DJ Fernandes

Astor House in Phoenix to Host "Mega-Authentic N'awlins Crawfish Boil" on Sunday, April 14

Astor House, the charming little eatery in Central Phoenix, may be the smallest of owner DJ Fernandes' three restaurants (next-door Tuck Shop and Vovomeena on Seventh Avenue and McDowell being the other two), but it's celebrating a big milestone. See also: - Caramelpalooza 2013: And the Winners Are ... More >>

Quick PHX 2013 Eat Profile: DJ Fernandes

Quick PHX 2013: Eat

Phoenix's Astor House to Host Food Truck Every Thursday

Since it opened last April, Astor House, from architect DJ Fernandes, who also owns Tuck Shop, the adjacent Coronado neighborhood restaurant, has been trying to find its groove. See also: - Liberty's Biscuits: Bringing Comfort Food to the Streets - A New Weekly Food Truck Event: Washington Wednes ... More >>

10 Best Things I Ate in September

Oh, hey, hi there! September's officially in the books. Which means it's a perfect time to look back on all the great food I ate and share some of my favorites. There's a little of everything here -- new restaurants, reviewed restaurants, and places I've popped into just because. It's not a countdow ... More >>

Vovomeena: A Rose Between Two Fry Baskets at Seventh Avenue and McDowell

When a new spot opens in town, we can't wait to check it out -- and let you know our initial impressions, share a few photos, and dish about some menu items. First Taste, as the name implies, is not a full-blown review, but instead a peek inside restaurants that have just opened, sampling a few item ... More >>

Tastemaker No. 1

From now 'til we publish the 2012 edition of Best of Phoenix, New Times and Chow Bella present 100 Tastemakers -- Valley residents who make the cut in our culinary scene. Some you'll know; for others, it'll be a first introduction (but likely not the last). While you're here, check out our 100 Creat ... More >>

Tastemaker No. 3

4: Cathy Hayes

From now 'til we publish the 2012 edition of Best of Phoenix, New Times and Chow Bella present 100 Tastemakers -- Valley residents who make the cut in our culinary scene. Some you'll know; for others, it'll be a first introduction (but likely not the last). While you're here, check out our 100 Creat ... More >>

6: Francesca Bianco

From now 'til we publish the 2012 edition of Best of Phoenix, New Times and Chow Bella present 100 Tastemakers -- Valley residents who make the cut in our culinary scene. Some you'll know; for others, it'll be a first introduction (but likely not the last). While you're here, check out our 100 Creat ... More >>

DJ Fernandes Opens Vovomeena Later This Month and Makes a Very Big Deal about Coffee

Editor's Note: After this post was published, the owner indicated that Vovomeena will not open until next Tuesday, possibly later. The post has been edited to reflect that. We'll keep you posted DJ Fernandes, the architect and co-owner of Tuck Shop and Astor House, has partnered up with Jessica Rui ... More >>

8: Bob McClendon

From now 'til we publish the 2012 edition of Best of Phoenix, New Times and Chow Bella present 100 Tastemakers -- Valley residents who make the cut in our culinary scene. Some you'll know; for others, it'll be a first introduction (but likely not the last). While you're here, check out our 100 Creat ... More >>

14: Josh Hebert

From now 'til we publish the 2012 edition of Best of Phoenix, New Times and Chow Bella present 100 Tastemakers -- Valley residents who make the cut in our culinary scene. Some you'll know; for others, it'll be a first introduction (but likely not the last). While you're here, check out our 100 Creat ... More >>

15: Jim Cerreta Sr.

From now 'til we publish the 2012 edition of Best of Phoenix, New Times and Chow Bella present 100 Tastemakers -- Valley residents who make the cut in our culinary scene. Some you'll know; for others, it'll be a first introduction (but likely not the last). While you're here, check out our 100 Creat ... More >>

16: Bernie Kantak

From now 'til we publish the 2012 edition of Best of Phoenix, New Times and Chow Bella present 100 Tastemakers -- Valley residents who make the cut in our culinary scene. Some you'll know; for others, it'll be a first introduction (but likely not the last). While you're here, check out our 100 Creat ... More >>

17: Bryan Dooley

From now 'til we publish the 2012 edition of Best of Phoenix, New Times and Chow Bella present 100 Tastemakers -- Valley residents who make the cut in our culinary scene. Some you'll know; for others, it'll be a first introduction (but likely not the last). While you're here, check out our 100 Creat ... More >>

21: Peter DeRuvo

From now 'til we publish the 2012 edition of Best of Phoenix, New Times and Chow Bella present 100 Tastemakers -- Valley residents who make the cut in our culinary scene. Some you'll know; for others, it'll be a first introduction (but likely not the last). While you're here, check out our 100 Creat ... More >>

