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The Zay Project, a community-focused nonprofit organization dedicated to celebrating and uplifting Black culture through impactful programs and initiatives, announces the return of its 2nd annual A Taste of Melanin. This series of engaging, educational and inspiring events and programs takes place throughout the entire month of February, aligning with Black History Month.   A Taste of Melanin was launched in 2024 by Michael Jackson, president of The Zay Project and founder of Mya Kai Creative Agency, Phoenix’s only Black-owned full-service digital marketing agency dedicated to recreating brands’ images and building their future through its unique approach to design experiences that connect today’s brands to tomorrow’s culture. The event was designed to create inclusive spaces where people can learn about and acknowledge the profound influence of Black people on American culture.   “Our goal is to showcase the rich history, art, music and traditions of Black culture and to help people gain a deeper understanding and appreciation of its many facets. We believe that by sharing these stories, we can create a more just and equitable world for all,” said Jackson. “We were blown away by the response, attendance and feedback after our inaugural series in 2024. We look forward to presenting an even bigger and better A Taste of Melanin this year with the introduction of added events and workshops.”   The A Taste of Melanin 2025 event schedule is as follows:   Silent Disco | 18+ Saturday, Feb. 1 ASU Art Museum Attendees will discover the transformative impact of Black culture on contemporary music and deepen their understanding of protest music.   Miles & Melanin | All ages Sunday, Feb. 2 Tempe Town Lake The transformative power of movement and community takes center stage at Miles & Melanin, an event in collaboration with BLK AZ RUN CLUB. This celebration focuses on embracing healthy lifestyles through energizing workouts, engaging activities and more. Participants will explore the profound connection between fitness, wellness and unity, inspiring a journey toward holistic health and vitality.   Hip-Hop Karaoke | 21+ Saturday, Feb. 8 Stadium Lounge The profound influence of the spoken word and poetry on the evolution of modern day hip-hop will be unveiled during this event. Participants are encouraged to embark on a captivating exploration of the interconnectedness between these expressive art forms in shaping the vibrant landscape of hip-hop today.   Taste of Melanin Restaurant Week | All ages Monday, Feb. 10-Sunday, Feb. 16 Phoenix and Tucson For a full week, participating Black-owned restaurants throughout Phoenix and Tucson will pull out all the stops to showcase their finest representations of traditional cultural cuisine.   Roller Bounce (Skate) | All ages Saturday, Feb. 15 Zoni Girls Roller Rink Much more than a pastime in the Black community, roller skating has long symbolized resistance and unity. Guests are invited to learn more about why roller skating runs deep in the Black community while they roll with pride, skate with joy and celebrate the beauty of Black history.   This is Melanin | All Read more [...]

New Year, new hours! In 2025, Fire at Will is giving guests more opportunities to get in on their delicious dishes by announcing it will be open for lunch service at 11 a.m. daily, beginning on Monday Feb. 3. Lunchtime guests can enjoy the same welcoming community atmosphere, scrumptious food and locally sourced ingredients they have come to expect from the dinner menu, as well as an array of salads, burgers and sandwiches that suit mid-day dining. Menu includes:   Small Plates Truffle Parmesan Fries with ketchup, aioli and house ranch,  $12 French Onion Dip chives, served with Frite Street potato chips, $12 Iberico Ham Croquettes with Harissa aioli, Manchego and scallions, $16 Crispy Brussels Sprouts with nước chấm, roasted peanuts, sesame and Asian pear, $15 Bacon Wrapped Dates with goat cheese, walnuts, muhammara and pomegranate, $16 Macaroni Au Gratin with aged gouda, Manchego, gruyere, parmesan and American cheeses $16; add ¼ lb. lobster for an additional $28 Salads Caesar—Hearts of romaine, croutons, cured egg yolk and parmesan Reggiano, $16 Little Gem—Bacon, Point Reyes blue cheese, tomato, red onion and house ranch, $16 Italian Chopped—Sun-dried tomato, cucumber, chick peas, olives, salami, pistachio, parmesan and red wine vinaigrette, $17 Dinners can turn their salad into a wholesome and hearty meal by adding grilled chicken for $8, grilled salmon or grilled shrimp for $12 each or  ¼ lb. lobster $28. Burgers and Sandwiches All burgers feature two quarter-pound smash patties served on Noble brioche buns and are served with fries.   Hush Burger with caramelized onion, American cheese, pickles and fancy sauce, $20 Bacon BBQ Burger with bacon, BBQ sauce, crispy onion strings, American cheese and aioli, $20 Green Chile Burger with Hatch green chilies, American cheese and chipotle mayo, $20 Crispy Chicken Sandwich featuring a buttermilk fried chicken breast, pickles, coleslaw dressing and honey butter, $18 New England Lobster Roll with Maine lobster, aioli, celery and charred lemon, $32 Big Plates Stacked Enchiladas—Smoked green chile pork, queso Oaxaca, salsa roja, Mexican crema, cabbage and fried egg, $24 Shrimp and Grits—Wild Mexican shrimp, Tasso, holy trinity and Marsh Hen Mill white cheddar grits, $28 Beef Bolognese—Sonoran Pasta Co. mafaldine, basil and parmesan Reggiano, $28 Grilled Faroe Island Salmon—Hawaiian BBQ glaze, sesame, super greens, cucumber, radish and lemon vinaigrette, $34 Steak Frites—Grilled and marinated skirt steak, house steak sauce and Frite Street fries, $36   Sides Frite Street Fries, $9 Grilled Asparagus, $9 White Cheddar Grits, $9 Desserts Chocolate Tiramisu featuring Mythic Goat coffee, cocoa and powdered sugar, $12 Seasonal Cobbler—Fresh fruit, streusel and Grateful Spoon gelato, $12 Gelato Sundae with chocolate fudge, whipped cream, rainbow sprinkles, toasted peanuts and, of course, a cherry on top!, $11 For more information or to make a reservation, visit eatfireatwill.com.

