Kevin Binkley

Steve Freidkin of TEXAZ Grill On Chicken-Fried Steak, His Favorite Local Deli, and the Two Local Chefs He Most Admires

Steve Freidkin TEXAZ Grill 6003 N. 16th Street, Phoenix 602-248-7827, texazgrill.com See also: -- Free Ice Cream: Sweet Republic's Five Year Anniversary on Wednesday, June 12 -- Next Up on Diner's, Drive-Ins and Dives: Tempe's Curry Corner and The Duce in Downtown Phoenix This is part one of my in ... More >>

Former Kai Guy Michael O'Dowd on What He's Up to at Renegade by MOD and the Problem with Comfort Food

Michael O'Dowd Renegade by MOD 9343 E. Shea Blvd., Scottsdale 480-614-9400 See also: -- Ex Kai Chef Michael O'Dowd Opens Renegade by MOD in Scottsdale this Friday This is part one of my interview with Michael O'Dowd, executive chef and co-owner of Renegade by MOD. Come back Tuesday when O'Dowd dis ... More >>

Bink's Cafe and Bink's Midtown Host New All-You-Can-Eat Pig Roast Every Saturday and Sunday

Although the phrase "all you can eat" doesn't necessarily come to mind when referring to the cuisine of (Stiffed!) James Beard Award-nominated chef Kevin Binkley, it's good to know when considering the new Pig on the Patio event going on every weekend at two of his three restaurants: Cafe Bink and B ... More >>

Ehren Litzenberger of BLD in Chandler on Mario Batali and Why It's Hard to Be a Three-Squares Chef

This is part two of my interview with Ehren Litzenberger, executive chef at BLD in Chandler. If you missed part one, where Litzenberger dished about simplicity, chocolate-covered grasshoppers and his beef with "foodies," read it here. See also: -- 11 Great Cooking Supply Stores in Metro Phoenix -- ... More >>

Searsucker Scottsdale's Steven "Chops" Smith Headed to James Beard Awards: Here's What's on the Menu

Following in the contrail of Crudo chef Cullen Campbell, another Phoenix chef is headed to New York City for some James Beard culinary fun: Steven "Chops" Smith of Searsucker Scottsdale. See also: - Kevin Binkley, Searsucker, and Short Leash Hot Dogs Among Winners of the 2013 Foodist Awards - The 2 ... More >>

Edward Farrow Leaves The Café at MIM, Chris Lenza Takes His Place

Edward Farrow has forsaken his executive chef-general manager position at The Café at MIM for a similar gig at SLAM -- the acronym for the St. Louis Art Museum. In fact, he's packing up his stuff and hitting the road for Missouri on Thursday. See also: -- Edward Farrow of The Café at MIM Dishes ... More >>

Vincent Guerithault on Wolfgang Puck and Kevin Binkley

This is part two of my interview with Vincent Guerithault, chef-owner of Vincent on Camelback and Vincent's Market Bistro. If you missed part one, where Guerithault talks about being an apprentice, famous people he's cooked for and where he buys his macarons, read it here. Disclosure: I dated Vince ... More >>

Vincent Guerithault on Who He's Cooked For and Where He Gets His Macarons

Vincent Guerithault Vincent on Camelback, Vincent's Market Bistro 3930 East Camelback Road 602-224-0225, www.vincentsoncamelback.com See also: -- Taste Maker #53: Vincent Guerithault -- James Beard Award-Winning Celebrity Chef Teams Up with Phoenix's Justin Beckett for Special Dinner (Spoiler Ale ... More >>

10 Best Spots for Fries in Metro Phoenix

Anyone who thinks of French fries as just a side order clearly isn't going to the right places. But don't worry, our love of fries compelled us to put together a list of all the best places to have a gourmet fry experience. We went outside the box on this one -- meaning sauces and toppings are encou ... More >>

Here's Who's Been Nominated for the 2013 Arizona Culinary Hall of Fame

For over twenty years, the Scottsdale Culinary Festival and the Scottsdale League for the Arts have been presenting the Arizona Culinary Hall of Fame awards, where the best chefs, restaurateurs, and beverage masters in the state have secured a place in culinary history. See also: - Chef Kevin Binkl ... More >>

Five Things to Eat and Drink This Weekend in Metro Phoenix

Looking for something to put in your mouth this weekend? We've got you covered. Check out what's on our plate. See Also: - Kevin Binkley to Open Bink's Midtown in Phoenix on Wednesday - Urban Cookies Bakeshop's Brady Breese: Caramelpalooza Candymakers 2013 Arizona Rare Fruit Grower's Spring Plant ... More >>

Pallets, a Vietnamese, Chinese, and Japanese Restaurant, Opens on Roosevelt Row

The once-vacant Canvas building, located on the northeast corner of Third and Roosevelt Streets in Phoenix, is showing some signs of life. See also: - Kevin Binkley to Open Bink's Midtown in Phoenix on Wednesday - Second Location of Essence Bakery Coming to Phoenix This Summer Last weekend, the se ... More >>

