Restaurant Reviews

E-friends

Talavera set to debut at Four Seasons

Aiello's opens in old Panino spot

Leccabaffi transforms into Voce

Bourbon Steak unveils summer tasting menu

Second Helpings

Second Helpings

Second Helpings

Second Helpings

Best New Restaurant

Atlas Bistro

Club Directory

Atlas Bistro

Club Directory

Atlas Bistro

Club Directory

Atlas Bistro

Eliot Wexler is banking the success of Noca on his food knowledge and local connections

Atlas Bistro

Wine bar Cork pops a little creativity into each dish

Atlas Bistro

Phoenix Phoodies: David Johnson is a Sommelier and a Gentleman

David Johnson has wine on the brain. Why not? It runs in the family. He can trace his familial roots in the wine and spirits business back to 17th century Jacobite revolutionaries. As a sommelier in training, he spent years in Europe, honing both his palate and his craft. Now back in Arizona, he i ... More >>

New in Scottsdale: Avalon

After months of delays, including a publicized December opening that just didn't work out (ah, the restaurant biz), Avalon finally opened its doors for dinner last night. Located in south Scottsdale, adjacent to the 3 Palms Oasis Resort, Avalon serves "contemporary American coastal cuisine." Executi ... More >>

Props for Laudig from EaterAZ

This week was Prado vs. Prado in the world of restaurant reviews, and this morning, EaterAZ handed me a sweet plug. Thanks, guys!

Celebrity chefs Eddie Matney and Christopher Gross stake their names on new restaurants

This week was Prado vs. Prado in the world of restaurant reviews, and this morning, EaterAZ handed me a sweet plug. Thanks, guys!

Restaurants

This week was Prado vs. Prado in the world of restaurant reviews, and this morning, EaterAZ handed me a sweet plug. Thanks, guys!

Cafe Roulette

Fine food and casinos rarely mix well in the Valley

Shtick Happens

Food writer dishes up leftovers to Republic readers

Bar Trek

Plot a course for a nip and a nosh

Haute Streak

Picasso / Le Cirque

SECOND HELPINGS

Picasso / Le Cirque

"Drink Inside the Box" Boxed Wine Dinner

Picasso / Le Cirque

Crudo Cafe Readies to Launch Dinner Menu

​It's been two months and change since the adventurous Crudo Cafe opened inside Scottsdale's Steven Paul Salon at 7035 E. 3rd Ave. in Old Town Scottsdale. The tiny eatery has been serving breakfast and lunch, and now chefs Cullen Campbell of the now defunct Fine's Cellar and Brandon ... More >>

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 >>

Christmas Eve Dinner @ Café ZuZu

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 >>

Food Critics: Outmoded or More Relevant Than Ever?

It's not easy being a food spy these days. ​No wonder food critics are feeling introspective. Between publishing's industrywide troubles, the ever-increasing speed (and seemingly decreased value) of online information, the mushrooming presence of food blogs, and the une ... 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 >>

"Frog Legs Are the New Chicken Wings" at Petite Maison

​So said the ever-quotable chef James Porter at Petite Maison, who just unveiled the new spring menu. One of the new additions has suddenly become one of the most popular dishes at the restaurant: frog legs. Cuisses de grenouille Provencal -- sauteed with tomatoes in white wine, butter, ... More >>

FnB Brings Wine World Heavyweights for Arizona Judgement 2010

In Italy or in Napa Valley, drinking the local wine is a given. But in Arizona, where the wine industry has waged an uphill battle to improve its image, local wines are still a novelty at most restaurants -- so much so, in fact, that when FnB owner Pavle Milic and chef Charleen Badman commi ... More >>

Happy Hours: Your Guide to Valley Spots Worthy of Your Drink Money

In Italy or in Napa Valley, drinking the local wine is a given. But in Arizona, where the wine industry has waged an uphill battle to improve its image, local wines are still a novelty at most restaurants -- so much so, in fact, that when FnB owner Pavle Milic and chef Charleen Badman commi ... More >>

FnB Hosts Meet the Winemaker Series, Plans Preliminary Blind Tasting

​Chef Charleen Badman's creative, farm-fresh American cuisine, Pavle Milic's expert selections of top Arizona wines, and a relaxed, convivial atmosphere have already turned Scottdale's FnB into a favorite haunt of food enthusiasts, wine geeks, and other bons vivants, but now there's ... More >>

