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Join Councilman Michael Johnson for Neighborhood Walk, Food and Fun
**Bring Sunscreen and Comfortable Shoes**
DATE: July 18
TIME: 8 AM
LOCATION: R.H. Hamilton American Legion Post 65, 1624 E. Broadway Road, Phoenix
Breakfast, lunch and water provided for volunteers!
Bring family and friends - RSVP NOW!
If you have any questions, contact call (602) 265-7324 or email wendy@mikejohnsonaz.org.
Funk, NeoSoul, Reggae, Dancehall and Hip Hop! It's small but I love this place! People who usually go here are cool (not the pretentious crowd you see at Scottsdale clubs) ...
Black Friday
July 17
Hidden House (aka The Shop)
607 W Osborn Road, Phoenix
9PM to 2AM
Try to read the flyer below for more info ...
The Greater Phoenix Black Chamber of Commerce offers a wide variety of benefits for entrepreneurs and business leaders including networking opportunities, referrals, mentorships, advice on research and increased visibility in the community.
The Greater Phoenix Black Chamber of Commerce is hosting several events in July and August to help members network, socialize and learn from each other.
July
Evening Networking Event
Friday, July 31
4–7 PM
Hosted by:
Kincaid’s, 2 South Third Street, downtown Phoenix
Cost:
FREE for Members - $10 for Guests
RSVP IS REQUIRED:
info@phoenixblackchamber.com
August
Networking Breakfast
Thursday, August 13
7–9 AM
Hosted by:
Dial Henkel of America, 19001 N. Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale
Cost:
FREE for Members - $10 for Guests
RSVP IS REQUIRED:
info@phoenixblackchamber.com
Please visit phoenixblackchamber.com for more information on this dynamic organization.
The PHOENIXQUES AND SCOTTSDALESIGMAS invite you and your family to an Old School Skate Network at Rolleros Family Skate Center, 7318 W. Indian School Road, Phoenix.
July 12
4:30 - 6 PM
For more information, see flyer below or contact (480) 907-5112 or (602) 363-0783.
Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc - Phoenix Alumni Chapter invites the community for an evening of wine tasting and socializing at the "Network with the Nupes Remix" on July 16 at 5:30 PM at 1130 Restaurant & Lounge, 455 N. 3rd St. (inside the Arizona Center), Phoenix
Mingle with business professionals, fraternal groups, community leaders and individuals who are new to the Phoenix metro area.
The event is free and you do not have to be a Greek to attend.
Please visit phoenixkappas.org for more information about the Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc - Phoenix Alumni Chapter.
This gathering is thrown yearly to recognize the spring graduates and to show gratitude to the past and present Gamma Iota initiates.
The event will be held on July 11 from 3-8 P.M. at Kiwanis Park (Fiesta Pod B and D), 6111 S. All America Way, Tempe.
The BBQ is for, but not limited, to all members of Kappa Alpha Psi as well as other Greeks and non-Greeks alike.
The Kappas will be serving food hot off the grill and for non-Kappamen there will be a $3 plate charge or $10 will feed you for the entire BBQ. There will be plenty of food, music and fun and if you missed out last year you definitely don't want to miss out this year.
Also, the Kappas will be accepting donations at the event to keep the chapter thriving and to assist in the continuation of our successful endeavors.
On October 17, Black Sabbath Motorcycle Club, Phoenix Chapter will be hosting a Bike/Car Show & Reggae Benefit Concert in conjunction with Chester’s Harley-Davidson at its Mesa location to raise money for abused children.
The theme for this life-changing event is “SAVE THE CHILDREN.”
Black Sabbath Motorcycle Club has partnered with Homeward Bound, a transitional housing program for homeless and domestic violence families with children in the Phoenix metropolitan area.
Black Sabbath Motorcycle Club's goal is to raise $10,000 (or more) on behalf of the motorcycle community so it can help support those who breathe LIFE and HOPE in to the hearts and minds of our future generations.
Internationally known reggae artist Pato Banton and the NOW Generation Band will be the headliner for the evening. There will also be a DJ, vendors, guest speakers, food, stunt competitions, local artist performances, giveaways and a great deal more!
I've known about Caribbean Fusion Restaurant and Bar for a long time, but my wife and I finally had a chance to experience the Scottsdale eatery in June 2009.
It was extremely important for me to bring my wife to Caribbean Fusion for two reasons:
1) She is a native of St. Croix in the United States Virgin Islands so she would be the best judge of the Caribbean cuisine.
2) She offered to pay!
We were both immediately pleased with the coziness of the environment inside and the friendly nature of our server, Judith. We've all been to a black-owned restaurant where the customer service was ... ahem ... downright rude! Everyone in Caribbean Fusion greeted us with a smile or a hello which was refreshing!
The menu featured a number of interesting dishes including jerk T-bone steak, lobster tail, fricassee chicken, Jamaican red peas soup and steamed crawfish.
My wife ordered the Braised Ox Tail with rice and peas and fried plantains. I'm embarassed to say that I gave into my addiction to BBQ and asked for the pork baby back ribs! I had all that Caribbean food at my disposal and I chose an American dish! Yeah, yeah, I know ...
I sampled some of my wife's Ox Tail before I tasted my ribs and it was excellent! Juicy, hot and mixed in with some of the rice! I'm a big fan of Ox Tail so I tried to convince her to trade with me. She wasn't havin' it!
Then I tried my ribs ... fall-off-the-bone meat, with a thick sauce! Caribbean Fusion's won't compare to anything that you'll find in Memphis, Kansas City or Chicago, but they were still tasty.
My favorite Caribbean side dish is fried plantains and Caribbean Fusion's version was pretty good. I think my wife's fried plantains are better.
My wife has had a few bad experiences with Caribbean-inspired restaurants here in the past but she was clearly impressed with this place! We were a little disappointed that we didn't hear any reggae, dancehall or calypso playin' softly in the background.
But all in all, my wife and I agreed that we will be visiting Caribbean Fusion again and again! And she will be payin' again and again!
Caribbean Fusion is located at 2515 N. Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale and is open seven days a week! The phone number is (480)990-1599. Please visit caribbeanfusions.com for more information.
Looking for a new Spoken Word venue in the Valley of the Sun?
Jazzy's Poetic Experience will be held on the last Sunday of each month beginning (July 26) at 6 PM at Bentley's, located in the heart of downtown Phoenix, at 308 N. 2nd Ave.
Doors open early, $5 cover.
Hosted by Jazzy ... feeding your mind body and soul ... one spoken word at a time.
Also all you can eat soul food buffet from 5-7 PM.
For more information, contact Jazzy at sojazzy6145@cox.net or Bentley's at (602) 254-2925.
Antioch Global Outreach will host the 2009 Annual African Symposium and Silent Auction on July 11. The extravaganza begins at 5 p.m. inside the exquisite Renaissance Hotel and Spa located at the Westgate City Center, of Glendale, AZ. All proceeds will benefit local organizations as well as organizations in Africa that are committed to making a difference in the lives of children.
