As a native New Yorker, I have to say that moving to Phoenix 10 years ago was a shock to the system. While the livin’ is much easier, I missed my downtown New York scene. I missed Soho, the West Village, the Lower East Side but most of all I missed all of my local hangouts. Like the little bodega in my neighborhood that served up a mean café con leche for only $1.50, the pastrami on rye sandwiches at Katz’s Deli on Houston, and the numerous other boutiques, galleries, and local shops that gave the city so much character. The list went on and on. But I have to say that recently that list has seen some competition.
Working in downtown Phoenix’s historic district, I’ve been excited to see local businesses popping up everywhere, the light rail sailing up and down Central Avenue, the growth of ASU Downtown, and tons more. So these days, I can now finally say I am not only happy to be living in Phoenix, but also proud to be a local.
That pride can now be channeled into helping spread the word about where all the great, local places are. E.B. Lane recently became a member of Local First Arizona, and as an agency, we have committed ourselves to helping our local community, and economy, by buying local as much as possible. Shopping local simply means patronizing a business that has local ownership and serves its surrounding community. These local businesses range from smaller mom-and-pop stores to Basha’s grocery store. For every dollar that we spend locally, 45 cents gets reinvested into our community versus only 13 cents when we choose a national chain, and the truth is that these local businesses generally do business with other locals to supply their goods and services. So less carbon footprint for shipping and distribution and more invested into our local economy.
Here are a few E.B. Lane faves:
Every Sunday, Museum Films at Phoenix Art Museum (1 p.m.): Each Sunday, the Phoenix Art museum plays a classic movie. Screenings are followed by related discussion, often led by topic experts. www.phxart.org/events
The first Friday of every month (6 p.m.-whenever): Artlink First Fridays. The largest Art Walk in the nation with self-guided tours of 100 art spaces in and around downtown Phoenix. Enjoy performance art, comedy, music, odd and unusual events and food. Stop by Lost Leaf or Roosevelt’s for a drink or two – they won’t disappoint. www.artlinkphoenix.com
Moira Sushi, 215 East McKinley (lunch & dinner, except Sunday): Had to include Moira, as it’s a great local sushi restaurant right by work and a great pit stop during First Friday. Ask for Lee Michael, the waiter with the bleach blond crew cut. He’s a blast. www.moirasushi.com
Phoenix Public Market Wednesdays (4 p.m. – 8 p.m.) and Saturdays (8 a.m. – 1p.m.): Located on the northeast corner of Central Ave. and Pierce, the market features vendors from across the state selling flowers, organic and locally grown fruits and vegetables, meat and dairy products, roasted coffee, jams and honey, and baked goods. www.phoenixpublicmarket.com
Blues Brunch at Stinkweeds, Sundays: Stinkweeds is an independently owned and operated record shop that opens their doors on Sundays for a blues brunch with local acoustic players. Coffee and breakfast pastries are offered.www.stinkweeds.com
For more information about the local businesses in your own neighborhood, visit LocalFirstAZ.com, follow @LocalFirstAZ on Twitter, or search “Local First Arizona” on Facebook. And make sure you add your local faves to the list in the comments below.
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