Erica L.'s Profile

It's not often I buy athletic shoes but I decided I needed professional help.  (Admitting it is the first step to recovery.)  I stopped by the Runners Den on my lunch break and walked out with a shiny new pair of shoes only 30 minutes later.  

Within a minute of walking in the door, I was approached by a very helpful salesman. He watched me walk barefoot so he could suggest the right type of shoe.  Who knew people did this?!  I have NEVER been fitted for a pair of shoes like that before.

He came back with only two shoes for me to try.  Sometimes less is more.  Both pairs were great - fit well and very comfortable.  I chose the slightly more comfortable pair threw in a pair of socks and was on my way back to work.  

This was the best shoe buying experience of my life.  If only they carried heels and flip flops too!

To Kill a Mockingbird, March 27, 2008

What a performance by the Arizona Theatre Company!  I was swept off my feet.  To Kill a Mockingbird is a moving and thought-provoking story about race in America.  It is set in America in the 30's in the South and the actors easy took me to that place.  

The play was so wonderfully acted and produced.  I was impressed by every detail; from the Reverend and Calpernia's singing to the dirt on the poor farm characters to the cries of Robinson's mourning wife.  Daria LeGrand, who played Scout, stole the show with her pure and powerful performance.  I instantly loved John Rensenhouse who played Scout's father, Atticus.  But each and every actor in this show put their very best foot forward and treated me to an enchanted evening.

This is the second play by ATC that I've seen and it was even better than the first (Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde).  I can't believe I've lived in Phoenix this long and have been missing out on such great theater.  Thank goodness for me that's changing.

In late 2007, Magnum's opened a bar adjacent to the cigar & liquor store.  It's absolutely and completely gorgeous.  The lighting is immaculate and the decor perfect for a cigar bar.  It's one of the only bars in this neighborhood that caters to an upscale clientele.  

Drinks are pricier than other bars in the area, but not bad for Phoenix/Scottsdale.  If you're looking for a cheap drink, go to the sports bar across the parking lot.  But don't expect the person next to you at the bar to be as interesting as the people you'll meet at Magnum's.  The people make Magnum's a great place and all the regulars we met were completely welcoming and friendly.  

As of February 2008, cigar smoking is allowed in the bar.  The owner, Amar, is in a legal battle due to the recent statewide smoking ban.  So this may change in the future.

Durant's is a Phoenix icon that I've been looking forward to visiting for years.  The steak left a bit to be desired (at $40 it should have been the best steak I've had in years), but the service, atmosphere, and crab macaroni and cheese made up for it.  I'll go back again, skip the steak, eat the sides, and have another martini!

Every thing from the olive bread to the crab cakes to the pistachio encrusted chili relleno tasted out of this world.  This is a complete dining treat and is highly recommended by my taste buds!

The bistro / brunchery decor wasn't my favorite.  There was definitely too much yellow and blue for my taste.  However, it can be overlooked for such well made food.

Amazingly large portion sizes!  I'm so spoiled by the portion sizes at Sakana that I don't want to eat sushi anywhere else.  The fish is always fresh.  Be sure to check the specials on the board - you could try something new!

The staff is fantastic and efficient.  Sit at the bar and you'll see how friendly the chefs are.  Buy them a shot of sake and you'll have friends all night.  Plus a lot of attention from the entire restaurant.

For dinner there's typically a wait for a seat.  But Sakana is always worth the wait.  If you really can't wait, make a to-go order.  You'll keep coming back.

In summary: a high class steakhouse chain that is consistently good.

My dining partner and I were thrilled to be seated in less than 5 minutes at 8:30pm on a Saturday night.  We were even more thrilled to get a corner booth.  I felt like I was with the mafia.

We split a salad and a steak.  Our server surprised us by having everything plated separately in the kitchen (except the steak, which they left up to us to cut...thank goodness).  The service here is always top notch.

Attended a wine tasting on a Saturday night.  The Chilean wines we tasted were great.  I was impressed by the amount of information they provided on the wines (a whole page for each wine).  The crowd was comprised of mostly late 30's and 40's.  The owners are extremely friendly and made us feel at home.

The food is normally very good when going into the restaurant and ordering.  Today, I ordered via their website and my order was not ready at the time specified for pickup.  In fact, the order took an additional 30 minutes.  I should have by-passed the online order and just gone in as it would have been faster.  I'm very, very disappointed in their service.

It's the Italian version of Pei Wei.  The pizza crust is so thin and so delicious!  To me, it's the perfect place for a casual date.  I love drinking wine out of a juice glass (just like my Italian grandpa).