A year ago this week Mr. Misadventures and I landed in the Phoenix area to make our new home. It had been a long journey. We quit our jobs, sold our home and cars and left San Francisco in a giant RV in November 2015. We spent 14 months on the road living in the RV and spent 5 dreadful months in Portland where we thought we were going to settle down. But that wasn’t meant to be and we made the epic decision to head to the Southwest and more specifically, the Valley of the Sun. Phoenix is the 5th largest city in the U.S. so we figured it would have a good job market. Even though within the first month of arriving in Phoenix, I got a remote job!

Oh well.

In any case, we are slowly but surely learning our way around and much like my San Francisco Profile and Paris Profile series, the best way to find all the good stuff is to ask others! There is a vast network of very talented Arizona bloggers in the region and I’m tapping into them!

First up is Merichelle of She Forks PHX. I knew I was going to like her when I noticed she was holding a blogger event at an ice cream shop – my kind of girl!

Let’s meet Merichelle!

[1] Favorite thing about Phoenix.

There are so many! But I love the people and food scene! I’ve lived on both Coasts and have found the nicest people to be out here in Phoenix. I also love that the food scene is vibrant and accessible. You don’t have to break the bank to eat out, and to eat good food, too!

[2] Least favorite thing about Phoenix.

The heat in the summer!

[3] What differentiates your area of the Valley of the Sun from all the other parts?

I live in the Melrose District, home of several gay bars and antique/vintage shops. I once got coffee at a converted gas station (Copper Star Coffee), picked up a 1950’s jewelry box at an outdoor vintage sale, and had $3 mixed drinks at a gay bar all in one day. It’s an eclectic mix, and I love it.

[4] Favorite coffee spot in Phoenix.

I’ve been to over thirty and I would still have to say Sip Coffee & Beer Garage in Arcadia! (3620 E Indian School Rd, Phoenix)

[5] Favorite spot for drinks in Phoenix.

My husband loves pubs, so we like to go to George and Dragon (4240 N Central Ave, Phoenix), an English pub on Central. I always order a Boddington’s when I’m there.

[6] Favorite local hangout in Phoenix.

Joyride (5202 N Central Ave, Phoenix)! They have the best specials for Taco Tuesday, and the tacos are delicious!

[7] Favorite breakfast spot in Phoenix.

SumoMaya (6560 N Scottsdale Rd in Scottsdale). I absolutely love the whimsical décor and fusion food of Asian and Mexican, plus it’s great for groups.

[8] Favorite lunch spot in Phoenix.

O.H.S.O.- Paradise Valley (10810 N Tatum Blvd #126, Phoenix)! They have this indescribable brisket mac n’ cheese, and you can get $7 pitchers of beer there, too!

[9] Favorite dinner spot in Phoenix.

That’s a tough one! One of my favorite spots is Harumi Sushi in Downtown Phoenix (114 W Adams St C101), they have large portions of sushi and also roll them with purple rice!

[10] One thing you always do/spot you always take friends from out of town to do/see.

I’m in love with Saguaro Lake. I think the views of both the saguaro and the lake, can be breathtaking, and it’s just so fun to jump into the water.

[11] How do you like to beat the heat?

I like to escape to the nearest body of water, whether that be a pool, lake, or the Pacific Ocean!

Thanks Merichelle!

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

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