Phoenix things to do: July 30 – August 1

Hello! I’m not in town this weekend, so I must admit, I’ve been a little lackadaisical about finding things to do in Phoenix. Chances are, if you’re into Lady Gaga (who plays this Friday), you already have your tickets and outfit ready for the big show. For the rest of you — stay out of the heat and maybe try something new…like:

Have dim sum @ a Valley location
A friend had suggested Phoenix Palace for delicious BBQ pork and raved about the dim sum. I finally went the other day and I think it might be my favorite destination in town. It was a little fancy, the food was delicious and the bill still came to less than $10 per person — and we were all filled to capacity.

Phoenix sandwiches: Mediterranean Tuna @ Echo Coffee

A friend suggested I meet him at Echo Coffee, an organic coffee spot located in a re-vamped shopping center on 68th Street and Thomas. He uses the modern, open space as a sometime office, and suggested, “They have a really good tuna sandwich…without mayo.”

While I hold no grudges against mayo, I’m a sucker for a delicious sandwich, so I went back and tried it out.

The Mediterranean Tuna is made from tuna, cannellini beans, oil and vinegar on focaccia with a side of olive tepanade; a non-traditional-yet-delicious combination.  I think I might have preferred a more substantial bread,  however this sandwich has launched several at-home recipes. Trial 1: tuna, beans basil, tomatoes with pasta. Another trial, a similar mixture atop toast — like a bruschetta.

Try the original and see if it inspires you.

Echo Coffee
2902 N. 68th St.
Scottsdale, AZ 85251

Phoenix vintage: Hollywood Regency

Hollywood Recency is home of one of the best vintage selections in town. The giant space, located in the back of Zinnia’s antique mall, houses rack after rack of vintage women’s and men’s clothing and accessories.

Women — find anything your vintage-loving heart desires from formal gowns to foundation garments. The hat selection alone will make you rethink your approach to accessorizing.

Men, often neglected when it comes to vintage-stores, can choose from  ties, tie-tacks, vintage suits and a slew of 1960s Hawaiian shirts in bold patterns.

Dotted throughout the store are cool old-school knick-knacks, housewares, books, etc., but the star of the show is, without-a-doubt, the clothing.

Tip: The antique mall can be tricky to find. Pull into Flo’s Thrift Store, and you’ll see the Zinnia’s building in the back on the left-hand side of the parking lot.

Hollywood Regency
724 W. Indian School Rd.
Phoenix, AZ 85013 (Inside Zinnia’s )

One of the accessory display cases.

A small portion of the hat collection.

The men’s section.

Knick-knacks.

Mini Tigers storm Phoenix with Fortress

What’s Cracking Good — Miniature Tigers new album

One of my favorite (now former) local bands, Miniature Tigers, is all grown up.

Their second album, Fortress, is set to hit streets tomorrow, and they are celebrating with a local show for their truest fans — US!

Tickets for the show (also with Spinto Band & Kinch) are available at Stinkweeds, Hoodlums or Zia Records. With your purchase, you will also receive a coupon for a free 7″ of the new single Gold Skull, which  can be redeemed at the show. Arrive early, copies are limited.

Rhythm Room
1019 E. Indian School Rd.
Phoenix, AZ 85014
Doors open at 7:30 p.m.
$10-12