Tempe Conventions & Visitors Bureau

When August hits, I come down with a serious case of the summer doldrums. My favorite antidote for this summer affliction is some serious laughter. And where do I like to go for this cure? The Tempe Improv, where every week big name and up-and-coming comedians dish out generous doses of this age old cure! This week the Tempe Improve will bring us Kumail Nanjiani, Ken Kaz and Ten for Ten.  I’ve seen Kumail Nanjiani on Comedy Central and Stephen Colbert and he had me laughing out loud. Now I can see him perform live. I know this is just the cure to beat the summer time blues. And both shows cost less than my doctor’s co-pay. You just can’t beat that!

There are many more entertaining things to do in Tempe this week.  Here’s a sample. View a complete listing of Tempe events, or call 480-894-8158 for more information.

• August 2: Open Jam with Chuck E Baby, Rula Bula Irish Pub & Restaurant
• August 2: Mr. Big with Nomadic, Snake City Playboys, Marquee Theater
• August 4: Band of Electric Gypsys, 910 Live
• August 4: Ken Kaz; August 4-5: Ken Kaz in the Wonderama Theater, Tempe Improv
• August 5: Nipsey Hussle, Club Red
• August 5: Brian’s Escape with Captain Squeegee, The You and Me Thing, The Clubhouse Music Venue
• August 5: The Persuaders; August 6: B/S, Tempe Marketplace District Stage
• August 5: Sydney Sprague; August 6: Leah & Stephanie, Tempe Marketplace Barnes & Noble Fountain
• August 5-6: Kumail Nanjiani, Tempe Improv
• August 6: Faded Jeans, Rula Bula Irish Pub & Restaurant
• August 6: Eric Church with Destinee Quinn, Sara Robinson, Marquee Theater
• August 6: Breaking Ties with special guests Six Sided Halo, Haven’s End and Mission G, 910 Live
• August 7: Ten for Ten, Tempe Improv
• August 7: Music on the Patio with Shelby James, Rula Bula Irish Pub & Restaurant
• August 7: Trevor Rogers and The Wilderness, Cadillac Ranch

Sure, Tempe’s University Drive is named for well, the university, but I like to call it restaurant row. There are so many great places to dine along University, between Mill and Priest, that you might not have tried yet. And…you should. Here are a few of my favorite restaurants in Tempe.

Cornish Pasty Co. – Have you ever had a pasty? Think calzone, but with British roots. They wrap up some of your favorite ingredients in a flaky, tasty dough and bake it to perfection. Pasties are filled with everything from lamb and mint to cheese steak to chicken alfredo. Originally in Cornwall, England, miners would eat their pasties for lunch, using the crimped ends as a handle. Thankfully, you can use a knife and fork and not have to worry about that whole mining thing.
960 W. University Dr., Tempe

Mucho Gusto – This quaint Mexican food destination is always so good. Sure they serve quesadillas, burritos and tacos, but the flavors aren’t the Sonoran Mexican food that we’re all used to eating. Their salsa is very flavorful and although I’m not a guacamole fan, those who love the green stuff say that they have some of the best around.  
603 W. University Dr., Tempe

Oregano’s – Okay, so sometimes Oregano’s can have a bit of a wait, but I haven’t tried one thing on their menu that I didn’t love. Really love. My favorites are the Pablo Picasso Salad, the Mediterranean inspired O-Riva Pizza, the garlic heaven-in-a-pizza called the Bistro Classic and of course, you must save room for the Pizza Cookie. Also, their Mid Day Rush weekday lunch specials are a great deal.
523 W. University Dr., Tempe

Essence Bakery – This place uses the best local ingredients around, the bake their own bread and they make some of the tastiest desserts that you’ll ever have. They’re open for both breakfast and lunch, but don’t pass up the pastry case. People practically live for the macarons, the sandwich-like French pastries filled with cream. Personally, I dream of the chocolate truffle cookies.
825 W. University Dr., Tempe

Sacks – There are a lot of sandwich places out there, but none quite like Sacks. Their sandwiches are piled high with fresh ingredients and their daily specials are excellent. And, to top it off, every meal comes with a little cookie. How can you beat that?
839 W. University Dr., Tempe

Rosita’s – Rosita’s has been a local favorite since 1963. It’s family owned and serves up great tasting Sonoran Mexican food. Chimichangas, enchiladas or arroz con pollo….it’s always so hard to choose!
960 W. University Dr., Tempe

Dilly’s Deli – You can’t go wrong with grilled sandwiches and no one works a grill better than Dilly’s. Their thick slices of bread are chock full of meats, cheeses and even a veggie or two and then toasted to perfection. Their salads are tasty too, and they’re served with a side of that wonderful bread. And the creamy soups? They’re in a bread bowl. Yummo.
414 W. University Dr., Tempe

Guns N’ Roses fans can catch Dizzy Reed at the Red Owl in Tempe on July 31.  The rock musician and occasional actor is best known as the keyboardist for Guns N’ Roses. Dizzy has been with the band since 1999 and, with the exception of front man Axl Rose, he’s the longest standing member of Guns N’ Roses.

