Eating Out

Laura Hahnefeld Looks at the Year of the Food Truck

New Year's Eve 2011: What to Do and Where to Go on the Last Night of the Year

Five Awkward Moments in the Phoenix Food Scene, 2011

  http://www.etsy.com/shop/missive Let's pick 2011 apart, shall we?​Well, folks, 2011 has come and (just about) gone and we're left to chew the fat. It was a year filled with great new restaurants and some fun moments -- and some awkward ones, too. Let's look back on a few high l ... More >>

Seven Food Predictions for the Valley in 2012

​It's no secret that the Valley food scene is slow to hop aboard the gastronomical trend train, but that doesn't mean it can't surprise us every once in a while. And when it comes to food predictions for Arizona eaters in 2012, I'm certainly no fortuneteller, but given high food prices continu ... More >>

Five Places in Phoenix to Get Black Eyed Peas for a Lucky New Year

Flickr- nepA huge pot of black eyed peas, a New Year's tradition to bring good luck!Erica O'NeilMrs. White's Golden Rule Cafe serves up these black eyed peas year round.​​It's about time to say adios to 2011, and after a year like this, we could use every bit of good luck to start off the new ye ... More >>

Ten Food Trend Predictions for 2012

See credit for individual pictures below.Some of our predictions for 2012.​ Just about everybody is offering up their predictions for the food trends of 2012. Trends come and go in a flash sometimes, especially in this era of social media. While no one will know for sure what will take off, Chow ... More >>

Laura Hahnefeld's Year in Food: The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly

Beckett's Table joined in the pie craze of 2011.​In addition to food trucks making the scene in a big way in 2011 (see the article here), the year in food for the Valley was chock-full of other newsworthy goodies as well -- even chef Payton Curry managed to slip in a last-minute announcement.  ... More >>

Five Wishes for the Valley Food Scene in 2012

​In the last few years, thanks to an explosion of TV shows, celebrity chefs, blogs, and social media outlets, our knowledge of and accessibility to various kinds of cuisine, cooking methods, and ingredients has increased tremendously. And while the Phoenix dining culture has evolved as well, t ... More >>

Silvana Bistro to Open This Friday

Chef Silvana Salcido Esparza​On the heels of opening Barrio Queen, the casual Mexican eatery, tequileria, and bakery on December 26, Barrio Cafe owner and chef Silvana Salcido Esparza has announced she'll open her latest restaurant, Silvana Bistro, this Friday, January 6, in the SouthBridge sp ... More >>

Chef Jason Alford of Roka Akor

Lauren Saria Executive Chef Jason Alford​Join us in this week's Chef Talk as we venture inside Roka Akor, Scottsdale's posh Japanese steak and sushi restaurant. You might be surprised to see that the man behind the magic at one of the Valley's premier Japanese restaurants, Chef J ... More >>

Timo Fires Up Bread and Much More in Sunnyslope

Lauren Saria Executive Chef Jason Alford​Join us in this week's Chef Talk as we venture inside Roka Akor, Scottsdale's posh Japanese steak and sushi restaurant. You might be surprised to see that the man behind the magic at one of the Valley's premier Japanese restaurants, Chef J ... More >>

2011 Restaurant Opening and Closings

Ncounter opened on Mill Ave. this past August ​ 2011 was a busy year for the Valley restaurant scene. We added more than 100 new restaurants and lost just under 50. Just in case you forgot about some of the newcomers or missed the closed post for your favorite restaurant that you haven't be ... More >>

Chef Peter Deruvo of Cuoco Pazzo

Cuoco Pazzo ​Cuoco Pazzo may translate to "crazy chef," but the only crazy thing we noticed about Chef Peter Deruvo is his crazy humility and true passion for providing his guests with great food.   We sat down with Chef Deruvo in this week's Chef Talk to hear how he's handling his two ... More >>

