Magic and/or food in Phoenix?

[erdnasephile]

I will be in Phoenix, AZ shortly and am wondering if there is anything there magicwise you would recommend to see or do?

Also, I am staying about 5 miles from the airport and will have to eat dinner out every night. Any restaurants you would care to recommend? (I'll eat just about anything).

Many thanks!

[mr_goat]

I had the most amazing mexican food in Tempe. Can't remember the name of the place though.

Hope that helps.

Damian

[Jim Riser]

Try to fit in a performance by Carnival of Illusion to see a unique live performance of magic. Family friendly too!

https://www.carnivalofillusion.com/

[observer]

Texaz Grill (not a typo)

The Breadfruit & Rum Bar

Pomo Pizzeria

Pizzeria Bianco

Phoenix Public Market Cafe

Richardson's Cuisine of New Mexico

They all have websites with info re location, opening times, etc.

[erdnasephile]

Awesome--thanks all--I'll look them up. Any more?

[Tom Gilbert]

When I was in Sedona a few years ago there was a listing of a magic shop somewhere around Phoenix, not sure if it's still there.

[Jim Riser]

For food:
Lucille's Smokehouse BBQ
YC's Mongolian BBQ
La Parrilla Suiza Mexico City type Mexican food

This is Arizona. There are other great Mexican restaurants everywhere you look.
Jim

[Fredrick]

Book dealer, Andy Greget, is located in Scottsdale. He doesn't have a website or email so a phone call is required. Easely's Costume and Fun Shop is still in business I believe. The caveat is that it's magic section is small.

Yes - I concur with the others. There are many wonderful restaurants.

[erdnasephile]

Fredrick: Dumb question before I call: what is the correct pronunciation of Mr. Greget's last name?

[erdnasephile]

I did find this B & M shop: http://wackyzacksmagic.com/ Anyone know if it is worth visiting?

[Brad Jeffers]

Anyone know if it is worth visiting?

Now is that a question you would have asked yourself at age twelve?

Of course not!

So get in touch with your inner child and never pass up the opportunity to visit a real magic shop.

The day might come when this could be your last chance ...

[erdnasephile]

Good point, Brad.

You're quite right: when I was a kid, I begged my Mom and Dad to take me to see the magic shops in every city we went to on vacation. Saw some wonderful places. Al's Magic in DC stands out--the man himself sold me a copy of "Greater Magic"--had to borrow some cash from the peeps for that one, but I thought I had literally found the Holy Grail!

However, as an adult, some shops I've been to in my travels have unfortunately been gross disappointments, staffed by either the unwelcoming, rude, or unknowledgeable (sometimes all 3 at once). Shoot--even my own local shop has recently stopped letting customers browse books anymore, which makes it nearly pointless for me to go down there after years of buying lots of stuff.

Still, hope springs eternal--perhaps Wacky Zack will indeed restore my faith.

[Tom Gilbert]

Wacky Zack's has 20% off all Zombies in stock.

[erdnasephile]

Awesome! I'm there!

[Fredrick]

Excellent question - I have only spoke to him in person at his booth at MagiFest. I just called him Andy.