Author Archive: Elsa Watson

ProMex Group

September 23, 2014 | Elsa Watson

Micro-Financing Grows Mexican Businesses, Saves Lives

Kenya Aguilera and her daughter at her in-home clothing resale shop; Nogales, Sonora, Mexico. photo: Bill Holliday

Kenya Aguilera and her daughter at her in-home clothing resale shop in Nogales, Sonora, Mexico. Photo: Bill Holliday

In a May 2014 interview with CNN, Pima County Medical Examiner Gregory Hess stated: “Since 2001, we’ve had around 2,200 immigrant deaths, most of them Mexican citizens.” According to the office of U.S. Customs and Border Protection, in fiscal year 2013, a total of 414,397 undocumented immigrants were apprehended after crossing the border illegally into the United States. Part of the responsibility of the U.S. Border Patrol is to spot and rescue immigrants stranded in the desert but the primary focus is on prevention by educating the would-be immigrants of the dangers involved in trying to cross the border illegally.

For immigrants, the gateway to dreams very often becomes the gateway to deportation or death instead of a feasible way out of poverty. Many fall into to the hands of abusive smugglers or “coyotes” and are robbed, beaten, sexually abused and worse. But the would-be immigrants keep coming. Few are prepared or equipped for such a grueling journey but are driven by economic necessity to come to the United States by whatever means possible. Regardless of the danger, immigrants continue to cross the borders to escape the abject poverty and lack of economic opportunities in Mexico. Most lack the education and job skills to establish a foothold and get ahead.

The ProMex Group is a local 501c3 nonprofit organization that strives to alleviate poverty and economically forced migration by providing disadvantaged Mexicans with access to capital and education to grow businesses. Through its partners in Mexico, EnComun and Cimarron, the ProMex group is also saving lives.

Its approach to alleviating poverty and potentially saving lives happens by providing resources, such as: MicroCredit – group loans/small loans to help micro-businesses; small business loans – individual loans/below market rate loans to help grow small to medium sized businesses; MicroSavings – to help clients with uneven income, unexpected expenses and business growth; education relating to small businesses and personal finances; preventative health classes and free health services with a mobile clinic that offers for diabetes, AIDS, syphilis and hypertension screenings, along with mammograms and PAP smears.

Fernanda & Roberto Rodriguez cooking at their outdoor grill to sell dished to the community; Nogales, Sonora, Mexico. photo: Bill Holliday

Fernanda & Roberto Rodriguez cooking at their outdoor grill to sell dished to the community in Nogales, Sonora, Mexico.
photo: Bill Holliday

The nonprofit operates locally and in the Northern Mexican cities of Nogales and Hermosillo. Aside from providing an alternative to death from trying to cross the U.S.-Mexico border, ProMex Group provides these services because there is a large demand for credit at a reasonable rate as incomes are low and living costs are high. The ProMex Group’s locales allow for support, supervision, impact evaluation and project visits. The organization has been improving the lives of impoverished Mexicans along the border since 2004, with over 30,000 loans given out and more than $7 million lent to grow small businesses.

Bill Holliday is the Certified Financial Planner and one of the board members for the ProMex Group who stated that, “The ProMex Group is a sustainable charity. The relatively low interest charged on the loans covers the minimal operating costs.” Holliday described the ProMex group’s microloan process as similar to that of Kiva.org, which is a global microlending organization. As the entrepreneurs repay their loans with interest, they remit funds back to the ProMex Group. As the loan is repaid, the ProMex Group lenders can withdraw their principal or re-lend it to another entrepreneur.

Holliday added, “Our overhead costs are quite low because our staff is comprised of volunteers. We have a small group of board members who also volunteer by writing grant proposals, provide technical support and education to our clients and secure accredited investors to invest in the ProMex Group’s Social Investment Fund.”

