Lunch at District American Kitchen and Wine Bar
There are a number of great restaurants in downtown Phoenix and one that always makes it into my weekly lunch rotation is District American Kitchen and Wine Bar at the Sheraton Phoenix Downtown.
Lunch is a good deal with their "Nothing over $9 at noon" motto. You'll find traditional American fare on their menu, but with a focus on local seasonal ingredients.
Their 3rd Street Salad has been great with both seasonal setups I've tried and adding grilled salmon to it for $6 is well worth it. The pork belly and pineapple tacos are a wonderful blending of flavors with pickled jalapenos and chipotle lime crema mixing well with the lightly crisped pork.
Pork Belly & Pineapple Tacos
The All American Burger is perfectly flavorful as is, but bacon, a fried egg, and roasted green chili are available additions. It's a perfect lunch burger as it's filling without being greasy and too heavy.
As easy as it would be to stick with the favorites I already have, my eye is on the District Mac N' Cheese and Guilt Free Chicken Salad Sandwich, among others, for future visits.
District American Kitchen and Wine Bar is located on the northwest corner of Van Buren and N. Third Street in Downtown Phoenix at the Sheraton Phoenix Downtown Hotel.
320 N. Third Street, Phoenix, AZ, 85004
602-817-5400
Things to do: Fourth of July in Phoenix
Grab your coolers, lawn chairs, and all things red, white, and blue; it’s time to celebrate American Independence here in the great state of Arizona. If you’re looking for things to do in Phoenix for the Fourth of July we have a big list of celebrations and fireworks shows throughout the Valley.
Celebrate America at Phoenix First
This performance features music throughout the decades, dance numbers, laser light shows, skits, and more to celebrate America. Show times are 5:00 p.m. Saturday, June 29 and 9:00 a.m. and 10:45 a.m. Sunday, June 30. Admission is free. If you enjoy the show, return on July 4th for Family Night and Fireworks. Phoenix First kicks off the night with a family movie and continues with food, games, music, and fun for the whole family. The night will wrap up with one of Arizona’s largest fireworks displays right on campus. Event begins at 6:00 p.m. on July 4th and admission is free.
Southwest Ambulance Arizona Celebration of Freedom in Mesa
The Southwest Ambulance Arizona Celebration of Freedom, held June 29, the Saturday before the Fourth of July each year, is not just a fireworks show but a celebration of America's freedom and independence culminating with a spectacular pyrotechnic show and a salute to America. It is the precursor to every fireworks show in the State of Arizona, filled with classic cars, beer gardens, arts and culture, music, street performers, games, family fun, and more. Free.
For the entire Fourth of July Holiday week, Pueblo Grande Museum is offering a discounted museum admission rate of $4 to all adults and seniors. As a Local First Arizona member, this promotion also coincides with celebrating National Independents Week, in its 11th year of encouraging people to "go local" by supporting as many locally owned businesses as possible. Bring the whole family out for a fun and affordable uniquely Arizona experience.
Scottsdale Independence Day Music Festival with Brantley Gilbert
Salt River Fields is hosting their annual celebration of independence with the Academy of Country Music's New Artist of The Year, Brantley Gilbert. Other special guests include Tyler Farr and LoCash Cowboys. Gates open at 5:00 p.m. and a fireworks show will follow these performances. This is a must-attend for all you country-loving folk. Ticket prices range $20-$45.
Ahwatukee Red, White, and Boom Fireworks Festival
Save the date for Ahwatukee's 38th Annual Red, White, and Boom Fireworks Festival featuring Radio Disney's Rockin' Roadshow, food, drinks, eating competitions, and patriotic games. Best of all, this summer fun event is open to the public and includes a booming fireworks display. Free.
The Anthem Independence Day Celebration will honor our country's "birthday" with fun, food and fireworks. Enjoy hamburgers, hotdogs, kettle corn, fry bread, sno-cones, and funnel cake while listening to music or watching the stilt walkers. Wet and dry bounce houses and slides will be available for entertainment. Firework display will be at 9:30 p.m.
Admission is free; water slides and inflatables are $12 all you can ride; other attraction prices vary.
