Central Farmers’ Market
The Central Farmers’ Market is probably the coolest farmers’ market in Phoenix, literally. When things heated up out outdoors, this market moved into the shade and into the air conditioning at the CrossRoads United Methodist Church.
Ahhh...doing our farmers' market shopping indoors.
You can still pick up all of your favorite locally grown veggies from farmers like Maya’s Farm, Horny Toad Farm and Taste of Paradise Farms. Make sure to eat breakfast or lunch from one of the food trucks or local restaurant Sierra Bonita Grill, which has a booth inside.
The Central Farmers' Market has a great selection of seasonal, locally grown produce and products.
The Central Farmers’ Market is located at the SE corner of Central and Northern. The market runs from 8am – noon every Saturday and has over 60 vendors that provide local, fresh and natural vegetables, fruits, herbs, dairy, eggs, cheeses, meats, breads, coffee, and other hand-made artisan items.
Palette at the Phoenix Art Museum
A co-worker and I were recently invited to a lunch at the Phoenix Art Museum's new restaurant, Palette. I had never been so I was excited to try a new place to eat at one of my favorite places in Phoenix.
Palette focuses on fresh, local and sustainable regional menu items. Visitors can either sit inside or outside in the museums's scupture park or Palette even offers some grab and go items when you don't have time for a leisurely meal. There are also locally made products like olive oils, jellies, honey and more that can be purchased for yourself or as gifts.
One of our personal favorite local products, Chato Loco Jelly, is available for purchase at Palette.
I ordered the shrimp tacos and my co-worker ordered the seasonal vegetable quiche. The shrimp tacos were perfect for a warm summer day with a fresh grilled flavor and cool mango salsa. My co-worker loved her quiche, and mentioned how flavorful and fresh it tasted.
Shrimp tacos with mango salsa
The delicious seasonal vegetable quiche with a salad of local greens
When our waiter suggested dessert, we couldn't pass up the red velvet ding dong and the basil strawberry shortcake. Both were delicious, and I especially loved the shortcake "cookies" served with the strawberry shortcake.
The red velvet ding dong and basil strawberry short cake desserts
On the First Friday of every month Palette hosts special events from wine tastings to pop-up dining with local chefs. Palette also serves a brunch menu on Sunday.
Palette is located inside the Phoenix Art Museum at 1625 N. Central Avenue, Phoenix.
*You do not have to pay admission to the museum to eat at Palette.
Lux Central
This explains why the orange juice is so fresh.
Lux Central is that place, the neighborhood go-to spot where you can get breakfast, lunch, dinner, coffee and drinks in a place that feels like home - a really fun home where all the cool kids hang out. I recently visited for the first time and loved it! The place was buzzing with activity. People were typing away on computers (ironically, good ol' fashioned typewriters are central to the decor), chatting it up with friends and listening to music.
We were on a mission to get a late breakfast, so we jumped right into the order line. They serve such fresh food that two of the breakfast items had already been marked off the day's menu. Luckily for us, they still had the Eggs with Veggie Hash and the Egg Sandwich. Yum on both counts. And the orange juice is f-r-e-s-h.
Eggs with Veggie Hash
Egg Sandwich with Bacon, Tomato & Cheddar
View from the bar
So, the next time you want to get out and about and really feel like you're a part of the community, head to Lux Central. It's highly likely that you'll run into someone you know. We did.
Check our more Lux Central photos on Flickr.
Lux Central
4402 N. Central Avenue
Phoenix, AZ 85016
602.696.9976
Miracle Mile Delicatessen
The Miracle Mile Deli has been in Phoenix since 1949.
Pastrami sandwich fans rejoice, we’ve found your new go-to spot, the Miracle Mile Delicatessen. Their most popular sandwich “The Straw” is piled high with hot Pastrami, melted Swiss cheese and steamy sauerkraut piled high on your choice of bread. This local family-owned and operated deli has been in Phoenix for over 60 years and still uses the same recipe for their Pastrami brought to Arizona from New York in 1949.
The Straw
Also known for their Corned Beef and Brisket you won’t go home hungry after a visit to the Miracle Mile Deli, as the portions are huge. You can also find a great selection of pies, cakes and sweets. We tried the carrot cake and despite our best efforts to save some for later, were unable to stop eating the delicious and moist cake and cream cheese frosting.
Yes, we'll take a slice of cherry pie, carrot cake and German chocolate to-go.
Miracle Mile Deli has two locations in Greater Phoenix, the Camelback Colonnade at 1949 East Camelback Road in Phoenix and in the Scottsdale Promenade at 7435 East Frank Lloyd Wright Boulevard in Scottsdale.
Top 10 Mexican Food Restaurants in Phoenix
A pitcher of margaritas from Los Dos Molinos is necessary to cool the burn.
