Lunch at Green in Phoenix

A word before I continue on with this entry; Max is not, I repeat, not, a vegetarian, vegan, or otherwise greenie. That said, he devoured this week’s lunch.

Green is indeed all vegan, but carnivores should not avoid a taste. Max was quite content with the “Moo” shroom po-boy, and while he wasn’t thrilled by the pasta salad side, I took care of it without question along with my order. The jerk tofu salad left me full and content and not regretting a bite.

If you are not super hungry, still stop in, the décor is very unique and the vimto drink is amazing!

Green

2022 North 7th Street
Phoenix, AZ 85004
(602) 258-1870

http://greenvegetarian.com/

Ladybug Sandwich Shop

As I am now among the staff of the Alzheimer’s Association Desert South West Chapter, visiting fun lunch places downtown is even more of a thrill. Ah yes, the life and times of a cube worker. I am very much enjoying my Public Allies position in the Alzheimer’s Association though!

On to the business at hand though. Max and I had lunch at a great little “spot”. The Ladybug Sandwich Shop! This place is adorable! The cute little patio and cozy dining area are truly crawling with ladybugs of all sizes. More importantly, the sandwiches are tasty! The prices are a bit high but totally worth every penny. A warning about the amazing homemade pickles; they will make you pucker. 

If you are looking for a super cute place to dine on your lunch break, I completely recommend Ladybug. They are also open Saturdays now, so maybe a nice weekend stop.

Ladybug Sandwich Shop

1611 N. 11th Street

Phoenix, 85006

(602) 254-6269

www.ladybughouseofsandwiches.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

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 28^th, 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