Litchfield Park 4th of July Splash Bash
The Litchfield Park Recreation Center swimming pool will be the site of the 4th of July "Splash Bash" from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Entry into this family event requires a $2 entry fee or a Recreation Center pass. There will be games, music, food for purchase, and a lot of family fun!
You may have experienced 4th of July before, but never like this. Grab your friends and family, sit lakeside and enjoy some BBQ, fireworks, and of course, lots of animals at the Phoenix Zoo! From 7 to 8:30 p.m., Andrew's BBQ will be serving delicious food. Before or after your dinner, you can head over to Stingray Bay where you can pet and feed the stingrays, or hop aboard the Endangered Species Carousel. After you're done with those magical experiences, head over to the face painters, bounce houses, and other fun-tivities. There will also be special animal guests throughout the night, so don't miss out on a rare animal sighting! At 9 p.m., guests will gather in a VIP area at the back of the Zoo to experience the firework show near Tempe Town Lake. Adults $40, Children (3-12) $35, Children under 3 free.
Fabulous Phoenix 4th is one of the largest Independence Day celebrations in the region. It features three stages of live local entertainment, inflatable rides, and activities. Visitors also can purchase food from more than 50 food and beverage vendors, and enjoy free community information booths and displays. The fireworks display begins at 9:30 p.m.
Queen Creek Family 4th on the Farm
Family 4th on the Farm includes family entertainment, water slides and bouncers, dunk tank, mechanical bull, bungee trampoline, speed pitch challenge, pony and train rides, and food and craft vendors. The Kiwanis Club is providing a live band. Fireworks will start at about 9 p.m. $15 per car, $5 unlimited use of waterslides, $1 per ticket for rides.
Cave Creek July 4th Fireworks Party
Celebrate Independence Day at Cave Creek Smokehouse and Pour House Patio. Arrive early and have dinner in the main dining room or enjoy pulled-pork barbecue outdoors while listening to DJ Dex spin tunes. Fireworks begin at dusk.
$5 for outdoor barbecue, dining room menu prices vary.
July 4th Tempe Town Lake Festival
Kiwanis Club of Tempe’s 60th Annual Fireworks Spectacular will present the best fireworks show in the Valley, shot from Mill Avenue bridge. The spectacular family night Fireworks Show will be choreographed to patriotic and classical music. Before the show, the Main Stage will be featuring great live local entertainment. Fantastic Family Fest will offer a free inflatable village for all ages with a variety of rides, rock climbing walls and more, as well as several different food options. The event will also feature the Budweiser Beer Gardens. Tickets will be on sale through July 4th at Fry’s and Fry’s Marketplace for $6.00 each. Children 12 and under are free. Tickets will be $8.00 at the gate or $15.00 for two. On site ticket sales will stop when the park reaches capacity.
Surprise 4th of July Celebration
Celebrate this Independence Day with a free game and firework display with a canned food donation. Gates open at 4:30 p.m. while the Minor League Angels vs. Rangers game begins at 5:30 p.m. The fireworks display will take place after the game at approximately 8:30 p.m. Tickets will be available beginning June 4th at the Community and Recreation Services Office. Free admission with a canned food donation.
Chandler Star Spangled Shoot Out
Celebrate your independence this July 4th western style with Rawhide from 5:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m. If it's a party you’re looking for, they've got you covered with cowboys, gunfights, food, fun, family and fireworks. Attractions and entertainment include, live music throughout the town, a strolling balloon artist, action packed performances, and an aerial fireworks display. $10 per person, Children 5 and under free. $5 for parking.
Buckeye Independence Day Celebration
All-American eats and treats, family games, and an after dark spectacular firework show at Youngker High School on July 4th from 6:00 p.m. until 9:30 p.m. Spend the day with family and friends at this old-fashioned independence celebration event. Don't forget your lawn chair or blanket for the fireworks. Free.
Starting at 5:00 p.m., enjoy multiple stages of music, a Kids Zone, a Water Zone, hot dog eating contest, plenty of family friendly activities, and a spectacular fireworks display! Scheduled to end around 10 pm. Adults $5, Children under 12 free.