When asked to describe a microfinance borrower, Holliday stated that, “85% of our clients are women, and a majority of their businesses are home-based food preparation. A microloan can improve the quality of a recipient’s life and her family’s life. For example, simple improvements to upgrade cooking equipment or even sanitation in a home can help the business owner become more productive because she can focus on the growth of her business, rather than spending the her already limited funds on improvements or repairs.”

Holliday shared a success story of one of the ProMex Group’s clients, a Nogales, Sonora client who had good sewing skills. With her microloan she bought a sewing machine and fabric. The client sewed washer/dryer covers for her community because most of the community’s laundry facilities were outdoors. With the proceeds from this project, she bought more fabric and began to make children’s school uniforms. With the earnings from the school uniforms, she was able to make simple improvements to her home, provide healthcare for her children and successfully repay her microloan. The ProMex Group saved lives for the price of a sewing machine and fabric.

Currently, the ProMex Group is developing and raising funds for a new charitable farm co-op project to help agriculturally savvy clients rent land and water rights with which to plant and produce melons, which have two growing seasons per year. The goal is to help very low income farm workers and allow them to share in the profits of the business to improve their lives and the lives of their families and communities. The ProMex Group will provide the worker cooperative with technical support and receive loan repayments after each harvest. In three to five years, the workers will be the owners of the project that could support at least 50 families. ProMex will start another co-op with the repaid loans to again provide hope and a way out of poverty.

To get involved with, volunteer for or donate to ProMex, visit ProMexGroup.org, email info@promexgroup.org or call (520) 977-8537 for details.

Sammy gets squash ready for packaging and export; Caborca, Sonora, Mexico. photo: Bill Holliday

Sammy gets squash ready for packaging and export in Caborca, Sonora, Mexico.
photo: Bill Holliday

Weekend Brunch in Tucson

May 17, 2014 | Elsa Watson

5 Points Market & Restaurant. Photo by Andrew Brown.

12 Essential Spots to Brunch It Up, and Then Some.

Whoever came up with the idea to combine breakfast, lunch and champagne into one meal is my hero.

Brunch is the best of both worlds: sweet and savory, breakfast and lunch, mimosas and Bloody Marys. There’s something to please just about everyone. Brunch is the socially acceptable way to enjoy breakfast foods after 10 a.m. and alcohol before noon.

The History of Brunch

The word “brunch,” states its Wikipedia entry, “is a portmanteau of the words ‘breakfast’ and ‘lunch.’ The term was coined in Britain in 1895” by writer Guy Beringer; the entry continues, “to describe a Sunday meal for ‘Saturday-night carousers’.”

A 1998 New York Times article by William Grimes, sited in the Wikipedia entry, says, “Brunch eliminated the need to wake up early, leaving everyone in a much better mood.” According to this article, Beringer stated that brunch “is talk-compelling. It puts you in a good temper, it makes you satisfied with yourself and your fellow beings, it sweeps away the worries and cobwebs of the week.”

After weekend festivities or early morning hunts in the nineteenth century, the wealthy would gather for this late morning meal. The richer the British Empire grew, the more popular brunch became. The meal grew to eventually resemble the meal we are familiar with today, accompanied by more complicated dishes and everything placed on the table at once.

Beginning in the 1920s, brunch began picking up speed in the U.S. as restaurants and customers alike realized the potential greatness of this mid-morning meal. The popularity of brunch is now world-wide and available in almost any ethnic cuisine. Brunch is exceedingly popular in Tucson as well. Our beautiful climate affords us the luxury of dining al fresco almost all year ‘round which further enhances the leisurely enjoyment of good company and good food.

We invite you to try one of the twelve delightful spots we’ve listed for you after you’ve slept in. Kick off the covers, bring your copy of Zócalo or the New York Times and linger over coffee and conversation at any one of these eateries, in no particular order:

1. Ghini’s French Caffe

1803 E. Prince Rd. (520) 326-9095 , GhinisCafe.com

Why We Love It: Ghini’s serves breakfast all day and offers a gluten-free menu on Sundays. Ghini’s celebrates its 18th year as a locally owned Tucson business this July.

