Jonathan McNamara

Biscuits and Sausage Gravy Battle: Harlow's vs. Over Easy

Jonathan McNamara​The outside is floury to the touch but radiating heat -- a clue to the fluffy, golden inside. Cut one open, held in your palm like a shucking oyster, and slather in the butter in those precious seconds before the warmth fades away. Of course, by then, the goodness will have ... More >>

Is Sing High Chop Suey House Crave-able Chinese?

Jonathan McNamara Wor Mein at Sing High Chop Suey House.​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 again, they might hold nothing more than a one-way ticket to whatever you stu ... More >>

Foreigner and Journey at the Ashley Furniture HomeStore Pavilion, 7/24/11

Jonathan McNamaraForeigner ​Night Ranger, Foreigner, and JourneySunday, July 24Ashley Furniture HomeStore PavilionIn all my years attending concerts at this pavilion (under its myriad names), I've never seen traffic like what we waded through before the Foreigner/Journey concert. Cars were still b ... More >>

Erik "The Red" Denmark Chomps 29 Hot Dogs at the Nathan's Famous Qualifier in Tempe

Jonathan McNamaraThe aftermath of Saturday's Nathan's Famous Hot Dog Eating Qualifier at Arizona Mills Mall.​Next time you prepare to chow down on a plump, all-beef hot dog, ask yourself this question: how many can you eat in ten minutes? Two? Four? If you think that kind of lazy eating is goi ... More >>

Slideluck Potshow: Why Potlucks Are for Freeloaders

photo by Jonathan McNamara At the Icehouse for Slideluck Potshow​In 2000, Seattle-based photographer Casey Kelbaugh invited a few of his creative friends over to watch a slideshow of their artwork while enjoying some homemade dishes, potluck style. The result, Kelbaugh says was part art, pa ... More >>

Friedman Recycling Plant Fire in South Phoenix Visible from Downtown

Jonathan McNamara If you were wondering what you were seeing -- and smelling -- this afternoon... It was a fire at the Friedman Recycling Plant at 35th Avenue and Lincoln Street in south Phoenix. Billowing smoke was visible for miles as firefighters hosed down bales of blazing paper from ... More >>

Payton Curry Pops Up at the Welcome Diner

Jonathan McNamara ​Thanks to Chef Payton Curry, life has returned to the beloved Welcome Diner, which sat sad and empty on the corner of 10th street and Roosevelt for far too long. The infamous chef kicked off the first night of his three-month pop-up project to a packed house -- and a ... More >>

Camelback Inn Cooks Healthy with the Chia Pet

Jonathan McNamara​Last week, Sprouts Wellness Restaurant and Juice Bar at Camelback Inn introduced a new "Cooking Nutritionally Smart" workshop series hosted by executive sous chef Brian Archambault and featuring beverage director Trudy Thomas' organic cocktails. "Healthy? Organic? Oh, no," ... More >>

Caramelpalooza 2011: A Sticky Situation

Jonathan McNamara​Last Friday, locals craving a sugar rush lined up in the parking lot of Smeeks at Central and Camelback roads for Chow Bella's second Caramelpalooza event. The judging is over, and a favorite was selected by both the audience and a judging panel -- Essence Bakery's deliciou ... More >>

Caramel Porn: Caramelpalooza 2011 in Photos

Jonathan McNamara The caramel offering from Danielle Morris, Cork.​Looking for more sugar? Check out our slideshow from Friday night's caramel tasting at Smeeks.

Caramelpalooza 2011: The Results Are In

Jonathan McNamaraYes, that's a peanut butter and jelly caramel. ​The competition got sticky Friday night at the second annual Caramelpalooza, co-sponsored by Chow Bella and Smeeks. We're not sure of the exact head count -- beyond the fact that the line wrapped around the block -- but we do know th ... More >>

Chaka Chaka Just Keeps Getting Better

Jonathan McNamara​A little birdie (okay, Facebook) told us that our new favorite lunch spots, Chaka Chaka, added a few more items to their already fabulous, yet small, menu. We paid our favorite chef/comedian, Charlie Blonkenfeld, a visit this week to try out the new eats. Just as ... More >>

Valentine's Day Showdown: Comfort Food from the Thrifty Cook

Jonathan McNamaraCyndi Coon prepares meatloaf.​Yesterday, Wynter Holden AKA The Virgin Cook gave you a Valentine's Day menu built on ease of preparation and maximum effectiveness...ahem...outside of the kitchen. Today, we're all about comfort foods courtesy of The Thrifty Cook. These thrift ... More >>

Caramelpalooza 2011: Deadline Today!

