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Old Town Scottsdale For History, Art, And Cuisine

March 7, 2017 — 3 Comments

Old Town Scottsdale

The small section of town known as Old Town Scottsdale includes a park, a history museum, and a performing arts center. The retail establishments are known for western art and Mexican imports. Native American jewelry and pottery can be purchased, as well as contemporary cowboy and cowgirl fashion. There is a popular farmers’ market on Saturday morning, and many bars and restaurants are scattered throughout the area. Many of the businesses have been in the same location for decades. It is a tourist destination for winter visitors, especially baseball fans who come for Spring Training.

I visited recently for a photo shoot capture some architectural and botanical images, and brunch. I stopped at the centrally located information booth run by Downtown Ambassadors to ask a few questions. I inquired about the Mexican food dining options within walking distance. Susan Sentner and her sidekick Joyce were on duty greeting visitors. They were a wealth of knowledge as well as welcoming, warm, and witty. They helped me locate the perfect brunch for me at the Mission, and furnished me with a list of all the public art in Old Town. I had fun swapping stories with these friendly ladies. They greatly enhanced my knowledge of Old Town as well as my enjoyment of it. After my delightful meal I had run out of time to photograph all the public art pieces. I have saved the list and map for a future project when I return for my next visit.

Joy and Susan

There are volunteer ambassadors to greet and guide visitors at information carts located at both Main St & Brown Avenue and at 5th Avenue and Stetson, seven days a week, from October through May. They are proud of their city and have valuable insights to share with guests. If you go to Old Town make sure you take advantage of their free services to make the most of your visit. They know everything.

Susan Sentner, Ambassador

The Scotts

The Mission

The Mission Brunch

Blacksmith

Old Town Scottsdale

ZorroZ Bloody Mary Mix is a Flavor Treat

March 6, 2016 — 4 Comments

I had a wonderful shopping day yesterday that included the Old Town Farmers’ Market in Scottsdale as well as the Greek Orthodox monastery in Florence, AZ. Tasting all the samples at that wonderful Saturday morning market challenges one to pick favorites because there are so many delicious choices. Since I had a long drive I limited myself to products that would have no problem staying in the car for a while on a warm day. One such product is ZorroZ Bloody Mary Mix. I tasted it and loved the complex flavor. I could honestly just drink it straight up, but Fran Rons, the creator of the magical elixir, provides a card with recipes to spark new ideas for using this tasty liquid party in a bottle. I must try it in sloppy Joes because those are a favorite at our house, much more than Bloody Marys themselves. I also like his meatball recipe which I plan to knock off with a vegetarian nut loaf. Once the bottle is open I know I will be trying it in many ways. Guacamole is another suggestion Fran makes that sounds like a very good idea.

Today is Sunday, and I know that Bloody Mary is the official cocktail of Sunday morning for many people. I have lemons from our tree, some fabulous jalapeño stuffed olives and some celery for the garnish. My own preferred version is actually a red snapper, made with gin. Bob is in the garden working and I have been packing up some home made sauerkraut, making a big mess in the kitchen. We will wait until afternoon to savor our new cocktail mix, using it as a reward for finishing our respective tasks. As I write this post my mouth is beginning to water thinking about it. Are you a Bloody Mary fan, gentle reader? If you are I am recommending this excellent product to bring your cocktail to a new level of excitement. Cheers!!

Fran Rons at the market