Sunday in North or South Phoenix

Sunday is a great day to have a relaxed and casual date, that doesn't require too much planning. One things that's great about Sundays is that it's perfect to do outdoor activities, even here in Phoenix, even during the summer.
One of the best things to try, especially if you have a athletic person to impress, would be to go hiking early, before the sun comes up. The two best places to go are also the two most obvious: South Mountain and North Mountain Parks. Both open at 5 AM and the best thing about these two parks is that once a month the City of Phoenix hosts what they call Silent Sundays, when the whole day the roads in the two parks are closed to vehicles and only allow on non-motorized transportation, hence the silence. For the month of July the Silent Sunday for South Mountain is the 8th and for North Mountain it's the 22nd. If you're worried about where to hike, check out the maps the city has for both parks, North and South. Don't forget to bring snacks and lots of water since even though there's no sun, it's still dry and dehydration comes faster than you might estimate. Also bring sunscreen if you plan to be out there after the sun comes up, but remember to leave before it gets too hot!
For people leaving South Mountain:
After hiking, Phoenix is host to an astounding amount of restaurants open on Sunday. If you're coming from South Mountain, stay within the Central Ave. area, and it is packed with restaurants, in case one catches your eye that's not listed here. Since your tired muscles need sustenance after your hike (whether or not it was actually all that intensive) swing by The Grove Cafe at South 27th Ave. Only open on Saturday and Sunday from 8AM - 12PM, it serves great breakfast food in a casual environment, providing indoor and outdoor seating in their 2.5 acre pecan grove. Be aware of the "casual" environment, meaning that the servers do not have any type of uniform, and there is no hostess stand (although mixed reviews on Yelp point to attentive employees), and you may be asked to look after yourself for periods of time.
If you are looking for more lunch type stuff stop in to the Pro's Ranch Market on Central. It will never not be a perfect spot to stop for lunch after South Mountain, and I can tell you from personal experience that the Ranch Market is where I stop for lunch after a South Mountain hike/drive. Every time. Without fail. Once you've been there you'll understand why. It is the most amazing Mexican market/restaurant that's ever happened. Brush up on your Spanish to know which meats are in your entrees and sides, but don't be afraid to ask what's behind the counter, as every wall of the market is dedicated to some sort of food. 
Walking in you'll be assaulted by the grill they have out front, which always has rotisserie chicken, barbecue, and roast pepper, creating delicious scents that grab you before you even get near the building. Once inside, the market's layout takes you down its left side first, following a clockwise rotation around the back of the store. You'll pass the butchers with an amazing selection of meat, in case you need to buy something for dinner later on, and come upon the pescadería (seafood) section. If you've never had it before, get the ceviche. It is hands down one of my favorite dishes. Light, crisp, fresh and cool, it is summer in an entree. I'd explain what it is, but the description might put you off (ok, technically it's raw fish that's been marinated in citrus juices, where the acid from the citrus coagulates the proteins, essentially cooking it, but not actually. This science version of the dish is significantly less sexy and interesting than the actual food), but if you've never had ceviche then you have no room to judge. Try it; add a little cilantro and lime, eat with chips or a tortilla. Past the seafood you'll come upon the cheese and dairy section, and past that is the sweets area. The last few times I've been the case on the end, next to the ice cream, has marshmallows the size of your fist dipped in chocolate and rolled in sprinkles. It sounds just as sweet and disgusting as it is. Only get one after lunch if you really feel that you can finish it. Don't underestimate the power of the 'mallow. Around the corner is their "tortilleria"where they make tortillas fresh all day. It's rather fascinating to watch. And then, there along the south side of the market, is the huge section of hot foods. Tacos, burritos, tortas, various plates and sides, a whole island dedicated to "agua frescas," it's heaven, Mexican heaven. And cheap too, but remember, fair gringo, that these plates are no sissy food. They mean business, with man sized portions, so don't go ordering everything like you're at a tapas restaurant. After lunch, conveniently next to the exit, is the bakery with their gorgeous churros. Don't fight the urge; get one if you managed to fight off the impulse to buy one of those marshmallows. The churros are filled with warm dulce de leche and rolled in cinnamon and sugar... if you needed extra convincing.
Be careful driving home; as all the blood flows to your stomach to digest the gargantuan meal you just ate, you may feel drowsy. Don't operate heavy machinery. 
For the hikers leaving the North Mountain:
North Phoenix has plenty of options for breakfast and lunch as well. For a truly unique breakfast experience go to Scramble, on north 7th Avenue in the foothills of North Mountain. It boasts local organic ingredients for each breakfast item, which are all made to order in this crisp, modern restaurant. The have a key on their menu denoting which items are "healthy" choices and which ones travel well, if you're in a rush, and which ones are spicy.
For lunch options and you're feeling a little adventurous, look no further than Europa Pastry Cafe, up on North 16th St. Be forewarned, despite the word "pastry" it is actually a Polish market and restaurant. So less baked goods and more cabbage. Pierogi and cabbage, to be exact. But if you don't feel that you need extra ruffage in your diet, or maybe you're avoiding the gastro-intestinal effects of cabbage that may trike later in the date, don't worry! There is a selection of hot and cold European sandwiches and soups (although their soups are hot. Cold soups are a very cosmopolitan thing, not quite this down-home restaurant). If this little place's food intrigues, remember I said it was a market? Buy your own fresh bread, cheeses, and frozen pierogi for at home. And yes, even though I said less baked goods, they still have them. Try the little "angel wings" for a light after dinner sweet.
If you're not into globe-trotting and would rather go a little more hipster with your food, try The Vig, which is four blocks below Europa Pastry Cafe on 16th Street. It's a casual, open environment, with live entertainment and an offering of brunch. Yes, they offer brunch, so if you can't decide whether you're in a breakfast or lunch mood after your hike, go for both. The brunch menu itself is four pages long, with sections like hangover helpers, lunch, wines, and beer, in case you need a bracing pick-me-up, English tavern style. If you're not into that, note that many of their options can be made gluten and meat free, catering to all the new-age diet styles, should you want to impress someone with health-conscious ways. Be warned though, that due to its health-progressive, new-agey style and flexible meal possibilities, the food costs a bit more. You're paying to be dealt a swift dose of pretentious attitude that comes with hipster vegetarian choices, and for the privilege of eating extra healthy, organic food. But you can feel good leaving, knowing that you probably just ate healthier than any of your friends will this week.