Jonathan McNamara One of last year's sweet entries. ​Thinking about whipping up a batch of candy for Caramelpalooza 2011? Better think quick: The deadline for entering our sweet contest is today, Tuesday, February 8. Chow Bella and our friends at Smeeks candy store are at it again, co-spo ... More >>

Caramelpalooza 2011: Who Wants to Make Some Candy?

Jonathan McNamara Tammie Coe's 2010 caramels. ​Has it really been almost a year since we stood in the parking lot of Smeeks -- sticky and sweaty from a night of caramel tasting/swooning -- and swore we'd never eat sugar again? Indeed it has. And we have one thing to say, Phoenix: Br ... More >>

Resolution Guide: The Extreme Edition

Ted Leo and the Pharmacists at Rhythm Room Last Night

Jonathan McNamara​Ted Leo and the Pharmacists Rhythm Room October 4, 2010 It's sort of rare when a mosh pit is possible but not inevitable. You know, when a band could inspire a little knock-push-bounce action but it isn't necessarily a forgone conclusion.Ted Leo and The Pharmacists, who played P ... More >>

Foodies Like Us Serves Up a Whole-Roasted Pig at Sassi

Jonathan McNamaraOne of two whole-roasted pigs served at Sassi last night. ​Some things are undeniably good. Our piggy friend in the picture above? He's one of them. The smell coming off this guy seeped straight through the walls and out into the air surrounding restaurant Sassi as we approach ... More >>

Brownie Showdown: And the Winner Is . . .

Jonathan McNamara​I can't believe I went out and ate lunch before our blog meeting the other week -- the day when a bunch of Chow Bella contributors showed up with brownies. What was I thinking? And yet, somehow I found room to try them all, complete with a big cup of milk that made everyth ... More >>

MF Tasty at Welcome Diner

Jonathan McNamara Mexican Coca Cola BBQ pulled pork sandwich with avocado and hand-cut sweet potato chips.   ​Sitting at Welcome Diner this afternoon, we asked the folks behind MF Tasty, a monthly "secret" dinner (or in this case lunch) held at a different location each time, what the ... More >>

Salsa Showdown: Breakfast Taco Salsa

Jonathan McNamara Now where are the breakfast tacos? ​Real cooks can't stay out of the kitchen. That's why four of Chow Bella's regular contributors have concocted four different types of salsa just in time for Cinco de Mayo. Check in next week to see who won the showdown. Now, someone pass ... More >>

Coachella from Behind a Lens

Jonathan McNamaraCoachella 2010​A seething, primal mass of humanity jockeys for position in front of the main stage as the Indio sun beats down on Coachella 2010. They have moved beyond the point of patience and civility. Their shattered minds have but one thought as they claw toward the front of ... More >>

BBQ 101: From Novice to Slightly Less Than Novice

Jonathan McNamaraBrisket in the early morning.​There is a point at which night turns to day. It's barely visible to the naked eye, but in that smallest of moments while the moon is still full and the sun casts its first fires across the sky, a transition happens. I know because last Sunday a ... More >>

Nile Theatre Scheduled to Re-open In May

Jonathan McNamaraFans gather outside the Underground/Nile Theatre in Mesa back in February.​Did I call it or did I call it? I might not be able to predict the lottery numbers or who's gonna win American Idol every year, but I was definitely on the money with my prognostication that PHX concert pro ... More >>

Battle of the Dishes: Caramelpalooza Edition

Photo by Jonathan McNamara​ ​Last Friday, locals descended on the parking lot behind Smeeks to snag free caramels at our first-ever Chow Bella event, Caramelpalooza. Meanwhile over at Frances, a handful of judges including Chow Bella reader and haiku poet Jackie Porter, New Tim ... More >>

Caramelpalooza in Photos

  Jonathan McNamara​Our own Jonathan McNamara put together a delicious slideshow of images from Friday night's caramel-coated festivities at Smeeks. Check it out. (And winners are posted here.) 