There’s a bunch more great live music and other entertaining things to do in Tempe this week.  Here’s a short list of what’s coming up. View a complete listing of Tempe events, or call 480-894-8158 for more information.

• July 26: Open Jam with Chuck E Baby, Rula Bula Irish Pub & Restaurant
• July 26: Grateful Dead Night with Extra Ticket, 910 Live
• July 27: Class Clowns Comedy Showcase; July 28-30: Jim Breuer, Tempe Improv
• July 29: Evans Blue, 910 Live
• July 29: Naked Dave’s Flapfest Cancer Benefit Featuring The Hollywood Saints, Dagger, Snake City Playboys, League of the Forgotten Saints, Club Red
• July 29: Homegrown Emcees with Special Guests: Masters of the Uni-verse, Daily Grind, John Q, Whyse JC, Lifted Elements, I-DEE, IQ, Club Red /Red Owl
• July 29: Think Horses; July 30: Knee Deep Experience, Tempe Marketplace District Stage
• July 29: Radiant Sky; July 30: Michael V, Tempe Marketplace Barnes & Noble Fountain
• July 29: Foundation; July 30: Str8up Band, Dance, Rula Bula Irish Pub & Restaurant
• July 30: Dizzy Reed of Guns N’ Roses, Club Red
• July 30: Pour Habit with Special Guests, The Clubhouse Music Venue
• July 30: Bully Mammoth, Tempe Center for the Arts
• July 31: Arizona’s Got Dance! National Dance Showcase, Tempe Center for the Arts
• July 31: Music on the Patio with Shelby James, Rula Bula Irish Pub & Restaurant
• July 31: Trevor Rogers and The Wilderness, Cadillac Ranch
• July 31: Tiger Army with Old Man Markley, Demon City Wreckers, Marquee Theater
• July 31: Jazz Jam Session with the Jeff Libman Trio, Robbie Fox’s Public House

What could be better than a dinner and a show on Mill Avenue? Getting great discounts while you’re there! Downtown Tempe’s Mill Avenue District and ASU Gammage are offering a “Dinner and a Show” package for theater patrons for the 2011-2012 Broadway Across America – Arizona Season.

The Dinner & A Show program offers ticketholders discounts and special offers from several restaurants in the Mill Avenue District. Ten Mill Avenue District restaurants are offering discounts or free menu items upon presentation of an ASU Gammage ticket stub on the day of each show. Participating restaurants include:

• Canteen Modern Tequila Bar: 1 free glass of wine
• La Bocca Pizzeria + Wine Bar: 1 free glass of wine
• Monti’s La Casa Vieja: Choice of half off appetizer or $3 glass of house wine
• Robbie Fox’s Public House: Half bottle of wine with your ticket stub and happy hour prices after the show with your ticket stub
• Center Bistro: 10% off entire bill or buy one get one free drinks
• My Big Fat Greek Restaurant: 15% off entire bill. Excludes happy hour and lunch specials
• Caffé Boa: Free dessert with dinner or entrée/ pasta purchase
• DiVerti’s Bar and Grill: 15% off bill excluding alcohol
• Z’Tejas: Complimentary house glass of wine included with purchase of entrée
• Macayo’s: Free Appetizer with purchase of entrée. Offer valid at any Macayo’s Arizona location.

And the deal gets even better – four hours of free parking is also provided at Centerpoint Surface Lot, City Hall Parking Garage and Hayden Square Garage. Not too shabby!

For more information, visit http://www.millavenue.com/dining/dinnerandshow.

As a working Mom with a very active 17-month old life gets busy.  Most days it’s all about work, daycare, “no you may not jump on the couch”, “yes you need to eat your veggies” and getting to bed on time.  After a long week of doing that we’re usually ready for some fun.  Thankfully Tempe is a great place to have fun with your kids, and here are a few of our favorite things to do:

• Spend a sunny Sunday morning at Tempe Marketplace.  Pick up an iced tea or coffee at the Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf and find a shady table by the splash pad.  Kids will love splashing around in the water so bring some friends and make it a play date.
• Have a picnic at Kiwanis Park.  Pack up your favorite snacks, bring a blanket and head out to this great Tempe park.  Stroll around the lake, stop by one of the playgrounds and then enjoy a picnic in the shade.  Bonus fun:  The indoor Kiwanis Wave Pool is fun for kids of all ages. Hours vary, so check their Web site for details.
• Pick up some new books – and a tasty treat!  One of our favorite places to shop in Tempe is Changing Hands Bookstore.  They have a great selection of children’s books and great deals on gently used ones as well.  And, they have free story time events on the first and third Saturdays of every month at 10 a.m.
• Go to Sea Life Arizona at Arizona Mills. This cool, indoor attraction is home to all kinds of sea creatures, from sharks to crabs to stingrays. And, the display windows are the perfect size for the smallest of toddlers.
•  After we’re done shopping at Changing Hands we never miss a visit to Wildflower Bread Company …pumpkin chocolate chip muffin for me and blueberry for my little one, and we’re both happy as can be.  We especially love going on Wednesdays when they offer crafts & cookies for your little ones from 3:30 to 4 p.m.!
• Check out the Garden Flashlight Tours at Desert Botanical Garden every Thursday and Saturday evening, beginning at 7 p.m. Your kids can explore the garden after the sun goes down and discover night blooming flowers, frogs, mice and more.
• Visit Splash Playground at Tempe Beach Park, open daily from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. The free playground is filled with pop up fountains, a water slide, water cannons and more fun stuff.
• And, there’s one more Prowl & Play event at The Phoenix Zoo, August 13 from 6-9:30 p.m. You and your family can see a few animals, cool off at the water play areas, enjoy music and games with Radio Disney and ride the Safari Train and carousel.

Beat the heat and get ready to celebrate the House of Trick’s seasonal re-opening! Come join in on a great deal House of Tricks has to offer: Starting this Friday July 22 through July 30^th from 4-10 p.m., stop by this quaint 1920’s historical cottage that has been transformed into “a charmingly, lush oasis just steps away from the bustle of downtown Tempe and Mill Avenue.”

“Just For Starters” is a special menu that gives guests opportunity to explore a variety of unique and tasty dishes for a great price. It allows guests to choose one of five salads and one of five starters from the summer dinner menu, plus a specially prepared dessert, all for only $25 per person.

Here’s a sneak peak of a few of the special menu options:

Salad: Organic Tomato Salad with Fresno Chili Aioli, Purple Basil, English Cucumber Jus, House Mozzarella and Crushed Coriander Vinaigrette

Starter: Smoked Korean Style Baby Back Ribs with Spicy Red Chile Paste and Barely Pickled Cucumber Salad

And you can’t forget their amazing dessert which changes daily depending on Chef Kelly Fletchers mood. In addition, all beverages will be at Happy Hour prices, and a selection of bottled wines from our renowned wine list will be discounted.

House of Tricks has been named a winner of OpenTable Diners’ Choice Awards for Best Outdoor Dining in the United States. The gracious atmosphere, fine wine list, splendid cuisine and superb service make this award-winning restaurant a local favorite and a must-see for visitors.

House of Tricks
114 East 7th Street
Tempe, AZ 85281
480 968-1114

Beat the summer heat at Lobby’s on Saturday night where the coolest cars in town will cruise in for authentic Chicago style burgers, hot dogs and sandwiches with all the fixings. Plus get an ice cold drink for free. Lobby’s Cruisin’ Road Show will feature cars from the pirate themed car club—Cutthroat Customs and Classics.

Leading the pirate fleet is the GhostShip Chevelle, a sleek muscle car representing pirate freedom ideals and Southwest style. With captain and crew on deck, the Cutthroat Customs and Classics car club is ready to make all scallywags walk the plank. Save yourself and enter the car club raffle for a chance to win a bounty of booty.

Come for the cars, stay for the food—Lobby’s burgers are all handmade from USDA Iowa grass fed beef and topped with crisp lettuce, red ripe tomato, red onion, and pickles then smothered in Lobby’s sauce and wrapped in a fresh baked sesame bun. Hungry customers can even earn their place on Lobby’s Wall of Fame by competing in the 3 lb burger challenge—piled high with 9 patties and cheese.  The 3 lb burger is free to anyone who finishes in 10 minutes or less.

Other mouthwatering offerings include the Chicago style hot dog topped with mustard, relish, chopped onion, diced tomato, pickles and peppers served inside a steamed poppy seed bun Or, try the Italian beef sandwich, Italian or Polish sausage, chicken sandwich and veggie sandwich. So, pack up the whole crew and head out to Lobby’s Cruisin’ Road Show to enjoy amazing food, cold drinks and even cooler cars on Saturday, July 23, 2011 from 5-9 p.m.