Fourth of July Firework Fest at Westgate (Glendale)
The sky will light up over Westgate this Fourth of July during Firework Fest, the West Valley's largest fireworks show and festival. The event includes a spectacular 25-minute fireworks show at 9:00 p.m., a Splash Pad for kids, face painting, live music featuring classic American Rock and Roll, a historic military vehicle display featuring a vintage helicopter, dining deals from nearly all Westgate restaurants, a 21+ All-American Pub Crawl with drink specials, and discounts for all military members. Event begins at 5 pm and admission is free.
ASU Karsten Golf Course
Summertime in Phoenix: The rates are low and the skies are blue so it's to the course I go.
One of the first courses on my summer rotation was ASU Karsten Golf Course, "Home of Champions," where I teed it up this past weekend. This Pete Dye-designed course is home to the Arizona State Sun Devils golf teams and it's where Phil Mickelson honed his game during his impressive collegiate career.
To the right is the challenging final hole, with Sun Devil Stadium in the distance.
Karsten is a rare breed of course here in the Valley, as it has no homes on the course and minimal desert landscaping. The course's undulating fairways and greens and the dunes lining many of the fairways means flat lies are few and far between and creative shot-making is often called upon.
The course hosted a NCAA Division I men's golf regional tournament just three weeks ago and they've kept the track in prime tournament condition. The fairways were lush, the rough thick and the greens were smoother than any I've played in town recently. These conditions would be welcomed during peak season, but are especially nice when the rates are so low.
Designer Pete Dye's signature railroad ties, bunkering and mounding are all on display at the 8th hole.
As you would expect from a course that is home to a major college program, they have a nice practice facility with separate large putting and chipping greens and a range that has guests hitting balls with Sun Devil Stadium in the backdrop.
The Trophy Room Restaurant is a good place to fuel up before your round or relax on the patio afterward with a draft beer from a local brewery. As the name of the restaurant suggests, the restaurant displays trophies and accolades earned by ASU's golf teams over the years. Wildcats fans may want to avert their eyes from the laurels and the golf shop chock full of Sparky and pitchfork-branded gear.
One of the three lakes at Karsten ready to swallow wayward shots.
Rack rates are currently $36 all week which is a great deal, especially with the current course conditions. Lower rates can be had at certain times of day through their online booking system.
If you're flying into Phoenix, Karsten is a great option for the first or last round of your trip as it's just moments from Sky Harbor airport.
Just like the Greater Phoenix resorts that offer budget-friendly specials throughout the summer, so do the best courses in this golf mecca. Bring some sunblock and plenty of water and tee it up at premiere courses that cost a fraction of their peak-season rates. We'll highlight some of these courses and deals throughout the summer on The Hot Sheet.
Things to do: Father’s Day in Phoenix
Father’s Day is Sunday, June 16. Do you want to treat your dad but still not sure how to fire up the grill or mow the lawn? Don’t worry - we have put together a list of things to do for Father's Day in Phoenix that will surely please your dad on his special day. Luckily, many places are offering special deals for all the fathers out there, so your wallets will be pleased as well.
‘Man Brunch’ at Octane Raceway
Swap the Hallmark card for race results this Father's Day. Pay it forward by indulging in your dad's adventurous side at Octane Raceway's 4th annual 'Man Brunch'. Plan an Octane outing with the kids, friends and family for brunch and one ProKart Race for only $24.95 per person. Brunch begins at 9:00 a.m., and racing will begin at 9:30 a.m. The brunch menu will include eggs, bacon, sausage, waffles hash browns, coffee and juice. Dad's can eat and race for free with three or more paying guests. Additional races will be at the member price of 14.95 all day. The minimum age to race at Octane Raceway is 10 years old and all racers must be at least 52" tall and ready to race with closed toe shoes.
Grab your dads this father's day and head to The MIM. Come catch the rhythm and learn the basics of African, Latin, and pop-music hand drumming with master instructor Frank Thompson. This workshop will be fun and relaxing--a great chance to make music and rhythm together. After basic instruction, the session will end with a thrilling jam session. All levels are welcome to join in the fun. Bring your own drum or use one of the museum's. $12 per person from 1:30 – 3:30 p.m.