Top Ten Burgers in Greater Phoenix

David LaChapelle, Death by Hamburger (2002)​You can thank the St. Louis World Fair of 1904 for being the launching pad for the hamburger as we know it (at one point, it was called the hamburger sandwich). Today, the round patty in a bun is the primary way in which the Western world consumes ... More >>

$10 Lunch at Cafe @ Rio

Bonnie GerepkaThe freshly made soup of the day with a side of veggie-packed focaccia. Bonnie GerepkaBrie and prosciutto paninni with lemon orzo side salad.If you don't know someone attending Rio Salado College, you've probably never heard of the Cafe @ Rio. Which is really too bad, because you're mi ... More >>

Thoughts and Predictions for the 2012 Food Scene

Bonnie GerepkaThe freshly made soup of the day with a side of veggie-packed focaccia. Bonnie GerepkaBrie and prosciutto paninni with lemon orzo side salad.If you don't know someone attending Rio Salado College, you've probably never heard of the Cafe @ Rio. Which is really too bad, because you're mi ... More >>

Fiesta Grill, in Tradiciones' Former Space, Is a Disappointing First Taste

Sizzing Mesquite Combo with Enchilada Suiza​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, some menu items. First Taste, as the name implies, is not a full-blown review, but instead a peek inside restaurants that ha ... More >>

Lemon Chocolate Tarte at (Where Else?) Coup des Tartes

When you're looking for a classic dessert done right, what better place is there to go than a French restaurant? Enter Coup des Tartes, a French BYOB bistro that's tucked into a charming house in Central Phoenix.

Chris Bianco's New Italian Restaurant (Called Italian Restaurant) Opens Today

​Last October, rumors were flying, then confirmed, that legendary pizza master Chris Bianco was planning to open a up a trattoria in CenPho. Now, it appears the launch date is set -- TODAY. Monday, January 16, Bianco is opening his much-buzzed about new restaurant, called Italian Restaurant, ... More >>

Ten Favorite First Date Restaurants

Hello Phoenix Cibo's Patio = Perfect First Date Spot​So you convinced that special someone -- or maybe that special someone that you've never actually met but you have a really strong connection with via instant messenger -- to actually go out to dinner with you. Where are going to take the ... More >>

Vintage 95 Wine Lounge: Happy Hour Report Card

We revisited downtown Chandler this week for happy hour at Vintage 95, a wine lounge only open for a few months.​The Spot: Vintage 95 Wine Lounge, 95 W. Boston St., Chandler, (480) 855-9463. www.vintage95.com The Hours: 4 to 6 p.m. every day, 4 p.m. to close Wednesdays The Details: Just dow ... More >>

Playing Chicken (Fingers): Raising Cane's vs. Rock-n-Roll Fingers

​Chicken fingers were once only a mainstay of sports bars and kids' menus. Now, restaurants dedicated solely to them are popping up around town. A David and Goliath battle is brewing in the Valley. Will a chain that's new to town fry the competition, or will the local mom-and-pop  prevail? I ... More >>

The Valley's Dining Scene Has Plenty to Love

​Chicken fingers were once only a mainstay of sports bars and kids' menus. Now, restaurants dedicated solely to them are popping up around town. A David and Goliath battle is brewing in the Valley. Will a chain that's new to town fry the competition, or will the local mom-and-pop  prevail? I ... More >>

Ethiopian Famous Restaurant & Coffee's Oddball Location Belies the Treats Inside

​Chicken fingers were once only a mainstay of sports bars and kids' menus. Now, restaurants dedicated solely to them are popping up around town. A David and Goliath battle is brewing in the Valley. Will a chain that's new to town fry the competition, or will the local mom-and-pop  prevail? I ... More >>

The Strand at CityScape Off to a Good Start for Fast Casual Italian Eats

Get This: Penne Alla Vodka​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, 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, s ... More >>

The Arrogant Butcher's Ego Boost

​ The Arrogant Butcher created a bloody buzz when it opened early last year in downtown Phoenix, featuring the kind of high-concept restauranteur Sam Fox is now known for in these parts. Design never takes a backseat to the food in a Fox restaurant, so it's no surprise that Arrogant Butcher' ... More >>

Chocolate Torte with Sorrel Ice Cream at Quiessence

Located at the picturesque Farm at South Mountain, Quiessence has won countless awards for their fresh cuisine. While all of those awards come with a pretty hefty price tag, you can taste some of the best that Quiessence has to offer by sneaking in for dessert, priced at $9 each.

