Stephen Jones

Gio Osso of Virtu on the Ungers, Beau Mac and the Unnecessary Hype Around Farm-to-Table

This is part two of my interview with Gio Osso, chef-owner of Virtù Honest Craft in Scottsdale. If you missed part one, where Osso dished about his favorite local restaurants and whether or not he should be considered an Italian chef, read it here. See also: -- Juice Core Opens Fresh Juice Shop i ... More >>

Steve Freidkin of TEXAZ Grill On Great Texas Restaurants, the Terlingua Chili Cook-Off and His Last Meal On Earth

This is part two of my interview with Steve Freidkin, owner and operator of TEXAZ Grill. If you missed part one, where Freidkin dished about chicken fried steak, his favorite local deli and two local chefs he admires, read it here. See also: -- TEXAZ Grill's Chicken Fried Steak is a Classic Guilty ... More >>

Michael O'Dowd of Renegade by MOD on His Favorite Cheap Eats, the Great Thing About Being a Chef and What Should Be Written on His Headstone

This is part two of my interview with Michael O'Dowd, executive chef and co-owner of Renegade by MOD in Scottsdale. If you missed part one, where O'Dowd dished about what he's up to at Renegade and how he feels about comfort food, read it here. See also: Late-Night Italian Restaurant Now Open in Ol ... More >>

Hotel Palomar's One Year Anniversary Party in Downtown Phoenix on June 5: Free Bites and $1 Cocktails

Quite frankly we can't believe it's only been a year since Hotel Palomar opened in Downtown Phoenix. It could be because we so quickly came to love the restaurant inside the hotel, which was just the spot downtowners had been waiting for. We liked it so much it even made our list of best new restau ... More >>

Jeremy Pacheco of Lon's on His Guilty Pleasure and an Embarrassing Moment in the Kitchen

This is part two of my interview with Jeremy Pacheco, executive chef of Lon's and the Hermosa Inn. If you missed part one, where Pacheco dished about Nobuo, craft beer and Pig & Pickle, read it here. See also: -- Royal Palms Closes T. Cook's for Summer to Renovate, Operates Out of Pop-Up Called Cer ... More >>

Kelly Fletcher of House of Tricks on Thomas Keller, Chris Bianco, and What They'll Say About Him When He's Dead and Gone

This is part two of my interview with Kelly Fletcher, executive chef at House of Tricks in Tempe. If you missed part one, where Fletcher praised his favorite local chefs, told us about the best food he's had this year and predicted what will be the next big thing, read it here. See also: -- Chris B ... More >>

Matt Taylor of Market Street Kitchen on John Besh, Michael Mina, and the Best Southern Restaurants in the U.S.

This is part two of my interview with Matt Taylor, executive chef at Market Street Kitchen. If you missed part one, where Taylor dished about Brad Thompson, Robert McGrath and what he likes and dislikes about the Southern Cooking trend, read it here. See also: -- New Southern-Style Cooking Spot Com ... 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 >>

Should Restaurants Include Gratuity as Part of the Bill?

Spotting the words "service included," "servizio incluso," and "service compris" on restaurant checks in most European countries means tipping isn't necessary (instead, a V.A.T. tax of 20 percent is added). But more and more restaurants in America are adopting this policy, causing the often distress ... More >>

6 Don't-Miss Events During AZ Cocktail Week: Feb 16-22

I've said it before and I'll say it again. Phoenix is becoming a bona-fide food-town, "becoming" (present progressive) being the operative word. Exhibit A, for your consideration: the second annual Arizona Cocktail Week, a seven-day series of boozy events -- some educational, others not so much -- b ... More >>

Doug Robson Dishes On Why Tacos Are Great and What It's Like to Eat Bugs and Worms

Doug Robson Gallo Blanco Café, The Clarendon Hotel 401 W. Clarendon Avenue, Phoenix 602-274-4774 www.galloblancocafe.com See also: -- Gallo Blanco's Doug Robson to Open New (and Slightly Different) Mexican Restaurant in March -- 8 Best Neighborhood Mexican Restaurants: Best of Phoenix 2012 This ... 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 >>

Cowboy Ciao's Lester Gonzalez Dishes on His Kitchen Pet Peeve and His Grandmother's Tortillas

This is part two of our interview with Lester Gonzalez, comfort food enthusiast and Executive Chef at Cowboy Ciao. To catch up on Gonzalez's food truck fantasies and his take on the bacon obsession, check out part one of interview. See Also: Peter Kasperski Considers Using FnB Name in San Diego Ni ... More >>

Does Promising a Higher Tip Mean Better Service?