Why Tucson Loves It: Ghini’s outdoor seating is dog-friendly and servers will bring water and a biscuit to Fido. Adjoining Ghini’s is their La Baguette Bakery. La Baguette is a full service French bakery which has amazing bread and tempting pastries.

Atmosphere? Ghini’s has patio seating outdoors and smallish tables indoors. Can become crowded on Sundays and you may have a waiting list.

To Try: Ghini’s French cuisine includes their signature dish, Eggs Provençal, which is rich, buttery and laden with plenty of garlic. Of course, there are freshly prepared crepes, croissants and fresh-squeezed Mimosas to sip.

Brunch at The Cup Cafe at Hotel Congress. Photo by David Olsen

2. The Cup Café at Hotel Congress

311 E. Congress St. (520) 798-1618, HotelCongress.com

Insider Tip: The Build Your Own Bloody Mary Bar. You can go crazy with capers, horseradish, cucumber, or bleu cheese with the house blend Bloody Mary mix. Not feeling Bloody? The Cup Café serves classic mimosas, Bellinis and yes, a breakfast margarita!

Why Tucson Loves It: It’s Downtown! Breakfast is served all day. The Cup has lovely outdoor patio seating that faces north so you don’t roast if you choose to sit outside, and it is dog-friendly. The shared space with Hotel Congress makes The Cup popular for live music and people-watching. With its proximity to The Rialto Theatre, celebrities are often spotted at Hotel Congress and at The Cup.

What to Try? Definitely try the Cast Iron Baked Eggs with leeks, Gruyere, cream and ham. Or if you’re really famished after a night of revelry, try the Braveheart. With smoked beef brisket on sourdough toast, sauteed spinach, and Gruyere cheese topped with poached eggs and creamy sausage gravy, this creation is sure to satisfy a hearty appetite.

When To Go: The breakfast menu is served from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. When our weather is fine, the outdoor patio may be full, but there is comfortable seating indoors as well.

3. 47 Scott

47 N. Scott Ave. (520) 624-4747, 47Scott.com

Why We Love It: 47 Scott is a Downtown spot with one of the most intriguing bar menus in town. The master mixologists are celebrated for their unusual and creative concoctions like “3 Hours to Launch” and “The Dancehall Queen” as well as fanciful mimosas and Bellinis.

You Must Try: Modern comfort food menu offering menu items like Frisee and Bacon Salad topped with a perfectly poached egg. The Mussels and Pomme Frites are made for sharing, with mussels and Andouille sausage steamed in white wine and Kennebec potato fries hot and crisped in peanut oil.

The Vibe: Casual and sophisticated bistro atmosphere with a full bar and large outdoor brick patio. Menus are changed seasonally.

Hit It Up: Reservations are suggested and brunch is served each Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

4. The Grill at Hacienda Del Sol

5501 N. Hacienda Del Sol Rd., (520) 529-3500, Haciendadelsol.com

What We Love: The Grill features locally and regionally sourced meats, vegetables and herbs grown in the restaurant’s garden and house made cheeses. The Grill offers al fresco dining on their lovely patio and has an extensive wine list.

The Ambiance: Quiet and elegant with top-notch service. The gorgeous, panoramic Santa Catalina Mountain vistas make The Grill at Hacienda Del Sol perfect place to brunch and impress out of town guests.

Hit It Up: Brunch is served every Sunday from 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Complimentary champagne is served as you peruse the fresh and bountiful buffet and carving stations. Reservations are suggested.

5. Prep and Pastry

3073 N. Campbell Ave. (520) 326-7737, PrepandPastry.com

Why We Love it: Locally sourced food and the delicious varieties of homemade hash. Sweet Potato Hash and Duck Confit Hash are brunch menu favorites.

