Oak Creek Canyon
Tour de Fat
The New Belgium Tour de Fat makes its rounds to Tempe around this time of year. I love riding my bike in this little parade because of the creativity and the goofiness that goes with it. The idea – trade your car and ride your bike. They promote clean living but with some fun and humor to it. Sponsored by Fat Tire beer, I had fun riding around Tempe Town Lake through Mill Ave observing the fun outfits and creative bikes.
8th Day Coffee & Culture
8th Day Coffee & Culture is the newest coffee-house in downtown Phoenix. They have partnered with Land of a Thousand Hills Coffee Company and serve 100% Arabica, community-traded coffee from Rwanda, Haiti, and Thailand. They are also the first coffee shop to bring community-traded coffee to the Phoenix area. On the weekends they showcase live music and local art and on Sundays, St.Georges Anglican Community meets here for worship. It’s been an answer to prayer for me to discover this place as I have partnered with Thousand Hills coffee for some time. I’m excited to see community-trade coffee being served here in the Valley and strategically it’s located in a great place being in the arts district. Drink coffee, Do good.
Pour Over Rwandan Coffee
Angels Trumpet Ale House
My friend took me to Angels Trumpet Ale House in Downtown Phoenix. This place is all about their craft beers on tap. They have this chalk board that lists all theirs beers and there is a guy constantly erasing and adding new beers. He then calls out that new beer – I love this concept of rotating beers! Chef Xane Brody has also brought some great food to the menu to choose from. I got one of their popular flatbread pizzas – the western evan (topped with chorizo, greens and goat cheese) with a pumpkin ale. What a great place!
First Friday Zombie Walk
Opa!
My Big Fat Greek Restaurant is is a fun cultural experience that serves up a delicious Mediterranean flare. I love the fresh pita bread with hummus and taste of fresh olive oil, feta chesse and herbs. Inspired by the movie that came out in 2002, MBFGR is a fun place to dine at with a large party. Opa!
Fired Up Grill
My friend always finds great places to eat. This location used to be a restaurant called 56 East, but now it’s the Fired Up Grill. Longtime manager of Buca di Beppo Joe Busone was fired one night and his entire staff walked out with him. He opened up the Fired Up Grill in response – a restaurant with a delicious blend of various cuisine from around the world. They have an open patio and great drinks on tap. I got a great pita sandwich along with a Kiltlifer beer. Great place for dinner and live music!