Z Tejas Unveils Winter Menu

Jonathan McNamaraCitrus Flank Steak. There is spinach in there...somewhere.​We walked in to Z Tejas expecting a Winter menu full of heavy, comfort foods. Stuffing your face with carb and fat-laden dishes is why we celebrate the holidays, right? What we found instead were dishes that provide th ... More >>

Welcome Diner Survives Destructive Car Crash

Jonathan McNamaraLocal kids observe the destruction at Welcome Diner.​Just one day before this weekend's First Friday celebration, Welcome Diner was hit and partially destroyed by a car and truck that rocketed toward the local eatery after colliding with each other at the corner of 10th Street ... More >>

Stuffing Showdown: Weight Watchers Stuffing with Sage and Chives

Jonathan McNamaraSometimes stuffing can be delicious and good for you.​From now 'til Thanksgiving, we'll be sharing various stuffing recipes -- all tested and taste-tested first-hand by Chow Bella contributors. On Thanksgiving Day, our "celebrity judge," New Times food critic Michele Laudig, will ... More >>

Stuffing Showdown: Hot Italian Sausage Stuffing With Thyme

Jonathan McNamara Where is my fork!?​From now 'til Thanksgiving, we'll be sharing various stuffing recipes -- all tested and taste-tested first-hand by Chow Bella contributors. On Thanksgiving Day, our "celebrity judge," New Times food critic Michele Laudig, will weigh in with her favorite ... More >>

Ra Sushi's New Dishes

Jonathan McNamaraRa appetizers.​Let's just get this out of the way: Ra Sushi is not Japanese cuisine. Not proper Japanese cuisine anyway. That being said, it can be delicious as I found out at a new menu tasting at Ra Sushi in North Scottsdale last night.

New Against Me! Record Will Be Called "White Crosses"

Jonathan McNamara​I've been excited about the new Against Me! record since we got to hear half of it at the band's stellar Kia-sponsored show at The Icehouse a little while back. Now, it has a name: White Crosses. Bitch Vig (Nevermind, Siamese Dream, etc.) produced the record, which was finished i ... More >>

Tempe Farmer's Market In Photos

Jonathan McNamaraAngie Dutton, Art Wong, and Diana Perrone, staff members at Tempe Farmer's Market​It seems that Tempe is hopping these days. First we announced a new bar, then a new burger joint and now a brand-new, daily farmer's market. We poked our noses in and checked the market out. What di ... More >>

First Taste: Smashburger in Tempe

Jonathan McNamaraThe "All American Smashburger" with "Haystack Onions."​ The first thing you should know about Smashburger, the new burger joint that opened today on College Ave. in Tempe near the ASU Fulton Center, is that there are several items you won't find on the menu. No, I'm not talkin ... More >>

Iron Chef 2: The Duel in the Desert Pits Mel Mecinas Against Payton Curry

Jonathan McNamaraChef Mel Mecinas plates his final dish as time runs out. ​Allez-Cuisine! Whether you're viewing the uniquely Japanese original or Iron Chef America, the concept of pitting culinary greats against each other in a timed cooking battle has been proven time and time again to resu ... More >>

Twestival Local Phoenix Raises Money for St. Mary's Food Bank

Jonathan McNamara​ Last night, local twitter-users gathered at the Aloft Hotel in Tempe to socialize, try great food from local businesses as donate money to St. Mary's Food Bank during Twestival Local Phoenix. Twestival started as a Twitter-based meet-up but has grown into an event that benef ... More >>

Padre's Auctions Chairs to Benefit Orphanage in Mexico

Jonathan McNamaraMark McDowell's "The Headache Chair"​Tomorrow at 5:30 p.m., Padre's Modern Mexican Cuisine will auction off a collection of artistic chairs created by Valley artists. Padre's hopes to raise $10,000 for the Children of Tapachula Mission Mexico Orphanage. New Times took a look ... More >>

Devastation 2009: Street Fighter IV Attracts the Country's Top Fighters

Jonathan McNamaraDevastation players Nicholas Cucio (left) and Brian Valez. Valez runs Street Fighter tournaments at his Las Vegas-based game store "Game Over" and came out to support some of his hometown players at Devastation. Determined to grasp victory, two warriors step onto an airfield unconce ... More >>

