Urban Life

What to do in Downtown Phoenix

People often ask us what to do in downtown Phoenix? What are the best restaurants? Do we have a favorite nightclub or bar? Are there tours of downtown Phoenix. What cultural venues and events happen in downtown Phoenix? I think you get the idea.

Since we specialize in downtown real estate, it is natural to think we know where to go and what to do. In response, we've been putting together a list of over 100 things to do and places to go in in downtown Phoenix. I'll tell you, it is quite a project.

The initial phase is done and we have created our list that includes some of our favorite restaurants, bars, places to listen to music, places to shop, museums, theaters and lots more. Over time we will be adding individual posts on the different places with our thoughts.

In the meantime, you can check our the list on our sister site that specialized in all things downtown... www.UrbanConnectionRealty.com. For a direct link to the article simply go to,

What To Do and Places to Go in Downtown Phoenix Arizona

Frances To Celebrate 4th Anniversary

I love locally owned business success stories and Frances is one. They have made it though the initial hurdles and will be celebrating their 4 year anniversary on Saturday, May 1st, 2010.

Hopefully, most of our readers have already been to this very sweet boutique in Central Phoenix. If not, use this special celebration to introduce yourself to this incredible boutique with lot of clothing, jewelry, gifts and more. It’s no wonder Yelp readers have given the place 4 stars and dozens of reviews.

To celebrate their fourth year, the gang at Frances is doing lots of fun stuff including:

• Raffle Prizes for gift cards and Frances merchandise
• Music by Courtney Marie Andrews
• Free Gifts with a purchase
• The Urban Cookies Trailer with lots of goodies
• A Special Tom’s Shoes Charity Auction with Local Artist Decorated Toms.

I hope you have a chance to drop and enjoy the 4th anniversary festivities. If you do, drop on back and tell us your thoughts by leaving a comment on Urban Life.

Frances 4th Anniversary Celebration Info

WHEN: Saturday, May 1st
WHERE: Frances at 10 W. Camelback, Phoenix, AZ
TIME: 10:00 to 4:00

See you there…

Gene Urban
The Urban Team
602-234-5777

Art Detour Is Happening In Downtown Phoenix

One of the truly grand events in downtown Phoenix is Art Detour and it is happening this weekend, March 6-7, 2010. 

If you haven't been, Art Detour is when a hundred or so artists, 60 some odd galleries, a great mix of musicians and several thousand Phoenicians gather to enjoy the arts scene in downtown Phoenix.

Art Detour is sponsored by ArtLink Phoenix, the same folks that bring you First Friday. Over coffee with ArtiLink board member David Appleby, it was clear that there is great passion for this annual event. Despite the ciaos of last minute details, David is excited to share the downtown arts scene with new and old friends.

Here are the details:

What: Your art adventure is self-guided, but ArtLink has maps. You'll amble through several central Phoenix areas including Roosevelt Row, Grand Avenue, Seventh Avenue and the Melrose district. Don't worry, they have shuttles to get you around to the various regions.
When: 10 a.m.-6 p.m., Saturday, March 6; noon-5 p.m., Sunday March 7.
Where: Shuttles leave from Phoenix Center for the Arts, 1202 N. Third St., Phoenix. This is also where you get your map/guide.
Admission: Free.
Support ArtLink Phoenix: artlinkphoenix.com.

CityScape Announces Downtown Phoenix Grocery Store Partner

Mayor Gordon was joined by Mike Ebert (Red Development) and Barbara Henderson to announce the long awaited name of the grocery store that will be going in at CityScape in downtown Phoenix Arizona.

The grocery partner will be… a drum roll please… Oakville Grocery Company, a 100+ year old grocery company based in Napa California. Oakville Grocery recently opened in Scottsdale near Kierland and will branch out to offer their special take on food, wine, cheese and sweet things in downtown Phoenix.

Barbara Henderson, Oakville’s General Manager for Arizona, says the company has a passion for food, wine and a great customer experience. When asked about supporting local food purveyors, Henderson said she met with Kimber Lanning of Local First Arizona and shares her passion for supporting the community. Oakville will feature 15 or more local food providers as well as a number of other fine vendors.

The store will be about 9000 sqft and is scheduled to open at CityScape in September 2010.

Now that the wait is over and we’ve found out who will be the second grocery option for downtown Phoenix, we’d love your feedback. I believe it may be a good fit. Certainly, Oakville is not your typical grocery store and may well turn out to embrace the urban/downtown experience with a sense of authenticity.

Radiate Phoenix to Meet at the Downtown Phoenix Public Market

Radiate Phoenix, a gathering of downtown advocates, will celebrate its two year anniversary with a special meeting. The Radiate PHX gang will gather for a special preview of the all new Phoenix Public Market Urban Grocery and Wine Bar.

Radiate Phoenix brings together architects, urban planners, City representatives, downtown residents, business owners, and an Urban real estate guy like me. The purpose is to support the urban core, learn more about the downtown region, engage with like-minded others and influence development and policy. Gatherings are held on the last Tuesday of each month.

