Carly’s Bistro
I had always walked by Carly’s Bistro during First Friday, and said to myself, “Hmm I should try that place sometime.” So finally, at the suggestion of a friend I tried Carly’s for lunch, and was glad that I did.
Usually packed during First Friday, Carly's has a completely different atmosphere during lunch.
You can expect a completely different atmosphere at Carly’s during lunch than during First Friday. In fact, during the day Carly’s would be the perfect place for a lunch meeting. I arrived a few minutes before my friend so I had some extra time to peruse the menu. Carly’s has quite the selection of sandwiches, wraps, and salads to choose from. The menu has a Mediterranean feel with items like hummus, and tapenade included on many of the sandwiches.
The bar at Carly's with a mural painted by local artist Steven Yazzie.
After much deliberation, I decided on a lavosh wrap with turkey, red pepper hummus, spinach and sun-dried tomatoes. My friend ordered the Southwest Chicken sandwich, grilled chicken breast with cilantro pesto, chipotle mayo and pepper jack cheese on cibatta. With a sandwich you get a choice of chips or an orzo salad. My wrap was delicious. Light, and made with fresh quality ingredients I didn’t feel overstuffed at the end of my meal.
My lavosh turkey wrap was fresh, delicious and just the right amount of food.
On my way out I noticed a sign on the sidewalk that listed Carly’s happy hour specials. With half off appetizers like; pita pizza, artichoke dip and an antipasto plate, I’ll be visiting Carly’s again soon.
I'll be back for happy hour soon!
Carly's Bistro is located at 128 East Roosevelt Street in downtown Phoenix. You can find more photos of our visit to Carly's Bistro on Flickr.
Downtown Phoenix Tasting
The Downtown Phoenix Partnership was kind enough to invite me to their annual blogger lunch and launch of their 2011 Downtown Dining Guide. During the lunch, I was able to try small dishes from six downtown restaurants and was given some exciting news about new restaurants opening at CityScape this fall/winter.
The 2011 Downtown Dining Guide from the Downtown Phoenix Partnership.
First up, we were given a choice of an iced vanilla latte or cinnamon spice ice tea from One Coffee Company. Since it was later in the day, I went with the cinnamon spice ice tea. What a surprise! If you are a cinnamon fan, you must try this tea. It almost tastes like someone dropped a few red hot candies into a cold refreshing glass of iced tea. It was a refreshing and interesting mix. The owner spoke to us for a few minutes about his passion for coffee and downtown Phoenix. He said he wanted to create a space where not only those who work downtown stop in to for their daily coffee, but where those that live downtown can come and hang out.
Cinnamon Spice Tea from One Coffee Company
Next, Brick Pizzeria & Wine Bar served their house-made hummus with vegetables, feta and olives; and an also homemade virgin margarita. Yum! What a perfect combination for a hot day. The ingredients were so fresh and the owner stressed that they make everything from scratch. I really enjoyed both of these items, and since my office is in the same complex as Brick, I will be stopping in for lunch and happy hour!
Hummus with vegetables, feta and olives from Brick Pizzeria
I have to admit, when I walked into the room I was star struck to see James Beard Award winner, Chef Nobuo Fukuda. I have been to his one-year-old restaurant, Nobuo at Teeter House, and was blown away then, so I was very excited to see what he had in store for us to taste. He didn’t disappoint. Chef Fukuda prepared a tasting trio to be eaten in order. First, a melon salad with goat cheese and mint to cleanse the palate; then, yellowtail sashimi with avocado; and to finish, tomatoes with honey and pepper. Wow. Fresh, flavorful, unique. Chef Fukuda impresses again.
Tasting trio from Nobuo at Teeter House
Province, located inside The Westin Phoenix Downtown, also served a tasting trio with a chicken Cuban bocadillo; a goat cheese tortellini with vegetables in broth; a squash muffin with molasses frosting; and a cucumber, basil, ginger, and Serrano chile aqua fresca served with chopped strawberries. The aqua fresca was refreshing and sweet with a slow burn from the Serrano chile in the finish. It definitely inspired me to try some interesting aqua fresca combinations at home.
