Archives for January 2013

Porcelain Flooring By Joe Szabo, Scottsdale Real Estate Team Arizona

January 28, 2013 szabogroup

By Joe Szabo, Scottsdale Real Estate Team

Porcelain is a great option in home surface and flooring design. Because it is virtually indistinguishable from natural stone when installed properly, porcelain offers countless design capabilities. Its durability also clearly shines through since it is one of the world’s most resistant materials against staining and chipping, which will keep your flooring looking better for longer. Porcelain is also moisture resistant, making it a great choice for kitchen areas indoors and pool areas outdoors. It will stand up to wear and tear better than any other surface and repels household chemicals more efficiently than nearly every type of natural stone floor tile. If these amazing qualities are not enough to convince, you can buy porcelain for less than most natural stone options, despite being technically superior in performance and virtually identical in appearance. Porcelain is truly a remarkable material that would be a great addition in any area of your home.

Please note that this Scottsdale Real Estate Blog is for informational purposes and not intended to take the place of a licensed Scottsdale Real Estate Agent. The Szabo Group offers first class real estate services to clients in the Scottsdale Greater Phoenix Metropolitan Area in the buying and selling of Luxury homes in Arizona. Award winning Realtors and Re/MAX top producers and best real estate agent for Luxury Homes in Scottsdale, The Szabo group delivers experience, knowledge, dedication and proven results. Contact Joe Szabo at 480.688.2020, [email protected] or visit www.scottsdalerealestateteam.com to find out more about Scottsdale Homes for Sale and Estates for Sale in Scottsdale and to search the Scottsdale MLS for Scottsdale Home Listings.

Vegetables that grow well in Arizona gardens By Joe Szabo, Scottsdale Real Estate Team Arizona

January 14, 2013 szabogroup

By Joe Szabo, Scottsdale Real Estate Team

A vegetable garden is an ideal addition to any landscape, but the success of it all depends on your region and climate. In Arizona, there are a handful of months out of the year where it seems impossible anything can grow outside because of the extreme heat. Surprisingly, many vegetables can grow in the Arizona desert—you just need to plant them at the right times. Also, some vegetables grow better from seed while others should be transplanted.

Cool Season Vegetables

Cool-season vegetables should be planted in late fall to early winter. These vegetables are hardy and can germinate in cooler soil. They include broccoli, beets, onions, cabbage, carrots, lettuce, turnips, peas, potatoes, radishes and spinach. In order to get the maximum quality from your vegetables, it is necessary they mature in cooler air rather than hot summers.

Warm Season Vegetables

Warm-season vegetables are those that need to be planted in late winter to early spring. These can’t tolerate frost and need warm air to help mature. These vegetables include beans, eggplant, cucumbers, melons, corn, tomatoes, peppers, pumpkin, squash and sweet potatoes. On the other hand, they usually can’t survive temperatures that can sunburn the vegetables, which will reduce their quality.

Transplants

The vegetables that you should transplant into your garden include broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, eggplant, lettuce, onion, tomatoes and pepper. You can transplant, carrots, celery, squash and okra, but they may have some difficulties.

Planting Seeds

Vegetables that ideally can be grown from seeds include asparagus, lettuce, beans, beets, leeks, brussel sprouts, parsley, parsnip, peas, radishes, spinach, cucumber, rutabaga, endives, kale and watermelon, to name a few.

Sexy Sushi Night: Date Night At Sushi Bars By Joe Szabo, Scottsdale Real Estate Team Arizona

January 7, 2013 szabogroup

By Joe Szabo, Scottsdale Real Estate Team

Eating sushi is a lot like dating.

“Think about the first time you went out for sushi – and a typical first date,” says Stephen Stromberg, executive chef at Sapporo in Scottsdale. “Both take a little courage at first, but the adventure is (usually) well worth it.”

So, it makes sense that sushi is a top dining choice for first dates of all ages. But how does one plan the perfect sushi night?

Dare to discover

Sure, California and Las Vegas rolls are staples for many of us. But, why not show your date you are open to new things by stepping outside of the sushi comfort zone?

“Always look for items that are custom to the venue,” says Stromberg, whose own menu includes the MT Roll, a salmon soy paper roll invented by, and named after, their own sushi chef, Mikel Tan; along with a signature Scottsdale roll bursting with spicy scallops.

Make it hot, hot, hot!

Not all first dates are created equal – some are certainly hotter than others.
Sushi is the same way.

While adding a dollop of spicy mayo or wasabi to your favorite roll can certainly spice up the date, why not indulge your taste buds, together, in a culinary adventure by really turning up the heat?

“Be her renegade Romeo by ordering your Juliet a roll with jalapeño and spicier versions of standard ingredients like tuna and yellowtail,” Stromberg says.

Sapporo carries more than half a dozen hot options, including the Surf’n’Turf roll, which marries crab, filet mignon and tabasco sauce into a mouth-watering menu stand-out. Also popular is the Fuji roll, which is topped with spicy yellowtail, making it as visually hot as it tastes.

Pick pairings with passion

“Innovate while you libate,” adds Mike Hanley, bar manager at Sapporo. “Don’t settle for a martini simply shaken or stirred — order it frozen and share tastes!”

Frozen Passion Mango Martinis, which are blended with vodka, rum and mango and passion purees and poured atop a raspberry liqueur, and Sapporo Slushes, which are made with vodka, fresh-squeezed juices and simple syrup, are among the most popular drinks for first dates.

Also, choose drinks that are a feast for the eyes as well as the palate.

For example, Sapporo’s Purple Dream is layered by ingredient into a glass and brought table-side so the guest can play mixologist, stirring the ingredients together into a perfect purple blend.

One last tip for a sexy sushi night — ditch the chopsticks!

“In Japan, it’s customary to use one’s hands to eat rather than chopsticks,” Stromberg says. “A perfect excuse to feed each other!”