Shhh! Can You Keep a Secret?

Good, because I've got a tasty bit of info from last night's secret supper club and I just have to tell someone.

Chef Eric put on a spread for me and my fellow diners. None of that bite sized business here. We were served large portions of perfectly cooked courses that satisfied both my curiosity and my appetite.

Chef Eric and diners

Chef Eric explaining his menu

fascinating dinner guests

my fabulous date

BYOB: MacMurray Pinot Noir. Selected for the simple fact that Pinot and pigs usually pair well...

Course #1: Chef's Amuse- blue cheese, basil, citrus explosion

Course #2 Crabcake with orange aioli, roasted red peppers, marcona almonds, orange-sherry reduction. My absolute favorite of the evening. Deeeeeelish!

Course #3 Seared pork loin with grapefruit gastrique, corn and radish summer salad in a jalapeno-cilantro dressing. Unfortunately, this is the reason my Kosher friend had to decline my invite...

Course #4 Lemon zested sticky toffee pudding. Hello sugar high! A couple bites and stick a fork in me- I'm done.

This is the last dinner of the summer, but visit mftasty and add yourself to their mailing list for future secret supper club updates.

Also- if you have a large home that would be interested in hosting one of these dinners, please contact Chef Eric at the aforementioned website.

Ciao!

Cheap Thrills

I’ll admit it- I enjoy the finer things in life. My wallet? Not a fan. So in lieu of creating a profile on sugardaddy.com or the millionaire’s club, I’ve decided to search for cheaper ways to enjoy my favorite things.

Happy Hour: the budgeter’s best friend

Stingray Sushi- a personal fav because it lasts until 7pm, a whole 30 minutes longer than most happy hours in the area.

Hula's- nothing says happiness like a fruity concoction, cheap tacos and surf paraphernalia. Hang 10 or just hang out.

St. Francis- high class, but lots o sass. Excellent vino, gourmet bar snacks and an attractive staff make this a go-to spot.

Reverse Happy Hour: the workaholic’s best friend

Stay late at the office AND get your drink on, it’s a win-win. If I had known about this little gem while in NYC, I would’ve been one happy lady, but unfortunately, I first heard of the idea upon moving to AZ. Here’s a few places that got it right.

Power Hour at Morton's- the steakhouse's version of happy hour (5-6:30)and reverse happy hour(9-11). Take advantage of this amazing deal for $5 bar bites that include crab cakes and steaks.

Trader Vics- Yum. I think it’s pretty obvious that I like things with a tropical twist, but this place offers a diverse selection of food and drink for cheap during both their regular and reverse happy hour.

Zen 32- Sushi for me? Shi shi. Maybe that’s ‘Thank You’ in Chinese, but this place is so good, I get confused… be sure to snag the free food by the bar.

Links to Live By:

http://reversehappyhour.com/ Wants to know where you’re drinking tonight. If you don’t know yet…look no further.

http://phoenixonthecheap.com/ The author’s name is Kate and she knows what’s up when it comes to finding a deal in Phoenix.

http://www.groupon.com/phoenix/ deals upon deals with an extra side of... you guessed it- deals!

Summer Sundays

bocce at the vig

scene at the Vig

friends at the Wrigley

delcoa at Wrigley

Wrigley nightvision

The perfect Sunday? It varies, but here in the Valley of the Sun- I like to hit up the Wrigley Mansion http://www.wrigleymansionclub.com/ for their Fireside Sunday line-up featuring 1/2 off bottles of vino and the band Delcoa http://www.delcoamusic.com/. Hands-down one of the BEST views in the city.

After the show ends at Wrigley, head over to the Vig http://www.thevig.us/ for more vino specials and a great crowd- perfect for people watching. If you're feeling competitive (and feel like garnering some attention), try your hand at bocce along the back patio.

If you've been pacing yourself in the alcohol category, congratulations! You are part of the lucky few who can advance to the 3rd round of Summer Sundays- Kasmierz http://kazbar.net/. A hidden gem in the heart of Old-Town keeps cool with an amazing selection of wines and live musical talent.

Sunsets at Wrigley, bocce at the Vig and dancing at Kasmierz- the perfect Summer Sunday.

Follow me on twitter for updates on the scene http://twitter.com/CultureRut

Taste This

Phoenix joins the epicurean elite. Chef Eric Gitenstein puts the secret into service with his underground supper club http://www.mftasty.com/. Reserve your spot for his one and only Citrus Tasting Menu on June 6th.