the safest place to play. But tucked away in a hidden corner, is something you might want to see–El Gran Mercado. For a little adventure and a place to practice your Spanish verbs, pick a weekend afternoon to drive over to 35th Avenue and Buckeye. That’s where you’ll find this secret gem. On the south side of the street, watch for the wooden sign on the sidewalk that says Entrada. Turn there. You’ll have to pay for parking, but they don’t charge admission till after 7 p.m.

Inside, you’ll see an authentic Spanish marketplace (reminiscent of what you might find in Guadalajara) hidden behind a palm tree grove on the south side of Buckeye. It’s safe to shop and stroll here. You’ll be with friendly people who are happy to have you. Underneath covered awnings, you’ll find auto parts, tools, women’s clothing on mannequins, men’s clothing folded, Western wear (leather boots, belts and lassos), kitchen appliances, furniture, fresh fruit and vegetables, Mexican music on CDs and cassettes, used cars, and so much more. With most of the signage in Spanish, it really feels as if you’ve crossed the border. As you make your way through the crowds, watch out for the baby strollers. If it’s not too hot outside, you might make it to all 350 vendors. If nothing else, be sure to catch the live music. Bands play on two different stages. And later in the evening, there’s dancing.

You can also play billiards, get your hair cut at the outdoor barber shop, eat roasted corn on the cob (They cover it in lots of butter and offer grated goat cheese and hot sauce as condiments.), drink ice cold Coronas, watch a wrestling match, and have your shoes shined.

I must admit that I probably would never have known about this place if it weren’t for a friend, Tim Nelson. He happens to be running for political office and was giving a speech here last weekend. My boyfriend and I went to hear what he had to say, and we really enjoyed our visit.

And thanks to Tim, if I ever need a piñata the size of my front door, I’ll know where to go.

What: El Gran Mercado
Where: 1820 S. 35th Avenue
When: Saturdays & Sundays, 7 a.m. to 1 a.m.
Admission/Parking: Free until    7 p.m., then it’s $3/person. Parking is $3.

(Photos above taken by Jackie Dishner at the Mercado.)

Post from: The Phoenix Traveler

I had the pleasure of being invited to attend a live performance by this local six-member band in Phoenix called Shallow Water. Click on the video above to hear a portion of my new favorite song called “Clap.” The group has a few CDs that you can purchase: the first called “2 Dollar Sailboat” was produced in 2002; the second called “What’s Her Name” was produced in 2006. “Clap” appears on that one.

The six-member band plays a rock, punk, ska and alternative mix of sounds, and has opened at concert performances for top touring groups, including Live, Smash Mouth and Barenaked Ladies.

Influenced by various musical styles, they’ve created an upbeat sound that even an old Boomer like me can enjoy. No one seems to steal the limelight in this group–not even the vocalists–but the two horn players really rev up the crowd and get the dancers on the floor. It was fun to watch.

And from what I could see at the sports bar (Sport Peppers, northeast corner of 16th Street and Bell Road, Phoenix) where they were playing and hope to again, they have a decent following.

The band originally consisted of four members: Kris McCoy, lead vocals; RJ Rizzo, drummer; Johnny Baba, guitar; and Scott Calhoun, bass guitar. They added the horn players, Ed Zubow and Paul Nolde-Morrissey, after a New Year’s Eve performance last year with the two proved to be successful. 

You can catch them yourself if you’ll be in Phoenix this weekend. They’ll be playing at Tailgater’s (northwest corner of 59th Avenue and Bell Road) on Saturday, Aug. 16, beginning at 9:30 p.m. Their next performances at Tailgater’s will be in November. You can check the band’s schedule here.

(Photo of the band above used with permission by Shallow Water.)

Post from: The Phoenix Traveler

Owned and operated by Jef and Shurlin Rawls, this family-friendly comedy theater is home to the Jester’Z comedy troupe–a really fun and lively bunch of comedians, ages 18 to mid-40s, who really put on a good show for their audiences every weekend. It’s fun, interactive, and entertaining.

Jef, who teaches the acting classes, along with some of his talented performers, trained with, among many others, instructors at the Second City conservatory in Los Angeles, and is a working actor himself. Not only that, but he’s a really good guy, and you gotta support a man who cares about the impact he’s making. No cuss words allowed in his theater, for one thing. Plus, they sell Snickers bars–a fan favorite, of mine, that is. If you’re looking for something to do with the family, a first date, the 50th anniversary, give the Jester’Z a try:

WHEN: Fridays & Saturdays, 8 p.m. & 10 p.m.

WHERE: Inside Papago Plaza, 7117 E. McDowell Rd., Scottsdale.

COST: $12, all shows.

RESERVATIONS: 480-423-0120.

All shows run 90 minutes, without intermission. Candy, popcorn, soda and water can be purchased at the snack bar prior to show time. The theater is a smoke-free establishment and does not serve alcohol. But, hey, that means there’s no drink minimum!

(Above graphic provided by Theater 168.)

Post from: The Phoenix Traveler

Locavore is a word used to describe someone who eats only locally grown and locally produced foods. That’s also the meaning behind the special dinner event hosted this month by James Porter, chef and owner of Tapino Kitchen & Wine Bar. He’s working with Chef Payton Curry from Digestif at Scottsdale’s Southbridge near the Waterfront to plan and prepare the five-course meal. 

Every taste of the meal comes from an Arizona  farmer, artisan or winemaker. In fact, farmers, ranchers, food producers and the winemaker will attend both evenings to talk with guests about eating local.

Together, they hope to promote patronage of Arizona-owned businesses and help preserve the local economy and environment.

To help keep costs down, the event is sponsored by Local First Arizona and the Arizona Farm Bureau. To reserve your space, call 480-991-6887.

Here are the details:

What: Locavore 3: The Bountiful
When: Tuesday, Aug. 5 and Wednesday, Aug. 6, beginning at 5:30 p.m.
Where: Tapino Kitchen & Wine Bar, 7000 E. Shea Blvd., Scottsdale
Cost: $49/person, plus tax and tip
Menu: http://tapino.com/menus/locavore3.html

Post from: The Phoenix Traveler