Buying in the Neighborhood - Edition Five (5)

Welcome back to the Buy In Arizona Campaign Blog!  I hope you had a great first week in 2011.  Lots of activities, meetings, and networking getting underway and it seems that the attitude is much more hopeful and positive as we start this new year.  While its been very cold in many places, what a beautiful week in the Phoenix, Arizona area!  The weather is bright and crisp and fruit is ripe everywhere.  One of the great things about Arizona is that you can get your vegetables and fruit servings everyday without trying very hard.  But there is another major food group that almost surpasses in consumption daily the vegetables, fruits, meat and poultry groups and that is COFFEE!

This week's feature business is Stella's Coffee House www.stellascoffeeaz.com in Gilbert, AZ.  In the world of coffee, focusing on the small and neighborhood coffee house is something that the Buy In Arizona Campaign is addressing.  Stella's is one of the primary indie style Coffee Houses in the area.  The have a very easy going and welcoming environment.  When you look at the drink menu (http://stellascoffeeaz.com/?page_id=132) be prepared to be delighted with the stylish names that all exude indie free spirit and love for the customers and their coffee drinking desires.  Even the hot cocoa and the signature ice teas are special and definitely worth trying.  Coffee is not just coffee unless its made with love and with passion and Stella's Coffee House really strives to serve the customer. 

If you want to get away from the stress of the day, sit down for a good read, have breakfast, brunch, lunch, or a mid-afternoon snack, Stella's is the place to go.  They have a healthy menu (http://stellascoffeeaz.com/?page_id=136) for breakfast with great sandwiches and that include fruit served on the side.  In addition, you have options for the other common pastries and morning type items as well as things to satisfy the sweet tooth.  Lunch is a treat as well with some offerings not even on the menu that are to die for.  With any of the market sandwiches you can't go wrong.  In the afternoon, Stella's offers a Happy Hour from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm daily Monday thru Friday, Drink specials exist for 1/2 off the normal price and sandwich specials too, if you miss breakfast and/or lunch. 

Their seating area inside can host business networking meetings, small business meetings, or any other type of gathering.  The patio section is also great and lets you take in the sunshine and nice weather all the time.  In addition to the standard offerings, because Stella's is an indie style shop, they support and help to promote live music, open-mic events, and definitely have hosted and will be hosting some great local and not so local talent.

Upcoming events that Stella's is hosting besides the live music on Friday's nights are as follows:
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January 14, 7:00 pm - Acoustic, Blues, Folk, Rock n Roll

January 21,  7:30 pm - Open Mic Comedy Night (Come out for some great laughs!!!!)

January 28, 7:30 pm - Open Mic Night (Fund Raiser for Restore Food Panty)

February 4, 7:30 pm - Obadiah Parker (is back for another visit)

Feburary 11, 7:30 pm - Outside the Lines (Rock n Roll mix)
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It's hard to find one location that encompasses so many things but that isn't too commercial to lose the essence of a neighborhood shop, I think Stella's is that location.  Stella's has definitely managed to give the neighborhood the java lift so many need.  Stop by and check out Stella's Coffee House (www.stellascoffeeaz.com - 1430 Warner Rd, Gilbert, AZ 85233, Phone (480) 892-5656) during the week and when you are ready to start the weekend.  You won't be disappointed.

If you are interested in being showcased on this blog, please send an e-mail to BuyInArizonaCampaign@gmail.com with the business website, contact information (e.g. business owner name, phone number and email address), so that a follow up contact can be made to talk with you about your business and what is offered......

Buying in the Neighborhood - Edition Four (4)

Good Day and Happy New Year!!!!!  Is everyone settled in, belts buckled and ready to go?  I hope so as we are in for a wild ride in 2011.  This is a time for new beginnings, new opportunities, new everything.  We should all be ready to hit the ground running and go forward charging for change or making things better.

Thanks again to all the supporters and those taking the time to visit this campaign.  Making a difference and having a cause greater than one's self is something, if you have the energy and the desire, that everyone should think about.  Continuing the journey of supporting local businesses and the economy is the name of the game here.  Since everyone has to eat or meet and possibly network, I have found that Phoenix is a wonderful resource of great restaurants that offer much more than just great food.  Great service and atmosphere add to the menu and make a place that much more memorable.

I've visited Ticoz Resto and Bar http://www.ticozaz.com/Ticoz_Resto-Bar.html more than once.  There is a reason for that.  The menu is dynamite and the service is spectacular.....and definitely worthy of multiple visits.  I still haven't yet tried dessert because I am so satisfied by the happy hour appetizers and dinner I never have room for more.  They have a great bar and sitting area if you don't want a heavy meal and just want to have a drink and relax with small chit chat.  When the weather is warmer they have a lovely outdoor seating area where you can enjoy the quality of space and time.  Inside seating provides for an elegant setting and a great location to host small or medium size parties for your friends, family or business associates.

If I haven't said it enough already, the menu http://www.ticozaz.com/Ticoz_Lunch_%26_Dinner_Menu.html is full of great freshly made items such as the Ticoz Guacammus and Shrimp Ceviche.  As the menu goes for miles with even weekend brunch items, I think it will take a several returns just to master every dish.  The dessert temptation will remain unfulfilled for now but it will be a quest I hope to overcome before the summer time.  Not only does Ticoz provide for a wonderful setting and fabulous meals, but they also support local businesses.  What a find in the Phoenix central area!!!!  Highly recommended and a visit to tickle your tummy with.

If you are interested in being showcased on this blog, please send an e-mail to BuyInArizonaCampaign@gmail.com with the business website, contact information (e.g. business owner name, phone number and email address), so that a follow up contact can be made to talk with you about your business and what is offered......
Special Note:    As a consumer taking action means more than words because there are benefits to the consumer.  Campaigns are meant to edify and celebrate others through referrals and genuine support.  Often times it’s so easy to find individuals and consumers that don't necessarily see value in every purchase they make or dollar they spend places.  And in this economy it really hurts even more when that value is perceived to be lost.  But the businesses that suffer the most are the small to medium size ones, because that impact is greatest to them.  I have always had the philosophy that if you like, love, or just really enjoy something you buy, food you eat, or something you drink you should show your appreciation for it.  It is in that spirit that this blog is being promoted and developed.