Enter to Win a Trip to New York for The James Beard Foundation Awards on May 6

Sure, Phoenix is far from being a favorite city of the JB foundation, but that doesn't mean we don't daydream about what it would be like to experience the biggest event in the culinary world. See also: - 2013 James Beard Award Semifinalists Announced: Four Arizona Candidates Make the Cut Aside ... More >>

2013 James Beard Award Semifinalists Announced: Four Arizona Candidates Make the Cut

The James Beard Foundation Awards, also known as the Oscars of the culinary world, announced today its annual restaurant and chef semifinalists for 2013. As in years past, the list is gigantic, but come mid-March it will feature just a short selection of nominees. See also: Crudo Chef Cullen Campbe ... More >>

The Parlor Offers Nose-to-Tail Dinners Wednesday Through Saturday Starting February 6

Matt Carter started the local nose-to-tail trend four years ago, slow-roasting a whole pig in La Caja China for Sunday brunch at The Mission. Kevin Binkley jumped in whole hog last fall, offering an all-you-can-eat pig dinner on Saturday afternoons and evenings at Cafe Bink. Now Jared Porter is get ... More >>

Greg LaPrad Dishes on the Ghost at Quiessence and Gives a Hilarious Answer to the Last Meal on Earth Question

This is part two of my interview with Greg LaPrad, chef-owner of Quiessence and Morning Glory Cafe. If you missed part one, where LaPrad gave negative "foodies" a serious tongue-lashing, read it here. See also: -- Joshua Johnson of Kai Dishes on Antelope Liver and Working for a Celebrity Chef You ... More >>

Is Yelp Fair to Restaurants?

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.Last December, when Bizarre Foods host Andrew Zimmern called Yelp a "forum ... More >>

Todd Sicolo Dishes on Grant Achatz and His Short-Lived Las Vegas Marriage

Todd Sicolo T. Cook's at Royal Palms Resort & Spa 5200 E. Camelback Road, Phoenix 602-808-0766 royalpalmshotel.com See also: -- Josh Riesner of Scottsdale's Pig & Pickle Dishes on Bartending Bullshit and What He Ate That You Never Will - Keenan Bosworth of Pig & Pickle Dishes about Chrysa Robertso ... More >>

Who's the Most Unsung Hero in the Kitchen?

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.If it takes a village to raise a child, then it takes a top-notch kitchen s ... More >>

Chef Salad Highlights: The Funny, Astute and Provocative Comments Our Local Chefs Made in 2012

If you've been reading Chef Salad here at Chow Bella for a while, you've probably gleaned a few tasty nuggets about your favorite chefs: what they like to eat and where, the colleagues they admire, the mentors they've learned from and their views on trends and celebrity. As the interviewer, I've bee ... More >>

8 Best Neighborhood Happy Hours: Best of Phoenix 2012

We've spent the last year in the laboratory putting Phoenix under the microscope to reveal hundreds of specimens of the best culture, outdoor adventures, shopping, dining, and nightlife the city has to offer. And we're finally ready to publish our results. Nerd alert! Now presenting Scientific Phoen ... More >>

Aaron Chamberlin Dishes on (Not) Being a Celebrity Chef and the Hype Around St. Francis When It Opened

Aaron Chamberlin St. Francis 111 E. Camelback Road, Phoenix 602-200-8111 www.stfrancisaz.com See also: -- Update: Aaron Chamberlin Hopes to Open Cafe in Former Urban Grocery Space By Early Next Year This is part one of my interview with Aaron Chamberlin, chef-owner of St. Francis Restaurant. Come ... More >>

10 Favorite (Restaurant) Doughnuts in Greater Phoenix

Homer Simpson sold his soul to the devil for one, 30 Rock's Liz Lemon loves putting them in the microwave, and on the first Friday of June each year, we celebrate their very existence. It's the doughnut. While readily available at bakeries and shops, snatching one up at a Valley restaurant is a bit ... More >>

Cullen Campbell Dishes on the Stupidity of a Certain Catch-Phrase and Shares His Feelings about Skinny Jeans

Cullen Campbell Crudo 3603 E. Indian School Road, Phoenix 602-358-8666 www.crudoaz. com See also: -- Crudo at New Location: Get. In. The. Car. -- Small-Batch Spirits Dazzle at Micah Olson's Bar Crudo This is part one of my interview with Cullen Campbell, chef-owner of Crudo. Come back on Tuesday ... More >>

So What Exactly Do We Mean When We Say "American Cooking"?

