My Super Bowl Adventure!

Last Saturday, I traveled with seven friends from Bank of America to Phoenix to see the Super Bowl. We checked in at the Marriott Resort Hotel, which has something like 930 rooms and gyms that are open 24 hours a day. After settling in and changing attire, we went to a few cocktail parties and had a pleasant dinner out.

On Sunday, we ate a most wonderful lunch at award-winning Pizzeria Bianco, located in Heritage Square Park. This restaurant offers some of the best food in Phoenix, and chef Chris Bianco cooked us an amazing meal.

Later, we made our way to the stadium where we found orderly chaos. We bumped into several friends from the New York area as well as from California. Our seats were in the Patriots section, even though I am a Giants fan. They were at the 50-yard line, fifth  row up. I certainly cannot complain, as we could see most of the action of a very exciting game.

Halftime is a very different experience than what you see on television. The spectacle is quickly set up and quickly taken down. I feel the show is better seen on TV, as it is so far away in the stadium. There were no big screens on which to watch. I also missed seeing the commercials, although I have been told they weren’t too remarkable. We were on the edge of our seats for the entire last quarter, and I was so thrilled to see my favorite team win. That night, we ate at Barrio Cafe, which is noted for their very authentic Mexican cuisine.

On Monday morning, we boarded our jet and flew home just in time for me to attend many meetings with my magazine and television staff, as well as with MSLO executives.

CLICK HERE TO SEE MY SUPER BOWL PICTURES AND CAPTIONS!

 

Comments

[PAULINE MUCCIACCIO]

Hi Martha,
We don't usually watch football games during the season, but Sundays game was exciting to watch, especially since the Giants won!! Thanks for sharing your Super Bowl Adventure with us.
Best,
Pauline

[scotte]

Martha,

That brunch looks amazing. Did you try the pistachio pizza? I'd be curious to know how it tasted!

Thanks for the photos.

Scott

[Niveen]

Great photos!

[Linda Gail]

Thank you for the great pictures. It looked like you had as much fun before the game, as at the stadium. Unfortunately I missed the game on tv and had to wait until Monday to find out who won and the final score.
Linda Gail

[hurting but hoping]

Hi, Martha,
Go, Giants!
Sounds like an exciting experience! Thanks for showing us your photographs. The authentic Mexican cuisine sounds and looks delicious.

Kathy

[Karie]

What great fun you must have had! Looks like a great weekend!

[Lori]

Hi Martha - It's fun tagging along with you. Looks like you had a great time - go Giants! If the food looks half as it tasted, it must have been amazing! Thanks for taking us along on your adventures!

[Carol Koenig]

This is my first time on your blog and I really enjoyed it. You truly made me feel like part of your Super Bowl adventure. You take pictures of everything, just like I do!!
But tell me, do you personally take these photos? I like the idea of Martha Stewart carrying around her camera just like the rest of us.

[Emily]

It was a great game! On a side note, I really love your brown boots! Who makes them? I have been looking all year for the perfect pair.

[Jyesika]

$10 beer! Ouch! I'd have to say my variety of beers at our party (inspired by your segment on beer varieties Friday) was both better and far cheaper than the beer options at the Superbowl. That combined with the recipe for the lemon grass kabobs from the Feb issue (and lots of other snacks) makes me glad I didn't have to brave the crowds.
However, your pregame gourmet pizza and private jet must have sweetened the deal.
Cool post and pictures, thanks Martha!

[Annie]

Martha,
Thanks so much for sharing your Super Bowl photos with us! I loved seeing it all so up close and personal. What a great game. Go Giants!

[JO]

Wow my mouth is watering looking at the pictures of your culinary delights.... I hope you get the recipe for those lemon cookies... I wouldnt mind giving them a try ...or a recipe or two for some of the lovely pizzas you had either... and the one with pistachios and red onions? what a fascinating combination....

Looks as if you had yourself one heck of a good time...

A jet trip to the Super Bowl... good food ... good friends... I wouldnt pass that up either!!

JO

[Andrew Ritchie]

I like football for all the wrong reasons: cute tushes in tight pants, cotton candy and the roar of the crowd.

Your post has now made me see that there is so much more to the experience of football...

Private jets and gourmet pizza!

