Thursday, June 28, 2012

MacAlpine's Egg Creams of Awesome!


Strawberry Daiquiri Egg Creams! Oh dear gods my mouth is watering as I type this! I need another!

Okay, so Max took us out to MacAlpine’s in downtown Phoenix to work on some gaps in the Max’s Despair story, and, to have lunch, of course. The food is great and I can personally recommend the Toasted Cheese sandwich if you like classic grilled cheese and tomato, the potato salad was a filling side dish to this. Max enjoyed the Malibu Chicken sandwich. Max was rather boring in his order of a bag of chips as a side and a classic Dr. Pepper for a drink. That leads us back to the complete epicness that is the Egg Cream!

MacAlpine’s boasts 99 flavors for sodas, floats, and the Amazing egg cream. Did I mention how stunning this drink is? It is sweet and lightly creamy and bubbly and cool and even looks interesting. I swear I am going on a soda binge this summer and ordering every flavor, but so far the strawberry daiquiri is my dream drink.

So, what does MacAlpine’s to do with the Tovrea Castle I am constantly yammering on about? Well, food is not the only reason to drop into this soda shop. Flanking the 1920’s-esque seating area are two vintage shops. It was from these shops that some of the temporary display pieces for the kitchen were loaned; specifically the icebox and the stove. These pieces are no longer in the castle, but if you are seeking more history of the castle’s era this is the place to start.

I also found a stunning 60’s era phone booth that I and my Netbook fit super nice in and I think would make a perfect writing office. Just close the door to make it clear that writing is in progress. Only $300 for the office of Czep’s dreams! Anyone want to throw in?

Seriously. Anyone? Five bucks? Maybe ten? I have PayPal!

Until our next adventure!

Mac Alpine's Soda Fountain
2303 North 7th Street
Phoenix, Arizona
(602) 262-5545

Tuesday, June 12, 2012

Prowl and Play with Moon at Phoenix Zoo


It is an extra adventure week! Max and I spent Saturday evening at the Phoenix Zoo’s Prowl and Play event. The original intent was to visit our favorite mermaid, Moon (www.amermaiddream.com). We enjoyed so much more!

The Phoenix Zoo was Moon Mermaid’s last appearance in the Arizona desert before swimming to far off waters. As she rested in her cozy mermaid lagoon, zoo patrons were invited to take pictures with Moon, some even took away some gifts of mermaid treasures. Max, of course, had to have a picture.
The Prowl and Play was also our first meeting with Moon’s new pirate ally, Black Haven, who was very friendly for a pirate, though that might be because Moon introduced us as fellow rogues of the sea from The DREADFleet. Max and I were also happy to see little Orion helping out and staying as out of trouble as a young pirate can.

Continuing on through the zoo and allowing Moon to visit with an endless line of awe struck children and inspired grown-ups, Max and I discovered the many other exciting entertainments at the Prowl and Play. We paused for a time at the drum circle, listened to some karaoke, and enjoyed the very different look of the Phoenix Zoo at night. Very few of the animals were out, but we did watch the always adorable otters for a while.

Of course, what is a visit to the zoo without a quick stop to the gift shop to check out the interesting animal themed items. We found some very interesting things this time around. For the aspiring writer or artist in your life, whose skills might not be quite up to snuff just yet, how about the gift of a notebook made from PooPooPaper. Yes, that is indeed paper made from a variety of animal feces. No joke. Well, at least nothing can make it any crappier. Max was disturbed by both the wide-eyed animal plushies and the giraffe hats. I did convince him to let me take a giraffe hat home though by pointing out the very stealthy attributes

We closed the night with a final visit with Moon and her pirates to wish her well on her next journey. Moon we will miss you, but will certainly visit you at the next Prowl and Play on July 14th.

Phoenix Zoo
455 North Galvin Parkway
Phoenix,Arizona
(602) 273.1341
www.phoenixzoo.org

Thursday, June 7, 2012

Carly's, Revolver, and Mud Wrestling


Max bought lunch again this week, always a treat! This time we visited the Downtown Phoenix Art District and dined at a cute little local place called Carly’s. We were fortunate to arrive and order before the lunch rush, because, wow was there a rush! 

Carly’s was featured on a television program recently, which is where Max heard about the quaint little bar and eatery. He made a big deal about the astounding hummus so I made certain to order something related. I can say with certainty the red pepper hummus on the All Over the Map Wrap is quite amazing! The wrap also has turkey and greens and comes with a choice of sides. Max’s choice, the Philly Cheese Pita was equally awesome, I know, I could not help but snitch a few bites. I also recommend the chips above all other side choices. These are not your everyday chips, unless you have Taro Chips every day. 

They are epic! Seriously. Go for the taro chips alone and it will be a worthwhile venture. Max raved about the iced tea. I admit to eyeing the wine list and the addition of Absinthe. If it had not been so early, I would have enjoyed a glass for sure.

Before we settled in to order, Max managed to nab a conversation with the owner. Carly was with her two small children having a quick bite. And why did Max make a point to chat up Miss Carly, well, pirates of course! Oh, don’t deny you knew it was coming to that. 

Carly’s is directly across the street from Revolver Records. What does a record store have to do with pirates? Well, a few months ago The DREAD Fleet approached the Fillmore Creative to host the Fourth Annual Pirate Mud Wrestling event. We thought all was well until they backed out do to a leasing issue. Desperate for a new location in short notice, Max popped into Revolver and struck a deal.

So, on July 28th, The DREAD Fleet along with many of the Arizona Roller Derby leagues, Bellydancers, and local bands invite you to join in some good dirty fun!

DREAD Pirate Mud Wrestling Tickets
www.eventbrite.com/dreadmud4

The DREAD Fleet
www.thedreadfleet.com

Carly's Bistro
128 East Roosevelt Street 
Phoenix, Arizona

(602) 262-2759
www.carlysbistro.com

Revolver Records
918 North 2nd Street 
Phoenix, Arizona

(602) 795-4980
www.revolveraz.com