Brew Review: New Dogfish Head and Other Great Brews at The Draft Magazine Craft Brew Festival

Jonathan McNamaraVolunteers pour Steamworks Brewing's delicious beers at the Draft Magazine Craft Brewing Festival Choosing the right horse requires a lot of luck and a certain willingness to watch your already mentally-spent earnings fail to materialize. That's why I took a different gamble at Turf ... More >>

Budget Beat: The Welcome Diner

Jonathan McNamara The Welcome Diner: Welcome!We at Budget Beat love hamburgers. Even if you've paid only scant attention to our humble blog over the past year, you've probably noticed that we like to order hamburgers when given the chance because: (a) they're a staple of American dining: (b) ... More >>

Summer Beer Quest Week Four

Jonathan McNamara This week we checked out the beers on tap at The Roosevelt in Downtown Phoenix. How does the house ale stack up to the other Summer beers we've tried this month? Check out the slide show to find out.  Check out the updated slide show to cast your vote via e-mail or twitter.

Summer Beer Quest Week Three

Jonathan McNamaraSun Up's Stinger Pale Ale at Sonora Brewhouse. See this week's other beers in our slide show. As per @deonadee's request, I checked out Sonora Brewhouse this week to find their best Summer beer selections. My discoveries: Armadillo Red Ale, Hefeweizen, and Stinger Pale Ale.  Chec ... More >>

The Sun Sessions: Bargrass Revival Does "Margaritaville"

Jonathan McNamaraBargrass RevivalLast week I sent out a Twitter (twitter.com/martincizmar) asking: "Anyone know a local band that can capture the soul-crushing pain of alcoholism, as documented in J.W. Buffett's 'Margaritaville,' in a cover?""Bargrass Revival" is what we got back, so we lined them u ... More >>

First Taste: Brio Tuscan Grille

Jonathan McNamaraChicken Milanese Pomodoro We tried to be good. We really did. Go take a quick step outside. Did you feel it? That's right. It's pool weather and if there's one reason we've been slogging it out at the gym day in and day out it's to enjoy this weather with preferably only two to t ... More >>

Circus Mexicus: The Show Goes on Despite Swine Flu, Drug Violence

Jonathan McNamaraWhen you're down there, you ain't worried about sick pigs.Roger Clyne has posted a blog entry on The Peacemakers' website declaring that Circus Mexicus will go on a month from today, despite the Mexican Swine Flu pretendemic and the very real surge in violence along the Mexican bord ... More >>

"Seriously Funny" and "Aside and Besides" In Photos

This week we had the chance to take an up close look at two new art exhibits on display at Perihelion Arts and SMoCA Jonathan McNamara "Aside and Besides" by Mark Maas Mike Maas' unique blend of vector design with layered, wooden pieces that seem to jump out at you made for quite the graphical spec ... More >>

TequilaAZ Brings Agave Goodness to the Lath House

Jonathan McNamara See more shots from TequilaAZ in our slide show. The Lath House at Heritage Park has never been as lively as it was on Saturday, March 22 for Tequilaaz, a tequila and mescal festival that had hundreds downing agave goodness and feasting on fare from local restaurants. The ... More >>

Valentine's Gift Ideas from Downtown Phoenix Public Market

Jonathan McNamara Jan's Baked Goods goes seasonal with treats that you could totes pass off as your own handiwork. Whether you love or hate Valentine's Day, you can soothe your heart and soul at Downtown Phoenix Public Market and grab a couple of nifty presents while you're at it. Many ven ... More >>

Spooning: Baked Corn Casserole

Jonathan McNamaraSee this recipe in slide show form.  In this week's Spooning column, Colin Redding illustrates the results of mixing dating with kids and America's favorite starch. Think you know some corny jokes? Watch out for this one.  Yet cobs of the yellow stuff have more than humorous appli ... More >>

TheDirty.com, Combichrist, Religious Rockers and More Over the Weekend

Jonathan McNamaraTheDirty.com's West Valley InvasionParty crasher Benjamin Leatherman spent Friday, January 24, boozing it up with The Dirty's Nik Richie at Hurricane Bay in the West Valley before saying hello to Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie at Jilly's in Chandler...slide show Top 10 Musicians Turn ... More >>