If you go, you will step into an African retreat with lavish decorations, exquisite cuisine, and the sounds of Africa while African artwork, clothing, and artifacts will be available for auction and sale throughout the evening. Entertainment will include the soulful music of AnnaMaria (Pasley) Horn, a dynamic Gospel singer whose focus is reaching the youth, as well as an authentic African dance, a dramatic performance by the Antioch Drama Ministry and much more.
Antioch Global Outreach (AGO) is a non-profit organization comprised of both progressive Local and influential Foreign Outreach Programs.
Local Outreach operates and partners with domestic programs such as Angel Tree where gifts and toys are provided for children of incarcerated persons; and “Feed the Hungry” which provides food baskets for needy families in the area.
Additionally, AGO provides financial, material, and personnel support to regional organizations such as Westside Food Bank, St. Vincent DePaul and the West Valley Child Crisis Center. AGO’s Foreign Outreach has extended as far as Haiti, Russia and Africa with hopes of someday extending to India.
“The African Symposium is a wonderful event to bring like-minded people together and share what a difference they can make.” says AGO Director, Amandra Beckford. “They can come, relax, eat good food, and enjoy the wonderful entertainment but our goal is that they will also be inspired to help. We are looking for sponsors for our programs. Last year AGO raised more than $10,000.00. This year our goal is to reach at least $25,000.00.”
For ticket information and to learn more contact the AGO at 623-776-7677 or visit www.AntiochGlobalOutreach.net.
Antioch Global Outreach invites you to join its on-going fight against child abuse and neglect worldwide.
“Transforming lives one child at a time is not just a motto, it’s our mission, and it’s what we work toward every day.”
If you're lookin' for some Creole and Caribbean cuisine in the Phoenix area, you should make a beeline to Second Line in south Phoenix!
Second Line which is located at 2727 E. Broadway Road opened its doors on Jan. 23, 2009 is a much-needed addition to the growing soul food restaurant culture here in the Valley of the Sun. The small eatery is owned by Duma Shange and Stan Schofield who are cousins and are originally from New Orleans.
Mr. PhxSoul.com has already made two trips to Second Line - one time I had the chicken sausage gumbo and seafood gumbo (separate items), the other time I had the vanilla cake waffle. I brought the chicken sausage gumbo and seafood gumbo to a party a few weeks ago and the guests nearly fought each other for seconds and thirds! The shrimp and crabmeat were scrumptious and the chicken and sausage were really flavorful. The hot sauce took the gumbo to a whole other level!
The vanilla cake waffle was sweet and really thick - I only ate half and I was full. Second Line also has other specialty waffles such as southern pecan, chocolate chip, blueberry, banana and strawberry shortcake.
I wish I could post the whole menu online - Second Line has a wide variety of foods from waffles, grits, red beans and rice to fish and shrimp po boys, jerk chicken, stuffed peppers and fried fish!
Stan is the self-proclaimed master of the "distinctly creole" meals such as the jerk chicken, po boys, red beans and rice and stuffed peppers. Stan grew up in New Orleans and moved out to Phoenix only a few months ago.
Duma said he and Stan learned to cook at an early age from their parents.
"A good percentage of males from New Orleans know how to cook soul food because it is important to preserving our heritage," said Duma. "What we cook - whether it is gumbo or etouffee - is a form of African retention. These meals have been passed down from generation to generation and we will continue the tradition."
Duma says his soul food is different from what most people would consider as soul food.
"Our soul food reflects Louisiana's history - the seafood, the slavery, the French influence of the 18th century," Duma stated.
Duma and Stan felt that Phoenix was a great place to set up shop because they saw an opportunity to share their food with a market that was craving a downhome Creole and Caribbean cuisine. Their ultimate goal is to branch out to several locations locally and maybe go nationwide.
But for now, they'll be happy to welcome anyone who wants to visit their quaint restaurant on Broadway Road! However, if you bring a group of more than 20 people - somebody will have to sit outside! Yes, the restaurant is small!!!
Support Second Line! Duma and Stan will treat you like family. Tell 'em PhxSoul sent ya!
Second Line Creole-Caribbean Cuisine
2727 E. Broadway Road
Phoenix, AZ 85040
Phone: (602) 276-7722
Hours: Monday-Friday - 7 AM to 6 PM; Saturday - 7 AM to 2 PM and 4 PM to Until; Sunday - Closed
• Visit the Food and Drink section and the PhxSoul.com Local Business Directory to find out about other restaurants in the Valley of the Sun!
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Doc and Nayo Jones have been known for a long time as a dynamic musical duo in the Valley of the Sun.
Now, the African-American father and daughter team can be known as OWNERS of a new music lounge and cafe in central Phoenix! Doc and Nayo took over the old Johnny's Uptown location at 40 E. Camelback Road and renamed it as Doc's Place.
Doc's Place officially opened for business on Jan. 1, 2009 and Nayo says she is extremely excited about the future.
"Doc's Place will allow my father and I to bring our music and our vibe to an audience that is craving jazz and contemporary R&B in an adult, upscale environment," said Nayo. "Our goal is to not only cater to an African-American audience, we want people of all races to enjoy Doc's Place."
Doc and Nayo are scheduled to perform live on Friday and Saturday nights.
"Now that we own Doc's Place, we have the opportunity to really put the Doc and Nayo Jones brand out there," said Nayo.
And for those who love spoken word, Doc's Place will continue to host the HomeBase: The Poet's Poetry Set on the first and third Sundays of each month.
For more information about Doc's Place, please call (602) 277-5999 or visit docandnayo.com.
New poetry/spoken word series in Phoenix. Hosted by HB on 1st and 3rd Sundays at Doc's Place (the old Johnny's Uptown), 40 E. Camelback Road.
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PhxSoul.com has received numerous e-mails from African Americans who are seeking nightlife and entertainment venues for people in their 40s, 50s, 60s and above!
You know what? I've found that the "mature African American" crowd has some great options here in the Valley of the Sun!
Here's a list of PhxSoul.com's top nightlife and entertainment recommendations for mature African Americans in the Valley:
Phoenix
Bobby C's
1140 E. Washington St.
(602) 252-2273
Jazz brunch on Sunday and performances throughout the week.
View the online Calendar of Events for the most up-to-date schedule!
Char's Has the Blues
4631 N. 7th Ave
Phoenix, AZ
(602) 230-0205
You'll see people of all ages dancin' and havin' a good time in this legendary blues spot in Phoenix.
Doc's Place
40 E. Camelback Road, Ste. 102
Phoenix, AZ
602-277-5999
Doc and Nayo Jones, a well-known, African-American father-and-daughter musical duo in the Valley, have teamed up to own Doc's Place (the old Johnny's Uptown location) on the northeast corner of Central Ave. and Camelback Road in Phoenix. Doc and Nayo will be performing on Friday and Saturday nights.
