Joe's Diner: A Little Piece of Mayberry in Melrose

Small town, local, and making friends with customers is common where I am from, but here in Phoenix, it seems rare. Leave it to another hard working, creative, small town transplant to show Phoenix how it can still be done.

Joe’s Diner on 7th Avenue and Indian School Road exemplifies the classic diner experience. The food is standard American comfort foods and diner fare, but this where so many “home style” diners in Phoenix, end the experience. A diner is not just a title on a business. It’s not just the classic eggs and bacon breakfasts, and burger and fries lunch menu. Diner means friendly, local and home. It means coming out to greet your customers as the neighbors they are. It means supporting neighborhood farms, suppliers and other businesses.

Joe has been the prime example of the little Mayberry like town in Southern Arizona that he was raised in. Bringing the small town attitude is no easy task in a big city, but Joe was willing to take on the task. With jams and jellies, croissants, and biscuits made in house, and nearly everything else including; the eggs, sausage, and vegetables locally collected, this diner means the business for living local. Built on love, respect, and with his own sweat and blood, the diner itself is a labor of love. From the dividing walls of each booth, to the paint on  the walls, Joe and his family had their hands in making this dream a reality.

So, where did it all start really? After nearly 25 years as a professional chef, Joe knows food. Even when camping, Joe couldn’t keep out of the kitchen. Spending time to make some of his favorite dishes during vacations with his wife and young children, Joe puts to shame those of us who are content with an unevenly charred hot dog or burger. Inviting another family along on one excursion lit the fire for a new adventure in his cooking career. So in awe of the feasts laid by Joe, his friend’s praise spread to several more families. It wasn’t long before Joe was catering for the entire campsite and reviews of his food made it clear.

Requests for Joe to open a restaurant would not be silenced. And the rest is hometown history.

Joe’s Diner

4515 N. 7th Ave.

Phoenix, 85013

(602) 535-4999

Monday - Sunday 7:00 am - 3:00 pm

Pirates, Trolls and Books at Lo-Fi Cafe, Mesa

This outing really did become an adventure! On Sunday mornings Brick Cave Books hosts a local authors book browse at downtown Mesa’s Lo-Fi Café. Max and I were not just there to browse however, we were part of the action! I will get to that after the thrill of the pastry!

Lo-Fi is very much the trendy coffee shop of the new millennia, with everything from hot and cool Chai Lattes to the hi-tech brewing methods for some very earthy teas, there is something for anyone. Oh and the pastries, of course! They are to die for of course, and vegans need not feel left out. Try the vegan chocolate chip scones!

So, what about the books? Lo-Fi Café caters to pirates, fairies, rogues, and trolls as well as the casual hipster and hometown coffee seeker. Stop by on a Sunday morning to be a part of the story, or any day to make your own. 

Lo-Fi Café

105 West Main Street

Mesa, Arizona

(602) 769-3689

www.loficoffee.com

Bill Johnson's Big Apple

I have been severely slacking off on these postings and there are just too many great local places to let that continue. So, this week Max and I adventured to the original Bill Johnson’s Big Apple in Phoenix.

I have to say my initial reaction to the BBQ eatery with the larger than life diorama looming from the second story was not exactly open to walking in. The giant, long horned cow painted on the double doors didn’t help really. Once I accepted that this was an incredibly cheesy western style venue complete with gingham clad staff I eased up and allowed myself to enjoy the quaint cuteness of the place. 

Bill Johnson, a radio star in Arizona, once broadcast his shows from the now afore mentioned cowboy diorama. There is some rather interesting information on Bill and even a few of his show recordings can be found on the restaurant website.

So, beyond the kitschy western theme this place was pretty good. The staff was sweet and attentive without being totally pushy for a tip. The food was classic American fare and well done. Even picky eater, Max was happy with the Spanish Omelet and noted how perfect the bacon was. I will be eating French Toast for days and that is a great thing!

Bill Johnson’s Big Apple

3101 West Indian School Road, Phoenix

www.billjohnsons.com

DREAD Mud and Happy Belated Birthday Max!

The DREAD Fleet’s Commodore Max enjoyed plenty of booty at the Fourth Annual DREAD Pirate Mud Wrestling. It was great to see some repeat offenders from the Arizona Roller Girls and make some new allies with the Desert Dolls. We are also thrilled to have a new set of friendly ports in Carly’s Bistro and Revolver Record's.

The Derby Girls and Desert Dolls, the Concubine Militia and wild wenches of the DREAD Fleet got wet, really wet when Mother Nature decided to assist in a wet t-shirt contest and some wild monsoon action. We thank Ahab for sticking through the weather with his light and sound equipment and are super grateful that everything still works just fine.

Ship Ecstasy’s Mo’Pain lost her reigning title to Sissy Space Case, but Mo’s sister dancer, Saoirse Amidala of the Concubine Militia, took third place!

Thank you to everyone for all the support and effort in making Pirate Mud Wrestling another awesome event! To our friends and diehard fans, who held through unexpectedly cold and wet weather, thank you! You are the reason we continue to raid the desert! See you at Westgate City Center in Glendale to get our drink on for Talk Like a Pirate Day V on September 22^nd 2012!

Stephen Yap took some amazing shots! Check out his Facebook page or ours!

Arizona Derby Dolls

www.desertdollsrollerderby.com

Arizona Roller Girls

www.arizonarollergirls.com

Bint Hazine (Concubine Militia)

Facebook.com/bint.hazine

Carly’s Bistro

128 East Roosevelt Street, Phoenix
(602) 262-2759

www.carlysbistro.com

The DREAD Fleet

Facebook.com/fleetdread

www.theDREADfleet.com

Revolver Records

918 North 2^nd Street, Phoenix

(602) 795-4980

www.revolveraz.com

Stephen Yap

Facebook.com/Stephen-Yap-Photography

Tovrea Castle Summer Hours

There was little time for a Castle related excursion this week due to holidays, pirates and writing adventures, but I cannot go without mentioning the change in tour hours and summer plans without feeling as though I am shirking my duties on this subject.

Tovrea Castle tours will not cease even in the summer heat! July through September Tovrea Cararro Society docents remind visitors to wear lightweight clothing, apply sunscreen and drink plenty of water on the outdoor tours but please do not let the desert heat keep you from experiencing this amazing site. In fact, the early bird 7:00 AM tour time might be an even better reason to schedule during the summer. What could be a more inspiring start to the day than a sunrise view of the spectacular castle and grounds? We dare you to have a bad day at work after that.

So, please, do not forget our humble castle this summer!

Tovrea Carraro Society
5025 East Van Buren Street
Phoenix Arizona

www.tovreacastletours.com/

602-256-3221

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

www.macalpines1928.com

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 14^th.

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