Phoebe Bridgers | Photo by Carter Howe Every week, we present a curated list of live music in a wide range of genres all around the Valley. This week we’re taking a look at what’s happening at Downtown Phoenix venues. April 13 Phoebe Bridgers The title track of the indie artist’s 2020 album Punisher imagines her meeting her biggest musical influence, the gone-too-soon Elliott Smith. Yet despite the melancholy themes in her songs, she has an affection...
THE SCENE “Hidden gem” is one of the most cliché phrases in a food writer’s tattered toolkit, but in S. Maranto’s case, it is literally true. The bright little bistro, a modern spin on a classic Italian American joint, is downright difficult to find in the sprawling Scottsdale 101 shopping plaza at Mayo Boulevard and the 101 – technically in Phoenix, though it’s literal steps from Scottsdale city limits. It’s smack-dab in a sea of...
All the news that’s fit to nosh. Flower Power: To honor National Autism Awareness Month, on April 14 Flower Child will donate 5 percent of its sales – up to $10,000 – to The Autism Community in Action. This year marks the restaurant’s third Give Back Day to TACA. It has raised more than $33,000 for the nonprofit since 2019. Reason enough to feast on the Flying Avocado wrap and gluten-free mac and cheese. Meat...
Crystal clear gurgling waters, red rock cliffs, shady mesquite forests and towering canyon walls make hiking Red Creek an especially relaxing experience.
In the past two decades, nearly 6,000 soldiers died in the line of duty. In that same time, more than 40,000 military veterans have taken their own life. It’s a sobering statistic – and one that Phoenix businessman James Stratman is trying to change. In January, the founder and CEO of local supplement store Peak Nutrition founded Winter Warrior, a nonprofit in honor of former Mesa police officer and U.S. Marine Mitch Winters. In November...
Golf, baseball and a cold beer sound pretty good this weekend.
Local food and beverage maestros Mezcal Carreño and Los Sombreros recently partnered up to prepare a four-course meal and mezcal pairing to highlight the Mesa location of Los Sombreros’ brand-new mezcaleria, a cozy space with ample seating above the restaurant where guests can enjoy mezcal tastings, cocktails, mezcal-centric events and live music. The dinner, which took place on March 30, was the first event in the Mesa mezcaleria. The partnership between the restaurant and spirit...
Photo courtesy Gabby Usinger/Egyptian It’s safe to say what’s old is new again – bell bottoms are making a big comeback and retro-cool restaurants are springing up across the country. The Valley is no exception to this vintage revival, with the arrival (or rather reincarnation) of a hip hotel in the heart of the Grand Avenue Arts District. The Egyptian Motor Hotel has sat on historic Grand Ave for the better part of 70 years....
Crust Simply Italian, a local chain known for its Sicilian-style pizza and extensive pasta selection, recently launched a creative new concept called Calzone Connection. Calzone connoisseurs can now order specialty craft calzones for pickup or delivery from the Crust locations in Scottsdale and Chandler. A Gilbert location is also slated to open later this year. These aren’t your average Italian turnovers – small, doughy dishes typically filled with meat and cheese. Calzone Connection’s creations are...
Phoenix mayor Kate Gallego and members of city council recently approved two actions that would bolster sustainability education and foster the talent needed for the next generation of environmentally conscious leaders. Phoenix’s one-of-a-kind Student Council Sustainability Officer Program allows Phoenix Union High School District students to implement eco-friendly events and enhance sustainability education on their campus and beyond. The city council voted to expand this unique and important program, as well as introduce an urban...
Whether you’re looking for a fancy brunch, a family-friendly lunch or a fast-casual dinner, there’s a fair share of fare at Valley restaurants this Easter (Sunday, April 17). Fired Pie With 18 locations across the Valley, it’s easy to pop into this popular fast-casual pizza place and order a custom pie. Even easier, all locations are offering 20 percent off orders on Easter Sunday when you use the discount code “BUNNY22.” This deal is available...
Obon Bisutoro, a Japanese bistro specializing in sushi and ramen, officially opened its doors in Phoenix’s Biltmore Fashion Park in late March. I was recently invited to the restaurant – the third Obon concept in the Valley – for its soft opening. Walking into the dimly lit restaurant with complimentary Champagne in hand, I was amazed by the flawless interior design. Wood paneling is a signature décor element present in Obon’s two sister restaurants in...
The Mosquito Squad of Greater Scottsdale recently partnered with AquaSafe Swim School to provide 10 swim school scholarships for children ages 1 to 4 years old as part of a communitywide effort to educate families about safe swimming. Parents will have the opportunity to submit a letter explaining their desire to participate for a chance to win two months of swimming lessons with an AquaSafe instructor at the school’s Scottsdale or Gilbert locations. “As a...
In the middle of a global pandemic, Dana Dumas, chef-owner of SugarJam The Southern Kitchen, took a leap of faith and moved her existing restaurant into a bigger space in the Scottsdale Airpark. The new 5,000-square-foot spot houses all aspects of her growing business: a full-service brunch restaurant, bar and bakery. The move proved to be a good one. “I‘m doing numbers that I had only dreamt about in my other location,” she says. As...
Meatball Ferris Wheel at The Sicilian Butcher | Photo courtesy The Maggiore Group Spring has sprung in the Valley, and local restaurants and bars are celebrating the season with new menu offerings. Here are nine new menus to check out this month. The Italian Daughter Expect traditional Italian delights with a modern twist on The Italian Daughter’s brand-new spring menu. We can’t wait to try the gnocchi fritto – fried stuffed gnocchi served with house-made...