The Legion - AMVETS Post 5
3805 S 16th Street
Phoenix, AZ 85040-1312
You can always count on a good time at The Legion! The Legion caters to the 25 and older crowd. They always play good music, especially on the weekends, they have a kitchen, cheap drinks and the people are always friendly. Maybe a little too friendly at times. Another legendary spot in South Phoenix!
Sportsman Social Club
943 W Watkins St
Phoenix, AZ 85007
(602) 252-7153
This is a downhome spot where you can talk with old friends and make new ones. Sportsman Social Club hosts all kinds of events and draws people of all ages. This place is as casual and fun as it gets! Sportsman Social Club is one of South Phoenix's landmarks!
Kazimierz World Wine Bar
7137 E Stetson Dr. (Stetson is 1 block southwest of Camelback and Scottsdale Roads)
Scottsdale, AZ
It will be hard to find the bar from the street so you have to Valet Park and just ask the Valet where the bar is.
Mondays: 8-11 p.m. - Margo Reed
Thursdays: 8-11 p.m. - Dennis Rowland
Vocé Lounge
Thurs. - 8:30pm to 12am; Fri.-Sat. 9:30pm to 1am
9719 N. Hayden Rd.
Scottsdale, AZ 85258
Khani Cole is now playing here. Very intimate spot and the band sounds as great as always! If you're goin' out with a group of friends who want an exciting live music experience, make sure you check out Vocé Lounge!
Bobby's, a Mancuso Restaurant
7122 E. Greenway Parkway (at Kierland Commons)
Scottsdale, Arizona 85254
480-556-0770
Bobby's is a flashy, vibrant environment that reminds you of Vegas and Miami. The entertainment is one of the best kept secrets in town. The musicians play a mix of jazz, soul and R & B here.
West Valley
Skye Fine Dining and Entertainment
16844 N. Arrowhead Fountain Center Drive
Peoria, AZ
(623) 334-0010
I've been hearing great things about this place - live music every night and a lively crowd. Check out the Calendar of Events on the Website.
East Valley
Warren's Jazz Bistro
1451 East Williams Field Road, Suite 108
Gilbert, AZ
480-899-JAZZ(5299)
The motto is, "Where Great Food & Live Jazz Meet!"
PhxSoul.com will do its best to update this page on a regular basis, but I hope this is a good start!
Of course, there are many community events, concerts, theatrical performances and organizations which cater to a mature audience. Please be sure to review PhxSoul.com's Community Events Calendar to find out what else is goin' on in the Valley of the Sun!
And please feel free to click on the Comments link below or send an e-mail to PhxSoul.com to share your entertainment/nightlife information with others!
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I'd like to think that these grown men would show their women how much they love them by taking the time to research their own Valentine's Day restaurants.
However, I understand that people get busy and need a little help.
Thus, Mr. PhxSoul.com is coming to your rescue with MY list of Five Great Restaurants for Romance in the Phoenix area!
Make your reservations now!
5. Chelsea's Kitchen - 5040 N. 40th St., Phoenix.
I love the energy here. You could have a great time at Chelsea's Kitchen whether you're having dinner for two or with a group of friends. I love the bar/patio area and the food is really good. Read my article about Chelsea's Kitchen for more info.
4. Mastro's City Hall - 6991 E. Camelback Road, Scottsdale.
I took my baby here for our first anniversary and received some of the best service I've ever had in my life! The food is tremendous and the restaurant has a great ambiance with live music!
3. Rokerij - 6335 N 16th St., Phoenix.
A very charming restaurant with some of the best food in town! It's a nice, cozy, dark restaurant with big booths and a fireplace. You'll see the specials of the day written on chalkboards that lined the wooden walls - a real cool touch. Make sure you visit the bar downstairs before you eat and/or after you finish your dinner, it's one of the best places to get a drink in Phoenix!
2. 98 South - 98 S. San Marcos Place, Chandler.
Live entertainment and great food are the specialties here. I believe 98 South is offering a Valentine's Day special. Better call the restaurant quick to see if there's room for you!
1. Compass Room at The Hyatt Regency - 122 N Second St., Phoenix.
You can't beat the extraordinary views of the Valley of the Sun while dining in this restaurant. The Compass Room slowly rotates in a circle so you see the entire Phoenix area! You'll just have to go there to figure out what I'm talkin' about! The food is above average, but the romance and scenery can't be beat.
•: I encourage you to visit my Food & Drink and Music pages for more Romantic ideas!!
If you want to share your Romantic Restaurant suggestions with other PhxSoul.com readers, leave them in the COMMENTS area!
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Char's Has the Blues
4631 N. 7th Ave
Phoenix, AZ
(602) 230-0205
You'll see people of all ages dancin' and havin' a good time in this legendary blues spot in Phoenix.
the Rhythm Room
1019 E. Indian School Road
Phoenix, Arizona 85014
(602)265-4842
You can always count on great live music at the Rhythm Room - Phoenix's Roots, Blues and Concert Club!
Bobby's, a Mancuso Restaurant
7122 E. Greenway Parkway (at Kierland Commons)
Scottsdale, Arizona 85254
480-556-0770
Bobby's is a flashy, vibrant environment that reminds you of Vegas and Miami. The entertainment is one of the best kept secrets in town. The musicians play a mix of jazz, soul and R & B here.
Eddie V's Edgewater Grille
20715 N. Pima Road
Scottsdale
(480) 538-8468
Accidentally found the V Lounge inside Eddie V's Edgewater Grille a few years ago while preparing to go to another club in the same plaza. I'm glad I stumbled onto this place! Drink some wine and listen to the fine live music here!
Vocé Lounge
9719 N. Hayden Rd.
Scottsdale, AZ 85258
Khani Cole is now playing here. Very intimate spot and the band sounds as great as always! If you're goin' out with a group of friends who want an exciting live music experience, make sure you check out Vocé Lounge!
Doc's Place
40 E. Camelback Road, Ste. 102
Phoenix, AZ
602-277-5999
Doc and Nayo Jones, a well-known, African-American father-and-daughter musical duo in the Valley, have teamed up to own Doc's Place (the old Johnny's Uptown location) on the northeast corner of Central Ave. and Camelback Road in Phoenix. Doc and Nayo will be performing on Friday and Saturday nights.
If you'd like to see your live R&B, blues, soul and jazz music spot listed on PhxSoul.com, please add your information to our Online Business Directory.
Ahhhhh … it’s 5 p.m. on Friday and for most of you, that means your work is done! But you and your friends aren’t ready to go home because it’s time for Happy Hour!
But where do you go? Here's my list of great happy hour joints for black people in the Valley of the Sun.