I am especially excited about our two year anniversary. It seems like just months ago it was just a thought and now it celebrating a milestone.

The specifics on the next meeting are as follows:

WHEN:  September 29, 2009
TIME:  5:30 -- 7:30
WHERE: The Phoenix Public Market at Central and Pierce

If you love the downtown region, love to gather with friends and want to make a difference to the community, please join us. For more info, visit the Radiate Phoenix Ning site.

Gene Urban
The Urban Team at Realty Executives
602-234-5777

Downtown Phoenix Locals... Your full service grocery store is coming.

Wow... it's really happening; A grocery store for downtown Phoenix residents is soon to be reality. The Downtown Phoenix Public Market is expanding to become the Downtown Phoenix Public Market Urban Grocery & Wine Bar. We like that our name is part of their name but it's quite a mouthful to say.

The market has a planned opening date in late September and will offer expanded operating hours and a lot more merchandise. Shoppers will still enjoy the highly successful farmers market open on Wednesdays and Saturdays, plus they will be able to food shop five days a week from 11:00 am to 8:00 pm.

Speaking of shopping, patrons will find a fine selection of food stuffs from local farmers, ranchers and suppliers. Buy Local First is not just a statement, but a way of doing business at this downtown market. Some non-local items will be brought in where regional products are not available.

Adding to the excitement will be some very sweet additions to the market:

• Royal Coffee Bar will be opening a place in the market.
• Take out foods will be offered at the deli counter including yummy sandwiches, fresh salads and special soups.
• Wine, Wine, Wine... in back where the parking lots is (soon to be was) will be the new patio/wine hang out. Patrons can enjoy an appetizer, glass of wine and friend time.

We are both excited and proud of the hard working people who for five years have fought to make the Phoenix Public Market happen. We can't wait to experience the next chapter in your food book.

The Phoenix Public Market is located at 1st Street & McKinley. We urge you to visit them soon and often.

Gene Urban
The Urban Team at Realty Executives
602-234-5777

Parlor Continues The Nello's Tradition with an Urban Flair

I enjoyed by first Nello’s pizza about 20 years ago and have been a fan ever since. Now we have one in the central Phoenix area… life is the region is just keeps getting better.

The Parlor is the latest offering from the Mei family with Dan's son, Aric, teaming up with noted Valley chef Jared Porter to create an inspired version of Nello’s.

The moment you drive up to Parlor you sense it’s not your typical pizza joint… how many mid-century modern pizza parlors do you know?

Aric must have had some fun designing/creating this place. The building is a blend of bare brick, a classic 50’s deco wall, recycled wood and fun remnants of the beauty salon that formerly called this place home.

I had a chance to sit down and chat with Monica Castillo, Parlor’s manager. She is a proud member of the staff here. Monica took me through the menu and offered fun tidbits of information.

• The pizza dough uses the original Nello’s recipe and all breads, pastas and such are made on site.
• Aric’s grandfather’s original sausage recipe was used to create their unique sausage and is artfully reproduced by the good people at Schreiner’s Sausage on 7th Street.
• McClendon Farms, considered by many the top organic grower in our region, supplies produce and other tasty goods to the Parlor… they're the same grower that supplies Pizzeria Bianco and Tarbell’s. I bet chef Porter had something to do with that bit of luck since it’s not easy to get on McClendon’s customer list.
• Several other locally-owned suppliers offer goods to the Parlor including Queen Creek Olives and Four Peaks Brewery. 

I tried their signature salad, Parlor Insalata, for lunch. It was a delightful mix of greens, feta, olives, salami and more. Best of all it wasn’t over dressed and the clean flavor of the organic ingredients shined.

A variety of build-your-own and signature pizzas, pasta, appetizers and salads offer patrons many choices.

I look forward to taking a gang for dinner to try more of the menu. Prices are quite reasonable, especially when you consider everything is made from scratch with fine ingredients. It looks like a couple could have a great meal, a bit of vino and walk out spending under $40.00.

Parking is in the back and plentiful. Signage is subtle so be ready to pull in to the driveway just west of 20th Street on the north side of Camelback.

The Parlor
1916 E. Camelback  Phoenix, AZ
602-248-2480

____________________________________________

Best to you on your next dining experience...

Gene Urban
The Urban Team at Realty Executives
602-234-5777

Postino Central... A New & Old Restaurant Tradition In Phoenix

I wanted to wait for the excitement to cool down before going to/writing about Postino Central. Not surprisingly, the excitement hasn't dropped a degree.

Postino Central has to be good... it took over the location of a true landmark, Katz Deli. It is not easy filling the shoes of a legend, yet Postino has done just that. Although nothing like it's predecessor, I believe Howard Welcher would be happy knowing the vibrancy Postino has created. Some of the neighbors are probably not so happy with the overflow parking Postino's popularity has created, yet the vibrancy likely offers more positives than negatives.

I arrived at lunch time to a packed place with several excited patrons waiting for a table on the patio. Yes, it does have a nice covered patio, with misters, where guests can enjoy themselves and the outdoors.

