Cheers to you friends.

After a looooong day at work yesterday, Nikki and I hit The W for cocktails then Harpers Nursery to pickup flowers for the office. Little did I know that she was buying extra time for the organizers of my very own surprise birthday party!!!

Holy shit! A surprise birthday party!????

Tis true. Last night, my little house in Tempe was packed with my nearest and dearest pals. Sangria and friends, what could anyone ask for?

I’ll tell ya.

Catering by my new local fave, Taste of the Caribbean!!! (4.5 Stars by The Republic) Curried Goat, Braised Oxtail, Plantains… jebus christ this was all so awesome.

And the guests kept showing up! Including Mrs. Largo herself!

Everyone: Thanks for the gifts, eats but more importantly… thanks for being my friends and spending your evening with me at casa largo. I need you all in my life and I’m so grateful that we’re pals. xoxoxo.

Super shout out to Adam for putting it all together. If you were here, you know how awesometown it was. Yes, this was the best bday gift ever.

Ever.

EDITOR’S NOTE: My birthday is really on Monday, so there’s still time to send gifts and cocktails. (writer’s note: I have no editor)

Whether I need to bike to burn the upcoming consumed calories OR bike to avoid driving while zonked out, here are my favorite nearby spots in my hood. Enjoy!

Essence Bakery Cafe – Heaven on Earth

Hands down, the best restaurant in Tempe. Period. Well, not period, there’s ton’s to say about the fresh pastries, breakfast and lunch menus. According to my personal trainer I’m “dangerously close to this restaurant.” -disclaimer, yes they are a client, but that just proves that 1.) I have good taste 2.) Only the best spots make it to my client roster.
Website | 480-966-2745

El Pollo Supremo – Grilled goodness

You can feed 50 people with 20 bucks. The menu is as basic as it gets, charbroiled chicken or beef. Don’t forget the beans, tortillas and vinegary onions.
No Website | 480-966-3713

Caffe Boa – My watering hole

This is my drinkin spot. Ian the bartender will take care of you! He makes my Negroni’s just the way I like em. Happy hours is a great way to sneak in some munchies with your wine or spirits.
Website | 480-968-9112

Boulders on Broadway – Bar & Grill

Skip the food and come for the beer specials. Odell draft is on the cheaps here! Comfy alternative to the sometimes too-sceney Casey Moores. (full of costume hipsters)
Website | 480-921-9431

Cafe Lalibela – Ethiopian

Tempe is great for ethnic gems, this may be the best. I don’t care if it’s 130 degrees in mid summer, I can always go for the wintry slow cooked, stewed dishes included beef, veg, and my favorite… lamb.
Website | 480-829-1939

-Your food pal, JxP

Yep, that’s me and mom.

Folks at the Phoenix New Times let me ramble about her in a recent story.  She was a good sport, always is.

In fact, she’s a tough old bitch. I like to think I inherited that gene. I always say,  “She kicked cancer’s ass but barely survived raising me.”

Seriously though, she’s great. I’m heading to Glendale to visit her today.

P.S. – Look how insanely happy I am with that fish.

“Ty Largo Dishes On His Mom’s Fry Bread, Tongue and Salad“

Today is our sixth year anniversary.

Can you believe someone would put up with my shenanigans for six years?! Before I talk about how great things are, let’s recap all the reasons why this relationship should never have worked:

1. The first 2.5 years were long distance.
2. I’m a dog lover. He… Well he has learned to love me being a dog lover.
3. We work together. Friends warned of relationship suicide.
4. We have no common ground in music. He sleeps at every opera.
5. I eat out. He eats defrosts White Castle Burgers from the Kwik Mart.
6. He reads books and intelligent magazines, I watch Judge Judy.
7. I can be needy, but he’s always kind and giving.

Despite all the chaos in my life, Adam is still by my side. I’m not the easiest person to live, work or be in a relationship with. Does he like the torture? I don’t know.

All I know is I’m a lucky guy. He’s totally out of my league and all the ladies in our lives are totally jealous.

Happy Anniversary Adam.

-Love, your Little Brown Jug.