Desert Living Today

Summer Wine Tasting at Brugos Pizza Company

Maxfield Barker — Tue, 21 May 2013 19:37:33 +0000

Who doesn’t love a good wine tasting? Sure, not allo of us are sommeliers, but we like our wine and when there’s a tasting, we go all out. The Brugos Pizza Company at el Pedregal will be hosting an exclusive wine tasting event on Thursday, May 30. The night be will be hosted by certified sommelier and wine importer, Charles Hesson. Six Italian wines by Vinifera, an Italian owned importer of vino, will be the stars of the show. Along with the wine, Spuntini, will be offered to munch on. Enjoy the tasting from 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. If you plan on staying for dinner, half-off bottles will be available. The best part? The event is free. Sign us up.

34505 | North Scottsdale Road | Scottsdale AZ | 85266

Are You My Ride? Lamborghini Egoista Concept

Maxfield Barker — Tue, 21 May 2013 17:32:53 +0000

This is a ride that we’re more than willing to bet that none of us will have the luxury of owning. The Lamborghini Egoista Concept is probably the most ridiculous concept car we’ve ever seen. Egoista is Italian for selfish. By looking at this car, if you were to own it, that title would be accurate. Sharp edges, orange rims, and an orange windshield, there is absolutely nothing practical about this ride. The interior, more like a cockpit, is made of carbon fiber and aluminum. It features racing seats and a heads up display. There is no price yet and you can bet there is not word if it will even be built. It’s easy on the eyes, though.

TQLA Joins Arizona Restaurant Week

Maxfield Barker — Mon, 20 May 2013 19:36:29 +0000

Arizona Restaurant week is here. All week long, through May 27 actually, the Valley’s best eateries will be showing off their latest and greatest in the culinary world. TQLA is now in the mix. They are now offering a special three course menu for the Restaurant Week. Let’s take a look, shall we?

First Course (select one item)

Spicy Crab Cake – Lump crab with serranos, served with sweet corn cream, crispy tortilla strips and tomatillo salsa

BBQ Duck Tamale – Savory Duck confit, cascabel chiles, spicy salsa and Mexican crema

Baja Ceviche – Crab, shrimp, fish, scallops, tomatoes, cilantro, cucumber, avocado and lime served with blue corn chips

Second Course (select one item)

Pumpkin Seed Crusted Salmon – Sautéed salmon served with fried green tomatoes,roasted tomatoes and cilantro rice and a sweet pepper tequila lime butter sauce

Carne Asada – Marinated and grilled Mesquite grilled skirt steak, with poblano and green chiles, caramelized onions and jalapeno cheese

Ancho Pork Tenderloin – Ancho marinated pork tenderloin served with a Nopalito demi glace, green chili mashed potatoes and sweet potato strings

Roasted Chicken – Pan roasted Chicken served with green chile mashed potatoes and creamy Serrano slaw (please allow 25 minutes)

Third Course (select one item)

Seasonal Cheesecake

Patron XO Flan – Chocolate and coffee flan with fresh cinnamon whipped cream

Cuatro Leches – White cake soaked in four milks and topped with meringue and berries

New Music Monday: Sigur Rós

Maxfield Barker — Mon, 20 May 2013 18:17:13 +0000

Have you heard of Sigur Rós? From Iceland, the band is the epitome of epic (we don’t like throwing that word around, either.) Post rock meets ambient, they’re music can be truly moving and intense at the same time. They’ve released six albums since 1997, and you’ve probably heard some of their music from famous movies like Life Aquatic, Vanilla Sky, and 127 Hours. After a brief hiatus, the band is back with a new track and a new album, Kveikur, to be released on June 12. Check out the single, Brennisteinn.

