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Finding ‘Hidden Gems’

Wednesday, June 9th, 2010

Shopping Local Saves Money And Helps The State’s Economy

More and more valley residents are realizing it’s time to stay put in their homes due to the current market conditions in real estate. We call this group, the “stay-at-homers.” Many are realizing now is not the time to move unless absolutely necessary. As the result, folks are looking for ways to beautify their homes without breaking the bank. (more…)

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Skin Cancer

Friday, March 19th, 2010
Skin cancer a very real threat for Arizonans
Simple Measures Help

With 360 days of sun each year, Arizona is one of the most popular outdoor states in the country. However, there’s a hidden danger, and many families aren’t aware of the full extent of this threat to themselves or their children. (more…)

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Romantic Revelations

Thursday, January 14th, 2010
Romantic Revelations
Three Valentine’s Spots to Set Your Heart On
The East Valley may not be the heart of the culinary world, just yet, but if you want to spend some
special moments with your heart’s desire this Valentine’s Day, here are three local places that combine warmth, good food and an excellent selection of wines.
Cork, 4991 South Alma School Road, Suite 1, in Chandler offers an eclectic menu, explains owner/general manager and sommelier, Robert Morris. “Our menu changes frequently, and we specialize in a multi-course style of dining, with two to three courses the norm,” Morris says. Cork has a small bar/café area for intimate rendezvous. The restaurant’s wine list, with more than 400 selections, has obtained a Wine Spectator
“Award of Excellence,” Morris notes.
Another stop in Chandler is D’vine Wine Bar & Bistro, 3990 South Alma School Road. Owner Mark Nowicki also has a location, the original, in the Las Sendas community of northeast Mesa. The Chandler restaurant opened June 1, 2007.
“D’vine is a comfortable location to unwind, listen to live entertainment and indulge in a chef-driven menu,” says Nowicki, adding that live entertainment is scheduled the evening of Valentine’s Day.
You can also enjoy the D’vine experience at the bar. “Our award-winning wine list is extensive yet approachable,” he says. “Servers are well trained in selecting the optimal wine to complement the guest’s tastes
and/or food choice.” David Newton is the sommelier in charge of the D’vine wine program, assisted by Josh Ronding in Chandler.
The restaurant offers 200 different labels focusing mostly on New World wines — U.S. (in particular, Napa) South America, Australia — with a few Old World French and Italian wines as well.
In Gilbert, consider Vine Expressions Wine Bar, 1030 South Gilbert Road, Suite 103, in Gilbert Town Square. Gilbert residents Darlene and husband Davin Smolnisky opened the town’s first wine bar three years ago.
This year for Valentine’s Day, Vine Expressions is holding an afternoon wine tasting, 2–4 p.m. for couples to enjoy before dining at one of the East Valley’s fine restaurants.
The wine bar offers several hundred different wines from around the world, with more than 30 options by the glass. The glass menu changes every three months to give customers new wine options. Vine Expressions will also special order wines not in the store.
With their wine, customers enjoy appetizers, panini’s, salads and desserts. Wine tastings are every Wednesday, 6 to 8 p.m., and live music is scheduled every Saturday night, 8 to 11p.m.
For Valentine’s Day and any day, Vine Expressions offers camaraderie and good wine. “I love looking throughout the bar at night and knowing almost everyone’s name and how they found me. There is great sense of community among our customers,” she says. “You may walk in alone and not knowing anything about wine, but you walk out with a new favorite wine and having met new friends, telling them you will see them again next week. I can’t imagine it any other way.”
Written by David M. Brown

Three Valentine’s Spots to Set Your Heart On

The East Valley may not be the heart of the culinary world, just yet, but if you want to spend some special moments with your heart’s desire this Valentine’s Day, here are three local places that combine warmth, good food and an excellent selection of wines. (more…)

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Autumn in Bloom

Tuesday, December 8th, 2009
Season’s harvest can create a rustic centerpiece
The holidays offer so many opportunities to showcase the bounties of the season. Take advantage of fall’s colorful gourds and hearty plants to create a centerpiece that celebrates the holiday’s humble beginnings.
Three small cabbage plants can be rooted in a white pumpkin and accented by beaded pins and delicate white blossoms. Smaller gourds surround the arrangement; some have been hollowed out and used as candle votives. Suit your centerpiece to your personal style by playing with different shapes and colors, or swapping seasonal plants for autumnal blooms. Step-by-step, Cyndie Turtoro of Design in Decor (www.designindecor.com) shows you how.
Carve a large opening around the stem of your pumpkin, leaving plenty of room for your arrangement. Remove the stem cap, and use a large spoon to scoop out the seeds and pulp. If using seasonal plants, remove them from their containers and pour any loose soil into the gourd. Extra potting soil may be needed to keep plants in place. If using fresh flowers, line the gourd with plastic wrap, insert floral foam, and add ice water for extra longevity.
Insert plants or flowers and arrange as desired. Tip: Ornamental cabbage, as pictured in this article, is part of the Brassica family, which also includes mustard greens and kale. Brassica plants come in a variety of colors, from deep purple to white, and will keep for long periods of time.
Accent your centerpiece with ornamental pins or beads, rhinestones—anything you wish.
To create candle votives, cut off the bottom of the gourd first, so it will lay flat. Carve out the top, and use a small spoon to scoop out the seeds and pulp.
Tip: Artichokes also make fun, festive votives. Remember to trim the sharp points off of the leaves!
A centerpiece using seasonal plants can be made several days before your event. Turtoro recommends putting arrangements outside at night for longer lasting freshness. Fresh flower arrangements can be made one day before, taking care not to bruise lighter colored blooms.
Lori Archibald is executive editor of LetsPartyMagazine.com. Visit the website for party-planning ideas, how-to articles, recipes, theme parties, DIY décor and more.
Written by Lori Archibald
Photography by Xaris Studio

Season’s harvest can create a rustic centerpiece

The holidays offer so many opportunities to showcase the bounties of the season. Take advantage of fall’s colorful gourds and hearty plants to create a centerpiece that celebrates the holiday’s humble beginnings. (more…)

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