24: Jeff Zimmerman

From now 'til we publish the 2012 edition of Best of Phoenix, New Times and Chow Bella present 100 Tastemakers -- Valley residents who make the cut in our culinary scene. Some you'll know; for others, it'll be a first introduction (but likely not the last). While you're here, check out our 100 Creat ... More >>

26: Korina Adkins

From now 'til we publish the 2012 edition of Best of Phoenix, New Times and Chow Bella present 100 Tastemakers -- Valley residents who make the cut in our culinary scene. Some you'll know; for others, it'll be a first introduction (but likely not the last). While you're here, check out our 100 Creat ... More >>

28: Clint Spotleson

From now 'til we publish the 2012 edition of Best of Phoenix, New Times and Chow Bella present 100 Tastemakers -- Valley residents who make the cut in our culinary scene. Some you'll know; for others, it'll be a first introduction (but likely not the last). While you're here, check out our 100 Creat ... More >>

29: Jason Alford

From now 'til we publish the 2012 edition of Best of Phoenix, New Times and Chow Bella present 100 Tastemakers -- Valley residents who make the cut in our culinary scene. Some you'll know; for others, it'll be a first introduction (but likely not the last). While you're here, check out our 100 Creat ... More >>

30: Travis Nass

From now 'til we publish the 2012 edition of Best of Phoenix, New Times and Chow Bella present 100 Tastemakers -- Valley residents who make the cut in our culinary scene. Some you'll know; for others, it'll be a first introduction (but likely not the last). While you're here, check out our 100 Creat ... More >>

31: Tim Wilson

From now 'til we publish the 2012 edition of Best of Phoenix, New Times and Chow Bella present 100 Tastemakers -- Valley residents who make the cut in our culinary scene. Some you'll know; for others, it'll be a first introduction (but likely not the last). While you're here, check out our 100 Creat ... More >>

33: Victoria Chavez

From now 'til we publish the 2012 edition of Best of Phoenix, New Times and Chow Bella present 100 Tastemakers -- Valley residents who make the cut in our culinary scene. Some you'll know; for others, it'll be a first introduction (but likely not the last). While you're here, check out our 100 Creat ... More >>

34: Pamela Hamilton

From now 'til we publish the 2012 edition of Best of Phoenix, New Times and Chow Bella present 100 Tastemakers -- Valley residents who make the cut in our culinary scene. Some you'll know; for others, it'll be a first introduction (but likely not the last). While you're here, check out our 100 Creat ... More >>

Astor House: Stellar Sandwiches and a Laid-Back Vibe

Astor House: Wonderfully Easygoing and Perfect for Sandwich Lovers

A hustle and bustle breakfast or lunch in this heat? Not for this lady of leisure. Lately, I've been taking my meals at Astor House. Run by architect DJ Fernandes, who also owns Tuck Shop, the adjacent Coronado neighborhood restaurant, and Vovomeena, a breakfast spot slated to open in September at ... More >>

37: Damon Brasch

From now 'til we publish the 2012 edition of Best of Phoenix, New Times and Chow Bella present 100 Tastemakers -- Valley residents who make the cut in our culinary scene. Some you'll know; for others, it'll be a first introduction (but likely not the last). While you're here, check out our 100 Creat ... More >>

38: Charleen Badman

From now 'til we publish the 2012 edition of Best of Phoenix, New Times and Chow Bella present 100 Tastemakers -- Valley residents who make the cut in our culinary scene. Some you'll know; for others, it'll be a first introduction (but likely not the last). While you're here, check out our 100 Creat ... More >>

41: Michael Perry

From now 'til we publish the 2012 edition of Best of Phoenix, New Times and Chow Bella present 100 Tastemakers -- Valley residents who make the cut in our culinary scene. Some you'll know; for others, it'll be a first introduction (but likely not the last). While you're here, check out our 100 Creat ... More >>

43: Wendell Crow

From now 'til we publish the 2012 edition of Best of Phoenix, New Times and Chow Bella present 100 Tastemakers -- Valley residents who make the cut in our culinary scene. Some you'll know; for others, it'll be a first introduction (but likely not the last). While you're here, check out our 100 Creat ... More >>

44: Mark Fratu

From now 'til we publish the 2012 edition of Best of Phoenix, New Times and Chow Bella present 100 Tastemakers -- Valley residents who make the cut in our culinary scene. Some you'll know; for others, it'll be a first introduction (but likely not the last). While you're here, check out our 100 Creat ... More >>

45: Marco Bianco

From now 'til we publish the 2012 edition of Best of Phoenix, New Times and Chow Bella present 100 Tastemakers -- Valley residents who make the cut in our culinary scene. Some you'll know; for others, it'll be a first introduction (but likely not the last). While you're here, check out our 100 Creat ... More >>

48: Lisa Reinhardt

From now 'til we publish the 2012 edition of Best of Phoenix, New Times and Chow Bella present 100 Tastemakers -- Valley residents who make the cut in our culinary scene. Some you'll know; for others, it'll be a first introduction (but likely not the last). While you're here, check out our 100 Creat ... More >>