Local Breweries Team Up for Beer Dinner Series

Maxfield Barker — Fri, 17 May 2013 19:22:16 +0000

There’s nothing quite like an ice cold beer and a delicious meal on a hot summer day. Sure, summer isn’t technically here yet, but it feels like it. So, bear with us. Local breweries San Tan, Four Peaks, and Mudshark will be teaming up with the Spotted Donkey Cantina for three nights this summer of beer paired meals. Each meal was crafted by Executive Chef, Esteban Colon. For $39 per person, you’ll receive a reception with appetizers and a three-course meal. We can’t wait.

June 5, 2013- Beer Dinner with SanTan Brewing Company

July 10, 2013 – Beer Dinner with Four Peaks Brewing Company

August 7, 2013 – Mudshark Brewery

The Weekender: Basil Caipifruta

Maxfield Barker — Fri, 17 May 2013 17:02:05 +0000

In case you didn’t know it, Friday is here. That means it is time to party. That’s where the Weekender comes in. This week, we’re bringing you a cocktail from Soi 4 Bangkok Eatery at the SHOPS at Gainey Village. The Basil Caipifruta is a Thai inspired drink guaranteed to get you ready for summer. Let’s take a look.

Ingredients:

2 oz. of Cachaca Rum

4 Freshly squeezed lemon wedges

4 basil leaves, muddled

2 tsp. of powdered sugar

Splash of soda

Method:

Add all ingredients to a martini shaker and mix well. Pour entire contents into a short glass with ice and garnish with a lemon wedge.

Entertain Your Kids This Summer

Maxfield Barker — Thu, 16 May 2013 19:00:41 +0000

With summer vacation practically here, it’s hard to find things to do now that the kids are home all day. Uptown Alley in Surprise is announcing their Summer Fun Pass. It’s great way to get your kids off the couch and up and moving. With activities like bowling, laser tag, a large restaurant, and over 100 games. For just $3 you can bowl a game, play laser tag, or get a $5 game play card. These deals are available Monday through Friday, from May 28 to August 30.

Today’s Object of Desire: Travel HoodiePillow

Maxfield Barker — Thu, 16 May 2013 17:22:04 +0000

Today’s object of desire is perfect for all of you travelers. Whether it’s a business trip or vacation, sleeping on any sort transportation can be a daunting task. If it’s an overnight flight, not everyone turns their lights off. Also, chances are, the person next to you won’t stop playing with their smartphone or tablet. The Travel HoodiePillow will solve all of your traveling problems. It’s one of those travel pillows you wrap around your next with a hood attached. So, pop in some headphones and cover your eyes. You’ll be catching some z’s in no time.

Pomo Pizzeria Napoletana is Heading Downtown

Maxfield Barker — Wed, 15 May 2013 19:47:11 +0000

It’s been three years since Pomo Pizzeria Napoletana opened its doors in Scottsdale. But as we all know, change is the only contant. Thus, the pizzeria will be heading downtown. Which is cool, because downtown Phoenix needs to keep growing. Anyway, their new home will be on the historic 1st street. Executive Chef Matteo Schiavone will obviously maintain the quality food items, some of which are imported straight from Italy. Located near the ASU Downtown campus and the Phoenix Public Market, the new location is guaranteed to bring in more business. The downtown location will open its doors on May 28 with a grand opening party on May 31.

Pomo Pizzeria Napoletana | 705 North 1st Street | Phoenix

Stand-Up Scottsdale to Honor Fallen Soldier

Maxfield Barker — Wed, 15 May 2013 17:14:03 +0000

It always nice seeing businesses doing good things. Memorial Day is coming up on May 27. To honor the military, Scottsdale premier comedy club, Stand-Up Scottsdale, will be having a special show before the holiday. On May 23, the club will be donating 70% of their proceeds to the Heroes to Hometowns organization. This is all in honor of one of the Valley’s fallen soldiers, Army Pfc. John C. Johnson. Johnson succumbed to his wounds when insurgents attacked his unit in Kandahar province, Afghanistan. Comedian Quinn Dahle will be the night’s performer. The show starts at 8:00 p.m. and costs $10.00. Show your support by having a few laughs.