A to Z – Patricia of Grab A Plate

Who better to end this season of A to Z than local food blogger Patricia of Grab A Plate because who better to get restaurant reservations than someone who is a food blogger and has lived in the area for 30+ years! There is also something else very special about Patricia. She volunteers at St. Mary’s Food Bank Alliance (which was the world’s first food bank!) as an assistant in its Community Kitchen program. She gives back to her community in the delicious food she crafts and the goodwill her service garners.

Let’s meet Patricia!

[1] Favorite thing about the Phoenix.
I love that I can open my door and go hiking. I can also drive a few miles to get to different trails, or drive a few hours to yet another great spot!

[2] Least favorite thing about Phoenix.
The SUMMER HEAT and the fact that I can’t really get outside much to “play” (at least not in town). I just spent the month of July in Ohio, and it was hard to head back to the heat here in the desert. But when the summer’s heat has gone and the weather turns, we have about 8 months to be happy about!

[3] What differentiates your area of the Valley of the Sun from all the other parts?
For me, it’s personal history. When my husband and I built our home in Cave Creek about 20 years ago, there wasn’t much here. In fact, SR 51 ended at Shea Blvd.! We would go to Safeway in our neighborhood (one of the few stores in the area) and see cowboys on horses out front! If we wanted to go to Trader Joe’s, we’d joke that we had to “head into town” for supplies! I love the open spaces and desert landscape.

[4] Favorite coffee spot in Phoenix.
I love Macy’s in Flagstaff. I haven’t been in a while, but I’ve always loved it!

[5] Favorite spot for drinks in Phoenix.
Jade Bar at Sanctuary in Scottsdale and Valley Bar in Phoenix.

[6] Favorite local hangout in Phoenix.
I love going to the Phoenix Public Market & Cafe. It’s great when the farmers market is open, and I love the cafe for a bite to eat.

[7] Favorite breakfast spot in Phoenix.
Not sure if I have one? I always love the food at First Watch, and there are several locations around town, which is good.

[8] Favorite lunch spot in Phoenix.
Pane Bianco. It’ so good, and the consistency/quality of the food is always spot on. I love the Pizzeria Bianco-style pizzas they serve at night (so much!), but their Roman-style pizza is equally fantastic, in a different way.

[9] Favorite dinner spot in Phoenix.
I love Otro in Phoenix, and Frank and Lupe’s in Old Town Scottsdale.

[10] One thing you always do/spot you always take friends from out of town to do/see.
We always take out-of-towners to Frank and Lupe’s. We’ve been going there for years, dating back to when my high school bestie from Ohio was at ASU for school and would take me when I visited. They serve New Mexican food, and it’s so good!

[11] How do you like to beat the heat?
Leave town (it’s such a quick drive to the Southern California beaches)!

Thanks, Patricia!

You can keep up with Patricia on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest, and of course on her blog. Wherever you catch her, I am sure you will enjoy her Arizona adventures!

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