A thoughtful blog entry from Le Templar:
Free-standing Monti’s not in Tempe’s future
October 23rd, 2007 · Post a Comment · posted by letemplar
“I guess I shouldn’t have been surprised by the overlord attitude displayed last week by the Tempe Historic Preservation Commission when its members objected to the proposed development project at the site of Monti’s La Casa Vieja….”
From the Tempe Republic:
“All of the above give Eddie Goitia, managing partner for Monti’s La Casa Vieja, a reason to stroll a few blocks from his office on Mill Avenue and Rio Salado Parkway…”
Calories, Nutrition and Menus: Will Regulatory Pressures Keep Squeezing Operators?
In Starters, his new R&I blog, Chris Muller–who teaches multi-unit restaurant management, branding and growth at University of Central Florida–is willing to bet that regulatory pressures now squeezing restaurants won’t be easing soon. Read the full story >>
Wow..how did I miss this? If any customers have spinning 360 degree heads and projectile vomit, we’ll know why. Anyway, you can expect some strange characters this week on the street:
From today’s Trib:
Reigning queen of horror Linda Blair will be among the celebrity guests at the third annual International Horror & Sci-Fi Film Festival this weekend.
Blair, who is known for her role as the vomit-spewing 12-year-old possessed by the devil in the 1973 horror film “The Exorcist,” will be inducted into the festival’s Hall of Fame with actor Ken Foree (“Dawn of the Dead,” “Halloween,” “The Devil’s Rejects”).
[...]
In addition to Blair and Foree, actors Michael Beck (“The Warriors”) and Claudia Christian (“Babylon 5”) will be on hand for this year’s event.
[...]
“The overall film festival is a smorgasbord of horror, sci-fi horror and cult films,” says Pulido, noting that the festival has three categories — special events, competition feature films and showcase films.Third annual International Horror & Sci-fi Film Festival
When: Friday through Sunday (screening times vary)
Where: Harkins Centerpoint, 730 S. Mill Ave., Tempe
Tickets: $8 (individual screenings) to $100 (all-access pass)
Information: (602) 955-6444 or horrorscifi.com for a schedule of events
Here is more on the subject of consumers who eat out of their own wallet, not an expense account, and how they are trading down to self-service, home meal replacement and fast food. Restaurants that are in the full-service family casual segment are faced with a choice–attempt deep discounting, in which case it is almost impossible to make any profit and your best tipped employees leave (because, not surprisingly, the most bargain-minded customer is invariably a terrible cheapskate when it comes to tipping), or move upmarket and try to start attracting a more affluent customer. Remember, as you can see from the second item quoted below, that in the case of either strategy, the cost of doing business spirals higher each day.
http://www.nrn.com/casualdining.aspx?coll_id=568&menu_id=1426
(Oct. 15) Even as more casual-dining chains dress up their restaurants and menus to lure greater numbers of affluent customers, votes are still out as to whether the strategy works.
[...]
While such chains as Ruby Tuesday, O’Charley’s, The Cheesecake Factory and Red Lobster remain committed to broadening their appeal beyond the lower-income guests that have been adversely affected by high gas prices and the subprime-mortgage crisis, some upscaling casual-dining operators still suffer from the slowed sales that have plagued the segment for the past few years despite efforts to do upgrades.
[...]
Sandy Beall, the company’s chief executive, said officials had underestimated the impact of cost pressures from escalated gas prices and interest rates on middle-income Americans—core bar-and-grill users.
[...]
Consumers are demanding better value, even in the tough economic environment, Hyatt said.
[...]
At McCormick & Schmick’s Seafood Restaurants Inc., officials have stated that they will no longer work to win back the lower-income, or “aspirational,” guest that has defected because of economic pressures, leading to weak traffic in September.
[...]
Last month,[the] chain of 72 units cut third-quarter expectations by as much as one-third because of fewer visits from aspirational guests.
And, in case you think it is going to get any easier for restaurants (cost of goods sold) or the middle-class customers they serve , here are the prime cuts–pun intended– from an article about commodities prices in today’s USA Today:
World events work against grain buyers
By Sue Kirchhoff, USA TODAYThe tightest world grain stocks in about 30 years are contributing to rising food inflation, fueling worries about food shortages in some countries and straining international aid budgets. [...]Prices are being pushed up by bad weather in a host of countries, surging world demand and a drive in the USA and abroad to devote more acres to corn for ethanol production, which has tightened supplies of some grains and tied crop prices more closely to energy prices.