Club Central
3110 N. Central #140
Phoenix AZ
(602) 200-8121
Club Central has stood the test of time as one of the best happy hour spots in Phoenix for African Americans! The DJ bangs hip hop and R&B on the upstairs level and if you think you can sing, you can do your thang in the karaoke downstairs. If you get there before 7 p.m., you don't have to pay cover! If you are in your late 20s to your 40s, Club Central is the place to be!
Z Tejas
7221 W Ray Road
Chandler, AZ 85226
From 7-10 PM this place is PACKED with 20- and 30-year-olds. Good place to hang out with friends or to meet cool, easygoing African Americans. No stress, no loud music.
Warren's Jazz Bistro
1451 East Williams Field Road, Suite 108
Gilbert, AZ
480-899-JAZZ(5299)
The East Valley is buzzin' about this spot! The motto is, "Where Great Food & Live Jazz Meet!" Live performances start at 6 p.m. on Friday. Don't be late!
Merc Bar
2501 E. Camelback Road
Phoenix
(602) 508-9449
I love it here because it’s classy, dark, centrally located and the people are easygoing! You’ll probably end up meeting somebody new here. The major drawbacks … the mixed drinks are not cheap and this place doesn’t have a dance floor. You probably won't see too many black people here but it shouldn't matter as long as you're with good friends.
Barcelona
15440 Greenway-Hayden Loop
Scottsdale, AZ
(480) 603-0370
Barcelona is one of the more impressive happy hour locations. It's beautiful inside and if you want to host a special event, check out La Rouge at Barcelona.
Barcelona seems to be a happy-hour favorite for black people in the Phoenix area. Later on in the night, the dance floor opens up and this place gets crazy!
Eli's American Grille
7000 E. Shea Blvd.
Scottsdale
(480) 948-9800
If you are 40 years and older, you’re gonna be at home here! You’ll get a chance to hear live music every night of the week and the people here are very friendly … maybe too friendly! A grandma tried to holla at me once at Eli’s! I gotta admit … she looked good! And hey … this spot has a dance floor!
If you think my happy-hour list is on-point or wack, let me know by clicking on the Comments link below!
Where do you go after Happy Hour is over?
• Click here to find out about the best NightClubs for Black People in the Phoenix metro area!
More blogs about phoenix az.
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A few weeks ago, my boys and I ventured to the Arrowhead Mall "club district" in Peoria to see what was poppin'!
We heard a few things about the talent out there and we decided to take a break from the same-old, same-old in Scottsdale.
Plus, I wanted to see if the West Side is ready for the Super Bowl that's coming to the Valley in February 2008! The parties, the parties, ohhhhh ... the parties!
I've already written about the West Side's potential to become the Best Side of the Valley (December 2006). But after my trip to Arrowhead, it's clear that the West Side still has a long way to go!
The First Problem: As I was driving on Bell Road towards the strip of nightclubs, I noticed that I had this "itchy feeling." I wasn't sure why, I thought it might've been that pizza I ate a few hours before, but as I got closer to the left turn on 83rd Avenue, I realized that the "itchy feeling" was my PoPo radar!
Maaaaan ... police were everywhere! I've been to some of the best club strips in the country - Miami Beach, Sunset Strip, Gaslamp District, Las Vegas and Nogales, Arizona and I have never seen Five-0 in force like that! Jake needs to relax if Arrowhead wants a successful club district!
I gotta admit that the police had me shook! They made me nervous as hell and I wasn't even doin' anything illegal!
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Second Problem: So, my boys and I tried to hit El Toro Bravo, a Mexican restaurant that turns into a nightclub in the late hours. It's supposed to be the best club in the vicinity. We obviously came too late because the line was halfway down the street! That joint was packed! Good thing we could hear the music from the sidewalk because the DJ was wack! Kill the Top 40 and the 80s tunes!
Third Problem: I will say that most of the women I've met on the West Side have been very approachable, attractive and friendly. But on that night, I bumped into several women who were even snootier than the ones in Scottsdale! Are you kidding me?
After 10 minutes of standing in front of the club to discuss our next move, my boys and I decided to roll to this joint called The Moon Saloon.
You won't be able to dance there, but the drinks are cheap and the people inside were real cool. If you're with a group of friends and you're just lookin' to chill, The Moon Saloon is a good choice. Of course, you won't see many black people, but hey, this is Arizona!
There are several other clubs/bars in the area such as McDuffy's (you can dance here), Fox and Hound, Ah-So (happy hour) and Skye Restaurant (live music, older crowd). And of course, you can also travel a few miles south on the 101 to the Westgate City Center.
However, Peoria and Glendale just don't have the muscle right now to satisfy the Super Bowl crowd. Do the powers-that-be realize how many people will visit the Phoenix area for that one event?! Maybe the West Valley wants to keep the low-key profile. If so, that's a mistake! Glendale is the home of the Arizona Cardinals' and Phoenix Coyotes' stadiums! The civic leaders have a duty to ensure that there are more entertainment options! The economic impact would be tremendous if the West Valley stepped it up a notch (restaurants, nightclubs and hotels). And I'm sure the residents would love to see the West Side come alive!
For now, I guess the Super Bowl crowd will have to make the super journey to Scottsdale for fun!
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If you're big fan of hamburgers, or I should say, if you're a big fan of BIG hamburgers, you need to hit this "little" spot in Phoenix called, Delux Burger!
I've known about Delux Burger for years, driven by hundreds of times, but on Sunday, July 29, I finally decided to go inside. That was probably one of the best decisions I've made in a long, long time!
Delux Burger has a contemporary, art deco, South Beach Miami feel to it. You can sit at your own table inside or on the patio, you can post up at the community table in the middle of the restaurant or you can kick it at the bar. I can honestly say this was the prettiest hamburger joint I've ever seen! I saw a mix of families, couples, old and young people eatin' burgers like they were in heaven! And if you're a single man or woman, you're definitely gonna see some eye-candy at Delux.
I ordered the Standard Classic with the delux basket of mixed fries (a combination of sweet potato and ordinary french fries) and I have to say it was one of best burgers I've ever tasted. The burgers are made with Harris Ranch premium beef - I don't know what that means but I wouldn't feel right about eating at McDonalds or Jack In the Box ever again! These burgers almost melt in your mouth, but they'll leave you very full!
Fellas, I wouldn't necessarily call Delux Burger a "first-date" destination, but after a few outings with your favorite girl, you definitely need to take her here for lunch or dinner. If you bring your significant other, you should share the basket of fries, there's more than enough for two in that basket! Delux Burger seems like a good hangout for a group of close friends or for businesspeople.
I didn't try any of the beers there, but the selection at the bar had me salivating! I went to Delux after church so I knew it wouldn't be right to be guzzlin' some Stella Artois after givin' thanks to the Lord, ya feel me? But you will see me there for happy hour real soon!
