Jeff Kraus

20 Things No One Told You About Being a Chef in Phoenix

Welcome to Chow Bella's Bites & Dishes, where Valley chefs and restaurateurs respond to a question New Times food critic Laura Hahnefeld has on her mind. Have a question you'd like to ask? E-mail laura.hahnefeld@newtimes.com.Most of us are familiar with the less-glorious aspects of being a chef: the ... More >>

Caramelpalooza 2013: Judge's Recap

The fourth annual Caramelpalooza is now but a memory. It was a grand time, with more sticky sweets on display than you can imagine. My time at the event was different from most, as I was invited to judge the competition. As the contestants were arriving and setting up their displays, the other judg ... More >>

Caramelpalooza 2013: And the Winners Are....

Twenty chefs, hundreds of people, and thousands of caramels -- Smeeks and Chow Bella's Caramelpalooza 2013, held Friday night at Biltmore Fashion Park, was (if we say so ourselves) the biggest and best yet. Stay tuned this week for a complete caramel play-by-play by judge JK Grence, who writes Cho ... More >>

Caramelpalooza 2013: An Illustrated Field Guide for April 5

Tomorrow night's the night, people! Caramelpalooza 2013 is here: Friday, April 5, 7 p.m. (and don't dawdle, the caramel's gone fast in previous years). If you haven't already bought tickets, no worries -- there will be plenty for sale at the event: $10 for five tickets, with proceeds benefiting the ... More >>

Crepe Bar's Jeff Kraus: Caramelpalooza Candymakers 2013

As the chefs competing in Smeeks and Chow Bella's fourth annual Caramelpalooza -- coming 7 p.m. Friday, April 5, at UNION -- get out the candy thermometers, we've got our pens ready to introduce you to the faces behind the caramel. Crepe Bar isn't the kind of restaurant people would be likely stumb ... More >>

Announcing the Caramel Makers for Smeeks & Chow Bella's Caramelpalooza 2013!

We are practically in a sugar coma, just thinking about the line-up for Caramelpalooza 2013 -- the biggest and best ever, if you ask us. See also: - Caramelpalooza 2012: The Winners!

Crêpe Bar Hosts Oscar-Themed ASU Film Center Benefit

Tasty crêpes and even more delicious celebrity gossip from Hollywood's golden age finally come together in a night to benefit ASU's Center for Film, Media and Popular Culture at the "Dishing On Oscar: Award Tales with Taste" event. The best part is that it's all happening at one of our favorite new ... More >>

At Crepe Bar, a New King of Crepes Is Crowned

Crêpe Bar: Artistry, Discipline, and Nutella Courtesy of Jeff Kraus

"We'll always have Paris," said Rick (Humphrey Bogart) in the classic film, Casablanca. And thanks to Jeff Kraus, where a life-altering trip to the the City of Light inspired his award-winning mobile kitchen, Truckin' Good Food, and currently, his months-old eatery, Crêpe Bar, in Tempe, so do we. ... More >>

Pie Social 2012: The Winners

Good morning! Has your sugar hangover worn off yet??? Thanks to the hundreds of folks who came out Saturday afternoon for the third annual Chow Bella/Roosevelt Row Pie Social. From the bright sunshine to Tobie Milford's music to spontaneous swing dancing on the grass, it was a lovely day. Oh yes, ... More >>

A Humbling (Pie) Experience: Judging the Third Annual Pie Social

Eating pie is pretty much the best way to spend a Saturday afternoon, and at Saturday's Pie Social, there were plenty of celebrity pies to enjoy -- 14, to be exact. At first, as we judges waited around for a seemingly endless procession of pies to be brought to the table, it seemed a bit daunting to ... More >>

Downtown's Pie Social (A Field Guide for November 3)

There's going to be a lot to see and do at the Chow Bella/Roosevelt Row Pie Social this Saturday, but stay focused -- there are going to be a lot people on the same mission: Drop off the pies (optional), get the tasting tickets, find the best pies, taste, and repeat. You might need a little help t ... More >>

Passion of the Crust

Jeff Kraus Makes the "First Time Crepe" -- Nutella, Elderflower, Spiced Walnuts and More

Forks up, Phoenix! Chow Bella and Roosevelt Row present the third annual Pie Social Saturday, November 3rd, from 2 to 6 p.m. on Roosevelt Row in downtown Phoenix. We've got an all-star line up of bakers making pies for you to taste, and from now til Pie Social, we'll introduce them to you, one by on ... 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 >>