Catch the Sarah Jarosz concert after the Beat It! Workshop at The MIM with your dad later that day, at 7 p.m. This Texas bluegrass star was in her teens when she earned her first Grammy nomination. Tickets are between $ 22.50 and $27.50.
Treat dad to Father's Day Brunch at ZuZu. They will be serving the regular brunch menu from 6:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. along with several specials, and will also be featuring two specials for dinner, along with the regular menu, from 5:30 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. Reservations for brunch and dinner can be made at 480-421-7997.
Father’s Day at The Shout House
Do something different and unique this Father's Day. From 5 to 9 p.m., shout at the top of your lungs, rock out, and sing along with Dad to all of his favorite tunes; maybe even embarrass him and get him to do the chicken dance on stage. What better way to bond with Dad this Father's day then to sing-a-long, dance, and clap together.
Treat your dad one day before Father's Day in Phoenix. On Saturday, one hundred lucky dads will experiences toys made for the big boys. Virtual golf, helicopter rides, batting practice, exotic car racing experience, food, drinks and prizes. The 100 guests will be divided into five groups of 20, and will rotate from facility tours, batting practice, virtual golf, helicopter rides and racing adventures. Guests also will have access to the ‘Man Cave’ featuring casino games, air hockey, dartboards and big screen TVs playing sports all day long. $250 per person, 21+ only. Fantasy Father’s Day is all-inclusive, food and beverage as well as activities. Pre-registration is required.
Endless Entrees at The Melting Pot
What Dad wants most in the world - spending time with the family enjoying craft beer, and savoring fondue. The Melting Pot created a specialty menu to "meat" Dad's dietary needs on his day of the year.
What better way to appreciate your dad’s cheesy humor than taking him to National Comedy Theatre in Mesa? You can save $2 on admission when you wear an ugly tie, and the ugliest tie of the night will win a ticket package.
Let Dad take a break and golf on his special day. All Dads that play golf at the Boulders on Father’s Day will receive a voucher to return any time before September 12, 2013 and play for the price of a cart fee only.
Eat at Proof, American Canteen
Enjoy specials on brunch, prime rib, and ice cream sundaes with your father at Proof, an American Canteen all weekend. Proof is full of rich heritage; the speakeasy bar features no less than 50 beers, 50 wines and 50 small batch and craft distilled spirits all from the 50 states, come see for yourself if you want proof.
On Father's Day, Dads get a $10 game card or 2 free games of bowling (shoes included) with the purchase of an entrée at Red Embers Bar & Grill at Uptown Alley in Surprise. One gift per Dad, two Dad maximum per table.
Adult Recreation Center Luncheon
Have a dad that wants to get away from all the kids? Join an under-the-sea beach celebration at the adult recreation center. The adult center is for ages 18 and older, and even has special programs for senior citizens. With entertainment by the Volcano Steel Drum Duo - don't forget to wear your Hawaiian shirt.
Enjoy a fun morning in the sun on Tempe Town Lake with dad. Dads are free when there are at least two family members registering. Youth must be accompanied by Dad.
Have a health-conscious dad who isn’t looking for a hearty brunch? Kick off Dad's special day right by getting out and running as a family.
Brunch at District American Kitchen and Wine Bar
Special moments are better when shared. Treat dad to a memorable Father’s Day feast at District American Kitchen and Wine Bar. The menu features traditional favorites inspired by homemade recipes that includes local ingredients and herbs from the restaurant’s garden. District American Kitchen and Wine will also extend happy hour priced brews featuring an array of local crafts for Father’s Day.
Free admission at Arizona Science Center
Join Arizona Science Center in saying thank you to the men in our lives, our dads and granddads. Come down for the day and receive free general admission for all fathers and grandfathers as well as a special token of appreciation.
Make this Father's Day even more memorable with a special brunch for a special dad. Fleming’s will be serving a three-course menu every dad will love for $36.95 per guest. The regular and children's menus will also be available all day and evening. Plus, all dads will receive a $25 Dining Card for a future visit.
Treat Dad this year with a buffet- all you can eat for $19.95 a person.