OK, so you're probably wonderin' if there's somethin' wrong with this joint. Well, you know that sayin, "you get what you pay for?" Well, bring some loot to this place because it aint cheap. I dropped about $35 for two people and we shared the basket of fries! But for you true ballas out there, 35 bones aint nuthin', right?
If you got the late-night munchies, make the trip to Delux. It's open everyday until 2 AM!
Delux Burger, 3146 E. Camelback Road, Phoenix.
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I love me some regular buttered popcorn, but you can take this tasty snack to another level when you mix it up with different flavors like chocolate, banana, cheese, pineapple and strawberries!
If you have East Coast roots, I'm sure wonderful memories "pop" into your head when you think about gourmet popcorn! Well, you don't have to leave Phoenix to get gourmet popcorn anymore!
My friends Qiana Shaw and Roy Wilson opened their Poppa Maize Gourmet Popcorn store on May 1, 2007 in order to bring spice and variety to their beloved popcorn and share it with Valley residents.
Poppa Maize Gourmet Popcorn is located on the northwest corner of 19th Avenue and Greenway Road in Phoenix (15414 N 19th Avenue, Ste P, Phoenix). If you don't feel like driving to the north side, you can visit their Website - poppamaize.com - to buy bags and gift baskets of their popcorn. They'll ship anywhere in the United States.
Roy and Qiana first discussed the idea of establishing the Poppa Maize Gourmet Popcorn store over dinner Valentine's day 2006. Roy wanted to do something like this since he was a child. After a year of planning and hard work, their dream came true!
Anyone who has an adventurous and curious spirit will enjoy their popcorn! I love the White Chocolate and S'mores flavors.
Poppa Maize's flavors include:
When you get a chance, make sure you drop by the Poppa Maize store!
If you'd like to see your food/catering company listed on PhxSoul.com, please add your information to our Online Business Directory.
As you know, "Soul Food," is our staple! Neckbones, chitlins, catfish, pickled pig feet, fried chicken, etc. have fed generations of black people. You may (or may not) be surprised to know that the Valley of the Sun has done an admirable job of continuing the soul-food tradition and is home to a number of eateries.
Of course, I haven't listed all of the soul-food restaurants, but these are ones that I know best!
Mrs. White's Golden Rule Cafe
808 E Jefferson St
Phoenix, AZ
(602) 262-9256
Mrs. White’s is the long-time champ of Soul Food in the Phoenix area! That fried chicken is unbelievable!
Lo-Lo’s Chicken and Waffles
10 W. Yuma St
Phoenix, AZ
(602) 340-1304
Make sure you plan to take a nap after you go to Lo-Lo’s because you will catch a serious case of the “Itis!” You’ll want to eat everything on the menu! Lo-Lo embodies what a real soul food restaurant is all about!
Ross' Hooked and Cooked
1301 East Broadway Road
Phoenix, AZ
(602) 268-7677
Seafood and great service are the specialties at Ross’ Hooked and Cooked! Make sure you support this wonderful restaurant in south Phoenix! I’ve met Charlie Ross and he’s a friendly and outgoing man! Many community organizations gather at Ross’ Hooked and Cooked for events.
Home "Sweet" Home Chicken & Waffles
6044 S. 16th St. #200
Phoenix, AZ
(602) 237-2558
Y'all aint ready! The slogan for Home "Sweet" Home Chicken & Waffles is absolutely because "your taste buds will thank you!" This down-home restaurant in south Phoenix just opened in Phoenix and judging from my first visit, Home "Sweet" Home Chicken & Waffles will be there for a long time to come! The chicken is off tha chain! The cornbread melted in my mouth! The staff was friendly and even the customers acted like they were right at home!
Fat Daddy's Down Home Kitchen
3220 E. Baseline Road
Phoenix, AZ 85042
(602) 436-7443
South Phoenix's newest soul food restaurant is a generating a lot of buzz. After making my first visit in April 2009, I can see why.
This restaurant is open seven days a week and serves breakfast, lunch and dinner!
Catfish, chicken & waffles, fried chicken, pork chops, BBQ chicken & ribs, chicken wings, greens, mac and cheese, cornbread, peach cobbler, coleslaw, red velvet cake and more on the menu.
Lil Mamas Soul Cafe
4306 N. 7th Ave.
Phoenix, AZ.
(602) 266-9980
Lil Mamas brings soul food to central Phoenix!
5395 West Soul Food Place Restaurant
725 N Central Ave, Ste 101
Avondale, AZ 85323
(623) 925-8529
Soul food on the Wesssss Side!
Honey Bears BBQ
2824 N Central Ave, Phoenix - (602) 279-7911
5012 E Van Buren St, Phoenix - (602) 273-9148
7670 S Priest Dr, Tempe, AZ- (480) 222-2782
Honey Bears is a long-time Phoenix tradition! I love the ribs and the BBQ Chicken sandwich! I’ve been to all of the Phoenix-area restaurants, but my favorite is the Van Buren location (the original) because it has that down-home feel to it!
Restaurant 28
5025 W Olive Avenue
Glendale, AZ
(623) 934-0920
If you’re lookin’ for North Carolina Style BBQ/Catfish, you need to visit Restaurant 28 today! My mouth is waterin’ now after thinking about the collard greens, chitlins, red beans and rice and yo, I heard they serve red Kool-Aid!
Lovejoy’s BBQ
735 E Bell Road
Phoenix, AZ
(602) 993-7472
The Lovejoys brought a much-needed and well-received BBQ presence to north Phoenix! My family has been going there for years! The 19th Avenue and Greenway Roadlocation has moved to the SE corner of 7th Street and Bell Road.
If you know about other soul food joints in the Valley, please add them to the Comments section or if you are a restaurant owner, list your eatery in PhxSoul.com's FREE Online Business Directory!
Here is PhxSoul.com's suggested list of good nightclubs for black people in the Phoenix metro area. Hip hop, R&B, Soul, Reggae, Dancehall, Pop, etc ...
If you are a local promoter who would like to have your special events listed on the calendar below, please send us an e-mail with a flyer and/or basic info about your club!
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Other Phoenix-area Nightlife Resources
The following Websites are the best resources on local hip-hop nightclubs and entertainment in Phoenix:
Live Music in the Phoenix area
• For live jazz clubs in the Phoenix area, please read my "Here's Comes the Jazz" post!
• For live blues and soul music joints, please read my "Great Live Blues, Soul Music for Black People in Phoenix" post!
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I've had numerous discussions with black women in the Phoenix area about black men and where to find the good ones!
First, I have to preface this blog entry by saying I'm not gay and I don't go around town looking for black men! However, I've been tempted to write about this for quite some time because I know many professional, beautiful and single women who are looking for that special man to complement their lives.
I was convinced that I needed to step up to the plate and offer my advice after watching an Oprah show about the top 5 cities in America where women could find single men over the age of 35. It was actually an interesting show.