Warm, comforting and classic meals like Mom used to make are so in in 2025! And what could be more quintessentially comforting than meatloaf? With that in mind, Chompie’s has just announced the launch of its new Classic Comforts Meatloaf menu. Available beginning Thursday, Feb. 6, diners can dig into the following meatloaf-centric dishes at all Chompie’s restaurants: Brown Sugar Glazed Meatloaf Plate topped with onion strings, mashed potatoes, homestyle green beans and a cocktail roll; served with gravy on the side for $19.99 Traditional Meatloaf Plate topped with onion strings, mashed potatoes, homestyle green beans and a cocktail roll; served with gravy on the side for $19.99 Traditional Meatloaf Sandwich with bacon, tomato and jack cheese on grilled parmesan sourdough bread; served with fries for $17.99 Brown Sugar Glazed Meatloaf Sandwich with tomato, red onion, green leaf and mayo on sourdough; served with fries for $16.99 This limited-time menu will be available through Wednesday, April 30. For more about Chompie’s, visit chompies.com.

Flour & Thyme is pleased to present an unmatched pasta and Italian wine dinner. On Thursday, Feb. 6, pasta enthusiasts are invited to enjoy this one-of-a-kind experience featuring an incredible five-course meal expertly paired with wines from the premier regions of Italy.   While two wine pairing options will be provided, guests are welcome to select their own bottles, with guidance from Flour & Thyme’s wine director and sommelier team. Bottles of Italian wines will be offered at 15% off. There will also be an opportunity for guests to experience one of the top Barolos featuring the best barrels from their top vineyards from one of the best vintages with ~20 years of age from Magnum, including the 2006 Poderi Aldo Conterno Barolo Riserva Granbussia. Guests can add this opportunity when they book their reservations.   The five-course menu features the following:   Spaghetti a La Chittara—Pistachio pesto, burrata and extra virgin olive oil Girasol—Butter poached crab, mussels, chives and white wine butter sauce Caramelo—3 cheese blend, house-made bolognaise and extra virgin olive oil   Orzo—Preserved truffles and buffalo mozzarella Beef Stroganoff—Egg noodles, crème fraîche and chives   Chocolate Variations—Chocolate mousse, chocolate gateau, chocolate crumble and black pepper vanilla ice cream   The cost for this incredible experience begins at $125 per person, plus tax and gratuity. Wine pairings are available for an additional cost.   To secure a reservation, visit opentable.com/booking/experiences. For more information about Flour & Thyme, visit flourandthymerestaurant.com.

