Page 30 March 2014 Citrus blossoms produce springtime memories By Heather Kinkel You know what was a really spectacular year? 1999. El Nino, Y2K, and Pokemon were all the rage. The spring of 1999 in Arcadia was also amazing. I married the love of my life that gorgeous spring on a sunny 75 degree day. Then I went on my honeymoon and missed out on my favorite part of spring in Phoenix. I remember arriving home mid-March after 10 glorious days in the tropics, and realizing that the blooms were completely gone from the citrus trees, along with the long-anticipated fragrance. Needless to say, I was very disappointed. I think we can all agree that March in Phoenix is pretty fantastic. With the scent FLOWER CROWN Floral wire Floral tape Pair of wire-cutters or pliers Sprigs of citrus leaves and blossoms (make sure to snip off any thorns) • Bend wire in half to create a double-strength wire, then attach ends to create a circle. • Twist ends of wire together to secure circle. • Arrange the citrus sprigs around the wire in desired shape and pattern, then attach by winding various areas. on any sharp spots that may be exposed. cool mornings and evenings, the days are quite heavenly. As a native, I’ve come to anticipate the seasonal changes in Phoenix, and I know many others do the same. In fact, I know a handful of people who, every spring, mail a little package of our sweet citrus Lunch | Dinner | Social Hour (3-6pm) | Cocktails 2119 E Camelback Rd Ste A21 • Phoenix AZ 85016 602.368.8766 • grassrootscamelback@gmail.com www.grassrootsAZ.com in Town & Country at 20th & Camelback Lunch | Dinner | Happy Hour (3-6pm) blooms to their friends and relatives in other climates. For years, my mom mailed Northwest, a tidy box of fresh blooms. Opening that box was my aunt’s way of experiencing a reminiscent dose of home. My own kids are beginning to pick up on the blessings of every season, and this spring is no different. This March, crown, and let those memories of spring in Phoenix begin to bloom in her own mind.
Page 31 March 2014 The Attic earns high marks for food and atmosphere By Amanda Goossen Inspiration comes from doing what you love. For Ryan Nishijima, the enthusiasm and knowledge he has for his job has blossomed into one of Arcadia’s newest and most enjoyable eateries. Last April when brothers Cary and Ivan Morrow (Sacks Art of Sandwicherie) decided to close their two and a half year old Arcadia restaurant, Cave and Ives, which sat directly above their beloved sandwich shop in the heart of the neighborhood, their longtime bartender pitched them an idea. The Attic. Having built strong relationships with his customers over the past two years, they would want out of a neighborhood restaurant. Instead of having an upscale eatery in the location, Nishijima believed Arcadians needed a lounge type restaurant, still taking advantage of the gorgeous view of Camelback mountain and the oversized screen televisions positioned for an ultimate bar scene and a more casual atmosphere for the neighborhood to simply hang out and eat. The food, too, would need a slight adjustment. And an emphasis would be placed on craft beer. The Morrow brothers decided to give it a try. Putting their faith in the man who had manned their bar, they gave him an opportunity to prove himself. And within months, he did. Ivan Morrow worked with Nishijima to adjust the menu. Keeping almost all of the menu from Cave and Ives, as well as a few of the appetizers, the focus was placed on keeping things simple and highlighting what ! The Ivan Burger, named for owner and recipe designer, Ivan Morrow, was always on the menu. But once the restaurant transitioned to The Attic, more emphasis was placed on it and its place on the menu. " # original Cave and Ives menu, has now helped to develop the sauces, the burgers, and the wings, manipulating Nishijima’s vision. Together, the two have worked together to create a place everyone can be proud of. While the Morrows still own the place, Nishijima is the idea man and is in # day operations. His efforts have quickly helped The Attic become a popular new spot in a city where cool eateries are aplenty. “It’s all gone way faster than I ever thought,” said Nishijima. Word of mouth by loyal friends, customers $ % grow so much that many nights there’s even a wait. And the little restaurant that could, which began with Nishijima manning all stations and even staying after hours to do the cleaning himself, now has a full staff of 19 bartenders, waiters and staff. “The word of mouth has been so fast,” said Nishijima. “It’s really crazy how that works.” Beer events are held regularly, with breweries coming to host. Wednesday nights are burger night, with Beer/Burger for $10. % # % ' * + * - ! $ 2 March 6. The walls are adorned with guitars and concert posters, many of which were donated by loyal customers. The Attic 4247 E. Indian School Rd. www.facebook.com/theattic4247 602-955-1967 The Ivan Burger at The Attic has been named one of the Top 5 Burgers in the World. The chalkboard of beers is constantly being updated at The Attic. For Nishijima, satisfaction comes from seeing the progress. “People seem to really like it,” he said. “It has just worked, I’m ecstatic.” And in this writer’s humble opinion, The " - topped with the typical burger condiments and placed on an absolutely beautiful pretzel bun, is quite possibly one of the most delicious things I’ve ever tasted. And I’m not the only one who thinks so. Last July, only months after The Attic opened, The Burger Guide stopped by and took a taste. They would then name The Ivan Burger one of the Top 5 Burgers in the World. Talk about a compliment! The Attic walls are adorned with music posters and guitars donated by customers and friends. Follow us on