Fresh Vegetarian Fare at 24 Carrots Juice

It's not always easy to find a place that serves quick, healthy, and satisfying vegan and vegetarian options. Those in Chandler are lucky to have 24 Carrots Juice, conveniently located on Chandler Blvd. near the 202, I-10, and the 101.

Yard House: Happy Hour Report Card

The Black Orchid house martini tastes like a watermelon Jolly Rancher and is only $6.25 during happy hour.​The Spot: Yard House, 9401 W. Westgate Blvd., Glendale, (623) 872-3900. www.yardhouse.com The Hours: 3 to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday, 10 p.m. to close Sunday through Thursday The Det ... More >>

Tacos Atoyac: Street-Style Oaxacan Eats

The Black Orchid house martini tastes like a watermelon Jolly Rancher and is only $6.25 during happy hour.​The Spot: Yard House, 9401 W. Westgate Blvd., Glendale, (623) 872-3900. www.yardhouse.com The Hours: 3 to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday, 10 p.m. to close Sunday through Thursday The Det ... More >>

Devoured Culinary Classic Tickets Now On Sale

​Whoa, where did the month of January go? Blink again and it could be the end of February, which would mean the third annual Devoured Culinary Classic -- the Valley's most popular culinary event featuring Arizona's finest local restaurants, chefs, and wineries -- would be right around the corn ... More >>

Spiced Apple & Ginger Bread Upside Down Cake at T. Cook's

For allowing diners to pick three mini desserts for just $8, the restaurant's lunch menu recently made our list of Top 10 Desserts in town. Pastry Chef Travis Watson crafts a completely different selection for lunch and dinner, so it's really best to stop by to taste both - multiple times.

Ten Favorite Chinese Restaurants in Greater Phoenix

Jackie MercandettiPhoenix Palace​ China is a nation with a multitude of culinary traditions stretching back thousands of years. In comparison, Phoenix has been around since last Tuesday and we should all be thankful that some of what's good over there can be found over. here. A word of advic ... More >>

Flavor-Packed Vegetarian Food at Chakra 4

The name of Chakra 4 Herb & Tea House is somewhat misleading in that it offers so much more than dried leaves. While you're there, stay and have a healthy, flavor-packed lunch or dinner.

Ten Favorite Vegetarian Entrees in Metro Phoenix

Phoenix isn't exactly known for vegetarian food, but the Valley has several unique, passionate vegetarian-friendly restaurants. Don't worry, you won't find any salads or veggie burgers on this list.

Message to the New Restaurant at the Camelback Esplanade: Good Luck

​It's no secret that Camelback Esplanade, the mixed-use development on the southeast corner of Camelback Road and 24th Street, hasn't exactly been the most successful place to put a restaurant. Tough to see from Camelback Road, parking hassles (you're either walking from across the street or ... More >>

Erin Forney's Perfect Food Day

Photo courtesy Erin Forney​Erin Forney grew up the daughter of a butcher in Michigan. She's been in Phoenix since 2005 and has been "a food lover since birth." She documents her food adventures on her blog Food Tramp Diaries. While she does have the hereditary love of food and writes about ... More >>

Chou's Kitchen: An Adventure to Northeastern China

Photo courtesy Erin Forney​Erin Forney grew up the daughter of a butcher in Michigan. She's been in Phoenix since 2005 and has been "a food lover since birth." She documents her food adventures on her blog Food Tramp Diaries. While she does have the hereditary love of food and writes about ... More >>

Bianco's Italian Restaurant: Low-Key, Fabulous Food, and Sipping the Olive Oil Is Acceptable

Get This: Devil's Gulch Pork Shank, Kamut, Brussels Sprouts​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, some menu items. First Taste, as the name implies, is not a full-blown review, but instead a peek inside restaur ... More >>

Ten Favorite Downtown Phoenix Restaurants for Late Night Dining

​We've all been there: drunk and hungry, only to find most of the local food joints are closed. As a remedy to this dire situation, we've done our best to find some downtown Phoenix spots where you can still grab a bite after most of the other restaurants have closed their kitchens. Let us kno ... More >>

Is CityScape Hurting Sens Asian Tapas and The Breadfruit?