49: Duc Liao

From now 'til we publish the 2012 edition of Best of Phoenix, New Times and Chow Bella present 100 Tastemakers -- Valley residents who make the cut in our culinary scene. Some you'll know; for others, it'll be a first introduction (but likely not the last). While you're here, check out our 100 Creat ... More >>

54: Dave Andrea

From now 'til we publish the 2012 edition of Best of Phoenix, New Times and Chow Bella present 100 Tastemakers -- Valley residents who make the cut in our culinary scene. Some you'll know; for others, it'll be a first introduction (but likely not the last). While you're here, check out our 100 Creat ... More >>

55: Farah Khalid

From now 'til we publish the 2012 edition of Best of Phoenix, New Times and Chow Bella present 100 Tastemakers -- Valley residents who make the cut in our culinary scene. Some you'll know; for others, it'll be a first introduction (but likely not the last). While you're here, check out our 100 Creat ... More >>

63: Audrey Lasalle

From now 'til we publish the 2012 edition of Best of Phoenix, New Times and Chow Bella present 100 Tastemakers -- Valley residents who make the cut in our culinary scene. Some you'll know; for others, it'll be a first introduction (but likely not the last). While you're here, check out our 100 Creat ... More >>

Here Are the First Drafts of the Menus for Vovomeena, the New Breakfast and Brunch Spot From the Owner of Tuck Shop and Astor House

If there has been a shining light regarding the fast food fiasco (dump) going on at the corner of McDowell Road and 7th Avenue, it's been Vovomeena. From DJ Fernandes, owner of the Tuck Shop and its next door little sister Astor House, Vovomeena (named after his grandmother), will be a breakfast an ... More >>

68: Cindy Gentry

From now 'til we publish the 2012 edition of Best of Phoenix, New Times and Chow Bella present 100 Tastemakers -- Valley residents who make the cut in our culinary scene. Some you'll know; for others, it'll be a first introduction (but likely not the last). While you're here, check out our 100 Creat ... More >>

78: Eugenia Theodosopolous

Recently inducted into the Arizona Culinary Hall of Fame as "Pastry Chef Extraordinaire," Eugenia Theodosopolous traces her culinary roots to her time studying and working at the Ecole Lenotre in Paris. At Essence Bakery Café in Tempe, Chef/owner Eugenia offers high-quality organic local food and P ... More >>

81: Andrea White

From now 'til we publish the 2012 edition of Best of Phoenix, New Times and Chow Bella present 100 Tastemakers -- Valley residents who make the cut in our culinary scene. Some you'll know; for others, it'll be a first introduction (but likely not the last). While you're here, check out our 100 Creat ... More >>

83: Tony Morales

From now 'til we publish the 2012 edition of Best of Phoenix, New Times and Chow Bella present 100 Tastemakers -- Valley residents who make the cut in our culinary scene. Some you'll know; for others, it'll be a first introduction (but likely not the last). While you're here, check out our 100 Creat ... More >>

Tuck Shop Owner to Open Breakfast Spot Amidst the Chains at 7th Ave and McDowell

​In places like Australia and England, folks use the term "tuck shop" to refer to a small shop selling sweets and crisps (that's cookies and potato chips to us). Tuck means food -- as in, "to tuck into a meal." But in the case of Phoenix's Tuck Shop, the term also means tucked into a small, r ... More >>

DJ Fernandes' Pressure Cooker Pot Roast

lasvegasfoodadventures.wordpress.com Pot roast that takes less time to cook than your favorite movie​This week we talked with DJ Fernandes, owner of Tuck Shop. He's an architect-turned-restaurateur but the success of his first venture led us to believe his recipes won't taste much like ... More >>

Tuck Shop Owner Opening New Concept Next to Restaurant: Think Pastries, Sandwiches, Deli Cases, and an Old-School Soda Fountain

Convenience: The building for the new concept sits just south of the Tuck Shop.​Looks like the Coronado District is getting a delicious new neighbor, courtesy of a current one. DJ Fernandes, owner of the Tuck Shop, the cozy house-turned-eatery, has purchased the home just south of the restaur ... More >>

Modern Design Meets Modern Dining in Phoenix

It's good to be in Phoenix for the food and the architecture these days. We've even heard of people coming here for just those two things. Catherine Slye Restaurant Revolution : David Tyda​ Catherine Slye Architect Hayes McNeil (Postino)​​As part of the Modern Phoenix Week e ... More >>

Tuck Shop Rolls Out New Fall Menu

​Fall is ushering all kinds of cozy new food at Tuck Shop, the Coronado District restaurant that's transformed the corner of 12th Street and Oak into a popular CenPho dinner destination.

Tuck Shop Invites You to Come for the Skirt Steak and Stay for the Best Gin and Tonic in Town

Prado and Other New Restaurants Opening This Week