Cucumber basil aqua fresca from Province
For some reason, I always forget that downtown Phoenix has a rotating restaurant, The Compass Arizona Grill at the Hyatt. I was glad that they participated in this event to remind me! I really enjoyed their Ancho Chorizo Shrimp and raspberry lemonade infused with rosemary. The chef also announced that the restaurant has a reverse happy hour everyday of the week, from 9-11pm with $5 desserts, $5 house wine, $5 well drinks, and a $7 cocktail special.
Raspberry lemonade infused with rosemary from The Compass Arizona Grill
So maybe you are like me, or maybe not, but every once in awhile I get a mad craving for cobbler. It’s not like cobbler is an easy thing to find either, and no pie is a good enough substitute when this craving hits. So imagine my delight to learn that there is a restaurant called Karim’s Cobbler Shop & Deli right in downtown Phoenix! Karim’s not only specializes in cobbler, but southern-style soul food like fried catfish, fried chicken and more. So cobbler cravers unite, we have found our mecca.
Peach and cherry cobbler from Karim's Cobbler Shop & Deli
Ok, so now you’ve made it all the way through this blog post and are probably starving so I’ll make this quick. At the end of the lunch we were given the inside scoop on what’s next for CityScape. Jimmy Carlin of Maven Hospitality Group is working on two new concepts, a fast casual Italian restaurant called The Strand (get it, like a strand of spaghetti?) and an Asian chop house and sushi lounge called Silk. The Strand is scheduled for an October 1st opening and Silk is to follow in December. Good stuff!
Brunch at Dick’s Hideaway
Dick’s Hideaway encompasses all of my favorite things in a restaurant; spicy food, brunch, and an intimate setting. As a speakeasy, there is no sign on or near the door giving Dick’s Hideaway an exclusive vibe.
Dick's Hideaway is a speakeasy, so there is no sign identifying the entrance.
When you walk through the door at Dick’s Hideaway the first thing that hits you is the smell of smoke, but not the bad kind, the campfire kind that produces the delicious flavors in their meats and chile. You can seat yourself in the bar area or if it’s crowded ask if there is available seating in the side room.
Dick's Hideaway is small, so get there early if you want a seat and be open to sitting at the bar.
My favorite dish at Dick’s Hideaway is the Carne Adovada - pork slowly simmered in red chile sauce with the perfect balance of spiciness and smokiness. At brunch it’s served with a tortilla, two eggs, beans and potatoes. The Carne Adovada and Eggs is a huge portion, large enough for two diners with healthy appetites. ( I recommend asking for a second tortilla if you are sharing.)
Carne Adovada and Eggs
The best part about brunch at Dick’s Hideaway? It’s served seven days a week from 7am – 4pm! If you get there between 7am – 11am, bloody mary’s and mimosas are only $5.
Dick's Chile Policy: You order it, you own it.
Dick’s Hideaway also has a great happy hour Monday – Friday from 3 – 6pm with drink specials ranging in price from $2 – 5 and a complementary appetizer of the day with your drink (at the bar top only).
Dick’s Hideaway is located at 6008 N. 16th Street in Phoenix. See more photos of Dick's Hideaway on Flickr.
Fourth of July Celebrations and Fireworks in Greater Phoenix
The Fourth of July just isn't complete without fireworks, BBQ's, watermelon and picnics. Plan your Fourth of July with our list of local celebrations below.
Fabulous Phoenix Fourth
The City of Phoenix is proud to bring you this fabulous event for the 25th straight year on Monday, July 4 from 6 to 10:00 p.m. at Steele Indian School Park. Entertainment begins at 6 p.m. This premier family event will feature great local entertainment, a giant misting area to cool off, inflatable rides, three stages of entertainment, a Classic Car exhibit and one of the biggest fireworks displays in the state! Festival goers also can enjoy food and beverage vendors. The Phoenix Fire Department will be cooling people down in the water spray zone.
Steele Indian School Park, 3rd Street and Indian School, Phoenix.
Details for the Fabulous Phoenix Fourth here.
