TeHaru Sushi

Whenever we’re starving and want to sit and eat immediately, we’ll head over to TeHaru Sushi. Three miles from the house, it takes zero time to get there and all the raw fishies are already prepared and waiting for us to arrive! Lately, however, we’ve been feeling like we told too many people what a great find this revolving plate feast is… because they’ve been totally packed now when we show up and we’ve had to WAIT!

Despite that, we’re happy for them that business is going well. We want them to flourish and stay in the neighborhood for a long time! My light lunch of dumplings didn’t tide me over to quiet my rumbling tumbly, so I was pleased when a number of tables decided to leave all at the same time, which cut down the seating delay considerably.

Star of India

Walking distance from our house, we love to stroll over to the Star of India and systematically try everything on their menu.  Stopping in for the lunch buffet today included:

• Papadam – crispy flatbread
• Naan – piping hot fresh from the clay oven
• Tandoori chicken – chicken marinated in yogurt and mild spices, cooked in its own juices over hot charcoal, roasted in Tandoor
• Malai Kofta – Vegetable and cheese dumplings cooked in a special sauce
• Mixed salad

Pomegranate Cafe

As we were walking to Star of India for dinner the other night, we passed by the window for the Pomegranate Cafe and its pink painted walls and lucky bamboo accents peeking through the darkness intrigued me. Soft opening only two weeks ago, they haven’t done much in marketing yet, so let’s help them get the word out! Their vision was to create a space where delicious flavor and nutritious ingredients come together with extraordinary service in a unique, earth-conscious environment. They have definitely succeeded!

Strong Coffee and Even Stronger Women

The Coffee Buzz in Ahwatukee presents an art showing titled Strong Coffee and Even Stronger Women, on display until 3/11/2010. I first learned about the art opening a couple of weeks ago from Karen Hernandez, one of the participating artists and also a Coffee Buzz team member. We walked over to the neighborhood java spot after dinner to join the festivities, listen to wonderful music and meet some the artists.

Rabbi Albert Plotkin (9/13/1920-2/3/2010)

I sang at a special memorial service at All Saints’ Episcopal Church, celebrating the life and ministry of Rabbi Albert Plotkin, who was our Rabbi-in-Residence and Old Testament expert. Just a couple of weeks ago, on Sunday 1/24/10, Rabbi Plotkin gave a rousing sermon for us at his “favorite parish”. Re-counting his personal interfaith and interracial actions, including being instrumental in bringing Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. to Phoenix during the Civil Rights Movement, Rabbi Plotkin inspired and moved us to bridge differences and draw communities closer together.

Desert Schools Federal Credit Union

I got into action today to finally put more of my money where my mouth is, after being inspired by Russ Baurichter‘s blog on Local First Arizona News (text included below; click on the title to link back to the original posting and also watch the video!)  Having retrieved my most recent paycheck from the mailbox, I took it straight to the Ahwatukee branch of Desert Schools Federal Credit Union and opened up new local savings and checking accounts.

Maizie’s Cafe and Bistro

On Sunday afternoons there is always a spirited debate as we’re leaving church… the age old question: “What should we get for lunch?!” Sometimes if we get engrossed and chat a little longer at coffee hour, then run a little later than normal, we might find ourselves patiently waiting outside with at least 20 minutes to be seated at any given restaurant. This week we got smart and had a plan to divide and conquer. One of us left early to put our name down for a table at Maizie’s Cafe, just south of Camelback on Central Avenue!

10% Shift – Conscious Spending

Local First Arizona has had various media coverage regarding its 10% Shift movement and how making conscious spending choices can benefit our community economy!  Excerpts of their postings are included below.  Please click on the article names to go to the Local First Arizona site and see all of their great information in its entirety.

Phoenix Art Museum – Ikebana

The Phoenix Art Museum boasts live music and free admission for First Fridays. We specifically attended tonight to enjoy the special Ikebana exhibit. My favorites had interesting angles, simplicity or color combinations. An exquisite display of flower art, the pieces will be on display from Friday, February 5, 10 AM – Sunday, February 7, 5 PM.

Michael’s Creative Jewelry

People often comment on our wedding ring set because it is so unique. Before becoming engaged, we had many conversations of likes and dislikes regarding ring style. I leaned towards contemporary and non-traditional, steering away from the solitaire. I wanted something with personality, that would match our individuality. I also happen to love the color blue so much that Blue was my nickname in college, and sapphires especially appealed to me.