Bring it on!

Thanks Martha!

-Andrew

[Jennifer]

Thanks for the great pictures - it almost felt like I was right there with you!

[Nouvisimo]

Hi Martha - Loved this blog, mainly for the local as Scottsdale is my Favorite town (I guess city, now). Is it not one of the cleanist cities in the world? Just try finding a piece of trash at a bus stop! I've been going there all my life (originally from San Diego) and will be back Feb 15-24 for the 53rd Annual Scottsdale Arabian Horse Show. I know you love horses and this show is the largest in the world (1200+ horses) and rivals even the best Palm Beach Hunter/Jumper shows in class, parties, sales, and shopping. It's held at Westworld. When in Scottdale during February of any year, it's a must!
Also, thanks for sharing your lunch @ Pizzeria Bianco. I will be paying it a visit.

[Beverly Saline]

What a thrill for you to have been part of the crowd to see the Giants win and thanks for all the great pictures. It looks like you took a "Netjets" at HPN. We've been watching the parade today on TV and that also is a thrill for all New Yorkers!

[Jan Erickson]

Hi Martha, Thanks for this fantastic blog about your trip to the Super Bowl. I don't usually watch football {I'm a baseball fan} but I did watch this one and it turned out to be the most exciting game especially the 1st and 4th quarters. I'm glad the Giants won! It looks like you had a wonderful time. Thanks for taking all of us along. Jan

[Cheryl]

We welcome you to Arizona! Cafe Barrio is awesome and I love eating there! You should come out and visit more often-you are welcome in my little restaurant any time! our motto is Eat Drink Be Healthy! smoothies-wraps and salads!

[sharon]

please continue to have gluton free recipes...very difficult to find good ones for my pasta-loving husband

[Girly Home Webzine®]

I bet the weekend was so exciting!!! Being there live must have been amazing!

[Chris@Cats on my Quilts]

Even though I am a Patriots fan here in NH I'll forgive you for being a Giants fan because I love everything else about you. And Eli did play much better that my Tom.

[Trish]

We thought we wouldn't get to see the game when our cable went out about 10 minutes before kick-off. That was frustrating! I'm a Patriots fan but I have to say, Eli Manning played just like a MVP and the defense on the Giants team really kicked...! Both teams put on a great performance.

I looked at all of your pictures and did not see one of you in your Giant's shirt?? You said you would put it on after the game. Did I just miss it? Trish

[Janet]

Love your boots, Martha! They are fabulous!

[Pam From California]

Cool boots Martha ,
Where is the pix of you in the Giants jersey you promised us you'd take one at the game of you wearing it, and how long did it take you to get out of the statium? I kept thinking while watching the game if there was an emergency how does everyone get out and FAST! We looked for you in the crowd but never spotted you.
I was going to ask you tomorroew on Ask Martha if you did see the commercials like we do at home but you answered it in the blog so there went my Ask Martha question. They showed two funny commercials one with the Bud draft horse trying to make the draft pulling team and one with a squrriel and bridgestone tires pretty cute!
Looks like you had a nice time, I am glad you enjoyed the game and the visit out west that's why you wore the boots right( just kidding ya!) I was for the Giants and everyone else out here was for the New England it was nice to have the Giants win since I was the underdog like they were.
Thanks for sharing the photos.
Pam from CA

[Simi Weiss]

I love your pictures Martha! Looks like you had a wonderful time there.
I especially liked it that you took pictures of people taking pictures of you. Brought a smile to my face!

[Margie]

Now Martha, you were not sneeking in some "homemade" delights sans white table cloth? I am sure your bag did have room for at least a 12 pack. Is there really room for bags that size--or were you thinking pillow?
I always grin at your photo shots.

[Robert Rymarz]

If there was ever a case of great food bringing people together Chris Bianco has mastered it.
I believe Pizzeria Bianco may be one of the best restaurants in the country. I enjoyed my meal there just as much as those at the French Laundry, Jean George and many fine restaurants in between.

And did I mention I drove across the country from New York State?
It was so worth it!