​A few years ago, downtown's menu of dining options could be counted on one hand, but slowly, ever so slowly, that situation has been changing. With the arrival of CityScape, the high-rise residential, retail, office, and hotel complex in 2010, those in downtown now have more options of where ... More >>

Duck and Decanter Now Serving Breakfast All Day Long

Photos: Jennifer Woods​ In an effort to make Mom proud, Chow Bella's taking a good, hard look at the most important meal of the day in the form of Scrambled, a mashup of breakfast recipes, news and reviews of local restaurants serving the a.m. crowd. We wanted to try the breakfast (now being ... More >>

Three Valley Spots Make List of 100 Most Romantic Restaurants for Valentine's Day

Quiessence Restaurant & Wine Bar​With Valentine's Day right around the corner, it's always nice to see the love, especially on a national level and when it's given to Valley restaurants. Three Valley dining spots and L'Auberge Restaurant on Oak Creek in Sedona made the list of the 100 Most Ro ... More >>

Chef Silvana Salcido Esparza Closes Silvana Bistro, Devotes Efforts (and Space) to Barrio Queen

Chef Silvana Salcido Esparza at Silvana Bistro.​In what may be the Valley's quickest opening and closing of a new restaurant by a legendary tastemaker, Barrio Cafe owner and chef Silvana Salcido Esparza has decided to close the second of her two concepts, Silvana Bistro, and devote all her ene ... More >>

Valentine's Day Dinner Roundup 2012

​ Valentine's Day is right around the corner. No, seriously it's six days from right now. You have made dinner reservations, right? NO?! Well you better get to it. Good thing we know of a whole mess of restaurants that are celebrating the big V-Day. And guys -- if the lady in your life said so ... More >>

Mimi's Cafe: Happy Hour Report Card

Bistro Bites are down to $5 during Mimi's "Happiest Hour." We ordered the Chicken Tenders ($5) with a side of fries ($1). ​The Spot: Mimi's Cafe, 4901 E. Ray Road, Phoenix, AZ 85044, (480) 705-4811. Other valley locations include Scottsdale, Glendale, and Mesa. mimiscafe.com The Hours: 4 to ... More >>

Ten Favorite Phoenix Happy Hours

The patio -- a main draw at Main Ingredient.​ We've never met a happy hour that we didn't like but just like everything else in this world, some are better than others. Whether you're playing hooky from work on a Tuesday or just need a strong cheap drink after a grueling day in your dismal c ... More >>

Windsor to Debut Brunch Menu and Bloody Mary Bar

Google​As if the stars were aligning to ensure at least one of my predictions for the Valley food scene actually comes true, Windsor, the cozy North Central neighborhood bar and restaurant from restaurateurs Craig DeMarco and Lauren Bailey, has announced it will debut its very own brunch menu ... More >>

10 More Valentine's Day Dinner Ideas

someecards.comSmart Man! ​For all of you procrastinators out there, we've dug up 10 more Valley restaurants that would love you to dine with them on Valentine's Day. (Here's our original list.)This is it though. There isn't going to be anymore help after this. So make a decision and make reservati ... More >>

Five Favorite Thai Restaurants in Metro Phoenix

Jackie MercandettiPete's Thai can roll out quite a spread and pulls no punches with the spice. ​The Valley is home to more than a few Thai restaurants. Grabbing a mediocre plate of pad thai is easy enough, but finding quality Thai is another matter entirely. Below are some of our favorites. They r ... More >>