OK, I didn't do any hardcore research to write about this topic. I didn't go out to public places with a notepad and pencil and count how many single black men were in the vicinity. I didn't send any surveys to my fellow black male friends. I'm offering this advice based purely on my observations while I've been out and about in Phoenix over the years.
Here's my list of the top 5 places for women to find professional, single black men over the age of 25 in the Phoenix area. Drumroll please ...
5. Local Gyms - I can't give specifics on which gyms have the highest volume of brothas, but I guarantee that women will have success at these places - especially in the evenings. You women have to be open to engaging in conversations though! I can't count how many times my brothas have complained about women who gave them attitude at LA Fitness or Bally's!
4. Churches - I would hope that everyone attends church to hear the Word, but I've also heard that church is a great place to meet a mate. I can't lie, I've dated a few women that I met at church. Sorry I can't list specific churches that are teeming with single black men, but if you need to find out where all the black churches are in the Valley, I suggest that you pick up a copy of the Arizona Informant. The newspaper lists just about every black church here.
3. Sports Venues - This is tricky because when a man goes to a stadium to watch a game, he's mainly concentrated on the game! However, men always take the time to notice the "scenery" at the stadiums. I must say that I've seen some of the finest women in my life at Arizona Diamondbacks, Cardinals and Phoenix Suns games! The key for women is to be strategic in a sports environment.
Second, you should actually be a fan of the team you are watching! Men love a woman who knows her sports! You can even scream at the players if you want to be noticed, just don't be vulgar about it!
Lastly, I would encourage women to tailgate (hang out at the game a few hours before it starts). Tailgating is usually done at football games. I think it would be sexy as hell to see a group of 3-5 attractive women hanging outside the stadium with a RV or large truck, eating and having a few drinks. I guarantee that you'll meet tons of men (of ALL races) if you tailgate!
2. House Parties or Networking Socials - These are by far the most relaxed environments for meeting a possible mate. There are plenty of house parties and networking socials in town. The key is to find civic or professional groups and people that you are comfortable with. I would encourage people who are new to Phoenix to read newspapers to find professional groups who regularly host socials. Honestly, I think house parties or networking socials offer the best opportunities to meet your match because you are usually around people who share common interests with you.
1. Nightclubs - Sorry to say it, but you'll find the largest volume of black men at the clubs. Clubs here are going to offer quantity, not quality. However, I have to believe that some of these brothas are going to be good catches.
You will definitely find a gang of black men in the "white" Scottsdale clubs like Suede, Axis/Radius and e4. You're taking a risk in going to the Scottsdale clubs because most of these "brothas" are on the prowl for snowbunnies. However, I have faith that my sistas can reel in these "snowflake searchers" if they go about it the right way!
OK, I hope this blog is helpful. I encourage my readers to post their Comments on my blog! Remember, this is not a scientific study ... this is just my advice based on observations!
Also, if black women are interested in learning more about the mindset of African American men in Phoenix, I encourage you to read my post, "How Black Women Can Woo Black Men in Phoenix."
I love to venture out to NEW places when I go out to dinner. Sorry, I'm not a regular at the Olive Garden, Applebees or Red Lobster like some negroes I know (even though I enjoy all of those places).
It would be a shame for me to go to the same old spots everytime because the Valley has so many unique and interesting restaurants. I visited one of those unique and interesting eateries last weekend - it's called The Rokerij.
Honestly, I don't know how to pronounce The Rokerij, and I'm usually skeptical about going to a place if I can't say its name. However, The Rokerij had really good reviews on the Web so I decided to check it out.
The Rokerij is located on the southeast corner of 16th Street and Maryland Avenue in Phoenix. From the outside, it's not all that extraordinary. It's not bad-looking though - let's just say it's charming. It's a small, dark house made out of cobblestone sitting on a small parking lot. It reminded me of Kazmierz from the outside. I knew I was going to be payin' some serious dough when I realized that only valet parking was being offered.
You step on the porch to enter the restaurant and off the right, you'll see a staircase leading down to a great bar. More on that later ...
Go inside the restaurant and you feel like you've stepped into a classy underworld. I almost thought that I'd need to give the hostess a secret password in order to be allowed inside. It was a nice, cozy, dark restaurant with big booths and a fireplace. The music was pumpin'. It was a mix of contemporary music, but it fit the mood. I was surprised to see the specials of the day written on chalkboards that lined the wooden walls - a real cool touch. There's even a secret dining room in the back and I had to wonder how many celebrities and big wigs gathered in there!
Our server was great, I ordered a chimayo chicken dish (chicken with stuffed spinach covered with marinara sauce) with wine and my girlfriend had one of the specials - blackened halibut with wine.
Wow ... the food was amazing! Speaking of stuffed ... I could barely move after I was done. The portions were big! Not Claim Jumper big, but you'd get your fill here!
The Rokerij wasn't the most romantic restaurant in the world, but it's still good for romance. I think it's a better place for people who are with a group of friends.
By the way, make sure you get reservations before you go to The Rokerij.
Oh, and the bar downstairs was tight! I didn't stay too long because I was catchin' a case of the "I-tis" after that meal upstairs! But trust me, you'd want to hang with your peoples there or even potential clients if you're trying to impress them.
As for the damage ... OUCH! You'll be lucky if you pay less than $35 per person at The Rokerij. But every now and then, it's good to splurge and reward yourself!
Who knew that dinner could be so much fun?
If you've ever been to a Teppanyaki-style restaurant, you know what I mean!
Teppanyaki is Japanese cuisine that is cooked over a big iron grill, otherwise known as a hibachi. I love that word - hibachi! The chefs cook beef, chicken, shrimp, scallops, lobster and vegetables on the hibachi! Say that with me one more time - hibachi!
Ok, you're wondering what's so exciting about cooking food on a grill? Well it goes back to when I was a kid. I remember back in the day, mama would always tell me it's not good to play with your food. But if you go to a Teppanyaki joint, the chef entertains you ... with your food! He does all kinds of crazy tricks including juggling utensils, flipping a shrimp into his shirt pocket, tossing an egg up in the air and splitting it with his knife to a flaming onion volcano!
Teppanyaki restaurants are great if you're eating dinner with a group of friends or if you're on a date. The tables can fit 8-10 people and the chef usually jokes around with his "audience."
I'm embarrassed to say that I didn't go to my first Teppanyaki restaurant until 2005! If you haven't visited one of these restaurants, you're missing out on great food and great people! I will warn you that it costs a pretty penny to eat at any Teppanyaki restaurant, but you'll be paying for an exciting experience!
Hibachi!
Here are my top 5 Teppanyaki spots:
5. Benihana, 16403 N Scottsdale Rd., Scottsdale
4. Kyoto Japanese Restaurant, 7170 E Stetson Dr., Scottsdale
3. Kobe Japanese Steak House, 1125 W. Elliot Rd. Tempe
2. Ah-So in Glendale and Peoria
1. Sapporo, 14344 N. Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale. This is the classiest of all the restaurants. This is also a great happy hour spot!
