Posts by: Maxfield Barker

Your Weekly Dose of Aww

April 19, 2013 | 12:30 PM | Videos | By Maxfield Barker

In light of this week’s tragic events, we figured you needed a pick-me-up. So, to make you smile and get ready for the weekend, watch this adorable little girl put her dad in place. Put it on repeat and it’ll make you forget all about what’s going on in the news.

 

The Weekender: Blood Orange Cosmo

April 19, 2013 | 11:00 AM | Cocktail Recipes | By Maxfield Barker

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERAFriday is here and that means it is time to get the party started. Courtesy of Thirsty Lion Pub & Grill in Tempe and on their menu all Spring, this Cosmo is refreshingly delicious. The Blood Orange Cosmo will give you your cocktail fix this weekend. If you don’t feel like heading into Thirsty Lion go ahead and make your own.

Ingredients:

1 ½ oz Absolut Mandarin

½ oz triple sec

¼ oz fresh lime juice

¼ oz blood orange puree

1 splash cranberry juice

Method:

Pour all ingredients into a shaker and shake well. Pour into your favorite martini glass and enjoy.

Crudo Celebrates One Year Anniversary

April 18, 2013 | 12:29 PM | Eat & Drink | By Maxfield Barker

crudo pics loomis 001Has it really been a year since Crudo first opened doors? Time really flies when you’re eating great food and drinking the perfect cocktails. On Thursday, April 25, Crudo will be celebrating their anniversary and you all are invited. Chef Cullen Campbell, the newly named Chef of the Year by the Arizona Culinary Hall of Fame, will be offering his entire food menu at half-price. Bar Crudo next door will be joining the festivities with stellar wine and drink deals all night long, as well. The party goes down from 5:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. in the restaurant and until midnight in the bar. To make reservation, call 602.358.8666. See you all there.

Today’s Object of Desire: Built Origami Wine Tote

April 18, 2013 | 10:44 AM | Shop & Style | By Maxfield Barker

built-origami-wine-toteWhenever a friend of yours is having a get-together, whether it’s a casual affair or something a little more formal, bringing something is usually considered polite. The go to item? A bottle of wine. If you need a better way to travel with said bottle of wine, look no further. The Built Origami Wine Tote is perfect such occasions. The neat looking bag comes in two colors: black or red. When you finish the bottle, the bag easily condenses and will fit pretty much anywhere.

Help Mother Nature by Eating Cupcakes

April 17, 2013 | 12:03 PM | Events | By Maxfield Barker

store-interiorYes, you read that correctly. April 22 is Earth Day and you should do your part. You can purchase an electric car, take public transportation, stay away from plastic grocery bags, or you can eat cupcakes. Every year, Sprinkles Cupcakes donates 100% of its profits to an environmental care organization. This year, the cupcakery is donating to the Desert Botanical Gardens. Who doesn’t love the botanical gardens? Since 2008, Sprinkles has donates over $68,000 to organizations like these. Way to go Sprinkles.

Bait & Switch Spin and Yoga Classes

April 17, 2013 | 10:23 AM | Art & Entertainment | By Maxfield Barker

madison improvementLet’s face it. Pool season is practically here and that probably means it’s time to get back into shape. The Madison Improvement Club wants to help you do that. You can start your upcoming weeks off right by attending the Bait & Switch spin and yoga classes every Monday morning at 6:00 a.m. The choice is yours. You can select the class you want to start with, whether it is Gina Marciano’s Phenomenal Flow or Kim Olson’s Party on a Bike. Half way through the class, you decide if you want to stay or switch to the other. Spaces are limited, so to guarantee a spot, sign up here.

Are You My Ride? Shelby Raptor

April 16, 2013 | 12:00 PM | Are You My Ride? | By Maxfield Barker

shelby-raptorFor this edition of AYMR?, we’re stepping away from the sports car and hitting the trails. When you hear the word Shelby, your mind probably automatically goes to Ford’s muscle cars. Though it has plenty of muscle, the Shelby Raptor is not a sports car. Far from it, actually. Adding the Raptor to the Shelby brand basically turns an already tough truck into quite the beast. The 2.9L supercharger V8 engine pumps out over 500 horsepower. Starting at $18,000, you have the option of three different color schemes.