Wine Down

Vino pairings made easy at Cheuvront

AZ Wines Impress at FnB's Arizona Judgment

Caffe Boa chef Payton Curry (left) joins FnB's Pavle Milic on the Arizona Judgment tasting panel.​Even though you'd never know it to look at his jovial expression, FnB owner Pavle Milic was a ball of nerves leading up to yesterday's Arizona Judgment, a by-invite-only blind tasting of wines that we ... More >>

Nobuo at Teeter House Update: Lunch Menu

Here it is, folks: the lunch menu for chef Nobuo Fukuda's new restaurant opening tomorrow, Nobuo at Teeter House. If you attended the final nights of Sea Saw or any of the chef's special dinners last summer at Welcome Diner, dishes like steam pork belly buns, okonomiyaki, and soft-shell crab sandwic ... More >>

Marcellino's Now Serves Lunch and Pizza

​It sounds like things are going really well for Sima and Marcellino Verzino at their stylish new SouthBridge location of Marcellino Ristorante Italiano. The couple recently returned from a trip to Italy and are "thriving" after five months in business, they tell me. This week, they're ampi ... More >>

What's the Proper Etiquette When Serving Wine?

UNCORK THE ISSUE: How should I serve wine? What's the proper pouring etiquette? SPILL THE JUICE: The Sassy Sommelier Lizbeth Congiusti gives us her step-by-step table tips on serving wine: Cut the foil, smell the glass, serve the ladies first, and never EVER pour too much. Just call her Emily Post, ... More >>

New Year's Eve Plans Part 2 and a Gluten Free Holiday Dessert in Today's Eater's Digest

​ Hungry for your early morning serving of food news, with no preservatives or additives?New Year's EveWith so much going on for New Year's Eve, there is no way we could cram it all into one Eater's Digest. Here s our second round of fancy dinner events going on around town. Good luck picking one! ... More >>

Encore, Encore! New Year's Eve Ideas, Back By Popular Demand

flickr.com/photos/zpeckler/​There's nothing wrong with pouring a little extra rum in your eggnog. But apparently the festivities of Christmas have left us all with fuzzy memories about what to do for New Year's Eve. There's a lot going on at Valley restaurants, and thankfully, Chow Bella c ... More >>

More on Vatra/Kitchen 56 Changes

Kitchen 56 is the new name for a completely overhauled Vatra Grillhouse.​Bill DeGroot, the industry pro who was brought in to help revamp Arcadia's Vatra Grillhouse this past fall, confirms that he's still in the picture as a consultant for the new Kitchen 56, and that chef Peter DeRuvo has i ... More >>

How Do I Navigate a Restaurant Wine List?

In the spirit of wine-drinking adventure, we bring you tips for busting out of your wine rut one glass at a time the easy way: At a restaurant, where you don't have to commit to a whole bottle. UNCORK THE ISSUE: How do I navigate a restaurant wine list? SPILL THE JUICE: "If you are a lover of win ... More >>

New in Anthem: Fine Dining at Cafe Provence

​Five months ago, Cafe Provence took over the Anthem space that previously housed Madelyn's, serving a casual menu of soups, sandwiches, and salads. Now, the restaurant has just branched out to French fine dining in the evenings. It's a welcome upscale option for the north ... More >>

Lunch Under $10 at The Nile Cafe

Megan DobranskyHummus sampler featuring roasted red pepper, artichoke and regular hummus. ​The decor at The Nile Cafe in Scottsdale's Papago Plaza is not surprising --  the cozy cafe is Egyptian-themed, complete with big gold sarcophagus models and hieroglyphics-print table cov ... More >>

FnB's Spring Menu and Crispy Onion Rings in Today's Eater's Digest

Pink Parsley ​ Hungry for your early morning serving of food news, with no preservatives or additives?Springtime at FnBPavle Millic and Chef Charleen Badman have done it again. We just got a glimpse at Scottsdale restaurant FnB's latest menu and it sounds enchanting. Highlights of the spring menu ... More >>

Easter Holiday Brunch Happenings Part 1

Viking ​Don't want to cook on Easter but haven't got a clue where to go? We're here to help. We have rounded up over a dozen restaurants and resorts that would be delighted to spend Easter with you. All you have to do is call and RSVP then let the experts handle the rest. Scottsdale's trendy ... More >>

Last Minute Easter Brunch Roundup

​We don't want to rain on anyone's parade or anything, but Easter is like on Sunday. That's in about two days. If you're planning on getting your brunch on you had better book your table quick or else you will be stuck in a champagne-less kitchen attempting to make your own version of brunch which ... More >>

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 >>