Lo-Lo's Chicken and Waffles
Just one mile south of Chase Field and U.S. Airways Arena downtown, there lives a place called Lo-Lo's.
I had never heard of Lo-Lo's, until at an All-Star event, a gentleman from Los Angeles was requesting the shuttle driver to take us to Roscoe's. Another passenger interjected, "Forget Roscoe's - Just take us to Lo-Lo's." I had to ask my seat neighbor what Lo-Lo's is, and I was informed that it is THE place to go for chicken and waffles (in my world, these items do not automatically go together, so I learned a little).
In about six conversations with different people since then, Lo-Lo's was mentioned, so how could I not then inform you, Hot Sheet readers? I have to admit that I was a little - errr... - nervous - about this breakfast/dinner combo. Poor Lunch! What happened to lunch?! (Dear Lunch, Don't worry. I still love you. Love, me) But I was....
Surprised!
I drove in, saw the painted wall on Central Ave., and parked in the nearby neighborhood. I strolled in to what looked like a party I was late to. This older historic home is converted, and you walk into where I imagine the front sitting room used to be, and wound up dining in another room to the side. Make no mistake - this is not a cutesy, Victorian home or anything, but it does have a comfy feel.
Anyway - I ordered a KoolAid. (Red is the only flavor offered, so any fellow grape lovers are out of luck)
I perused the rest of the menu, which mostly was some combination of chicken and waffles (no big shock), maybe with egg or without. But for YOU I ordered the KK #1 - two waffles, three pieces of fried chicken, two eggs with cheese and onion, and grits. This is the standard. I must note that while I really don't prefer onion, I didn't get the feeling that they welcomed menu edits.
So, I got my order, and while I liked the fried chicken, the waffles stole the show. Cinnamon, brown butter, brown sugar, just enough fluffiness. They were superb in every sense. It was all good together, too - the savory, creamy, crunchy and sweet flavors and textures made every bite a new combination. It's all pretty heavy in butter, though, so bring your Tums. Definitely worth it.
If you find yourself downtown and get a hankerin' for some good ol' Southern grub, this is your place. And I know you're thinking, "Thank you for devouring this nutritious goodness for the blog!" To which I say - you are welcome.
St. Patrick’s Day
Nevermind the distance from Ireland, Phoenix has no problem celebrating St. Patrick's Day. Since not every bar or event is a legit Irish experience, we thought we'd highlight our favorites. Hope to see you there!
Irish Cultural Center:
For the real Irish experience, you've gotta go downtown to the Irish Cultural Center, a beautiful building and grounds that holds numerous events throughout the year, though none as big as their annual party. Irish Lamb Stew, live Irish music by Seisiun musicians and cash bar. Be there at 7:00 pm for a St. Patrick’s Night Ceili. Admission is $6.00 and all dancers are welcome. www.azirish.org
The events start at 1pm. This Glendale gem is always a great place to meet and get the Irish bar experience, but they go all out for St. Patty's. A16,000 sq-foot venue hosts the bands Azz Izz, Envy, The McMorrows, BagPipe Band, Polyester, McElligott School of Irish Dance and J. David Sloan and Western Bred. Irish dancers, clowns, and of course leprechauns give something to do at every turn. Plenty of parking available. Padre Murphy's, 4338 W. Bell Road, Glendale. www.padremurphys.com.
Rosie McCaffrey's:
"Rosie's" (as it's referred to by the locals) is always great for live music, a real cozy Irish feeling and liveliness. It's just a happy place. And for St. Patrick's Day, they're spreading the "happy" starting at 6am, with concerts by Knockabouts, 7 Waters, and Keltic Cowboys through the night. www.rosiemccaffreys.com
Turf Bar / Seamus McCaffrey's:
Seamus McCaffrey's pub is no stranger to loyal Phoenicians who frequent this already-wonderful bar. But to double the fun, the owners have now opened The Turf Irish Restaurant just a few blocks away. For the Irish holiday, On March 17, pay one cover and get into both bars. And they make bar hopping easy - a trolley will run between the two. No green beer will be served, though. Must be something with their real Irish credibility. www.seamusmccaffreys.com
Tempe Town Lake
This event kicks off at 5pm, just enough time to change into Irish garb after work. The bands The Used, Slightly Stoopid and Bad Religion play to the crowds. All ages are welcome at Tempe Town Lake, 80 W. Rio Salado Parkway, Tempe. $40 at the door; $25-$35 in advance. www.luckymanonline.com.
Train Tracks
As if the Light Rail weren't hip enough for the PHX, now, you can hear a concert while riding. Live.
Local bands get on the Light Rail and play as the modern-day train happily rolls from Mesa, through Tempe to Phoenix and back. If you're lucky, you'll catch one live. If not, you don't have to miss out.