A Beautiful Day Gone Wrong

April 16, 2013 | 9:00 AM | News | By Maxfield Barker

url(A bit of warning, this post will be different than the normal DLT writing.) It only took seconds for a beautiful day in New England to turn to disaster. When news of the Boston Marathon attack broke, we couldn’t believe it. In the blink of an eye, countless lives were changed. Two explosion shook the buildings, injured more than 140, and unfortunately kill three people. The United States and world for that matter have seen far too many tragedies like this. The lives of those who were there will never be the same. What comes to mind for us, though, is the resolve that we witnessed in the videos of the attack. Mere seconds after the explosions, people were running towards them, not away. It’s those selfless and unconditional acts of valor that remind us of what this country is all about. It is times like these that everyone puts their petty differences aside and truly unite. Unite not as just Americans but also as humans.

If you’re looking for any way to help, click here.

Image via Getty Images

Breakfast For Dinner on April 28

April 15, 2013 | 12:54 PM | Eat & Drink | By Maxfield Barker

image006If you’ve never had breakfast for dinner then you’re missing out. Honestly, who doesn’t like breakfast food? If you’re a fan of pancakes and good causes, pay attention to this post. April is Autism Awareness Month and according to research, 1 – 50 school-aged children will be affected. My AZ Kitchen, along with the ASU Autism/Asperger’s Research Program will be hosting a night of breakfast on Sunday, April 28 from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. Each meal will be prepared by Square One’s Chef W and his assistants; including those with ASD (Autism Spectrum Disorder.) It’s free but have a heat, donations for adults and kids are encouraged at $2 to $5. To RSVP call (480)831-2047.

New Music Monday: Tyler, The Creator

April 15, 2013 | 11:44 AM | Sound | By Maxfield Barker

Today’s new music is all about new-age hip hop. Tyler, The Creator is the young (only 22-years-old) mind behind the wildly successful rap group Odd Future. Recently, Tyler has been making his own records. Earlier this month he released Wolf on OddFuture records. Tyler is known for his quirky antics and devil-may-care attitude. Both of those traits have gotten him into trouble but he doesn’t give a s***. He can be a bit controversial but big time names like Pharrell Williams recognize his potential. His rhymes are definitely not safe for work or underage ears for that matter but we think it’s awesome that Tyler can write, rap, say whatever he wants and obviously doesn’t care if there’s a repercussion.

Salut’s Awesome Happy Hour

April 12, 2013 | 12:30 PM | Eat & Drink | By Maxfield Barker

392805_443480345737931_1536581524_nRecently, we told you about the newest hot spot in Tempe. Salut Kitchen Bar is now open and it definitely wants your business. We figured since it’s the weekend, you’re probably looking for some stuff to do. Look no further. Here is a list of Salut’s happy hour drinks and bites. All of which you can get every day of the week from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.

Drink specials include:

· $1 bottles of wine (with a purchase of a bottle)

· $2 Coors Light/Bud Light

· $3 Well drinks

· $3.50 Draft wines

· $4 Craft Draft

· $5 Absinthe

· $6 Craft cocktails

Food specials include:

· $5 Apple salad

· $5 Peppy dew peppers

· $5 Hummus nachos

· $5 Caprese kabobs

· $5 Ravioli

· $5 Prosciutto Wrapped Melon

· $6 Bruschetta

· $10 chefs board

The Weekender: Bourbon Ginger Snap

April 12, 2013 | 10:33 AM | Cocktail Recipes | By Maxfield Barker

bourbon-ginger-snap_300We’re guessing you already knew this but it’s Friday. The weekend is upon us and that means it is time for us to share another cocktail recipe for you good people. With spring in mind, here is a delicious recipe for a Bourbon Ginger

Ingredients:

1 cup fresh lemon juice
1 cup honey
1 3-inch piece of fresh ginger, peeled and sliced
6 cups fresh orange juice
4 cups pear nectar
1 liter bourbon
2 lemons, thinly sliced

Method:

In a large saucepan, combine 2 quarts water, the fresh lemon juice, honey, and ginger; bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 5 minutes. Then strain into a bowl to let cool. Add the orange juice, pear nectar, bourbon, and lemons to the lemon syrup and stir. Serve over ice in a short glass.

Four Peaks Brewery Celebrates its Sweet 16

April 11, 2013 | 12:06 PM | Eat & Drink | By Maxfield Barker

four peaks roomOur little brewery is growing up right before our eyes. That’s right, Four Peaks Brewery is turning 16 this year and that means we should all celebrate. Don’t worry, this will be far different from MTV’s My Super Sweet 16 garbage. On Saturday, April 20, the Four Peaks in Tempe will be having an all-day party with beer, food, and live music all from AZ. Located inside the tasting room on Wilson Street, the festivities will be going from noon to 9:00 p.m. And guess what? Admission is free. We bet we know how you’re celebrating 4/20 now.