As a food writer, I'm required to describe or categorize the food served at restaurants so that readers know what to expect and whether or not they want to go. Sounds easy enough, right? Especially since most of the time, chef-owners or their PR teams do the heavy lifting for me. See also: Eliot W ... More >>

5: Stephen Jones

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 >>

Chuck Wiley Dishes on the Two Local Chefs He Most Admires, His Three Favorite Local Dishes and His Sensual Last Meal

See also: April's Edible Education at Scottsdale Old Town's Farmers' Market This is part two of my interview with Chuck Wiley, executive chef of Cafe ZuZu and the Hotel Valley Ho. If you missed part one, where Wiley discusses his oddball guilty pleasure, read it here. Is comfort food here to stay ... More >>

18: Sam Fox

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 >>

Three Chefs and A Whole Lot of Peas at Sanctuary's Saturday Night Lunch & Learn Dinner

See Also: Kevin Binkley, Shinji Kurita, Kelly Fletcher, and More Scheduled for Beau Mac's 2012 Lunch & Learn Series See Also: Beau Mac Dishes on His Favorite Herb and What It's Like Being Famous This past Saturday, local celebrity and executive chef at Elements restaurant at the Sanctuary Resort ... More >>

Bring Back Mary Elaine's! And Get Me a Purse Stool!

See also: Kevin Binkley Stiffed at James Beard Awards See also: J&G Steakhouse to Replace Mary Elaine's Maybe this whole belt-tightening thing is getting to me. I suppose some pop psychologist would say I have Frugality Fatigue. Whatever the reason, it's occurred to me in recent months that I sore ... More >>

Celebrate BBQ Season in Style with "Haute" Dogs

You may be thinking of having a hot dog to commemorate Independence Day. You may also be thinking you don't really want to DIY over a hot grill in 110-degree weather just to eat a plain old mystery-meat wiener with mustard and relish. Frankly, we don't blame you. Here are three places to eat upsca ... More >>

Mark Tarbell Dishes on Beating Cat Cora and the Joy of Apricots -- and Gives the Best Answer Ever to the Death-Row-Last-Meal Question

Mark Tarbell Tarbell's 3213 E. Camelback Road 602-955-8100 www.tarbells.com This is part one of my interview with Mark Tarbell, owner of Tarbell's in Phoenix and The Oven Pizza E Vino in Lakewood, Colorado. Read part two here on Tuesday, when Tarbell talks about how he discovered wine and his advic ... More >>

Glacier Lettuce, Explained

Kale? Please, that is so last week. And don't even get us started on arugula. There's a new vegetable on the block: glacier lettuce. And believe it or not, it grows well right here in the desert.

88: Jan Wichayanuparp and Helen Yung

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 >>

Where's the Last Great Restaurant You Dined?

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. Miss a question? Go here.​Sure we have our favorites, but when it co ... More >>

What Chef Would You Most Want to Cook For?

Welcome to Chow Bella's Bites & Dishes, where each week Valley chefs and restaurateurs respond to a question or topic New Times food critic Laura Hahnefeld has on her mind. Have a question you'd like to ask? E-mail laura.hahnefeld@newtimes.com. Miss a question? Go here.​They're masters at thei ... More >>

Hole Foods: Boutique Doughnuts Are Leaving the Likes of Krispy Kreme in the Dust

Arizona Culinary Hall of Fame Winners to be Announced Tonight

  scottsdaleculinaryfestival.org The Scottsdale Culinary Festival kicks off tonight not just with a kick-off party, but also with the announcement of the winners of this year's spots in the Arizona Culinary Hall of Fame. The nominees make for quite a power meeting, don't you ... More >>

Chef Talk: Charles Wiley of Hotel Valley Ho (Part Two)

​Yesterday we heard from Chef Charles Wiley of the Hotel Valley Ho in Scottsdale. Wiley has cooked at the James Beard House in New York, was named one of Food & Wine's Best New Chefs in 1994 and regularly appears on 3TV's Your Life A to Z. Today, our chat continues... ... More >>

Sous Chef Talk: Nick Sheley of Boa Bistro (part two)

photos by Claire Lawton​ Yesterday we heard from Sous Chef Nick Sheley of Boa Bistro. Today the conversation continues. Sous Chef Nick Sheley's no stranger to working with local farmers -- he used to be one. Sheley grew up on a farm in Iowa, which he says was a big influence in his love for ... More >>

Chef Christopher Gross on the Benefits of Winning a James Beard Award

Winning a James Beard Award is the holy grail of culinary achievement. (Yes, despite what you might think, having your own Food Network show is not quite as important as the Beard Awards.) Last week, when the nominees for this year's awards were announced, it got me thinking about how life migh ... More >>

What Do You Think of the James Beard Nominees?

Today's news of the James Beard Awards semifinalists had barely been out an hour before readers and friends started messaging me by Twitter, text, and email. What did I think of the Arizona nominees, and how was that list created, anyway?A committee from the James Beard Foundation selects the semifi ... More >>

Scottsdale Culinary Fest Comprises 12 Events This Week

The Scottsdale Culinary Festival sounds monolithic, but the granddaddy among the Valley's culinary festivals is surprisingly multifaceted -- a dozen different events at 16 different restaurants and venues around town, ranging from casual tastings to semi-formal sit-down occasions.

At Scottsdale’s Posh, Your Dinner Is Improvised

The Big Chill

One Valley gelateria has the competition licked

Ready, set, eat!

Xtreme Cuisine

Arizona's cunning culinary wizard Chef Kaz Yamamoto prepares taboo illegal moveable feasts for the elite and über-rich

Window Dressing

The Phoenician's revamped restaurant offers diners a discount