And don't forget to drink some Sake with your Teppanyaki!
If you have other restaurants that you recommend, click on the Comments link and let us know!!
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If you had a late night (I don't need to know what happened) and don't feel like cooking early in the morning, here's my Five Best Breakfast Spots in the Valley of the Sun.
5. Matt's Big Breakfast, 801 N. 1st Street, Phoenix
The food is great (check out the pancakes), the prices are low and I always love to be in the downtown area. The staff is nice and it's always to be among a diverse crowd. However the restaurant is small - really small - and the lines are long! If you're in a hurry, you'll probably want to go somewhere else.
4. Lo-Lo's Chicken & Waffles, 10 W. Yuma Street, Phoenix
Chicken, waffles, grits, eggs and sweet tea! That's all you need to know! The food makes you hummm while you eat. I've heard people break out with some serious melodies up in there! The service aint all that great, but what else do you expect from a soul food joint?
3. Morning Glory Cafe (Farm at South Mountain), 6106 S. 32nd Street, Phoenix
Glory! If you haven't been to the Farm at South Mountain, you're missin' out on an experience! Something about that place just makes you feel at peace with yourself. It's located south of Southern Avenue on 32nd Street. I'd encourage you to wear relaxed clothes (leave your Sunday best at home) when you go to the Farm because you'll be eating outside. If you're trying to romantic, you could bring a blanket for you and your significant other while you eat underneath one of the trees in the expansive grove. Try the Breakfast Burrito, one of the Omelettes or my favorite - the Belgian Waffle. I love this place! Be sure to call during the summer season to see if the Farm at South Mountain is open!
2. Over Easy, 4031 N. 40th St., Phoenix
One bite of the food and it'll be easy for you to see why this place is one of the top breakfast spots in Phoenix. I actually like the fact that the outdoor patio is the main eating spot. May not be so comfortable in the summer, but the patio is a great place to enjoy your food any other time of the year. I had the pancakes and sausage and the portions are big. You'll probably have to wait a while if you have a BIG party because Over Easy is a small restaurant.
1. Breakfast Club, 4400 N. Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale
Best breakfast joint in all of Phoenix! The food, the service, the prices, the atmosphere ... what?! It's just nice to eat breakfast at a place where people seem to really take pride in what they're doing. No offense to the other restaurants because they got skills too. I've just always had good experiences at this place and recommend it to anyone. After breakfast, you can walk to the Fashion Square or Waterfront, walk to the numerous art galleries in the area, hang out at some of the bars in the area or just chill there.
Be sure to leave your feedback on my breakfast blog! If you have any other recommendations, let us know!
Your boy's back to tell you about a restaurant in Phoenix that should blow your mind!
If you've got somebody that you're tryin' to impress - a significant other, potential client, boss, mother-in-law, etc., you gotta take him/her to Chelsea's Kitchen on 40th Street north of Camelback Road in Phoenix!
I took my girl there on a Friday night and the place was buzzin' with energy! You can see the kitchen off to your right and the chefs in there were doin' work! Fire shootin' up from the grills and everything! The crowd up in Chelsea's was clearly well-to-do, or at least they were puttin' on a good act. Too bad more people of color weren't at Chelsea's that night but we weren't sweatin' it. If you live in Phoenix, that's just how it goes.
Anyways, if you feel like eatin' dinner and having drinks outside, Chelsea's has a beautiful bar and patio area. The best word to describe it is - cozy. The patio is surrounded by desert trees and bushes and it has a nice fireplace. You also get a view of the canal just to the west of the restaurant. I know you're thinkin' ... "canal view?" It's actually not bad.
If I was with a group of good friends, I could see myself stayin' in the patio area the whole night.
The inside was elegant but casual at the same time. You could sit in big leather booths or at nice tables for two to four people near the windows.
I liked my vantage point from the southwest portion of the restaurant because I could see everything - people having a good time, drinking, laughing, grubbin' ... and I could see the new crops of women who were walkin' through the front door all night! If you are single, you could do some work up in Chelsea's!
OK ... so what about the damage? For two people, it could cost anywhere from $40-$60. But if you're gonna dine at Chelsea's ... go all out! Get some wine, order an appetizer, the entrees and last but not least, don't sleep on the desserts.
I'd say that the menu is is limited but Chelsea's covers a variety of flavors - American, Mexican, Asian, vegetarian, seafood. I really wanted to order the Dixie Pan Fried Chicken, but I didn't feel eatin' something I could make at home! Hell, I could call my mama and get some fried chicken!
So I ordered the prime rib and I'd give it a 3-star-out-of-4 rating! The macaroni and cheese was the star of the show. I actually didn't want to eat it but somehow a noodle slipped onto my fork and after I tasted it, my brain said, "Whoa!"
Alright, I gotta run ... but I encourage you all to try Chelsea's Kitchen!
And don't be afraid to send me your feedback by clicking on the Comments link below! It's easy and fun to make your voice heard!
Scottsdale will always reign supreme as the city with the best clubs in the Valley, but the West Side is finally comin' up!
I visited the Westgate City Center off Glendale Avenue and the 101 in Glendale this weekend and was excited to see all the potential that the West Valley has to offer.
I can remember hearing about how Glendale is hosting the Fiesta Bowl and the national college football championship this year and the Super Bowl in 2008.
I can't lie, I wondered to myself, "How is Glendale gonna show those people a good time? Glendale aint got any clubs, hotels, restaurants ... people are gonna be bored as hell or they'll have to go to Scottsdale!"
Well things are changin'! The Westgate City Center has restaurants, a movie theater and retail stores. Just a little tip for the fellas ... there's a nice date spot called Sweet O Wine and Chocolate Lounge across the street from the movie theater. You can't go wrong if you take your girl to Sweet O. Just trust me ...
Westgate is still the new kid on the block so you can expect to see hotels, more restaurants, retail stores, bars, etc. in the near future. I wouldn't mind buyin' one of the condos that's gonna be built at Westgate. I'd rent that thing out when the Super Bowl jumps off and make some serious cake! I'm lookin' forward to seeing Westgate blow up!
Also you got all the restaurants, clubs, bars and movie theaters near Arrowhead Mall just off Bell Road and the 101. McDuffy's and Fox and Hound are off tha chain!
The West Side still aint on Scottsdale's level but Mill Avenue in Tempe definitely has some competition now! Click here for more information on the nightlife in Glendale, Arizona!
Nowadays, you gotta drop at least $50 for a respectable dinner at most places!
But if you know Phoenix like I do, you can take your woman to dinner for only $35 and look like a pimp if you check out my Top 5 "Balla on a Budget" restaurants in the Valley!
