Arizona Republic, December 21, 2011:

El Gato Azul

is not what you'd expect to find just footsteps from Whiskey Row, but that just adds to the charm of this little bistro. El Gato Azul, on a bank of Granite Creek, serves tapas from 3 p.m. to closing. Fried avocado ($6) with panko breading and red-pepper aioli is a seamless blending of flavors and textures. Cool and creamy inside, it's like eating fried ice cream.

Details: 316 W. Goodwin St. 928-445-1070, elgatoazulprescott.com.

Prescott Brewing Co.

provides a front-row seat for historic Courthouse Plaza and serves tasty food and well-brewed beers. Breads are baked daily; soups and salad dressings are made in house. The flagship brew is Liquid Amber Ale, a medium-bodied beer with malty characteristics and light caramel tones. Also popular is Ponderosa IPA, not overly hopped but still bringing the robust flavor and higher alcohol content characteristic of an IPA. Bring some home: Both are available in six-packs of cans.

Details: 130 W. Gurley St. 928-771-2795, prescottbrewingcompany.com.