Why Tucson Loves It: PASTRIES! One of the most popular at Prep and Pastry is the maple-bacon “cronut.” A hybrid of a donut and croissant, this crispy/chewy/flaky pastry is topped with a delectable maple glaze and crumbled bacon. It’s perfectly okay to lick your fingers afterward.

The Atmosphere: Once the home of Amelia Grey’s Tea Room, the quaint and charming indoor decor invites one to linger for a lazy weekend brunch. The outdoor dog-friendly patio is a popular perch as well. Be prepared for a waiting list and a bit of a wait, but it will be worth it.

5 Points. Photo by Andrew Brown.

6. 5 Points Market & Restaurant

756 S. Stone Ave. (520) 623-3888, 5PointsTucson.com

The Vibe: 5 Points Market & Restaurant can be described as having a hipster and casual, yet familial atmosphere. The restaurant is open daily from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m.

What To Eat: Huevos Rancheros! Best in Tucson. If you’d like something lighter, try the Breakfast Salad. The portions are large, so come hungry.

Insider Tip: 5 Points Market is a gourmet delight if you love to cook. The market is similar to Whole Foods with fresh produce and meats and features vegan and raw food products as well as gluten free items.

Brunch at Penca. Photo by David Olsen.

7. Penca

50 E. Broadway Blvd. (520) 203-7681, PencaRestaurante.com

Why Tucson Loves It: Penca is housed in a revitalized historic building in the heart of Downtown Tucson. The 1920s building has been lovingly restored with reclaimed building materials from other historic locations. The colorful earthenware dishes are from Tucson’s own Santa Theresa Tile Works. Reservations can be made online.

The Vibe: Urban cool blended with Southwestern simplicity. Warm and intimate in feel. The proprietors love to have a personal relationship with their patrons and are excited to have “regulars” who frequent the restaurant.

The Food: Mexico City style cuisine lovingly prepared with locally sourced produce and meats. Penca has a very innovative bar menu serving Pechuga Mezcal and other Southwestern inspired spirits, like top-shelf varieties of tequila. Sample the Chile en Nogado entree which succulent pork braised in chile poblano with apples, plantains, dried fruit and almonds. Saboroso!

Outdoor seating at Proper.

8. Proper

300 E. Congress St. (520) 396-3357, ProperTucson.com

Why We Like It: The mixologists at Proper mix a killer cosmopolitan and a perfectly dry martini. Most importantly is that Proper proudly serves locally sourced food featuring artisanal charcuterie, cheeses and bread. Proper is committed to the concept of “farm to table” eating and any of the menu items can be prepared gluten-free.

The Atmosphere: Sophisticated indoor dining area with great views of Downtown traffic for people watching, as well as patio space for you to linger with cocktails.

Must-Order: Proper puts their fresh and signature spin on steak and eggs. The eggs are hormone-free from free-range chickens, prepared to order with locally sourced tender steak, a cheesy gratin of leeks and a zesty chimichurri sauce.

9. Cafe a la C’art

150 N. Main Ave. (520) 628-8533, CafeaLaCartTucson.com

Why Tucson Loves It: Cafe a La C’art has been in business for 18 years and is ensconced in the courtyard of the Tucson Museum of Art in the historic Stephens/Duffield House.

Pay A Visit: The cafe serves breakfast and lunch from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays. The pause that refreshes before or after your visit to the Tucson Museum of Art.

What’s Cooking? Try the satisfying Cafe Skillet with rosemary roasted potatoes, topped with eggs any style, bacon and cheddar and jack cheeses.

10. La Cocina

201 N. Court Ave. (520) 622-0351, LaCocinaTucson.com

Why Tucson Loves It: La Cocina is popular with Downtown’s denizens for the live music, theme parties, signature cocktails and an inexpensive menu. La Cocina offers lovely al fresco seating in the beautiful hacienda patio of Old Town Artisans with tables to accommodate two or ten.