The decline in the value of the dollar has also contributed to surging international demand for U.S. grain. The falling dollar makes U.S. grain more affordable for foreign buyers as their currency picks up purchasing
power. It also makes foods imported to the USA pricier.Prices are likely to stay elevated for awhile. Global demand is so strong that record crops are needed just to keep up: World wheat consumption has outpaced production for much of the past decade. Better crops next year will not likely allow for significant rebuilding of the grain stockpile, due to increasing demand in surging economies such as China and India[...]Grain prices, along with higher energy and other costs, are rippling through the agricultural sector. Higher feed prices are a factor pushing up the prices of beef, chicken and pork. In the USA, the average price for a loaf of bread is up 11% over the past 12 months. Ground beef has risen 6%, chicken is up 9%, and eggs are up 31%. Overall U.S. food inflation is running 5.6% so far this year, compared with
2.6% for all of 2006. Consumers spend about 10% of take-home pay on food.[P]roducers had to be lured into planting sunflowers last
year, instead of corn for ethanol. Water supplies are being strained. The ethanol market absorbed more than 15% of the U.S. corn crop this year and could take 30% next year[...] “If you’re concerned about dwindling supplies,
then you might take a look at your biofuels policy. That’s more likely.”
The latest from Woody, Roy and Stu:
Hi, Friends of JAMN Jazz:
Our last show with Margo Reed and the Joel Robins Quartet was exceptional, to say the least. This was Margo’s third appearance at Monti’s Back Door since she opened the room in July, and it’s always inspiring to witness the joyful, musical connection this diminutive woman makes with the people who adore her. The jazz last Monday night was literally world class; a moment in time when you just shake your head and marvel at the remarkable musicianship we are blessed in the Valley. Joel Robins, Ted Sistrunk, Todd Chuba and Jerry Donato were in awesome form. Jerry Donato’s sax play was eye-popping; people simply couldn’t believe what they were seeing and hearing. And at the end of the evening, everyone was on their feet applauding, shouting, whistling and imploring for one last tune from this band of incredible musicians. Thank you, Margo, et al for one of our best shows yet!
We have several new bookings in November and December, including Alice Tatum (Nov. 19th) and Blaise Lantana (Dec. 10). As many of you know, seeing Alice Tatum perform these days is a rare event. We are extremely fortunate that she has agreed to play the Back Door with her Quintet, which includes husband and drummer ,Todd Chuba. And we have KJZZ’s jazz diva, Blaise Lantana and her quartet, coming in December for a Celebration of KJZZ. We should note here that we will NOT be doing shows on Christmas and New Year’s Eve, which both fall on a Monday this year.
Our next show will be the Carole Pellatt Quintet, which will include Dom Moio on drums, percussionist, Joe Garcia, Bob Lashier on bass and the inimitable Jerry Donato on reeds. This is Carole’s first appearance at the Back Door, so come out, bring a friend and make her feel welcome.
Here’s the complete lineup for the rest of the year. Mark your calendars and support jazz on Mill Avenue.
Oct. 15 — Carole Pellatt Quintet
A colorful blend of music that allows guitarist Carole Pellatt’s groups to play many different venues from The Phoenix Art Museum to the blues/rock of the The Rhythm Room. Carole’s career has been a diverse tapestry of guitar styles and playing situations. From rock lead guitar to fingerstyle solo guitar, she’s traveled all over the U.S.playing with various artists. In Phoenix she’s been involved in studio recording, backing up touring acts, broadway shows, concerts and club dates. Joining her will be Dom Moio on drums, Joe Garcia, percussionist, Bob Lashier on bass and Jerry Donato on reeds.
Oct. 22 — The Charles Lewis Quintet
A jazz pianist extraordinaire who has entertained jazz audiences in the Valley since the ’60s. Charles and his quintet have been recipients of many grants to perform throughout Arizona and the United States. He has served on the Musical Advisory Panel for the National Endowment for the Arts, as well as the Arizona Commission on the arts. One of the Valley’s great jazz treasures and a member of the Arizona Music & Entertainment Hall of Fame.
Oct. 29 — CD Release Party for the Jeff Libman Trio
This will be a fabulous show featuring Jeff Libman on guitar, Shaun Lowecki on drums and ASU’s Mike Kocour on Hammond B-3. This is a show not to be missed simply to see Mike Kocour the HB3 (if we can get it through the door). Michael Kocour is an Associate Professor and the Director of Jazz Studies at ASU. Hailed by the Chicago Tribune as “one of the most sophisticated pianists in jazz”, Kocour has performed at venues around the world. Among the many artists and ensembles with whom he has appeared are Dizzy Gillespie, Eddie Harris, James Moody, Eddie Daniels, Randy Brecker, Benny Golson, Ira Sullivan, Carl Fontana, Dewey Redman, Lew Tebackin and the Chicago Symphony.
Nov. 5 — Armand Boatman & The Bebop Revolution
What an amazing group this is! Their last show was the buzz on Mill Avenue for days afterwards. The Bebop Revolution is Fred Forney on trumpet, Jerry Donato, tenor sax, and drummer Dom Moio. Simply world class jazz…don’t miss it.
Nov. 12 — The Sherry Roberson Trio
Well-known Valley chanteuse Sherry Roberson will appear with her acclaimed trio. This is her first appearance at the Back Door and we expect SRO. Sherry, along with Margo Reed, Delphine Cortez and Nancy Gee, are the Valley’s Famous Four Divas of Jazz.