Fourth of Zoo-ly at the Phoenix Zoo
For a night full of fun and festivities for all ages, come out and celebrate at the Phoenix Zoo this Fourth of July. With a catered BBQ dinner at the Lakeside Lawn, free carousel rides, face painters, bounce houses, special animal guests, music and other activities this will be a night to remember. Gather for a VIP view of the Tempe fireworks show at 9 p.m. Seating will be available in the back of the Zoo, guests do not need to bring their own chairs. Beer and wine will be available for purchase at the BBQ dinner and for the fireworks. Cool treats will be provided for everyone during the fireworks show.
Phoenix Zoo, 455 N. Galvin Parkway Papago Park, Phoenix.
Details for Fourth of Zoo-ly at the Phoenix Zoo here.
Tempe Town Lake Festival
Kiwanis Club of Tempe 60th Annual Fireworks Spectacular will present the best fireworks show in the Valley shot from the Mill Avenue bridge. The spectacular family night fireworks show will be choreographed to patriotic and classical music. Fantastic Family Fest will offer a free inflatable village for all ages with a variety of rides, rock climbing walls and more. Special kid's entertainment, featuring face painters, relay races and other specialty entertainment. A great food court to satisfy the entire families’ taste buds featuring hamburgers, hot dogs, Macayo’s Depot Cantina, BBQ, roasted corn, gyros, fry bread, snow cones, ice cream, lemonade and lots of cold bottled water, Pepsi products plus a variety of other food vendors will be available.
Tempe Beach Park, 620 North Mill Avenue, Tempe.
Details for the Tempe Town Lake Fourth of July Festival here.
Peoria’s All American Festival
Come out and enjoy great entertainment on multiple stages. The All American Festival will feature a kid zone, water zone, F-16 flyover, hot dog eating contest, plenty of family friendly activities and a spectacular fireworks display at approximately 9:15 pm. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to enjoy some good old fashioned family time celebrating the Fourth of July.
Peoria Sports Complex, 16101 N. 83rd Avenue, Peoria.
Details for Peoria's All American Festival here.
Chandler’s Fourth of July Fireworks Spectacular
Celebrate America and its heritage at this fun and festive Independence Day event for the entire family. Held at Tumbleweed Park, and presented by the Chandler Lions Club and the City of Chandler. Many activities surround the event including, live music, a free kids carnival, a bike parade and food and beverage vendors. Activities include, a 35-foot water slide, a rock-climbing wall, dunk tank, and assorted water games and interactive amusements for kids. The Cactus Bike's Push, Pull, Peddle Bike Parade will be held at 6 p.m., with each registrant receiving a free gift. The participant with the bike that is decorated best will win a Harro children’s bike.
Tumbleweed Park, 2250 S. McQueen Rd, Chandler.
Details for Chandler's Fourth of July Fireworks Spectacular here.
Grand Ol’ Fashioned Picnic in Scottsdale
For an old fashioned Fourth of July celebration to remember, the Scottsdale Stadium will be hosting their Grand Ol' Fashioned Picnic. Celebrate with old-fashioned games, patriotic arts and crafts, watermelon, chili and pie-eating contests. Bring your homemade chili to be judged and take home the blue ribbon.
Scottsdale Stadium, 7408 E. Osborn Road, Scottsdale.
Details for Scottsdale's Grand Ol' Fashioned Picnic here.
Fourth of July Freedom Festival at the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess
This year, the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess is the place to be for the Fourth of July in Arizona. Celebrating the weekend with a bang, the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess is introducing its first-ever Fourth of July Freedom Festival. An all-new weekend event with private concerts, fireworks, all-American fare and poolside fun exclusively for resort guests, with a portion of the vacation packages benefiting charities. Activities will include exclusive patriotic holiday event for overnight resort guests only, one to three-night vacation packages, patriotic demonstrations and displays from organizations that protect and serve America. A flyover by the Deer Valley War Birds will take place along with nightly concerts on the resort's Lagoon Lawn with live remote broadcasts.
Fairmont Scottsdale Princess, 7575 E. Princess Drive, Scottsdale.
Details for the Fourth of July Freedom Festival at the Faimont Scottsdale Princess here.
