Ethnic and Regional Cuisines

Campechana Tostada: Mixed Sea Critters from Mariscos Sinaloa

Erica O'NeilThe campechana tostada from Mariscos Sinaloa, packed with octopus and conch.​Tacos may very well be the perfect food, but let's face it, the standard Meximerican fare can get a bit stale after a while. Taco the Town is here to highlight some of the more unusual Mexican finds in the ... More >>

Windy City Favorite Mia Francesca Now Open at DC Ranch

On the heels of the news that Portillo's is bringing its Chicago hot dogs, Italian Beef, and drool-worthy cake shakes to the Valley (woo-hoo!), another Windy City favorite has announced its foray into Arizona, as well. Known as the pioneer of the neighborhood trattoria and a Chicago institution for ... More >>

Five Favorite Thai Restaurants in Metro Phoenix

​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 run the gamut from an upscale Scottsdale joint to a Mom and Pop eatery closing in on its third d ... More >>

Tacos Atoyac: Street-Style Oaxacan Eats

Vintage 95 Wine Lounge: Happy Hour Report Card

​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 down the block from Urban Tea Loft and The Bistro at Kokopelli Winery, Vintage 95 offers different daily specials s ... More >>

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

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, sampling a few items, and satisfyi ... 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 >>

Masala Dosa from Woodlands Vegetarian South Indian Kitchen

​ ​Tired of the same old tired orange chicken and California rolls? Want to venture beyond the standard suburban-stale take-out? Here comes Chop PHX, with the Valley's rarer Asian offerings. This Week: Masala Dosa from Woodlands Vegetarian South Indian Kitchen The Basics:Imagine an unsweetened ... More >>

$10 Lunch at Delhi Palace Cuisine of India

​​Buffets can be hit or miss, and we've had far too many bland entrees overcooked under a heat lamp to claim the title of buffet buff. But one of our favorite lunch time destinations just happens to be a buffet that's finger lickin' good and easy on the wallet. Delhi Palace Cuisine of India off ... More >>

Timo Fires Up Bread and Much More in Sunnyslope

$10 Lunch at Habanero's

​Resolving to tighten the belt in 2012? Food-wise, this post won't help you much. But money-wise, yes. Here's a delicious, low-priced lunch option in North Scottsdale for Mexican food lovers. Here's a hint: Check out Habanero's Mexican Grill's daily specials white board. On the day we visited, th ... More >>

32 Shea: Coziness, Comfort, Coffee, and Killer Cocktails

10 Chinese Restaurants in Metro Phoenix Open on Christmas Day

Ando Muneno Peking duck (sans head) for Christmas dinner? Check out our list of places to get your fix.​ Peking duck, the holiday classic from "A Christmas Story."​Nothing beats kvetching about holiday commercialism over a plate of orange chicken and fried rice. To honor this grand ... More >>

Top Ten Places to Snag Your Holiday Tamales

Flickr- Big Rick Crappy Photos A Southwest holiday must: steamed tamales wrapped in corn husks. ​'Tis the season for tamales! If you've spent any time in the Southwest you know we do cocoa and cookies around the holidays just like everywhere else, but that the holiday season just isn't the ... More >>

Rice Paper's Pricey Vietnamese Food Could Use a Touch of Soul

Panang Chicken with a Bang at Thai House

Amy Morris​If you find yourself near the 101 and Frank Lloyd Wright Blvd in Scottsdale, Thai House is a good bet for a filling Asian meal under $10. Lunch specials are only $6.95. There are several main courses to choose from when creating your own lunch. Some of the options are familiar, ... More >>

Caramelos from Mickey's Hot Dogs

Erica O'Neil Caramelos! Two crispy, buttery tortillas packed with carne asada and melty queso blanco.​Tacos may very well be the perfect food, but let's face it, the standard Meximerican fare can get a bit stale after a while. Taco the Town is here to highlight some of the more unusual Mexi ... More >>

Pearl Sushi Lounge: Chic Ambiance and (Mostly) Flashy Food in Scottsdale

Tamales 101: 10 Tips from a First-Time Holiday Tamale Maker

​For some, the Holy Grail of Holiday Cooking is the croquembouche. For others, it's the perfect latke or maybe the whole turkey-and-fixin's line-up. But tamales have always topped my holiday bucket list. Maybe because "Tamale Day" has long been described by friends in hushed tones -- romant ... More >>

