Valley NewsIn Development: Mixed-Use Mania
Mike MeyerJune 1, 2015
Business in the front, party in the back... multi-family units upstairs? These cool Valley developments promise a mullet-like multitude of uses.
Valley NewsDesert Disneys
Mike MeyerJune 1, 2015
Greater Phoenix remains the only major U.S. metropolis without a theme park, despite many bold attempts by inspired impresarios. Could Scottsdale’s OdySea in the Desert hold the formula that finally works?
On a sunny Wednesday afternoon, Scottsdale businessman Mike Aloisi stands under the shade of an oak tree at Cactus Park in Scottsdale, clutching a bouquet of helium balloons. He’s wearing the head of a pelican costume – specifically, “PALican” – mascot for the Valley theme park he conceptualized to promote water safety to children. When Aloisi dons the mask, he becomes the character, waving and cheerfully announcing, “Hi, kids! I’m PALican, the friendly pelican!” One can almost picture a group of small children clinging to the costume and clamoring for photos.
Valley NewsBoarding School
Mike MeyerJune 1, 2015
Valley youth get an “extreme” alternative education at Kids That Rip.
The kid rumbles down one steep ramp on his skateboard, then swooshes up another. He flips the board up onto a metal railing, shoots across it and out into the air, then takes a painful-looking spill onto his butt. He winces, gets up, and repeats this process several times, each ending with a tumble. After a few falls, he slams his board against the floor in frustration.
CuratorSmoking Section
Mike MeyerJune 1, 2015
Valley meat maestros make their barbecue gear available to the masses.
Barbecue, as a cuisine and a philosophy, is one of the most divisive culinary topics in America. The sauce debate alone inspires fierce battles. Even when barbecue aficionados agree on something – ribs: good – there’s still room for dissension.
CuratorCool Puffings
Mike MeyerJune 1, 2015
Fire up a summer stogie at these varied Valley tobacco lounges.
Mark Twain declared if cigars weren’t allowed in heaven, he’d refuse to go. Albert Einstein believed that cigar smoking contributed to calm and objective judgment in human affairs. And Sigmund Freud’s tobacco-based oral fixations were legendary.
Valley NewsAd Hawk
Mike MeyerJune 1, 2015
Valley resale shop My Sister’s Closet is generally known for two things: used Blahniks and cheeky billboard copy. You’ve seen the ad slogans in question: “Wanted: One Night Stand” (with a picture of a nightstand) and “Make a Booty Call” (with a boot). Fun stuff, right? Harmless. Good for a chuckle.
Living in sunny Arizona means a higher risk of skin cancer. Learn how to care for your skin and increase your awareness of skin cancer in this section.
CuratorMexican Food Guide
Mike MeyerMay 1, 2015
You’ve come a long way, bebÉ. From old-school chimis to Mod-Mex burritos, we present this head-to-tail guide to the Valley’s favorite sort-of-foreign cuisine.
The Chile Whisperer
Are you a Mexican food fan with a DIY streak? Elote Cafe chef Jeff Smedstad shares his favorite recipes for sublime Mexican cuisine.
In his early 20s, Jeff Smedstad roamed interior Mexico, falling in love with the cuisine and the people after attending Scottsdale Culinary School, he opened Los Sombreros with then-wife Azucena Tovar in 1994.
From Our PartnersMexican Food Extra
Mike MeyerMay 1, 2015
Can’t get enough Mexican food? Check out this extra featuring more great local eateries and a handy map for finding these caliente restaurants.
From Our PartnersThe Beaches of Hawaii
Mike MeyerMay 1, 2015
This special section features some of the best beaches in the Aloha State.
CuratorJunk Bonds
Mike MeyerMay 1, 2015
Two Valley moms capitalize on the retro craze with Junk in the Trunk Vintage Market.
Like a good thrift-store score, Lindsey Holt and Coley Arnold’s business was pure serendipity. The two met in a class for young married couples at Scottsdale Bible Church and clicked immediately over their similar broods (they’re each mothers of three) and their love of “junking,” or scouring vintage, thrift and antique shops and estate sales for singular items with a story behind them.
CuratorTequila Fun-Rise
Mike MeyerMay 1, 2015
¿Estás cansado of wine- and beer-pairings? Take tequila for a spin..
Poor tequila gets a bad rap. Sullied by tales of youthful overindulgence and shots-shots-shots-induced sickness, Mexico’s mejor spirit is worth a second look. Brent Karlicek, beverage director for the Upward Projects roster of restaurants, says, “Tequila, as a spirit, I appreciate maybe more than any other because I feel very close to products that reflect a place.”
Happy HourWine, Oh!
Mike MeyerMay 1, 2015
Set your grape expectations high with cut-rate Cabernet and reduced Riesling at these three upscale vino bars.
Valley NewsCounty Fair
Mike MeyerMay 1, 2015
Sure, Maricopa is the most populous, most powerful county in Arizona, but every municipal entity in the state from Pima to Apache does something the best. Consult our info-map to see where your county excels.
Valley NewsMural Image
Mike MeyerMay 1, 2015
The recent destruction of Downtown murals, including two early Ted DeGrazia pieces, has local art advocates feeling pinched by “progress.”
At Art Detour the first weekend in March, thousands of people wandered the streets of Downtown Phoenix, craning their necks to see into local art galleries and bobbing their heads to bands jamming on outdoor stages. The 27th annual event has grown into one of the city’s largest cultural carousals. The main attraction this year was inside the building at 222 E. Roosevelt Street: two murals painted by renowned Tucson artist Ettore “Ted” DeGrazia more than 65 years ago.