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.Usually, tips are something left at the end of a ... More >>

What Valley Chef Deserves a Comedy Roast?

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.Comedy roasts, first made popular by The Friars C ... 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 >>

Is it Rude to Show Up at a Restaurant Before They Open -- What About Just Before Closing Time?

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, restaurants have posted hours -- but, hey, ... More >>

10 Best Things I Ate in October

Sharing my favorite eats of the month from new restaurants, reviewed restaurants, and places I've popped into just because. It's not a countdown, it's a collection. And I hope it inspires. Enjoy. Pork Stomach and Black Pepper Clay Pot at New Hong Kong "I can't believe I'm on my second bowl," rema ... More >>

Blue Hound: The Restaurant Downtown Was Waiting For

Blue Hound Kitchen & Cocktails: Dear Downtown Phoenix, Your Restaurant Has Arrived

Blue Hound Kitchen & Cocktails is the downtown restaurant Phoenix has been waiting for. Opened in June and located on the second floor of the new Hotel Palomar at CityScape, the restaurant is a true urban gathering place -- from its dusky lights and reclaimed wood, to its aromas of smoky ham, frie ... 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 >>

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. 2

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 >>

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 >>

Should Restaurants Host Political Functions?

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. Dave Andrea, Owner of Brat Haus Political fun ... More >>

Blue Hound Kitchen & Cocktails: Happy Hour Report Card

See also: Arrowhead Grill: Happy Hour Report Card See also: St. Francis: Happy Hour Report Card The Spot: Blue Hound Kitchen & Cocktails, Palomar Hotel, CityScape, 2 E. Jefferson St, Phoenix, 602-258-0231, www.bluehoundkitchen.com. The Hours: Happy Hour is offered 4 to 6 p.m. Monday through Frida ... More >>

Nine Favorite Spots for Fried Chicken in Metro Phoenix

See Also: Chicken & Waffle Warfare: Lo-Lo's vs. Louisiana Fried Chicken Falling somewhere between mac & cheese and chocolate chip cookies, fried chicken is near the very top of our favorite comfort foods list. And even though we can't eat this culinary treat very often, that doesn't stop us from d ... More >>

Three Things to Eat, Drink, and Bake this Weekend

See also: World of Beer Grand Opening in Tempe Happy weekend Chow Bella friends! We're going to sweat it out this weekend with a little bit of barbecue at one of Phoenix's newest restaurants, then we're popping over to Tempe to check out their newest beer bar, and wrapping things up with a easy p ... More >>

Johnny Chu Dishes on What Americans Don't Get About Chinese Food and Why He Doesn't Have a Favorite American Dish

See also: Johnny Chu, Tastemaker 2012 This is part two of my interview with Johnny Chu, chef-owner of SoChu House Neo Asian Martini Bar. If you missed part one of the interview with Johnny Chu, read it here. Is your cooking more influenced by one Asian cuisine another, or is it a true melting po ... 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 >>

Blue Hound's Stephen Jones on Cooking for Steve Wynn's Wife, the Joy of Fennel Pollen, and Why Pizza's Overrated

See also: Well, Gastro my Lounge This is part two of my interview with Stephen Jones, the executive chef of Blue Hound Kitchen and Cocktails. If you missed part one, read it here. What's your favorite food smell: A whole roasted suckling pig. What's your favorite cookbook: Eggs by Michael Roux. ... More >>

Stephen Jones Explains Why Fried Bologna Is on the Menu and Whistling Is Never Allowed in the Kitchen

See also: Well, Gastro My Lounge! See also: Winner of Arizona Cocktail Week is Lead Bartender at Blue Hound Stephen Jones Blue Hound Kitchen & Cocktails Hotel Palomar, CityScape 2 E. Jefferson Street, Phoenix 602-253-6633 www.bluehoundkitchen.com This is part one of my interview with Stephen Jones ... More >>

What's Your Kitchen Entrance Jam?

