2009: Downtown Phoenix Grew Up a Bit(full article)

1/04/10

With so much progress in a year (let alone during the big bad recession), it’s encouraging to see what’s happening in our city.

The Insecure Critic | A Commercial For Anti-Commercialism with a French Press(full article)

11/13/09

Just as the annoying holiday commercials start coming on the air, I can’t recommend What Would Jesus Buy strongly enough.

Sips and Grub | Postino’s Bruschetta(full article)

10/06/09

I had heard tale that a fine little establishment existed just up the road from Central and Camelback, dishing out some famous bruschetta and pouring fine wine late into the evening.

Smeeks: New Candy Shop Coming To CenPho(full article)

6/10/09

Source: Phoenix New Times
“Why doesn’t somebody open a _____ in Central Phoenix?”
Fill in that blank for any kind of stylish indie business (especially anything food- and beverage-related), and I’ve wondered it aloud. For all the interesting things going on in CenPho these days, there’s still room for plenty more.
Literally a day after I had a conversation about why somebody needs to open a cool candy boutique, I heard a rumor that somebody really is. It’s called Smeeks.

Oh, Joyous Tiki Hut(full article)

6/08/09

The egg-shaped hut that has been in various states of disrepair over the past year on Central and Highland Avenues is well on its way to becoming Hula’s Modern Tiki, an Island-themed retro-modern joint soon to become North Central’s big hangout spot. The place used to be called Heap’s Big Beef way back when it opened in 1965, so you know it’s gotta be good.

The Dears at Rhythm Room(full article)

5/06/09

Montréal’s The Dears are coming to the Rhythm Room on Thursday, May 21. Since releasing 2008′s Missiles, this Canadian sevenpiece has been rounding every corner of North America with their piano-heavy, soulful rock. Somewhat under the radar, they’ve pursued a fanbase the old-fashioned way: playing shows. Don’t miss your chance to see them in an [...]

Meet Kyle Hildebrant(full article)

5/05/09

Kyle Hildebrant: entrepreneur, bike commuter and Japanese chef.
Hildebrant is the Principle Partner of the Phoenix branding company, Ovo. “We utilize things like design, and advertising, marketing, and interactive design all from like a branding perspective,” he explained.

Calling All Artsy Folk(full article)

5/04/09

The Young Collectors organization over at the Phoenix Art Museum is putting on a superb little event that every fan of art (and drinks) should attend Tuesday, May 5. The Sip N’See is exactly as it sounds: bring your pals, grab a drink and see some of the museum’s collection. It’s kind of like First [...]

Dine Out for Life This Thursday(full article)

4/27/09

After the success of last year’s Dining Out for Life event in Phoenix, many downtown area restaurants are getting in on the action. This Thursday, April 30, head to one of many local favorites to benefit HIV/AIDS research. In all, over 140 Valley restaurants will participate, raising over $200,000 for the cause. More than 3,500 [...]

Get Yer Culture Pass(full article)

4/13/09

If you have a library card with any public library in Phoenix, Scottsdale, Mesa, Glendale, Tempe or Chandler, you just won free admission to a number of downtown area museums. All you have to do is stroll in to your local branch, and say, “I’ll take a Culture Pass, please,” and you’ve scored free admission [...]

Record Store Day at Stinkweeds(full article)

4/12/09

Come celebrate national record store day at Stinkweeds (10 W. Camelback Rd.) next Saturday, April 18. Designated as a day to support your trusty independent record store, Stinkweeds is going all out, even releasing its own exclusive album, Phoenix: We Love It,  full of great local bands (Go Big Casino, Sam Means from the Format, [...]

A Way Cool Home Tour This Weekend(full article)

4/02/09

Downtown & Central Phoenix has a wide variety of housing stock, from 1920′s Bungalows to 50′s ranches to modern loft & condo complexes. This weekend, Phoenix area residents will have the opportunity to tour restored mid-century modern homes during the Founding Fathers of Modern Phoenix Home Tour, sponsored by Matthew & Alison King, the founders of modernphoenix.net. The Tour is part of a larger event called Modern Phoenix Week 2009, which includes workshops, lectures & films and runs from Friday, April 3rd thru Sunday, April 5th.

Take The Canalscape Survey(full article)

3/15/09

ASU and other public and private sector partners are exploring the possibility of creating vital urban hubs where canals meet major streets throughout metro Phoenix. These hubs could range in size and character, depending on community requests. ASU students are conducting a public survey and would like your feedback.

Riding The Light Rail: First-Hand Account(full article)

3/10/09

Even though ridership is well above the estimates published before the Grand Opening, many people have yet to ride the Light Rail.

Greg Hogue, Newscast Director for ABC 15, shares his experience riding the rail for the first time on his blog.

Downtown Phoenix on International Stage this week(full article)

2/09/09

Just a few weeks ago, Arizona captured the international sports spotlight with the Cardinals Superbowl appearance and now this coming week we get to be in the spotlight again, this time by hosting the NBA All-Star Game and associated events.