After breakfast/lunch, the Sunday is up to you. Phoenix will be heating up as the middle of the day approaches, and the rest of your activities should probably take place inside, away from the scorching sun and stifling heat. Maybe something like a museum, a pub (there always seems to be some kind of sports broadcast happening on Sunday afternoons, even if it's a sport you're not necessarily into), or even your house.

Fun Wednesday in Central Phoenix

It's Wednesday in Phoenix and that means two things: the Phoenix Public Market will be hosting their mid-week open air market that has a line-up of fantastic food trucks, and the Phoenix Art Museum is free.

From 3 PM until they close at 9 the Phoenix Art Museum on 1625 North Central Avenue lets the public in for free, and has an impressive range of exhibits for your viewing pleasure. On display every day is their beautiful permanent collection of Asian art, ranging from Japan to Thailand, 16th century to 19th century. However their acclaim resides in their ability to mix modern art, and a constantly rotating collection of it, with the relics of ages past. One of the most exciting exhibits on display is The Sea, running through July 15th, it's an exhibition that showcases a collection of fashion pieces from the 1800's to 1980's, all ocean-themed. Also on display is there Paper! exhibition, which showcases paper's versatile role in art and life as a medium and tool, with the time ranging from early Asia to 20th century contemporary art.
After your time at the museum, head down Central Avenue (remember you can't turn left out of the main parking lot, so cross over the two lanes of traffic and make a U-turn at the nearest intersection) to the Phoenix Public Market on Pierce Ave and Central Ave where every Wednesday from 4 PM - 8 PM the farmer's market has a regular line-up of some of Phoenix's best food trucks:
One of the trucks there is Jamburritos, a Cajun grille that has a fantastic menu of sandwiches and burritos, including grilled or fried catfish and chicken. The most expensive  item on the menu us their catfish jamburrito, which runs $8, and can be bumped up another $2 if you add hush puppies (which I strongly recommend). A whole dinner, with sides and drinks, ran a friend and I $21, and we only ended up eating about half of the meal, because the portions were so generous. Another food truck available is Buzznbeez Good Food Truck, which offers up a wide variety of culinary tastes from around the world, including Thai Eggroll Casserole and Cajun catfish. Also driving around Phoenix is Hey Joe Filipino food truck, which specializes in food straight from the Philippines. Short Leash Dogs, is a truck that allows superb customization in the hot dogs ordered, allowing the customer to choose every aspect of their dog from actual meat choice all the way to which condiments and toppings surround their dog. And stop by Mama Toledo's for dessert, which has a variety of gorgeous pies to choose from, including their "best blueberry pie west of the Mississippi."

After dinner, if you'd like to extend your time together, leave your car in the gravel parking lot and walk up the street to Conspire coffee house. Open until 11 PM on Wednesday nights and just 7 blocks away from the market, it provides a perfect opportunity to walk through the hipster section of Phoenix (convenient Google directions here). Conspire offers a wide selection of vegan friendly options (it's vegan only, so if you're not into "no face no mother" and have absolutely no interest in trying vegan food, skip it. However there are people who absolutely rave about it on Yelp) and has paired with John Sagasta of Coffee Conspiracy to provide fresh, handmade coffee, tea, and specialty drinks.
Also available for after dinner coffee is Cartel Coffee Lab in Tempe, which will require more driving than Conspire. Open until 10 PM every day of the week, hidden behind Buffalo Exchange on Ash Ave and University Ave, Cartel offers a nightly Happy Hour from 8-10, attracting an eclectic crowd from nearby Mill Avenue. They have fresh baked goods available everyday and handmade coffee (their cappuccinos are always served in a porcelain cup and they are very adamant that no, you cannot get the cappuccino to go). Their most notable drink is their iced toddy, which they create by grinding fresh South American coffee beans, allow them to sit in cold water for 24 hours, then filtering and serving. It is their most caffeinated drink, and the only thing that tastes great without cream or sugar.