[D. Scanlon]

Martha: I hope your time in AZ was wonderful! Seems you hit some of my favorites--Pizzeria Bianco & Bario Cafe are charming locales with incredible food! Living here in Scottsdale, I tried to avoid the crowds between the Superbowl parties and the FBR Open which in itself, draws 500,000! I have to say, I was proud of our city and how they handled the crowds. I enjoyed your pictures and comments as well as other comments being published in magazines and newspapers. Hope you come out for another visit to our beautiful desert again soon!

[cincygloria]

Martha, I enjoy your photos and all the information that is on your Blog. I read it everyday.

[Dayami]

Hi Martha,
Great photos! And that bread looks amazing!!
Even though I am a die-hard Steelers fan and I am soooo happy for THE GIANTS!!! It was a mad house the last 3 minutes of the game here in my house.

[Cate O'Malley]

Great pictures! Sounds like a wonderful trip.

[Deb]

Hi Martha-
I was so excited to see that you ate at my favorite restaurant, Pizzaria Bianco!!! My husband and I travel to Arizona every spring from Chicago to both visit my parents, who have retired there, and to eat at the restaurant for my birthday.
To me, it is worth the wait (if you don't get there in plenty of time to be part of the first seating). I've waited almost 4 hours!!
To experience the love and devotion that Chris puts into his food is amazing (for those of you who have never been there, or who are skeptical, Chris, the owner, is there every day, picks out the local produce, and cooks the pizzas).
Right before we leave, I always go to the counter to tell Chris that we have travelled from Chicago to spend my birthday with him. He seems to remember me...even if he doesn't, the smile, handshake, and "Thank you," that he gives are so gracious, humble, and genuine.
I must stop talking about it, as I don't want the wait to be that much longer the next time I'm there (even though I'd wait!!!)!!!!!
I'm glad you got to experience it!!!

[Toni Chavez]

Hi Martha,

I was at the NFL Experience with my 2 sisters. It's funny because the girls went to the NFL Experience and the guys went to garage sales that day.

While my younger sister was sitting on a bench waiting for me and my other sister to finish shopping for superbowl memorabilia, she saw you walk by (right in front of her). She couldn't wait to tell us that she saw "Martha Stewart" and we missed out. She would have taken your picture but didn't get to her camera fast enough and really didn't want to chase you down. She was also too chicken to call out your name.

Anyway, great pictures, they look a lot like mine.

[Jen R]

Wow, That pizza looks awesome and is making me hungry!!!
Jen R

[carillon in Phoenix]

Martha, I'm so glad you enjoyed your stay in the Valley of the Sun! Pizzaria Bianco has been rated the Best Pizza in the US - so no wonder you enjoyed it! Now, you must come back again and try one of our other great restaurants! Thanks for the great photos and writeup about our wonderful city. Love your show, watch every one. Carillon in Phoenix - a long-time fan.

[Rowena]

What great fun to be able to go and see such a great game in person. From your photos, I can tell that you got so caught up in the game you stopped taking them when the third quarter began!

[Mosaic Queen]

I've lived in the Phoenix area for almost 14 years and still have not made it over to Pizzeria Bianco! Ugh!! First Gail (Oprah's Gail) and now you. I MUST get there! YUM! Thanks for sharing your experience! As a local, I tried to stay clear of the craziness.
Michelle

[Emmy]

Bring back Jane to the show! I remember her making this chicken dish with Coca Cola. And her barbque sauce! Loved the pics.

[Just a Flipflop Mom]

Oh it looks like you had a fantastic time.. even if you missed the commercials... You're always inspiring...!!

[Maureen]

Thank you for sharing the pictures and narrative of your Super Bowl experience! You do such a great job with this blog. My friends always say that my motto is "What would Martha do?" and this is just another great way for me to answer that question!

[Jeannie]

Thanks for posting a fun and original "competition". I just wish we could still view the voting results. If we can vote until Thursday shouldn't we be able to view the progress until Thursday?

[Tracy Nichols]

Please consider publishing a special magazine, perhaps to be bundled with your monthly magazine, on child safety. Suggestions include tips for parents, caregivers, grandparents (segmented by age of child); food handling and serving and types (i.e., no whole grapes or popcorn for toddlers); a review of the safest products for children including car seats, toys, bathtubs (w/no jets); how to be safe when walking with children in crowded urban environments; etc. This would be appreciated.