Here in Phoenix we take our Mexican food seriously. Our Southwestern and Mexican restaurants are supremely authentic and numerous. To celebrate Cinco de Mayo, we’ve put together a list of our top 10 favorite Mexican food restaurants in Phoenix, although we can assure you this list could have been much, much longer.
- Barrio Café (2814 N. 16th Street, Phoenix) You can’t create a list of the best Mexican food restaurants in Phoenix without including Barrio Café. Owner and Chef Silvana Esparaza creates modern, top-notch preparations of traditional Mexican dishes. Tip: Order the guacamole.
- Carolina’s (1202 E. Mohave Street, Phoenix) Don’t let the location or the austere interior deter you from eating at Carolina’s, as you’ll be rewarded at first bite. Tip: Get the Oaxaca (pronounced wa-hock-ah) burrito and order a dozen tortillas to take home.
- Tacos Atoyac (1830 W. Glendale Avenue, Phoenix) With a blink-and-you’ll-miss-it location and a spartan interior like Carolina’s you’ll be rewarded for your efforts with fantastic tacos at Tacos Atoyac. Everything on the menu is very affordable, with the most expensive item being only $8. Here you can afford to be adventurous. Tip: Get the fish tacos.
- La Condesa (1919 N. 16th Street, Phoenix) La Condesa probably has the most diverse salsa bar you will ever see. From traditional salsas to more adventurous versions like strawberry, peanut and pecan make sure to grab a few to try along with your meal. Tip: Order the Horchata.
- Los Dos Molinos (8646 S. Central Avenue, Phoenix) A long time favorite of Phoenix locals, Los Dos Molinos is known for its spicy food and margaritas. Warning, the food at Los Dos is as good as it is hot. You’ll know what we mean when you’ve ordered your second pitcher of margaritas. Tip: Don’t go to Los Dos starving as there is usually a wait.
- Paletas Betty (96 W. Boston Street, Chandler & 452 S. Mill Avenue, Tempe) Technically not a Mexican restaurant, but we need our dessert and Palatas Betty is where it’s at. Most Phoenicians are used to seeing paletas sold from carts on neighborhoods streets, but with two permanent locations in Greater Phoenix, Paletas Betty saves us the time listening for the faint ring of a bell on a hot Phoenix afternoon. Tip: Bring your four-legged friend along – Paletas Betty always has a special frozen treat for your dog.
- La Hacienda (7575 E. Princess Drive, Scottsdale) Located at the Fairmont Princess in Scottsdale, La Hacienda does upscale Mexican food right. One of the only two of North America’s AAA Four Diamond Mexican restaurants in the U.S. - if you’re looking for an all-around unforgettable and indulgent Mexican meal you won’t be disappointed. La Hacienda is also a great choice for tequila lovers with over 200 different varieties available. Tip: Try the flaming coffee.
- Vitamin T *UPDATE* Vitamin T has closed. (1 E. Washington Street, Phoenix) Located at CityScape Phoenix, Vitamin T makes the perfect dinner spot before a game or event in downtown Phoenix. Based on fast casual Mexican street food, the T’s of Vitamin T are tacos, tortas and tamales, and oh, there’s tequila too. Tip: Try the chile de arbol beef brisket inside out tamale.
- Mariscos Playa Hermosa (1605 E. Garfield Street, Phoenix) Seafood? In the desert? That’s right. Get your fill of shrimp, oysters, octopus prepared Sinaloan style at Mariscos Playa Hermosa. Tip: Order the Campechana Cocktail.
- Los Reyes de la Torta (9230 N. Seventh Street, Phoenix) The menu at Los Reyes de la Torta is Mexico City style with huaraches, sopes and huge tortas. The tortas are so large that they were featured on the Food Network’s Man vs. Food. Bring a friend. Tip: Try The Hulk, a drink made with nopales (cactus) pineapple and a hint of lime.
Want more? Visit our Where to Eat Southwestern/Mexican food in Phoenix section on our website.
The Garden Home at Whitfill Nursery
The Garden Home at Whifill Nursery in Central Phoenix carries shabby chic accents for your home.
While doing some spring garden shopping at family-owned Whitfill Nursery, I stumbled across the cutest boutique - The Garden Home. Located near the pottery area of the nursery, you’ll notice a doorway framed by citrus trees - enter and you’ll find The Garden Home full of shabby chic home accents. Actually the owner’s grandmother’s home at one time, the rooms are full of unique items for your home and garden. I spied quite a few items that would be fantastic housewarming gifts or just a unique little something for yourself. The boutique also carries a variety of unique seasonal items during the holidays.
From picture frames to accent pillows The Garden Home has so many cute home accents to choose from.
We'll be organizing our mail with these metal boxes.
These glass dome pedestals would be perfect for cupcakes!
The Garden Home is located at Whitfill Nursery 824 East Glendale Avenue, Phoenix.
Find more photos of The Garden Home at Whitfill Nursery on Flickr.
