Sandwich creation is a personal adventure. John Montagu, Earl of Sandwich, is the creator. He creates it to solve the problem of being able to continuously gamble instead of stopping for supper. Today it is the most popular lunchtime meal.
Other great ideas to celebrate each meal with a sandwich. You can start with an egg, meat of your choice, cheese, and use toast, English muffins, bagels, or croissants. Lunchtime enjoys a favorite from peanut butter and jam to turkey ham sandwich. Dinner there is always hot ones like French dip, pulled BBQ pork, hamburger, or Monte Cristo.
My husband and I enjoyed a wonderful evening at The Moxy in Tempe Arizona. A great anniversary “staycation”. The first night we were at the hotel we enjoyed an evening of exceptional Italian food, drinks, company, and beautiful fashion. This night was ours to savor and enjoy. This boutique hotel brings a place for the modern travel that is relaxing, peaceful, and fun.
Grand Opening
Moxy Hotel Grand Opening
The Moxy owned by Marriott managed by 24/7 opened the first Moxy in Milan Italy. The Tempe place opened with a traditional Italian dinner and fashion show. They now have 7 opened throughout the United States and Europe. The hotel concept is about an independent that wants to make the rules.
Moxy Hotel
When we arrived check-in takes place at the bar. The lobby looks a lot different from the first night. There is no runway, but a look and feel of entering your home. The check-in takes place at the bar. The staff is young and casually dressed. The room comes with a complimentary cocktail called “The Moxy.” This is a light refreshing lime-aide with a little kick.
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The lobby fills with travelers listening to records, playing pool, enjoying books, computer, 1980 video games, board games, and more. There is a nice pool that is heated for cooler winters. It is like being at home. A long table to sit and enjoy your meal with new friends. Commissioned artwork fills the lobby. This selection took place through an online process.
We enter a room with casual styling. The decor is from Ikea and a LoveSack for relaxing. It is a decent sized room with an old-fashioned phone with a number of bedtime stories. The bathroom is close quarters, but a great shower with dual nozzles. You need extra towel or ironing they have an “ironing room” on each floor. Here you can get clean towels, linens, and iron a shirt. There was a very small patio and small is the keyword. You can stand on the patio, but that is all it is super small. There was a great place to hang my hat and scarf. The hotel room is exceptionally clean.
The decor was fun and spirited. All doors have “disturb” painted on them. The Do Not Disturb sign has a nice looking half-dressed man laying on a bed. The wall decor is thematic with great sayings on some pictures. The floors are wood with throw rugs. Loved this idea. Living in Phoenix there is very little need for the warmth of carpeting. The one downside in the room was the pillows.
Moxy HotelMoxy HotelMoxy Hotel
Moxy Hotel
There is a long mirror perfect for getting ready for the evening. I did make the evening fun by dressing as a 1950 wife. Styling for the evening included: a dress purchased through Amazon. This was a first for me purchasing clothing online. The dress was a knit black dress with a doll collar, hung just below the knee, and fit the theme for the evening very well, short black gloves with a pearl ring over the top, hair L’Oréal Techni Art Dual Styler, Jazzy eyeshadow, YBF lipstick, and Revlon powder. Completing the styling was my wedding veil and a set of pearls from my husband.
The ride down the elevator to the lobby included the ride a moment for a selfie. The elevator is equipped with selfie props and a couple of backdrops. Attach your photos with #AtTheMoxy and they show up on Instagram. This made for a wonderful memory and some fun photos.
Moxy HotelMoxy Hotel
Anniversary Dinner
The hotel restaurant is a self-service collection. You help yourself to a wide choice of beverages, snacks, and quick meals. The kick is you “do it yourself.” There are many great local restaurants in the are to enjoy. We enjoyed sushi at Kobe. This was the place our first date. We enjoyed a nice glass of wine. We sat in the bar area just like our first date.
Kobe
Moxy Bar
The evening closed out at the bar enjoying “The Moxy”Bacardi Cherry Rum infused cocktail with our traditional anniversary cake from Variations Bakery. It is a white cake (best sponge cake, banana filling, and whipped cream icing). The staff very helpful and they enjoyed our cake with us. The bar has a floating ceiling that comes from a reclaimed Kentucky horse barn/fence. It was great enjoying the bar after hearing the story from the architect who designed the hotel at the opening night party.
Moxy Hotel
Moxy Hotel
Moxy Amenities
As we checked out of the hotel we left our names on the large chalkboard wall in the back of the lobby. Each section of the lobby is themed for the entertainment surrounding the area. There is a large working area with MAC computers. Towards the front of the lobby a large choice of records and a record player. The best of the lobby for me was the bikes you can take out for biking. This is a great place for bike riding with Tempe Town Lake and the college campus nearby. My husband was thrilled about the pool table in the lobby.
Moxy Hotel
Moxy Hotel
The hotel that brings a new wave of travel experiences. It was a great accommodating hotel with a ton of independence to experience our adventures. This hotel has been called a hostel type with an upgrade. This hotel is not a hostel with an upgrade, but a nice affordable boutique providing the independent traveler with a beautiful stay.
Moxy Hotel
Moxy Hotel
Harlow’s Cafe
We stopped on the way home to Harlow’s Cafe for breakfast. This local restaurant is near the hotel. They offer a very straightforward traditional breakfast. The service was spot on, food that is tradition American Cafe menu. Conversations carried through the air with the smells of eggs, syrup, and coffee.
What is old is new again. We see this in film, television, summer fashion trends, and food. The concept of farm to table is beginning to take traction in America. The concept that food is healthy, increases energy and provides proper nutrients is a value many are finding for their lifestyle.
Modern Market
Anthony Pigliacampo, co-owner of Modern Market, decides in 2009 the time was like no other to step aside his corporate job and begin a change in food choices for eating out. The ability to find a healthy choice at a reasonable price was the basis for the restaurant. This was the beginning of Modern Market.
Modern Market
Modern Market brings the farm to table concept with a modern flair. The food is prepared from farm fresh ingredients in each location each day. The staff is trained and well prepared to cook each meal from scratch that nourishes the mind and body. The food philosophy is, “Have you ever noticed, when you eat great food you feel good?”
Modern Market Staff
Pigliacampo attends the soft opening of Ahwahnee’s Modern Market. He states, “healthy food, every ingredient we consciouslysource. “We actually find the vendor, negotiate with our vendors about the quality products. Arizona is a good location for farm to table. Many of our greens are literally 30 hours ground to our restaurant.” The philosophy is a holistic view on health, added sugar is the devil and good fats are friends.
Modern Market Dinner Plates
Modern Market serves breakfast, lunch, dinner, and catering. The menu includes:
The evening was a delight. We enjoyed a warm cozy atmosphere. The menu is wholesome ingredients. The freshness was filled with savory flavors. Ray and I enjoyed:
Chicken Breast
Hormone and antibiotic free herb roasted chicken with chimichurri sauce
Macaroni and cheese
Roasted asparagus (the asparagus did not have the woody area removed)
The restaurant provides self-service for ordering & drinks, prices affordable and warm atmosphere. The menu was beautifully simple. Looking forward to a healthier choice when eating out.
