E&D Beat
E&D Beat | Lux Central
Posted on 11/09/12 by Angela Dalessandro » No Comments
Want to go where the locals go? Read DPJ’s new E&D Beat and visit some favorite Eats & Drinks destinations.
Local Fave: Lux Central
District: Midtown Phoenix
Owner: Jeff Fischer
Opened: 2011
Identity: “It’s your third space,” says bartender Ben Linsenmeyer of Lux Central. “It’s a place that’s not home or work but that third space you spend the rest of your time. The place you feel comfortable enough to grab your cup of coffee before work and then return to for a late night cocktail with friends.” Ben explains that owner Jeff Fischer had a vision of creating this third space for his guests after attending a business conference about such things. What you won’t get here is a map telling you where to order, pick up, or someone telling you where to sit. “It’s meant to be that way,” Ben says. “People who don’t like our concept usually leave frustrated but then return with their friends, usually the very next day, explaining how it all works with a sense that now they’re ‘the cool ones’.”
Find Your Way: The space offers an urban feel with brick walls and rigid textures complimented by sleek, mid-century furnishings. On every surface sits another unique piece of art or a trinket that is waiting to tell you its story. You’d hardly expect this place to be considered a bar. In fact, the puzzling layout forces you to walk the entire space, discovering different corners that reveal elements of the conceptual bar/restaurant/roastery. Menus seem to be misplaced and employees aren’t outright identifiable. Any newcomer might initially be turned off, but a little exploration will have them delighted with this unconventional watering hole.
Have A Seat: With numerous seating areas, including a few different types of bars to sit at, you get a variety of experiences. Belly up to the low-sitting, polished-stone bar counter and watch your favorite bartender mix up a cocktail from fresh ingredients that are literally at your finger tips. Take your cocktail to one of the many community tables where you can chat with a business CEO and a local artist, finding an unexpected common ground. For the foodies, a comfy seating arrangement of tufted sofas or rough cut wood picnic style bench faces the open stainless steel kitchen.
The Eats: Find everything from organic steel cut oats to vegetarian egg bakes, seasonal pies and cookies, weekend breakfast NY strip steaks, and mac n’ cheese. This is a true local, seasonal menu offering the best in comfort food. The real fun is coming in to see the lunch and dinner offerings that change daily.
The Drinks: You’ll find the cocktail menu carefully handwritten on note cards, taped to a clear divider at the end of the bar. The bartenders are also happy to whip up something special, just for you. With high-end spirits and fresh herbs and produce, these mixologists will find a way to your inner buzz. As for beer and wine, Lux has a menu of over 50 domestic, local, craft, and imported brews, along with beautiful, recognizable wines and some approachable exotics – all fairly priced.
What They Say: “Lux is that place that everyone is leaving, going to, or is already at,” says Lux Central regular Emily Caldwell, owner of Gallery Parallax. She explains that you can arrive by yourself and by the end of your visit have made five new friends. Alternatively, you can find yourself a quiet nook and enjoy a house-roasted coffee or daily inspired cocktail while studying or working.
Report: Lux Central offers a social experiment, with a melting pot of guests and an eccentric, but exceptional service strategy. You’ll never have the same experience twice, but always the same quality in eats and drinks. Cheating on Lux to enjoy other places is expected, but this is the place where you’ll always return: Phoenix’s unique third space.
E&D Beat | Carly’s Bistro
Posted on 10/24/12 by Angela Dalessandro » No Comments
Want to go where the locals go? Read DPJ’s new E&D Beat and visit some favorite Eats & Drinks destinations.
Local Fave: Carly’s Bistro
District: Evans Churchill Neighborhood
Owners: Carla and John Wade
Opened: 2005
Arts Interplay: Carly’s is noticeable from a distance because of the large mural painted on the biggest outside wall, which gives a great first impression. Immediately after stepping inside, your eye is taken by the blood red walls hung with intriguing local artwork. Your ears are tickled with daily melodies chosen by the staff. From cool oldies to greats of blues and jazz, or a local band, Carly’s can go from a relaxing hang out to an exciting music venue. The bar surface itself is adorned with sketches and doodles from local artists who proudly donated them to Carly’s display. It’s a raw, interesting way to showcase the local talent.
Have a Seat: There are tufted black benches with small, square tables in seating areas. For the city view, sit street side along the large windows at the high, two tops. An even bigger group would still be as comfortable since all the tables are easily configured into larger ones. This is a true bistro experience, with swiveling, cushy bar stools encouraging social interaction in the busy bar.
The Eats: Try the salty Feta Rosa (roasted red pepper, garlic and feta with warm pita wedges) with a Westmalle Tripel and you’ve got yourself the perfect snack. Have a bigger appetite? Go for the Reuben, stacked with pastrami and sauerkraut on marble rye. Carly’s doesn’t shy away from culinary challenges either. One of their best items is a vegetarian sandwich called “Europa”. Marinated artichoke hearts, fresh tomatoes and spinach with roasted red peppers and smoked mozzarella are piled high on toasted focaccia bread. Most everything is under $10, so you’re sure to find something good for you and your wallet.
The Drinks: On the beverage side of things, Carly’s offers everything from local brews to imported craft beers, a decent wine selection, and a Phoenix New Times “Best of Phoenix” Bloody Mary amongst other classic drinks.
What They Say: Resident bartender, Brian Cresson, serves beautifully crafted cocktails with a side of easy conversation. “What used to draw me in is the fact that I am comfortable here. You can stroll into a casual atmosphere at almost any time of day or night and find your buddies having a good beer and some great food,” explains Cresson.
The Report: Come here to find a comfortable atmosphere, an excellent beer selection, simple and delicious cocktails that are almost always on special, great food at affordable prices, and the most artful, comfortable bar experience on Roosevelt. This is a local hangout done right.
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- Have a seat and stay a while.
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- Bartender Brian Cresson.
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- Take your pick.
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- It tastes even better!
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- A mural beckons you to come inside.
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- It’s a favorite for a reason.