Fourth of July Fireworks in Apache Junction
Bring your lawn chair and enjoy a nice evening outside with live entertainment by the One Minute Millionaires. There will be a bike, trike, and wagon decorating contest at 6:30pm, game booths from 6-9pm and free watermelon until it's gone. Fireworks show starts at 9 p.m. Come and join in on this family centered event to celebrate the Fourth of July.
Apache Junction High School, 2525 S. Ironwood Drive, Apache Junction.
Details for Fourth of July Fireworks in Apache Junction here.
Maricopa’s Great American BBQ
Americana games, multiple water zones with blow up slides, and a firework finale at dark - don't miss out this 4th of July for an All-American good time at this year’s 6th Annual Great American BBQ.
Pacana Park, 19000 S. Porter Road, Maricopa.
Details for Maricopa's Great American BBQ here.
Celebration of Freedom in Mesa
The popular Motorcycles on Main event and a ceremonial flag-raising will take place at Stage America. Live music all along Main Street can be enjoyed. Saturday night includes an American classic car show, musical performances, as well as a spectacular fireworks display at the end of the event.
Main Street Mesa, 1 East Main Street, Mesa.
Details for the Celebration of Freedom event in Mesa here.
Anthem's Independence Day Celebration
For musical entertainment, patriotic tattoos, dry rides, pony rides, inflatable water slides, a food court with Rotary Beer Garden, and strolling entertainers, look no further than Anthem's Independence Day Celebration. Also included in the festivities will be caricature artists, a Luke Air Force Base Color Guard presentation, singing of the National Anthem by the Anthem Idol winner, Anthem Community Park railroad rides, and the much anticipated Fireworks display. Don't be late and come on out and enjoy all that Anthem has to offer this Fourth of July.
Anthem Community Park Ball Fields, 41703 N. Gavilan Peak Parkway, Anthem.
Details for Anthem's Independence Day Celebration here.
Valentine’s Weekend
Valentine’s Day will sneak up on you faster than you think. Don’t wait until it’s too late to surprise that special someone with something fantastic. We know it takes time to make those romantic plans so we wanted to help ease the stress. (What’s better than a romantic getaway to show how much you care?) So we searched throughout Greater Phoenix and found some love-inspired plans that will put a spark in anyone’s Valentine's weekend.
The Phoenician
Valentine’s Day at Il Terrazzo
- Celebrate your romance the Italian way at Il Terrazzo
- Restaurant is showcasing valentine-inspired cuisine such as a Wild Mushroom Bisque, Fanny Bay Oysters, Hand-cut Black Pepper Tagliatelle, California White Bass and a Land & Sea entrée.
- Complete the dinner with a Chocolate Buffet done by an award-winning pastry chef
- Offered Monday, February 14th
- For reservations call (480) 423-2530 or visit www.thephoenician.com
Hotel Valley Ho
Romance dinner at ZuZu and Trader Vic’s
- ZuZu will be serving a 4-course pre-fixe menu Saturday, February 12th-Monday, February 14th
- It features Deviled Fried Oysters, Warm Orange Braised Fennel, Beef Tenderloin, and Chocolate Truffle Tart. Followed by Chocolate-Covered Strawberries and Truffles.
- Pre-fixe menu is $60 per person or $75 per person with beverage pairings
- Trader Vic’s is featuring a Valentine à la carte menu Friday, February 11th-Monday, February 14th
- Dinner options include: Devil Fried Oysters, Arugula & Watercress Salad, or Lobster Bisque, Oven-Roasted Salmon or Beef Tenderloin & Butter Poached Lobster Tail, and Red Velvet Layer Cake or Chocolate Truffles & Chocolate-Dipped Strawberries for dessert
- For reservations call (480) 248-2000 (recommended)
Hermosa Inn
One-stop Shopping for Valentine’s Day
- Offering a Valentines package that includes an overnight stay in a Deluxe or Grande Casita
- Includes a sweetheart dinner menu for two at Lons, an acclaimed restaurant
- Also a bubble path with rose petals waiting for you after dinner with a bottle of champagne and chocolate-covered strawberries
- Breakfast for two the following morning and a gift basket for her
- Packages start at $629
- For reservations call 1-800-241-1210 or visit www.hermosainn.com.