Inside is an open, lively dining room with a modern interpretation of "Deli." I clicked off a few pictures and soon met Tory, his name, not political affiliation. Tory showed me the menu and we briefly talked about what makes Postino work. He proved to be a great multi-tasker as we chatted, he took care of guests and we chatted some more.

Many things came together making the Postino experience. Atmosphere, value, community and humanity. The place offers many climates to dine... covered-misted patio, inside space with low tables, high tables, counter-style, busy areas and even a few intimate spots. I don't think they missed anything here.

The menu offers great variety without being indulgent...plus the prices won't wipeout your wallet. A variety of Bruchetta, served on a small wood plank, are a local favorite. Plus, a mix of healthy, creative salads and panini style sandwiches give variety and choice; They even have a kid's menu.

The wine and beer offerings are surprisingly European with several exclusive selections. I was happy to see Arizona's Four Peaks and Old Creek products on the list... buy local first. A nice touch is their to-go bottle discount... take $9.00 off the price.

Postino Central is getting rave reviews on Yelp and many other sites. Am I surprised? Not really, the Arcadia store set the tone and the new location simply offers us Central Phoenix folks a close-in option. A big thanks to the DeMarco's for giving us a sweet place to hang out and satisfy our cravings.

Postino Central
5144 N. Central Ave
Phoenix, AZ
602-274-5144

Postino is located a couple blocks north of the Central & Camelback Metro Light Rail. See Raillife.com for all your light rail news.

BUNKY BOUTIQUE... clothing, hats, jewelry shopping in downtown Phoenix, AZ

You ever have that person you want to buy something sweet, not too expensive and kind of unique for? You try the mall but everything looks so mallish. There is an alternative... Bunky Boutique in downtown Phoenix's Roosevelt District.

Rachel Richards, the owner, has taken a historic home and made it a wonderful clothing space. Three rooms from the original home now house a remarkable assortment of men's, woman's, kid's cloths plus a selection of classically modern hats from Brixton and affordable, yet distinctive jewelry. This is a classic Urban Life experience.

Rachel has an eye for merchandising in small spaces. Everything is easy to see, cozy yet not cramped with surprises in every space.

We had a chance to chat about the place, her take on downtown and what Bunky means. 

What are you most proud of in creating Bunky Boutique?  Being able to contribute to the neighborhood and be a part of creating the Roosevelt and downtown Phoenix experience.

What's the best thing about living downtown?The people and real sence of community. It's a place where one person can still make a difference.

What's a Bunky? It's not a what but a who. Bunky is my grandmother's name and she is alive and well. I say that because people think when you name something after someone they are probably dead.

Bunky Boutique is worth a trip downtown for many reasons besides its mix of light weight cotton woman's clothing, fun hats, unusual T's, and jewelry. Its a real store where the owner greets you, cares about your experience and the city she lives in. You know I am a BIG supporter of locally owned businesses and the members of Local First Arizona. I hope you are too.

Bunky Boutique
Rachel Richards... proprietor
812 N. 3rd St.
Phoenix, AZ 85004
www.bunkyboutique.com
602-252-1323

One thing I love about my little Flip Video cam is the ability to show what words often can't. Below is a look at Bunky Boutique.

WIST OFFICE PRODUCTS... A LOCAL FIRST ARIZONA MEMBER REVIEW

Another article in our ongoing series on locally owned businesses. As our loyal readers know, we are BIG fans of buying from local businesses whenever possible and WIST Office Products makes it happen in the Phoenix and Tucson markets.

I headed down to Wist, located in Tempe, and was met by Heather Rodriguez, their director of business development. I was initially surprised by the size of their building and scope of the operation. This is a big place and does a lot of business. 

Speaking of business, Wist has been in it for over 50 years and is being run by 2nd and 3rd generation Wist family members. I got to meet Ian Wist and was taken by his sincere, honest style... the kind of guy you would like as a neighbor and friend.

Heather took me around the building and explained the operation. Customers can utilize a variety of methods to order their supplies. Large clients have their own outside sales reps, access to the Wist on-line catalog, in-house order desk or can even have a customized on-line order portal created. Small to mid-size companies are generally taken care of by in-house service staff or the on-line catalog. All orders are taken by Wist staff, not an outside call center. This is true for their customer service department... you talk to a real live person who can walk down the hall, if necessary, to track down and resolve your problems. I get the sense there are not a lot of problems for Wist customer though. They've won a lot of awards for exceptional service including a #1 in Ranking Arizona.

In addition to fine customer service, WIST is a strong supporter of the community. Their long time relationship with the Boys and Girls Club of Phoenix has ensured thousands of Valley boys and girls have a good day. They also offer special pricing to Local First Arizona business members.

So, before you head to the big box to fill your office needs, give Wist a try. You not only help support a local company, you help boost our economy by keeping our dollars working at home.

Wist Office Products
107 W. Julie Drive
Tempe, AZ
480-921-2900
www.wist.com

Best wishes... Gene Urban