The Hot Sheet | The blog about what to do and where to go in Phoenix, AZ The blog about what to do and where to go in Phoenix, AZ

30Jun/113

Oakville Grocery Co. at CityScape – CLOSED

Oakville Grocery opened its doors today at CityScape.

Oakville Grocery at CityScape is now closed.

The much anticipated Oakville Grocery at CityScape opened its doors for the first time this morning at 10am. I went by over lunchtime to bring you a first look!

Oakville Grocery at CityScape

The Napa Valley based grocery was hopping with curious downtowners milling about the aisles and the lunch crowd grabbing a bite to eat. Oakville carries a variety of artisan food products, organic produce, and specialty gourmet items. I even spotted some vegan, gluten-free cookie dough!

Vegan and gluten-free cookie dough

I was especially impressed with the cheese selection – Oakville definitely would be a good place to pick up items for a spread to do an at home wine tasting or for an impromptu picnic at the Civic Space Park when the weather allows. Speaking of wine, there is a wine and beer counter that you can enjoy and relax with a glass of your choosing. Or, you can grab a bottle of wine or a six pack of beer to take home from their mixed selection.

This is only a small section of the impressive cheese selection at Oakville.

I didn’t get to try anything from the deli counter but all of the sides, salads and sandwiches looked delicious. I’ll have to go back soon.

I'll have to stop by for lunch soon.

Of course, the most important part of my visit included the coffee and pastry counter. Macrons, cupcakes, and cake pops, oh my! Let’s just say I was glad there was such a long line to help curb an overindulgence.

Hello temptation...

If you’re out and about or just need a place to grab something to take home after work, Oakville is a great specialty grocer and a nice addition to downtown Phoenix.

Oakville Grocery is located at CityScape, 50 W. Jefferson, Suite 100 in Phoenix and is open from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Saturday, and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday. Lunch is offered after 11 a.m.

See more Oakville Grocery photos on Flickr here.

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9May/111

Windsor & Churn

It's so exciting to have new local spots open up, and thanks to the owner of Postino Wine Cafe, Central Phoenix has a new restaurant and a new ice cream and sweets shop - Windsor and Churn, respectively. The two share space on Central Ave., just north of Camelback, appropriately in the Windsor Historic District. They've only been open for two weeks, and I've already been twice! Windsor is a casual, comfortable neighborhood hangout where you instantly feel at home and Churn is reminiscent of an old-fashioned ice cream parlor.

Windsor Patio and Bar

I can officially announce that Windsor serves my new favorite salad, the Kale Caesar. It's a fun (and delicious) twist on a traditional Caesar with shredded romaine & kale, cheddar biscuit croutons, avocado, celery & crispy capers. The cheddar biscuit croutons are a little touch of genius, at least in my humble opinion. They also serve one of my Southern favorites, fried okra. Definitely not something you see on many menus in Phoenix. Other menu items include Corn Dog Poppers, Country Vegetable Chop, Backyard Burger Windsor Style (sharp cheddar, shredded iceberg, garlic aioli, tomato, carmelized onion), Crab Cake BLT, Brown Bag Chicken Sandwich and much more.

Kale Caesar

Fried Okra

And that just covers lunch and dinner. For dessert, you must mosey on over to Churn for some homemade ice cream (I can tell you that the Butter Pecan is deelish) and other yummy, sugary treats. Just follow the trail of cassette tapes from Windsor over to Churn. I'm not exaggerating too much - the wall of the little hallway that leads from one to the other is literally papered with cassette tapes. How fun is that?

Windsor and Churn are located at 5223 N. Central Avenue, Phoenix. See more photos on Flickr.

Churn

Awww, we love being here!

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7Apr/110

New Orangutan Habitat Opens at Phoenix Zoo

The new and improved Orangutan Habitat at the Phoenix Zoo opens to the public on Monday, April 11. I had the privilege of a sneak peek this morning and had a blast watching them play. Four Orangutans call the Phoenix Zoo home: Duchess (she's 51!), Bess, Michael and Kasih, the baby of the group at just 5 years old.

Kasih is hiding behind a piece of lettuce.

Lots of green grass and fun stuff to play with.

For more information and to learn about conservation efforts to save these amazing animals, check out the Zoo's website.

To see more Phoenix Zoo Orangutan photos, visit our Flickr page.

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8Mar/112

Arrogant Butcher

A much needed restaurant has arrived on the scene in downtown Phoenix - The Arrogant Butcher (thanks, Sam Fox). This new (and fabulous) eatery is located at CityScape, a dining, retail and entertainment complex located between Washington and Jefferson Streets and 1st Street and 1st Avenue.

House Soft Pretzels & Provolone Fondue

Don't be fooled by the name. This place has a cool, laid back vibe, and the decor is, simply put, loads of fun! The menu is pretty great, too. I'd go back again and again just to have the House Soft Pretzels & Provolone Fondue - hello, yumminess. Although I could most definitely sustain on pretzels and cheese, I felt it best to also have an entree. I had the Sweet Potato Tortelli with Mushrooms, Brussels and Hazelnuts and l-o-v-e-d it. As a vegetarian, my options at a restaurant with the word "butcher" in its name is a little limited, but I was 110% pleased with my choice. I'd be remiss if I didn't mention dessert (yes, I had dessert, too!). I wasn't about to pass up anything called a Warm Peanut Butter Cup with Chocolate Gelato. You shouldn't either. Give this place a try. I think you'll enjoy it.

Sweet Potato Tortelli with Mushrooms, Brussels, Hazelnuts

Warm Peanut Butter Cup with Chocolate Gelato & Apple Fritter with Brown Sugar Ice Cream

See more photos in our Flickr stream

The Arrogant Butcher
Cityscape Downtown Phoenix
2 E. Jefferson #150
Phoenix, AZ 85004
602-324-8502
website

 

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1Mar/110

CityScape Update

Since our last post about CityScape in downtown Phoenix, several new places have opened, so we wanted to share. There are still more scheduled to open in the next several months. We'll keep you posted.

The Arrogant Butcher
Urban grill meets updated comfort food

charming CHARLIE
Unique fashion accessories boutique

Jimmy John's
Gourmet sandwiches

Republic of Couture
Boutique offering high-end designer brands

Urban Outfitters
Fashion, art and music for urban-minded men and women

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26Jan/110

BODYWORLDS & the Brain Preview

We're so excited to have Gunther von Hagens' BODYWORLDS & the Brain exhibit at the Arizona Science Center. We were lucky enough to get a sneak peek before it opened to the public on January 21.

BODYWORLDS aims to educate the public about the inner workings of the human body and show the effects of poor health, good health, and lifestyle choices. It is also presented in the hopes that it will stimulate curiosity about the science of anatomy.

Here's  just a little bit of what's in store for you:

Dancer Plastinate

The Brain

Skateboarder Plastinate

Brain with Spinal Cord

Lungs: Normal, Smoker, Coal Miner

Arizona Science Center
600 E. Washington Street, Downtown Phoenix
602.716.2000
www.azscience.org

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