Arizona Grand Resort
Romance Package
- Includes complimentary upgrade and resort fee waived
- A rose petal turndown service
- A bottle of champagne and chocolate dipped strawberries
- $50 dining credit to enjoy breakfast in bed or on the property
- Packages start at $279 per night
- For reservations call 602-438-9000 or visit www.arizonagrandresort.com
Fairmount Scottsdale
- Celebrate Your Passions: Includes overnight accommodations at the Princess Hotel and a $150 resort credit for dining or spa treatment, Packages start at $369 per night
- The Way to One’s Heart: Valentine’s menus using ingredients such as oysters, forbidden fruit, decadent chocolate, themed cocktails and champagne at the Fairmount
- “Sensual Seafood” at The Grill at the TPC: Four course meal for the seafood lovers
- “Latin Lovers” Dinner at La Hacienda: Four course Valentine’s dinner menu starting at $55 per person
- “Cupid's Crush” at BOURBON STEAK: Delicious four course menu starting at $85 per person
- “Sweet Bites” at Stone Rose Lounge: Choose from 3 special desserts at 6$ each for him and her
- Sweet Indulgence & Romantic Rituals at Willow Stream Spa: Spa packages for singles and couples ranging from $79 up to $525
- For reservations call (480) 585-4848 or visit www.scottsdaleprincess.com
Sanctuary at Camelback Mountain
Valentine’s Getaway
- Mountain Vista or Spa Casita for two with nightly candelight turn down
- Champagne and chocolate covered strawberries
- 60-minute spa treatment per person
- Romantic dinner for two at Elements restaurant
- Packages start at $919 for February 12th-14th
- (480) 948-2100 or www.sanctuaryoncamelback.com
Intercontinental Montelucia Resort and Spa
- Sweet Romance Package: suite for one night starting at $349
- Valentine’s Day Weekend Rendezvous Package: suite for 2 nights and couples massage starting at $499
- Joya Spa Sweetheart Package: 50 minute couples massage and 2 glasses champagne, $280 February 7th-14th
- Shower Me with Roses Package: rose festival facial and body treatment, 310$ February 7th-14th
- Valentine’s Day Spa Happy Hour: 50 minute custom massage, 50-minute facial or tarot reading, $85 each, February 14th
- www.icmonelucia.com
The W Scottsdale
What’s Your Fantasy Rated?
- Pick from three different packages to customize your Valentine’s Day
- Couples can pick from the PG-13, R or W-rated packages
- Packages start at $ 299 per night
- For reservations call 877-W-HOTELS or visit www.wscottsdalehotel.com
Arizona Biltmore
- Romantic Couple’s Massage Under the Stars: 50-minute couples massage at sunset in an outdoor heated cabana followed by champagne and chocolate covered strawberries, $270 through the month of February
- Best of Waldorf Package for Two: classic accommodations with breakfast for two at Frank and Albert’s and a $25 daily resort credit, $329 per night throughout February
- Valentine’s Day Dinner: 3 course romantic menu at Frank and Albert’s or 4 course dinner for two at Wright’s in the Biltmore
- For reservations call 800-950-0086
The Westin Kierland Resort and Spa
Be my Valentine Package: includes one night stay and an in-room 3-course dinner for two, a bottle of sparkling wine, an in-room couple’s 50-minute massage, and breakfast in bed for two. Starting at $749 per night, February 11th-14th
- Sweetheart of a Deal: includes two 50-minute massages of your choice, 2 mimosas and 2 chocolates, and lunch for two at Nellie’s. Starting at $335, February 7th-14th
- Deseo Dining: 3-course Prix Fixe dinner for two, $140 per couple or a 3-course make your own menu for two, $110 per couple. Both options include a glass of sparkling wine with dessert.
- February 11th-14th.
- Nellie’s Dining: 4-course Prix Fixe dinner for two, $39 per person. February 11th-14th.
- For reservations call 480-624-1202 for spa, 480-624-1202 for dining or 480-624-1202 for resort
Four Seasons Resort Scottsdale at Troon North
- Perfect Pairings: couples cooking class showcasing a four-course meal that can be cooked at home. $50 per person, $100 per couple. February 12th.