Train Tracks (besides being a super clever name) is a site showing videos of the exclusive performances, and if you're a musician, you can even submit your demo. Ultimately, the performances will lead up to quarter finals at Phoenix Art Museum in May, August, November, and February ('10). The First Friday in May at Phoenix Art Museum (for free, btw) will kick it off! Watch for more details. The finalswill be at PAM in March 2010, and the grand winner will play at the Tempe Music Festival in 2010. WOOWOO!
But the real joy lies in hearing all the bands, on the rail, for yourself. In the meantime, check out www.thetraintracks.org.
The Culture Pass is in AZ! Begins April 1
The Culture Pass has arrived in Arizona and we couldn't be more excited. What is this "Culture Pass," you ask?
Starting on April 1, it's your ticket to local museums, the Phoenix Zoo, and other must-do attractions (like Desert Botanical Gardens and The Arizona Science Center) FREE. FOR SEVEN DAYS. FOR FOUR PEOPLE.
Here's how it works - you pick up a Culture Pass at your local library anywhere in Greater Phoenix (that means it includes Chandler, Scottsdale, Glendale, Tempe, Mesa). The pass is good for seven days, for four people. Some of the places it gets you in:
Arizona Museum of Natural History, Arizona Science Center, Children's Museum of Phoenix, Heard Museum,Phoenix Art Museum and more are all covered by the pass.
I know you're asking, "What's the catch?" No. Catch. At. All. Economic times are hard, and everyone is looking for something to do that's free and entertaining. So a bunch of sponsors got together (including the Virginia G. Piper Charitable Trust and Macy's) and decided to influence the community with arts and activity.
To see a full listing of FREE attractions, as well as more details, visit: www.theculturepass.org. And be sure to tell your friends - there are enough passes to go around!
Sens Asian Tapas & Sake Bar – CLOSED
*UPDATE* Sens has closed.
I love Asian food. Let me clarify - I love good Asian food. The kind where you can taste something other than salt. It sounds simple enough, but I am continually amazed at the lines around cheap Chinese chains, wondering if the people in line really taste what they're eating.
Sens chef and creator, Johnny Chu
Then there came Sens, Johnny Chu's new space in downtown Phoenix, where he will remind you what real Asian food is supposed to be. Matter of fact, at numerous points in the meal, I exclaimed, "This (insert vegetable here) is fresh!" It embarrassed me that I don't eat as noble of food more often.
Noble food, but not intimidating, I should mention. Johnny's lunch wok creations and tapas options are perfect to break up a weekday routine, while the dinner options are so diverse I hardly know what to order. But I don't have to look too long - I could point to anything and it would be good (and I'm not that kind of order-anything person). I do recommend the lime mint beef, the chicken wings, and the panko shrimp for dinner. For lunch, the Black Dragon wok dish has gotten a hold of my tastebuds. I love it. For my vegetarian friends, numerous dishes will seduce you, including the citron tofu.
When I walked into Sens, the word "texture" immediately came to mind. The "pointed" walls, mirrored art and soft lotus lights intrigued me. As it turns out, Sens is as dimensional, delicate and reflective as the decor.
Other notable points:
*The most sakes available in Arizona, with over 85 available
*A DJ booth in the entry keeps the mood young and modern
*Complimentary valet parking is available at night
*Johnny Chu is the old chef/co-founder of Fate, so if you liked that, you're in for a treat
*It's open LATE! (Did you hear me cheer?) Kitchen and bar are open till midnight Mon-Thurs, till 2am on Fri and Sat.
Located on 1st Street and Pierce, just a block north of Fillmore.
Sage Boutique
*Sage has closed"
For a boutique with such a sophisticated shopping palate, the "Preserved Jonque" slogan on the Sage sign is humorous, lightening up the dramatic, emotionally-driven interior. Not that the rooms within Sage are overly nuanced, but it's dimly lit, with soulful music pulling you into Europe, and it just feels important. And, it sort of is.
The items at Sage are not frivolous. You don't feel like it's tchotchkie after thcothckie to clutter your home for the sake of accessorizing. This is true for the size and function of most pieces. Large pieces like old mantels, lecturns, old sides of antique European walls, chairs and bookshelves suggest that they be purchased for their intended use. But the beauty of their age permits them to serve as art pieces as well, commanding attention from any onlooker. There are smaller pieces that do the same thing - bottles, parts of deteriorated columns, garden pavers, and even small memorial plaques (read: mini gravestones) from Europe that tangle between art or accessory.
It's an especially appealing resource for a garden, adding character to what most people think is just for plants and dirt. Why not bring the inside out with some antique pots, baskets, crates, even old bikes to use as potting areas? Sage has items to make your backyard your outdoor living room.
While Sage is a bit pricier for some items, it has to do with the size and quality. They don't sell overly distressed items that are past the point of beauty. They don't sell items literally falling apart. Everything is move-in ready. If anything, Sage gives great ideas for how to incorporate character-driven pieces into a modern or inversely-styled home.
Located at 3rd Avenue and McDowell Rd in downtown-ish Phoenix
(602) 258-3033
335 W McDowell Rd
Phoenix, AZ 85003