Nobuo Chef Fukuda Joins Chef Jason Alford for Omakase Experience at Roka Akor

Fans of omakase, the expression used at sushi restaurants to leave the menu to the chef, have an opportunity to treat themselves to an early holiday gift thanks to a unique event at Roka Akor in Scottsdale. On Monday, December 12, Roka Akor will bring together chef Nobuo Fukuda, James Beard Award-w ... More >>

Wrapped Goodness: The Twelve Tamales of Christmas from Los Sombreros

Here at Chow Bella, we understand how important it is to give (and receive) the perfect foodie gift. So this season, we're helping out by offering 21 food- and drink-focused gift suggestions, one each work day until Christmas, from a local business or provider. You get scads of rock-star ideas, the ... More >>

El Hefe: Tabletop Taps and Mexican Food with a Twist in Scottsdale

Woodlands Vegetarian South Indian Kitchen in Chandler

It's tough to find a restaurant that's 100% vegetarian, but when in doubt, look for a place that serves authentic Indian food. Why? India has the highest population of vegetarians worldwide. For a spicy vegetarian fix, look no further than Woodlands Vegetarian South Indian Kitchen in Chandler, AZ.

Murg Makhani, or Butter Chicken to You and Me

Ando Muneno​ ​Tired of the same old tired orange chicken and California rolls? Want to venture beyond the standard suburban-stale take-out? Here comes Chop PHX, with the Valley's rarer Asian offerings. This Week: Murg Makhani from India Oven (1315 S. Gilbert Rd., Mesa) The Basics: Mur ... More >>

Pete's Thai Cuisine: Bold Flavors and More from a Longtime Valley Thai Chef

Roasted Vegetable and Bean Tostada with a Fried Egg

Jennifer Woods​Lately, in this In Season series, we're taking a look at what I take home from Crooked Sky Farms each week and see what I've done with my CSA share, or part share. This week I'm using butternut squash and green beans.

Lunch for $10 at Nobuo at Teeter House

Courtesy of Justin Eats​A common misconception seems to be that delcious -- as in, James Beard-award winning delicious -- food will never  be reasonably priced. Not true, and we've got proof! For this week's $10 lunch, we enjoyed the charming digs of the Teeter House at Heritage S ... More >>

Lunch for $10 at Republic Ramen and Noodle Bar

Lauren Saria​Ramen (when it doesn't come in noodle-brick form out of a package from the grocery store) is a Japanese dish made of wheat noodles served in a flavored broth. The dish has been a part of both Chinese and Japanese cultures for decades and thanks to Nissin Foods, in the early 60s it mad ... More >>

The Posidon Adventure: Latest Dare to Dine Challenge

Labeled "Greek" but advertising discount pizzas, the exterior of Posidon Greek Restaurant & Market does not inspire confidence. ​Every town has a handful of sketchy restaurants. Often it's the joints that look the most questionable that hold the secrets of culinary enlightenment. Then ag ... More >>

Beef Stew Review: Tilted Kilt vs. Seamus McCaffrey's

Lauren SariaIrish Beef Stew from Tilted Kilt ​Open since 1992, Seamus McCaffrey's Irish Pub and Restaurant has become a downtown Phoenix landmark serving cold brews and traditional eats for years. They've got an impressive selection of drinks and serve food early and late. So when "Irish pub" chai ... More >>

Lunch under $10 at The Siamese Cat Thai Restaurant

​Located just up the strip mall from the Department of Economic Security office, The Siamese Cat Thai Restaurant doesn't exactly scream, "Great food, here!" But take a step inside (no really...hurry on in, no need to dally in the parking lot) and you'll find some delicious food at great ... More >>

Chop PHX: Banh Xeo

​​Tired of the same old tired orange chicken and California rolls? Want to venture beyond the standard suburban-stale take-out? Here comes Chop PHX, with the Valley's rarer Asian offerings. This Week: Banh Xeo The Basics: Authentic Vietnamese restaurants tend to have menus that can best be desc ... More >>