- Fourplay at Talvera: four course teaser menu to be served the weekend before Valentine’s Day, February 11th-13th. $68 per person, $135 per couple.
- Art of the Aphrodisiac: featuring Lobster Bolognese, Venison and Tuna Loin, Honey-glazed Wagyu Strip Loin and a Valhrona Chocolate Fondue and more. $99 per person, $198 per couple. February 14th at Talvera.
- Ready for Romance Package: specialty duo massage, takeaway gift of body lotion and oil, and gift certificate for a desert at the Onyx Bar and Lounge. $299 per couple, February 9th-16th.
- For reservations call (480) 513-5085, for spa package call (480) 513-5145
The Wigwam
- Evening of Romance Package: spend an evening on one of the Wigwam’s historic suites, enjoy a candlelit dinner for two at Litchfield’s and breakfast in bed for two is also included. $395 per night.
- Wigwam Festival of Fine Arts: walk though galleries of art and crafts on the front lawn, February 11th-13th.
- Tee Times for Two: choose from 3 courses to play with your honey. $99 per couple. February 12th-14th.
- Red Ball: Dine and dance and listen to live mariachi music. $50 per person, February 12th.
- Valentine’s Dinner at Litchfield’s or Red Allen’s: both restaurants are offering delicious Valentine’s meals on February 14th.
- For reservations call (623) 935-3811
Sheraton Wildhorse Pass Resort and Spa
- Aji Spa: 50-minute couple’s massage, includes a rose, glasses of champagne and chocolate covered strawberries. $290
- VIP Package: 50-minute massage, facial and a pedicure, and a complimentary Aji Spa robe from February 12th-14th. $370
- Valentine’s Dinner at Ko’Sin Restaurant: features a 3-course menu from February 12th-14th. $65 per person.
- For spa reservations call 602-385-5759, for dining call 602-385-5726
The Farm at South Mountain
- Picnic under the Pecan Trees: have lunch with your loved one under beautiful Pecan trees. Lunch will include a cheeseboard for two, a choice of two sandwiches served with a salad and finished with a red velvet or truffle dessert.
- $75 per couple, February 13th
For reservations call (602) 243-9081
Rancho de los Caballeros (Wickenburg)
‘Two in the Tub’ Romance Package Includes:
- Luxurious King-Bedded Casita accommodations
- 30-minute soak in ranch-style tub filled with soothing aromatic oils
- Rejuvenating 60-minute couples massage
- Champagne and chocolate-covered strawberries
- All taxes and gratuities related to package features
Rates start at $499 per night for two. Extra night rate starts at $337 for two. For reservations, call (800) 684-5030 or e-mail reservations@sunc.com
Please make sure to double-check details and availability directly with the above resorts and restaurants.
Spring Events at the Heard
Mark your calendars for two spring weekends at the Heard Museum: the World Championship Hoop Dance Contest on February 5-6 and the Guild Indian Fair and Market from March 5-6. Both events draw crowds from all over the country, given how unique each event is.
If you’ve never seen Native American hoop dancing up close, it’s really an amazing art. The dancers are dressed head-to-toe in ceremonial attire, with intricate beading and feathering. The headdresses are crafted with stories behind every detail. The dances themselves tell tales and pay tribute to spirits, and each one is unique. Sometimes the dances are performed individually and sometimes in a group, but either way, it’s an amazing show to see.
Hoop Dancing at the Heard
The Guild Indian Fair and Market draws over 700 artists from all around the country to sell their goods. This market is so unique because of the different mediums sold, including jewelry, baskets, katsina dolls, pottery, fine art and more. In addition, there will be a stage with live music throughout, plus dance performances. If you go, make sure to eat some of the authentic fry bread which is delicious!
Guild Indian Fair and Market
If you go to the Hoop Dance Contest or the Indian Fair and Market, take advantage of the time and check out the rest of the Heard Museum while you’re there. Their exhibit on Indian Schools, their extensive katsina doll collection and their fine art is truly unrivaled. It’s a must-do for anyone coming to Phoenix.
Heard Museum
2301 North Central Avenue
Phoenix, AZ 85004
(602) 252-8344