Nov. 19 — The Alice Tatum Quintet
Many of us recall when Alice Tatum and her band was a fixture on the Valley nightlife scene. To see and hear her with some of the Valley’s best musicians was unforgettable. Like a UFO sighting, she can occassionally be seen around the Valley, but not for long. We wanted our JAMN fans to get a taste of what jazz on Mill Avenue used to be when Alice Tatum was the queen of Tempe nightlife and Chuy’s was our primo venue. Don’t miss this one!
Nov. 26 — Nancy Gee Trio
If you missed Nancy’s appearance this summer, here’s your chance to catch her again. She packed the house last time and gave a truly inspiring performance. Arrive a little early; this is an SRO show.
Dec. 3 — ASU Jazz Nite/ASU Concert Jazz Band and others
If you like Big Band charts, this will be the show for you. Mike Kocour, world reknown keyboardist and ASU jazz guru is pulling out the stops to bring the best the brightest of his ASU jazz program to the Back Door. This will be a swingin’ night!
Dec. 10 — Blaise Lantana Quartet KJZZ Party
KJZZ jazz diva, Blaise Lantana and her quartet will debut at the Back Door for a show billed as a Celebration of the Valley’s Jazz Station — KJZZ. More to come on this date later. And, if you haven’t made your contribution to KJZZ during pledge week (Oct. 11-16), do it now…call 480. 834.5627.
Dec. 17 — The Phoenix Jazz Workshop/Holiday Party
This will be our last show of the year at Monti’s Back Door and we intend to make it a grand holiday finale. Phoenix Jazz Workshop consists of Bryon Ruth, tenor sax, Scott Zimmer, alto and soprano saxes, Rachel Eckroth, keyboards, Rob Moore on rums and Ted Sistrunk on upright bass. More to come on this event in November.
As always, we want to thank everyone who has contributed to the success of our JAMN Jazz Series at Monti’s Back Door…KJZZ, Monti’s, the Downtown Tempe Community, Jazz in AZ, the Arizona Republic, the Tempe Town News and EV Tribune. Thanks to all for getting the word out and supporting jazz in the Mill Avenue District.
One of the things we have tried to do is listen to you, our customers, about what you want. So, we have a new, improved menu for the Back Door, which has more items. Monti’s has been good enough to provide the appetizers and we are asking you to support Monti’s by having a bite to eat from our new menu. Every salad or sandwich you order goes to perpetuating the art of jazz in Tempe.
Shows start at 5:30 p.m. and end at 8 p.m. Monti’s Back Door is in the rear of Monti’s Case Vieja, 100 S. Mill Ave., Tempe. For information on dates, call 480.345.2392.
Best Regards,
Stu, Roy and Woody
JAMN
Here is the latest volley lobbed by the City of Phoenix, Sky Harbor and US Airways (the three stooges?). They killed the Cards stadium in Tempe, tried to stop the town lake on the argument that water fowl would be sucked into jet engines, and lately have tried to seize control of Tempe’s urban planning process by telling us how high we can go.
Beginning October 5th & 6th we will offer a specialty menu available for our restaruant guests every Friday & Saturday evening from 5:00pm - 8:00pm.
This weekend’s Featured Entrees are as follows:
Veal Con Funghi
A combination of Shitake, Mitake, Cremini, Lobster & oyster Mushrooms with Lobster & Truffle Butter, Celery Root Puree & Micro Celery
$17.95
We reccommend pairing this dish with Row Eleven Pinot Nior
Seafood Newburg
Pan Roasted Halibut, Sea Scallops, Shrimp, Lobster with Celery Leaves & Celery Root, Cream and Butter
$17.95
We reccommend pairing this dish with Francis Coppola Chardonnay
These delectable entrees will be served between 5:00pm - 8:00pm
Next Weekend’s Featrued Entrees
American Style Kobe Beef Meatloaf
Served with Green Bean Casserole, cream of truffle mushrooms & crispy shallot rings $23.95
Smoked Avocado Carpaccio
Micro watercress, chive creme friase, jalapeno chips, heirloom tomatoes & corn jus $4.95
Don’t forget about our Monthly Wine Dinners
Join us for our “Fall Harvest” Wine Dinner full of the flavors of fall.
Autumn Bisque
Pumpkin, parsnips, carrots, honey, cinnamon & apricot bisque with roasted chestnuts
Sweet Potato Salad
Made of mixed greens and topped with Vermont maple vinaigrette & chile corn bread croutons.
Pan Roasted Scallops
Served with butternut squash ravioli, roasted beets, broccoli rabe, brown butter & red beet espuma
Veal Funghi
Shitake, mitake, crimini & oyster mushrooms, lobster & truffle butter, celery root puree & micro celery
Roasted Loin of Bison
Served with a fall vegetable barley risotto and parmesan cheese.
Apple Potiteroles
Apple brandy anglaise & candied apple chips
$50.00 plus tax & gratuity per person
$64.05 Inclusive
November 4, 2007 at 5:00pm
Call Monti’s Banquet Department: 480-967-7594 to make your reservation - a credit number is required at time of booking.
To sign up for our mailing list for future events please follow this link: http://mail.montis.com/mailman/listinfo/winos_montis.com