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.It's no secret there's a connection between food ... More >>

What's On Your Cooking/Baking Bucket List?

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.Go shark-cage diving, get on a JumboTron, sleep w ... 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 >>

Blue Hound Kitchen & Grill: Well, Gastro My Lounge. Downtown's Finally Got Itself a Top-Notch, Feels-Like-a-Downtown Dining Spot

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 >>

Shake It Up

Valley Chefs Mix Up Gourmet Milkshakes Throughout June

Promising to be more gastronomically satisfying than the song "Milkshake" by Kelis (hey, that song isn't about milkshakes!), five chefs throughout the Valley are bringing their custom creations to select restaurants throughout the month of June. As part of The Dairy Council of Arizona's first "Moo- ... More >>

24-Year-Old Winner of Arizona Cocktail Week Joins Downtown's Soon-To-Open Blue Hound Kitchen & Cocktails as Lead Bartender

"Shel Bourdon is the 'ying' to my 'yang'," says Stephen Jones, the 32-year-old executive chef of Blue Hound Kitchen & Cocktails of his lead bartender. "She has a complex understanding of flavors and can identify the different layers within each dish." The 24-year old Bourdon, who moved to the Valle ... More >>

32-Year-Old Chef at CityScape's New Hotel Palomar Dishes on Working with Mark Tarbell, Favorite Valley Restaurants, and Changing the Phoenix Food Scene

At just 32, Stephen Jones, executive chef of Blue Hound Kitchen & Cocktails, the "cozy, yet chic metropolitan gastro lounge" set to open this June in CityScape's Hotel Palomar, is ready to take the Phoenix dining scene to a new level. "There used to be a stigma about young chefs," Jones tells me, " ... More >>

Valentine's Day Dinner Roundup 2012

​ Valentine's Day is right around the corner. No, seriously it's six days from right now. You have made dinner reservations, right? NO?! Well you better get to it. Good thing we know of a whole mess of restaurants that are celebrating the big V-Day. And guys -- if the lady in your life said so ... More >>

Thanksgiving Dining Guide 2011

​ It's Turkey Time! Time to dirty up every dish in the house after making countless trips to the grocery store for forgotten cans of cranberry sauce or your third box of butter. A day to slave away in a warm kitchen while the rest of your family enjoys a beautiful sunny 75 degree perfect day ... More >>

Vasectomies Soar Couple of Days Before NCAA Big Dance Starts -- Great Excuse For Couch Potatoes

The Big Dance finally started an hour or so ago, with Florida and BYU going at it in Oklahoma City.   ​We're here at work, occasionally (really) checking the scores on the Internet, just like millions of other March Madness junkies. We already are rethinking our Final Four picks of Ka ... More >>

Lou Dobbs' Account of Gunfire Incident "Chuckled" at by New Jersey Police Spokesman

CNN screenshotBlue Lou: Many believe Dobbs' house got hit by a hunter's errant bulletAlterNet scribe Isabel Macdonald's scored again. You'll recall her as the Brooklyn-based journalist who along with cameraman Mark Read captured Arpaio losing it a few months back. This, during an interview with our ... More >>

An MCSO Officer Craves an Alleged Terrorist’s John Hancock, Plus Religious Insanity at Phoenix Symphony Hall

Judge in Mahon Brothers Case Denies Motion to Dismiss, Despite MCSO Guard Allegedly Seeking Dennis Mahon's Autograph

Must reading for MCSO detention officers? Federal District Judge David Campbell today denied a motion to dismiss the indictments against white supremacist twin brothers Dennis and Daniel Mahon, who are charged in connection with the 2004 package bombing of Scottsdale's Offi ... More >>

BJU Apologizes for Past Hurtful Racial Policies; Leaves Hurtful Gay Policies in Place

The Christian college infamous for its long-running ban on interracial dating put out a lengthy and seemingly heartfelt apology on Thursday for its bigoted past policies. Nowhere in the apology, though, does the university mention anything about its current bigoted policies toward gays. We gue ... More >>

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