Lobby’s is located at the NE corner of Southern and McClintock in the Bashas’ Shopping Center at 3141 South McClintock Road, Tempe. Visit Lobby’s for lunch and dinner, Monday-Friday, 10 a.m.- 10 p.m., Saturday, 11 a.m.- 10 p.m. and Sunday, 11 a.m. – 8 p.m. For more information about Lobby’s call 480-897-1113.  Also, find Lobby’s on Facebook, Twitter and YouTube for photos, videos and information about upcoming events and specials.

Tempe’s clubs and music venues will keep you rocking with top national and local musicians and bands like Ben Folds, who’s at the Marquee tonight. Ben was the front man and pianist for the alternative rock band the Ben Folds Five. Since the group disbanded, he performs solo and in collaboration with other musicians.

Tempe Improv will make sure you have plenty of good laughs this week with Class Clowns and Jeff Garcia. Here’s a short list of what’s coming up in Tempe. View a complete listing of Tempe events, or call 480-894-8158 for more information.

• July 18: Ben Folds with Kenton Chen, Marquee Theater
• July 19: Open Jam with Chuck E Baby, Rula Bula Irish Pub & Restaurant
• July 20: Class Clowns Comedy Showcase; July 21-24: Jeff Garcia, Tempe Improv
• July 22: Shawnna with Special Guests; July 23: Stateline, Club Red
• July 22: Dreamstate; July 23: Come Back Buddy, Tempe Marketplace District Stage
• July 22: Scott & John; July 23: Samba Project, Tempe Marketplace Barnes & Noble Fountain
• July 22: B Platinum; July 23: Jeff Hunt, Rula Bula Irish Pub & Restaurant
• July 23: Dropa with Special Guests, Club Red/ Red Owl
• July 24: Music on the Patio with Shelby James, Rula Bula Irish Pub & Restaurant
• July 24: Trevor Rogers and The Wilderness, Cadillac Ranch
• July 24: Scream It Like You Mean It Tour, Marquee Theater
• July 24: Jazz Jam Session with the Jeff Libman Trio, Robbie Fox’s Public House

On Monday, I decided to take advantage of our cool snap—it was a tolerable 96 degrees—and take a walk down Mill Avenue. I decided to break free of my air conditioned confines, stretch my legs and see the newest exhibition on view in the U.S. Post Office windows at Mill Avenue and 5^th Street. There’s always an art exhibit on display in those nice big display windows. The City of Tempe’s Library & Cultural Services Division keeps those windows full of art that highlights local artists working in a variety of media and themes. The exhibits offer a dandy little cultural interlude before crossing the street, dropping something in the mail box or heading on to your destination. 

The current exhibition, titled simply Photos of Tempe, is a mix of old and new photographs that give glimpses into how Tempe has grown and changed since 1885. Vintage black and white photos are mingled with contemporary shots of Tempe taken by Andrew Pielage and Jason Roehner, both of Tempe. One of my favorites is a black and white of ASU students painting the A on A Mountain. It was taken in the 1950s when ASU was ASC. Several of the kids in the photo are wearing their ASC freshman beanies, as was the custom in those times. This photo made me smile. It totally captures the old Sun Devil spirit. It reminded me that 50 + years later this college tradition is as strong as ever and it’s a sure thing that this fall a whole new crop of freshmen (albeit without beanies) will climb the mountain to give the A its fresh coat of paint.

I also loved the night shots of the Tempe’s bridges. One particularly striking image shows the beauty, strength and simplicity of the Tempe’s oldest bridge, the Southern Pacific Railroad steel truss bridge, which is almost 100 years old. Next to it is the new light rail bridge, completed in 2008. With its sleek lines and fiber-optic lighting system  activated by passing trains, the light rail bridge is a true work of art. Both bridges are shown against the night sky and Tempe Town Lake. This gorgeous image beautifully symbolizes Tempe’s growth and change.

This exhibit is a lovely look at how Tempe has changed over the years. Photos of Tempe will be on display through November 2. Next time you’re in the neighborhood take a look for yourself and let me know a few of your favorites.

For a listing of all Tempe community galleries and exhibitions, visit http://www.tempe.gov/arts/exhibitions.

This Sunday, July 17, marks the second Secret Sunday of the summer at La Bocca Urban Pizzeria!

This secret event is held especially for their fabulous Facebook fans – and there’s only one way to get the chance to RSVP – LIKE their Facebook page! RSVP details will be posted today, July 11, to their Facebook page. This is a popular event and space is limited, so make sure to like their page asap for a chance to go!

What are Secret Sundays you ask? Secret Sundays at La Bocca are created special just for their fans on Facebook. Fans who RSVP will enjoy a wonderful evening of free food and wine from 6:00 to 8:00 pm. These fun and unique events are designed to bring the community together over delicious food and wine – sounds like a perfect way to end the weekend to me!