[Claudine]

Looks like it was a fun weekend, thanks for sharing. I think I need to make some homeade pizza tonight after seeing all those pictures.
Claudine

[Janna]

It looks like you had a great time. I am actually planning a surprise birthday trip to Phoenix in March for my husband. We are going to have a MLB Spring Training Adventure.
While you were there, did you happen upon any other memorable dining establishments other than Pizzeria Binaco? I would love any tips if you would be so kind to share.
Thanks!
Janna

[Kathy H.]

I soooo looked forward to seeing the whole experience through your eyes!!!Thank you for the 56 pictures and narration, as only you can do. You really do make life fun and enjoyable. Thanks for the inspiration. I am your age, and you make me want to do & Be better. Has Charles K. lost weight since your "Apprentice" Show? He looks younger and healthy. Love your show and Blog.
Kathy H.

[Kathi Burk]

Thanks for sharing your Super Bowl weekend with everyone. I live in AZ and Pizzeria Bianco is the BEST! What I always enjoy is that you take pictures of what everyone would take pictures of if they were there. In front of the Banner etc.
Thanks again Martha!

[Sharon Fox]

I truly enjoyed your trip to the game. I am not a football fan but I did get to see the last 4 minutes ( the best part of the game)It was very exciting especially since I come from N.Y. Your pictures were delightful. I got a kick out of you taking pictures of people taking pictures of you. What fun. Sharon Fox

[Lindsey L]

Where are your boots from?

[Chris Tamez]

OMG! Martha Ur Boots... Amazing!
Thanks for the pics ;-)

[susan c]

Hmmm. . . I'm a Bank of America customer too. I wonder how much more I would have to deposit or borrow before I too am whisked away in a private jet. Looks like your bankers planned the perfect weekend.

[Mitzi S.]

I had a look at all the pics of the game that you took. I also enjoyed the pics of the pizza place in Phoenix. Gale, Oprahs' friend, had featured this place a few weeks ago on the Oprah Show in pursuit of the best pizza in America. Guess which one took the top spot. Gosh, I'd love to eat there. It looks like he opened just for you. You lucky dog, you!!

[Jackie Lamothe]

Your nephew, Christopher is extraordinary...so espressive and what an amazing and rich voice. Thank you for sharing his joyous gift with us.
Looking forward to being in the audience next week for Valentine's Day.
As ever your fan,
Jackie Lamothe

[Kathryn]

Martha,
I listened to Christopher's clip. What a great talent. Isn't it wonderful to enjoy such talent and then add in the fact that he is family. How proud his parents and all your family must be.
Thanks for sharing,
K.

[Mike Kemp]

MARTHA, HAVE YOU EVER THOUGHT ABOUT DOING A VINCENT PRICE PROJECT. HE WAS AS YOU ARE A COOK, DECORATOR, ARTIST AND AN ENTERTAINER. DURING THE 30ths WITH SEARS HE HAD AN EMERGING ARTIST PROGRAM THAT WOULD WORK WITH YOU AND HAVE YOUR PAINT COLORS TO GO IN YOUR DECORATING. JUST A THOUGHT.
LOVE MIKE

[Jenn]

Why not continue showing the votes as they come in? I think it breeds healthy competition.

[Elaine Johnson]

Hello Martha! I have watched you for years and consider you the ultimate source of knowledge for...well, just about everything!
I live in Phoenix and just looked at your Super Bowl blog, which was great. I had to giggle at your comment under the picture of the University of Phoenix Stadium rooftop that closes for "snow, rain or bad weather," I believe you said. Oddly enough, it did rain that day, but usually that roof closes to keep out the sun on hot days. They have enormous air conditioning units inside the stadium for summer days. I don't miss the snow from my home state, but have to admit, there are days here in summer when you think you've passed away and were sent to the "wrong" place!
Keep up your wonderful work and your continuous education for the rest of us. I'm very proud of you for all you do and all you've learned. Elaine

[PhoenixEnvy]

you most certinaly hit Phx's two best restaurants....Pizzeria Bianco and the Barrio Cafe.

[Matthew Pizzonia]

Hi Martha, You have great prep bowls on your show. They are brown bowls with blue interiors and I would love to know where to get them.

Thank you.

Matt