Even if you already have father’s day plans, this event isn’t until June 29th and makes a great father daughter date. It starts off with an Italian buffet and performance from Peigne Dance Company. Following dinner and the performance, guests will have the opportunity to take classic ballroom dance lessons, with instruction provided by dance professionals of Peigne Dance Company. The Grand Ball is planned for girls of all ages and their fathers (or special father figure in their life). Tickets are $75 per pair and are available only through advance sales. Deadline to purchase tickets is June 20 and may be purchased online or at Avondale City Hall.
Q Up! BBQ Food Truck
When hunger strikes follow your nose to the Q Up! BBQ food truck. This Phoenix food truck features smoked barbecue meats served traditionally or with a southwestern flair. Popular menu items include their Gangsta Grilled Cheese, a grilled cheese sandwich with a generous portion of beef brisket stuffed inside with bacon and macaroni and cheese, and their BBQ Pork Nachos, served with their slow-smoked pork on top of house-made tortilla chips and finished with salsa and cheese.
If you are more of a barbecue traditionalist, you can order the Three Meat Plate that comes with mesquite slow smoked beef brisket, pulled pork, spicy sausage and a side.
You can find out where the Q Up! BBQ food truck will be next by following them on Facebook and Twitter.
The food truck craze has exploded in Phoenix with many opportunities to eat from these rolling gourmet “restaurants." We’ve eaten from many of the food trucks throughout Phoenix and wanted to highlight them individually for you. You can find the food trucks on a regular basis at the Downtown Phoenix Public Market on Wednesday evenings from 5-8 p.m, Fridays from 11 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. and on Saturdays from 8 a.m. – 1 p.m. At the North Central Farmers’ Market on Saturdays from 9 a.m. – 2 p.m., and the Third Thursday of the Month at the Whole Foods Raintree location from 11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m. There are always many more opportunities that you can find by following your favorite truck individually or by following the Phoenix Street Coalition. Bon Appétit!
Airport Dining: Phoenix Sky Harbor International
The recent makeover of Terminal 4 at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport brought with it the addition of some of the city’s best local restaurants. You can dine at James Beard Award nominee Silvana Salcido Esparaza’s Barrio Café or grab a cupcake from Phoenix favorite Tammie Coe Cakes. And the roster of local Phoenix gems (as well as national favorites) is growing next year. Waiting for your flight never tasted so good.
List of restaurants, and their locations:
Before security:
• Chelsea's Kitchen
• Sauce
• Starbucks
• America’s Taco Shop (coming soon)
• Cheuvront Restaurant & Wine Bar (coming soon)
• Joe's Real BBQ (coming soon)
• Lola Coffee with Tammie Coe Cakes
• Lo-Lo's Chicken and Waffles (coming soon)
• Smashburger (coming soon)
• Wildflower Bread Company (coming soon)
• Yogurtology (coming soon)
Gates A1-A14:
• Starbucks
• Dilly’s Deli
• Blanco T & T
• Modern Burger
• Olive & Ivy Marketplace
• Panda Express (coming soon)
• Wildflower Bread Company (coming soon)
Gates A15-A30:
• Tammie Coe Sandwiches, Salads & Pastries
• Peet's Coffee & Tea with Tammie Coe Cakes (coming soon)
• Delux Burger (coming soon)
• Four Peaks Brewing Company (coming soon)
• Humble Pie (coming soon)
• Pei Wei (coming soon)
Gates B1-B-14:
• NYPD Pizza
• Press Coffee Food & Wine
• El Bravo
• Focaccia Fiorentina
• Matt's Big Breakfast (coming soon)
• MidCity Kitchen (coming soon)
• Sweet Republic (coming soon)
• Wendy's (coming soon)
Gates B15-B2B:
• Cowboy Ciao
• La Madeleine
• McDonald’s
• Starbucks
Gates C1-C10
• Nocawich and Nocawich Express
• Humble Pie (coming soon)
• Los Taquitos (coming soon)
Gates C11-C20
• Cartel Coffee Lab
• Sir Veza's Taco Garage
• Paradise Bakery
• Starbucks
• Zinc Bistro (coming soon)
Gates D1-D8
• Peet's Coffee & Tea with Tammie Coe Cakes (coming soon)
• Barrio Café
• La Grande Orange (LGO)