One of Arcosanti’s most unique experience programs is the River Habitat Restoration Weekend, with two weekends offered in 2025—Saturday, Feb. 8 and Sunday, Feb. 9 and Saturday, Mar. 1 and Sunday, Mar. 2. These weekend experiences welcome participants to help the Arcosanti community restore a riparian habitat by harvesting poles from native cottonwood and willow trees and planting them along the Agua Fria River. This volunteer opportunity is part of Arcosanti’s efforts to be an ecosystem restoration community. Schedule is as follows: 8-8:30 a.m. – Meet in the Arcosanti Café for orientation 8:30-9 a.m. – Walk down to the Agua Fria River 9 a.m.-noon – Harvest and collection willow and cottonwood poles Noon-1 p.m. – Lunch (provided) 1-3 p.m. – Process poles These experiences are free; visit eventbrite.com/e/river-habitat-restoration-weekends-at-arcosanti-tickets-1094666509999 to register. To stay the night, guest rooms, suites and camping spots are available for a charge. To learn more about the River Habitat Restoration Weekends, visit arcosanti.org/workshops/experiences/. Email workshop@arcosanti.org to request further information. For more about Arcosanti, visit arcosanti.org.

There’s a new bagel in town! On Sunday, Feb. 9, Chompie’s locations around the valley will roll out its newest variety—the “Eggrything” bagel.   This scrumptious savory flavor features the base of an egg bagel with “everything” seasonings and seeds throughout the dough and sprinkled on top. The “Eggrything” bagel will be available at all locations and can be included in Chompie’s popular Mix and Match box, which includes a baker’s dozen of fresh-baked-daily bagels for just $14.99.   For more about Chompie’s, visit chompies.com.

New year, new schedule! In 2025, Arcosanti has added new dates to its robust calendar of immersive workshops, including the Natural Construction Workshop, the Arcosanti Archives Workshop and the Land Stewardship and Sustainable Technology Workshop.   The Natural Construction Workshop focuses on building using natural earth technology. Participants can learn how to work with natural materials such as clay, rock and reed to construct rock walls, cobb bricks, rammed earth, reed screens and clay plaster. Each four-week program is $1,550 and includes tuition, five-day per week lunch, housing, facilities and field trips. The 2025 workshop dates are as follows:   Monday, Feb. 10-Friday, March 7 Monday, Apr. 7-Friday, May 2 Monday, May 19-Friday, June 13 Monday, July 21-Friday, Aug. 15 Monday, Sept. 8 – Friday, Oct. 3 Monday, Nov. 3-Friday, Nov. 28 Monday, Dec. 29, 2025-Friday, Jan. 23, 2026   For more information and to apply, visit: arcosanti.org/workshops/construction-workshop/.   The Archives Workshop allows participants to help preserve history as it unfolds through this hands-on four-week program. Attendees will discover and document past work for posterity, including art, sketches, text documents, construction documents, architectural models, drawings and photographs. Each four-week program is $1,550 and includes tuition, five-day per week lunch, housing, facilities and field trips. The 2025 workshop dates are as follows:   Monday, Feb. 10-Friday, March 7 Monday, Apr. 7-Friday, May 2 Monday, May 19-Friday, June 13 Monday, July 21-Friday, Aug. 15 Monday, Sept. 8 – Friday, Oct. 3 Monday, Nov. 3-Friday, Nov. 28 Monday, Dec. 29, 2025-Friday, Jan. 23, 2026   For more information and to apply, visit: arcosanti.org/workshops/archives-workshop/.   In 2025, Arcosanti also presents two Land Stewardship and Sustainable Technology Workshops, one in the spring and one in the fall. This four-week workshop helps participants connect to the majestic High Sonoran Desert of Arizona while learning new skills and helping to create community.   Attendees will learn how to steward land and sustainably manage water in a desert through hands-on experiences such as improving a rainwater catchment system, restoring and tending a bioswale orchard, adjusting solar panels for an aquifer well pump and more. The spring four-week program takes place Monday, Apr. 7 through Friday, May 2; the fall four-week program runs from Monday, Nov. 3 through Friday, Nov. 28. Each four-week program is $1,550 and includes tuition, five-day per week lunch, housing, facilities and field trips.   For more information and to register, visit arcosanti.org/workshops/land-stewardship-workshop/.   To learn more about all of Arcosanti’s workshops, visit arcosanti.org/workshops/. Email workshop@arcosanti.org to request further details.   For more about Arcosanti, visit arcosanti.org.