Poblano May Have Difficulty Competing with Neighborhood Staples

Vitamin T Breakfast Starts Today: Buenos Días, Señor Ham & Egg Torta

Sara Dalton​Wake up, downtown Phoenix, your Mexican breakfast is ready. Vitamin T, celebu-chef Aaron May's home of tacos, tortas, and tequila in the Cityscape building, officially opens for breakfast today and my does it look tasty. Think smoked ham and oven-roasted chicken tortas, a breakfa ... More >>

Huauchinango's Poblano Cuisine Will Leave You Saying "Holy Mole"

Hibiscus Quesadillas from Los Sombreros

Wikimedia Commons- Thelmadatter A bright and beautiful pile of dried hibiscus flowers, ready to become jamaica or quesadillas.​Tacos may very well be the perfect food, but let's face it, the standard Meximerican fare can get a bit stale after a while. Taco the Town is here to highlight some ... More >>

Pho Ga from Da Vang

Ando Muneno Da Vang's Pho Ga. ​ ​Tired of the same old tired orange chicken and California rolls? Want to venture beyond the standard suburbian-stale take-out? Here comes Chop PHX, with the Valley's rarer Asian offerings. This Week: Pho Ga (Vietnamese Rice Noodle Chicken Soup) from D ... More >>

Curry Corner Spices Up Tempe with Indo-Pakistani Cuisine

Chef Vincent of Vincent on Camelback, Part Two

Hayes Button Vincent Guerithault​Yesterday we brought you the first part of our conversation with Chef Vincent Guerithault of Vincent on Camelback. Today our talk continues. What was the new life like for you when you came to America?It was a lot of work. I didn't speak a word of English s ... More >>

Five Favorite Mexican Restaurants in Phoenix

America's Taco Shop -- mmm. ​Talk about a tough choice. There's no way to offer up the whole enchilada in one post when it comes to Valley Mexican restaurants -- but here's a start. What's your fave? Tell us in the comments. Here are five of ours. 1. America's Taco ShopWe've sampled nearl ... More >>

A Guide to Fresh Mexican Cheese and the Dishes to Top with It

Wikimedia Commons Fresh queso fresco, ready to use in a variety of Mexican dishes.​Tacos may very well be the perfect food, but let's face it, the standard Meximerican fare can get a bit stale after a while. Taco the Town is here to highlight some of the more unusual Mexican finds in the va ... More >>

Sapporo Scottsdale: Happy Hour Report Card

Nicole Smith Sapporo's Cocunut Water Martini and Passion-Mango Martini induce a high that's worth their high price.​The Spot: Sapporo, 14344 N. Scottsdale Rd., North Scottsdale, 480-607-1114www.sapporoscottsdale.comThe Hours: 11 a.m. - close, Monday through Friday, and 3 p.m. - close, Satur ... More >>

Sa Bai Modern Thai Turns an Old Wendy's on Its Ear

Wahsun Restaurant's Mouthwatering Chinese Food Doesn't Bother with Being Fancy

The Elote Cafe Cookbook

​ Although he describes himself as an introvert, Jeff Smedstad has always been at ease when sharing his garnered wisdom of Mexican cuisine. At the original strip mall location of Los Sombreros in Scottsdale, a diner's question about ingredients could easily coax him out of the kitchen, and if a cu ... More >>

Bastille Day Specials in Phoenix

www.tampabay.comThe Eiffel Tower explodes with fireworks once every year on July 14th.​For those of you who feel like one patriotic holiday in July isn't nearly enough, we've got good news. Thursday, July 14, aka Bastille Day, is upon us -- time to swap your hot dog for a filet mignon and party li ... More >>

Jean-Georges Vongerichten, World-Renowned Chef, In New PBS Series on Korean Food

​Three-star Michelin chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten's culinary empire includes restaurants in Las Vegas, London, Paris, and Shanghai, as well as his flagship eatery Jean Georges in New York. But when it comes to Korean food, Vongerichten needs a little help. That's when he calls on an expert ... More >>

Now Open: Kokoro Sushi & Noodle Bar

​Hooray -- a quick and casual place to get sushi downtown! Kokoro Sushi & Noodle Bar opened last week in the Arizona Center, two doors down form the trendy Brick Pizza and just east of the movie theater.    The cozy space is casual with high top tables and a little sushi bar ... More >>

Vitamin T: A Sign of Life in Downtown