Today’s Object of Desire: OpenFrame

April 11, 2013 | 10:39 AM | Shop & Style | By Maxfield Barker

openframeIt’s about time you added some more artwork in your home. Forget traditional glass frames, the new rage is the OpenFrame. Made out of birch plywood, birch veneer, and stainless steel, the OpenFrame uses rare Earth magnets to keep your art up in the air. The magnets are cool because you can swap out the art in a matter of seconds. You can choose either a natural, black, or white finish. If you’re worried about your artwork being exposed to the world, come on, how often do you actually touch the glass on your other frames? OpenFrames come in a variety of sizes and start at $35.

Your Weekly Dose of Aww

April 10, 2013 | 12:11 PM | Videos | By Maxfield Barker

It’s been a while but we figured you could use a break from work this week. When a baby is in the womb it is common that baby will be able to hear voices and sounds. So, if you’re into a certain kind of music and listen to it while pregnant, the baby will become familiar with it. Some people listen classical music, others will listen to black metal. Whenever this baby is upset, mom and dad will just throw on some breakdowns. It may not be your cup of tea, but it is still pretty stinking cute. Enjoy.

 

Five Years of Cupcakes

April 10, 2013 | 10:44 AM | Eat & Drink | By Maxfield Barker

sprinkleIt’s hard to believe it’s already been five years since Sprinkles has been in the Valley. That’s right, countless delicious cupcakes have been made and devoured over the last half decade. To celebrate their anniversary, the bakery will be doing something a little different. Next month, you can get an exclusive taste of Sprinkles Ice Cream. On May 7, the first 200 people that go to the Sprinkles event will receive a FREE scoop of Sprinkles Red Velvet Ice Cream even though there is no Sprinkles Ice Cream store in Arizona yet. The red velvet ice cream which is a sweet cream ice cream layered with bites of Sprinkles Cupcakes’ iconic red velvet cake and cream cheese frosting. Don’t worry, we’ll remind you again when the date gets closer.

Salut Kitchen Bar Now Open in Tempe

April 9, 2013 | 12:40 PM | Eat & Drink | By Maxfield Barker

428488932658525066_263839875It’s about time a little more class was added to Tempe. Don’t get us wrong, Tempe is great but sometimes it would be nice to be able to hang out near Mill Ave and have a classy evening. Now you can. Salut Kitchen Bar is now open for business. The restaurant features surprisingly affordable bruschetta, gourmet tapas, salads, sandwiches, and delicious entrees. Salut’s extensive wine selection is what sold us, though. It’s the perfect spot for a nice wine and dinner date. The comfortable and loungy atmosphere will make your experience there that much better. Seriously, check it out.

Salut Kitchen Bar | 1435 East University Drive | Tempe, 85281

Are You My Ride? 2014 Porsche Panamera S E-Hybrid

April 9, 2013 | 10:30 AM | Are You My Ride? | By Maxfield Barker

2014-porsche-panamera-s-e-hybridDo you have six figures to spend on a car? If you do, look no further. The 2014 Porsche Panamera S E-Hybrid is the perfect ride for you. First off, come on, it’s a Porsche. Of course it’s going be awesome. The Panamera sedan has 95 horsepower, all electric engine, and a lithium-ion battery that can charge in just two and a half hours. You may be thinking 95 horsepower isn’t very much but that’s just the electric motor. It also has a twin-turbo 3.0L v6, capable of getting up to 167 MPH. Like we said, it is a Porsche. Expect to see this ride later this year and starting at $99,000.

National Empanada Day

April 8, 2013 | 12:44 PM | Eat & Drink | By Maxfield Barker

jpegFor those of you don’t know, an empanada is a pastry that is stuffed with all sorts of deliciousness then either fried or baked. We’re guessing you didn’t know that today is National Empanada Day. How can you celebrate? The best way is probably by eating some empanadas and you can do that at TQLA. From today to April 14, you can enjoy their off-menu Chorizo Empanada with New Mexican Red Chile sauce and Nopales Salsa for just $8.25. So, do yourself a favor and have an empanada sometime this week.

New Music Monday: Cold War Kids

April 8, 2013 | 10:40 AM | Sound | By Maxfield Barker

If you haven’t listening to Cold War Kids then you’re missing out. The quartet from Long Beach have been putting out quality music since 2005. Their latest album Dear Miss Lonelyhearts is no exception. They’re are one of the few indie rock bands to come out of southern California and truly “make it.” It’s catchy with the perfect blend of pop and blues. You should probably pick up this album. To help you decide, here’s the track Miracle Mile.