Fall in love with the Valentine’s Day specials at Randy’s Restaurant! In honor of the most romantic day of the year, Randy’s Restaurant presents two specials, available throughout the weekend. Kick the romance into high gear bright and early with the Oscar Egg Benedict featuring crab atop a tenderloin, egg and hollandaise on an English muffin. This special is available during breakfast service Friday, Feb. 14, Saturday, Feb. 15 and Sunday, Feb. 16 for $24.99. During dinner service on Friday, Feb. 14 and Saturday, Feb. 15, lovebirds can enjoy the Filet Oscar special featuring a filet, crab, hollandaise and asparagus for $24.99. For more about Randy’s Restaurant, visit randysrestaurantaz.com.

In celebration of the love-liest day of the year, Phoenix City Grille is rolling out a sweet Valentine’s Day prix fixe menu. This three-course menu is just $75, plus tax and gratuity per person, and is available during dinner service on Friday, Feb. 14:   First Course, choice of one: New England Clam Chowder Roasted Corn Soup with poblano relish Arugula Salad with fennel, candied pistachios, red onions, orange segments and basil oil vinaigrette Burrata Cheese with grilled bread and olive oil Romaine Salad—Romaine hearts, heirloom tomatoes, garlic croutons, Romano cheese and green chile citrus dressing   Second Course, choice of one: Peppercorn Crusted Beef Tenderloin with pomegranate gastrique, parsnip leek puree and caramelized cipollini onions; add sautéed shrimp for an additional $10 Colorado Herb Crusted Lamb Chops with mint pesto, sweet potato two ways and Meyer lemon gastrique; this selection is an additional $10 Rose Lane Chicken—Pan roasted, skin on all natural chicken breast, tarragon pan jus, Yukon Gold smashed potatoes and roasted carrots Cedar Plank Salmon—Faroe Island citrus-horseradish crusted salmon, fingerling potatoes, roasted carrots and lemon aioli Prosciutto Wrapped Pork Tenderloin with crispy fingerling potatoes, sauteed green beans, warm bacon vinaigrette and cherry tomatoes Vegetable Plate—Grilled asparagus, roasted squash, harissa-glazed carrots, arugula, tepary beans, dried cranberries, pumpkin seeds and crispy fingerlings potatoes   Dessert Course, choice of one: Red Velvet Cheesecake with chocolate cookie crust, traditional cheesecake and seasonal berries Espresso Pot De Crème with biscotti, Chantilly cream, spiced Arizona pecans and berries PCG Original Buttermilk Pie—Sweet buttermilk custard and caramel sauce   Diners can add the following accoutrements to round out their meals:   Tuna Crudo with ponzu sauce, Fresno peppers, scallions, ginger, toasted sesame seeds and sriracha aioli, $20 Wild Mexican White Shrimp Cocktail with spicy cocktail sauce, $18 Eggplant Bites with piquillo peppers, tomato jam, goat cheese, arugula, sherry vinaigrette  and balsamic reduction, $16 Salmon Skewer with romaine hearts, heirloom tomatoes, piquillo peppers, Romano cheese and green chile citrus dressing, $18 Bacon Wrapped Shrimp—stuffed with cotija cheese, wrapped with smoked bacon and served with chipotle aioli, $14 Slow Simmered Green Chile Pork served in a skillet with Mama Lola’s tortillas and toppings, $18       For more about Phoenix City Grille or to make a reservation, visit phoenixcitygrille.com.

Love is in the air at FOUND:RE Phoenix Hotel and Match Market & Bar this Valentine’s Day! The day of romance will be honored with a special Valentine’s dinner menu at Match Market & Bar and a lovely accommodations package at the hotel.   Match’s three-course Valentine’s dinner menu is offered Friday, Feb. 14 and Saturday, Feb. 15 and includes: Salad Course—Seared Scallops with frisee, grapefruit and mint-champagne vinaigrette paired with half bottle Nik Weis Riesling    Entrée Course—Beef Wellington with white asparagus and truffle sauce paired with half bottle Valravn Cabernet Sauvignon    Dessert Course—Strawberry Mousse with genoise cake served with two signature “Agave Noir” cocktails featuring tequila, cacao, chipotle, orange bitters   The Valentine’s Dinner is $69 per person; optional wine and cocktail pairings are an additional $30++ per person.   To extend the romance beyond the dinner table, the “Best of my Love Package” is available exclusively on Friday, Feb. 14 and Saturday, Feb. 15. Bookings are now available for this package, which includes:   A remarkable room at FOUND:RE Phoenix Hotel Alice mushroom chocolate Sex oil   This package starts at $339 per night, plus taxes and fees. Reservations for hotel stays and dinner can be made at foundrehotels.com and matchphx.com.