What’s On The Menu? Mexican breakfast favorites like chilaquiles: fresh corn tortillas simmered in red or green sauce and a roasted pepper and onion mix. Topped with cheese and two eggs cooked to order. Served with a side of beans and a small garden salad. Another delectable brunch entree to savor is La Cocina Niçoise featuring house smoked salmon, arugula, hard boiled egg, red potato, roasted vegetables, Parmesan, and a tangy mustard vinaigrette.

11. Nox Kitchen & Cocktails

6370 N. Campbell Ave. (520) 529-5849, NoxTucson.com

New! Upscale Hemingway-themed casual decor with patio seating and lots of TV screens. Opened two months ago and features a newly implemented Sunday brunch menu. Perfect place to catch your favorite weekend sporting event.

The Ambiance: Patrons report that Nox plays fantastic music playlists from Spotify and Pandora enhancing the fun, hip atmosphere.

The Food: Shareable Duck Confit Fries are a popular nosh at Nox. Equally delicious is the Nox French Toast encrusted with fruit and nuts. The brunch menu was recently implemented at Nox with “bottomless” mimosas to sip with your brunch choices.

Hit It Up: Basically anytime! Seriously though, Nox is open from 11:30 a.m. to 1 a.m. daily.

The Coronet. Photo by Andrew Brown.

12. The coronet

402 E. 9th St. (520) 222-9898, CafeCoronet.com

Another Newbie: Freshly open at the north end of the Fourth Ave. underpass in the Coronado Hotel, The Coronet feels like a Parisian cafe, complete with a lively intersection of pedestrians and traffic.

The Ambiance: It’s so new that everyone there is on their first visit. The 1906 Victorian bar is charming and the patio competes with some of Tucson’s best. Lots of shade and the Fourth Avenue passersby are sure to entertain.

The Food: Homemade, brasserie style, old-world rustic cuisine.

Hit It Up: Saturday and Sunday brunch starts at 8am. Since it’s new, there could be a wait.

Not to be Forgotten

The list of 12 is certainly not all-inclusive of great brunch spots. There is no shortage of fine eateries in Tucson for a great repast!

Arizona Inn 2200 E. Elm St. (520) 325-1541
Beautiful, historic setting and elegant, sumptuous dining.

Cushing Street Bar & Restaurant 198 W. Cushing St, (520) 622-7984
Excellent brunch cocktails paired with american and southwestern breakfast staples.

Chaffin’s Family Restaurant 902 E. Broadway Blvd. (520) 882-7707
The best Monte Cristo Sandwich in town.

The Blue Willow 2616 N. Campbell Ave. , (520) 327-7577
Many vegetarian options and great pastries. Super fun gift shop.

Maynards Market & Kitchen.

Maynard’s Market and Kitchen 400 N. Toole Ave. (520) 545-0577
Red Velvet Pancakes!

Hub Restaurant & Ice Creamery 266 E. Congress St. (520) 207-8201
We all scream for ice cream!

Cafe Passe 415 N. 4th Ave. (520) 624-4411
Calming, shady patio and to-die-for Chia Pudding Brulee.

Azul Restaurant and Lounge 3800 E. Sunrise Dr. (520) 742-6000
Mediterranean inspired brunch menu in the beautiful setting of the Westin La Paloma Resort and Hotel.

Mother Hubbard’s 14 W. Grant Rd., (520) 623-7976
Gourmet traditional diner food, all made fresh and from scratch. The corn pancakes are scrumptious!

Time Market 444 E. University Blvd., (520) 622-0761
Cooked to order breakfast and lunch entrees and fantastic shopping for gourmet treats.