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 >>

9: Eytan Zias

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 >>

10: Joe Johnston

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 >>

11: Chrysa Robertson

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 >>

27: Daniel Wayne

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 >>

Jeff Kraus Reveals His Science-Nerd Side and Explains Why He Admires Eliot Wexler

See also: Jeff Kraus' Crêpe Bar: A Decidedly Different (and Delectable) Take on the Crepe This is part two of my interview with Jeff Kraus, chef-owner of Crêpe Bar. If you missed part one, read it here. Describe a meal you'll never forget and why: In France, Erin and I walked in on a family meal ... More >>

Jeff Kraus Explains What's Cool About Food Trucks, Waxes Nostalgic for S.O.S. and Names Four Over-Hyped Food Terms He Wishes Would Go Away

See also: Tastemaker #40: Jeff Kraus See also: A Sneak Peek at Jeff Kraus's New Crepe Bar Jeff Kraus Crepe Bar 7520 S. Rural Road, Tempe 480-247-8012 www.facebook.com/TruckinGoodFood This is part one of my interview with Jeff Kraus, chef-owner of the recently opened Crepe Bar and former owner of T ... 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 >>

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 >>

40: Jeff Kraus

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 >>

Chow Bella's Top Phoenix Food Stories of the Week

Every week, there's a cornucopia of Phoenix food news, features, and reviews to report here at Chow Bella. If you're like most people, you probably just don't have the time to get to all of it. It's kind of like those burgers at Old Town Whiskey; it just won't all fit in your mouth ... or in this ca ... More >>

Jeff Kraus' Crêpe Bar: A Decidedly Different (and Delectable) Take on the Crepe

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 >>

A Sneak Peek at Jeff Kraus' New Crêpe Bar

It's official -- Truckin' Good Food is now Tempe's newest eatery, Crêpe Bar! Nearly a year after Phoenix food truck pioneer Jeff Kraus announced he was looking for a home for a brick and mortar restaurant, the Truckin' Good Food chef is ready to open the doors to his new home. And this past Sat ... More >>

Truckin' Good Food's Jeff Kraus To Open New Spot in Tempe

Oh my, this is exciting. Jeff Kraus, the man behind Experience and the currently-defunct Truckin' Good Food truck (named one of the nation's "Top 10 Most Influential Food Trucks" by the Huffington Post) tells me, after months of searching, he's found a home for his new concept -- in Tempe. Kra ... More >>

Étape du Brewer

Jeff Kraus Teams Up with HB Hanratty's for Beer Week

​Jeff Kraus, the man behind Experience and the currently-defunct Truckin' Good Food truck, will be teaming up with HB Hanratty's on Friday, February 24th for the vintage pub's Bike In Movie Night. Part of the Arizona Beer Week series of events, craft beer lovers are encourage to ride thei ... More >>

Chef Jeff Kraus' Crepes for New Year's Eve

​This week in Chef Talk we've been chatting with Jeff Kraus of Truckin' Good Food. As both owner and chef of TGF, Kraus has left a lasting mark on the street food scene and put an innovative spin on French cuisine that's left many begging for more. Today, we've got his recipe for Flaming Crepe A ... More >>

Jeff Kraus of Truckin' Good Food, Part Two

​Today we bring you the second half of our chat with Jeff Kraus of Truckin' Good Food. Kraus, owner and chef, spoke yesterday about his take on French cuisine. Today we've got the scoop on his progress turning TGF from one kick-ass food truck into a brick-and-mortar restaurant. If you could only ... More >>

Jeff Kraus Returns to Cycle With "Experience"

Mobile Culinary Fave Jeff Kraus​He's baaack. And this time, he's leaving his truck in the garage. Jeff Kraus, owner and chef of Truckin' Good Food and named one of the nation's "Top 10 Most Influential Food Trucks" by the Huffington Post, is returning to Cycle, the pop-up venue hidden inside ... More >>

The Jeff Kraus "Experience" at Cycle: You Missed Out!

​This past weekend 120 lucky boys and girls had the chance to take part in Truckin' Good Food chef Jeff Kraus' "Experience" at downtown pop-up shop Cycle. And when we say lucky, we truly mean lucky.We just so happened to be 2 of those lucky people. After fully studying the menu in ... More >>