 

DIY Fridays: Garden Markers

April 5, 2013 | 12:44 PM | Shop & Style | By Maxfield Barker

DIY-Wine-Cork-Plant-MarkersThe sun is shining and the weather is beautiful. You should start spending as much time outdoors as possible. To help keep you in nature, here’s an easy project to help nurture your very own nature. For those of you lucky enough to live in a home with a garden, then you know sometimes it is difficult to remember where you planted what. Check out this easy garden marker project. We know you love wine, so start collecting some corks. Once you have the appropriate number, pick up some old forks from a thrift store. Write the name of your plan horizontally on the cork and attach to the fork. Then just slam the fork in the soil and there’s you marker. Easy, right?

The Weekender: Skinny Strawberry Blonde

April 5, 2013 | 10:59 AM | Cocktail Recipes | By Maxfield Barker

image008Is it Friday already? That week flew by. Anyway, if you’re looking to party, the Weekender has you covered. Perfect for relaxing by the pool with, the Skinny Strawberry Blonde is best drink to have in hand. Courtesy of the folks at Z’Tejas, here’s a delightfully easy recipe to mix your own.

Ingredients:

1.25 oz SKYY Wild Strawberry

3 basil leaves- torn and muddled

1 whole strawberry sliced or 6 slices of strawberry

1 oz lemon Juice

1 oz cranberry

.50 oz Ginger Monin Syrup

.25 oz Agave Nectar

Method:

Muddle 6 slices of strawberries and 3 torn basil leaves with the .25 oz of Agave Nectar in a mixing tin.  Add ice, 1.25 oz of SKYY Wild Strawberry Vodka, 1 oz lemon juice, 1 oz cranberry juice and .50 oz Ginger Monin.  Shank vigorously and pour into margarita glass.  Garnish with a whole strawberry on the rim.

 

‘Tempe’s Front Porch’ Opens Today!

April 4, 2013 | 12:40 PM | Eat & Drink | By Maxfield Barker

image007If you’ve driven down Mill ave anytime in the last few months, then you’ve seen the construction outside of Tempe’s famous Monti’s restaurant. Well, the waiting is over. Monti’s finally debut’s its new (and thoroughly awesome) patio concept, rightfully called “Tempe’s Front Porch.” The restaurant held a contest to see who could come up with the catchiest name and two lucky Valley residents won the prize — a party for them and 20 of their friends. The comfortable patio has seating for 130 people, three fire pits, and a bar all to relax, eat, drink, and take in the sights. We’re mainly excited for that jalapeño inspired cocktail we have featured in the image.

Today’s Object of Desire: Nudie Jeans Recycled Rugs

April 4, 2013 | 10:58 AM | Shop & Style | By Maxfield Barker

nudie-jeans-recycled-rugsEveryone has that favorite pair of jeans that go weeks without washing. There are probably multiple days where you wear them back-to-back. Unfortunately, those jeans will wear out and you’ll have to find a new favorite pair. A los Angeles company has a gerat idea on what to do with worn-out jeans. Nudie Jeans Recycled Rugs are awesome. They take recycled jeans and turn them into Scandinavian-style rugs. Sure, they might not be made of your old pair, but chances are someone has loved those jeans as much as you have.

Growl on the Patio Event at Milagro

April 3, 2013 | 12:30 PM | Eat & Drink | By Maxfield Barker

SAMSUNGWith the gorgeous weather outside, don’t you feel bad for leaving your dog home while you enjoy a nice lunch on a patio? This Saturday, April 6, Milagro will be best the spot for you and your pup. From 11:00 am to 4:00 pm, Milagro Grill in Arcadia will be hosting the Growl on the Patio event to debut their new dog-friendly patio and their new growlers. In case you’re wondering, growlers are those big glass bottles you can bring home beer in.

You can pick up one of the half-gallon amber jugs on sale for just $8 and can fill ‘em up with your favorite beers, like Mud Shark and Four Peaks. To buy the jug and fill it up only costs $12 on Saturday. Milagro Grill will also offer $3 Mud Shark draft beer and their seasonal $6 Sonoran Hot Dog (pictured).

Don’t worry, we didn’t forget about the canines. Food samples from the boutique pet shop Noble Beast will be provided. Photos will be taken of all the dogs in attendance and posted to Milagro’s Facebook and if you’re dog gets the most likes by April 13, you’ll win a $50 gift card to the restaurant.

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