A Body Love Revolution

March 19, 2014 | Elsa Watson

Jes Baker is the force behind The Body Love Conference.
photo: Liora K Photography

“To lose confidence in one’s body is to lose confidence in oneself.” – Simone De Beauvoir

Jes Baker is fierce and she is fantastic. She also happens to have a plus-sized body. In our physical perfection-obsessed American culture, fat and attractive are incongruent. We are bombarded with thousands of negative body images from the television, magazines and social media. It’s no wonder that 91 percent of American women are unhappy with their bodies. In reality, a mere five percent of American women possess the body type portrayed by the mainstream media as ideal. What’s more is that these images of so-called “perfect bodies” are very often digitally enhanced to create an even more impossible to attain and unrealistic standard of beauty.

Why? Well, it keeps us chasing perfection and spending our money to achieve unattainable goals. The real cost to society are the social ills created in great part by marketing the concept of perfection. Low self-esteem, eating disorders, depression and suicidal tendencies all have a causal link to being triggered by the negative body marketing schemes that constantly tell us that we are ugly and unlovable if we fail to meet these impossible standards of beauty.

What began as Baker’s intelligent retort, in May 2013, to Abercrombie and Fitch CEO Mike Jeffries’ insensitive, derisive comments about fat people not belonging in his clothing line became the spark that ignited a revolution. Jes Baker’s revolution is one of celebration: The celebration of women’s bodies for the miraculous and perfect creations that they are, just as they are. It is a revolution that promotes self-love and acceptance in spite of the cultural obsession with physical perfection. A happier and healthier society is the goal of this revolution.

Acclaimed blogger and Tucsonan Jes Baker (aka The Militant Baker), did not anticipate such an overwhelming positive response when she penned her open letter to Jeffries and included a series of edgy, provocative photos similar to the racy Abercrombie and Fitch ad campaigns. Baker wanted to prove—by posing with a slender, chiseled, male model—that fat and attractive need not be mutually exclusive when, in fact, it could be beautiful, lush and sensual. When the photos went over-the-top viral, Baker was thrilled. After NBC’s TODAY show and other mainstream talk shows called, Baker knew what she had to do.

Baker is initiating history-making change locally in the form of The Body Love Conference; a conference that is extending the important conversation about self-love and self-acceptance to the Tucson community. This high energy, day-long event for women features 30 speakers along with workshops promoting and celebrating body love. Among the many highly relevant and exciting topics to be covered are: How to teach body positivity to your children, loving your body after sexual assault, how to transcend ageism, intimacy and self-acceptance, transgender body positivism and disability and sexuality.

Being held on Saturday, April 5 at the University of Arizona, a sampling of the featured presenters includes: Tess Munster, an international plus size model and blogger of EffYourBeautyStandards; Tucson photographer Jade Beall of A Beautiful Body Project and Sonya Renee Taylor, activist and author of The Body is Not An Apology.

Baker is, of course, also a presenter, discussing the history of how and why we’ve learned to hate ourselves. “Hatred is learned and can only be conquered by love and education,” says Baker.

Jade Beall, a Tucson based world-renown photographer specializing in truthful images of women has collaborated with Baker in the creation of the The Body Love Conference. Beall’s recent work, A Beautiful Body Project, was created to counter the airbrushed, “Photoshopped” and unrealistic images championed by mainstream marketing campaigns, and to celebrate the beauty of women just as they are. Beall’s book series and media platform feature un-retouched photos of women accompanied by their life stories and have garnered worldwide media attention. The images in this intimate project are candid, raw, and as uniquely beautiful as the subjects themselves. Beall’s intention for her important project is to inspire future generations of women to have healthy self-esteem and self-acceptance in a world that preys upon and thrives monetarily from the insecurities of women.

Both Baker and Beall agree that every body is a beautiful body and that it is time that we celebrate them as such. Join the body love revolution and help change the world, not your body.

The conference takes place at the UofA Student Union’s third floor ballroom, 1303 E University Blvd., from 8:30a.m.-5 p.m. on April 5. Tickets are $80. For more information, and to purchase tickets, visit BodyLoveConference.com.