Arizona

 Phoenix, AZ 

    This was my first time in the Southwest and Arizona did NOT disappoint!  We truly did not spend enough time in this state and have already started talking about when we will go back next.  This East Coast city girl was pleasantly surprised and impressed the with the beauty of the landscape, the lack of humidity frizzing my hair (I know all my southern girls hear me!), and the size of the cacti!  I had read Cactus Hotel  to my first graders dozens of times, but didn't really get the grandeur of this specimen until all 5'3" of me stood next to it secretly hoping that two cacti I was planting on my windowsill back at home would grow to at least half this height. 

 

 

         If you are planning a trip to anywhere in the Southwest, I highly recommend renting an SUV (we rented a Mitsubishi Outlander) to explore the landscape in.  Even though it was just the two of us, it was nice to have the extra space for our camping equipment, our personal items, and some elbow room to move around (and take pictures!).  

    As far as where to stay, there is no shortage of hotels or Airbnb's to choose from.  We ended up reserving a room from a lovely British lady, Christine at the Happy Valley House.  Our room wasn't ready until much later after we had landed, so we had lunch at, what I would describe as similar to Chipotle or Qdoba, a place called Cafe Rio.  Y'all.  I know I'm writing about a "fast food" category restaurant, but it was so good!  When you first walk in they are making hand making fresh made tortillas in front of you.  They heat it on a "comal" which I later learned is an essential cooking tool in Mexican cuisine.  They coated the tortilla with a cheesy, buttery coating before warming it up and it was *chef's kiss*.  Michael ordered a steak quesadilla and I ordered a salad with grilled chicken.  They advertise how all their ingredients are local and fresh made daily and it truly tastes like it!  If you're looking for a place for a quick bite that won't burn your wallet but still is filling and delicious, this is a 10/10 recommendation from me!  

    After checking into our room and taking a much needed nap from a early morning of travel, we headed to a unique cocktail bar I had been looking forward to trying since I saw it on TikTok weeks before.  36 Below is a fun and unique speakeasy in downtown Phoenix with eccentric and distinctive cocktails.  You have to reserve a spot on their website for a 90 minutes time slot for $25 per person, however what you pay at the time of your reservation goes straight towards your bill.  When we first arrived, we actually walked into the wrong bar, Undertow (which, when we got back we will try because it had such a cool vibe!). 36 Below is located across the street underground Sip Coffee and Beer Garage.  You are greeted at the top of the stairs by a hostess who takes you down to your table.  You are immediately immersed into what feels like a garden of vines and other greenery.  In fact, after reading more about their story on their website, 36 Below was created after inspiration from the 36th verse in Genesis 2:5.  In the time you are there, there are screens around the room that show a mountainous back patio scene that start off making you feel as if you are enjoying a refreshing drink during the day.  As your time there lengthens, a sunset begins and you gradually are taken to the same scene during night time.  Towards the end of your reservation, you are taken back to day time.  It truly feels as if you are relishing an exquisite drink with a loved one who you have just stayed up all night and into the early hours of the next day talking with.  Such an experience!      

    

    Michael and I would have tried every single drink had we not had dinner reservations.  Michael ordered two of the Utopia drink which was a perfect mixology of bourbon and cinnamon bitters which a toasted marshmallow garnish and encased between a wooden plate and a glass case giving it a oak smoked taste and performance.

    I had the the Gate to Eden and Castle in the Sky cocktails which were both truly devine.  Gate to Eden is a perfect mix of Rittenhouse Rye, rhubarb and pineapple amaro, orgeat, lemon and garnished with a grapefruit slice.  I was surprised how much I enjoyed this drink because I am not much of a dark liquor drinker, but it had a great spice and lightness to it and was truly enjoyable.  Our server then suggested I try Castle in the Sky which is definitely more my thing as it is mixed with Naran Mezcal, Ramazotti Aperitivo, rose, lime, grapefruit, and Aquafaba.  I'm a tequila lover so this hit my tastebuds just right.     

 

       36 Below has so many photogenic and Insta worthy opportunities.  We saw drinks delivered that appeared as if someone were drinking out of a flower pot (Seed of Innocence) and another (Garden of Gypsies) that was delivered on a moss covered sliced oak stump that turned purple as your mixed your cocktail (pictures below are not mine).  It was such a fun and amazing experience and if you are ever in Phoenix, AZ for the night I highly recommend making a reservation and immersing yourself in this fun escape from reality! 

       After cocktails, we headed to our dinner reservations at Fogo de Chão.  Fogo de Chão is a Brazilian steakhouse chain that does not disappoint.  We ordered a bottle of the house Malbec wine and participated in the Churrasco Experience where we ate our fill in cheese bread and a tableside service of fresh cut meats.  I'm not typically a fan of sirloin, but every cut of sirloin they brought to our table was so tender and just melted in your mouth.  The service was impeccable and my mouth is watering just thinking of this dinner!  We didn't finish the wine so our server corked our wine and I finished it the next night at our campsite at The Grand Canyon.  Definitely a winner!