Hey there food lovers! So I don’t know if you heard, but I’ll be taking the blog on the road this weekend. I know. ROAD TRIP! We are going all the way to LA. But before I head out, I found a new Phoenix food! Carnivores and herbivores, lend me your ears. This place has a little something for everyone. On my way home today from Town and Country Farmer’s Market, Little Rosie told me about the Public Market in Downtown Phoenix.
This year round market is open four days a week, and is walking distance from Roosevelt Row. Food and art: I don’t know about you guys, but I live for this stuff. An eclectic foodie festival of italian ice, tamales, and smoothies; hummus, hotdogs, and biscotti, I was immediately charmed. The food trucks, parked on the edges on the lot, created a vibrant border. Honestly, the commotion of sights and smells combined with my infamous inability to make a decision left me momentarily stuck. Then I saw it. A veggie jambalaya bowl, with a side of hush puppies from Jamburritos Cajun Grille. Yes, please! I ordered my meal, a total of $12.00, sat down beneath the misters at one of the picnic tables, and was transported to Cajun Veggie Heaven. Rice, tomatoes, cabbage, lettuce, spicy, tangy, yummy, OMG! I was stuffed before I could finish. I would have balked at the price if not for the portion. It was more like two $6 lunches than one $12 dinner. I packed up my bowl, and found myself eyeing the Italian Ice stand on my way out. I’ll let you know how that is when I go back. In the mean time you absolutely need to stop by this market and try some authentic Cajun cuisine!

Hey everybody! So this past weekend I had the pleasure of learning about the arts district of Phoenix, an area called Roosevelt Row. You’ll find on the website that they have an arts festival every first and third Friday of the month, a local theater, local galleries, and of course amazing local food and coffee shops! I spent an afternoon strolling around in that cool way only out-of-towners can effectively accomplish. Eyes wide and camera phone in hand, all I needed was a fanny pack and sun visor, and I was ready for my cover photo of Tourist Monthly. What can I say, I am a sucker for street art and creative counterculture! After about a half an hour of aimless sight seeing, a row of brightly colored bikes lining the corner of 3^rd Street and Roosevelt caught my attention, eventually drawing my eye to Scratch French Café. I pulled open the glass door, and found myself in a cool, modernized space. Photography and art decorate the otherwise clean white walls, and a white bar accompanied by contemporary stools occupies the left corner of the space. Informed by the waitress that I could take a seat anywhere, I had my choice between the bar, a large sleek silver table, and one of the stylish silver four-tops, outfitted with black linen chairs and vibrant place settings. Eating alone quickly steered me toward the second option, it having more of a communal vibe than the others. Now, eating by oneself is an infamously awkward ordeal. I mean, let’s be honest guys, even if you bring a book, it’s not like you are actually able to read very well while you eat. This leaves staring at your food, or at other people eating, neither option very optimal for nonchalance. But as the waitress easily sat down to take my order, I felt myself relax. At the core of the trendy polish is a laid-back attitude. Oh, and AWESOME food! I am a vegetarian, so I ordered a vegan burger with a side of mixed greens and French fries. The burger came topped with pesto and a toasted bun that somehow was buttery without being greasy. It was delicious, so for you meat eaters, just think: if they can make veggies look and taste that good, just imagine what they can do with beef! The French fries were perfect as well. I ran out of ketchup at one point, and despite being offered more, I refused, as they were delicious on their own. Once finished, I had the pleasure of talking with the owner. Duc, a fashion photographer from Paris, came to Arizona about seven years ago. His artful taste permeates both his restaurant and his food, but when asked about the three-month new cafe, he had more to say about the people and his community, earnestly telling me that “without them, [they] are nothing”. He informed me that the people on Roosevelt Row genuinely care about one another, and are constantly connecting with and supporting each other. It is a community on the rise, and he is proud to be part of Roosevelt Row. And after touring both the neighborhood and the website, I understand why. My only complaint was the price, the whole meal rounding out to around $13.00, and that’s only because I’m a college student. I’m programmed to complain about the price of everything. You can find Scratch French Cafe at 7620 E. Indian School Road, or at its new location in Phoenix’s urban arts district, at 1011 N. 3rd Street! Even on a college budget, I will definitely be going back. There are some unfinished deserts I need to attend to!

Hey there everybody! So this past weekend I got to go to my first summer farmers’ market at Scottsdale’s Old Town. Given the weather girl had predicted a hot hot day, I predicted a slow, slow market. She was right. I was wrong. Despite the heat, couples and families (and their dogs!) stopped by to pick up fresh produce and wander around the parking lot turned gourmet bazaar. A few regulars even came by to get their favorite Filipino dressings. Providing all sorts of unique finds, ranging from fresh vegetables to frozen fruit bars, the market turned out to be a well received oasis that Saturday. One particular vendor obtained an especially warm welcome. On our left was the tent for MJ’s Tasty Treats, complete with a green lawn chair, boxes of her gourmet snacks, and a table accompanied by MJ herself, pictured above. She stood by her station, relaxing against the metal tent leg, and kindly asked passers-by if they “would like to try a homemade potato chip”. I mean, really…who would say no to that? And as an eye witness, I can affirm that very few did. Originally from Cincinnati, she moved to Arizona in 1958. And I find it my duty to let you know just how lucky you all are. Because one year ago, she started making her own potato chips, ordering countless different ingredients, and embarking on a journey of trial and error. Eventually, I couldn’t resist the charming trap created by the combination of her genuinely kind demeanor, and those truly delicious looking chips. Do not, I repeat, do NOT let her gentle nature fool you! Her potato chips are packed with powerful flavor, and are deliciously crispy. One bite had me saying “Oh my God, these are good.” I had to hurry up and snap a shot of a box of chips, and good thing too. By the end of the day, she was sold out. So if you can make it Scottsdale’s Old Town Farmers’ Market, be sure to say hey to MJ, and snag a box while you can! But don’t worry if you can’t make it, because guess what…she delivers! Just make sure that once you get your purchase home, you make it very clear which chips are yours and which are up for grabs. My Dad ate mine. I’m still not over it. She doesn’t yet have a website, but you can email her at mjtastytreats@msn.com, or call at (480) 710-8383!

Hi, everybody! Little Rosie’s stepdaughter here. My name is Amanda, I’m a theater major at Ohio State University, and will be spending the summer in Phoenix as a blogger for Little Rosie’s Filipino Dressings & Marinades. Don’t worry, you’ll still be getting the recipes and food recommendations you love to find! I assure you, you’re in good hands. But just in case the assurance of yours truly isn’t quite enough, here’s some info that will (hopefully) ease your apprehension.

You’re most likely thinking: “So How Do You Know Little Rosie?” I met Little Rosie when I was about 3 years old, and living in Phoenix with my mother, although then I only knew her as “giant barbie doll for me to play with, thanks Dad!!”. She’s been a part of my life for as long as I can remember, and truly is family to me. Despite having been born Irish-German, I think some Filipino attributes have rubbed off after spending time with Little Rosie and her family, specifically an appreciation for delicious, healthful food as a way to bring people together, feel good, and enjoy life.

Now you’re probably wondering: “Why Do You Want To Spend Your Summer Writing?” And that’s pretty simple to answer. I honestly enjoy writing, and would like to one day be a playwright. Second of all, I get to tell you about delicious new foods, and try new recipes. There is nothing like a college diet of microwaveable meals and pizza to make you eager to learn how to cook. Little Rosie learned from her mom, and now I get to spend a few months learning from my stepmom!

I hope this settles your nerves! If you have any other questions, feel free to comment and I’ll be happy to share. I look forward to spending the summer with you all!