Keep in mind that I'm excluding the chain restaurants like Red Lobster, Olive Garden, Applebees, etc. You've lost half the battle if you don't show some creativity by choosing a one-of-a-kind establishment!
Now, I know we have a hard time resisting the urge to have a drink or two with our meals! A little Courvoisier always makes that steak go down a little smoother! But let it be known that if you let your woman order some spirits the $35 budget won't apply!
5. Amano Pizza Bistro
If you love Italian food, this is a quaint but romantic spot located in south Phoenix. I've eaten here once and loved every bite. The staff makes you feel like family and even the music is great!
WHERE: 1541 E. Baseline Road, Phoenix
WHEN: 5-9 PM Wednesdays, Thursdays and Sundays; 5-10 PM Fridays and Saturdays.
PHONE: (602) 305-9466.
4. Ross' Hooked and Cooked
I had to give some love to this restaurant because it's also in south Phoenix! If you love seafood, you need to visit this establishment.
WHERE: 1301 E. Broadway Road, Phoenix.
WHEN: Tues.-Wed., 12 noon - 8:00 PM; Thurs.-Saturdays, 12 noon - 9:00 PM; Sundays - Noon to Five; Closed every Monday.
PHONE: (602) 268-7677.
3. My Florist Cafe
This restaurant is nestled in the Willo district of Phoenix and the ambiance is electric! I love the piano player. I don't know her name, but I call her the "Energizer Bunny" because she can go non-stop for hours! As for the food, it's a great spot if you want to keep it light (unless you order two meals for yourself)! I enjoy the atmosphere much more than the food. This is also a great breakfast and lunch spot.
WHERE: 530 W. McDowell Road, Phoenix.
WHEN: Everyday - 7 AM to Midnight
PHONE: (602) 254-0333
2. Maizie's Cafe and Bistro
Excellent urban restaurant on the southwest corner of Camelback Road and Central Avenue! You can either eat inside or on the patio. You can drive there or take the light rail! I ate the Milano Panini and enjoyed it thoroughly. However after I finished my meal, one of the diners seated near my table told me that Maizie's hamburgers are among the best in the Valley! Damn!
WHERE: 4750 N. Central Ave., Phoenix.
PHONE: (602) 274-2828
1. AZ88
This place has it all - excitement, great food, great music, contemporary/art deco set-up, a great bar and low prices! OK, so you might have to wait about 2 hours to be seated, but it's worth it. Every item on the menu is good, but they make the best grilled cheese sammich in town! If you're a people-watcher, AZ88 is a great spot because you'll see ALL types up in there! After dinner, it's cool to walk around the plaza or you can hit one of the many clubs in Old Town Scottsdale!
WHERE: 7353 Scottsdale Mall, Scottsdale.
WHEN: 11:30 a.m.-12:30 a.m. Monday - Friday; 5:00 p.m.-12:30 a.m. Saturday & Sunday; Cocktails until 1:30 a.m. everyday.
PHONE: 480-994-5576.
Delux Burger on 32nd Street and Camelback gets an honorable mention, but you'd be surprised at how easy it is to go over the $35 limit! All it takes is a couple of martinis and you're done!
If I missed a restaurant, let me know! That's what a blog is all about - share your opinions! Click on the Comment link below!
Also, if you're looking for a Website with extensive reviews on restaurants in the Phoenix area, I encourage to you to visit FeastinginPhoenix.com!
Of course, you are welcome in to chime in with your own suggestions and feedback! Just click on the Comments link below ...
Kazimierz World Wine Bar
7137 E Stetson Dr. (Stetson is 1 block southwest of Camelback and Scottsdale Roads)
Scottsdale, AZ
It will be hard to find the bar from the street so you have to Valet Park and just ask the Valet where the bar is.
Mondays: 8-11 p.m. - Margo Reed
Thursdays: 8-11 p.m. - Dennis Rowland
Vocé Lounge
Thurs. - 8:30pm to 12am; Fri.-Sat. 9:30pm to 1am
9719 N. Hayden Rd.
Scottsdale, AZ 85258
Khani Cole is now playing here. Very intimate spot and the band sounds as great as always! If you're goin' out with a group of friends who want an exciting live music experience, make sure you check out Vocé Lounge!
Warren's Jazz Bistro
1451 East Williams Field Road, Suite 108
Gilbert, AZ
480-899-JAZZ(5299)
The motto is, "Where Great Food & Live Jazz Meet!"
Doc's Place
40 E. Camelback Road, Ste. 102
Phoenix, AZ
602-277-5999
Doc and Nayo Jones, a well-known, African-American father-and-daughter musical duo in the Valley, have teamed up to own Doc's Place (the old Johnny's Uptown location) on the northeast corner of Central Ave. and Camelback Road in Phoenix. Doc and Nayo will be performing on Friday and Saturday nights.
Oscar Taylor
2375 E. Camelback Road
(602) 954-5620
View the Live Music page for the most up-to-date schedule!
Hyatt Gainey Ranch (this is a great date spot)
7500 E. Doubletree Ranch Road, Scottsdale
They play anything from jazz to salsa in up this spot.
Wednesday-Thursday is best for jazz, 7:30-11:30 p.m.
Friday it's a toss-up, I never know what kind of music they're gonna play.
I think it's the best resort in town. Be sure to check out the bar, walk around the pools and check out the Gondola ride.
Chez Nous Cocktail Lounge
915 Grand Avenue, Phoenix
Pimpin' is easy if you do it up in this spot!
It's a great place to hang and meet people. You'll get your soul, R&B and jazz fix at Chez Nous.
Glendale Gaslight Inn
5747 W. Glendale Ave. Glendale,
8-11 p.m. Fri-Sat.
Click here to read my blog entry about this establishment. I'd definitely recommend this place!
Bobby C's
1140 E. Washington St.
(602) 252-2273
Jazz brunch on Sunday and performances throughout the week.
View the online Calendar of Events for the most up-to-date schedule!
RIP (Rest in Peace): I miss the ultimate creep spot in Phoenix - the Terrace Lounge at the Doubletree La Posada Resort! That place was off tha chain! If you had a 'main squeeze' but wanted to take your 'other woman' out in public (something a true playa should never do), this was the spot! This place was obviously created by an experienced 'creeper' because it was the perfect hideout! I aint sayin' no names but everytime I went to the Terrace Lounge, I saw somebody who was doin' some dirt!
The atmosphere was dark and private, but full of electricity at the same time! The staff served great drinks and it was nice to kick back in those big comfortable seats or the booths against the wall with your girl. Everytime I went, it seemed like a new band was there settin' the crowd on fire! There was a small dance floor in front of the band and it dipped just low enough to where you couldn't be seen well by people walking in the front door. If you spotted your 'real woman' walking in, you could slip out with your 'other woman' and not get caught!
I was a regular from '99 until it closed down in 2005 to make room for condo development! Damn ... if I could open a lounge spot - I'd model it after the Terrace Lounge!
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