GuacaMolly

Comings and goings.

guacamolly — Thu, 12 Mar 2009 18:07:49 +0000

Palatte closes: I read last week that Palatte recently closed its doors. Sad news, as I never had the chance to make it to try this popular downtown brunch spot. Word on the street is that weekend business was booming, but weekday mornings were slow. Oh how those sweet potato pancakes were calling my name…

Postino Central: The owners of my favorite spots in the Valley, Postino Wine Cafe, are opening a second location this month near downtown Phoenix. An opening date for the new location has been set for March 30th. Can’t wait until then? Satisfy your bruschetta craving at their original location on Campbell and 32nd Street. (Bonus: Go between 11-4 and get $5 glasses of wine.)

Dinner and a movie.

guacamolly — Fri, 06 Mar 2009 16:34:55 +0000

Movies in the Park is back!

Today through April 24th, Biltmore Fashion Park will be showing a classic film each Friday evening at 7:30pm in the center lawn. The best part – they’re free to attend! The schedule for this season includes The Godfather, Some Like it Hot, Dr. Zhivago and more. Details and a schedule are available here.

I also heard a rumor that some Biltmore restaurants are offering specially-priced picnics to go. The best sounding deal so far is Sam’s Cafe, offering $5.00 dinner boxes (think chicken enchiladas, pecan crusted crabcakes and more). My kind of price, and my kind of food!

Tempe trio.

guacamolly — Wed, 04 Mar 2009 19:05:36 +0000

Looking for a place in Tempe to have a bite to eat, or maybe just grab a drink? Head away from the old standbys of Mill Avenue and check out a couple of my favorite spots:

Mucho delicioso: One of my recent favorite discoveries in Tempe is Mucho Gusto Taqueria & Mexican Bistro. Thanks to recommendations from several friends, I stopped in and immediately fell in love with their patio (think fireplace, lanterns and white lights) and delicious fish tacos. Oh, and don’t be scared by their lack of a drink menu – just cut right to the chase and order a hibiscus margarita.

The other side of the pond: Cornish Pasty, hidden in a Tempe strip mall, is where you’ll find delicious pasties to fit every taste ranging from traditional meat and potatoes to vegetarian. (What’s a pasty, you ask? I like to describe it as a sophisticated Hot Pocket.) One thing to note – this isn’t a place for crowds. With such a limited space, you’re better off saving Cornish Pasty for a date or dinner for two. Leave the crowds to my next spot.

Four the beer: Tempe’s very own Four Peaks Brewery is the perfect place to celebrate a birthday, stop by for a drink after work, or spend an evening with friends. Their delicious selection of mainstay and seasonal brews, in addition to yummy pub eats (you had me at beer battered fries), makes this one of my favorite spots. My menu favorites include the Oatmeal Stout and spinach artichoke dip. I’ve also heard amazing things about the Oatmeal Stout Shake (but really, how could you go wrong with beer and ice cream…)

Free golf on game day.

guacamolly — Tue, 27 Jan 2009 21:34:21 +0000

All you Cardinals fans that are also jonesing to go to the FBR Open are in luck. According to AZCentral.com, all fans that wear Cardinals gear to the FBR Open on Sunday will receive free admission to the tournament (a savings of $25). No time to make it home in time for the big game, you say? They’ll be airing the game on a JumboTron, starting at the end of play on Sunday, at the Greenskeeper Tent near the 18th green.

UPDATE: FBR organizers have altered plans to air the big game on Sunday, per NFL regulations. Read more here.

Free cupcake alert.

guacamolly — Fri, 23 Jan 2009 17:37:21 +0000

Continuing on the Cardinals/free food giveaway theme, rumor has it that Sprinkles will be giving away one free red velvet cupcake to fans wearing Cardinals jerseys, shirts or hats. The offer is good January 26 through Super Bowl Sunday, with a limit of one per customer.

For more information on the promotion, call (480) 970-4321 or visit the Sprinkles website.

Free burrito alert.

guacamolly — Wed, 21 Jan 2009 23:11:22 +0000

In case you hadn’t heard, the Arizona Cardinals will be rocking the Super Bowl on February 1st. In honor of the Cards, all Chipotle locations in Arizona will be offering a free burrito, taco, burrito bol, or salad between 2pm and 4pm the day before the big game. They call it the Big Red Pep Rally. Just make sure to wear red (it’s their only requirement) and get in line early. Thank you, Chipotle – and Go Cardinals!

An essence-tial brunch spot.

guacamolly — Mon, 05 Jan 2009 19:07:37 +0000

Essence Bakery Cafe, nestled on the corner of University and Hardy, should be on your list the next time you’re looking for a brunch spot in Tempe. The cafe offers breakfast and lunch selections, a majority of which are made from locally grown and purchased ingredients, including produce from McClendon Farms, olive oil and olives from Queen Creek, and eggs from local, cage-free chickens.

Among their breakfast menu selections, my friends and I sampled the “big” breakfast (ok, yes that was me), French scrambled eggs and toast, and the Signature Brioche French Toast, served with caramel sauce and hazelnuts. My vote for the best deal at Essence is the organic iced coffee, served in a large cup for just $1.95. Pair that with good friends and good conversation and you’ve got yourself a perfect Saturday morning. Well, that and maybe a macaroon or two to top things off…

Get out and vote.

guacamolly — Tue, 04 Nov 2008 16:39:08 +0000

Today’s the day. Be sure to get out there and vote!

Not sure where to go? A list of Maricopa County polling locations can be found here. And, after you’ve done your civic duty and collected that “I Voted” sticker, drop by a nearby Starbucks for a free brewed coffee or Krispy Kreme for a free donut. Happy voting!

TGIF.

guacamolly — Sat, 25 Oct 2008 00:03:05 +0000

Some days, you just need a margarita. Today is one of those days.

Good thing I have dinner plans here tonight with four fabulous ladies. I’ve been there just once before, and loved the ambiance, the guacamole (of course), and the roasted tomato cream sauce that has just a hint of cinnamon. Yum.

If you don’t have plans for tonight and are looking for something fun, drop by Biltmore Fashion Park for a free outdoor showing of Sixteen Candles. Oh Jake Ryan…

Olive you.

guacamolly — Thu, 23 Oct 2008 23:38:39 +0000

When it comes to olives, people tend to fall into two groups: those who love them and those who loathe them. I happen to fall into the first group, and for my fellow olive lovers out there (shout out to Michelle!) I came across an exciting discovery today.

At Queen Creek Olive Mill, Arizona’s only working olive farm (who knew?), visitors can take a 30-minute tour of the groves and processing plant, enjoy a meal at del Piero, or peruse the gift shop for wines, stuffed olives and locally grown and produced olive oils. Tours are $5 and run every hour from 8:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday. Sunday tours run from 8:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. For more info, call 480-888-9290.